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Original Elf on A Shelf Before It Was Popular

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The Elf on a Shelf Craze

Original Elf on a ShelfThe Elf on A Shelf craze seems to be everywhere, but Santa’s little helper isn’t new.

My grandmother gave me a small knee hugger elf to hang on the tree in the 1960’s, it is one of the few things I have from my Dads’ Mom and I don’t even remember meeting her. All I know is the little pixie with the bell on top was one of my favorite ornaments.

My Mother in law really gets into the Christmas elves. About 20 knee-hugger Christmas elves in various poses sit around miniature Christmas trees in her window.

These little guys don’t get into mischief and they don’t tattle to Santa. They are just cute and whimsical.

Large Elf on a Shelf

They came in various sizes, the large ones were 14″ and designed to sit on a shelf, but the small ones were meant to hide on the Christmas tree and sometimes they moved around.

I love the faces on these vintage Elves, the new ones just don’t have the same personality. You can almost see the mischief in his eyes below.

Start an Elf on a Shelf Tradition in Your House

If you don’t have vintage knee-hugger Christmas elves in your house you can start a new tradition with your kids at Christmas. You can create your own story, your own version of Santa and how his elves help Santa with Christmas. Here are just a few options for the modern and up to date Elf on a Shelf Dolls.

Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (blue-eyed girl scout elf)Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (blue-eyed girl scout elf)Elf on the Shelf Pets ReindeerElf on the Shelf Pets ReindeerElf on the Shelf Scout Elves At Play KitElf on the Shelf Scout Elves At Play KitElf on the Shelf Pet Pack - Reindeer and Saint Bernard Elf Pets - Direct From North Pole in Official Santa Gift BoxElf on the Shelf Pet Pack – Reindeer and Saint Bernard Elf Pets – Direct From North Pole in Official Santa Gift Box

Red Elf on a Shelf

Elf on a Shelf Craze

Cute Elf on a Shelf

Retro is in, what is old is new again.

The famous fairy became popular again with the 2004 Elf on a Shelf book. The posable and posable red and white elf now reports to Santa if the kids in the house have been naughty or nice. All the time the Elf is creating mischief. Maybe its to show the kids what they “should not” do.

It’s more of the elf being naughty when he’s away from Santa. The internet is full of the pixie making a mess with cereal, unrolling the bathroom tissue, and getting in compromising positions.

The Real Life Elf on a Shelf

My friend Andrew gets into the holiday spirit not just during Christmas but his costumes are famous all year round on airplanes, hotels and out and about in Omaha Nebraska.

In December he dresses as a life-size Elf on the Shelf and greets by kids young and old at the airport as he flies around the country as a photographer. Parents take pictures of him with their kids, and he loves to hear the whispers and giggles as he hames it up.

Andrew takes selfies of himself as the naughty elf pushing all the buttons on the elevator and getting trouble with bubble wrap.  But mostly he’s just bringing smiles to people from the photo lab, to those in his condo. I really believe he just has fun dressing as an Elf and enjoys every day to it’s fullest.

Andrew also dresses as Cupid on Valentine’s day and is the Breast Cancer Awareness “Pink Man” on Delta flights during October.

Life size Elf on a Shelf played by Andrew Dean

I don’t know how popular this new craze of dressing as a life-size elf will become.

I’ve seen a post about “renting an Elf on a Shelf” for your party (I’m sure Andrew would do that), and I’ve seen the baby Elf posed in various places by his Father who is a photographer, but there will be only one true live Elf on a Shelf for me and that’s the one above with the oversized imagination and love of life.

Elf on a Shelf Costume

If you or your friends want to bring the Elf on the Shelf magic and fun to your Holiday season the costume can be found on Amazon. I would love to see pictures of your adventures, or even photos of a vintage elf from your childhood.

It’s Sugar Coma on Day 4 of Christmas

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Cookies, cookies and more cookies. Starting around Thanksgiving I start stocking up for my cookie marathon for Christmas. It’s a tradition to bake at least six different kinds and mix it up with chocolate covered pretzels and chex mix.

For 25 years I’ve made cookies to share and give as gifts. It’s what my kids know and have come to depend on during the holidays. This was especially evident in the excitement I heard as my youngest Marine Corp opened his care package the week before Christmas.

I took a full container  to work (Hamilton Color Lab) everyday the week before Christmas to and shared them with my co-workers and customers. Every night I came home with an empty container.  I swear some customers came in just for the cookies. Which made my day!

Peanutbutter Kiss cookies

This is the easiest recipe you will find, and I should really make them year round, but then they wouldn’t be so special around the holidays.

Ingredients (I believe this is even gluten free)

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • Hershey kisses

Directions

  1. Combine the peanut butter and  sugar. Add egg and mix well.
  2. Mixture will will thicken as it sits but can be refrigerated to ease handling
  3. Roll into 1″ balls
  4. Bake at 350F for 8 minutes (this results in a really nice soft cookie)
  5. Remove from oven and press a Hershey Kiss into the middle
  6. Let set on cookie pan and remove to rack to cool
  7. The chocolate will soften from the heat of the cookie but will return to it’s normal consistency within a few hours so give them some time before packaging or bagging.

Some of my favorites over the years include (it’s my goal to include recipes for all of these)

  • Cake Sugar Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Double Chocolate Chip
  • Molasses spice cookies
  • Oatmeal chocolate chip
  • Candy Cane
  • Lemon Sugar Cake Cookie
  • Chocolate Peppermint
  • Butter Spritz Cookies

Homemade Christmas Cookies

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Season Of Christmas Continues, Day 3

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This is the first year my youngest Marine son won’t be home for Christmas.

He’s  a U.S. Marine stationed in California, pulling 24-hour shifts so he can come home on the second block leave.

Christmas tree for my MarineA week before Christmas he called on the phone and reminded me that he wanted LOTS of food when he got home, especially my cookies, pretzels, and venison jerky. Little did he know a care package was on its way with everything included on his list.

Along with all his favorite treats was this tree, don’t know if he put it up (I hope so), but I wanted to send a piece of home his way. (His older brother, stationed in Arizona, also got a care package)

But it is my youngest Marine who got the special treatment this year. He is a corrections officer in the Brigand received the box during his 24 hr “sleep break”. He called and opened the box on the phone with me, which I love.

I got to hear the excitement in his voice as he pulled out the Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Christmas Peeps, Reeses Candy Canes, and deer jerky from the stocking. When he opened the cookie tin, he exclaimed: “Oh my God, this smells soooo good!!” Thank you, thank you!

I always send a Santa hat, to be worn when they open their presents and add a little frivolity and holiday spirit.

Does a Mom good to hear appreciation from her sons. Makes me want to send another box really soon. But, I don’t have to.

He’s coming home tomorrow night for a 10 day leave!

#9/52: Shamrock Shake, It’s That Time of Year

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Shamrock Shakes are Back!

It’s that time of year again. March 1st, the day I can officially enjoy a Shamrock Shake (ok I bought this last night, I couldn’t resist) I’m also not one to be trending either, but on Twitter, #ShamrockShake is the promoted trend today. According to McDonald’s 2012 is the first year the Shamrock Shake is available nationwide. Wow, didn’t know that.

Shamrock Shake from McDonalds
Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s

Last year I learned a few historical facts about the Shamrock Shake. Maybe those in the Midwest don’t relate, but since it was originally released in Connecticut I have very fond memories at an early age.

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Why is it that a mint flavored shake is so tasty? I mean really. Mint? Should make you pucker just at the thought. But McDonald’s has found that magical combination of sweet, smooth and minty in one combination that is just delectable.

There is such a passion for this frosty drink a website tracks the appearance every year. Shamrockshake.com tracks the locations where they can be found, and yes, I added the McDonald’s 1-80 Gretna Exit to the list.

So until they run out enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” and St. Patricks Day with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.

Looking for the taste of a Shamrock Shake the rest of the year, you can get your minty craving in a Keurig or just explore different mint recipes for that fres minty taste.

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McDonalds Shamrock Shake Information

McCafé Shamrock Shake :: McDonalds.com

Smooth and creamy mint flavored shake topped with whipped cream and a cherry. But only for a limited time.

Shamrock Shake – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Shamrock Shake is a seasonal green-dyed mint flavored milkshake dessert sold at McDonald’s to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Top Secret Recipes | McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

Get the best McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe on the ORIGINAL copycat recipe website! Todd Wilbur shows you how to easily duplicate the taste of famous …

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Day 312: Cinnamon Rolls

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Normally I like the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in a tube, you know the ones found in the dairy case. Homemade cinnamon rolls can be too sticky and sweet for me, I like the bread texture.

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Now I have found a better substitute, Rhodes cinnamon rolls. We had them in church and they were fantastic. It you remember to take them out the night before you can fix them in the morning, otherwise the “fast” ride method in the oven works in just 1 1/2 hours. Delicious!!!

If you love Cinnamon Rolls you can even get cinnamon bun flavored lip gloss. That way you can enjoy the taste all day long whenever you like. I do know a few people who might actually buy this. In fact it would be a good Christmas stocking gift for my boys.

Pillsbury Lip Balm: Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Recipes

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This simple and easy-to-work with recipe is sure to become a family favorite. And the wholesome cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with a wonderful, warm aroma. —Judy Eddy, Baldwin City, Kansas.

Cinnamon Rolls « bakerella.com

I love cinnamon rolls and this weekend these were the perfect comfort food. Or comfort dessert that is. Dough swirled with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Yes, yes. yes. These are basic cinnamon rolls … basic yum … with …

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Make soft and sweet homemade cinnamon rolls the quick and easy way with this recipe that uses quick rising dough to make the perfect kid-friendly treat.