Instax Mini: A fun little camera

I referenced photos from Abel's Instax Mini on a recent post and my good friend, Tech Savvy Mama, commented that she'd never heard of it. Thanks for inspiring this post, Leticia!


One of my favorite blogs is Oh Happy Day by Jordan Ferney. She has mentioned the Instax Mini camera a few times with nice reviews so when I was brainstorming a gift for impossible-to-buy-for Abel last Christmas, the FujiFilm Instax Mini 25 jumped into my head. After more than 12 years together, I can read him pretty well (sometimes!) and I think he was rather uncertain about the gift when he first opened it. However, it quickly became a favorite toy!

He debuted the camera at a low-key New Year's Eve neighborhood party (along with photo props also inspired by Jordan!!) and the photo props, camera, and especially the adorable instant photos MADE the party. Seriously, once we broke them out, everyone had a blast and even strangers were asking to pose for photos!

Certainly an Instax Mini couldn't be your only camera. The prints are small -- about the size of a credit card, including the border, making the actual photo even smaller. And the cost averages out to about $0.60 per print (like Jordan, we have also found the best deal ordering the film on eBay via Asia!).

But it's definitely a really fun camera to break out on special occasions -- or even to make any occasion special!


This is not a sponsored post and does not contain sponsored links. I purchased our camera and film via my own dimes. In fact, I don't make a cent off of this blog!




Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!

My Christmas List

I only asked for two things for Christmas. One I know I am getting. The other, doubtful.

You see, I told my dad in August. Yes, you read that right, August. That Abel and I wanted a new digital camera for Christmas. It was almost as much a gift to him as it would be for us. He loves to research things.

And we gave him four months.

Four months to search on-line. Four months to grill everyone he knows about their camera. Four months to ask random strangers about their digital cameras. Four months to ask me questions like: what is more important to you, the size of the camera or the optical zoom. My answer every single time was: I trust you to get us the best digital camera with a reasonable price.

It drove my mom crazy.

But, I'm sure we'll be getting a GREAT digital camera under the tree.

The second thing I asked for is this. Only with my initials, of course. I adore Lisa Leonard's blog and her hand-stamped jewelry. I've wanted a piece for MONTHS but could never really justify buying one for myself. So, in early December I told both my sister (who has my name in our family exchange) and Abel that this is what I wanted.

I'm not confident that either one of them purchased it for me.

Sarah hates to buy people what they ask for. Yet, she always has the hardest time picking out gifts. Hmmmm.....

Abel, on the other hand, is a last-minute shopper and I would be SHOCKED if he placed the order in time for Christmas delivery.

Sar and Abel, no need to feel guilty as you read this if you didn't get me the necklace. I've already decided that I'm going to buy it for myself in January!

Christmas Gift List - Lucas

It is official, I am totally excited for Christmas!

I'm practically all done with my Christmas shopping, eagerly anticipating my sister's arrival from California and looking forward to some relaxing days with the whole fam. at my parents' house.

I'm especially excited about Lucas's gifts.

Last year we knew Lucas would get tons of stuff from his grandparents, aunts, uncles and great aunt and uncle, so we bought him a Tickle Me Elmo TMX and opened up a 529 college savings account.

This year we're still restraining ourselves gift-wise but have bought him a few things that I know he will love. Here's the list.

1) A Cranium Super Fort Lucas loves to hide and crawl into small spaces. I know he will love this! And, I am convinced that it will be used for years! Initially I think we'll build a fort for him, but as he gets older, he'll be able to use all the pieces to construct his own forts--indoors or out. I think we will actually give this to Lucas for his birthday one day early on Dec. 21. That way he can play with it at our house before we leave for Pennsylvania. (Oh my gosh, I am a terrible mom of a Christmas baby. Well, I guess when he's older and accuses me of just taking a Christmas present to use as a birthday present this is the evidence that will indict me!)

2) Melissa & Doug Deluxe Gallop-N-Go Stick Pony w/Sound

This arrived yesterday and it is really a beautiful toy. For the last few months Lucas has been using any sort of long tube or stick to gallop around the house saying "horsey" "horsey". He is going to be so excited to have a "real" horsey to use!

My only dilemma with this toy is the batteries. I'm torn about putting them in at all. One one hand, I think that Lucas would get a kick out of the sound effects. On the other hand, I'd love for him to make his own sound effects. We'll see....

3) Rolling Suitcase

Whenever we go somewhere or someone comes for a visit, Lucas loves to push around their luggage. I thought about getting him a small character suitcase but realized we could get him a real rolling suitcase for less money! And, we'll actually be able to use it for trips.

4) Zoe doll

We love Zoe almost as much as we love Elmo. I picked this up the other day and can't wait for Santa to give it to him!


So those are the "big ticket" items. He'll also get a stocking filled with things like mittens, a new toothbrush, a book, a small elephant toy, maybe a few small cars/trucks.

I just can't wait for Christmas morning!