Reusable Gift Wrapping Idea

I really like to use gift wrap that won't just end up in the trash, but I don't want it to be boring. In the past I've given gifts wrapped in a tote bag, but what about a baby shower?

For a baby boy shower I picked up a little blanket and coordinating storage crate at Target. These cost all of $4.49 total, no more than a nice gift bag and tissue paper.

I arranged the baby clothes inside, love the little dinosaurs! (There are some practical, slightly less cute burp pads underneath).

Add a bright bow, and ta-da! All done, it just needs a tag. No waste, and the wrapping becomes part of the gift!
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Merry Christmas! Celebrate with pie!

Paula Deen's Peppermint Pie has been a hit with my family for the past few years, and is now requested at the work potluck. It only takes a few ingredients, and is a good way to use up some candy canes! Her instructions are super simple, so here are some photos and notes to help-
See photos & notes



Step 1- Gather ingredients
Oreo makes the best chocolate crust in my opinion. I used these massive peppermint sticks to cut down on plastic waste.


Step 1a- Pour self a glass of wine
House Wine, love the label. The wine itself is just ok. The festive red glass makes the pie taste better.


Step 2- do you see what I see?
...uh-huh.


Step 3- smush!
Rolling pins, hammers, and other blunt objects work well.


Step 3- done!
Make sure they're nice & small, otherwise it'll take forever to melt.


Step 4- melt!
This is what it looks like when you first add the cream. It starts to take on that great pink color.


Step 4 continued
Keep the heat very low, and stir often.


You can take the opportunity to make a sandwich and refill your wine glass.


This is a good consistency, it won't all melt completely.


Step 5- secret trick
It always seems that a few solid pieces persist, so I strain out the mostly melted candy. Let it cool at room temperature, don't chill (the gelatin will make it solidify). Stir every 10 minutes or so while it's cooling, otherwise a skin forms on top.


Step 6- whip & fold!
For best results chill your bowl and whisk in the freezer before whipping. I have a stand mixer, so it makes super fast work of this step. (The mixer is also pink...hmm...)


Step 7- Fill crusts!
Don't worry if you have too much filling, or a few crumbs end up on top.


Sprinkles will fix it! I didn't fill these too high because they had to travel, so...


The extra filling goes well with hot cocoa or coffee, just be careful not to make a huge mess like I did...



Your tasty pink peppermint pies are done! Voila!

Enjoy, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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