Nanny to Mommy

If you are new to Elf on the Shelf or considering it for the first time, this list may or may not be for you. I was forced into the tradition of Elf on the Shelf. My mother-in-law gifted us the little creature when my daughter wasn't quite three years old. It was annoying to deal with as it was just another thing for us to deal with during the holidays aka our busiest time of year. Then my son was born and became mobile, so I realized I was gifted this wonderful incentive to help him behave because no child wants to send a bad report to Santa himself aka the big guy.

My husband and I tend to forget to move our elf so we tell our kids "Annie (or elf) must really like that spot". But unfortunately, we can't do this for 25 straight days. So, I have created the lazy easy elf on the shelf ideas for parents who are like me and don’t like messy are super involved mischiefs for their elves to get up to.

My friends have been getting together more frequently during the holidays. It can still be hard to get everyone together especially since most of us are married with children, but we still feel it is important to spend time together. This year we did our first Thanksgiving and for the past few years we have been getting together for a Christmas/New Years shindig. This year, I suggestion we do an Ugly Christmas Sweater party because honestly? Themed parties are so MUCH FUN!

I personally love the variety to choose from at UglyChristmasSweater.com. Whatever you like, they have something for you. Rick and Morty, a variety of Disney, plenty of different Christmas movies, etc. Plus they have onesies, leggings, and more on top of sweater options. They even have ones that light too.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year as the song says, it is also very, very exciting for children. Perhaps a little too exciting and as the Christmas decorations go up in the town so early these days, the supermarket shelves are full of Christmas it can seem a long time for children to wait for Christmas Day. However, it doesn't have to be, this can all be part of the fun of preparing for Christmas, so how can you do that without your child expecting it always to be Christmas tomorrow?

I use to love different crafts projects and I still do, but I am one of those people that has to be in the mood and it isn't an everyday occurrence. Once I start a project, I like to finish it so finding the time is key for me. That's why I tend to lean towards easy projects, like this DIY Winter Princess Holiday Wreath. It is perfect for winter, Christmas, or a winter birthday theme. And it was VERY easy to make. I was sent a ton of items from Oriental Trading to provide this craft. All opinions are my own.

What my favorite part about this craft is that you can use different color tulle and make what ever kind of wreath you wanted! Red, White, and Blue for Independence Day. Red and Green for Christmas. Black and Orange for Halloween! It's seriously so versatile. I love easy, peasy home décor ideas and wreaths are a perfect way to keep your home festive.

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You may be thinking that discussing Christmas right now is a little too soon, but in all fairness, the way the year has gone it is soon going to be coming around once more. The issue many people find with occasions such as Christmas is the fact it can sneak up on you. Christmas costs and there is no escaping that, and even if you vow to try and take it easy each year their are gifts you might want to buy, decorating your home and that amazing feast we all look forward to on Christmas Day itself. But the problem many face is the lack of preparation for the holiday season. With that in mind, it seems the perfect time to suggest some of the ways you can begin preparing right now, to ensure you have a fabulous Christmas this year.

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

Invite the magic of Christmas into your home this winter with The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection. This spellbinding Christmas storybook and dazzling tree ornament set will inspire new traditions and pull readers, both young and old, into a world of holiday splendor. The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection includes an heirloom quality case bound hardback book, an ornament just like the one in the story, and a beautiful decorative package, perfect for making the gift of Christmas a lasting memory.

On Christmas Eve, Victoria’s father gathers her and her brothers, Joseph and John, around the fireplace to tell the story of a very special ornament that has hung on their tree for as long as they can remember. Their father found the ornament in a mysterious tree one snowy evening when he was seven years old, and brought it home. After hearing the story and going to bed, Victoria, Joseph, and John sneak back downstairs, and discover the ornament has magical powers! It whisks them away to the happiest place on Earth: Santa’s workshop!

Thank you Finders Keepers™ for sponsoring this post. Finders Keepers™ are milk chocolate candy eggs that come with a surprise toy in every box. You can try to collect them all!


My family hosts a family Easter egg hunt every year. Everyone in the family is invited on mine and my husband's sides. It is an awesome celebration that brings our entire family together. I started this tradition the year my son was born. I had been wanting to make sure this was an annual tradition that combined our family and my son was only a few weeks old on his first Easter so everyone decided to come to my house so we didn't have to travel far.

The fun thing about this year is that we will have even more kids. And since all of the children are in different age groups, I have some tips to share to throw the perfect egg hunt gathering.

My daughter is obsessed with unicorns and so are my nieces. So I wanted to incorporate that into a cute Easter basket idea. They also love JoJo Siwa and since she loves all things unicorn, I thought the two could go hand in hand if you are looking for some basket filler ideas! So if you're child is like mine and a little unicorn obsessed, then you'll love this Unicorn Easter Basket Tutorial and stuffer ideas.

I originally saw the idea of creating an Easter Basket Tutu from my friend Jamie who blogs at The Denver Housewife. She has done so many cute ones including a Shopkins Easter Basket. And I am all about reusing items found around the house to create new projects. I think it is more economical to do it that way, but you could very easily buy many of the items featured in Target's Dollar Spot or on Amazon like she did. I will try and link to some similar items. My mother-in-law gave me the tulle I used and I had the unicorn topper from some old party supplies. That's why I decided to recreate this look for a Unicorn theme.

Check out these Easy Non-Candy Classroom Valentine Ideas for Kids below!

We set out cookies and milk for Santa. But what about for his reindeer? Some set out carrots, but we like to make reindeer food! It is super easy to make and I also have a few tips and tricks to make it all that more magical.

How do you teach your children the true meaning of the season? Wee Believers is a faith-based, inspirational company passionate about providing toys and activities for kids to explore their values in a fun way. For Christmas, they have decided to provide a great giveaway for $50 in goodies! From nativity scenes to crafts, they have so many ways to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.



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Celebrate the Holidays with Peppa Pig! I am a Peppa Pig Parent and recently was sent a TON of goodies that my nieces and son are going to flip over. They have so many cute stocking stuffers and more just in time for the holidays. And I decided I would share some fun holiday Peppa Pig coloring sheets, activities, and more.

Peppa is a loveable, cheeky little piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa's favourite things include playing games, dressing up, days out and jumping in muddy puddles. Do you have a Peppa Pig fan in your house?

Check out all of the Peppa Pig Stocking Stuffers!

Because there is so much you may want to do to celebrate the season, I have created the Ultimate Christmas Bucket List (and free printable) to celebrate the holiday season! Pick and choose what you want to do and don't put pressure on yourself if you don't complete it. This is about FUN and not stress. Remember, mom, you are doing a great job.

The place with the funny name has everything you need (and even things you don't) for gifts this holiday season. I have loved including products from them in my Holiday Gift Guide each year. They make quality products that are built to last plus I have such a hard time choosing just one item I would like!

While I love decorating and gift giving, I want my children to know the true meaning of Christmas. Today is #GivingTuesday and what better day than to share how you can teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas.

This is a sponsored post with Dollar Tree where Everything's $1 and you can find Cheap Holiday Décor. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I have always been a frugal person. I love to do it my self when I can, I like to save old stuff and re-purpose it, and one of my favorite places to shop for Cheap Holiday Decorations is definitely Dollar Tree. Besides having a variety of stuff to choose for only $1, they also have a ton of other great stuff like stocking stuffers, back to school products, etc. I have put together a great list of DIY Holiday décor that you can make with stuff you can easily find at Dollar Tree.

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I love decorating my house this time of year. I love adding to my décor collection each year with new items. My mother-in-law helped many years ago to get my Christmas décor started. She even gave me a few Precious Moments ornaments to hang on my tree that are some of my favorites. Precious Moments makes quality decorations that will be cherished for years to come.

I decided to add the Angelic Lighted Lantern to my Holiday Décor Collection. Rotating in a graceful circle to the tune "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", these angels add faithful elegance to holiday and everyday home décor.

You can check out this beautiful angelic lantern in action in the video below. If you are viewing on email, I highly suggest clicking over:

We have a tradition in our house of giving the kids what we call a "Christmas Eve Basket". It includes new pajamas, cooking making items, a Christmas movie, and some Christmas books. This year I received some new ones from Thunder Bay Press and Silver Dolphin Books.