C.D. Loken's Blog, page 12

March 6, 2015

Cherry Crumble

It's that time of the year again.  The time where I am so DONE with winter!!  All I want to do is throw open the windows-get my hands dirty in the gardens-and kick my feet up on the back deck and soak up some sun!! Thankfully, the weather report for next week looks pretty promising.  I can handle 40-50 degree temps!  Oh yes I can!  Spring is coming-and I can hardly wait! But until it is officially here-I'm doing all I can to bring a little 'Spring time' into our home!



Nothing says 'SPRING' to me- quite like the smell of cherry blossoms-and the taste of this YUMMY Cherry Crumble!

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Published on March 06, 2015 08:35

March 3, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #113

I'm so excited to see what you all have to share this week!  I'm hoping for some MAJOR Spring inspiration!  Don't forget-I'll be pinning and sharing tonight and all day tomorrow-so leave a comment so I can check out your post!!

Now let's get to the party!!
 Blessing and hugs,
CD 

Welcome to our party! 
We are so glad you are here.
Last week we had lots of participation with over 410+ posts shared. Wow!


Here is the one you liked the best ...
Most Viewed
Tips For New Bloggers by J9 Designs


Very Popular  Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake By Couponing As A Lifestyle
Creative Laundry Room Organization from My Love For Words
DIY Rosette Cake by Mommy In Sports


Editor's Pick Raisin Pecan French Loaf by Oh My Sugar High



Love this party? Tweet It and It Will Grow!
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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!
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Published on March 03, 2015 16:01

Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Hello, sweet friends!  Chicken Quesadillas are one of my FAVORITE 'go to' recipes.  They are also on my top ten list of comfort foods.




There's just something about that spicy chicken-bubbling cheese, and crispy tortilla-that makes a person feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Don't you agree?

And let's not forget the toppings.  Oh no-never!  Fresh guacamole-sour cream-salsa.....and, if I'm feeling it-maybe even some lettuce.

Of course, it's that 'building' of the PERFECT quesadilla-that hubby and I both really enjoy!

I like to pile a little bit of everything on the top of each quesadilla, all pretty and dainty like.

Hubby on the other hand....not so much!!!

But whatever way you like your quesadilla-I guarantee you're going to LOVE this quick and easy recipe!

Enjoy!!!

And don't forget to stop back tonight for The Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  The party starts at 7 pm Eastern time!


Blessings,

CD
Chicken QuesadillasIngredients:2 cups shredded chicken (I roast about 2 lbs of dark meat in the oven for about 35-40 minutes)1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese1 cup chopped tomatoes1 pkg McCormick Southwest Chicken Quesadilla seasoning mix2 tablespoons water (optional)8 flour tortillas (8 inch)Butter for frying tortilla (about 2 tablespoons)Directions:Mix together- chicken, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, seasoning mix, tomatoes.  Add water if mixture is too dry.  Warm a large pan or griddle over medium heat.  Add butter and heat until sizzling.  Place one tortilla in pan.  Add chicken mixture.  Top with another tortilla.  Cook until lightly brown-and cheese is bubbling. Flip-and cook other side until lightly brown.  Remove from pan.  Sprinkle each quesadilla with remaining cheese, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, lettuces, and sour cream.






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Published on March 03, 2015 09:00

February 27, 2015

Foyer-Hallway Makeover Part Two

If you've ever watched Nicole Curtis' show 'Rehab Addict', you've probably seen the intro to her show, where she pulls off a piece of plywood to uncover a beautiful stair case.   Remember how she gasps real loud and then says-"Why in the h....would anyone cover this up?"

I'm sure that wasn't the first time Nicole said something like that. After all-she's restored many old, run down home over the years, and I bet it's pretty exciting to uncover a treasure every one in awhile.

I have yet to ask such a question.  You see-whenever I uncover something-I know EXACTLY why it was covered up!

Take our upstairs hallway for example.


Like several rooms in our home-the upstairs hallway had a drop down ceiling.  Have I told you how much I HATE drop down ceilings?  Well, I do.  And I couldn't wait until this one came down.

The only problem was-there was a really good reason it was put up in the first place.

No.  That is not water damage you are seeing in the photo.  I took this after I began spraying the ceiling with a mixture of vinegar and water.  So why I am spraying down the ceiling?  Because there used to be wallpaper on the ceiling.  Of course the wallpaper was torn down BEFORE they put the drop down ceiling in-but the backing remained!!!  And let me just tell you my dear friends.  It was NOT easy to get off!!

So why didn't we just cover it up with drywall and be done with it?  Good question.  One I asked myself many times while I cranked my neck and scraped for hours.

But....as hubby said more times than I care to remember.  'That's just not how we roll!"

You see-we kind of have the same belief in old houses that Nicole has.  If something original to the home can be restored (regardless of how many hours it takes)-then we should do it.

So we did.  And after all the wallpaper backing was off-we filled in all the holes that were left from the drop down ceiling.  And then we painted.  And painted.

It truly is amazing what paint can do.

But we weren't done yet.



Can you guess what this is?  NO?  Well.....let me tell you.  THIS is a FAUX ceiling.  Yes.  You heard me right.  FAUX.  It's basically a hollow shell built over top of the foyer staircase.  So you are probably asking the same question Nicole did.  Why in the h....would someone want to cover up the opening to a staircase?

Hmm.... I don't know.  Maybe because they got tired of scraping wallpaper??  


Again it wasn't easy, and I held my breath several times while hubby hung precariously from a ladder to remove the wallpaper-repair the walls-and then paint them.

But he did it!!


Of course he will have to get back up there and put another coat of paint on-but that's beside the point.


The staircase is finally open-as it was when the house was originally built.  But wait?  What in the world is that square box on the far wall?  Another...VERY good question.



This is what it looked like before.  We 'uncovered' this little treasure after we removed the ugly orange wallpaper from the walls.  It appears this is where the ONLY shut off valve to our upstairs bathroom lies.  You kind of need access to that right?


Obviously, hubby is not done with this yet, (He plans on making it SO much prettier).  But I'm so darn proud of him for coming up with a solution for the big GAPING hole in our wall.


As for me-I'm focused on getting the staircase done-and then it's time to put the finishing touches on the foyer and hallway.  There is art work to put up-furniture to placed-pillows to be fluffed.  You know-the really HARD work!!   I've already started to plan out a gallery wall-but it's still in the 'work in progress' stage.  Obviously-I need several more pieces-which I hope I can pick up this weekend while we are in the city.


No.  This project has definitely not been an easy one folks.  And there have been times when both hubby and I have just wanted to give up.  But we didn't.  Because we know-under the ugly wallpaper and worn plaster-lies a gem.  Over 100 years ago-someone built this house with the intention that it would last forever.  I guess it's our job to ensure that most of it does!


P.S.  Did I tell you I get to see my precious-adorable grandson this weekend?  Well I do-and I can't wait.  I plan on kissing those chubby cheeks as many times as he will allow!!


Blessings,

CD

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Published on February 27, 2015 07:52

February 24, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #112

Hello, sweet friends!!  Can you believe February is almost over???  I'll admit-part of me is happy, because it means we are that much closer to Spring.  But the other part of me wishes I could start the entire month over!!  With things being super busy at work-and all the house projects we have going on-the whole month seems like a blur! The good news is-the upstairs hallway is FINALLY complete-which means I can get started on the foyer staircase! YIPPEE!!  I've also done a few updates in the foyer-and I hope to share one of those with you yet this week!

With that said- I'm SO excited for a little R& R tonight.  I plan on whipping up a yummy pizza-kicking back on the couch (next to a very WARM) fire- and checking out what you all have to share at the hop this week!! 

So let's get this PARTY started!!!!!!!

Blessings,
CD


This is an exciting week! We have added 3 new blogs to our list of co-hosts! Welcome to the team...
Tammy of My Life AbundantJaime of Stay At Home Mom Survival GuideBrittany of Mommy on Demand
Last week's party was so much fun. 
Take a look at the ones that you viewed the most...


Most Viewed Pinterest Tips That Will Blow You Away from The Pin Junkie

Very Popular
Rockin' Chicken Enchilladas Recipe from Heaven Smiling Above
Money Saving Tips for Mums by Mums Make Lists



Editor's PickCutest birthday party idea! Happy 1st Birthday, Madelyn.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday Party from Flavors By Four



Our Lovely Hosts


Love this party? Tweet It and It Will Grow!
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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!When you are PINNING, remember to do it from the original post. ♥If you are new, be sure to let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥Thanks for joining us!
Follow our hosts as you can. Our three new hosting blogs are listed first:

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Published on February 24, 2015 16:02

February 22, 2015

Sensational Sunday Love Links

Happy Sunday, sweet friends!  I hope your weekend has been fabulous!  Hubby and I took a break yesterday from the hallway and foyer projects, to get out and get some fresh air (even though it was cold), and look for a few treasures.  It was pretty slim pickings at the three thrift stores we went to, but I was able to find a few items.  Today we are hoping to finish painting the ceiling in the hallway-and then (fingers crossed), I can FINALLY begin working on the foyer staircase!  Funny how one project always seems to turn into three or four, isn't it?

Well, I'm off to paint.  I hope you enjoy this weeks favorites!  Wishing you a Sensational Sunday!



1. Favorite bedroom-

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2. Favorite lighting
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3. Favorite DIY
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4. Favorite furniture piece
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5. Favorite Recipe
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6. Favorite Up-cycle
[image error] Source7. Favorite Quote
Source8. Favorite Outdoor Space
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9. Favorite organized space
Source10. Favorite Spring Inspiration

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Published on February 22, 2015 08:38

February 19, 2015

Lemon Scones

Have I told you how much I LOVE lemons?  I do.  I REALLY-REALLY do!  I love them in my water.  I love them in my tea.  In truth-I'm happy just seeing them piled high in a basket or a bowl in my kitchen-(especially this time of year), because they add a little bit of sunshine-wherever they are!


But-the very best thing about lemons-are how they add SO much flavor to my recipes!

Like these flaky-lemony-scones I made for last Sunday's brunch!


There was a time when I was totally intimidated by scones.  I know-that sounds silly-doesn't it?  But it's true. No matter how hard I tried-my scones were never quite like the ones I bought at our local bakery.

That is until-I shared my dilemma with a dear friend, and she not only offered me her recipe-but her secret (s) to make the perfect scone!



Here is Lyn's quick and easy Lemon Scones recipe-+her tips for the perfect scone EVERY TIME!

Enjoy!


Lemon Scones
Ingredients for Scones:

3 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks cold butter
3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar

Ingredients for Lemon Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350.  Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.  Set aside. In a small mixing bowl-whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, milk. and lemon zest.
Cut cold butter into small-thin chunks and add to dry ingredient mixture.  Use a pastry blender to mix until ingredients resemble course crumbs.  Fold in wet ingredients until just moist-DO NOT OVER MIX.   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface-and form into a circle, about 1 inch thick.  Cut into 8 wedges, and transfer to a greased baking sheet.  Bake for 12-14 minutes.  Let scones sit for 5 minutes, before drizzling the tops with lemon glaze.



Check out more of my quick and easy recipes here.


Blessings and hugs,



CD

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Published on February 19, 2015 08:10

February 17, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #111!

Happy Tuesday, sweet friends!  I LOVE Tuesday's so much, and there are several reasons why.  One-it's not Monday!  Two- HGTV's Fixer Upper is on.  And THREE....it's WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP-and I get to see, and be inspired, by all of your amazing creations!

Thank you so much for linking up to our WONDERFUL hop!  We love sharing the love -so don't forget to check out our favorite's board on  PINTEREST and see if we pinned your post this week!!!



LET'S PARTY!!!!!



Welcome to our party!

This is Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop number 111 and YOU are our very special guests!
Last week's most view post won hands down with 4 times more views than all of the other popular posts...a beautiful heart necklace and earring set. 
I pinned it. Did you?

Most Viewed
Heart Necklace & Earring Set by The Pin Junkie


Copy Cat KFC Chicken Recipe by Pink When
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes by Mums Make Lists
Biggest Decluttering Mistake You Don't Know You're Making from My Love For Words
Homemade Bread Making Shortcuts by Taylor Made Ranch
Get Paid to Transcribe and Write from Musings of  a Multi-Tasking Mom


Editor's Pick
Last but not least at last week's party was this delectable dish with a New Orlean's flare! Looks so delicious. 



Voodoo Shrimp and Garlic Mashed Potatoes from a Sprinkle of This and That

And now for this week's party!
Share your family - friendly posts.
No giveaways, shops or parties please.
Visit a few and leave a nice comment.
Follow our hosts where you can.
Please remember to pin from the original posts.
♥ Tweet our party and make us very happy! ♥

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Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row  (host)Blog / Bloglovin’/  Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest  /Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Kim of 2JustByouBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ Instagram Pinterest Twitter
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Published on February 17, 2015 16:01

February 15, 2015

Sensational Sunday Love Links!!!

Hello, sweet friends!!!  I hope you all had an amazing Valentines day!!!

 I know it doesn't sound very romantic, but hubby and I spent most of our day working on the foyer and upstairs hallway.  First we tore the drop down ceiling off- scraped MORE wallpaper (yes the ceiling was wallpapered too)-and prepped the walls for paint.  Later, we enjoyed some well deserved relaxation-(and maybe a glass or two of wine), along with our traditional steak and shrimp dinner.  

With all the work left to do on this project-I definitely needed some inspiration and good old fashioned eye candy to keep motivated. Thankfully, there was plenty of both this week!!!

Here are my favorites:


1. Favorite kitchen-It absolutely HAS to be this one on HGTV's Fixer Upper this week!!!



2. Favorite 'up-cycle'(s)-Yes, there were two-and since I love them both.......I couldn't choose just one!

If you haven't seen Carlene's post you should stop over and visit.  You will NOT believe it what she used to make this SUPER creative (and lovely) photo display!!


How gorgeous is this planter Yvonne created using items she already had!!


3. Favorite dishes- I'm drooling over Kathleen's brown transferware.  And her hutch....oh my!!!!


4. Favorite mirror- I've been wanting a huge mirror to fill in all the space we now have in our upstairs hallway, and I LOVE the rustic warmth of this one. Sadly- there is NO way I could afford this price tag.  But.... I have a little secret that I'm hoping to share with you all soon-so cross your fingers-I just might get my wish!


5. Favorite DIY- I'm thinking of something like this light fixture for our farmhouse kitchen.  I'll definitely be searching for  old milk funnels the next time I'm out to the farm!!!


6. Favorite furry friend pic- No words are needed-right????


Source7.  Favorite Recipe- I love trying new recipes-and this one had me at garlic and brown sugar!!! I can't wait to make it for dinner tonight!!!

8. Favorite tablescape-  With the temperatures dropping below 0 here- I'm SO looking forward to Spring!  For me-this year it will all be out simple, yet lovely decor.

 
9. Favorite quote-

Source




Wishing you all a SENSATIONAL Sunday!!


Blessings and hugs,

Christine
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Published on February 15, 2015 08:55

February 14, 2015

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I'm sending you all my love, and a wish that you have a VERY........


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!! [image error]


Blessings and hugs,

Christine
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Published on February 14, 2015 07:37