Winter Vacation 2015

We recently returned from our winter vacation, we had such a wonderful time last year, we decided we had to go back to the same place again this year and were not disappointed. 

 The cabin is huge, but still incredibly cozy. Oh, and the best part, is that it snowed the entire time we were there! There was at least 6 inches of fresh snow every morning.  I seriously have not seen so much snow since I was a little kid. We were falling through it as we walked in it. 

The kids could not get enough of it, they didn't even want to come inside for lunch.

 We built snowmen, forts, had snow ball fights, went sledding and ice skating. 

This years getaway was like a dream, everything I could have ever wanted. Snow, wood burning fireplace, good food and most important family and friends. 

We had such an amazing time and the 4 days flew by in a blink of an eye. We made so much memories, and I am so glad that I took pictures, I have printed them and put them into our albums. We have a family album and each kid has their own album. They love looking through the pictures and talking about all the special moments. 

Here are a some pictures of our trip :)

--the back yard is amazing--

-- the living room--                          -- these icicles are so pretty--

--me and my big kids--

--my kidos loved the snow--

Winter/Christmas House tour

This is my absolute favorite time on the year!

The cold outside does not bother me, because I know that I have this cozy little home to come home to, filled with the people I love. The house is looking so lovely with the twinkling lights and smells amazing with candles and all the new recipes I am trying. 

This is the season on celebrating our Christ the savior. So I am bringing light,  joy and happiness into my home. 

My home tour may not be extravagant, but it is mine and I love it. I thank our God everyday for the home he gave me and the loving family that fills it. 

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you all have a great holiday season,

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

We love snickerdoodle cookies in our home, and these just take it to a whole new level. 

They are amazing! We all love them, I have to control myself with only one or two. 

Print recipe HERE

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CRUST:

• 12 full size graham crackers
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE CHEESECAKE FILLING:

• 2 packages (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

FOR THE SNICKERDOODLE LAYER:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup  chopped pecans

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

• DIRECTIONS:

  
  

  1. Line a 13x9 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat oven for 350 degrees.
  2. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers with pecans and sugar until fine crumbs. Add in melted butter and pulse until combined.
  3. Press crumbs into bottom of prepared baking dish. 
  4. For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla and cinnamon using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer. Beat until fluffy and smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Pour over graham crust.
  5. For the cookie dough, beat butter with sugar for 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat thoroughly. Add in baking powder, salt, flour and cinnamon and beat until fully combined. Fold in chopped pecans. Scoop dough by large spoonfuls onto the top of the cheesecake layer. Try to use your fingertips to spread gently until cheesecake layer if fully covered.
  6. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon topping. Sprinkle generously over the cookie dough layer.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes. That's okay. Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight. Cut into squares and enjoy.

 Thanks for visiting,