C.D. Loken's Blog, page 10

April 18, 2015

Cranberry-Chicken Salad


The weather has been absolutely GORGEOUS, here in our neck of the woods!  Yesterday-the temps were at a record high of 80 degrees!!!  Now, of course, this isn't going to last(50's next week)-so I decided to take full advantage of the glorious weather in the afternoon, and get caught up on some outdoor chores.  The lawn was raked-gardens were cleaned out-porch furniture was dusted off-and when it was finally time for a break.......


I whipped up one of my favorite 'summertime' salad's for lunch!  I'm not sure if it's the crunchiness of the celery-the tartness of the cranberries-or the creamy dressing, but I just can't get enough of this YUMMY salad!!

And it's SO easy to make!!!


Here is what you'll need:


Cranberry-Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken (diced) **I used leftover roasted chicken from the night before)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup celery (diced)
3 Tablespoons chopped red onion
6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Apples and nuts are optional

Directions:

Combine mayonnaise and lemon juice in a small bowl.  Add curry powder, salt and pepper.  Add chicken, celery, cranberries, and onion.  Mix well.  Serve over a bed of lettuce, or on your favorite bread!  Serves 4. (If you don't eat the whole bowl yourself!!)


Blessings and hugs,

CD


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Published on April 18, 2015 07:25

April 16, 2015

A Restoration Hardware Inspired Mirror!

Initially, I wasn't going to do a separate post on this project-simply because it was just too darn easy!  I figured I'd just slip it into my final foyer reveal post.  But every time I walk through the foyer-I can't help but smile, because I am SO in love with this piece-that I just had to share it all with you now!!


Remember when I posted about this old mirror frame a few months ago???  I told you that I'd found it up in our attic shortly after I moved in.  Back then I was just starting the renovations on the house-and I really didn't have any place to put it.  So....I placed it in the back of one of our guest room closets-and there it sat.  Until...I re-discovered it while doing some Spring cleaning.

The wheels in my head began to turn-and if you remember that post-you'll remember I thought I would turn it into a headboard!!!  WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!  All I can say is-thank goodness I had too many other projects to work on-and once again put the mirror frame aside.


Restoration Hardware
Because one day-while I was searching for some inspiration for another project-I found this GORGEOUS mirror at Restoration Hardware!!!  I LOVED it-but the price tag literally made my eyes bug out of my head!!  $1200!!!  No way!!!

And then another light bulb went off in my head!!! (Hubby hates when that happens-because it usually means work for him!)

**Sorry, the photo's are a bit iffy-but the foyer gets very little natural light (the only windows are stain glassed)!!

Well....it did mean a little work for both of us-but like I said-it was SO easy!!!




All this beautiful piece really needed was a little TLC-and of course... a mirror! 




The first step was giving this old girl (yes, I assign genders to my projects-is that weird??) a cook coating of moisturizer, as the wood had obviously seen better days before sitting in the attic!!  After I let that soak in-I wiped any excess off-and let it dry overnight.  The next step was adding just a teeny bit of color.  I didn't want it too dark-so I chose Antique Brown by MINWAX.  It took 2 coats total+ one coat of poly, and that was it!!




Oh-except we did have to get the mirror, which hubby installed, ($35.00 at our local hardware store), as well two D ring's (100 lb weight) and wire for hanging. ($3.49 at Walmart).


We are waiting on a light fixture for the foyer (we hope it arrives this week), and then I'll finally be able to reveal the foyer makeover!!  In the meantime-I have one more project ( this one requires a bit more of hubby's help), which I'll be sharing with you on Monday!


Have an awesome Thursday!

Blessings and hugs,

CD

I'll be linking up to these parties-so stop on over and be inspired!!!



From my Front porch to yoursInspiring GraceJann OlsonKatherine's CornerFrench Country CottageRooted in ThymeShabby NestRomantic Home DIY-Vintage ChicFunky JunkPierced Past TimesWhat to do WeekendsReasons to skip HouseworkSix Sisters StuffShow me Saturdays Nifty Thrifty SundayUnder the Table and Dreaming 
 
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Published on April 16, 2015 08:52

April 14, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #119

Hello, sweet friends!!  Since last Sunday was Easter-I didn't share my weekly loves in my-Sensational Sunday Love Links posts.  So...I decided I'd share three of them from last week's party now!!!
1.  Favorite DIY/Upcycle-  I check the hop throughout the week to pick my favorites-so don't ever be worried you're post will be missed!  #434 definitely caught my eye last week!  I have a stepson who plays guitar in a band, and I know he would LOVE this amazing Americana design that Robin from the blog-Redo it Yourself Inspirations created for her tween son!!!  I LOVE the idea she came up with to use burnt sheets of music to add just that UNIQUE-one of a kind touch!!!
2.Favorite Room Makeover- What a breathtaking-AMAZING transformation!!!  If you don't believe me-check out what Joan from Nicer than New did to change this room from 'granny style', (her words) to absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I LOVE the curtains, the blue buffet, the table, the flowers..okay-I LOVE everything!!!

3. Favorite Recipe- You all know how much I LOVE anything with lemons-so how could I NOT choose these YUMMY Lemon Cheesecake Cookie Bites???  And even better- after I clicked over to Parish's blog, Life with the Crust Off, to grab this recipe-I found several other delicious lemon recipes+so much more there too!!!
 Now that I've shared my favorites from last week's party-let's get to this weeks!  Don't forget-I'll be sharing my favorites on our Pinterest board, and social media-as well as, on this week's Sensational Sunday Love Links post!
Party on...Read more »
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Published on April 14, 2015 16:28

April 13, 2015

A Grandmother's Love




 I must admit-I had mixed emotions as I drove to my daughter and son in law's home, last Sunday morning. 

A part of me was nervous.  After all-it's been a LONG time since this old gal has taken care of a three month old for more than an hour or two.  I worried that maybe, after all this time, I'd forgotten how to do even the simplest of things-like changing a diaper-or feeding a bottle.  And what if my adorable little grandson began to fuss?  Would I remember how to calm him? 

But I also felt  deeply humbled and honored that Mel and Andy were entrusting their precious child with me. Even though it has been MANY years ago-I can still remember the first day I dropped Mel off at my mothers, when it was time to go back to work.  At the time I thought it was one of the most difficult and heart wrenching moments in my life, but I would soon learn that there were even more to come. Day care...Pre-school- Kindergarten-  each time I was forced to hand over the most precious gift I'd been given- and it always felt as if my heart was being ripped from my chest.  But nothing could compare to the day I left Mel at her college dorm!  I swear I cried all the way home-and for several days thereafter.

Of course I was also, 'over the moon' excited to be spending a WHOLE week with the kids and my adorable grandson!!

I had it all planned out.

 During the day-I would feed, play, change diapers, and snuggle with my grandson.  And while he napped-I'd help the kids out whatever way I could.  Whether it be laundry or dishes-packing for their move, or taking Charlie (their puppy), I was ready to pitch in and make this difficult transition a bit easier for both of them.

And at night-well-I planned on doing a little shopping-editing some photo's-and writing my weekly blog posts.  Of course there were emails to catch up on-comments to respond to-and blogs I wanted to visit as well.  And last but not least-I wanted to spend time with the kids after Max went to bed.
 

After all- if Mel and Andy can work full time, go to school part time, take care of Max, two cats and a dog, as well as keep up a three bedroom home-and STILL have energy to cook, bake, do laundry, and sterilize bottles at the end of the day-this week should be a breeze for me!!!  Right?

 
Wrong.

Oh sure-the first day was easy. Before Mel left for work-I finished my blog post and submitted it. Then diapers were changed-bottles were fed-diapers were changed again- and Max and I played-giggled-and snuggled to my hearts content. During his morning nap-I had time to load the dishwasher, do a load of laundry-and even sweep the floors, before he woke up.  The afternoon was no different.  Diaper changes, feeding, play time, naps-and a few chores.  Things were going well!  REALLY, REALLY well.

But I have to be honest-by the time Mel and Andy arrived home Monday night-this gal was pooped out- and I can't deny that my arms and back were a little worn for wear-after carrying around twelve pounds all day! 

Needless to say- I had no desire (or energy) to go shopping-preferring instead-to chat with the kids about their day over dinner-and watch Mel give Max his nightly bath before bedtime.

As for the kids-there day was far from over-even after Max was in bed.  There were bottles to fill and sterilize-house plans to discuss-meetings to schedule-lunches to make.  The list goes on and on.

I wondered, as I lie in bed that night-'how on earth can they keep up with it all?'

 But they do.

 And they will.

 Because that's what parent's do.



I may not have accomplished all of the things I wanted to do in the remaining days of my visit-but I did accomplish one. 

I cherished every single moment I had-and when it was time to leave.....

I felt like I had all those years ago, as I drove away................



And I realized-even as a grandparent-it doesn't get any easier letting go.


Blessings and hugs,

CD






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Published on April 13, 2015 10:37

April 7, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #118

Hello, sweet friends! I'm having the time of life this week-babysitting my grandson, Max!!!  I swear he grows just a little bigger(and cuter) every single day!!  Tonight we are going to see a house that Mel and Andy are interested in buying-and I am OVER THE MOON thrilled to check it out(and of course, give my opinion!)
I can't wait to see what you all have to share this week!  Don't forget to stop by our Pinterest board to see if we pinned your link up to our favorites board-and stop by my weekly Sensational Sunday post-I just may be sharing some love for YOUR recipe, DIY project, or decor!!

Blessings and hugs,

CD
Let's Party!!! 



Welcome to our party!


Do you like homemade ice cream? You must. A great 3-ingredient recipe for DIY chocolate ice cream was the most viewed post last week and guess what's the best thing about this recipe? No ice cream maker needed! You could make some right in your kitchen today! Her yummy recipe is our main feature, below. 

Now... before you share your awesome posts with us this week,  take a look at our features from last week.
Please stop by, say "congrats" and pin them, too.


Most Viewed

3 Ingredient Chocolate Ice Cream No Ice Cream Machine Needed from Almost Supermom

I think this may be the first time that THREE of our most popular posts were from the same blogger! Beth from Hungry Happenings is the creative genius behind three of our other popular posts (below) ... all the cutest ever food art you'll see!
Very Popular Copycat Dole Pineapple Whip by Cincy Shopper
Egg Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pizza Peeps from Hungry Happenings
Cafe Mocha Rice Krispie Rice Kripie Treat Cups from Hungry Happenings
Crescent Roll Cream Horn Carrots by Hungry Happenings


Editor's Pick
Yummy!


Lemon Poppyseed Bisquick Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup from Spend With Pennies


So let's get this party started!


Our hosts ...
April Guest Co-Host
Dawn Bedingfield
Simple Guidelines:
Please follow our host and co-hosts in as many ways possible (social media links below) PLEASE TWEET THIS PARTY !!!!  We want everyone to know about it!Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like, no giveaways please.Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there! Visit our FEATURES and comment, pin or share -- do what you can to bless them!When you are PINNING, please remember to do it from the original post. ♥If you are new,  let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥And, thanks for joining us!
Follow our hosts as you can. 
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily BreadBlog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
CD of CD's Country LivingBlog Bloglovin'Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest 
Carrie of A Mother’s ShadowBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
Jaime of The Stay At Home Mom Survival GuideBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest
Kim of 2JustByouBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ Instagram Pinterest Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Tammy of My Life AbundantBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Brittany of Mommy On DemandBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
Nicole and Susan of Flavors By FourBloBloglovin Facebook Pinterest
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row  (host)Blog / Bloglovin’/  Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest  /Twitter
Dawn of Spatulas on Parade APRIL GUEST HOST!Blog Bloglovin' / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter



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Published on April 07, 2015 15:59

April 6, 2015

Inspiration Board for our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Hello, sweet friends!!  I hope you all had a VERY Happy Easter!  Most of my morning was spent driving-but trust me-I didn't mind it a bit!  Once I arrived at my destination (Mel and Andy's), I couldn't get enough kisses and squeezes from my adorable grandson, Maxwell!

I'm so excited to be spending the week taking care of that special bundle of joy- as his mommy makes the transition back to work-but don't fret-I'm still making time for some very special posts!!


Today's post is something very near, and dear to my heart.  My kitchen!



Maybe it's because I grew up in a farmhouse-or, maybe it's just because I love the warm-relaxed-and simplistic elements-but turning our kitchen into a farmhouse kitchen has been a dream of mine ever since I stepped into that ugly 1970's style room, seven years ago!!

Now...after all those years-I'm finally getting the chance to do some MAJOR updates-and the first step in doing so was creating an inspiration board.

 Since we had a limited budget to work with-we started our kitchen's makeover by painting the kitchen cabinets last summer.  Although it was a messy and time consuming job-it was well worth it!  I LOVE how they turned out!!

But we more work to do.  The drop down ceiling was removed last week-giving us an additional 2 inches in ceiling height!!  And now it's time to start pulling it all together.


1.  Glass front cabinets


2. Baskets for storage


3. Functional faucet

4. Blinds

5. Lighting

6.Open shelves

7. Island

8. Counter-top

9. Rustic Wood

10.  Vintage accents

11. White subway tile black splash with grey grout

12.  Paint color



You might notice that there is one KEY farmhouse element missing from my board.

 No farmhouse sink!  I know-I shed a tear every time I think of it.  But when I do-hubby always reminds me that this is not our FOREVER kitchen, and I'll have my dream sink someday!!!


Sources:  BHG, Pottery Barn, Lowes, Tru-Value

Have an AMAZING Monday-I'm off to change a diaper and sneak in a few smooches!!!


Blessings and hugs,

CD


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Published on April 06, 2015 08:34

April 3, 2015

A sneak peek at the foyer staircase!

Hello, sweet friends!  I hope your week was AMAZING!!

 Hubby and I have been enjoying our time with family-and getting caught up on the foyer and kitchen projects!

I apologize for the lateness of my post-as well as it being brief, but I am covered in paint-and still have to clean up-before the rest of the family arrives on our doorstep!!!




Hubby and I were finally able to get the spindles up on the foyer staircase!! YIPPEE!!


We aren't done yet though!! :(  There is still trim to do-+touch ups, but I'm happy to say we are FINALLY reaching the end of the project!!!


As for the kitchen???


The drywall is up-and hubby's been busy taping and filling in holes.  Nope-not a WHOLE lot of progress-but that's okay!  We've purchased the pendant lights-so that will be next-as well as a makeover for our existing kitchen island!  I'll be sharing that VERY soon!



Last but not least-I will be heading to the cities on Easter Sunday, for a week long visit (and MANY snuggles), with my adorable grandson, so I'm sending out a HUGE hug to all of you amazing folks-and wishing you a joyous and very blessed Easter!!

I'll be back on Monday to share the inspiration board I created for our modern farmhouse kitchen!

Until then....


Blessings and hugs,

CD



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Published on April 03, 2015 14:07

March 31, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop # 117

Last week's party was AMAZING, and I can't wait to see what you all have to share for hop #117!!!  Don't forget-I'll be pinning all of my favorites to our Pinterest board, and sharing on Facebook and Google+ tonight and all day tomorrow!  And check out my weekly Sensational Sunday Love Links post-for even more of my favorites!!!

Blessings and hugs,
CD

Get ready....set....GO- It's PARTY TIME!!!

Welcome to Dawn Bedingfield, of the very popular blog Spatulas On Parade.  She is our special guest host for the month of APRIL and we are so glad! Dawn's social media is at the top of the list this week. Please be sure to stop by and show her LOTS of love. ♥


Wow! What a great party we had last week.
You loved so many posts and visited them lots!!!
Two posts were tied for most viewed and here they are ...

MOST VIEWED Who Does Google Think YOU Are? by Unremarkable Files10 Items Worth Buying @ Dollar Store from My Coupon Lady

Very Popular Bunny Butt Ice Cream Cones from Hungry HappeningsLove Through Humor from Heaven Is Smiling AboveEasy Delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars from Life is Poppin

Editor's Pick #DIY #crafts #homedecor

How To Make A Patchwork Headboard from Wright Simply

 Simple Guidelines:
Please follow our host and co-hosts in as many ways possible (social media links below) PLEASE TWEET THIS PARTY !!!!  We want everyone to know about it!Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like, no giveaways please.Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there! Visit our FEATURES and comment, pin or share -- do what you can to bless them!When you are PINNING, please remember to do it from the original post. ♥If you are new,  let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥And, thanks for joining us!
Follow our hosts as you can. Dawn of Spatulas on Parade NEW!Blog / Bloglovin' / Facebook / Google+/ Pinterest / Twitter
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily BreadBlog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
CD of CD's Country LivingBlog Bloglovin'Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest 
Carrie of A Mother’s ShadowBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
Jaime of The Stay At Home Mom Survival GuideBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest
Kim of 2JustByouBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ Instagram Pinterest Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Tammy of My Life AbundantBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Brittany of Mommy On DemandBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
Nicole and Susan of Flavors By FourBloBloglovin Facebook Pinterest
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row  (host)Blog / Bloglovin’/  Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest  /Twitter
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Published on March 31, 2015 15:59

Fabulous Fruit Pizza!

Happy Tuesday, sweet friends!


Are you sensing a little theme with my recipes lately?

Last week I shared a  quick and easy recipe for breakfast pizza.

And this week....Fruit pizza!

So why am I suddenly obsessed with all things PIZZA? Well, it's quite simple. 

The recipes I mean. 

Both are so easy to make-and better yet....so versatile. 

That makes this gal, who has a lot on her plate right now-VERY, VERY happy!

Best of all-fruit pizza has become a family favorite at our house!
 
And really..what's not to love?


Fresh fruit...........


On top of a flaky cookie crust.........................


 smothered in a sweet glaze.  YUMMY!!


So if you're looking for a scrumptious sweet treat for your Easter brunch-look no further!!

Here is the recipe!!

Enjoy!!



Fabulous Fruit Pizza


Ingredients:

1 20 oz can pineapple chunks
1 16.5 oz can of refrigerated cookie dough
1/2 cup white sugar
8 oz package cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla
 lemon juice
Fruit- strawberries, apples, bananas, grapes, blueberries, kiwi, or whatever fruit is in season.

Directions:

Drain pineapple, reserving liquid.  Pour liquid into a small saucepan.  Add cornstarch, and cook until thickened. Cool and set aside.  Spread cookie dough onto an un-greased cookie sheet or pizza pan.  Bake according to package directions.  Let cool.  Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla.  Spread over crust.  Arrange fruit on top of cream cheese.  Cover with thickened pineapple glaze.  Keep refrigerated until serving.

****************************************************************
Blessings and hugs,

CD
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Published on March 31, 2015 08:24

March 29, 2015

Sensational Sunday Love Links!

Hello, sweet friends!  How is your weekend?  I hope all is well, and you're doing whatever it is that gives you joy!


Ours has been filled with family, friends, food, and tons of laughter.  Hubby was 'over the moon' happy, when his daughter flew in from Oregon for a  week long visit on Friday!  Yesterday, Katt and hubby's two sons, Tony and Shane-pitched in with our kitchen remodel, and helped put up drywall!



We are expecting some nasty weather today-so I think we might all enjoy one of those 'lazy' Sunday's-and I plan on making something special for brunch!!  I'll be sharing that recipe and more, next week!

I hope you find a 'little' inspiration in this week's LOVES!!

Enjoy!


1.  Favorite re-purpose-  You won't believe what this GORGEOUS flower bucket looked like before Janet used her magic!!!





2. Favorite Easter DIY-  I ADORE these cute twine eggs-don't you???  This would be a great project to do with the kiddo's for Easter-and they will last for years!!!



3.  Favorite Recipe-  You all know how much I LOVE breakfast-so this YUMMY Breakfast Casserole recipe will soon find it's way on our table for Sunday Brunch!!



4. Favorite Spring vignette- I love EVERYTHING about this sweet vignette!  The bunnies-the baskets-and those speckled eggs in the picture frame....LOVELY-as is the rest of Julie's house tour!


5.  Favorite Tablescape- So simple-yet so DRAMATIC!  By the way-while you're checking out Bre's lovely dining room and table-check out her home tour too!!  In one word.... WOW!!! 



6. Favorite Furniture Makeover-  I LOVE a good furniture makeover-and of course, Marian never disappoints-but this one is not just good-it's FABULOUS!!!




Have a SENSATIONAL SUNDAY!!

Blessings and hugs,

CD
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Published on March 29, 2015 08:06