Dec

13

Eli’s Back!

our little Elf, Eli, has returned once more for the month of December, and has been up to all kinds of shenanigans once again.

he made his grand entrance in the middle of the night, apparently, because the next morning, we found him plastered to our back door:

at first, Berkeley wasn’t quite sure what to think of him.  “really, mom…” is what this face is saying to me:

but seemed to warm up to him, when the next morning, we found him hanging on her play mat.

he gathered all our beloved puppies and organized a sack race:

Bella noticed right away that Eli was the clear winner:

we think Eli might’ve been feeling a little left out of Canaan’s and my nightly Harry Potter reading sessions, because we found him one morning dressed up as our favorite Griffindor, even donning the classic scar, and riding on his broomstick in the doorway:

He apparently was practicing his bubble blowing skills one night.  seems as if he perfected an elf sized bubble…which, let me tell you, if i were to attempt myself, might just be much harder than it looks 😉

Bella lost her tooth one afternoon, and in the midst of the craziness of having a house full of neighborhood kiddos, and trying to get her to the bathroom without blood dripping all over my floors, i hastily put the tooth on the kitchen counter, thinking at that exact moment that it probably wasn’t a good spot for a little tooth, but being too distracted to let that thought settle.  not at all to my surprise, when it was time to put the tooth under her pillow, it was no where to be found.  needless to say, she was NOT very happy with her mommy for losing her tooth.  in an attempt the explain the situation to the tooth fairy, and prove to her that she really was deserving of some money left under her pillow, she crafted this letter and begged me to include a picture of her:

sweet Eli knew of Bella’s anxiety over the situation, and not knowing that Monopoly money doesn’t hold much value in the real world (don’t you wish it did??), decided that he would have her covered just in case the Tooth Fairy didn’t show (which, for the record, she did.  and even left a little extra for the lost lost tooth):

Eli must’ve  known all about my kiddos obsession with lemonade stands this summer, and how they made close to $100 with their entrepreneurial skills (little does he know, that the cost of lemonade has risen lately, and .25 is not a great profit margin):

in honor of my birthday, he set up a little Princess photo shoot, knowing full well that he would be an elf after my own heart with that Nikon around his neck:

He had fun one night pretending to be a Matryoshka doll:

with these record high Florida temperatures lately, Eli decided to take advantage of some winter swimming:

but afraid that we may not find him in the morning, in true Elf fashion, he left us a little note on the back door:

Channeling his inner Jake, he stole the Dad coffee mug, made himself a cup, and read the daily newspaper.  (Elves must be farsighted):

We woke up one morning to find Eli finishing up his WOD (workout of the day), complete with sweat bands and leg warmers.  Bella was the first to notice that he was also sporting my all time favorite line of work out gear (www.hupernikaoinc.com).  wasn’t too hard for her to recognize, apparently, because, according to her, i “wear it everyday.”  tis the life of a SAHM…

and who doesn’t love a little game of Cornhole…especially when played with your girlfriend:

i’m wondering what he’ll be up to next.  no really….i really am wondering.  is it time for him to go home yet??  (momma is tired…and out of ideas…of what he could possibly do next!)  any ideas?!

and PS:  if you want to follow along on Instagram in the day to day, my user name is leanak.

 

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Dec

01

:: December Sponsors ::

its the most…wonderful time of the year!  the holidays are officially here!  and since its the beginning of December, here is the post where i tell you all about my amazing monthly sponsors.  and what a great time to check them out, just in time for Christmas gifts :)

this will be the last post like this for a while, as i’m halting sponsorships for a bit in order to focus on some other things around this blog.  but i am SOO grateful for those of you who have advertised with me over the last year.  you will never know what a huge blessing you’ve been to me :)

as always, you can click on the name or on the picture to be taken to the website.  and the red text is my own thoughts.

4-1 Records

4-1 Records is a Christian record label based in Charlotte, NC. It was designed to encourage, strengthen, and build Christian artists’ relationships with Jesus Christ, while fulfilling the calling they have on their lives by professing the word of God through music!  We have seen great response to our first album “The First Christmas”, which features all three artists that are currently on the label and features new arrangements of traditional Christmas songs such as “The First Noel” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel”!  It also features a completely rewritten “Go Tell It On The Mountain”!

you can read more about 4-1 Records as well as our artists here:   www.4-1records.com
and you can preview the Christmas CD here:   http://4-1records.com/content/111/Christmas-Album.html

** I’m slightly obsessed with Christmas music, and this album does not disappoint!  the artists are definitely gifted, and the arrangements of these classic Christmas songs are like nothing you’ve heard before.  With so many different Christmas cd’s on the market, its nice to hear songs that are familiar, but with a unique and different sound. **

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** Becky is back, and once again offering half off all her online classes.  if you are looking for a job that you can do from home, know someone who is, or are simply interested in reading all about this unique business opportunity, check her out:  www.stagehappy.com **

:: Beautycounter ::

Beautycounter provides safe, chic and effective products. Our social mission is inseparable from our brand: We educate families about the need for safer chemicals and products, and work to bring about much needed change to the beauty industry—and to our lives.

What’s sets us apart is the fact that we are 100% transparent, no hidden secrets or ingredients. We pride ourselves on our strict ingredient screening and our honest message. All of our products are gluten free and vegan!
www.heatherjadus.beautycounter.com

check out this video to learn more:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYKw1c6M3iQ

** i have been using the Lustro Face Oil # 3 – Ylang Ylang and Wild Chamomile, and i absolutely LOVE the way it feels!  my skin is so soft and moisturized.  So far, my skin has not felt the effects of the cooler winter weather, and i really believe its because of the face oil!   and just in time for Christmas, Heather is offering these adorable holiday sets:  https://heatherjadus.beautycounter.com/Shop/Category/68.  and if you have a little girl, this safe play makeup is so fun:  https://heatherjadus.beautycounter.com/Shop/Product/66 !  i’ve looked all over for something like this for Bella…they sure would make great stocking stuffers! **

:: Hupernikao ::

Hupernikao® (hoop-er-nik-ah’-o) is a new fitness apparel brand with one purpose: to inspire people to get out of survival mode, take up their shield of faith, and conquer their battles. The word “hupernikao” (a Greek verb) literally means “defeat soundly, prevail mightily, more than conquer.” It comes straight from Romans 8:37: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Your battle – whatever it may be – may feel like it’s crushing you. But the truth is, there’s a conqueror inside you…and that’s a promise from God :) .

Shipping charges are such a bummer, so for a limited time, get free shipping with orders over $30 with promo code “asmallsnippet”!

Where can you get more info on hupernikao® fitness apparel?
Browse the store: hupernikaoinc.com
Watch the story of hupernikao®: youtube.com/hupernikaoclothing
Get the latest on our clothing (and a little inspiration): facebook.com/hupernikaoinc

** if you need a Christmas present for that friend/sister/mom/daughter who works out, or even just someone who loves comfy clothes, go check out Hupernikao.  not only are their products amazingly comfy and cute (i’m wearing some right now!!), the vision of their company is so endearing.  doesn’t it feel so good and productive to purchase gifts from companies who have a bigger purpose than just selling items and making money?  click here to read a story of how their company’s purpose is being fulfilled in a very specific way. **

:: Nana’s  Nuzzles ::

Nana’s Nuzzles specializes in home sewn items that keep people cozy.  Whimsical quilts (all sizes), discreet nursing covers for mommas, matching baby carrier covers, and creative notebook or journal covers are just some of the products available.  Quilts vary in size from baby quilts to lap quilts and larger quilts for beds.  All work is carried out with TLC and a lot of heart.  Shop from our small inventory or order a custom-made piece with or without your own fabric.  Custom orders are always welcome. Follow the link to see my store, and thank you for taking the time to look.

** if you’ve got any new mommas on your Christmas list, make sure to check out Bobbi’s nursing covers and grocery cart covers.  she also sells fabric covered notebooks, which could make a great gift for that little girl (or momma, friend, etc) on your list! **

:: Wendolina ::

All “Wendolina” rag quilts are reversible.  One side is finished and the other side has exposed seams that are snipped and fray to create the shabby chic look.  Both sides are made using designer 100% cotton fabrics so they can be displayed on either side.  Each square is sewn with a lightweight, natural cotton batting in the middle.  Every quilt is washed once to start the ragging process.  They can be machine washed in cold water and machine dried. The more you wash and dry them, the raggier and softer they will become.  Use the code SNIPPET10 for a 10% discount, just for A Small Snippet readers.

** these quilts speak for themselves :)  just take a little peek and enjoy the beauty of each individual, handmade quilt.  any one of them would make a great gift for almost anyone on your list! **

we decked our halls this weekend, and Eli arrived this morning, so i’ll be coming back soon with lots of fun and festive things to share with you.  for now, happy shopping!

 

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Nov

26

45 Elf on the Shelf Ideas (from the same Elf!)

i thought it might be helpful to have a compilation of our beloved Eli the Elf’s shenanigans all in one place.  so this post is for all of you who, like me, need a quick and easy resource guide.  so here’s our top 45:
for some of you who have been around here for awhile, there are a few new ones in this list that i’ve never posted before :)  my pregnancy last year preventing me from finishing out my elf posts!

(if you need an elf, you can purchase one here:  The Elf on the Shelf)

you might be interested to read up on the story of our Elf’s first arrival here…and how our family uses Eli to lead us into a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

the first year, Eli arrived in a box with a letter from Santa explaining who he was.  he was all tucked into the box with a little red felt blanket to keep him cozy for his long trip to Florida: (details on the letter here)

the next year, we found this box on our doorstep.  Eli was so excited about coming to see us again, that he busted right out of his box with his calendar showing us how he had been counting down the days until his visit:
here he is, “elf-ing himself” on the “Elf Yourself” website:
one of my personal faves…blaming his mess on my son:
 Smokin’ the Three Wise Men in a game of hoops:
 Giving his girlfriend a good teeth cleaning:
Waging War on our beloved stuffed animals:
Making Smores (and in the absence of a fireplace, he used the OnDemand Yule Log on the TV):

Framing himself within our family gallery wall:

i think he had been feeling a little left out of all the family photos:

Sunbathing:

 

Playing School:

Relaxing in a Bubble Bath:

Having a Snowball Fight with his girlfriend:

Swinging in the Kiddo’s Doorway:

with a “Good Morning” sign:

 Dressing up the ponies as reindeer and making them pull his sleigh:

Painting a Masterpiece:

Apparently, Elves poop peppermints:  (don’t judge!)

Christmas Countdown:

Marshmallow Message:

Racing to the Finish Line:

Getting a Glass of Water:

Rocking Baby Jesus:

Cheering on our Football Team:  (if you know NFL, then this will make sense)

Decorating the house with snowflakes:
Brushing his Teeth:
 Reading all our Christmas Books:
Movie Night:
 Building a Tower:
 Taking a Ride on the Ceiling Fan:
Shaving:
Rolling our Tree:
Playing Board Games:
Playing some Tunes:Wrapping up the Kid’s Lunches:Going Fishing:
 Building a Tower with all our pillows:
Zip-lining on our Garland:
Coloring:
Playing a game of Football:
Making Snow Angels:
Studying Scripture:
Leaving us Elf Donuts: (“O” Shaped Cereal dipped in chocolate with sprinkles,covered in powdered sugar, and covered in cinnamon sugar…in a mini mint container)Cutting down a Christmas Tree:

Building our family as Snowmen:

 Sneaking a picture of himself playing the drums at church into our Sunday Morning announcements:

Trying to make a clean getaway with the Hub’s wallet:

technically, that was 46, but i didn’t think you’d mind a little extra one added in there!  i hope you enjoyed some our favorites from over the years, and i hope its helpful for you as you plan your for your own elf!  and since our Elf is coming soon, I’d love to hear any ideas you’ve got for me.  leave them in my comments and maybe i’ll implement them this year.  and i’ll of course be sharing some pictures along the way!

PS:  i’ll probably be regularly updating my Instagram (leanak) with Eli’s antics this year, so you can check there in between posts for more ideas :)

and you can take a look at this link for details of our Elf from year’s past.

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