DIY: Peppermint Cheesecake

 

 I LOVE peppermint.  This is the only time of year I allow myself to indulge in it, so I save up all my cravings for December.  I think it's the refreshingly sweet mint that cuts up all the rich foods.  Making an absolutely perfect balance.

In 2012's DIY List, I made Peppermint Ice Cream.   So this year, I decided to try out some Peppermint Cheesecake.  I cheated a little by buying a pre-made chocolate crust, but for the cheesecake I used this recipe from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody.

This did turn out really yummy and is quite a holiday treat.  I substituted peppermint extra for the alcohol, but reduced the amount.  Other than that, it ended up being quite a treat for our family.  And it would be something I'd definitely make again.

10 Goals this Week

Here's how I did on my goals this week:

Parenting:

*Celebrate my daughter's birthday

*Clean out donations

Blogging:

*Finish book club book (so close)

*Finish 1-2 unfinished posts

Homemaking:

*Finish party prep, make pinata

*Try 1-2 new recipes

*Make cookie dough for freezer

*Clean nightstand/dresser top

Personal:

*Get 8.5 hrs sleep/night

*Workout 3-4 days

These are My 10 Goals for the Week:

Parenting:

*Finish Christmas shopping

*Make some great memories with the kids

Blogging:

*Finish book club book

*Finish 1-2 unfinished posts

Homemaking:

*Make Peanut Butter Blossoms

*Get presents/ books wrapped

*Clean off nightstand

*Try 1-2 new recipes

Personal:

*Get 8.5 hrs sleep/night

*Workout 3-4 days

What are your goals for the week?

Felt Poinsettia Pins

I love poinsettias.  They're so festive and cheery.  I think there's something perfectly Christmas-y about poinsettias.  So while I was thinking about creating something for my mom and grandma, I really wanted to include this holiday treat.  And that's how I came up with these Felt Poinsettia Pins

You'll need:

Red or white felt

Hot glue and gun

Scissors

Buttons

Glitter, optional

1. Cut a paper petal template in two sizes of your choice.  One for the first layer, and a smaller petal for the top layer.

2. Cut 6 petals of the larger size and 6 petals of the smaller size.

3. Start arranging your bottom petals, overlapping and gluing as you go.

4. Glue your top, smaller petals on top, overlapping as you go.

5.  Adhere a decorative button in the center.

6. Add the pin back to the reverse.

7.  Finally add glitter glue of your choice to add a little sparkle.

And there you have it... a pretty gift for someone special this holiday season.  Enjoy!

Weekend Links

Twix Bars Revisited

Super Hero Dress Up Set

Free Printable Holiday Tags

DIY North Pole Ornament

Cranberry Sweet Rolls

This Week:

What I Made: Lots of party stuff.  I made a pin the crown on the ballerina game and some graham cracker houses for the kids.    Gonna be a fun party.

What I'm Reading: I'm finishing up the book club book and really like it.  I think I'm gonna see if I can get my husband to read it with me in the new year.

What I'm Doing:  Trying to balance homeschool, birthday, and holidays all at the same time.  And still trying to get into the spirit of the holidays.

What I'm Watching:  Excited for the Survivor finale on Sunday.  Gonna be a good one.

What I'm Enjoying: Being with friends and family on my daughter's birthday.

What are you up to?

10 More Must See Christmas Movies

Last year I posted my 5 Must See Christmas Movies that we watch every year.  Those are my definite must sees to celebrate the season.  Especially White Christmas.  But in cause you're looking for something new, here are 10 More Must See Christmas Movies on our list.

Mickey's Christmas Carol

The Christmas Shoes

The Polar Express

Christmas in Connecticut

The Christmas Box

November Christmas

Snow

Christmas comes to Willow Creek

The Santa Clause

Santa Clause is Comin' to Town

What's on your Must See Christmas List?