December Goals

Starting a new series - monthly goals!  It's always good to set goals, long term and short term.  I feel way more committed (obligated?) to accomplish my goals when I have written them down.  So, I've decided to share my monthly goals with all of you.

1. Playroom - I try to seriously clean out the kids' play area twice a year.  I always have the kids clean out their toys before Christmas.  Not only does it make room for their new toys, but it also reminds them that there are kids who aren't as fortunate as they are.  They fill up a big bag of toys to donate to those in need.  Plus, I normally get to see what the playroom looks like clean for about 20 minutes (bonus).

2. Address & Send Christmas cards - This is a given, but I'm going to feel pretty awesome to check something off my list ;)  I felt behind this year, so getting those sent out asap will make me feel a lot better.  I LOVE getting Christmas cards in the mail, and I hope people feel the same when they open ours.

3. Isabella's birthday is at the beginning of February.  It sneaks up on us FAST.  I would love to go into winter break knowing it's planned/booked and ready to go.  Recently she has said she wants a party at SkyZone AND something Harry Potter related.  I'm working on how I can make all of that happen on a budget ;)

4. I've already begun looking back at old Christmas pictures, and it never ceases to amaze me just how quickly this time of year goes buy.  Sometimes I'm so focused on shopping, wrapping, and completing my to do list that I forget to sit back and cherish these times.  Pretty soon, my kids will be want to spend Christmas texting their friends and asking for money.  I'm going to enjoy these magical years while they last.

What kinds of goals do you have for the month?

XOXO
~A. Savvy Mom~

How to: Mesh Wreath

I LOVE wreaths!  They're beautiful, festive, and EXPENSIVE!  Well, this Christmas I decided I would make my own and save myself about $40.   I went to Hobby Lobby for my supplies of course.  I bought 3 rolls of red mesh (although I only needed 2 as it turns out), a wire wreath, and some festive ribbon.  All of these were 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby at the time, for a total of about $15.  I was a little nervous on how long it might take, or how difficult it might be; thankfully it turned out to be pretty simple.

The whole idea is to simply weave the mesh in between the wires on the wreath and then "poof" them out.

Here's what the technique looks like:

You continue this all around the wreath, while also "scrunching" them together to give the wreath a fuller look.  The mesh was a little difficult to work with, so I cut the rolls into three different parts to make it more manageable.  Here is my wreath after completing the red mesh:

The next step is to decide what additions to make to your wreath.  I found a great ribbon I liked at Hobby Lobby and reminded me of mints and candy canes.  I took the ribbon and just weaved it throughout the red until I was happy with the placement.  It took me a couple times to like it.  I also knew that I wanted a bow.  To make the bow, I made three loops on each side and put a staple in the middle for security.  Here's what I'm talking about:

Next, I cut another piece of ribbon to wrap around the center and tie a knot to give it the "bow" look.  Just flip the know to the back and pull the ends.  The last step it to cut the ends of the ribbon.  I decided I wanted the angled look.  You fold the ribbon in half and cut at an angle.  Here's the technique to achieve that:

Here's my finished wreath! (oh and my pink socks)  I also found a random wooden letter that I bought forever ago.  I decided to slap some hot glue on that baby and add it to the wreath.  I also attached my bow with hot glue as well.

I hope this tutorial helps!  I'm looking forward to putting my wreath on my door the second Thanksgiving is over! :)

XOXO

~A. Savvy Mom~

Countdown to Christmas

Christmas is coming!  Christmas has always been my favorite holiday (so cliche, I know) but it has!  As a kid, it was my favorite for obvious reasons, but as a parent my reasons have completely changed.  I love reliving the anticipation and the excitement that the surprises of Christmas brings, and I also enjoy making this holiday last.  I make sure it feels like Christmas from the moment Thanksgiving ends.  I would probably start earlier if we didn't have family over for Thanksgiving - I can't get enough!  The magical age of Christmas only lasts so long, so I'm trying to make the most of it.  Before long, my kids will be asking for money and wanting to go to their friends' houses.

A big part of making sure Christmas is special is planning.  I start planning in early to mid November in order to make sure we fit everything in.  The first step is to make a list of all of the fun things we want to do.  This can include Christmas movies we can't miss, activities, crafts, etc.  Next, I get out my planner and start dividing the activities.  I try to plan the larger projects (cookie baking) on the weekends, and on busy weeknights already filled with ballet and homework; I schedule a coloring page.

The date night/me night column is something special I decided to add to the schedule to make sure my husband and I don't miss those adult only Christmas movies (Bad Santa - don't judge me) and that I have a great excuse to watch those cheesy, yet amazing Hallmark holiday movies (it's on the schedule, so I have to!)

I try to be creative and come up with a couple unique activities each year, but for the most part it stays pretty consistent.  After all, what is Christmas if it isn't traditional?  This year, my new activity is the "Polar Express" ride to look at lights.  I plan on putting the kids to bed like any other normal night, and then about 15 minutes after they're in there we are going to get them up to get on the "Polar Express" aka my suv with hot chocolate and warm cookies.  I will post more on this night when it happens!

As far as how I announce/reveal the countdown to my kids - that changes often.  The list I have below is only a reference for me - I try to think of creative ways to count down the day.  Last year I made a paper link chain that had each activity written on it, so we could countdown that way.  This year, I am wrapping each activity.  It may be a Christmas book wrapped up, or a coloring page with a bow tied around it.  I will be posting pics as soon as Thanksgiving moves out of the way!

The Slater’s Christmas Countdown

Date	Kids’ Activity	Date Night/Me Night
28th	Put up decorations & Miracle on 34th Street
29th	Christmas Craft – Paper plate reindeer	Hallmark holiday chick flick
30th	Elf & eat Christmas snacks
1st	Read a Christmas book (or 3!)
2nd	The Grinch with green snacks	Little Women
3rd	Christmas coloring page
4th	Christmas craft – Popsicle stick snowflakes
5th	Sing Christmas songs
6th	Wear Christmas jammies & watch The Polar Express with hot chocolate
7th	Christmas baking (Round 1)	Christmas Vacation
8th	The Santa Claus
9th	Start grandparent gifts
10th	Christmas coloring page
11th	Make a gingerbread house
12th	The Santa Claus 2	The Family Stone
13th	“Polar Express” to go look at Christmas lights
14th	Make teacher & kidstop gifts
15th	Read a Christmas book (or 3!)
16th	The Santa Claus 3
17th	Christmas coloring page
18th	Wrap presents	Four Christmases
19th	Christmas Craft – Decorate paper Christmas trees	Hallmark holiday chick flick
20th	Holiday ballet recital
21st	Wear fancy Christmas clothes for the Christmas party	Christmas Vacation (x2)
22nd	Finish grandparent gifts & watch Prancer
23rd	Christmas baking (round 2) & watch Christmas classics
24th	Special dinner & traditions	Bad Santa

Happy holiday planning!
XOXO
~A. Savvy Mom~

Sweet Dreams & Me Time

Every mom wants and deserves some alone time at the end of the night.  Let’s face it - motherhood is HARD – an amazing blessing, but it is a lot of work.  Knowing I need a couple hours each night to spend some time with my husband, watch trashy reality TV, or bring out that junk food I've hidden from the kids; I have made bedtime a priority.  Not only is it good for me and my marriage, but I’m a firm believer in kids thriving with routine, and bedtime is a big part of that.  Here are some pointers for making your evening run smoothly:

1.       Start em’ young: That doesn't mean it isn't possible to start at any age, but the younger you start; the easier it will be.  I began sleep training within 6 months of age.  I used the book Baby Wise to guide me in teaching them self-soothing techniques.  Great read!  Buy it here

2.       Tell them the plan:  Regardless of age, start communicating your plan verbally.  “After bath, we are going to get pajamas, read books, and get into bed,” or whatever your routine might be.

3.       Follow through:  Kids will always test you.  My son says, “No night night.”  EVERY NIGHT.  Most kids will never ask to go to bed, but it’s your job as the parent to know what they need.  Stick to your plan.  It may take a few nights(or a week or 2) but stick to it.

4.       Know there will be setbacks:  I’m not sure if it’s the moon or my kids randomly choose to rebel, but there will be a week where one of my kids will battle me at bedtime.  It’s the most exhausting week, and it probably happens about 2-3 times a year.  Stand firm mama – it is a phase!

5.       Reward yourself!  Bask in the glory and make that first evening of peace and quiet all about you!  Paint your nails, eat the rest of their Halloween candy, watch Teen Mom, and enjoy this time.

XOXO
~A. Savvy Mom~

Savvy Teacher Gift

Back to school!?!?  I'm not sure where the summer went, but it is quickly coming to an end.  My daughter is starting 2nd grade at a new school, and between buying all new clothes (how does nothing fit?!), shoes, and school supplies we are almost ready - and broke. lol

One important thing I wanted to do was to show her teacher how much we appreciate all of the work she has done already.  As a teacher, I know there's plenty of work to be completed before the 1st day.  I can only imagine how much work an elementary teacher has to do.  I teach high school, so the amount of decorating and labeling I do is far less than an elementary teacher.  (I doubt my teenagers would enjoy their names proudly displayed on their assigned desk)

Since we are new to the school, all I know about her teacher is that she's female.  I tried to pick simple, inexpensive items that most people would enjoy.  I made sure it was items just for her and not for work.

Items I used:
Mason jar - 50% off at Hobby Lobby
Magnetic To Do List - Target
Lint roller - Target
Tic Tacs - Target
EOS lip balm - Target
Ribbon - Hobby Lobby

The most important item inside the jar was a handwritten thank you card expressing our appreciation for her hard work and our excitement for the school year.  I hope this helps start your school year off right!

XOXO

~ A. Savvy Mom ~

Fancy Planner

The school year is almost underway (yikes), and I've just recently purchased the item I use the most: my planner.  My planner is my world.  I use it to organize not only my own schedule, but my husband's and kids' as well.  In previous years I've purchased planners that were "designed for moms," but once they arrived they seemed to be geared more towards my kids.  They would have stickers and silly drawings, but I have enough kid stuff and I looked long and hard for something designed for myself.  I wanted something that small enough to fit into my purse, but big enough to accommodate my bubbly handwriting.  Oh and did I mention I needed to feel fancy carrying it?  Obviously.

My DREAM planner just arrived yesterday from May Designs, and I couldn't be anymore excited.  The wonderful thing about May Designs is that you are the designer.  You get to choose the pattern, monogram or name, and the interior pages.  In addition to helpful calendar options, there's cute gift ideas such as pregnancy diaries and children's lined paper.  With so many options and new designs being created, you'll always be coming back for more.

Happy Planning!

XOXO

~ A. Savvy Mom ~

Family Beach Pictures

Family picture time!  It's can be an exciting time (if you love coordination as much as I do), but it can also be a daunting task to organize.  Hopefully this post will simplify the process for you :)

First:  Schedule the picture session based on your children's needs and routine.  If they are cranky every afternoon, schedule a morning session or possibly something after dinner.  We wanted our pictures on the beach, and our amazing photographer Ashlie Otis recommended the evening in order to achieve the best lighting.  At first I was nervous because our kids are normally in bed no later than 7:30, so I knew I had to plan ahead.  We planned a busy morning that day, so that our youngest (2) could take a long, late nap.  My hope was that the late nap would push him to give us some of his adorable smirks even when it was past his bedtime.  Luckily, it did!

Second:  Start planning outfits.  An often skipped step is deciding where these pictures are going to go in your house.  What?!?  Yes, it may seem a little premature, but the room(s) you plan on displaying these pictures should have an impact on what you wear.  For example, if you have living room with a lot of red and warm colors; a collage of pictures of you all dressed in bright spring shades might clash.

Third:  Choose 3-4 colors for your scheme and start shopping!  You can begin by checking for basics in your closet, but pictures always seem extra special with a new outfit :)  You don't all have to match, but you don't want to clash either.  I chose to focus on coral, turquoise, and white as my color scheme.  I love the way it all looked on the beach.  Remember, we aren't in the 90's anymore so forget about putting everyone in a white polo and khakis.  Embrace a pop of color and have fun with it!

My outfit
My husband's polo
Bella's Dress
Jack's Shirt

Here's how they turned out!

xoxo

~ A. Savvy Mom ~