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Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas

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newspaper-wrapping
There are several more hours before Christmas Eve, and I just got back from the supermarket. Needless to say, it’s sheer chaos out there. My sister’s wrapping up her gifts at the last moment – sans traditional Christmas wrapping paper. If you’re tired of wrapping gifts the same old boring way, here are a few ideas which you can put to good use without having to buy new materials.

Dig into your old stuff and look for suitable materials. We have found widespread brochures and catalogs to be useful. They’re really colorful and perfect for Christmas gifts. Usually, the material is glossy, making it even more suitable for wrapping gifts. For wine bottles, I just get a big enough spread of material, wrap it up, and twist. Just tie a ribbon for added flair.

I also got a couple of gifts wrapped in plain brown paper – the kind that they use in meat shops. I really like it even though it’s just plain and not that festive, it does have an appeal of its own. What I was thinking was that if you have kids, you can ask them to draw or paint on the paper. That would make the wrapping even more special.

How about newspaper? For your eco-conscious friends, this would be the perfect choice. I am sure you have a stack of old newspapers somewhere – just get some tape and a pair of scissors and you’ll be done with your gift-wrapping in no time at all!

Easter Egg Overload?

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If you’re anything like us, you had way too many eggs over the Easter holiday. I suppose we do not really think about the days following the holiday – what are we going to do with all those eggs? Some are simply wasteful and throw them away. At this point in time, though, wastefulness is something that we shouldn’t even consider. So, what to do with all those Easter eggs?

The answer is simple: be as creative as you can and come up with new recipes to make use of those leftover eggs. I found some really mouthwatering recipes over at iVillage; here are my favorites, which I shall make use of!

Deviled Bacon and Eggs
All you need are the hardboiled eggs (of which you have plenty, I assume), some bacon, salt, mayo, and pepper. Get the yolk and mash it with the seasonings and mayo. Put the mashed yolk back into the egg whites and top with crispy bacon. Simple, isn’t it? I think I’m going to add some cayenne pepper for more kick.

Garlic Pickled Hard Cooked Eggs
Doesn’t the name make your mouth water? For this, you’ll need hardboiled eggs (without the shells, of course), pickle juice (just get the juice from a can or bottle of pickles), peppercorns, red pepper flakes, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and juniper berries. Combine all the ingredients in a jar huge enough to contain the eggs plus liquid. Keep in the fridge for at least 3 days. Dig in! According to the recipe, this can be kept in the fridge for 2 weeks before you need to throw it out. I think it 2 weeks won’t pass by before you eat it all up!

Labor Day Weekend On The Cheap

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Labor-Day-Parade

Long weekends are something that come far and few in between, and we all look forward to them. For those with children, though, long weekends can sometimes be more of a problem rather than a respite. After all, parents would want to keep their children occupied and spend some quality time together without spending too much money. Here are some activities that you can do this weekend – all of them either free or very affordable.

Go to a free outdoor concert. Outdoor concerts with no admission fees are part of Labor Day weekend. You just have to check what’s going on in your area to find something that you and the kids may enjoy. It is also a great time to have a picnic. Make sure you bring everything that you will need – blankets, tarps, chairs, food, and drink. It’s a good idea to go early, so that you can get a good spot.

Support workers by joining or watching the parade. Labor Day weekend is not just some holiday which gives us another day free of work. In fact, it was conceptualized to celebrate the American worker, remember? More than likely, there will be a parade in your town or city. You might want to take this opportunity to educate your children on the American work ethic.

Go apple picking. This is more appropriate in states such North Carolina, Virginia, New York or Washington – where it is apple picking season. If you find yourself looking for something to do on Sunday afternoon, why not head on over to an apple orchard and have some good old fashioned fun?

How to Enjoy Your Christmas in NYC

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New York City is one of the most visited places in the world, but when winter rolls in, it’s a veritable winter wonderland. Festively decorated store fronts, twinkling Christmas lights, and bustling shoppers turn this metropolis into something straight from a holiday postcard. If you’re planning a winter trip to NYC, make sure to intertwine some of the city’s most treasured sights for the proper holiday experience.

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