Baking as a Form of Self Care with Nielsen-Massey

 I'm back today to share a no-bake cheesecake recipe, sponsored by Nielsen-Massey.  As a member of their sampling team, I was sent a bottle of Pure Vanilla Extract to create my own recipe inspired by the "Bake for You" theme.

Baking is a delicious form of self care.  I enjoy being creative in the kitchen.  It's relaxing!  I turn my music playlist all the way up to get me going for each step of the recipe.  It's also a great stress reliever and has many therapeutic values.  

It's so satisfying to see the people you love enjoy something you've made.

My son and daughter love cheesecake.  It's irresistibly decadent and creamy.  My son loves it so much that he requested it for his last birthday.

I took my kids' love for cheesecake and my love for fresh fruit and flowers and ran with it!  The pure vanilla flavor takes center stage.  This simple recipe, with a buttery-cookie crust  will make your kids eat every bite of their carrots to be rewarded with this dessert!

Ingredients Cookie Crust

2 cups cookie crumbs
1/3 cup brown sugar 
1/2 cup salted butter, melted

Ingredients Cheesecake

2 tsp Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
three 8-ounce cream cheese blocks
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream 
1/2 cup  granulated sugar
 2 Tbsp powdered sugar 
 2 tsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
mixed berries for topping

Directions

Place cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl and stir with a fork until combined.  Press into the bottom and sides of tartlet pans, then set aside.  Whip the cold heavy whipping cream into stiff peaks, then set aside.  In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth using a mixer.  Add sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar, lemon juice and mix until smooth and no lumps appear.  Slowly fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until combined.  Pour combined mixture into prepared tartlets.  Chill at least 4 hours before serving so the mixture can set.  Top with berries!  Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.


*This post was made possible through a partnership with Nielsen-Massey.  All opinions expressed are my own.

New Art for My Bedroom

Collaborating with brands is a great opportunity for bloggers.  I enjoy creating content to showcase here on my blog.  I was recently contacted by Photowall--a company focused on quality, creative design and custom-made products.  Photowall is an established company with its own factory and offices in Sweden. You'll find the perfect wallpaper, stylish posters, canvas and framed prints for your home in their collections.  You can also create your own, by uploading your photo or illustration. 

I was looking to add new art above the window seat in my bedroom.  Previously I had a mirror hanging there, but two mirrors in my bedroom felt like one too much.

 mirror #1

mirror #2

 My style is constantly changing and evolving.  I would say now that my vibe is decorating with less.  I love neutral tones and keeping clutter at a minimum.

I chose a framed botanical print to give my bedroom a touch of nature on a cold, winter day.

Shipping was fast and free all the way from Sweden!  Once delivered, I was so excited to open my package.

  

Photowall was generous enough to allow me to choose a second print for my friend.  She chose a custom-framed poster by uploading a photo and having it printed.  The new art is a focal point in her dining room.  Everything she needed to hang the poster on the wall was included in the package.  Although attaching the two wooden molding pieces was a tiny-bit difficult, the quality of the art is beautiful.

*This post was sponsored by Photowall. No financial compensation was received, however I did receive art to review. All opinions expressed are my own.