Month: December 2016

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New Year’s Decorations and Bucket List

Wow, another year is almost over and gone! It has been a great year and I can only hope that 2017 will be just as good to my family and me. I really am so very blessed. Now that my kids are a bit older I have gotten a big urge to travel and visit different places. Sure I’ve traveled places but I would like to travel overseas and visit places like Greece, Scotland and France! I can’t say that will be on the agenda for the upcoming year but it is definitely on my bucket list.

Also, on my bucket list is to spend more time with my family and to make more “me” time. I work a lot. That isn’t such a bad thing but I do feel that it doesn’t leave enough time to focus on the “me” things. I have a day job and I run my own online shop and Etsy shop where I create birthday chalkboards and party supplies. I LOVE my shop and it is so very special to me having the opportunity to add a special touch to any party or event. I just actually need to stick to my shop hours and only work during them. Baby steps.

For those of you that are throwing a New Year’s party, I have put together a DIY video on YouTube on how to make several quick and easy decorations to help ring in the new year. Actually, they would go perfectly with any party theme because they are so versatile that you can make them in any color scheme that you want. The video includes directions on how to make a glitter circle banner, confetti poppers, confetti balloons and straw decorations. See below the photo of each of the items. Also below that you can find the video. I hope you enjoy!

If you watch the video and make any of the projects then I would love to see them. You can #simplydovie on Instagram or tweet me. Also, I would love if you left a comment letting me know which one  you made or liked best. Don’t forget to subscribe.

Until next time,
Dovie ♥



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Mini White Chocolate Mint Cheesecakes

Mini white chocolate mint cheesecake

Mini White Chocolate Mint Cheesecakes

Being a huge lover of cheesecake I wanted to share with you my mini white chocolate mint cheesecake recipe. I made these over the holiday and pretty much do every year if I have the time. I have been known to make several different flavors and package them up and give away as Christmas gifts. My kids, husband and everyone that eats them just loves them. They are always a huge hit for dinner parties and they do make great Christmas gifts.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the links.

Mini white chocolate mint cheesecake

Mini White Chocolate Mint Mini Cheesecakes
You will need 1 – 24 count mini muffin/cupcake tin (Wilton Recipe Right 24 Cup Mini Muffin Pan) and 24 mini foil baking liners (Wilton 415-2624 100 Count Christmas Sparkle and Cheer Baking Cups, Mini).

Crust Ingredients: (There will be extra left over)
1 cup chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Cheesecake Ingredients:
1 (8 oz) cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted white chocolate
1/4 cup of Andes peppermint crunch baking chips | Andes, Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips, 10oz Bag (Pack of 3)

Crust Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line mini muffin/cupcake tins with mini foil baking liners. Mix chocolate wafer cookie crumbs, sugar and butter in bowl. Spoon a teaspoon of crust mixture into each liner and mixture firmly down into the bottom of each liner. Bake in oven for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven.

Cheesecake Directions:
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, melted white chocolate, and peppermint chips until smooth and silky. Fill each mini liner with mixture on top of the crust, almost completely to the top. Bake in oven for 12-15. Cool before serving. Store cheesecakes in refrigerator or freeze. If you freeze then thaw completely before serving.

Tips: Make sure your cold ingredients are at room temperature before you start. Remove cheesecakes from oven before they crack, when the center is still soft.

You can watch my video tutorial

Until next time,
Dovie ♥

 



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Christmas Table Setting

Christmas table setting in white and gold.

Christmas is over but I still wanted to share my Christmas table setting with you. I truly loved my table this year as it was so elegant and festive. My dad made the comment that it “feels like your eating at a rich persons house”. I’ll take that as a compliment because I was going for elegant and I do believe I achieved just that.  Just take a look for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments.

Christmas table setting in white and gold.

Christmas table setting in white and gold.

Christmas table setting in white and gold.

I had the most wonderful day with my family playing games, laughing and eating great food! My darling husband made the most delicious roast with potatoes and carrots. Also, we ate collard greens, green beans, spinach balls and macaroni and cheese. Oh, and pie! I can’t forget about the pie.

 I put together a video of me putting together my Christmas table too! You should check it out. If you do then leave me a comment on what is your favorite part of my tablescape. I would love to know.

Here is a list of the items and the stores where I purchase them from. This post contains affiliate links, which means that I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the links.
Table cloth: Homegoods
Gold Chargers: Hobby Lobby
Christmas Tree Plates: Kohl’s
Small Salad Plate
White Dinner Napkins – Amazon
Gold Flatware: Target
Votive Candle Holder: Home Goods (I diy’ed these votive holders with gold glitter and you can view that video here)
White Vase: CVS Pharmacy
Gold Candles: Michael’s
Coasters: Target
Gold Rimmed Tumblers: Willims Sanoma
Gold Ball Sprigs: Michael’s
Merry Christmas Banner: Hobby Lobby

I hope you enjoyed and that you can find some inspiration for your next Christmas feast! Since it only comes once a year I think it should be grand!

Until next time,
Dovie ♥

Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.



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How To Make A High Chair Tutu Skirt | First Birthday

High Chair Tutu Skirt

Have you seen those adorable tutu skirts? Of course you have! This DIY project is taking a tutu skirt to another level by making a high chair tutu skirt! Yes, they make an adorable addition to your baby’s first birthday party! You spend so much time decorating for this most fabulous occasion so don’t forget to decorate the high chair too. This is such an easy project that anyone can do. Click here to check out the video or watch below on how to make an adorable high chair tutu skirt.

Materials
Pink Tulle
Gold Glitter Tulle
Pink 1 1/2″ Ribbon
Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Ruler



Thanks for watching!
Until next time,
Dovie ♥

Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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How to Make a Photo Booth Photo Frame

How much fun are the photo booth’s at parties with all the cute props so you can take some wacky, fun and adorable photos? I’ve put together a video (below) to show a quick and easy way to make a DIY photo booth photo frame that will be a big hit at your next party! You can decorate it with any embellishments and match your party theme. A photo booth picture frame will be so much fun at any time of party: birthday, graduation and even weddings!

Below is a picture of the photo booth picture frame that I made for a friends daughters first birthday party!  Remember you can decorate your photo booth photo frame any way you like! So, gather your friends and a camera and have fun being silly and capturing these crazy moments.

 

Want to see how I made the photo booth picture frame in the above picture, then watch below!

Until next time,
Dovie ♥



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