I will admit that I'm usually a frozen or iced coffee fan, but this time of year I crave hot coffee drinks. There's just something warm and comforting about a big warm mug of flavored coffee, especially paired with a delicious holiday treat. Apparently I'm not alone since as you can see on the infographic at the bottom of this post, Christmas is traditionally one of the top selling retail coffee weeks. I usually don't overly enjoy straight up coffee, so I generally go for flavored coffees like the ones found in the Folgers Gourmet Selections collection. I also love constantly changing the flavors up to meet my mood. For example, if I know I need to get a lot of work done I tend to stick with unflavored coffee with lots of cream, while if I want to treat myself to a couple of cookies I like caramel and chocolate flavors, like the ones in this salted caramel white chocolate mocha recipe.
Smart Savvy Food
This shop with my cherry bacon brussels sprouts recipe has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PotPiePlease #CollectiveBias Doesn't this just look like comfort in a golden, flaky crust? For most of us, this time of year is SUPER busy. Even though my work hours almost double this …
During the holidays I love to do a lot of baking for gifting, parties, and dinners. I make the usual baked goods like my yeast rolls and a variety of cookies, but my favorite is always the gingerbread. It was something my mom would always make at least once during the season and it's a tradition I enjoy repeating. Plus, Mr. Savvy spent a good chunk of his childhood living in Germany so loving gingerbread is basically a part of his DNA. Besides, it's pretty amazing just how much drool-worthy spicy flavor a seemingly simple looking piece of gingerbread cake holds. Sadly, it often gets passed over for holiday cookies and pies. So, this year I decided to turn gingerbread into a centerpiece worthy holiday dessert with this chocolate gingerbread cake roll with peppermint buttercream recipe.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of DairyPure Milk for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. We always drink milk and use it and cream regularly in a variety of recipes, but it always amazes me just how much gets used during the holidays. They're used in several baked goods, frostings, …
I recently had the chance to try McCafé packaged coffee and I couldn't say no since one of my favorite treats to myself is to stop at McDonald's for a coffee. Since I work from home, I don't go out every day and find it a little silly to go out juuuust for coffee, so I love the ability to make some of my favorite flavors at home with coffee I can buy at the grocery store. Plus, some days you want a stronger coffee, when other days you want it super sweet and creamy. McCafé packaged coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans comes in seven different varieties such as Breakfast Blend, Espresso Roast, Hazelnut, French Vanilla, and more so you'll never get bored. Many of the varieties come in both ground coffee and K-Cups which I appreciate so that I can make single cups for myself during the week or a whole pot for both of us on the weekend. McCafé packaged coffee is also pretty reasonably priced with average prices being $7.49 for 12oz ground coffees, $8.39 for 12 count K-Cups, and $11.99 for 18 count K-Cups.
Entertaining this time of year is so much fun because you get to be extra creative in making your food festive. My favorite time to have friends over is for appetizers or brunch, which, of course, must include some festive drinks well. There are so many different kinds of drinks and cocktails you can make, but I'm personally a fan of spritzers that are slightly sweet and full of fruity flavor. They go exceptionally well with breakfast and can easily be made stronger for those that want something with a little more kick. That's why I love this berry pomegranate vodka spritzer recipe that has a beautiful red color for the season and lots of fresh fruit flavor.
Many of us are counting down the days until Christmas. If you'll be having family or friends staying with you in the days before or after, you're probably stressing even more. We all strive to have the perfect Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals. But, when you're entertaining guests the days before, you want to be able to serve a tasty, healthy dinner, preferably without a lot of dishes or prep work. That's why I love this pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables recipe. There are just a few minutes of prep and everything cooks together for an all-in-one hearty and flavorful meal.
It seems like these days life is more stressful than ever between our jobs, family, and other responsibilities. While the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and happiness to enjoy with family and friends, it can also be the most stressful time of year for many of us. We worry about making sure the kids have all the toys they want and finding the money to do so. We stress over making everyone's favorite holiday dishes while worrying about our waistline after enjoying too many cookies. Don't even get me started on how frustrating holiday travel can be. If you're like me, you probably spend so much time making sure the holidays are perfect for everyone else that you spend very little time looking after yourself and end up being a grinch by Christmas and need a vacation after the holidays because you're so frazzled. If this sounds like you, check out our tips for how to relieve holiday stress below.
A good ham is usually seen on Easter, sometimes Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I personally love having a big ham several times a year because they are affordable, easy to make, and you can do a ton with the leftovers. I originally made this ham with brown sugar glaze back during Easter. Pretty much every year we'll have a nice spiral ham dinner with colcannon and homemade yeast rolls. But, I think ham is awesome enough to have year round instead of just at Easter and the holidays. It's even wonderful grilled using this Brown Sugar Ham Glaze recipe!
Like many, mashed potatoes have been one of my favorite side dishes since I was a kid. They're easy to make, come together pretty quickly, and use frugal ingredients while being a dish the whole family loves. As good as they are, though, I do sometimes get tired of having them the same old same old way. I also get so very tired of peeling potatoes. So, every now and then I'll make this loaded smashed potatoes recipe to change things up a bit.
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I'm so happy that it's starting to actually feel like fall outside. It's honestly kind of weird to enjoy some of my favorite fall flavors while it's still warm enough to wear shorts and flip flops outside. Warm spices and pumpkin are some of the flavors at the top of my list this time of year, but right now I'm really loving all things apple. I'm honestly not a huge fan of having a lot of fruit flavor added into meat dishes, but I have always really enjoyed having apples with pork, such as applesauce or apples in the stuffing.
So, when Smithfield asked if I would try their All Natural Pork, I couldn't resist buying some of their beautiful pork tenderloins that I saw when I was at Walmart to pair with some apple flavor. I wanted a really simple recipe for the weeknights, but that had a nice flavor without being overly fruity or sweet. As such, I decided on this Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Apple Butter Glaze Recipe.
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Okay, I have to admit something sad. I never saw any of the Star Wars movies until I was 23 when I first met Mr. Savvy. Yes, I know, I know, but it was something I was never introduced to as a kid. But, I immediately loved all of them and totally can't wait to see the early showing of The Force Awakens next month! We're a bit corny and love all the various memorabilia. We even have our mantle full of various toys of our favorite movies and video games that you might think normal ... if we had a few kids. While I do love the cuteness of the toys, since I love to cook, I also like the themed kitchen gadgets and other goodies. I know there are several others like me out there, so I thought I'd put together this list of over 20 Star Wars kitchen gift ideas under $50 each since the holidays are fast approaching. You'll find everything from cutting boards to waffle makers that die hard Star Wars fans are sure to love being gifted for their birthday, the holidays, and any occasion in between. Read more at SmartSavvyLiving.com
Do you get tired of boring plain green beans? If so, you'll love the flavor punch of this sauteed green beans with bacon, cranberries, and almonds recipe! This is a sponsored article written by Smart Savvy Living on behalf of Target. #TargetRun #MyTargetEssentials As a person that loves cooking and eating, I really enjoy this …
Looking for a better solution for storing your home computer files? Read our NETGEAR ReadyNAS 212 Review to see if it may be a good solution for you. Read more at www.SmartSavvyLiving.com.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of PetSmart Charities for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Have you been thinking about adopting a pet but end up hesitating? Check out our 5 reasons to adopt a pet that just might make you reconsider! Mr. Savvy and I are definitely big animal …
Do you love fried apples that you can often find at breakfast restaurants like Cracker Barrel? You'll love that you can make them even more delicious at home with this homemade fried apples recipe! Read more at SmartSavvyLiving.com.
Just about everyone loves chocolate, which makes it an easy and affordable gift to give all year long. However, it just doesn't feel that special to give someone a bag of chocolates as a meaningful gift. Check out these 5 creative ways to gift chocolate to make it an extra special gift. Plus, you won't want to miss how you can enter to win 100 lbs. of BROOKSIDE Chocolate at the end of this post! #100lbsofBrookside Read more at SmartSavvyLiving.com...
Having mini-emergencies that result in embarrassments while on the go are no fun. Here are my 5 Must-Haves To Stay Comfy And Confident On The Go! Read more at SmartSavvyLiving.com.
This post with 5 reasons to use Arlo Wireless Home Security Cameras is part of a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Best Buy. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. #BBYConnectedHome Would you like to …
If you're like me, you might very much be a night owl and not have the easiest time getting up in the morning. Check out my tips for how to get out the door in 30 minutes or less.
This post with 5 reasons I love the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan is part of a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Best Buy. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. If you dabble much in …
With technology constantly at our fingertips now, many of us are constantly recording memories through pictures and videos that we store on our computer to revisit one day. Then there are so many documents we store on our computers instead of keeping physical copies like tax returns and contracts that are super important we keep records of. Most of us use computers every day and, honestly, it's pretty easy to take for granted that we're always going to have access to those important files. So, what would you do if one day you sat down to your computer and it wouldn't turn on or the files got corrupted and you had to format the hard drive and start over? Visit SmartSavvyLiving.com to read more...
In these busier than ever days, it can be tough to make time to be romantic with your partner at home, nevertheless having time to go on a romantic getaway. For those rare times that you can get away, check out our 5 must-haves for the perfect romantic getaway you'll never forget.
With today's technology many business meetings are done over the phone or even video chatting, but lunch meetings, or even breakfast, coffee or drinks after the end of the day, are still rather common and perhaps more important than ever to make a good impression face-to-face. Check out our tips for a successful lunch meeting everyone will walk away happy from.
Tired of expensive cat toys your cat only plays with once or twice? You'll want to check out this super easy DIY Cat Toys Tutorial that uses items you probably already have!
Everyone loves a good dip at a party, but they don't always have to be savory. Check out our Butterscotch Cheesecake Dip recipe that everyone will love!
It's always important to make sure your tires are in good condition. Check out our tire safety and maintenance checklist for some common things to check.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of PERK for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Is your car suffering from stinky car syndrome? If so, see our smart tips for how to keep your car smelling good! #PERKFRESH Everyone loves getting a new car and one of the things we look forward …
This post with my chocolate berry granola parfait recipe is part of a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Target. #TargetRun #MyTargetEssentials Looking for a snack that's healthy but also packs just a little bit of sweet? Check out our chocolate berry granola parfait recipe that both kids and adults will love! Okay, …
Looking for a fun Halloween recipe that's a little spooky? Check out our Halloween Eyeball Popcorn Balls recipe! One of the things I love about fall are all the seasonal foods and tasty treats. It also happens to be home to one of my favorite holidays, Halloween. There’s just something so fun about Halloween where …
Bluetooth speakers are everywhere these days, but are they really worth it? Check out these 5 reasons to buy a Bluetooth speaker to see for yourself! The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. When Bluetooth speakers first came …
Looking for a dessert that can be made out on the grill with the rest of your meal? This recipe for how to make the best grilled pineapple is my favorite summer dessert! When it comes to grilling, what foods do you think of first? I think of many of the usuals: hot dogs, burgers, …
Whether you like to grill a lot of meats or have kids home for the summer, grocery costs can go sky high during the summer. Check out these 5 ways to save on groceries this summer to help keep your budget in check. This post with 5 ways to save on groceries this summer is part of …
Going on a vacation? Make sure you check these 5 things to never leave without while on a vacation first! Going on a vacation is a time we all look forward to. What's not to love about getting to rest, relax, and rejuvenate after all, right? However, stuff can happen when we least expect it, …
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sam’s Club for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Buying new tires is something I have always dreaded in the past because they aren't super cheap, but you also obviously don't want to wear your tires down to no tread in the process of …
Wish you could make iced coffee just the way you like it without the cost of the coffee shop? Find out how to make iced coffee anywhere! I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Folgers. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. I love iced coffee …
Looking for an oral rinse that helps keep your mouth healthy without that alcohol burn? Check out our REACH Complete Care review to see why it may be a good fit for you! I received free REACH products and compensation for my time for writing this REACH Complete Care review, but all opinions are my …
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carmex for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Ever ran out the door cringing because you know you look like you just woke up? Check out our 5 tips for looking your best on quick mornings. I've never been, nor likely will ever be, …
Smooth and creamy peanut butter filling is nestled into a rich brownie crust and topped with fluffy whipped cream for this peanut butter pie with brownie crust recipe. This is a sponsored recipe written by Smart Savvy Living on behalf of Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. If you've visited me here at Smart Savvy …
This post with my 5 must-haves to stay cool outside during the summer is part of a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Target. All opinions of how to cool down are my honest tried and true own as a southerner for nearly 30 years. Having lived in the south my whole life, …