The Elphland Elves - Review

Have you ever wondered what Santa's elves actually do? Or how they came to be? The newest Christmas Classic is a great tell all of where the elves originated, how they help with Christmas, and of course has some great underlying lessons for children of all ages!

I received this book in the mail after learning the author, B. F. Parajon, lives near by. He even signed it for my daughter so she will have such a great memento to continue the new tradition and pass it on to her children when she has them (in the very very far future)! 

If you're beginning to think, "Oh great another Christmas story..." Stop that now! This is not like every other book out there. It not only ties into the holidays but can teach your children about prejudices, overcoming obstacles, and love.

I pulled this book out when I had both kids at home and my youngest nephew. Can I just tell you that not a single one of them tried to get up, complained, or nodded off while I was reading this chapter book?

Since I was reading my husband took some pictures. I don't know if I enjoyed reading the book more than the kids enjoyed listening to it. Aaron even sat down to listen to the book with the kids. 

Your younger children will love all the great pictures and cute little elves (you can meet some of them now)  and we used it as a great way for the older children to pick up themes and talk about the real meanings of Christmas. 

We're thinking of pulling it out on Christmas Eve when all of our family is in town and having each person read a page. 

If you want to start reading the book now, check out the Preface on the Elphland Facebook Page or you can listen to it read here!

You can also talk to the author or any of the elves on Twitter by following @elplandelves 

I was sent a copy of Elphland Elves for review purposes. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

First Dentist Trip

So this bad mommy finally took her three year old to the dentist. Kinzey loved it! She got to use the suction valve during my visit. She came back with a clean bill - no cavaties! Me? Ugh, well let's just look at Kinzey at the dentist!

We did take the family to a new dentist, so if you are in DFW and looking for a great family-owned and operated dentist (where you can also book appointments online!!!) check out Davis Family Dentistry in Bedford, Texas! I might not be singing the same tune after my next visit (let's just say I need at least two fillings AND I have four impacted wisdom teeth), but they are super friendly, patient, and asked me to bring my three year old to my appointment so she could see how easy and not scary my visit was (Kinzey decided to see the dentist that day because of how great their team is!). 

That's Deep - Face Wash by mark. Review

So as I mentioned in my post last week about all the FREE products from mark. through Vanessa, I do have a few reviews of the products she sent me to share with you. The first one I used immediately after opening my package was the purifying cleanser that's deep. 

It was only a trial size, but there is enough in this pouch to wash your face twice. I have to say this stuff smells wonderful! The sugar maple and black willow bark compliment each other well (all this coming from a girl who is severely allergy prone!) . And before you see the next collage, please excuse my horrid after a full day of wearing makeup without a touch-up face, thank you.

Of course I took all images myself, and well I'm not showing you the after because this darn face wash removed ALL of my makeup. My skin did feel great after, not that extra tightness you get when it removes all of the moisture from your skin. Extra perk in my book!

If you want your chance to get this as a free sample (along with other full sized products and samples) just go to Vanessa's online mark. eboutique and sign up! For a preview of what you *might* get in the mail from Vanessa, check out this post!