Willow Wednesday

After an exciting, and busy, Christmas weekend, I think the best place to take a nap 

is laying on D. People make nice beds!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Features!!

It time for our Features!

Thank you all for linking up to the 
 Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Link Party!

Today it is time for all of us to share our features from the the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Link Party!

Claiming Our Space along with Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool are sharing our favorite link ups today! Since each of us will have selected our own two features you will so make sure to stop by to check out which link ups we selected.
 

I had a hard time picking my features.  But here they are!

Felt Wreath 

from Making It Feel Like Home

I love the shaggyness of it. It reminds me a little of poinsettia leaves.

Candy Cane Cupcakes

from Just My Crazy Kitchen

Chocolate, mint, buttercream all from scratch.  What isn't to love?

Grab the button if you were featured!


<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/Decemberbutton-Feature_2_zps4e78dd54.jpg" /></a>   Thanks again for sharing all your great projects, recipes and posts!

Willow Wednesday

It is hard work being a reindeer so I am resting up under the tree!

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!

Tout It Tuesday - #37

Happy Tuesday!
Can you believe that Christmas is a week away?  We can't and are in a bit of denial about the whole thing.  We haven't finished the Christmas shopping, we aren't finished with the decorating, the house is a disaster/work zone getting ready for my family's Christmas Eve gathering and I have no idea what to make for food for the party. So things are pretty much in chaos.  Here's hoping you all are in much better shape than we are.  On the plus side, the fireplace wall in the living room is coming together and it is looking fantastic. I am hoping that we will get things wrapped up in early January so I can show you what I have been working on.
Now that you are caught up with what we have been up to, it is time for this week's features.

Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies
from The Domesticated Princess

D loves peanut butter cookies since they don't have any chocolate in them. 

(How did I end up with someone who doesn't love chocolate?)

Fabric Rag Basket 
from Handmade by Annabelle

I think I need several of these to hold craft supplies. 
So much cuter than brown cardboard boxes.

Glogg Spiced Wine
from Lazy Budget Chef

Booze and fire are not usually a good combo but when you mix them to make Glogg - it is all good!  Watch out though  because I know this delish drink can pack a punch (I am convinced it is because of the aquavit...that stuff is dangerous!)

Drawer Pull Wine Stopper
from Will Work for Eskimo Kisses

What a great last minute gift idea! Now I just need to figure out how many to make. :-)

Make sure to grab the featured button!

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-Featured.jpg" /></a>

This week's Fan Fav!
Christmas Kitchen
from House on the Way

Make sure to grab the Fan Fav button

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-FanFav.jpg"/></a>

Before we get to the party, just a couple of other things.

Second, the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool is still going on until Thursday.  Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

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Now it's time for Tout It Tuesday!

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

Just a few rules/guidelines.

1. I would love it if you would follow through GFC or Bloglovin'. It would be great if you would also follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.

2. Please do not link shops or link parties that are not related to a project, photo or recipe challenge. Everything else is accepted.

3. Linking to Claiming Our Space isn't required but I would appreciate it if you would grab my button and either display it with the post you are linking up or under your list of parties.

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-ToutIt Tuesdays.jpg" /></a>

4. Don't forget to click on the "like" button on your favorite project or recipe so I know which one should be the week's Fan Fav.

5.  Please try to visit at least two posts for each link you submit and leave a comment.  Comments make everyone happy!

If you have a Holiday or Winter themed link up, make sure to also link up to the Winter Wonders and Holiday Happenings party going on until Thursday!

With all that out of the way, let's get the party started!

Crispy Garlic Mustard Pork Chops {Recipe}

We like to try one new recipe each week.  It helps us branch out from our favorites.  Do you try to do the same? There isn't any rhyme or reason to what recipe we try, we grab some meat out of the freezer ,in this case, the meat from the freezer was pork chops from WilburII, and do a search on what else but Pinterest.  I mean, where else would I go to try to find a pork chop recipe?

This recipe caught my eye. I love that it uses panko, so much better and crunchier than bread crumbs. I was intrigued by the idea of brushing the chops with lemon to add flavor. I hadn't seen that before. Plus, I love anything I can put the delicious Trader Joe's Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce. That stuff is great on almost anything.

D thought it was great and this recipe is definitely going into our recipe rotation. 

Crispy Garlic Mustard Pork Chops

Source: Adapted from BAS Cooking

Ingredients

• 4  bone-in pork loin chops (about 8 ounces each, 3/4 to 1 inch thick), patted dry
• 4 tablespoon Trader Joe's Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce  (You can also use honey mustard)
• lemon juice
• 1 cups panko
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for baking sheet
• 1-2 tablespoons dried Italian herb mix (We used this).  Amount depends on how herb-y you like your food.
• Coarse kosher salt and ground pepper

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Coat pork loin chops with lemon juice
• Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with oil; set aside
• Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper
• Spread one side of each chop with 1 teaspoon honey mustard
• Dividing evenly, combine breadcrumbs with chopped fresh herbs and a tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl
• Sprinkle mixture on one side of the pork chops, over the mustard, and pressing lightly to ensure the panko mixture doesn't come off
• Transfer pork, coated side up, to prepared baking sheet
• Bake until crust is golden and pork is opaque throughout (meat should register 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), 14 to 16 minutes
• Serve

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Don't forget that theWinter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool is still happening through next Thursday. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

Willow Wednesday

I like to help Mom by laying on her craft supplies.  Felt makes a comfy place to rest.

Tout It Tuesday - #36

Happy Tuesday!
Things here at our house are a bit in overdrive. We are hosting my family's big Christmas Eve party.  My parents usually host but they had some unexpected home repairs come up.  Their living room and basement (where we usually gather) are now filled with boxes of clothing and furniture. I know we will have a wonderful evening but in the mean time we need to finish up some projects lingering projects in the living room and hallway before the 24th.  Nothing like a party for 30 to light the motivation fires, right? 

Now that you are caught up with what we have been up to, it is time for this week's features.

DIY Bunting
from Rustic Silk

I love that this doesn't involve the sewing machine in any way. Thread and glue hold it all together. 

Triple Chocolate Toffee
from The Rehomesteaders

Rachel had me at triple chocolate on this sweet treat.  Who wouldn't want to make this for a holiday party?

DIY Candles Holder out of Chair Legs
from Adventures in Creating

I never would have know these were chair legs.  I so need to put spade drill bits on my Christmas list!

Cheesy Smoked Sausage Dip
from The Hill Hangout

This one is definitely going on the menu for our Christmas Eve gathering.  

Who wouldn't love this on a crostini or a cracker?

Make sure to grab the featured button!

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-Featured.jpg" /></a>

This week's Fan Fav!

multi-time zone wall clock 
 from Pondered Primed Perfected via Inspiration Cafe.

Make sure to grab the Fan Fav button

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-FanFav.jpg"/></a>

Before we get to the party, just a couple of other things.

First,  I am co-hosting the Homemade Holiday Link Party and the voting starts today. Make sure to come back at noon to vote for your favorite 5 link ups.

Second, this Friday is the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings linky party hosted by Claiming Our Space, Black Fox Homestead, Life with the Hawleys, Lilacs and Longhorns, Practically Functional, The Thrifty Rebel and Yellow Spool. Each of us will have our own project or recipe to share so make sure to stop by to check out what we have each created as well as to link up your own winter or holiday inspired posts.

---

Now it's time for Tout It Tuesday!

I can't wait to see what people will be share this week and know that I will be inspired by everyone's projects and recipes.

Just a few rules/guidelines.

1. I would love it if you would follow through GFC or Bloglovin'. It would be great if you would also follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.

2. Please do not link shops or link parties that are not related to a project, photo or recipe challenge. Everything else is accepted.

3. Linking to Claiming Our Space isn't required but I would appreciate it if you would grab my button and either display it with the post you are linking up or under your list of parties.

<a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/gooch100/COSButton-ToutIt Tuesdays.jpg" /></a>

4. Don't forget to click on the "like" button on your favorite project or recipe so I know which one should be the week's Fan Fav.

5.  Please try to visit at least two posts for each link you submit and leave a comment.  Comments make everyone happy!

If you have a Holiday or Winter themed link up, make sure to also link up to the Winter Wonders and Holiday Happenings party going on until next Thursday!

With all that out of the way, let's get the party started!