When I saw these muffin tin advents here at Sumo's Sweet Stuff and here at Somewhat Simple I just HAD to make one of my own!

And it was actually quite a quick and easy project!

Because my kids get PLENTY of sweets and candy, I decided to do activities in each day written on paper (I hurry and trade them before the kids pick if it is something that just won't work for the day)...

Need some ideas for activites? You can see my list right here...

This was definitely a fun and easy project that added to my Christmas Decor and that the kids LOVE!

Notebook Entry for Friday the 13th

Wow! I haven't posted over here for awhile and my favorites tabs are overflowing so I figure I'll try posting a few ideas here every day or two until I get caught up!

Crafts:

• Here's another fantastic tutu tutorial! I may try this SOON! http://vermillionrules.blogspot.com/2008/12/extremely-detailed-tutu-tutorial.html
• A fabulous cover for a crate! Another project I plan on trying very, very SOON! http://lauragunn.typepad.com/paintinmyhair/2008/09/post-1.html
• This SO makes me want to go to DI and find some furniture to paint! http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/shelving-storage/before-and-after-revamped-storage-078400
• How freakin' cute would these be with a matching table runner? And how easy!!! http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2009/03/the-daily-placemats.html
• I think this looks like a great project! Don't think I'd ever use them... but it could be a fun project! lol http://craftstylish.com/item/42331/how-to-make-a-woven-button-coaster
• This diaper case might come in handy shortly! http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/dipecase.html
• Okay... how fun are these homemade Christmas ornaments? http://handpickeddaisy.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-ornament.html

Family:

• I have always LOVED the idea of shades to make it DARK in the bedrooms! http://justusgibsons.blogspot.com/2009/03/whether-springing-forward-or-falling.html

Kids:

• My friend had a little fun with her kids and some pudding! http://scottandcrystal.blogspot.com/2009/02/chocolate-pudding.html We tried it and the kids LOVED it! Thanks Crystal!

Recipes:

• I wouldn't make the crosses but I'm definitely thinking about making maybe my own chocolate bunnies... it actually might be a fun project with the kiddos! http://www.centsablemomma.com/2009/03/easter-make-your-own-chocolate-cross.html
• I wonder if these cupcakes are any good... http://allthatnaz.blogspot.com/2009/03/wfmw-doctoring-box-cake-mixes.html
• When I first got my bread machine many, many, MANY years ago I tried making pretzels (I'm a HUGE fan of PretzelMaker! yum!) but they did NOT work out. Nasty! Maybe I'll have to try again... http://artfulparent.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/making-the-best-ever-soft-pretzels/

A few links...

Another Christmas ornament wreath I found... http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2008/12/no-wire-hangers-well-maybe-just-one.html

LOVE this tutu tutorial! http://www.designmom.com/2008/12/tulle-tutorial.html

Fun & easy ornaments to make! http://littlepaintedpiggies.typepad.com/the_hybrid_kid/2008/12/next.html

Rice Bag Poem

The Rice Bag

This little pillow filled with rice,
Is such a comforting device.
Microwave for 2 minutes on high
And kiss those aches and pains goodbye.
Apply it to the troubled spot,
The heat will ease the pain a lot.
Or warm those little toes so cold,
You'll find this nice to have and hold.
Or freeze it for a little while,
And fix that booboo up in style.
Instead of a compress made of ice,
Use this pillow filled with rice.

More Christmas Ideas...

• Have you ever had the MONSTER APPLE at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory? It's delish! Which makes me think... these might be pretty dang good! http://deannasstuff.blogspot.com/2008/12/teachers-gifts-and-some-class-goodie.html
• I've been wanting to make a magnetic calendar using these but what a great idea for a teacher gift! http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets/
• A cute homemade ballerina tutu! http://www.designmom.com/2008/12/homemade-sibling-gifts-2008.html
• Need to tie a bow for your package? She shows us how! http://smallnotebook.org/2008/12/17/tie-a-trouble-free-gift-bow/

Awesome Christmas Crafts & Ideas

I found some awesome ideas for Christmas...

• I LOVE the idea of having either a nativity/village for the advent calendar and letting the kids add to it each day with Baby Jesus being added on Christmas eve... http://saltandchocolate.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-advent-village-is-coming-along.html
• How fun and easy would these be to do? They are beautiful and the kids would LOVE it! http://littlemommaandcompany.blogspot.com/2008/12/painted-holiday.html
• I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this wreath and will be hitting the after Christmas sales to pick me up some of these ornaments! http://tidymomof2.blogspot.com/2008/12/glass-ball-ornament-wreath.html
• I've been wanting to do one of these calendars for a LONG time and even bought the pans (over a year ago) but just couldn't come up with a simple idea... Here's one... http://www.remodelingthislife.com/2008/12/03/magnetic-advent-calendar
• Need a neighbor gift? I LOVE the idea of cookie dough logs (you could even put a note on it that said "Here's some dough for the Christmas holiday!" Here's a link to my cousin, Gina's site: http://ginahappenings.blogspot.com/2008/12/november-happenings.html and here is one I found on the internet: http://www.makeandtakes.com/cookie-dough-log-rolls