C.D. Loken's Blog, page 3

Monday Morning Musings!

Good Monday morning to ya' all, and welcome to the second edition ofmy new series-Monday Morning Musings!
Last week's post went a 'bit' longer than planned! I have a tendency to do that from time to time.
Even when I was growing up-my step dad always had a question for meevery time I had something to tell him and my mom."Can we get the short story version this time, and not the novel?"Maybe he knew something I didn't at the time.I guess he knew even before I did, that one day I wouldhave a passion for writing!

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Rustic Fall Porch!

Happy 1st day of October, ya' all! 
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE fall?
Oh I do...I REALLY do!
Cooler temps, cozy blankets, warm fires, long drives to see
the leaves change color, pumpkins, hot cocoa.
I mean-what's not to love?

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #143!

Welcome to The Wonderful Wednesday Blog, ya' all! I'm so glad you are here! Last week we had a WHOPPING 666 (Eeek) amazing andinspiring link ups!! Fall is definitely in full swing now-and I'm LOVING all of thecreative DIY's, decorating, and recipes that you allare sharing with us!
Here are four of my favorites!
 Favorite DIY-  Rustic Candle holder-by Ella Claire  Favorite recipe- Apple-Cinnamon Roll Cake from A Sprinkle of This and That   Favorite Fall Decor- Fall Mantel from Dandelion Patina  Favorite Re-purpose- Cloches made from cheese tray and clock dome by Savvy Apron
I can't wait to see what you all have to share this week!Let's PARTY!!Blessings and hugs,
What a very successful party we had last week! 

Lots of views ♥

Lots of clicks ♥

Lots of shares♥



We hope you will remember to visit at least a few others' posts and show your appreciation. 

HELPFUL HINTS: Food bloggers LOVE to get their recipes Yummed♥

EVERY BLOGGER LOVES a pin, tweet, like, share, stumble...and kind comments♥


So, here are the most viewed posts from last week ...
Most Viewed Easy Peasy Cheesecake Pie from Oh! Mrs. Tucker




Very Popular Tired of Hearing I Can't by Janine Huldie

Vanilla Apple Cupcakes by Southern Krazed

Making An Instagram Plan from View From In Here
5 Tips For Softer Towels by Simplee Thrifty




Editor's Picks

Crayon Drip Pumpkins from There's Just One Mommy


Plum Nectarine Tart by  Annie's Noms






And now let's party!

"Love this party! Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop on 15 popular blogs." 

Click To Tweet!


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, Etsy shops or blog parties please. You are welcome to share them in the comments, though.Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there! Visit our FEATURES and comment, pin, share -- do what you can to bless them!When you are PINNING, please remember to do it from the original post. ♥Follow our Wonderful Wednesday PINTEREST board, if you'd like (below) ♥If you are new,  let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥And, thanks for joining us!Heather of Real -The Kitchen and Beyond Blog  /  Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Saira from Mom Resource Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter  /  YouTube
CD of CD's Country Living Blog  /  Bloglovin' /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest 
Cathy of A Peek Into My Paradise Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Tumblr  /  Twitter Tammy of My Life Abundant Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pi nterest  /  Twitter
Brittany of Mommy On Demand Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Alli of Tornadough Alli   
Blog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
Emma of Adventures of Adam  Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Jaimi of The Stay At Home Mom Survival Guide  Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest
Dawn of Spatulas on Parade Blog  /  Bloglovin ' /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Heidi Jo of Simplee Thrifty Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Kim of 2JustByou Blog  /  Bloglovin  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row Blog  /  Bloglovin’ /   Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / StumbleUpon /  Twitter
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily Bread Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Carrie of A Mother’s Shadow Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / Twitter
Follow us on PINTEREST Follow CD's Country 's board Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop Favorites! on Pinterest.

Monday Morning Musings!

  Source Happy Monday-and welcome to the first editionof Monday Morning Musings!As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have some big changesplanned for CD's Country Living-and while mostof these changes will involve a move, as well as,this blog's appearance-I have also decidedto change up the format a bit too!
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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop # 142!

Happy Tuesday ya' all!  Can you believe it is officially fall tomorrow?  I''ll be honest-
I've been impatiently waiting for the arrival of cooler weather- since the heatwave
we had back in August.

But...now that it is here-it seems like I'm running around like a chicken with
it's head cut off-trying to catch up on all my outdoor chores.
There's the deck and half of the house trim that still needs to be painted-
gardens to clean up-
flowers to transplant-and a shed that needs to be organized
so I can store all of our STUFF in it for the winter!
EEEK!!!
Now that's a season I'm DEFINITELY not ready for!

As I mentioned before-until the changes are complete behind the blog- (as usual they
are taking longer than planned)
I'll be featuring my favorites from the past week
 before the new one begins!

Last week we had 630 link ups!!  That made my decision
SUPER difficult-especially since you are all AMAZING
and inspiring me SO much!
Here are my TOP 4 favorites!


Favorite DIY- Shonee from Hawthorne and Main came up with a creative
way to welcome her guests with this rustic barn wood serving tray! I LOVE
the idea of using door knobs for the feet!

Favorite Tablescape- Marty from Marty's Musings created a GORGEOUS Fall tablescape
filled with bright colors, cherished treasures, and bargain finds!
Favorite Beverage- Jenny from Honey and Birch came up with not one,
but TWO yummy beverages to celebrate the flavors of Fall!!
Favorite Recipe-  How fun is this candy corn fudge that Jaimie from
Totally the Bomb  whipped up for this year's Halloween treat?
I can't wait to see what you have to share this week!!Blessings and hugs,
Welcome to our party!We had so much fun viewing and sharing your posts last week. 

Take a look at what was viewed most!Let's show 'em a little extra luv ♥

Most Viewed Save Money on Fresh Produce by Saving Every Day


Very Popular
Pumpkin Cheesecake Rolls from Grace and Good EatsTaco in a Bag from Farmhouse 40Before I Had Kids by Wading Through Motherhood

Editor's Pick
Carmel Macchiato Cinnamon Rolls by Kleinworth & Co




Let's PARTY!


"Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop on 15 spectacular blogs! Come over and party with us."   Click to Tweet 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, Etsy shops or blog parties please. You are welcome to share them in the comments, though.Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there! Visit our FEATURES and comment, pin, share -- do what you can to bless them!When you are PINNING, please remember to do it from the original post. ♥Follow our Wonderful Wednesday PINTEREST board, if you'd like (below) ♥If you are new,  let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥And, thanks for joining us!Brittany of Mommy On Demand Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Alli of Tornadough Alli   
Blog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
Emma of Adventures of Adam  Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Jaimi of The Stay At Home Mom Survival Guide  Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest
Saira from Mom Resource Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter  /  YouTube
Heather of Real -The Kitchen and Beyond Blog  /  Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Dawn of Spatulas on Parade Blog  /  Bloglovin ' /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Heidi Jo of Simplee Thrifty Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Kim of 2JustByou Blog  /  Bloglovin  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row Blog  /  Bloglovin’ /   Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / StumbleUpon /  Twitter
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily Bread Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Carrie of A Mother’s Shadow Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / Twitter
CD of CD's Country Living Blog  /  Bloglovin' /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest 
Cathy of A Peek Into My Paradise Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Tumblr  /  Twitter
Tammy of My Life Abundant Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pi nterest  /  Twitter

Follow us on PINTEREST
Follow CD's Country 's board Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop Favorites! on Pinterest.

Mini White Bread Loaves with Garlic-Herb Butter!

I have a confession to make-(deep sigh). 
Okay-here it is...
I AM ADDICTED TO BREAD.There-I said it.  One of my biggest weakness' is now out on the table.LITERALLY.No-I'm not proud of it.  I know bread isn't exactly the healthiest food.At least that's what the experts say.But I just can't help myself. I see bread and I get weak in the knees and my mouthautomatically begins to water.Italian bread. French bread. Sourdough bread. Rye Bread.Breadsticks. Garlic Bread.
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Dinner for Two on the Front Porch!

We've been blessed with some unseasonably warm weather, here in our
neck of the woods this past week!  I say blessed, because, although
I am excited for all the wonderful things that come with fall, the warmer
temps are allowing hubby and I to put the finishing touches on painting
the exterior of our home-and preparing are yard and gardens for winter.
Read more »

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop # 141!

Happy Tuesday, ya' all!I hope your week is going amazing so far!Hubby and I have so busy painting the exterior of our house and getting ready for fall-we just haven't taken the time
to relax and enjoy our front porch which we love so much!
So... because mother nature has provided us withGORGEOUS weather this week- and the porchis  now all decorated for fall-I decided to whip up a delicious meal for two, and enjoyit outdoors!I'll be sharing the entire fall inspired tablescapefor our dinner for two on the porch tomorrow-and laterin the week I'll share the recipe for this deliciousbread and herb butter!

Now let's get to the party-because I simply CANNOTwait another minute to see what you all have to share this week!!!Blessings and hugs,


Thank you so much for coming to our party! We are glad you're here.Last week we had so many amazing shares but a few less clicks. It is a busy time of year for all of us, isn't it? We do understand. ♥
No worries, this week I have selected three Editor's Pick Features from the later entries that I just loved... and I hope you will, too. ♥

Most Viewed Nutella Cinnamon Banana Pastries from Momma D Jane



Very Popular Star Wars Rice Krispies from Mom EndeavorsPainted Cinderella Pumpkin and Movie by Momma D JaneHoly Moly Chicken from Best of Long Island And Central Florida


Editor's Picks

Too many great shares for me to select just one. Here are my three faves that didn't hit the "highly viewed" category this week. ♥
Pumpkin Praline Bars from Dear Crissy

Trashtastic Tuesdsay Barstool Makeover by Sweet Parrish Place

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo from Pinch of Nutmeg




So, let's party!
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, Etsy shops or blog parties please. You are welcome to share them in the comments, though.Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there! Visit our FEATURES and comment, pin, share -- do what you can to bless them!When you are PINNING, please remember to do it from the original post. ♥Follow our Wonderful Wednesday PINTEREST board, if you'd like (below) ♥If you are new,  let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥And, thanks for joining us!Jaimi of The Stay At Home Mom Survival Guide  Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest
Saira from Mom Resource Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter  /  YouTube
Erica of eLeMeNO-P Kids Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Heather of Real -The Kitchen and Beyond Blog  /  Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Dawn of Spatulas on Parade Blog  /  Bloglovin ' /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Heidi Jo of Simplee Thrifty Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Kim of 2JustByou Blog  /  Bloglovin  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row Blog  /  Bloglovin’ /   Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / StumbleUpon /  Twitter
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily Bread Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Carrie of A Mother’s Shadow Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / Twitter
CD of CD's Country Living Blog  /  Bloglovin' /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest 
Cathy of A Peek Into My Paradise Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Tumblr  /  Twitter
Tammy of My Life Abundant Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pi nterest  /  Twitter
Brittany of Mommy On Demand Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Alli of Tornadough Alli   
Blog / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter
Emma of Adventures of Adam  Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
Follow us on PINTEREST
Follow CD's Country 's board Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop Favorites! on Pinterest.

Apple-Raisin Pudding

Happy Friday ya' all!I know I've been posting a lot of apple recipes lately.But, here in our neck of the woods-September is allabout apples.  If you've been following along,you might even remember me posting this time lastyear, about a celebration of apples-called Apple fest!

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Decorating the Fireplace Mantel for Fall!

Since we've been busy painting the exterior of our home, I'm just getting
started on decorating for fall-inside.
As with any season change-I always begin with our fireplace
mantel.
Although I am a neutral color girl at heart, this year I
decided to step out of my comfort zone and take inspiration from the glorious splendor
of color that our Good Lord provides this time of year.

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