(in)spired deals review

 

Click here for info about (in)courage's (in)spired deals

I love Christmas time. Though battling crowds and traffic while searching for those "just right" gifts can sometimes threaten to steal some of that joy, it's still one of my favorite times of the year. I love finding cute paper to wrap my gifts and getting excited when I know I've found the "perfect" gift for someone! This is my first year teaching and we've welcomed December with making glitter snowflakes and cinnamon ornaments. I've hung up a jingle bell wreath and another jingle bell on my door, hearing the soft tinkle of the bell whenever a kiddo comes in. 

And I'm excited to add Dayspring's Redeemed Fabric Wreath to my classroom! I took it to school the other day and laid it on my desk, not quite sure where I would hang it. One of my first graders saw it, asking "You brought more Christmas stuff?" Yes, I did (smile). I love the colors of the wreath and have every intention of leaving it up beyond Christmas. When I pulled it out of the box, my creativity was immediately stirred up; I want to make one for the spring!

To me, redeemed can't be summed up in a word. It's living a life that embraces the forgiveness I've found in God. It's looking at others as He would. It's being His hands and feet to those who are hurting. It's me loving my first grade kiddos, investing into their lives the best I can. It's showing compassion and mercy to others and letting God to shine through me.

I received my fabric wreath for my honest review as part of (in)courage's (in)spired deals program.

recipe: peppermint pattie brownies

One of my goals while on Christmas break is do some major baking! These brownies are at the top of the list! They're from the amazing Jessica at How Sweet It Is. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup chocolate chips
peppermint pattie layer
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
ganache
3.5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
2.5 tablespoons heavy cream

 

Directions:

"Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine melted butter with sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until combined and almost smooth. Whisk in each egg one at a time, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Add in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt, stirring until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread batter in the 8x8 baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Remove and let cool. While brownies are cooling, add powdered sugar, butter, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla and peppermint extracts to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and creamy. Pour over brownies and spread in an even layer with a spoon or spatula. Place in the refrigerator until set, about 30 minutes. To make ganache, heat heavy cream until warm and pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir for a few minutes until totally combined, smooth and creamy. Spread over the top of the peppermint layer or cut brownies first and spoon over top. I love these refrigerated!"