Take the stress out of holiday meal planning by making some of my favorite make ahead recipes for Christmas entertaining and family gatherings. I love love love make ahead recipes, especially during the holidays! When my freezer and fridge are full of casseroles, cakes, quiches, pies and marinaded meat, I am in hospitality heaven:-) Even drop-in company is welcome if I know I have food to pull out as needed. ...
Wicked Deviled Eggs
These sassy & spicy Wicked Deviled Eggs are an easy to make, high protein, low carb, flavorful appetizer to serve at your next picnic, party or tailgate. When I was younger, Deviled eggs were always something that showed up at church potlucks or at family reunions, and I wasn't a huge fan. But times have changed. Deviled eggs have made a comeback and are actually a "trending" appetizer at many popular eateries. In fact, one of Zane's and my favorite appetizers is Bricktops' Deviled ...
2018 Gift Guide: For the Bookworm or Audible Enthusiast
This 2018 Gift Guide: For the Bookworm or Audible Enthusiast has myriad recommendations based on what was popular for 2018 at a charming Southern bookstore and also in my personal library. ...
The BEST Chocolate Bundt Cake EVER (From a Mix)!
This is hands down the BEST chocolate Bundt Cake EVER (in my opinion), and it is quick, easy, and foolproof AND made with a mix. This Quadruple chocolate bundt cake is my "signature" cake. I've made it more than any other cake, and there is almost always one of these in my freezer. This cake is proof that a "doctored cake mix" is second to none. Everyone adores this cake. And it is the easiest cake in the world to make. Please don't pass on this because it starts with a cake mix. ...
Sweet 16 Birthday Party Ideas (and Gift Guide) 2018
This Sweet 16 Birthday Party Ideas (and Gift Guide) for 2018 is a snapshot of how some teens today choose to celebrate this milestone day with friends. Several years ago, I wrote a blog post, 16 Sweet 16 Birthday Party Ideas, with ideas for parties that were common at the time. Although the ideas were wonderful, the time was 2014, so I decided to do an updated post based on how my youngest daughter and her friends have trended as far as parties go. ...
Perfect Chocolate Chunk Cookies
If Levain Bakery cookies are your jam, you'll LOVE these cookies that are a copycat of sorts.....and better yet, no standing in line:-) Hello! If you are joining me from Follow the Yellow Brick Home cookie hop, WELCOME!!! I am so thrilled to have you visit Family Savvy!!! I am excited about taking part in this cookie hop with some savvy blogger friends who also have some great cookie recipes to share. If you love Levain Bakery cookies, this recipe is for you. If you follow the ...
Gift Guide: Christmas Decor (Gold, White & Neutral)
If you want a simply elegant look this Christmas 2018, my Gift Guide: Christmas Decor (Gold, White & Neutral) is the perfect place to get ideas and shop the look. If you read my previous post, Kitchen Makeover From Dark to Light, you know that I made a drastic change in the look and feel of my kitchen. This lighter brighter feel is now what I love in all of my spaces. Holiday decor is not exception. Instead of decking my halls in red and green, I've moved into the neutral, lighter ...
Gift Guide: For Mom (Mother-of-Pearl and More)
My 2018 Gift Guide For Mom (Mother-of-Pearl and More) has fabulous gift ideas to keep mom in style and feeling pampered. I had SO much fun rounding up gift ideas for my 2018 Gift Guide for Mom. Yes~I have mother-of-pearl (my fave) and more. From lovely jewelry to accessories to luscious bath and body, any mom is covered in this list. If you are shopping online it makes SO much sense (and cents:-) to get cash back with Ebates (click here to sign up) and start earning cash back while ...
Gift Guide: Warm, Comfy & Cozy
I'm sharing my fave picks for the 2018 Family Savvy Gift Guide: Warm, Comfy & Cozy~most of which I already have (and love) or have just ordered online for my peeps. With Christmas shopping in full swing and the weather getting colder, I decided to update my Family Savvy gift guide for warm, comfy & cozy gifts for 2018. Some are for snuggling in at home, and others are to stay warm (and stylish) when going out. I even found a thing or two for the baby in the family:-) ...
Gift Guide: Girlfriend or Girl Graduate
The Family Savvy Gift Guide: Girlfriend or Girl Graduate, has a great list of gift ideas for girls~for holidays, birthdays, graduation, or other. Whether a holiday, a graduation, a birthday, or "just because," we all need great gift ideas for the girlfriends in our lives. My Gift Guide: Girlfriend or Girl Graduate, is a collection of favorite things for girls older than teens but still young at heart. ...
Gift Guide: Give Him a Holly Jolly Christmas
The 2018 Family Savvy Gift Guide: Give Him a Holly Jolly Christmas takes the stress out of "what to buy him?" and is guaranteed to help you hit a gift home run this holiday! This year, I've put together a list of 20 mens' gifts that I think will have something on it for most any man in your life. Better yet, I've listed ideas for gifts that he won't just "like" but will actually LOVE! I say this because many of these items are faves of my husband. He either already has many of these or is ...
Easy French Onion Brown Rice in the Aroma Rice Cooker
This easy French onion brown rice in the Aroma rice cooker is a healthy (but equally yummy) version of "church lady rice" or mushroom rice that is LOADED with butter! I've made this easy French onion brown rice for years, and my family and friends are all making it now. It is the easiest and yummiest brown rice you'll likely ever make. I created this recipe after a childhood favorite that I call "church lady rice." ...
Skillet Apple Crisp A La Mode
This skillet apple crisp a la mode is a decadent combination of cinnamon apples partially cooked in a cast-iron skillet, topped with a sweet & buttery oatmeal crust, and served with vanilla bean ice cream. Even though prepping apples is one of my least favorite tasks, this dessert is worth every minute of peeling, coring, slicing, and dicing required! It is SO delicious! It is the perfect rustic fruit dessert any time of year, but especially when apples are in season. ...
How to Save Money and Time With DIY Micro Needling
I can tell you exactly how to save money and time with DIY micro needling and have the BEST skin EVER~no spa necessary! I've been micro needling at home for almost a year now and can absolutely say that my skin has never been better. At 53, I have to use every trick in the book to keep my skin as healthy and vibrant as possible. The micro needling process, as I describe it below, has been a game changer for me. Why I Bought a DIY Needle Roller. ...
Gourmet Gruyere Cheese Grits
These savory gourmet Gruyere Cheese Grits are a standout side dish that folks will rave over, and they can be made up to 3 days ahead for stress-free entertaining! These gourmet Gruyere cheese grits are my "signature side dish." No matter what occasion~holiday, birthday celebration, cookout or other~everyone asks me to bring these grits. They are insanely yummy, and no one ever tires of them. ...
Berbere-Turmeric Roasted Vegetable Medley
The Ethiopian flavored Berbre-Turmeric roasted vegetable medley is beautiful, delicious, and loaded with healthy ingredients. Not only could I eat this Berbere-Turmeric Roasted Vegetable Medley as a meal in itself; I have done so on many an occasion. This rustic looking, earthy tasting medley is one of my favorite things to eat. Even better, it is easy to make AND healthy as can be. We know it is good to eat our vegetables. It is also good to get turmeric, EVOO, and peppers into our ...
How to Save Big on Anything from Gucci to Yurman to Nespresso and More
Today on Black Friday I'm showing you how to SAVE BIG on anything from Gucci to Yurman to Nespresso to Cole Haan men's Zero Grand and more! Since Black Friday is when many of us do our shopping for the holidays (and perhaps the entire year), I'm sharing an easy, crazy smart method for how to buy anything for less including luxury goods like Gucci and David Yurman. ...
These 7 Side Dishes are Perfect for Holidays (or Any Day)
From parmesan-crusted creamed corn to Easy Peasy Baby Bleu salad and more, these 7 side dishes are perfect for holidays (or any day) when delicious food will be taking center stage amongst family and friends. Turkey and ham and roast are definitely the big guns for holiday meals, but the sides are just as important. I'm sharing 7 of my favorite sides that always deliver. Folks love these dishes, and many (if not most) can be made ahead of time. ...
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Dip That Tastes Just Like Houston’s
Here is how to make spinach artichoke dip that tastes just like Houston's AND that is a savory low carb and Keto appetizer. What is Houston's? ...
How to Save Money Every Time You Shop {With Ebates}
With a growing savings stash to prove it, I am proof that you can save money every time you shop if you use Ebates. In my quest to be a savvy shopper, I've tried many tricks and tools. Here on Family Savvy, I only share and recommend what I've tried and what works for busy women. Coupons? I honestly don't know how anyone has the time. There are better ways. This post shares one of the best. I'm about to give you the real deal low down on Ebates and how I've literally made ...
Easy Make-Ahead Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Be a savvy hostess this holiday with this easy make-ahead Ruth's Chris sweet potato casserole that can be prepped a day ahead and simply cooked or reheated on the big day. You'll be the hostess with the mostest this holiday when you serve this Ruth's Chris Steak House sweet potato casserole. Better yet, you can be relaxed the day of the party by making this a day ahead of time with a few simple tips. ...
These 7 Holiday Traditions Can Be Hazardous to Dogs (and Cats)
As Thanksgiving and Christmas near, we pet parents should be aware of these 7 holiday traditions that can be hazardous to dogs (and cats). Holidays are such joyful times, and our pets add so much to the fun. But in all the excitement and busyness of the season, we pet owners often forget to look out for holiday traditions that could pose a hazard to our dogs or cats. I asked Dr Andy Sokol to share some common holiday traditions that can pose not so obvious pet dangers. He gave the ...
The NuFACE Facial Toning Device: Does It Really Work?
This Family Savvy review will answer the most common question about the NuFACE facial toning device: Does it really work? With holidays on the horizon, many of you are kicking the tires about a NuFACE but are asking the same question that I did before I bought mine: "does it really work?" I can't vouch for the science behind it, or how it might work for you, but I am happy to share my personal experience with the NuFACE. ...
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (Grab the Gold Copycat Recipe)
These insanely yummy and easy no-bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies are a Grab the Gold copycat recipe that tastes almost identical to the protein bars but at a fraction of the price. Most of you know what it's like to need a chocolate fix. Or a cookie fix. Or both. This savvy recipe for easy no-bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies takes care of both. And if you are a fan of the popular Grab the Gold protein bar, this recipe is a triple whammy for you:-) ...
Garlic Butter, Lemon & Herb Slow Cooked Turkey Breast
This easy, foolproof recipe for garlic butter, lemon & herb slow cooked turkey breast yields moist, fork-tender turkey that melts in your mouth. Moist is not typically an adjective used to describe turkey breast, but this technique changes that. I literally created this recipe on a whim and was amazed at how yummy it turned out. ...
How to Look Chic in Leopard Print at Any Age
Whether in your 40's, 50's or beyond, here's how to look chic in leopard print at any age and stage of life. Leopard print used to be trendy but is now considered by many to be a neutral. I think a few leopard pieces are a must in the wardrobe of any woman who wants to look chic and still be on the cutting edge. The easiest way to style leopard is to start with a classic blouse in leopard print. The blouse is easy to pair with jeans, leggings and skirts. Below are some great ways ...
10 Great Over-the-Knee Boots and Some Fab Ways to Style Them
Here are 10 great over-the-knee boots and ways to style them for those of us who want to embrace this great looking fashion trend that is here to stay. Pinteresting Plans ...
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Perfectly Seasoned and Fork Tender
I'm going to share how to make instant pot chicken breasts perfectly seasoned and fork tender that will also yield a rich, savory homemade chicken broth as well. A bag of tender, flavorful cooked chicken breast meat in the fridge is a busy cook's best friend. In addition to being a healthy protein source, it also is the most versatile meat ever. I am not one who loves to buy a rotisserie for pulled meat. I much prefer making a batch of my own perfectly seasoned, fork tender breast meat. ...
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Stalk
This easy-to-make whole roasted Brussels Sprouts stalk looks gorgeous on a platter and also makes a healthy and delicious vegetable side. If you want to shake up your vegetable side game, why not try serving a whole roasted Brussels sprouts stalk? It is easy to make, and most people love the novelty of picking sprouts directly off of the stalk. Since Brussels sprouts typically appear just before the holidays, I try to buy at least one to make for a dinner party while they are ...
New Prescription Medicated Cloths May Stop Your Excessive Armpit Sweating
Dr. Jo Herzog shares helpful information about the new prescription medicated cloths that may stop your excessive armpit sweating if you suffer from primary axillary hyperhidrosis. ...
Taking Your Dog Shopping: The When, Where & Wear
Because more retail stores are becoming dog-friendly these days, I'm sharing some tips and suggestions for taking your dog shopping: the when, where & "wear." Not everyone has a desire to take his or her dog shopping, but I've been doing it for years. My golden doodle Cam has been going shopping with me since he was a puppy, and he turns 4 in November. He loves it; I love it; most of the people we encounter love it too. ...
How to Style Athleta From Day to Night
Here's how to style Athleta from day to night by changing shoes, sweaters and accessories to dress the pieces up or down. If I had to choose one store to call "favorite," it would have to be Athleta. My daily uniform is pretty much a pair of Athleta leggings and a top. I dress for the day (usually including Pilates) and don't change again unless I have to. I've recently starting buying more pieces from Athleta to build a basic wardrobe that can be accessorized to go from casual to ...
Mimi’s Old Faithful Lasagna
Mimi's Old Faithful Lasagna uses egg noodles, cottage cheese, mozzarella and a savory meat sauce to make a delicious, crowd pleasing dish that is also make ahead and freezer friendly. I served Mimi's Old Faithful Lasagna this week at our young marrieds' small group, and to say that it was a hit is an understatement. Most went back for seconds (some thirds), and raved over how yummy it was. More than one person commented that it was the best lasagna they'd ever eaten. ...
Update Your Fall Wardrobe with these Trendy Boots, Shoes & Totes
Don't buy new clothes when you can simply update your Fall wardrobe with these Trendy boots, shoes & totes~from animal print to fringe to metallic and more. ...
Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips
These addictively yummy & healthy baked cinnamon apple chips can be made crispy or soft are the perfect Fall snack. These baked cinnamon apple chips are a new favorite snack at our house, and they are perfect for FAll!! Better yet, they require almost zero cooking skill:-) You can make these apple chips two ways: soft and pliable (almost like dried apples) or crispy. The secret is what you do with the apples after baking them. ...
My Top 10 Favorite Fall Desserts for Entertaining
My top 10 favorite Fall desserts for entertaining include cake, pie, bread pudding, roulade, crumbles, cookie cups, and even a "skinny" Fall confection~something for any party, small or large. Since it is officially Autumn, I decided to post my top 10 favorite Fall desserts for entertaining. Whether you have small groups, large parties, or anything in between, there is a dessert (or two) for you on this list. I include a photo of each dessert with a link to the recipe underneath. ...