Winter Bazaar: Homemade Advent Calender

I can't take credit for this beautiful Advent calender, because it was made by my ever talented Mom, but I just had to share it. She says it's "just a panel," but if it were that easy, I would have made one already! There are 24 buttons on which to hang 24 matching holiday designs. Each design is unique, and the mix is a good balance between religious items and Santa-themed items. Some of the buttons are shaped like red hearts and others are striped candy canes.

Johnny gets a huge kick out of choosing and hanging each piece in the morning, and as I have not yet gotten my rear in gear and gotten my holiday decorations out, this advent calender is one of the few Christmas items in the house. (I am So. Behind. And so unmotivated.) It's a nice way to count down the days until Christmas, and I love that we can use it every year. Check your local fabric store for similar panels to make your own.

Also, I'd like to share my recipe for Peppermint Bark. This recipe is super easy, so it's the perfect item for kids to help make for teachers, daycare providers, etc.

Peppermint Bark
1 cup crushed candy canes (about 4 large)
12 ounces white chocolate
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread half the crushed candy on the paper. The easiest (and most fun) way to crush the candy is to put it in a zippered plastic bag and bash it into pieces with a crab mallet. Johnny enjoyed this step and so did I.

Melt the chocolate in either a microwave safe dish or a double boiler. Be sure not to heat it too vigorously or it will burn! When the chocolate is creamy, stir in the other half of the candy and the peppermint extract. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and press flat with a spoon or spatula.

Let cool at least one hour. When candy is firm, peel parchment paper from candy and break into pieces.

For more fun ideas, recipes and crafts, visit Scribbit's Winter Bazaar.