Super Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Because not all of us have time for the Elf!!

So after speaking with a few moms I know I'm not the only one who is frustrated over figuring out what to do with this elf! In the beginning I swore I wouldn't spend $30 on a "stupid elf". However my sister apparently thought my kids should definitely have an elf :) So last year this tradition began and my kids absolutely love their elf Morgen. Yes, I know how to correctly spell Morgen, but he's an elf so he's different. 

This year Mindy joined our family too (because I like to torture myself). Although it really isn't any more trouble to have two elves. Either way, most of us are INSANELY busy and don't have time for elaborate elf scenarios and I prefer not to have the elves "in my way", like rolling in flour on my stove. Um no. I'm not cleaning that crap up nor am I not using my stove for a full 24 hours. 

So here is a compilation of mom-on-the-go ideas that are super easy and not too mischievous, as I'd prefer not to encourage my munchkins, and will also be out of mommy and daddy's way!

1) Rolling in Christmas ribbon:

Fall Mantel

I just brought out all my fall decorations again. I have made a few changes since last year's fall mantel. I sold my basket of ginormous ugly fruit, much to my husband's satisfaction. One day recently he drove me to Michael's, where all the fall decor was 60% off, and said go find new fall decor. He'd saved back a little bit of money just for this. How sweet. I bought 2 new scarecrows, one male and one female. Also picked up a cute orange basket and a couple bags of pumpkins, gourds, etc. I used a 20% off entire purchase coupon as well, which can be used even on sale items. 

I also plan to dress up my dining table a bit this year. I had my friend crochet a table runner and I hot glued fake fall leaves to the ends. I am currently working on painting a ceramic turkey to display in the center of the table. I love fall! It's my favorite time of year. My children are already excited about Christmas and they absolutely cannot wait until their Elf on the Shelf reappears this Thanksgiving night...

Easter Banner & Decor

I definitely cannot take credit for this super cute Easter banner. This was all my sister's idea. She swears she's not crafty. I beg to differ. But, she was completely delighted with herself when she created this Easter banner for her photography backdrop. Check out her Southern Reflections Photography Studios Facebook page HERE. I was so excited when I saw her banner, I just had to have the same one for my mantle! Being that she's such a wonderful sister and all, she mailed me her leftover supplies :)

The best part about this banner is how cheap it is to make! All you need are Easter gift bags, twine, scissors and a single hole punch. She found the Easter gift bags at Fred's for 25 cents each.

Cut off one side of the bag and hole punch both corners. Run your twine through each and voila!

My other Easter decor was ALL from the Dollar Store. How cool is it that they sell glass vases, votives?! As you can see, a very easy and cheap way to decorate for the holiday!

Quick & Cheap Christmas Gift Idea

Great for office parties, family gatherings or party favors for your guests!

This Christmas gift idea is inexpensive and super quick.

We did this last year for a local children's shelter and they were a hit! So, this year we made the same gifts. Mugs are easy enough to come by in dollar stores, consignment shops and yard sales. Since ours were for charity we had our mugs donated from the community.

I think it's important for my children to understand what the meaning of Christmas truly is and also learn how to help others. They have enjoyed putting these treats together and I'm sure we'll make it a yearly event.

You can add anything you want to your mugs. Since I'm filling approximately 25 mugs I try hard not to spend a fortune. I also have friends, family or co-workers who like to contribute to this cause. But what I do buy myself is Dollar Tree or Walmart. You can get Swiss Miss or Nestle hot chocolate from dollar stores, red and green plastic spoons. This year someone donated a variety of tea flavors so we added those to the mugs for the staff. Pick up a bag of candy, divide it up and wrap it up with colored plastic wrap and tie with Christmas ribbon.

I put the mugs full of treats inside a decorative Christmas treat bag. I add popcorn inside each treat bag since it's something the shelter likes to have for movie nights with the children. 

If you have suggestions on what treats you'd add please comment below! 

4th of July Fireplace Craft Decor

I've never been one to decorate my fireplace seasonally, but after revamping my fireplace last year, I can't help but decorate!

My kids helped me create these Quick and Easy 4th of July Crafts. I bought the cool cardboard stars from Party City for $8.99. With the help of my "mini me" we easily designed a very patriotic fireplace!

Quick and Easy 4th of July Crafts

Show your holiday spirit!

I sprayed painted an old mason jar and hand painted some white stars. I added my patriotic bling that I bought from the dollar store and voila! 

My "mini me" wanted red and white flowers from the dollar store too, so I spray painted an old flower vase so she could display patriotic flowers.

I found this idea on Pinterest and my kids LOVED creating their own flags from craft sticks! I'm not sure how the ones from this picture were created and I think we did ours a little different. I hot glued 2 small craft sticks vertically on the back to keep everything together. The kids painted all their pieces themselves and after I glued it all together they applied star stickers.

This 4th of July Patriotic Paper Chain from Love the Day is awesome! She has a free printable on her site! My "mini me" helped me create this patriotic chain in under 30 minutes. It really makes our fireplace pop!


Click here to see how I put all these crafts together to decorate our fireplace!

Patriotic Windstock for Memorial Day/4th of July

Patriotic windstocks are great decorations for holidays. It's simple, cheap and easy for children!

Items I used:
1) Blue plastic cups
2) Star stickers
3) Paper streamers
4) Tape
5) Yarn or string

Apply star stickers to plastic cups, cut paper steamers to your desired length. Poke a hole in the bottom of the cup. Cut a piece of yarn and poke both ends through the hole in the cup. Pull through and tie into a big knot. Tape the paper streamers into the inside of the cup and you're done!