Elf on a Shelf

We have a 3 year old little girl, and one of the things I’ve tried to do since she was born was create holiday traditions we participate in. Elf on a shelf is a perfect holiday tradition, and it’s super cute, and can get your little one behaving for the month before Christmas to boot! elfonashelf

What is Elf on a Shelf?

It’s a book and a little elf. You read the book with your child, and it talks about how the elf is going to keep an eye on them and keep track if they are being naughty or nice. The elf sits on a shelf, and each night after the child goes to bed the parents move the elf to a new location ~ to get some magic involved. The story really focuses on the child NOT being able to touch the elf.

Recently I was talking to a friend who’s grandaughter had received elf on a shelf from her other Grandmother. They had read the story and put up the elf.  A couple hours later her parents came in to pick her up and she immediately told them “Don’t touch the elf!!” This is a story and a tradition that children really resonate with and will be a fun part of your holiday season for years to come.

Grab your Elf on a Shelf now so you can start this tradition this year!

Here’s what some other parents are saying about Elf on a Shelf:

This is a great holiday tradition for families with children. We received it as a gift last Thanksgiving and it was an instant hit with our kids. We named the elf “Ferrell,”, a nob to Will Ferrell, star of the movie Elf. The kids love finding him each morning. We are excited to do this again for a second year. The kids are already asking when “Ferrell” is coming back.

SO cute. The kids grandma got this for them, they are 4 and almost 2. Such a wonderful tradition to start! You can go to the website [...] and do loads of great stuff like register your elf, check out Santa’s village, go see the reindeer, make a cookie for Santa, decorate a tree- so much fun!!! Buy this- it is a tradition that I see our family doing for the next 50 years. You are never too old for it. The searching for the elf in the morning is the best for the kids, and the hiding the elf the night before as the parent is fun too! My only suggestion- the book talks about your kids being naughty and that it will be reported to Santa- I just told them that the elf would tell Santa how good you are doing, just trying to focus on the positive! :)

I just got The Elf on The Shelf this year and have been using it for 4 days now. My son decided to name him “Helper” and he has been a very welcome addition to our family. I love the story behind the Elf, and the magic powers he has, and I think this will be a very fun family tradition to start with my boys. If my son isn’t listening to me, all I have to do is call out “Helper” and he stops what he is doing (and shouldn’t be doing) immediately. My son is so excited in the morning to see where his elf has landed from his trip to the North Pole, and we make it a fun family adventure each morning trying to find him. I love this idea!!

Click here to read even MORE Elf on a Shelf reviews!

November 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment 

Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL

FlipMinoHD_BrushedMetal_BackThis is the newest in the Flip series. The Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL is super easy to use, super small and perfect to carry with you no matter where you’re going. The thing about a video camera is this: if you don’t have it with you, you can’t use it. The flip video camera you’re sure to have with you because it’s so simple and easy.  In fact, this version of the MinoHD is small enough to fit right in your jeans pocket!

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect with the MinoHD

MinoHD Overview

  • All-new MinoHD is the world’s sleekest HD camcorder
  • Slim, sleek design fits in any pocket or purse–perfect for shooting video on the go
  • Captures 120 minutes of stunning HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed
  • Simple user interface–power on and press record to start capturing HD video in moments
  • Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software
  • FlipShare software makes it easy to email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still-image snapshots, and upload video to MySpace, YouTube and other sharing sites
  • Large, 2-inch anti-glare color display to play back and delete videos
  • Internal Lithium-ion battery recharges through built-in USB; also recharges when connected to Flip Video Power Adapter (not included)
  • HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it easy to watch your videos on your HDTV
  • All-new design features a unique brushed-metal front and soft, rounded edges
  • Features a flat-back panel with touch-sensitive, backlit buttons
  • Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

November 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment 

Bike Racks ~ Take the Fun With You

If you have a cyclist in your life I bet they would love a Saris T Rax bike rack. Every cyclist loves to take their bike with them, it’s great to take the adventure with you where ever you go. The Saris T Rax has some great features and you can save over $30 when you buy it at Amazon.com.

The Saris Bones is another really popular bike rack from Saris. It received a 4 star rating from Bicycling magazine and is designed to fit over most trunks AND spoilers ~ this is great for those who have found most bike racks won’t work on their vehicle.

Here’s what people are saying about the Saris Bones:

I have had a few different racks in the same price range. This is by far the BEST rack I have ever bought. The first time I used it, I traveled 600 miles- the bike didn’t move. It’s not hard to set up and really grips the bike – I highly recommend it.

I love this rack. Have used it for over a month with no problems and no worry. Just took a 400 miles trip (freeway and city)and the bikes did great. I love how the Saris holds the bike will away from the trunk and the bumper. No more bumper scratches. I found when placing 2 bikes on the rack it helps to have another person lift the bikes and the other person retighten the straps to take out the slack, if you don’t do this the top leg will not sit firmly on the trunk. I love this rack..I literally don’t think about the bikes…I just know they are well supported and safe.

I’ll admit, the first time you unbox this and hook it up to your vehicle, it can be a little frustrating getting everything configured correctly. However, the second time will go much faster assuming you mark the correct settings with the supplied stickers (I’d also suggest marking with a permanent marker as the stickers can rub off after extended use), and before long, it will be second nature. I really enjoy this bike rack, and several friends have purchased the same one after seeing how easy mine is to use. Not sure? Drive to your local bike dealer and see what racks are on the cars in the employee lot. My guess is you’ll see quite a few of these!

October 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment