C.D. Loken's Blog, page 4

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #140!

Happy Tuesday, ya' all!You might not see it yet-but I'm making some BIG changesbehind the scene to the blog. You will be seeing the resultsreal soon-I PROMISE-but one thing I can tell you,there will no longer be a Sensational Sunday Love Links.For those of you that are new here-that post wasdesignated to all the things on blog land that inspired me each week-which included many posts from you AMAZING folkswho link up to this party!  But don't fret-there willbe a post designated for that when the BIG changesare complete!Until then-I'm going to share my favorites from the weekbefore with you at the beginning of every party!So let's get to it!
Favorite Furniture Makeover- H20 Bungalow had me droolingover this desk she created for a little boy's room!  I still can't believe thiswas wicker!  Check out her tutorial for how she got this 'cargo' look! It's a definitemust see!  Favorite Recipe-  Sassy Girlz   made a YUMMY loaded bakedpotato salad-and really, what's not to love?  Bacon, cheese, cream...Oh YA!! Favorite DIY-  How cute is this fall wreath that You brew my tea made using lid's from canning jars?  I can't wait to see what you all have to share this week!
Blessings and hugs,

So, friends, how's it going? Labor Day is behind us and school is fully underway. Time for us to get into swing with our fall schedules with great new recipes, craft ideas, money saving tips and more! 

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Take a moment to enjoy our most popular posts, featured below, and then let's party!
Most Viewed
10 Secret Ways to Save at Joann Fabric by Simplee Thrifty

Very Popular Flower Shadow Box from Simplee Thrifty

Holiday Sausage Balls by Woods of Bell Trees

51 Toilet Paper Roll Crafts from Must Have Mom


Editor's PickThis fun collection of Kids Smoothies from Kids Activities Blog caught my eye so I selected it to be Editor's Pick this week. Unbeknownst to me, there is a never-ending linky to add our own Kids Smoothie posts. If you have one, you can add it! 50 Smoothie Recipes Kids Love from Kids Activities Blog


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!
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
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
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.






BLOGGER NEW STYLE

An InLinkz Link-up


WORDPRESS OLD STYLE

Cinnamon-Apple Cake

September has arrived, and although  temps have reached record highs (90 degrees)
 here in our neck of the woods, I'm not letting that stop me from enjoying
one of my FAVORITE seasons!

Yes, that' right folks!  Mother natures might not be ready to release
her hold on summer-but as far as I'm concerned-summer is OVER-and
it's time to get ready for a FABULOUS Fall!

Read more »

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop # 139!

Happy Tuesday!Before we get to the party-I wanted to say a HUGEThank YOU to the sweet folks whosent such kind and supportive emails in regardsto my breakdown post yesterday!
Sometimes a gal just get's a bit overwhelmed (I sure do)and needsto vent! It sure is nice though to have friends like you who will listen and understand! I AM truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends-and I honestly couldn't be happier doing what I LOVE to do!So I apologize if it sounded like I was complaining-or being ungrateful!Truly-that was not my intention at all!
I think we all can take on a BIT too much at times-and when we do,
we have to take a step back and look at the big picture!
That's exactly what I'm doing.

This blog is SO important to me-and has become a HUGE part of my life over
 the last year and half-
as have you all! And because of that I've decided to not only take it more seriously (IE-no longer a hobby)but also make some MUCH needed improvements and devote more of my time toproviding consistent-quality posts that are not only inspirational, but
helpful!
I'll be sharing more on this BIG change-very soon!Until then-let's get to one of the MOST inspirational partiesin blog land!I can't wait to see what you all have to share this week!
Blessings and hugs,


Welcome to our first blog hop of the fall 2015! 

Momentum last week was great. Over 600 posts shared and our most viewed was VERY MOST viewed! 


Before I tell you which post that might be, please welcome our two new co-hosts: 

Alli of Tornadough Alli and Emma of Adventures of Adam. 


Please take some time to follow them on social media and visit their blogs (links below.)


And now for the posts YOU liked the best last week...




Most Viewed Pinterest Tips -- How To Grow Your Blog With Pinterest by Mums Make Lists

Very Popular
Low Calorie Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta by MadamedealsBest Sandwiches On The Web from Recipes For My Daily Bread




Editor's Pick Brownie Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake by Flavours and Frosting


And, our record breaking 607th entry last week...








Kitchen Cabinet Door Hack from My Sweet Things


And here are our 16 wonderful cohosts ...


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!Alli
of Tornadough Alli   NEW!

Blog/ Facebook/ Google+ / Pinterest /Twitter

Emma
of Adventures of Adam   NEW! Blog/ Facebook/ 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/ Instagram

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

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

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














BLOGGER NEW STYLE INLINKZ

An InLinkz Link-up

One step forward-two steps back!

Do you ever look back at the previous week,and although it SEEMS like you've accomplisheda great deal-it sure doesn't FEEL like it?
Well, that's kind of how last week was for me.

I made the 3 hour trip to my daughter, Mel's on Wednesday,and after patching and sanding the kitchen walls,I was able to get them painted beforethe contractors came and installed the kitchen cabinets!

Read more »

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #138!

Welcome to our party! 

Wow, the summer is moving along so fast! I am amazed at all the back-to-school promotions and the many bts posts, as well! Of course, I love the posts :) 


Hey, before we get into our popular posts from last week, I want to say a heartfelt "thank you" and "we'll miss you" to two of our cohosts, Kristen of Musings of an Average Mom and Nicole/Susan of Flavors by Four . They have had some life-changes that are making it necessary to refocus. For now,  they will have to bow out of co-hosting our party. This is their last week with us. 

Please show them lots of love ♥


Yes, we will still be on 16 fabulous blogs...next week we will introduce you to our two NEW co-hosts!

So, what did you all like best last week?


Most Viewed Copycat Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade from Simplee Thrifty


Very Popular

Decorating For Fall With Beautiful Wood Signs from Thats So PrettyBloggers Helping Bloggers from Musings Of An Average Mom

DIY All Purpose Cleaner by Simplee Thrifty




Editor's Pick(s)Now, usually I pick just one post to highlight but this week I was compelled to do more! There were so many great treasures that got less attention than they probably should have so I decided to select THREE spectacular favorites of mine. Enjoy! Peanut Butter Cheescake from Olives 'n Okra

DIY Notes Board by Summer ScrapsTop 10 Playroom Must Haves from 24 Cottonwood Lane







And now for this week'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!
Kristen of Musings Of An Average MomBlog /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Nicole and Susan of Flavors By Four Blo g  /  Bl o glovin  /  F ac ebook   /  Pinterest
Carrie of A Mother’s Shadow Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / Twitter
CD of CD's Country Living Blog  /  Bloglovin' /  Facebook  /  Google+  / Instagram/  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
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
Diane of Recipes For Our Daily Bread Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Saira from Mom Resource Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter  /  YouTube
Jaimi of The Stay At Home Mom Survival Guide  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




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

A little bit of this and that!

Happy Tuesday, all!These last few day's have been CRAZY busy, so I apologize for being MIA here on the blog!This past weekend mom and I took of to my daughter,Mel's to help her get some painting done.We were able to get the master bedroom and mostof the master bath completed.  Mel also paintedthe vanity-and we still have the oak trim aroundthe windows to complete.I still have to edit those photo's, but I do have a couple I can share with you today!
Read more »

On a personal note: The man behind the blog!

 I realized the other day that I've been bloggingfor a year and half now-and although I've mentionedhubby in many posts-and I've often joked about us beingTOTAL opposites-I've neverreally given you an 'in depth' look at one of the
most important people behind me and this blog!

Read more »

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop # 137!

We are so excited.About what? Excited about YOU!Can you get any more creative, artistic, authentic and just plain FUN? Sometimes we get so tickled to see what you've been up to that we even get in touch with one another and say "did you see THIS one?"
Just last week we discovered a newbie blogger who was in her very first week of her own blog hop so we sent out the news "Go party with her!" And that's what we did. We wanted to help her to have a great start.
All that to say that Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop is more than a way to get and give traffic. We absolutely love to applaud your amazing work!




So... let's see what you all liked the best last week ... ♥
Most Viewed
Biscuit Topped Beef and Carrot Casserole

Very Popular
One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Dish by Simply StacieCarmel Apple Poke Cake from The Cincy ShopperDark Chocolate Cupcakes from Adventures of  Country DivasHow To Break Your Kids Bad Habits from Wading Through Motherhood

Sour Cream Lemon Pie from Bunny's Warm OvenOreo Poke Cake from Meatloaf and Melodrama

Editor's Pick Fall and Winter Crochet from Over The Apple Tree

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!Tammy of My Life Abundant Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pi nterest  /  Twitter
Brittany of Mommy On Demand Blog  /  Bloglovin’  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
Kristen of Musings Of An Average MomBlog /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter
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

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+  / Instagram/  Pinterest 
Cathy of A Peek Into My Paradise Blog  /  Bloglovin'  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Tumblr  /  Twitter
Saira from Mom Resource Blog  /  Facebook  /  Google+  /  Instagram  /  Pinterest  /  Twitter  /  YouTube
Jaimi of The Stay At Home Mom Survival Guide  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
Nicole and Susan of Flavors By Four Blo g  /  Bl o glovin  /  F ac ebook   /  Pinterest
Sinea of Ducks 'n a Row Blog  /  Bloglovin’ /   Facebook  /  Google+  /  Pinterest   / StumbleUpon /  Twitter
Follow our Pinterest Board?
Follow CD's Country 's board Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop Favorites! on Pinterest.

Sensational Sunday Love Links!

Happy Sunday, ya' all, and welcome to this week's Sensational SundayLove links!  Things have been pretty crazy around here this past week!After talking and planning it for months-hubby and I
FINALLY starting the long and tedious process of 
painting the exterior of our house!  I can't tell you how
happy I am to soon be able to check this off the list of
projects to finish this year!
I'll be sharing more on that next week,
but for now-let's get to the top 6 things that
inspired me this week!


1. Favorite Hair- With all the makeovers going on in our house-I decided it
might be time to get one myself!  I'm not sure about changing my color-but
after seeing this hair style-I think I'm ready to go shorter!


2. Favorite Up-cyle- I always LOVE finding ways to re-purpose old things-and Jaime, from Anderson + Grant does too!  You won't believe what she used to make thishandy tray for serving drinks!

3. Favorite Tablescape- Janet, from Rosemary and Thyme put together a simple, rustic, andoh so, romantic tablescape for her and her hubby!  What's not to love?
4. Favorite Recipe- As you all know-I LOVE breakfast-which is
why I was drooling all over my keyboard when I saw Jen's blueberry
stuffed french croissant french toast! YUMMY!



 5. Favorite room makeover- Cindy's kitchen makeover is absolutely STUNNING-and
a definite MUST see!


6. Favorite Furniture Makeover- I LOVE that The 2 Seasons took
one piece and turned it into two functional pieces!  You'll never
guess what this buffet started out as!


What inspired you this week?  Blessings and hugs,
Let's keep in touch!

Blueberry-Streusel Cake with Lemon Glaze

I've collected a LOT of cookbooks over the years, and I use them on
a daily basis.
Oh I know that with today's technology, it might seem silly to flipthrough the pages of a book (or three)-to find a recipe-when it would be far easier to type ina food words and find one in seconds.And don't get me wrong-I do that once in awhile.But for the most part-I enjoy flipping through those pagesso much more.Especially my favorite cookbooks.

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