C.D. Loken's Blog, page 32

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Homemade Bread

In my world-(cold and wintry) there is nothing better than a slice of homemade bread and a hearty bowl of beef stew.  Unfortunately, there are some days (like today)-that do not provide me with the time to go through the process of making it the 'old fashioned' way.  No problem.  That's when I pull out the 'big guns' and use the blessings that modern technology has given me.   Does that mean that

Weekend Check-list!

It is another blustery and cold winter day here, but I'm not going to let it get me down!  Saturday is just around the corner, and I'm starting my 'to do' list right now.

Woo HOO!  I already checked off one of the items!

#1  Use up banana's! ( Isn't it funny how quickly those darn things ripen?)   Since I already have several loaves of banana bread in the freezer (yes-I should stop buying

Dining Room Inspiration

While hubby was watching one of his car shows last night, I decided to do start creating a plan for each of the rooms we want to update.  I spent the remainder of the night looking at paint colors, fabric, and many, many inspirational design plans.

Since the dining room requires only 'cosmetic' updates, I thought I would begin there.

First-let me show you what we have to work with.

Change is in the air!

We had another 5 inches of snow yesterday!!!  It took hubby and I over an hour to get shoveled out, last night! (Thank you Mr. Snow plow man!) 



Our Lilac bushes are disappearing in the snow!




The base of our maple tree in the front yard!



Thankfully-today the temperature is expected to reach a whopping 38
degrees!  This 'heat wave' is going to make

DIY-Personalized Family sign

Thankfully-I ditched yesterday's 'comotose' state-and woke up with ton's of energy!  (Gee, I wonder why?) With a cup of coffee in hand and my mind spinning with material, I went up to my office and wrote for the most of the morning.  Unfortunately, I lost some steam just before lunch time-so I decided to finish a project I've been putting off for months.

I've wanted to make a  'special' sign,

Veggie Pizza

Today has been one of those 'lazy' kind of days!  Hubby and I didn't even make a big brunch this morning.  Instead we whipped up a batch of scrambled eggs with some veggies, and called it good. (It was okay.)

Morning soon turned into afternoon, and our energy level's had seemed to deplete even further.  (It takes a lot of energy to click that remote control you know!) So, I decided maybe a

Savory and Sweet Valentine's Day treats!

Tomorrow is Valentine's day! (Not that you didn't know that already- what with all the flower and jewelry advertisements being played over and over.)  But just in case-I thought I ought to remind you.

I guess for all those folks who have someone special-tomorrow is a day that will be filled with love and romance-and yes, probably flowers and jewelry. (Okay- maybe for some it will be just a card.

Pork Chops with Portobello Mushroom Gravy

 I was cooking dinner last night, and suddenly I was transported from my kitchen, back to the one I grew up in.  No, I am not going crazy.  And no, I do not own a time machine.  What I meant was- my MIND went back in time.   Okay, now that we've got that straight-let's get back to my trip down memory lane.

There I was, sitting beside my sister, and across from my dad, at the kitchen table in the

Rich and Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with Roasted Chicken

The recipe I am sharing with you today is from my niece Amanda.



Amanda driving one of several, tractors on the farm






Amanda is truly one of those 'natural' kind of country girls.  She loves everything about living on a farm.  Which by the way, makes her job as a Vet Tech, a perfect match.

But, though my sweet niece is exceptionally good at doing chores, canning, and

Pumpkin Raisin Bread

My mom stopped over this morning for a cup of coffee. She claimed that she was in town and didn't think it would be very nice if she didn't at least say 'Hi!' I know better! She smelled my pumpkin raisin bread that was baking in the oven.  It's a good thing too, because Mom likes to have something sweet with her coffee.

I was given this recipe years ago, by a very dear friend.  I don't know