C.D. Loken's Blog, page 13

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #110

Happy Valentine's Day!Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.We are so glad you're here. ♥Last week's most viewed post was a delicious Valentine dessert!Do you blame us????  Yum! 
Editor's note:  I pinned it. Did you?

Most Viewed Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine Cookies from The Pin Junkie
Very Popular Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders from Recipes For Our Daily BreadGrandmas Lemon Blueberry Bread by From The Family With Love

Editor's Pick
Oh, I just had to feature this one. Kids would just love to make this craft and they are MAGNETS! Prettiest refrigerator door in town. LOL Easy Kids Craft: Treasure Jewel Magnets from The Life of Jennifer Dawn

Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row  (host)Blog / Bloglovin’/  Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest  /Twitter
Janine from Confessions Of  A Mommyaholic  Blog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Kim of 2JustByouBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
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Elie from Chocolates and CrockpotsBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Nicole and Susan of Flavors By FourBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Pinterest
Carrie of A Mother’s ShadowBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
CD of CD's Country LivingBlog / Bloglovin'/ Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest 

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Homemade Brownies-Three Valentine Sweet Treats!

Happy Monday!! 

As you all probably know by now, I love ALL things simple.  This is especially true in the kitchen.  Recipes that take little time-with ingredients I already have, AND taste delicious, are definitely a true blessing in my book.

Add to that-a versatile recipe that can be used in several dishes....and I'm in cooking heaven!!!



This weekend I was lucky enough to find just such a recipe-and thank goodness I did, because I found myself in quite a dilemma.

It all started when I found hubby scrounging around the kitchen looking for chocolate.  Usually a few chocolate chips will suffice his craving-but this time they just weren't enough!

 Take it from me-chocolate cravings are serious business in our house.  They don't happen often-but when they do...watch out.  Things can get pretty ugly if they aren't satisfied.


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Sensational Sunday Love Links

Happy Sunday!!!  I hope you all had a great week-and are enjoying special moments with family and friends this weekend! 

I've spent any and all free time this week, repairing and painting the upstairs hallway walls-or repairing and sanding the foyer stairs.  I was hoping I would be able to give you an update with all the work I've done-(IE: my arms feel like jello)-but unfortunately, we ran into a snafu (IE: walls are in worse shape than we thought), so today we are moving onto plan B. 

 One thing is for sure-I will definitely have one heck of a tutorial-and with luck-one OUTSTANDING reveal when I'm done!

Our family did have some bad news this week as well....Mom L is in the hospital.  Thankfully, she is a one STRONG lady, and is recovering quickly-so is sounds like she will be coming home tomorrow!  I knew Dad L was really missing Mom's home cooking-so I made up a 'special' care package filled with goodies for him yesterday.

Speaking of goodies....I'll be sharing a VERY decadent sweet treat tomorrow (3 desserts in 1)-in honor of Valentines Day!!  So make sure you stop back for the recipes!!!

Now...onto to this week's love!!


1.  Have I told you how much I'm crushing on pink, lately?  I am...and ADORE these pretty pink mason jars that Janet posted about this week!


2.  I'm love EVERYTHING about Angie's- lovely home-and I'm always amazed at her creativity and ingenuity when it comes to repurposing.  Which is why I'm in love with her latest idea to turn vintage tins into candle holders!!  Isn't her farmhouse table to die for???

3. Who doesn't love an awesome room reveal???  I sure do-and Marty's family room definitely didn't disappoint!  The room was lovely to begin with-but with the bright new color-and the genius idea to hang the draperies higher-(and of course her eye for design)-this room has transformed into...GORGEOUS!!!



4. There are so many amazing Valentine projects out there-I have a hard time picking just one favorite.  Which is why I'm sharing three!!

How cute are these scrap wood hearts that Robin made for her mantel? 


Speaking of mantels....

5.  Jann's-is just the SWEETEST!!!  You have to stop over and see how she made that adorable garland!!!  LOVE!

And last but certainly NOT least......


6.These 'special' little love notes that Jennifer created with picture frames and chalkboard paper!!! SO CUTE!!!

Well, that's it for this week!

Wishing you all a SENSATIONAL Sunday!!

Blessings,

Christine

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #109

Happy Tuesday!! You know what that means. It's time to party!! Last week's hop was ASTOUNDING-with over 450 link ups-many reflecting your creative DIY projects and recipes to celebrate Valentine's Day!
Although I always enjoy whipping up a special dinner on Valentines Day,  I usually don't do much in the way of decorating.  But this time of year-when it's bitterly cold- the snow is piling up- and I'm impatient for Spring- I like to add a bit of sunshine with flowers. Whether fresh or faux-I think flowers not only add a pop of color, but also a touch of romance to any room in the house!

Since I'm crushing on soft-muted pinks lately,  I decided to pull out a few pieces of my favorite china, and add some  pretty pink roses to our dining room built in's.





I also have  paper whites that I planted late in December that are just now blooming, which I've placed all over the house.

Soon I'll be potting tulip bulbs that have been chilling in the refrigerator-which means I will have plenty of color and fragrance to last throughout the winter!!!I'll be sharing a few more Valentine touches, as well as an update on our foyer staircase and hallway makeover later in the week!Thank you all so much for stopping by each week and linking up!  I can't wait to see and share what you have this week!Now let's get this party started!!!
Blessings,Christine
Welcome toWonderful Wednesday Blog Hop 
Hosted on 9 Popular Blogs!!!
We want to thank our fabulous co-hosts for giving their time and care to provide a place every week for us to share our latest work.  You are the BEST! Be sure to visit them. Comment on their posts. Follow them on social media.  ♥


Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row  (host)Blog / Bloglovin’/  Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest  /Twitter
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 We had 450+ posts shared on last week's party!♥ Wow! ♥ Here are the ones that you liked the best ...
MOST VIEWED Soft Buttermilk Cutout Cookies from the Baking ChocolatessDo Grandparents Get Jealous Of The Other Grandparents from Oh! Mrs. Tucker
Hidden Hearts Pound Cake Valentine's Day Idea from Moms Need To Know


VERY POPULAR Valentine Chocolate Heart Pops from Pink When
Do-Without Spending Freeze from Letters From Sunny Brook
Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip from Luv A Bargain
Rule of 3 Practical Tips To Help Kids Declutter on Ducks 'n a Row
3 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Shooters from Almost Supermom

EDITOR'S PICKNumber 456 on the party just jumped out at me.I wanted some of these pretty cookies the moment I saw them. Mmmm. Valentine Frosted Cookies by Olives 'n Okra

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Finding humor amid the chaos!

Hello, sweet friends!!  Did you all enjoy the big game last night?  Me?  Um...let's just say I'm not much of a football fan.  I suppose it might have something to do with the fact I no little or nothing about the game.  Which of course-was made clear last night-when I inadvertently called a field goal-a free throw.

As for the first half of the weekend.....

Remember when I told you about the wallpaper in our upstairs hallway?  How I'd 'started' to tear it down-but gave up after a few pieces?  Well......


it all came down this weekend-and THIS is what I was left with!!!  Not exactly a pretty sight-right?

Yes indeed, the plaster on the walls were in pretty bad shape-but the good news is-there was plaster on the walls!!  IE:  none came crumbling down at my feet when I pulled off the wallpaper!

The bad news is...the walls were in pretty bad shape.  And.... since a portion of said walls are over or near the foyer staircase, they needed to be taken care of now-rather than AFTER we finish the staircase.  Which meant I had a LONG and very tedious job ahead of me.


Or rather.... WE had a long and tedious job ahead of us.   Oh yes- after much coaxing-hubby decided to help out. BTW- have I mentioned he decided to grow a beard?  He's quite proud of it-you know- and even wanted me to take an 'up close' photo of it.  Of course, I told him all of my readers would agree with me-and say his beard looked scruffy and made him look at LEAST ten years older.

To which he stated- "I think it makes me look dapper!!"

Uh huh. Right.


I was trying to get a close up of the huge crack in the wall-but somehow hubby's bald spot got in the way.  I suppose I could have cropped it-but why?  I kind of think it's cute.

Hubby didn't agree.  "You know..two can play at this game.  How would you like it if your readers saw how you looked right now?"

Me:  "Okay fine," I said, pulling a wad of caulk out of my hair (which by the way desperately needs a trip to the beauty salon) as I looked  down through paint speckled glasses at my baggy sweatpants and t-shirt. "So I don't look like a beauty queen.  Who in the heck does when they are up to their eyeballs in dust?"

Hubby:  "Nicole Curtis, that's who!"

Me:  "Of course she looks good!!  She's on a  TV show!!!  She HAS to look good!"

Hubby:  "I'm just saying. Obviously your readers don't mind seeing a dapper guy like me working on projects, but what about you?  Don't you think they want to see the person 'behind' the blog once in awhile?"



Okay-I'll admit-the thought has crossed my mind.  After all-I love visiting other blogs and seeing photo's of the author working on projects.  Somehow it just makes it all real. But really folks.  Wouldn't you rather see a calk gun and nasty wall in need of work-than someone who looks a close second to the granny on Beverly Hillbillies?

I thought so.

Hubby wasn't so convinced.  "How about you go slip into something sexy-like one of those tank tops and jeans shorts Nicole wears, and maybe the knee high boots you bought for Christmas-and I'll snap a few shots of you cleaning up the calk you just dropped on the carpet? "


Source
Ya-not going to happen- But how about I just show you a pic of Nicole in a tank top and shorts-and I go back to repairing the hallway walls-and being just me!!!




Blessings,

Christine

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Mom is coming over this morning so I can prepare her taxes, and I can't tell you how excited I am!!  Why?  Well, it certainly isn't because I get to try and make sense of the enormous stack of papers she'll be bringing-that's for sure!  Nope.  It's because I whipped up a VERY special treat for our coffee break-which I'm sure we will need five minutes into the LONG and very frustrating process!

So why is this treat so special?  Because in all my years of baking, I've never been very successful at banana cake.  Some have been to dry.  Some...tasteless.  And others....well...let's just say an hour after eating them, it felt like I swallowed a rock!  UGH!

But no more.


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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #108

I can't believe this is the last party of January already!!!  Where did the time go???Before I send you off to the party, here are some photo's of our grandson, Maxwell's nursery, that I promised in my last post!!  These were taken on a cell phone-so I apologize for the glare.  LOL!  I'll be sharing more that I took with my camera in a later post!Enjoy!!!And don't forget...I'll be sharing all my favorite link ups from this week's party on my Facebook and Google + pages-as well as pinning them to our Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop favorites board!!  









PARTY TIME!!!!

January is coming to an end. Super Bowl Sunday on February 1st is on the horizon and this is our 108th party!Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.We had lots of participation last week with over 400 posts.Here are the ones you liked the best.

Most Viewed 5 Ways You Are Throwing Your Money Away by Cents and Order

Dutch Baby Oven Baked Pancake from Simply Suzanne's
Swiss Chicken Recipe from Ducks 'n a Row
Then It Dawned On Me from Oh! Mrs. Tucker

Editor's Pick
Number 401 on last week's party is a recipe I had been yearning for. I love soft pretzels dipped in mustard. And as I was browsing our party, there it was!


Everything Soft Pretzel Nuggets from A Sprinkle of This and That


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Follow our hosts a little bit every week --soon you will have them all!

Lynn from Turnips 2 TangerinesBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+  / Pinterest / Twitter
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Kim of 2JustByouBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
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Elie from Chocolates and CrockpotsBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Nicole and Susan of Flavors By FourBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Pinterest
Carrie of A Mother’s ShadowBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
CD of CD's Country LivingBlog / Bloglovin'/ Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest 
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Becoming a Grandparent-and a personal choice

I suppose I always knew that one day I would become a grandparent.  After all-it was a topic I brought up (much to my daughter, Mel's- chagrin) many, many times over the last few years.  Obviously a baby WAS in the plan, because each time I brought it up- I was given the same answer.  "We will have a baby when WE are ready!!" 

Well, what about when I'm ready!!   That's what I wanted to say-but of course-I didn't.  Instead, I waited impatiently (VERY) for my day to come-and watched with envy-as one after another of my friends, began posting announcements and photo's of their grand babies on Facebook!

If you've been following along for awhile-you'll know that my dream of becoming a grandparent FINALLY came true-a little over two weeks ago.  Unfortunately, the only way we could see our grandson was through photo's or Facetime chats-because I was still recovering from a nasty flu bug.

Last week we were given finally given the 'go ahead' that I was no longer contagious-so hubby and I packed up the truck-and with camera in hand-made the 3 1/2 hour trip to see the kids and our beautiful grandson this past weekend.

I'll admit-my excitement grew and grew, the closer we got to their house- but I felt something else. Something equally as strong.....

 I was nervous.

It's been a long time since this old gal had held a newborn-and as silly as it sounds-I was worried that I may have forgotten how.  And what about diapers?  I hadn't changed one of those in years either!! 

What if I did something wrong?  God knows I'd made PLENTY of mistakes as a parent-what if I made even worse ones as a grandparent?? 

The more I thought about it-the more inept I felt.  Thankfully, hubby knows me pretty too well-and when I suddenly became very quiet-he understood why.

"It's going to be okay, Chris," he said, as we turned onto Mel and Andy's street.  "You're going to be an amazing grandma."


Although I appreciated hubby's words, I still had my doubts-and I was just about to tell him all about them-when I caught a glimpse of Mel and Andy walking up the street-pushing a stroller.  There they were-all bundled up and smiling from ear to ear-as they turned the corner and made their way towards us.  And suddenly, my silly fears didn't seem all that important.

Moments later, that precious little boy, who I'd only been able to see through a small screen on my phone-was now in my arms-and as I gazed at his beautiful face and listened to him coo-I couldn't help but fall totally and completely in love.  And any feeling of ineptness I'd had before, was quickly replaced with an overwhelming need to protect this amazing blessing that the Good Lord had gifted us with. 

As the day progressed into night-I found myself in awe at how quickly and easily Mel and Andy were adjusting to the new role of parenthood.  As a single parent-I knew how difficult it was to take on the 'extra' daily chores and responsibilities that come with little ones, but thankfully, my daughter would never know that struggle.  Together those two worked like a well oiled machine-sharing in the duties-decision making and care of their child, and my heart was filled with joy to see the love and devotion these two not only gave to Maxwell, but to each other.

Of course, the fact that they were both surviving on little or no sleep, and it didn't even seem to faze them-was also a surprise!  And worrying-for me.  But, by the next day, it became glaringly obvious that there were more important things to worry about then just the kid's lack of sleep.  You see-as a newbie, I hadn't yet learned that there are RULES to abide by when one becomes a grandparent. 

And the #1 rule is- Don't worry.  (As if!!)  This rule is at the top of the list for a very good reason-because it is the 'new' parent's answer to everything that comes out of a 'new' grandparent's mouth.  For example-

 Grandparent question-"Isn't it too cold outside for you to being taking _____ for a walk?  Parent answer:  "Don't worry!!  He was just fine-besides it's 40 degrees outside!!"  Ah yes, a regular heatwave-let's bring out the swimsuits and jump in the snow bank while we're at it!!

Oh yes, and let's not forget RULE #2- Don't help unless asked. (WHAT in all that is holy-does that MEAN!!)  Obviously, for someone who likes to wash a dirty dish here-or pick up a piece of lint there-this rule was a hard one to follow.  But take my word for it-either keep your OCD in check-or find something else to keep you occupied-like pulling your nose hairs, or plucking your eyebrows.  Trust me-the pain will be far less to handle- than the scolding your child gives you when you're caught unloading the dryer!

Yes indeed, just like parenting is a never ending, learning experience-so too, is grand-parenting. I'm sure I'll adjust to these rules-and others.....eventually.  But until then-I'm just going to take it all in-and enjoy every precious moment of it all.

With that said-there is one more thing I must share with you-my dear, sweet friends, before I end this long post.  I know many of you have been waiting patiently to see photo's of our grandson.  I would love for you to see Maxwell's big blue eyes (although I have a strong feeling they will be brown like his daddy's very soon) and his cute button nose, that he shares with his mama, but Mel and Andy have made a personal choice not to share photo's of Maxwell on a public forum(which my blog definitely is), and I must respect their wishes.  I know this is disappointing news, and I will admit-when we first discussed this very important subject, I too felt sad that I wouldn't be able to share our pride and joy with all of my readers and friends.  But, as a parent, and now, a grandparent, I do understand their concerns. The internet can be a wonderful, resourceful place-but it can also be so very hurtful and destructive. 

This is a special time for Mel and Andy.  And for the rest of our family.  I would love to share that with all of you-and I will, but for now, I will do so with my words-and not photo's.

I hope you will understand-and continue to support me as you have so generously done this past year!

I will be sharing some photo's of Maxwell's nursery tomorrow-and more stories later in the week.

Blessings,

Christine

Weekly Update

Hello, sweet friends!!  I hope your week has been going FABULOUS so far!  Mine has been busy as usual.  This week I shared a re-purpose that is not only functional, but with it's original milk paint finish-a perfect fit for my farmhouse kitchen!!!  I also gave my antique washstand a whole new purpose-by turning it into a coffee station.

I've also been busy making some BIG changes in the foyer! 


I cannot tell you how HAPPY I am to finally have the carpet removed from the staircase!!!  I was really excited to get started on sanding and staining them-but for once- I took a step back (no pun intended), and decided there were a few other projects that needed to be completed before the steps. 

One of those projects was re-painting the walls in the foyer.  This was the THIRD time I've painted those walls-but what is they say?  Third time a charm!!  I actually DO love the new color-and I'll be sharing more on this next week!!!

I also need to remove the rest of the wallpaper in the upstairs hallway-because I really don't think it would be wise to do this AFTER I finish the staircase!!! 

See....I'm learning-slowly but surely!!!

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend.  Hubby and I are heading to our daughter, Mel's, for the weekend-so we can FINALLY meet our new grandson face to face!!  I plan on giving him plenty of hugs-and taking MANY, MANY photo's.

Love you all!!!

Blessings,

Christine

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #107

I can hardly wait to see what everyone has to show us this week!  Remember- I'll be sharing all my favorites on Facebook-Google+ and Pinterest, tonight, and all day tomorrow!!!  
Now let's get this party started!!!

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