Elf Escapads! How Sneaky is Your Elf?

There seems to be a proliferation of sneaky elfs this year. Nightly between 10:00 and 12:00, my Facebook explodes with photos of sneaky little elf's causing mischief in their homes.  Elf's baking cookies, elfs reading stories, Lego mini's capturing giant elf's and holding them hostage. I have seen tea parties, candy thiefs and Nerf gun attacks.

I know that our elf, Nico, has become more creative in his ways this year thanks to Pinterest and several blogs that I found who have been keeping a photo record of their their nightly elf sightings. If you are looking for some ideas you may want to check out these great sites:

• 101 Elf on the Shelf Ideas from Blossom Bunkhouse
• Make sure you look at all her posts from this year too!
• Week 1 of Elf on the Shelf with Come Together Kids
• Check her scroll on the side for other ideas.
• Complicated Mama has 15 Fun Creative Ideas for your Elf.
• and she has an App too! So cute!
• 25 Toddler Ideas from Jenna's Journey.
• Cute ideas that are creative and simple.

As soon as I finish one elf escapade, I am immediately thinking of what Nico can do next. Searching the sites above, checking pins on Pinterest and attempting to draw out my own inner creative spirit helps me to come up with some great ideas.

What has amazed me most about this year is that I am feeling a teensy bit of Christmas morning magic everyday. Both my kids come down the stairs with the most serious looks on their face. They are clearly looking to see where Nico is and what he has been up to while they were sleeping. Once they find him, they light up like Christmas morning and begin to tell me "the story" of what he has done and why.

I am amazed at how Nico's escapades spark my kids imaginations. They both can come up with vibrant and detailed versions of what they think he intended to be doing and why. They spend hours coloring pictures, writing notes and making "gifts" for him.  They clearly enjoy the magic that the Elf brings.

I would love to see what your elves have been up to. I have included a photo linky on this post so you can link up any blog posts you might have about your elf. If you are not a blogger (or if you are), PLEASE post your elf pictures on the Sunshine Praises Facebook page.

Happy Elfing!

Product Praise: Photo Jewelry Making Christmas Ornaments

There is nothing better than receiving a personalized gift and these Photo Christmas Ornaments are perfect for someone special in your life. You can find these plus a whole array of personalized photo jewelry making items on PhotoJewelryMaking.com.


For this review I was sent the Christmas Photo Ornament set and the EZ Photo Resizer software.  There were very clear and easy to follow directions with the kit.  I started the process by installing the CD and re-sizing the photos that I had selected. The software is nice because it lays out all the pictures on one sheet for easy printing.

The only thing that was difficult is that you can not see the thumbnails of photos in the software so I had to go back and forth between my folders and find the file numbers. When I do this again, I will write them all down first or create a special folder. 


Once you have all your photos re-sized, simply click "Finish" and the software automatically is ready to print.  The photos are printed on standard paper. It is recommended that you do not use photo paper due to the size of the size of the slots where you insert the picture.

Once you have your pictures printed, simply cut them out and insert them into the plastic covers and reinsert them into the photo frames. 

Voila, beautiful and personalized Christmas ornaments.

I honestly didn't think that this was going to be as easy as it was. When all was said and done, it only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish. The ornaments are adorable and I love that in less than 15 minutes I can make another complete set.  Another great reason to buy these ornaments (or any of them amazing photo jewelry items on their website) is that the set of 6 ornaments only cost $14.99. 


There are a million different Photo Jewelry Making items to choose from on their website. I am already thinking about what other items I can purchase and make for the grandparents. Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, mother's day or more. PhotoJewelryMaking.com is an excellent source of materials to make those perfect photos gifts. 


Disclosure: I received a product sample for this post to complete my review. All opinions are mine. This blog is in no way affiliated with Twitter, Facebook or other network This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media.

Product Praise: Hartstrings Children's Clothes

There is nothing cuter than my little darling dressed in an adorable frock prancing around pretending she is a princess. There is also nothing more wonderful than well made, originally crafted children's clothes that are perfect for almost any occasion. 


Hartstrings makes beautiful children's clothing that are original, well designed and high quality. They sent me this beautiful orange and pink dress for Lu to try.  It is a high quality cotton dress with an inner fabric lining which adds shape and thickness to the dress.

The dress is absolutely adorable. I love the slightly smocked band and the ruffled cap sleeves. There are also puffy little pockets with tiny embellished white bows on each side of the dress. Lu found the pockets immediately and was swinging in around in circles with her hands in the pockets. 


Hartstrings has a wide variety of clothing for both boys and girls that will have no problem getting the "Mom" approval. They have casual to dressy apparel for kids ages newborn to size 14 as well as accessories and rain gear. If you haven't already picked out those perfect holiday outfits be sure to check out their great selection, many of which have already been marked down and can still arrive in time for Christmas.


You can purchase all their wonderful items on their website or in your local Hartstrings store. Click here to find a store near you. 

Disclaimer: I received a product sample for this post to complete my review. All opinions are mine. This blog is in no way affiliated with Twitter, Facebook or other network. Thank you to BSM Media for making this post possible. 

Praise: Magical Santa Letter Arrives

The brightest, shiniest red envelope arrived at our home today. Straight from the North Pole. I think it even smelled like Christmas.  The envelope even has a special seal on the outside and sports a sweet Rudolph stamp.


Inside my kids found a personalized letter from Santa, a photo with a special note, a letter from Rudolph and a special Nice Certificate.

Eph's eyes were so bright and large as I read the letter to him. I am 100% sure that he believes that the letter was from Santa. Lu held the picture of Santa so tight that I thought she was going to rip it. 


There is still time to get your Magical-Santa-Letters.com. Just visit their website and place your custom letter order today. But you must hurry, their holiday season ends on December 20th. 


Disclaimer: I received a product sample for this post to complete my review. All opinions are mine. This blog is in no way affiliated with Twitter, Facebook or other network.

Praise & Giveaway: GameStop Jingle in Your Pocket $50 Giftcard Giveaway

Is your junk drawer full of outdated or hardly used Ipods, Iphones or Ipads? Did you know that you can put a little jingle in your pocket by trading in these old items at your local GameStop store? There is no packing, shipping or hassle. Just bring your device into your local GameStop and the store associate will tell you the value of your items. You can choose from cash or store credit on the spot. 

Trading iPods, iPhones and iPads at GameStop is the best way to put more “Jingle in Your Pocket” this holiday season.

Current Trade Values:

Get store credit or cash for your old iPod, iPhone or iPad:

·         iPod Nano – Up to $70

·         iPod – Up to $150

·         iPhone – Up to $180

·         iPad – Up to $300

Have a device that you want to trade in? You can find a GameStop location near you today! Click here for more detailed program information.

You can also enter the Grand Prize giveaway, a chance to win a $1000 GameStop gift card by sharing a photo of yourself trading in a device at your local GameStop and then entering to win on the Mom Spark Media page. Click Here to Find Out More!

GameStop is so excited about this promotion that they are giving one of YOU a chance to win a $50 gift card to their store. But you have to hurry. This giveaway ends on December 23 at 12:01am. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Enter Here

(Don't see the form? Click 'Read More')

Run Happy: Holiday Run 4 Miler

So today marked the last of my races for the year 2011. I can't believe that I successfully finished 7 races in 8 weeks. Each week getting stronger and better by the mile. 


The Holiday Run, was a nice run inside one our cities metro parks. Four fabulous miles on slightly hilly terrain. I set myself behind the 44:00 minute pacers hoping to shave off a minute from my time on on the Flying Feather 4 Miler from a few weeks ago.


I was on my own for this race, which wasn't a bad thing. I am learning to enjoy a solitary run. It was a cold morning but the sun was shining bright and it helped me warm up quickly.


I had to ask a stranger to take my picture. She gave me an odd look but did it anyways. 

Time 42:53  Pace 10:44

I stopped and took this picture of the sun. It was just so beautiful peaking through the trees. 

Run Happy! See you next Spring!