New at the Shop: 2011 Weekly Planners

My dears, have you heard the good news?  The 2011 Planners are in the shop!  Their lovely and even better than last year, with a gorgeous array of vintage-inspired colors and pewter wire binding.  Plus, they're still the perfect size for a purse - or a stocking.

And here's more exciting news: I've just launched a brand new newsletter!  The newsletter will be sent seasonally and is full of goodies including exclusive discounts and printables.  Be sure to sign up now so you won't miss the Winter edition.  You'll be glad you did.

DIY: Bunting Advent Calendar

I am a big time procrastinator.  I wish I wasn't and I have seen improvements over the years, but here we are - December 1st - and do you know what I spent the morning doing?  Putting together this advent calendar.  Because it's time to start it already!  Can you believe that December is already here? 

I'm hoping that you're in the same boat as me (or know someone else who is) and need a quick and easy calendar that you can put together with things found around the house, too.  That's exactly what this calendar is: a raiding of my craft cupboard.  It turned out so darling, though! 

Here's how to do it yourself:

SUPPLIES:

• Paper scraps


• Scissors


• 1/8" hole punch


• Numbers: either rub-on, stickers or you can write them yourself


• Twine or string


• Ribbon

STEPS:

1. Cut the paper scraps into various widths and lengths.  You should have 25 in all (if you're starting with Dec. 1st; you can always start a little later in the month, too).  Fold in half and cut diagonally across the bottom corner to create points at the bottom of your "flags."


2. Using the hole punch, punch two small holes in the top of each flag, one in each corner.  Be careful not to get too close to the edge, so your paper won't rip when you thread the twine through.


3. Arrange the flags in a row in an eye-catching pattern.


4. Starting with the first flag add a number to the bottom, centered just above the points.


5. Flip each number over and add an activity for that day or a clue as to wear a toy or sweet is hidden.


6. Thread the twine through the holes and tie a ribbon bow on one side of the twine, if desired. 

That's all there is to it!  It's really very simple but looks fantastic when you're done.  We've decided to put a good range of different activities along with a few small goodies, so it's not all about the presents.  A few of my favorites:

1. Attend the city tree lighting


2. Make paper snowflakes


3. Make a gingerbread house


4. Go ice skating, tubing or sledding


5. Build a snowman


6. Visit Temple Square to see the lights
   


7. Make egg nog


8. Bake Christmas cookies


9. Make presents for friends


10. Make wrapping paper using potato stamps

What types of activites do you look forward to during the Christmas season?  Do you have fond memories of using advent calendars when you were a child?