I know this has been around a while, but, until this year, my girls have been a bit too young to understand the meaning.
To the best of my knowledge, the Elf on the Shelf package is designed to help children behave better for Christmas, since the ever-present 'elf on the shelf' is watching everything they do!
I was explaining the concept to my oldest daughter, Jade, who turns five next week, and her eyes just kept getting bigger and bigger at the thought of 'someone staying in our house' to see if she's naughty or nice. Such a fun tradition that I'm excited to begin!
2. Sea Salt/Olive Oil Face Scrub
I don't know about you, but the recent cold weather and lack of humidity has really been drying my skin out!
Consequently, I've been exfoliating a bit more and recently created my own little face scrub that's been working great.
Super easy, I just combine about a teaspoon of olive oil in my palm and add another teaspoon of fine sea salt (I like this Real Salt). I then wet my other hand a bit and gently rub the mixture onto my face in a circular motion for about 1-2 minutes.
Afterward, my skin flushes a bit pink from the increased circulation, but it looks dewy with no trace of the dry patches I had beforehand.
The olive oil also moisturizes my skin, giving me a kind of two-for-one deal.
3. Mountain Valley Sparkling Mineral Water
I've become a bit obsessed with this mineral water recently...
Boasting an impressive mineral profile and derived straight from Hot Springs, Arkansas, this is the only water The Environmental Health Center in Texas recommends for sensitive, allergy-prone individuals because of its purity.
I'm enjoying a glass of the carbonated version each night, as I feel it helps settle my digestion from the day. I like to squirt in a wedge of both lemon and lime to make it almost soda-like (minus the sugar).
For the foodie in your life, look no further for the ultimate gift!
The Cuisinart Griddler is actually five appliances in one. A hinged, floating cover and one set of removable and reversible cooking plates turn the Griddler into a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or half grill/half griddle. Dual temperature controls and indicator lights make this product easy to use. Dishwasher-safe plates, integrated drip tray and a cleaning/scraping tool make cleanup fast and easy (source).
This little gadget can make virtually anything from eggs and pancakes to burgers and sandwiches, AND it's under $100!
5. The BIGGEST Friday Find Ever
You may or may not have noticed my recent absence with regular Monday, Wednesday, Friday posting, and this would be why....
My husband and I talked briefly about trying for a third child back in August, and little did I know that after only a couple of attempts, we would soon be taking this odyssey for the third time.
This pregnancy has been a bit difficult, as I've had debilitating nausea and food aversions, so creating recipes and photographing my Wednesday eats have been challenging, but I'm starting to see the end in sight as my three-month mark rapidly approaches.
I had both my daughters before beginning this blog, so I'm excited to be pregnant now and have the opportunity to document a bit of my journey for my future son or daughter, which hopefully won't be annoying to any of you!
What new thing have you discovered recently?
Loretta Blake
Congratulations!!!! So excited for you. I am glad the "condition" was good news! BTW, your chocolate chip cookies are "da bomb"! My daughter wanted turkey shaped cookies this year, since she is now Gluten Free and she loves your recipe for crispy chocolate chip cookies, I just flattened them out more before cooking and used turkey shaped cookie cutters and added a mini sugar free, dairy free & soy free choc chip for an eye and she LOVED IT!!! Thank you for your inspirations to making me a better Mom cook!
Lauren
Thanks so much Loretta, and I'm so happy your daughter enjoyed the cookies! 😀
Tammy
Congratulations!!! I'm so excited for you and your family!
June Abney
Congratulations! I am looking forward to hearing all about your pregnancy!
June
Sharon
Congratulations! All of my very best wishes as your family grows. xxoo
Sheelagh
Awww how exciting! Congratulations!!!
Tanya
Congrats!!!! So exciting!
Julian n Mucci
Congratulations! 🙂
Kim
Congratulations!!
Liz
Eeeee! 😀 The CUTEST way to reveal to all of your readers of your pregnancy! Positively adorable! And, yes, it IS the biggest Friday Find Ever. 🙂 I'm SOOO excited for you and can't wait for you to start documenting it all here on OWAF. 🙂 Thanks so much for letting us in on the secret. 😀
Jill
Congrats!!!! I love the whole Elf on the Shelf thing. I was just asking my fiance if we'd do it for our future children and he was like , "Uh, sure, if it's still a thing by then" lol 🙁
Daniela Taylor
Congratulations!!! Wonderful news!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
CONGRATULATIONS! XOXO So exciting 😀
(P.S. I wish my parents had done Elf on the Shelf when I was a kid!, haha!)
leah
Congratulations! U are the sweetest person and mother!
Heather
Congratulations. Such a great gift!
dawn
Congratulations Dear One!!! i'm so happy for you 🙂 can't wait to see the cravings you'll have, LOL. <3 🙂
KellyRenell
Aw, that's great!! Congratulations!! 🙂
Cindy
Congratulations!