If you follow this foolproof method, you'll be making the BEST cakes EVER from any flavor cake mix~every single time. This savvy cake making method is one that I've used countless times for over a decade. I call it "cake mix magic" because it truly works every time. You don't have to be a cook or a baker to make a fabulous cake (easily) using this method. ...
How to Make Casual Outfits a Little More Chic
Here are a few easy ways I like to make casual outfits a little more chic and sophisticated (for summer). I am by no means a style maven or fashion expert, but I am trying to up my everyday look just a smidge (because I LIVE in athleisure). I put together a few simple, inexpensive outfits and then added a few touches to make them more chic. If you like anything you see, I link to everything at the end of the post. How to Make Shorts a Little More Chic ...
How to Style Colorful Summer Dresses and Tops (with White Jeans)
This summer, consider thinking bright (and maybe even neon) for your dresses and tops. Here are some of my faves..... The dresses that I'm loving right now are colorful, bright and so fun. Since we have a daughter getting married in August, I shopped early for some dresses to pull out for parties. Two of them are featured in the photos below. ...
The Perfect Gift Guide for Mother’s Day and Girl Graduation
Here are my top picks for PERFECT gifts for Mother's Day or graduation (girl), all of which can still be ordered online (with free shipping). Mother's Day is May 12, and most schools' graduation dates are soon thereafter. Since these two special days fall so close together, I've combined my "Mother's Day" and "Girl Graduation" gifts. Most every item on my gift guide would be a hit with any mom or girl graduate. If the Nespresso Creatista is a gift you'd love to give someone special, ...
8 Common Misconceptions About Faster Way to Fat Loss
Here are 8 common misconceptions about Faster Way to Fat Loss (from a FWTFL graduate who LOVES the FWTFL lifestyle)! FWTFL is all about weight loss. There is a difference between fat loss and weight loss. You can be thin and still have high body fat (I shared my story in this post). Although the FWTFL program will result in weight loss in most individuals (myself included), the path to weight loss is attained through eliminating unhealthy body fat. ...
How to Have a Louis Vuitton Look for Less
You can have authentic Louis Vuitton leather adorned pieces that give you a Louis Vuitton look (without spending a fortune). You may have noticed seeing lots more Louis Vuitton lately~and there is a reason. There is a new trend that is making it possible for anyone~no matter the budget~to have a Louis Vuitton look for less. What is Louis Vuitton? ...
How to Make Sensational Strawberry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze
I'm sharing my "magic recipe" that turns a simple cake mix into a sensational strawberry bundt cake with lemon glaze that everyone will rave over! This sensational strawberry bundt cake recipe is a "cousin" of this strawberry brownies recipe that has been viral for the most part of 2019. If you love strawberry desserts (especially ones that are quick & easy), you'll want to try both of these yummy treats:-) ...
How to Make Taziki’s Cafe Basmati Rice — The Real Recipe
This is the REAL RECIPE for the Taziki' Cafe basmati rice, likely the most popular side ordered alongside the Greek grilled chicken, lamb and shrimp. Here in Birmingham, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe literally has a cult following. Most everyone I know eats at Taziki's often, whether dine in or take out. The food is healthy, fresh, and always delicious. ...
10 Important Money Questions You Need to Answer Right Now
Ladies, here are 10 important money questions you need to answer right now (with your spouse if married) to determine how financially secure and prepared you are for now and for the future. Recently, my Empower Hour for Women small group was hosted for a financial mini seminar by the advisory team from Women's Wealth Connection at Warren Averett. Empower Hour is a biblically based small group where we address personal growth topics from John Maxwell's Make Today Count. Since ...
How to Make Yummy Blackened Chicken Tenders in a Skillet
Here's how to make yummy blackened chicken tenders in a skillet in 30 minutes or less for a healthy, high protein low carb entree. This skillet blackening technique is one of the easiest, most flavorful ways I've found to cook chicken tenders. There is no marinating required, and the tenders are literally loaded with flavor. Even better, they are a healthy way to add protein to lunch or dinner. What is blackening? ...
How to Be a Chic Mother of the Bride at the Best Price
Here are some savvy tips and tricks on how to be a chic mother of the bride at the best price regardless of your style or budget. Anthropologie With my oldest daughter getting married in August, I am dedicating quite a bit of effort into figuring out how to be a chic mother of the bride at the best price. I've garnered quite a few tips and tricks to share about shopping for a MOB, so here goes! What is your MOB style? ...
My Favorite Things: Happy Galentine’s Day Gift Guide
Here are my favorite things for a Happy Galentine's Day gift guide~from pretty to practical to pink (and beyond)~for any girlfriend (or for yourself). XoXo Every time I post a gift guide, I feel like a disclaimer is in order. I want my friends and readers to know~I don't sit around and shop all the time LOL. That being said, I do enjoy shopping within reason, and I love sharing great finds with friends and on the blog. ...
How to Make All Day in the Oven Smoky Beef Brisket That People Love
Serve a platter of this smoky, savory chopped beef brisket with white and red BBQ sauces at your next party and watch guests RAVE! This Oven Baked Beef Brisket is FABULOUS!!!! ...
How to Make “Tastes Like Frozen Hot Chocolate” COCO Collagen Smoothie
This decadent tasting, protein laden "tastes like frozen hot chocolate" COCO collagen smoothie is actually healthy, vegan, and packed with antioxidants. This rich, delicious protein & collagen packed smoothie is my current obsession I make this almost every day; when I don't, I miss it:-) It is everything I want in a smoothie (nut butter, chocolate, banana) with lots of what I need (protein, collagen & antioxidants). ...
Why I Tried “Faster Way to Fat Loss” and What It Did For Me
In my honest review, I share why I tried "Faster Way to Fat Loss," what it did for me, and why I think it can benefit anyone who takes it. Update: It is January of 2020, and I am updating this post to let you know that I will be starting a new round of FWTFL on January 6 with my friend Deanna. You can sign up here if you want to join our group. It will be great!!! ...
How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pecans, Pears & Gorgonzola
Everyone will rave over this shaved Brussels sprouts salad with pecans, pears & Gorgonzola~a copycat recipe of my favorite salad at Pizzeria GM. This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is seriously SO yummy that I am obsessed. A girlfriend and I shared this salad at one of my fave new dining spots in Birmingham~Pizzaria GM. This salad ~along with the Giant Meatball~was the talk of the table! Everyone wanted to sample a bite:-) ...
7 Traits of a Great Father-in-Law (From a Daughter-in-Law’s Perspective)
Being a great father-in-law is important, so I am sharing 7 traits of a great father-in-law from a daughter-in-law's perspective. Today is my Father-in-Law's 80th birthday, and Zane asked each of us to write down qualities that we appreciate about his dad (aka Paul T.). Zane read these things to his dad at a birthday breakfast this morning. Zane encouraged me to share this on the blog. After all, many of us will likely have a father-in-law at some point in life. Many men will BE ...
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls
These addictively yummy no-bake chocolate peanut butter buckeye balls are easy to make and taste similar to homemade Reese's peanut butter cups! Although the holidays have come and gone for 2018, I must share this recipe for chocolate peanut butter buckeye balls~a yummy no bake candy that tastes like homemade Reese's peanut butter cups. ...
How to Make Chick-fil-A Superfood Salad Copycat Recipe
This Chick-fil-A superfood salad copycat recipe tastes almost exactly like the original and is super yummy, super easy, and super healthy!!! If you love the Chick-fil-A superfood salad, you might want to bookmark this recipe now. It tastes almost identical to the Chick-fil-A version and couldn't be easier to make. Better yet, this is a delicious and easy way to get a healthy side on the table that most everyone will eat and love. ...
How to Make Healthy Italian-Style Turkey Stuffed Peppers
These healthy, colorful Italian-style turkey (or beef) stuffed peppers are yummy, low carb, and delicious. Stuffed Peppers are Easy Stuffed peppers may look difficult, but they are easy-peasy. You basically make some rice, brown some meat (with seasonings), and layer it into pepper halves. Top with your favorite cheese, and you have a meal that everyone will love. ...
When kids fight over who gets the leftover peppers, you know these turkey stuffed peppers are a winner.
How to Make Party Charcuterie and Cheese Board: Shopping Guide and Tutorial
If you want an epic appetizer spread for your next soiree, bookmark this party charcuterie and cheese board shopping guide and tutorial to make the exact board featured below! I have lately become obsessed with charcuterie and cheese boards, thanks to the expertise of my savvy friend Marie. She served this fabulous charcuterie board at a recent dinner in her home, and I've been crazy over charcuterie ever since:-) This Christmas for our husbands' firm party, I asked Marie to do a ...
Merry Christmas & a Blessed 2019!!!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2019!!! ...
How to Make Leslie’s Fabulous Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa
Serve this fres cranberry-jalapeño salsa with sweet potato chips at your holiday gathering; folks will rave!!! My friend Leslie Register shared this recipe on her blog, Dear Party Diary, and I bookmarked and made it for Thanksgiving with family. It was SO delicious! It was a fresh, healthy way to enjoy cranberries, and the vibrant cranberry salsa in a purple cabbage bowl was perfectly lovely. Leslie lives in Birmingham and authored one of my new favorite cookbooks, Leslie's Party ...
How to Make No-Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
This quick, easy, no-bake white chocolate peanut butter candy tastes like the Reese's version (on crack) and is perfect for holiday parties or teacher gifts. This White Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy is a Family Favorite ...
How to Make My Favorite Make-Ahead Recipes for Christmas
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. ...
How to Make 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' ...
How to Make 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 is the BEST Chocolate Bundt Cake EVER ...
How to Make 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: 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: 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. ...
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 ...
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. ...