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10 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Ten Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas by Kims Kandy kreations
We don't have an Elf on the Shelf and probably won't be getting one since Mini Me is on the verge of not believing in Santa anymore, but I love the fun ideas that come out every year about this time.  These are a few funny Elf on the Shelf ideas that made me chuckle and wish we had an elf playing jokes at our house.
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How to Extract A Zip File and Santa Christmas Cake Printable

Santa Cake Box Free Printable by Kims Kandy Kreations
We had such a good time giving out our Thanksgiving Turkey cake that I decided to do it again for Christmas.  I guess I just love giving away candy in such a creative fun way.  Here's a cake that you don't have to worry about getting frosting everywhere or transporting with any problems.  And that Santa?  Doesn't he just make you smile?


Santa Cake Box Free Printable side view
These cute holly and berries decorate the sides to bring a truly festive fun treat that will put you into the holiday spirit.  And you can have this cake printable for FREE!  All you need is to Subscribe to our email newsletter or head over to our Facebook page and give us a "like".  Then you can download and print this cake for your Christmas celelbration.

Every now and then I get an email trying to figure out why our files can't be opened and printed correctly. Our zip files need to be saved and unziped to be able to print.  In case you don't know how to do that, here is a step by step tutorial on how to extract and print a zip file.

how to extract a zip file
Find where you have saved your Christmas Cake Printable.

how to extract a zip file tutorial
Right click on your mouse (hit the button on the right top of the mouse) and a drop down menu will appear.  You will want to hit the "Extract All" button.

how to save and extract a zip file
Another box will pop up asking where you want to save the opened file.  You can save it in the same folder you are in now, or place it somewhere else.  Just be sure you remember where.  If you want the file to open as soon as it is done extracting, click the check box towards the button indicating this.  When you are satisfied, hit the "Extract" button on the bottom.

how to print a zip file printable
Your pictures should open, if you clicked the button.  If not, find your file and open it up.  Double left click on the first cake picture.

how to print a zip file
The picture should open in it's own window.

how to extract and print a zip file
Hit the "Print" button in the top tool bar.  A print window will open.  Be sure you have the correct printer selected (if you have more than one option) and hit "Print" at the bottom of the screen.

Christmas cake free printable
This will get your Santa Christmas cake slice printed, so you can make a fun treat.  For more details on how to put the cake together, you can view the instructions within the cake zip file or on our Thanksgiving Turkey Cake Printable.
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Easily Save Money at the Grocery Store

Why you should try the new Favado app and how to get the best shopping deals at the Grocery Store using it.
Easily Save Money at the Grocery Store by Kims Kandy Kreations

I have always been into couponing and trying to find the best deals.  I get such a good feeling when I know I've saved money and have a stocked pantry or a party on the cheap.  I feel like I can weather any storm that comes my way when I have the things my family needs at a good price.  While I wish I could be as good at saving money at the grocery store as those on the TLC Extreme Couponing show, after years of doing coupons, it really isn't possible to do what they do for tv.



I remember years ago when I was teaching a class on how to save money at the grocery store, there were several ladies that asked how to get the best deals when they didn't have time to search them all out and keep up on the sales and coupons needed.  At the time, there weren't a lot of ways to do this other than good online couponing sites and message boards.
 Favado Shopping App

But recently, I discovered a way to get all the best shopping deals without all the hassle.  I was so excited the first time I took the Favado app out shopping I wanted to share it with everyone at the store!  (I'm sure that wouldn't have been super weird.)  So I decided to share it with my friendly, neighborhood readers instead.

So now, I just have to tell you how amazing the new Favado app is!  And how wonderfully easy it is to use!  And how much I absolutely LOVE it!  (Can you tell how excited I am about this little app?)

Favado Shopping App how to get the best deals
All you need to do is go to the Favado website and sign up for the app.  After you download and sign in, you will need to select the grocery stores you want to search.  I live in a very small town so don't have that many stores to compare.  You can only compare up to five stores at a time, but you can have as many stores as you need in your que.

Once you have your stores set up, you can start checking the local shopping deals and Sales.  You can choose from the "Best" of all the sales in your selected grocery stores, your "Faves" (items that you want to keep an eye on), and "All" the sales in the stores.

Favado Shopping App where to find printable coupons
Once you've found an item that you need, you can click on the link to show you the details of the sale.  Favado will show you the item, the size, the store it's on sale at, the dates of the sale, the price or details of the sale, and if you're really lucky a pretty red paper clip.  The paper clip means that there are coupons you can use to help you get the best of this deal.

Favado Shopping App how to find printable coupons
If you click on the paper clip, Favado will show you any printable or clipable coupons you can use--with a link to print them out or where to find the coupon (whether it's from All You magazine, Smart Source, or wherever.)

You can click the blue "Add to List" button at the top and then email yourself the list when you're done.  It will send you the links so you can print the coupons as soon as you get near your printer.  Although to be honest, I just check where they are from and usually go to Swagbucks or My Points and use their coupon printer so I can get the extra reward points when I redeem the coupons.

Favado Shopping App how to get the best deals at the grocery store
When you are out grocery shopping and find yourself at a certain store, you can pull up your Shopping List on the app and it will sort the deals by store.  This way, you will never miss a great deal!

I can't tell you how much the Favado Shopping App has saved me in both time and money.  I love that I don't have to scour the deal websites to find stores in my area and with products I actually use.  I love that it helps me to know where to go to print out the coupons that I need to get the deal, and I love how it sorts them all by store so I don't miss any of the best shopping deals when I'm out and about.

Favado App
As the holidays are approaching and you find yourself needing to stock up for the BIG Christmas dinner, I hope you'll check out Favado.  We all can use a little extra help to make the dollars stretch this time of year.

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Santa Express Train

Santa Express Train in Canon City Colorado

For years, one of my favorite books has been the The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.  We would read it every Christmas eve to the kids and even have six large bells on our Christmas tree that the kids get to hang and remember to believe each year.  So imagine my great joy when we moved to Colorado and found the Santa Express train right in our own backyard.


Lighted Train in Canon City
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a beautiful ride through the mountains of Colorado based out of Canon City.  During the holiday months, the train dresses up to become the Santa Express to take you and your children to the North Pole and back.

Santa Train Elf
When we first boarded the train, we were greeted by these wonderfully helpful train entertainers.  (Why, yes, that IS Drama Queen in her very first official job!)  They helped us find our seats and as we started, they brought us a dark, rich cup of Hot Chocolate and a soft, sweet Sugar Cookie to enjoy on our way to the North Pole.

Santa Train Sugar Cookie
On our way through the mountains, we enjoyed the treats.  We sang Christmas carols (sometimes at the top of our lungs), we listened to Christmas stories, wrote letters to Santa, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

Santa Train Christmas Village
We finally arrived at the North Pole to see Santa and his elves at a fun, lighted Christmas village.  Santa boarded the train and made his way through the cars to visit with each of the children.  He visited with us and gave each of the kids a fun Christmas gift to take home with them.

Santa on the Santa Train Ride
We really had a good time on the Santa Express Train.  I highly recommend you take a trip and visit Canon City to bring a little extra holiday joy to your season!

This post was not sponsored or requested in any way.  I am a big fan of supporting local businesses and enjoyed our trip on the Santa Express Train, so I had to share!
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December Church Bulletin Board Idea: Off Topic Tuesday

Christmas Bulletin Board Idea on Kims Kandy Kreations
I have been put in charge of the women's bulletin board at church.  This is where we post birthdays and information for the month so all the ladies in our church will know what's going on during December.  It was hard to figure out what I wanted to do each month to keep it fun and interesting.



In case anyone else has the same problem, I'm sharing what I did for the board and the printables in case you need to use the idea for your bulletin board.

Christmas Bulletin Board Idea on Kims Kandy Kreations
I made a Christmas tree using a piece of green poster board.  It was simple to cut it out and staple it in the center of the board.  On the Christmas tree I made 6  different color ornaments with each birthday girl's name and birth date.  On top of the tree is a star with "Happy Birthday written.

Christmas Bulletin Board Idea on Kims Kandy Kreations
Each of the different signs contain the Sunday lessons so the ladies can read ahead, the sisters visiting message for the month, and any activities we have going on as a group.  I placed these inside candy cane frames.  This matches to the candy cane red and white striped ribbon border.  (I found the ribbon at Sam's club last year.)

If you want the printables for the Ornaments, frames, and Christmas star, you can go to our Christmas Bulletin Board and download it for free.  If you make something with these, let me know, I'd love to see your ideas!
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Polar Express Etsy Gift Guide

The Polar Express is on the move with Christmas lights and holiday happenings starting around town.  I absolutely love Christmas lights so I'm really excited that they are appearing.  It really puts me in the holiday spirit and makes me want to throw a Polar Express train party to get the season on the right track. 



With the shopping season in full swing now, I hope you'll consider shopping from the small businesses out there who really appreciate each and every purchase you make, unlike the big box stores.  Here are a few ideas to get you thinking from the small businesses of Etsy.

'All Aboard the Polar Express' 


Gift "Train" 18&qu...
$47.99

SaLE REDUCED PRICE - HUGE - ...
$116

Toddler boy, Toddler girl, S...
$22

20% off - INSTANT DOWNLOAD -...
$10

Jumbo 1st gift of Christmas ...
$4

The Bell Still Rings For Me ...
$8.95

North Pole Postage - Dec. 25...
$5.95

Polar Express Hot Chocolate ...
$9

Directional Sign- Christmas...
$69.95

North Pole Santa's retur...
$14.99

Christmas Train Hand Decorat...
$24

Sale Polar Express Holiday o...
$4.9

INSTANT DOWNLOAD -(Sale) Chr...
$5.5

Santa Train Snow Globe
$4.95

PERSONALIZED My Christmas Wi...
$14.99

Personlaized Wooden 4-tone T...
$21
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