New Baby Wreath

Oh baby!  It is baby season over here.  No, no, no I am not pregnant; but I feel like a ton of women are.  Part of me is jealous of the excitement - can I just name babies as a career? and a larger part of me is thankful that I sleep all night and have already been blessed with two happy, healthy children of my own.  I had the honor and challenge of buying a gift for my friend's baby shower - check out her blog here!  Her and her husband have decided to not find out the sex of their baby, which is completely awesome for them and totally (and selfishly) not awesome for me because I want to know now.  I'm looking forward to meeting their new bundle of preciousness in the next few weeks.

I was very excited to give her some unique gifts that would also work for either gender and didn't include yellow ducks because well...I just can't.  The first gift I'm sharing here today.  I knew they decorated the nursery grey and white because she has fabulous taste and are planing on adding an accent color (aqua or coral) once the baby arrives.  I decided to make a wreath to complement the room, or use on the bedroom door, or even decorate front door to announce Baby P's arrival.  I went with grey and white burlap and then tied on aqua and coral ribbon to accent it.  There isn't much accent on it yet in order to allow her to either add additional aqua or coral once the baby arrives.  I was sure to give her the extra ribbon.

The last special touch I added was the mini chalkboard.  I LOVE chalkboard everything: walls, signs, accents, etc.  I can't wait for Baby P to arrive, and I'll also be sharing another unique gift tomorrow!

For a detailed description on how to make the mesh/burlap wreath, check out my Christmas wreath blog here!

Finished product:

Stay tuned for more unique baby shower gifts!

10 Ways to be More Like Olivia Pope

Scandal starts up again this week, and if you're anything like me the week is not going by fast enough.  I love this show for all of the right reasons: the sex, drama, and wardrobe.  Sure there are great actors as well with gripping story lines, but let's be honest about why we watch it ;)  Olivia Pope is a strong female lead who will draw you in instantly with her passion and intelligence.  After each episode, I begin thinking about how I can be more like her because I just love this character so much.  So, in the spirit of her return this week, here's 10 ways to be more like Olivia Pope:

1. Trust your gut: Olivia has a firm sense of who she is and trusts her initial instincts.  Yes, we've found out she isn't right 100% of the time, (how could she know her mom was really a terrorist?!) but she trusts herself and rarely questions decisions that have already been made.
2. Buy more black and white: Like me, you may be tempted to buy that awesome tribal print top, but I've been inspired by Olivia to buy more basics.  Classic is always in style.
   
3. Your mistakes don't define you:  One of the most interesting things about the protagonist of Scandal, is that she's not free from wrong doing.  She's the ongoing mistress of the President of the United States!  I've said things I shouldn't have, I've done things I shouldn't have: I'm human.  I make mistakes, but they don't define me.  Olivia doesn't let a mistake knock her down - be a gladiator and move forward!
4. Create a tagline: I' m not sure how possible this is, but I would love a tagline.  I'm seriously contemplating something I could say at the beginning/end of every class that would eventually become so well-known that it would be mine.  I'm not sure I can top "It's handled."
5. Have a coat for every occasion:  I live in northern Indiana, so even if I bought 5 coats a year, I would get plenty of use out of them.  I'm slowly working on building my collection, and have been eyeing Olivia Pope's classic style for inspiration.  I so desperately wanted the winter coat from the Scandal Collection at The Limited, but by the time it was on sale; it was sold out :(
6. Not everyone has to like you:  This is a challenge for me at times, but it's a realistic expectation.  I tend to be quiet, which often comes across as though I'm not friendly.  This isn't the case at all.  After you get to know me, it's immediately evident that I talk A LOT.  It just takes me a little bit to come out of my introvert shell and open up to people.  Still, I may not be your cup of tea and that's okay.  Olivia wouldn't lose sleep over it, so neither should I.
7. Buy leather opera gloves...like ASAP:  They've been sold out at The Limited since they were released, and I'd love to find out where else I can buy them.  They seem like such a classy accessory to own, and therefore I neeeeed them.
8. Know your worth:  One of my favorite Olivia Pope quotes is "You would be lucky to have me."  As women we need to know our worth.  I'm fortunate to have an amazing husband who respects me, and treats me how I deserve to be treated, but that has not always been the case.  There were times in my life when I needed to acknowledge that I deserved better.  I'm happy to say that I couldn't imagine finding anyone better.  Olivia Pope knows what she deserves, even though her passion blurs her eyesight at times :)
   
9. Have a team:  Okay, I'm not sure this is even possible, but a girl can dream right?
   
10. Take time for yourself:  Even a gladiator needs a little time to decompress.  Have a glass of wine, take a nap, go to the spa, paint your nails; whatever you can manage that is just for YOU.  It's hard as a devoted wife and mother to find that time and leave the guilt behind, but hey if Olivia Pope can take a break so can we :)
    

Don't forget to watch Scandal this Thursday to get more Olivia Pope inspiration!

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 ~