17 Super Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas For Complete And Utter Slackers Who Didn't Bother To Make Their Elf Posable

Yes, we have an Elf on the Shelf. (Her name is Meredith. She's named after Meredith Grey.)

Yes, she scares me. It's the eyes.

I'm pretty lazy with the elf. I marvel at what other people do: it looks like something out of a magazine ad. They actually go out and buy accessories and take photos with a nice camera. They also took the time to make their elf posable.

I don't do this. Our elf is not posable because I really don't give a crap.

We don't follow proper rules with our elf either. My kids touch our elf. Constantly. Some of their friends are all, "You're not supposed to do that."

My kids say, "Our elf is more special than yours. We're allowed to touch her."

You're supposed to move the elf every day. I do, but I'm lazy about it. Like completely lazy. I've seen other posts on slacker ways to move elves, but sometimes they are more complicated than I'd like.

My ideas are REALLY easy. I promise.

1.

Have your elf fall into some candy.



2.

The elf can slide down the bannister in a shoe!


3.

Your elf can write words in sugar. We love potty humor so I went with fart.


4.

The elf wants to cook so she brings an apron and hat!


5.

Oh no! The elf is stuck under a cup. She shouldn't have tried to take Mommy's Diet Coke.


6.

When you really do not care, cut a hole in some Kleenex and have your elf wear it.


7.

Look! The Elf is playing a card game with other toys.


8.

Ahh! The elf has made friends and she's running into Anna!


9.

Meredith pooped out a Hershey Kiss! While reading about thermometers. I don't know why she was reading about thermometers. 

10. 

Meredith wants to make popcorn! Be prepared for your kid to be like, "Does this mean I can have popcorn for breakfast?" Just say yes. 

11. 

She can spell stuff out with mini marshmallows! This was actually more of a pain than I thought. It took five long minutes. I'd rather have been reading. But it amused the kids, so okay.

12.

Get a reindeer and have it poop out chocolate chips. 

13. 

The elf can make snowmen out of big marshmallows. Use a Sharpie to make the face. Stick a toothpick in for the arms. Done. 

14.

Tape the thing to the wall. I didn't have duct tape so I used packing tape. I placed stuffed animals around her. They had enough of her. Especially Grumpy Cat. She just wanted the damn elf to go away.

15. 

For guaranteed laughs, have the elf ride on underwear on the ceiling fan with a Barbie. 

16.

Aw. The elf made hearts out of candy canes.

17.

The elf is hanging out with other animals. Those are video game ornaments they're holding. Use ornaments from the tree as props for the elf. 

I hope this helps make moving around the elf less stressful. Some people love to do it.

But there are people like us who are all, "Give me easy."

And there's nothing wrong with that.

Gift Idea: Snowball Fight In A Bucket From Personal Creations Review #storybookxmas

**I was sent a Snowball Fight In A Bucket in exchange for a review blog post. My opinions are my own.**



When it's icy and cold--too icy and cold for the kids to go outside--I always hope to find fun activities to keep my kids busy. (Read: to keep them from bugging the crap out of me.)

I found something.

This is the Snowball Fight In A Bucket from Personal Creations. I loved the personalization and let's face it, the snowballs are pretty cute. Personal Creations is a fantastic site with all sorts of fabulous gift ideas--and yes, like the name suggests, you can personal items that you purchase. I also loved this:

Source

Not surprisingly, Natalie loved the snowballs:

She was ready to get started.

The teenager even came out of his cave. This is because I said he could throw stuff at his sister and not get in trouble.

Some people might be all, "Ack. But the balls will ruin my stuff!" They won't. They're soft.

Natalie got a little crazed. "I LOVE THESE THINGS! CAN THEY SLEEP WITH ME TONIGHT?" Um. Sure?

Ruby was even a fan. She claimed one as her own.

So let's go over reasons why you need a Snowball Fight In A Bucket:

1. It gets the teenager out of his room.

2. The kids stay busy so you can read.

3. It's family fun. I even put down my book and joined in. Lots of laughs were had.

4. These snowballs don't hurt like real ones can (I once got a real snowball to the face. Ouch.)

5. They're affordable! Currently they are only $19.99 on Personal Creations. <--click own="" p="" purchase="" there="" to="" your="">


If you purchase items from Personal Creations, check out the discount page!


To learn more about Personal Creations, check out their social media accounts:

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If you purchase an item from Personal Creations, use #storybookxmas.


Happy Shopping!

6 Reasons Why I Ended Up Not Going Out On Black Friday

I debated shopping on Black Friday.

Heck, I debated going out on Thanksgiving.

But then I thought hard about it and changed my mind.

Here's why:

1. It's rainy. And cold.

As in 30 degree temperatures cold. No thanks. Also, the people of Oklahoma can barely drive in normal weather. Add rain and it's a complete clustercrap. I don't want to risk getting hit.


2. I preferred my sleep.

It's true. Although I did wake up at 2 AM to shop the Walmart Black Friday sale online. But then I climbed right back in bed when I was done. I didn't have to put on real pants.


3. Rude shoppers irritate me.

I always try to be polite. But other people don't always follow this rule. I didn't feel like being shoved or jostled. Especially if the shopper forgot to put on deodorant.


4. I didn't want to search for a parking spot.

The people of Oklahoma also are terrible parkers. Sometimes they'll take up two spots so this means parking can be tricky. So I'd be out in the cold, in the rain, half asleep, and circling the parking lot. No thanks.


5. I would have been PISSED if the deal I went out for was gone.

Waking up in the cold? Searching for a parking spot? FOR NOTHING? I'd have cursed up a storm.


6. I judge parents who bring tiny children out with them.

I mean. I get you want to shop. But don't bring out Junior when Junior clearly wants to sleep. Then we have to listen to Junior whine and cry, and nerves are already on edge because of the weather, the waking up early, and all the lines.



Did YOU go out on Black Friday? Or did you shop online?

I did and bought the following:

--A 49" TV (we're finally upgrading our 32"!)

--Aladdin for $9.96

--A PS4 controller for $39

The Things I'm (And My Family Members) Are Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm currently running around my kitchen cursing.

I do not like to cook. But I like to eat. So I will cook. If something burns, I'll share it on my Instagram account.

Despite cooking and cursing, I am thankful for my family.

I'm thankful for my Diet Coke. I'm thankful for books. I'm thankful that the military did not take Tom away from us during the holiday season.

I decided to ask my family what they are thankful for. Here are their responses:


Natalie:


"I'm thankful for Ruby. I'm glad I got her from the shelter. She wanted a home."

"I'm thankful for my Daddy. He makes me laugh."

"I'm thankful for my toys."

*At this point I cleared my throat pointedly. Hello? If she's thankful for Daddy, why not the Mommy who gained multiple stretch marks to carry her?*

"I'm thankful that we got to go to Disney World."

*She did not grasp my subtle sounds*


Tommy:

"I'm thankful for the rolls at Texas Roadhouse."

"I'm thankful for my family." (At least he included me.)

"I'm thankful for my teachers." (No teacher photo--but he does like the ones who are understanding.)

"I'm thankful for my life."

Tom:

"The hell is this for?"

(I'd like to think he'd say his family if he weren't confused.)

We are all thankful for casipinellas womens shelter so women are able to get the help they need during the holidays. 


I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, have a wonderful Thursday.

Hey, It's Okay Tuesday!

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog. Doesn't have to be on a Tuesday either. Just make sure you link up and that the post you link up is a Hey, It's Okay Post. Grab the button if you'd like!
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--To have shouted, "Yay" at the beginning of The Walking Dead.


--To not care that Sophia Vegara got married. She seems nice enough, but meh. I was more excited about The Walking Dead.


--To have already shopped the Kohls Black Friday sale. It came up online on Monday.


--To still be debating if I'm going to go shopping Thanksgiving evening. It's supposed to be rainy, so I'm not sure. (We eat at 3. So by the evening we're not doing a dang thing. Hence shopping is fine. ;)


--To be dragging out all the Christmas stuff after Thanksgiving.


--To not be surprised Meri from Sister Wives was talking to another man online. (It turns out she was catfished.)


--To be PISSED that The Bastard Executioner was cancelled. It was a good show.


--To be happy that my Holiday Guide For Eight-Year-Old Girls helped out some people. (I'll be doing one for husbands shortly. If you're curious on why I'm not doing one for teenage boys, it's because the entire list would be a variety of video games..)


--To LOVE the cheese ball from Hickory Farms. I also decided to try the wine spread and I'm glad I did. It's very good. It's cheesy with a tang.

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A Holiday Guide For An Eight-Year-Old Girl

My daughter is 8 and like most kids, she's excited for Christmas. She already has a list of what she wants. I decided to share the list in case you have an eight-year-old in your life and you aren't sure what to get her. Black Friday is this week so you might be able to get some of these for good prices then. Don't want to fight crowds? A lot of deals pop up online!

1. Shopkins Mystery.

Source

These are a Target exclusive. They randomly pop up on the Target site and on the Target shelves. . (FYI: the "mystery" is that the Shopkins are neon.) The price is $34. You can buy them on the Target website here.


2. This Interactive Journal.

Source

Natalie says you can hide secrets in the journal. I asked if she'd hide secrets from me and she was like, "Well maybe." She's only 8 so right now secrets to her consists of sneaking a piece of candy before dinner and trying on my jewelry. You can purchase this on Amazon and in most stores. (I've seen it at Target.) This is $21.99.


3. Minecraft Stuff.

Source

Natalie would take all things Minecraft. She spends hours watching Minecraft videos on YouTube. StampyCat. Diamond Dan. Squid. These people are millionaires. I told Natalie she needs to figure out how to make the videos so she can become a millionaire. "But the money would be mine. Maybe I'd share some with you, but only maybe," she once told me. You can buy Minecraft stuff in stores and on Amazon. This is under $20.

4. This creepy marionette doll from Five Nights At Freddy's.

I know! It is frightening. But Natalie LOVES the game Five Nights At Freddy's. Have a kid? They'll probably know what it is. Go ask. Yes, it's disturbing. No, I would never want to play it. You can buy this marionette doll on Etsy from AllthingsFreddys. It's a little pricey at $52, but it's made well. I always like to support people who have their own business.


5. Orbeez Foot Spa.

Source

I won't lie: I picture the tiny balls all over the house. Embedded in the carpet. The cat. I'm told it's not as messy as I think but they don't know my daughter as I know my daughter. Unless this is an amazing deal, I doubt Natalie will be getting this. But if she gets Christmas money she might turn around and buy it. Help! You can buy this in most stores or on Amazon. This is under $30.


6. My Little Pony Apple Acres Barn Pack.

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Natalie has a ton of My Little Pony stuff so I'm not sure if she'll be getting this. We have so many plastic pony houses that end up falling apart. We're running out of room for all the parts. I've seen this in most stores and on Amazon. This is under $20.


7. American Girl clothes.

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Yes, American Girl items are overpriced. But they are made well. Natalie has 3 dolls and she feels like they don't have enough clothes. "Marie-Grace wanted to wear a beautiful dress and she couldn't because I don't own one!" Natalie informed me matter-of-factly. I'm told good deals might occur on Cyber Monday so I'll be checking out the site then. This outfit is $34. It costs more than many of my outfits. You can buy it here.


8. Shopkins Dolls.

These can be tricky to find. I bought mine at ToysRUs.com. You just have to periodically check. The dolls will randomly become available and then go out of stock. I've seen these in store at WalMart and Target, but never all three at once. Each doll is $16.99. They randomly pop up on Amazon too. Just type in "shopkins dolls." Do the same at Toys R Us.


9. Beanie Boos.

As if your daughter needs more stuffed animals. Am I right? But Natalie loves these. She really wants this one. I've seen them at Claires and the Hallmark Store. They range from $7-$14.50, depending on the size. There are a lot of them on the Claires website now.


10. Makeup Kits.

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My daughter LOVES makeup. She looks like a two dollar you-know-what after she applies it though. Still. She has fun. No, I don't let her go to school looking like a drunken Kardashian. But the house is fair game. Have fun. Look like a washed out Real Housewife of OC! Enjoy! You can buy makeup kits at Claires, Kohls, Target...the one pictures can be purchased at Claires for $16.50.


11. Barbie anything.

My daughter has TONS of Barbies. So now she feels like she needs clothes for them. This set was $23 and you can purchase it at Toys R Us. If you aren't sure what Barbie the eight-year-old in your life has, I'd go with clothes. Or Barbie furniture.


Happy Shopping!