A sweet follower asked me all about our small group, which inspired this episode, and I couldn't wait to share with all of you! Over the past 8 years, my husband and I, along with our dear friends Debra and Bobby, have had the privilege of hosting and leading a marriage-focused Bible study small group.

In this conversation, I'm opening up about what our small group looks like week to week, how we structure meals, what we've studied, and the impact this community has had on us and the couples we've walked alongside. Whether you're thinking about starting your own church small group or you're just curious about how others do it, I hope this gives you both encouragement and practical ideas!

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE:

• The story of how our small group started and why we've continued for 8 years

• The types of Bible study and marriage-focused topics we've discussed

• What a typical night in our small group looks like

• How we handle food- meals we serve, potluck style gatherings, and what's worked best

• The challenge of balancing life changes (like new grandbabies!) with the commitment to lead

• Why we believe hosting a small group is worth the effort and the joy it's brought to our lives

• The spiritual and relational transformation small group has had on us and other members

RECIPES MENTIONED:

• Chicken Tetrazzini for a Crowd

• Best Baked Ziti for a Crowd

• Bobby's Boston Butt on the Big Green Egg

• Southern Potato Salad

• Beale Street Baked Beans

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Jamie & Zane: Impactful Quotes We Love & Live By

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

The holiday season is officially here, and that means tailgates, fall festivals, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and all the festive events in between! In this episode, I'm sharing 15 must-buy Costco items that will make entertaining and hosting guests so much easier this season.

From bulk pantry staples to time-saving essentials, these are the products that will help you prep ahead, entertain effortlessly, and spend more time enjoying the celebrations rather than stressing in the kitchen. Whether you're planning a cozy fall gathering or a big Christmas feast, this episode has everything you need to stock your kitchen now and simplify your holiday hosting.

COSTCO ITEMS MENTIONED:

• Heavy duty, long aluminum foil

• Garbage bags

• Paper goods, such as paper towels and plates

• Solo cups

• Acrylic flatware for easy entertaining

• Rosemary Parmesan Bread- Hands-down the best bread I've ever tasted!

• Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil

• Croutons

• Flat cut beef brisket

• Prime Beef Tenderloin

• Belgian Waffles

• Pecans (at least 1 pound)

• Walnuts

• Ham

RECIPES MENTIONED:

• Homemade Croutons

• Best Texas-Style Beef Brisket

• Three Beef Tenderloin Recipes + Sides and Desserts to Go with Them

• Pioneer Woman's Pecan Pie

• Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Banana Nut Bread

• Strawberry Nut Bread

• Pumpkin Pecan Bread

• Lemon Blueberry Nut Bread

• Peach Pecan Bread

• Brown Sugar Crusted Kentucky Spiral Ham

LINKS:

• Kosterina olive oils, balsamic vinegars, & vinaigrettes- Use my link to receive 15% off your first order!

• Porter Road- Use my code FAMILYSAVVY15 for 15% off!

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

Must-Have Baby Items Every Grandparent Should Keep at Home

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

The Ultimate Dinner Party Guest Checklist: 15 Habits of the Most Gracious Guests

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

FOLLOW ALONG WITH FAMILY SAVVY: https://linktr.ee/familysavvy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Becoming a grandparent is such a joy, but it also means stocking your home with the right baby items to make visits smoother and more enjoyable. In this episode, I'm sharing the must-have baby products and baby gear that have been game changers for me as a new grandparent.

I became a grandmother less than two months ago, and just welcomed my second grandbaby yesterday—so these recommendations are fresh from real-life experience! From the SNOO Smart Sleeper and Baby Einstein Tummy Time Activity Mat to hooded baby towels, the UPPAbaby stroller and car seat, and more, I'll walk you through the essentials that make life easier and more comfortable for both grandparents and their little ones.

Baby Items Mentioned:

• SNOO Smart Sleeper - Use code FS20 for 20% off (Excludes rentals, bundles, & gift cards)

• Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor

• Angelcare Baby Bath Support

• Baby Hooded Towel

• Baby Bath Bundle (3 Pieces)

• Feeding Time Bundle (4 Pieces)

• Bibs (Pair)

• UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat

• UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller

• Skip Hop Baby Changing Pad

• Wipeable Changing Pad Cover

• Babybjörn Bouncer Bliss

• Baby Einstein Tummy Time Activity Mat

• Graco SmartSense Baby Swing with cry detection technology, soothing motions, and calming vibrations

• Ninni Co Breast-Like Pacifier

• BooginHead Baby Pacifier Clip

• Booginhead Pacifier Holder 2-Pack

Where to Listen

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

Liked this Episode? Check these out!

Our Family is Growing, We're Going to Be Grandparents!

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

My Best Baby Shower Recipes & Tips

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

If you love warm, cozy apple cinnamon recipes during the fall and winter months, this episode is for you! I'm sharing my go-to apple cinnamon desserts, from skillet apple crisp a la mode to baked cinnamon apple chips, along with tips on choosing the best apples for baking (and which ones to avoid).

You'll also hear my secret for the best store-bought apple pie filling, plus tried-and-true recipes like apple dump cake crisp, paper bag apple pie, skillet apple cobbler, and streusel baked apples.

RECIPES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Skillet Apple Crisp A La Mode

• Apple Dump Cake Crisp

• Paper Bag Apple Pie

• Mimi's Skillet Apple Cobbler

• Streusel Baked Apples

• Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

MORE APPLE CINNAMON RECIPES:

• Caramel Apple Dip - While this doesn't contain cinnamon, it's still a fabulous fall favorite to serve with fresh apples!

• Slow Cooker Apple Pie Steel Cut Oatmeal

LINKS TO MY KITCHEN TOOLS:

• KitchenAid 5 Blade Apple Peeler, Corer, & Slicer Attachment

• KitchenAid 7-QT Stand Mixer in Color Milkshake

• King Arthur Suction Apple Peeler, Corer, & Slicer

• Amazon Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (12-Inch)

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review. I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

Ground Beef Recipes: Easy, Family-Friendly Meals

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

The Ultimate Dinner Party Guest Checklist: 15 Habits of the Most Gracious Guests

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

FOLLOW ALONG WITH FAMILY SAVVY: https://linktr.ee/familysavvy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode, I sit down with my youngest daughter, Emma, to share her firsthand experience living through the Palisades Fire that swept through Los Angeles earlier this year. From a last-minute evacuation to her apartment being deemed unlivable and losing nearly all of her belongings, Emma walks us through the chaos, the heartbreak, and the incredible community that supported her through it.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Emma shares a detailed account of the day the Palisades Fire hit Los Angeles

• The evacuation process: gridlocked traffic and her roommate quickly packing a bag of essentials for her

• Emma's apartment was compromised and officially deemed unlivable, requiring her to throw out everything she owned

• The emotional impact of watching people around her experience extreme loss, and the biggest life lessons she's learned through it all

• How Emma has been able to continue living in California and manage financially post-fire

• Life updates: where Emma is living now, what she's doing for work, and whether she plans to stay in California

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Follow Emma Tarence Creative on Instagram

• Connect with Emma on LinkedIn

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

Emma's Post Grad Experience: Moving to California, Building Community, and Navigating Costs

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

A Candid Conversation with the Tarence Girls on Having Jamie as a Mom

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

If you love high-end home décor but don't love the price tags, this episode is for you! Jamie shares her favorite luxury home décor brands (such as Theodore Alexander, Gabby, Regina Andrew, Visual Comfort, and more) that she's scored for a fraction of the price on T.J. Maxx's website.

Jamie reveals exactly what to look for, how to find these high-end brands online, and what to know about returns, especially for items over $500. This episode will help you get that elevated, designer look without the designer budget.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• A roundup of luxury home décor brands Jamie has found on TJ Maxx's website, including: Theodore Alexander, Regina Andrew, Gabby, Visual Comfort, Uttermost, Lillian August, Jamie Young, Bernhardt, Caracole, and Chapman & Myers

• Jamie's favorite high-end home finds from these brands—like her Regina Andrew gold leaf table lamps, Gabby bedside chests, and a Theodore Alexander console table—all at a fraction of their original retail prices

• How to navigate TJ Maxx's website to find these hidden gems (and how searching by brand name won't always show you everything)

• What to know about TJ Maxx's return policies, especially for large or high-dollar items over $500 and when in-store returns might not be accepted

LINKS & RESOURCES

• TJ Maxx Online

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

Savvy Home Design: Where to Save & Splurge with Alex Hechart

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Southern Traditional Interior Design Trends with Home with Hechart

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Jamie gives her honest take on which beauty and skincare treatments are truly worth the time and money (and which ones she wouldn't do again). From her go-to microneedling and nanoneedling treatments to Botox injections and Sculptra, Jamie breaks down what's worth the splurge and what to skip (like the viral NuFace device).

Whether you're curious about microneedling treatments, injectables, or want to avoid costly beauty mistakes, this episode is packed with insight from Jamie's personal experience.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• The difference between microneedling and nanoneedling & why nanoneedling is Jamie's go-to during the hot summer months

• Why Jamie chooses microneedling over light chemical peels

• How exosomes can speed up healing and boost results after microneedling

• The often-forgotten areas you should be treating: face, neck, décolletage, and hands

• Jamie's experience with Botox injections and why she prefers Dysport

• What exactly is Sculptra, and how it differs from dermal fillers

• Why Latisse is a staple in Jamie's lash routine

• Beauty treatments Jamie doesn't recommend: NuFACE, lash extensions, lash tinting, and lip blush

LINKS & RESOURCES

• MyRainberry Holistic Spa

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

My Morning Wellness Routine: Coffee, Collagen, Creatine, Protein, & More

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

My Mommy Makeover: Why I Did it & How it Turned Out

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this practical episode, Jamie shares her go-to ground beef recipes for easy weeknight meals the whole family can enjoy. These delicious make-ahead meals will save you time and stress, especially during the back-to-school season.

From childhood favorites like Sloppy Joes to unique and unexpectedly delicious dishes like Beef & Butternut Squash Chili, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

GROUND BEEF RECIPES:

• How to Brown Ground Beef for the Best Flavor, Texture, & Color

• Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Meat

• Baked Ziti

• Spicy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

• Best Sloppy Joes with Zesty Homemade Meat Sauce

• Beef Stroganoff

• Baked Spaghetti with Four Cheeses

• Award-Winning Turkey Chili with Beans

• Mitt Romney's Favorite Meatloaf

• Beef and Butternut Squash Chili

SIDE DISHES:

• Southern-Style Pimento Cheese Cornbread (from a mix).

• Baked Potatoes with Perfect Crispy, Salty Skins

• Cheesy Twice Baked Cauliflower

• Creamy Cauliflower Mash

WHERE TO LISTEN

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

The Ultimate Dinner Party Guest Checklist: 15 Habits of the Most Gracious Guests

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Easy, Mouth-Watering Summer Recipes from the Best Cook I Know, Marie Marino

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

FOLLOW ALONG WITH FAMILY SAVVY:

https://linktr.ee/familysavvy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode, Jamie chats with artist, author, and illustrator Amy Grimes, whose faith-filled stories and artwork inspire readers of all ages. Amy shares how childhood wonder, deep faith, and a love for storytelling led her to create and illustrate books. She also opens up about overcoming discouragement, fueling creativity, and pointing others to God through truth-filled stories and artwork.

Whether you're a book lover, a creative soul, or simply looking to give a child an impactful faith-filled children's book, this conversation is full of inspiration.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• What first inspired Amy to pursue illustration and storytelling

• The personal stories that inspired Amy's books

• How books and stories impacted Amy and Jamie in their early childhood

• Why stories and imagination help children and adults alike draw closer to God

• Amy's creative process and how she finds inspiration in everyday life, faith, and fairytales

• Practical ways Amy combats discouragement and encourages imagination in children

• The spiritual themes that run through her work, especially the theme of light shining through darkness

AMY GRIMES' WORK:

• And the Light Comes In

• Lucilla and the Snarly Skein

• Voyage to the Star Kingdom

• Your Brave Song

• Scripture Cards

OTHER BOOKS MENTIONED:

• The Little Prince

• A Wrinkle in Time

CONNECT WITH AMY GRIMES:

• Website: storypaintings.net

• Instagram: @amygrimes_storypaintings

WHERE TO LISTEN:

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

LIKED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT!

From Bookstore Owner to Author: Annie B Jones on Owning The Bookshelf & Her New Book

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube

Melanie Shankle on "Here Be Dragons": Navigating Generational Trauma & Motherhood

• Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

No one wants to be that guest that overstays, oversteps, or isn't mindful. That's why knowing how to be a thoughtful, gracious dinner party guest is more than just good manners. It's a timeless social skill that sets you apart and sets a strong example for your kids and grandkids.

Whether you're headed to a casual get-together or a formal supper club, these simple but powerful dinner party guest tips will make a lasting impression and leave your host feeling appreciated!

TIPS TO BEING THE BEST DINNER PARTY GUEST EVERY HOST WILL LOVE:

• RSVP promptly. Don't leave your host guessing!

• Always ask what you can bring (and actually bring it!)

• Choose a hostess gift everyone will love. Skip the wine, and gift something everyone will use and enjoy.

• Bring your dish ready to serve.

• Steer clear of ingredients like pork or seafood. Bring something that is universally loved by everyone!

• Make enough food for every guest (and think about dietary preferences).

• Arrive on time (not early!)

• Be mindful of your shoes.

• Know where to sit and when to offer help—with clean hands!

• Offer assistance, but don't hover in the kitchen.

• Don't overload your plate. Be sure to leave plenty for others.

• Give sincere compliments and include others in conversation

• Don't overstay your welcome.

• Never assume children are invited unless it's clearly stated.

• Follow up with a warm thank-you text the next day

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Use this link to get 15% off your first order from Kosterina!

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

Marie Marino on Cooking Meal for Loved Ones in Need

• Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

How to Create a Practical + Beautiful Party Setup with Lucy Grymes

• Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

If you enjoyed this episode, would you take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and a short review on your favorite podcast platform? Your feedback helps The SavvyCast grow and continue serving women with content that empowers us all to be our savviest selves!

WHERE TO LISTEN:

The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. Find all listening options here.