C.D. Loken's Blog, page 14
January 19, 2015
Foyer Staircase Makeover- Part One
Hubby made the mistake of asking me what I wanted to do this weekend, after we decided it was best not to visit our new grandson, until I recovered from bronchitis.
My answer? "TEAR UP THE STAIRCASE CARPET!!"
Sorry-I couldn't find a recent, or GOOD photo of the full staircase
Read more »
My answer? "TEAR UP THE STAIRCASE CARPET!!"
Sorry-I couldn't find a recent, or GOOD photo of the full staircaseRead more »
January 17, 2015
Re-purposing a vintage shutter
Hello-sweet friends!!! Before I share my tale about finding a functional purpose for an old shutter I found on the farm-I have to give you an update on our beautiful grandson!!!
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January 13, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #106
I am literally bursting with pride and so VERY happy to announce-that last night (after almost 17 hours of labor), my daughter, Mel and hubby, Andy, became the proud parents of a 7 lb 12 oz-chubby cheeked, precious-little boy! And me-Well....I am OVER THE MOON to finally be his NANA!
Out of respect for their privacy (and the fact that not all of the family members have seen him yet), I won't be sharing any photo's just yet-but take my word for it-he's BEAUTIFUL!!!! Unfortunately, the only way I get to see him until the weekend is SKYPE-because I still have a nasty cough-and the doctor gave me antibiotics for bronchitis. UGH!!! All I want to do is SQUEEZE them both!!!
Whew-now that all off my chest-let's party!!!!!
*********************
Stayin' warm? Where I live, we have to think warm happy thoughts because "Hey Baby, it's cold outside!" It is really, really cold! So we have the perfect excuse to stay in and party! This week lets plan on visiting and pinning more posts than ever before - I call it "giving the gift of traffic."
But first, let's take a look at the ones you visited the MOST last week!
Most Viewed
The Best Chili Recipe by Pink When
Very Popular
Weight Watchers Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Soup from You Brew My Tea
Goal List Printable from More Than A Mom Of Three
How To Clean Up Gmail from Mums Make Lists
Save Money By Using Less from Mums Make Lists
Favorite Recipes of 2014 from This Silly Girls Life
Editor's Pick
How I Save Over $1000 Per Month by Musings Of A Multi-Tasking Mom
*If you are a blogger and are interested in joining our bevy of lovely permanent-ish co-hosts, please email Sinea at ducksnarow1@gmail.com and let her know. We have openings for two new blogs to join us starting in February!
Love this party?
Tweet It and It Will Grow!
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!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 a little bit every week --soon you will have them all!
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row (host)Blog / Bloglovin’/ Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily BreadBlog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
Elie from Chocolates and CrockpotsBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Janine from Confessions Of A Mommyaholic Blog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Kim of 2JustByouBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Lynn from Turnips 2 TangerinesBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
Alexis of Mom2MyCrazy2Blog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ / 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
WORDPRESS INLINKZ
January 11, 2015
Sensational Sunday Love Links!
If you've been following for awhile-you probably remember that we started the HUGE project of remodeling our kitchen this past summer.
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January 10, 2015
Treasure Hunting in the Attic
If you are a treasure hunter like me-you probably have a designated spot in your home or garage, that holds all of your 'special' finds.
Mine is in our attic.
And the basement.
Oh yes, and let's not forget all the stuff hubby threw in the potting shed, because it was cluttering up the garage!!!
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Mine is in our attic.
And the basement.
Oh yes, and let's not forget all the stuff hubby threw in the potting shed, because it was cluttering up the garage!!!
Read more »
January 8, 2015
Homemade Orange Cinnamon Rolls
This year is all about inspiration-and there is nothing more 'inspiring' for me, then turning up the volume on an existing recipe-and making it even yummier!!
Which is exactly what I did Tuesday morning-when I made a simple-yet VERY delicious change to my homemade cinnamon roll recipe!!!
Now don't get me wrong. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the original recipe for these fluffy-gooey sweet rolls, that have become a family favorite for breakfast/brunch.
But even the BEST sweet roll recipe-can become a tad 'boring' after awhile-right? So why not add a little 'zest'-and bring that recipe to a whole new level?
Of course-there may have been another reason why I decided to amp up my original recipe....
Um....like the fact that hubby bought a whole passel of oranges while I was sick-and I was running out of ways to use them up!!! I mean-come on-I can only drink so much fresh squeezed orange juice!
Oh well-regardless of the reason for my inspiration-I acted upon it-and I'm so glad I did. These puffy, zingy, sweet rolls, are definitely worth the effort-and once you make them-I guarantee you will never buy a canned sweet roll EVER again!!!
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:Dough:1 cup milk1/4 cup butter 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 envelope‘rapid rise’ yeast (approx. 2 1/4 tsp) 1 egg Filling:
1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)1 tsp orange zest
Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar2 tablespoons butter1 tsp vanilla1-2 tablespoon orange juice (I used fresh squeezed)1 tsp orange zest Preheat oven to 350.
Directions for dough:
Combine milk and butter in a glass measuring cup (or a microwave-safe bowl.) Microwave for 1 min. Remove and stir. Repeat for 20 seconds, or until butter is melted and milk is warm to the touch. (Not hot!!). Combine flour (3 cups), sugar and salt, in a large mixing bowl.Pour contents of yeast packet into bowl of stand mixer. Add milk mixture, and stir until combined.
Add flour mixture and egg. Using dough hook attachment-begin mixing on low speed until combined-and then medium speed for 1 minute. If dough sticks to the side of bowl-add remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Mix on medium speed for 5 min. Cover dough and let sit for 10 minutes.
Directions for filling:
Combine sugars, cinnamon, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Mix well. Set aside.
Prepare surface for rolling with flour. Lay dough onto floured surface and roll into 15"x10" rectangle. Spread the 1/2 cup butter evenly across the dough. Pour filling on top-spreading evenly.
Beginning at the long end (15') tightly roll dough-pinching ends at the seam to ensure all that sweet goodness doesn't fall out!Cut rolled dough into 12 cinnamon rolls.
Place rolls into a greased 9x13 pan. Cover rolls and place in a warm location for 25 minutes to rise.
Bake rolls in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes-or until golden brown.
Directions for icing:
Combine powdered sugar, butter, orange zest, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Beat until smooth. If icing is to thick for your taste-you can add remaining orange juice. Drizzle icing over warm rolls and enjoy!!!!
I will be linking up to these amazing parties today-so stop on over and be inspired!!!
Katherine's Corner
Jann Olson
Blessings,
Christine
Which is exactly what I did Tuesday morning-when I made a simple-yet VERY delicious change to my homemade cinnamon roll recipe!!!
Now don't get me wrong. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the original recipe for these fluffy-gooey sweet rolls, that have become a family favorite for breakfast/brunch.
But even the BEST sweet roll recipe-can become a tad 'boring' after awhile-right? So why not add a little 'zest'-and bring that recipe to a whole new level?
Of course-there may have been another reason why I decided to amp up my original recipe....
Um....like the fact that hubby bought a whole passel of oranges while I was sick-and I was running out of ways to use them up!!! I mean-come on-I can only drink so much fresh squeezed orange juice!
Oh well-regardless of the reason for my inspiration-I acted upon it-and I'm so glad I did. These puffy, zingy, sweet rolls, are definitely worth the effort-and once you make them-I guarantee you will never buy a canned sweet roll EVER again!!!
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:Dough:1 cup milk1/4 cup butter 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 envelope‘rapid rise’ yeast (approx. 2 1/4 tsp) 1 egg Filling:
1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)1 tsp orange zest
Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar2 tablespoons butter1 tsp vanilla1-2 tablespoon orange juice (I used fresh squeezed)1 tsp orange zest Preheat oven to 350.
Directions for dough:
Combine milk and butter in a glass measuring cup (or a microwave-safe bowl.) Microwave for 1 min. Remove and stir. Repeat for 20 seconds, or until butter is melted and milk is warm to the touch. (Not hot!!). Combine flour (3 cups), sugar and salt, in a large mixing bowl.Pour contents of yeast packet into bowl of stand mixer. Add milk mixture, and stir until combined.
Add flour mixture and egg. Using dough hook attachment-begin mixing on low speed until combined-and then medium speed for 1 minute. If dough sticks to the side of bowl-add remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Mix on medium speed for 5 min. Cover dough and let sit for 10 minutes.
Directions for filling:
Combine sugars, cinnamon, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Mix well. Set aside.
Prepare surface for rolling with flour. Lay dough onto floured surface and roll into 15"x10" rectangle. Spread the 1/2 cup butter evenly across the dough. Pour filling on top-spreading evenly.
Beginning at the long end (15') tightly roll dough-pinching ends at the seam to ensure all that sweet goodness doesn't fall out!Cut rolled dough into 12 cinnamon rolls.
Place rolls into a greased 9x13 pan. Cover rolls and place in a warm location for 25 minutes to rise.
Bake rolls in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes-or until golden brown.
Directions for icing:
Combine powdered sugar, butter, orange zest, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Beat until smooth. If icing is to thick for your taste-you can add remaining orange juice. Drizzle icing over warm rolls and enjoy!!!!
I will be linking up to these amazing parties today-so stop on over and be inspired!!!
Katherine's Corner
Jann Olson
Blessings,
Christine
January 6, 2015
Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #105!
Happy 2015! Ready for a great party?
Yes!!!
As busy as everyone was during the holidays, we still had over 300 links shared and over 400 views!
So, now that a new year has arrived, let's pull out all the stops.
Here are the two most viewed from last week --
really yummy recipes!
Most Viewed
Best Ever Fried Chicken by Recipes For Our Daily BreadHomemade Tomato Basil Soup from A Mitten Full Of SavingsVery Popular
Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Chorizo Chili from Honey and Birch
Top 10 Homesteading Posts of 2014 from Taylor Made Ranch
Cherry Almond Refrigerator Cookies from A Moms Take
Editor's Pick
Breakfast Burritos by The Gracious WifeLove this party?
Tweet It and It Will Grow!
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!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 a little bit every week --soon you will have them all!
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
Lynn from Turnips 2 TangerinesBlog / Bloglovin’ / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
Alexis of Mom2MyCrazy2Blog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Google+ / 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
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily BreadBlog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest / Twitter
Elie from Chocolates and CrockpotsBlog / Bloglovin / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Libby and Rachel of Two Keck GirlsBlog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
WORDPRESS INLINKZ
January 5, 2015
Chocolate Chip-Peanut Butter Bars
I guess you could say- I haven't exactly spent much time cooking in the kitchen since I came down with a nasty flu bug two days after Christmas. (Seriously-I should have bought stock in Campbell's soup!) But, when hubby's sweet tooth kicked in yesterday, I didn't have the heart to tell him to go buy a candy bar-especially since he's been such a trooper, by helping out with laundry and dishes!!
Read more »
Read more »
January 4, 2015
Sensational Sunday Love Links!
Happy 2015!
Although this new year didn't exactly get off to a great start for me (I've been sick with the flu since Christmas), I, like most folks, am OVER THE MOON excited to make 2015 the best year ever!
With that said-I've never been very successful when it comes to making a list of resolutions.
Don't get me wrong-in years past, I never had any problem making a LONG list of things I wanted to change at the beginning of the year. That's the easy part-right? Lose weight-check. Get organized-check. Save more money-check. Be more patient-check.
Of course-that long list of goals always seemed totally attainable at the time I wrote them down-but inevitably, reality set in-and that piece of paper (although written with the very best intentions), always ended being nothing more than that....
Source Just a piece of paper-destined to be shoved to the bottom of life's 'to do' list.
So this year-I'm doing things a bit different. I'm not making a list of resolutions.
Nope-not going to happen. Instead-I'm making a list of inspiration.
Yes, you heard me right. Inspiration.
This year-I RESOLVE to be inspired.
Because when I'm inspired-I act. And when I act-I have a 50% chance of succeeding. And if I succeed-I'm a better person. And if I'm a better person-I'm a happier person.
You see where this is going? It's a win/win situation.
And the best part about this new resolution?
It's already working!
Here are my top five inspirations this week-that have me so excited-I've already put some into action!!!
1. Who doesn't want to be more organized? Well if you do-here are 50 awesome ideas that will help!
2. I'm ALL about getting more done in a day-but achieving this seemed near impossible! Not anymore! This list not only makes sense-it's simple-which=attainable in my book!
3.We will soon be picking up where we left off on our kitchen remodel, and I've been desperately searching for budget friendly ways to create function and beauty-without breaking the bank. I found tons of inspiration here and here.
4. I LOVE snacks, but I sure don't like what they did to my weight line this past year. How about some healthy(50)-yet delicious snacks for 2015? Yes please!
5. Looking to save money this year? I am-and this article has some ideas that are not only smart, but simple too!
That's it for this week's love. Thanks in advance to all who inspired me!
Have a SENSATIONAL Sunday!
Blessings,
Christine
Although this new year didn't exactly get off to a great start for me (I've been sick with the flu since Christmas), I, like most folks, am OVER THE MOON excited to make 2015 the best year ever!
With that said-I've never been very successful when it comes to making a list of resolutions.
Don't get me wrong-in years past, I never had any problem making a LONG list of things I wanted to change at the beginning of the year. That's the easy part-right? Lose weight-check. Get organized-check. Save more money-check. Be more patient-check.
Of course-that long list of goals always seemed totally attainable at the time I wrote them down-but inevitably, reality set in-and that piece of paper (although written with the very best intentions), always ended being nothing more than that....
Source Just a piece of paper-destined to be shoved to the bottom of life's 'to do' list.So this year-I'm doing things a bit different. I'm not making a list of resolutions.
Nope-not going to happen. Instead-I'm making a list of inspiration.
Yes, you heard me right. Inspiration.
This year-I RESOLVE to be inspired.
Because when I'm inspired-I act. And when I act-I have a 50% chance of succeeding. And if I succeed-I'm a better person. And if I'm a better person-I'm a happier person.
You see where this is going? It's a win/win situation.
And the best part about this new resolution?
It's already working!
Here are my top five inspirations this week-that have me so excited-I've already put some into action!!!
1. Who doesn't want to be more organized? Well if you do-here are 50 awesome ideas that will help!
2. I'm ALL about getting more done in a day-but achieving this seemed near impossible! Not anymore! This list not only makes sense-it's simple-which=attainable in my book!
3.We will soon be picking up where we left off on our kitchen remodel, and I've been desperately searching for budget friendly ways to create function and beauty-without breaking the bank. I found tons of inspiration here and here.
4. I LOVE snacks, but I sure don't like what they did to my weight line this past year. How about some healthy(50)-yet delicious snacks for 2015? Yes please!
5. Looking to save money this year? I am-and this article has some ideas that are not only smart, but simple too!
That's it for this week's love. Thanks in advance to all who inspired me!
Have a SENSATIONAL Sunday!
Blessings,
Christine
December 30, 2014
Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!
Hello, sweet friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Unfortunately, ours didn't go quite as planned because our family was bit by a nasty flu bug! I came down with it on Saturday, and have been in bed ever since!
UGH-this is not exactly how I wanted to start the new year!
With that said- I still can't believe this blog is almost a year old!
I want to thank you all from the bottom
UGH-this is not exactly how I wanted to start the new year!
With that said- I still can't believe this blog is almost a year old!
I want to thank you all from the bottom
