Merry Monday Linky Party #9

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<a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" title="Happy House and Home"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/401cdad4-0c84-4db7-a6aa-34af413d80b7_zps23c665f6.png" alt="Happy House and Home" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Welcome to the 9th Merry Monday Linky Party!

• Thank you to everyone that participated in last weeks Merry Monday Linky Party. We're on our way to 200 link ups! Whoohoo!
• Going forward, the Merry Monday Linky Party will be introducing a new guest host bi-monthly. This week we have Jenn from Ever After In The Woods and Rachel from Craving Some Creativity. Remember, each host picks their own features, so make sure you visit their blogs to see if you've been featured!
• All features will be pinned to the Merry Monday Linky Party Pinterest board, so follow along to see the top features of the party.

On to the Merry Monday Linky Party #9!

Meet the hosts of this party

*We would appreciate a follow in at least one of our social media platforms. Let us know you followed via Merry Monday so we can follow back!*

Host Erlene @My Pinterventures ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Instagram Bloglovin Stumbleupon Co-host Julia @Happy House and Home ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Bloglovin Co-host Treana @House of Bennetts ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Instagram Co-host Misty @The Lady Prefers 2 Save ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Instagram Youtube

On the Host's Blogs

My Pinterventures

Microwave Mochi ~ Baking Soda Sea Art ~ Hermosa Peak Yacon Syrup Review

Happy House and Home

Belly Blasting Smoothies ~ Shabby Chic Star

House of Bennetts

Last Minute Wedding Ideas ~ Wedding Ties ~ Maternity Photo Shoot

The Lady Prefers 2 Save

Reusing Wax Melts Tutorial ~ Camomile-Mint Astringent for $.05 ~ Easy Bake Oven Cake Mix for $.20

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Meet Your Guest Co-host

If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, please sign up! We have opened up party spots in the month of August.

Ever After In The Woods

Guest Co-host Jenn @Ever After In The Woods ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Instagram

• Jenn blogs about things that inspire her. She loves good style, great DIY, easy recipes, and being a good mom to her children.

Craving Some Creativity

Guest co-host Rachel @Craving Some Creativity ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Bloglovin

• Rachel blogs about scrap booking, crafts, home DIY, and recipes. You will find tips, techniques, and, hopefully, some inspiration to tackle your own projects.

On the Guest Co-host's Blog

Ever After In The Woods

Tropical Pineapple Banana Coconut Bread ~ National Ice Cream Month with Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Ice Cream

Craving Some Creativity

Turn It Up Tuesday! ~ Pizza Battles - His vs Hers ~ Bolster Pillow Cover from a Pillowcase

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Feature Posts

Most Clicked

Grilled Tilapia with Spicy Mango Pineapple Salsa @Vintage Zest

My Feature Pick

Michelle at Our Crafty Mom made this awesome Vertical Vase Holder using milk bottles. Isn't it gorgeous? And those peonies... So beautiful! 

*Don't forget to visit the other hosts to view their feature picks too.*

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Features will be pinned to the Merry Monday Linky Party Board

Follow Erlene Amat | My Pinterventures's board Merry Monday Linky Party Features on Pinterest.

If you were featured, grab the Merry Monday Linky Party feature button and display it on your blog, feature page, or sidebar

<div align="center">
<a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.50" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.51" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">happyhouseandhome</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.52" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">blogspot</span>.com/" title="Happy House and Home"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.53" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.54" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i845.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.55" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/ab20/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.56" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">ErleneA</span>/NewMerryMondayFeatureButton150_zpsbc5e0f2a.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.57" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">png</span>" alt="Happy House and Home" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Permalink back to the blog: http://wp.me/p3UxXD-1kV

 

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Party Guidelines

 Link up to 3 family friendly posts that teach us crafts, DIY projects, recipes, a tip/trick (gardening, cooking, crafting, beauty, party planning, travel tip, etc...). Link parties and giveaways are also welcome.

• DO NOT link up posts you have linked to a previous party, personal shops (Etsy) or things you are selling, posts that do not teach us one of the items in the first guidelines - these links will be deleted.
• Linking your posts gives us permission to share your link up on your host/co-host's various social media platforms.
• By linking up, you give us permission to add your email to the Merry Monday Linky Party mailing list. You will receive an email once a week for this party only.
• If you do not wish to be added to the list, leave your email blank when linking up.
• DO NOT link up and run. Please visit at least two other fellow party link ups and comment/share.

 

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Help Grow this party.

Grab our party button and place it on your sidebar, party page, or link post.

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<a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.63" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.64" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">happyhouseandhome</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.65" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">blogspot</span>.com/" title="Happy House and Home"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.66" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.67" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i845.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.68" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/ab20/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.69" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">ErleneA</span>/401cdad4-0c84-4db7-a6aa-34af413d80b7_zps23c665f6.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":z.70" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">png</span>" alt="Happy House and Home" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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Time to link up!

If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, please sign up! We have opened up party spots in the month of August.

Sharing is caring! Tweet the party Tweet

***Your party hosts will be busy sharing your link ups on either Twitter, FB, Pinterest (some to several group boards), Stumbleupon, and Google+, so follow us and see how we're promoting your link ups. One or more of us will visit your blog and promote your link up on at least one of our social media platforms.***

An InLinkz Link-up

Secret Ingredient Macaroni Salad

I know. Macaroni Salad. BUT, before you turn away, my macaroni salad is different! Why? Because it has a secret ingredient. Don't you love secret ingredients?

I do because secret ingredients mean you have a unique recipe. And when you are making something as common as macaroni salad you NEED a secret ingredient.

(Speaking of unique... How do you find a rare rabbit? Unique up on it!) 

Secret Ingredient Macaroni Salad
serves 10

1 lb macaroni, cooked as per the package directions
1 medium carrot, grated
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
(start with) 1 cup full fat mayo
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
(start with) 1/4 cup SECRET INGRDIENT: Basil Pesto
1/2 tsp paprika
1 TBSP fresh basil leaves

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Run under cold water to cool, and drain VERY well.

Hard boil the eggs. (I put the eggs in a medium sauce pan and cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Immediately turn off the heat and allow the eggs to sit in the hot water for 15 minutes). Put them in cold water until they're cool enough to peel and chop.

Once the eggs and the macaroni are cool, mix all of the ingredients except the basil and paprika, in large bowl. According to your taste, add more mayo or pesto until the salad tastes the way you like it.

Transfer to a large glass or ceramic bowl.

Chiffonade the basil ~ stack the basil leaves and roll into a "cigar" shape. Slice into ribbons with a sharp knife ~ and sprinkle over the top of the salad.

Next, sprinkle the top of the salad with paprika (it's just pretty).

Refrigerate for two hours before serving.

Try a couple of the following add-ins:

1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1/2 cup cooked peas

Note: I use full fat mayo, because I like the flavor better with the pesto.

What about you guys? Do you have a secret ingredient for your macaroni salad? Do tell ~ I'm happy to try them all out! :)

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) 

If you would like to join in some fun link parties, 

head on over HERE!  So much inspiration! 

Guest Post - A Shabby Chic Star!

Hey guys! 

I'm excited to be guest posting over at A Peek Into My Paradise! 

Come on over and see it HERE! 

Belly Blasting Smoothies

We're into smoothies around here. Not only are these delicious, they're super good for us, and they only take about 2 minutes to make. 

PLUS, if you make one of these three for your breakfast or lunch, they're low in calories but full of protein, so you'll be full until your next meal. 

I'm not into cleansing or fasting, but these smoothies do seem to do as they say - belly blasting, metabolism boosting and detoxifying. I always feel good after I have one, and I'm pretty sure that if I'd lay off having leftover spaghetti for breakfast (don't judge!), I'd probably lose some weight!  Plus they're certainly a lot better for the kids than a bowl of Lucky Charms.

My kids, especially my picky, on-the-go teens, love these smoothies. (In fact, my 15 year old daughter just told me that she didn't want school to end because she'd miss her smoothie in the morning! I told her I think I can manage to make her a smoothie ~ even in the summer.) 

So, without further ado, here are the three super delicious smoothies that we make, and I hope you'll love!

BELLY BLASTING MANGO SMOOTHIE

1/2 cup frozen mango cubes
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 packet sweetener if you want it sweeter 
4 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender or "magic bullet", until well combined. This takes about 1 minute. Serves 1. 

METABOLISM BOOSTING BANANA-MOCHA SMOOTHIE

1 large frozen banana
1/2 cup cold coffee (leftover is fine)
1/2 cup fat free milk
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Nestle)
1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter

1 packet sweetener if you want it sweeter

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. This takes about 1 minute. The result for this smoothie is just like a milkshake, and the kids favorite of all. Serves 1.

DETOX BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

1 cup plain low fat yogurt 

1 cup frozen blueberries 

1/4 cup fat free milk

4 ice cubes

2 TBSP honey

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. This takes about 1 minute. Serves 1.

TIPS: 

• Freeze bananas. I buy bananas, and when they're ripe, I chunk them up and put them in baggies in the freezer. 
• I buy Dole frozen fruits - they have all sorts, but my favorites are blueberry and mango (just because of how high in anti-oxidants these two are)
• Add sweetener at the end - only if you want it sweeter. You can use honey if you prefer. 
• If the smoothie is too thick, I add a splash of fat free milk and blend to incorporate. 

Do you make smoothies? What do you add yours to up the health benefits?

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) 

If you would like to join in some fun link parties, 

head on over HERE!  So much inspiration! 

Merry Monday Linky Party #8

Welcome to the 8th Merry Monday Linky Party!

• Thank you to everyone that participated in last weeks Merry Monday Linky Party. We had another great party and fabulous link ups.
• We have a new party host! Misty from The Lady Prefers 2 Save will be joining us each week for Merry Monday!
• Going forward, the Merry Monday Linky Party will be introducing a new guest host bi-monthly. This week we actually have two guest hosts, which means your link up will be seen on 5 different blogs! For the next two weeks, Lisa from A Merry Mom will be our guest host. Remember, each host picks their own features, so make sure you visit their blogs to see if you've been featured!
• All features will be pinned to the Merry Monday Linky Party Pinterest board, so follow along to see the top features of the party.

On to the Merry Monday Linky Party #8!

Meet the hosts of this party

*We would appreciate a follow in at least one of our social media platforms. Let us know you followed via Merry Monday so we can follow back!*

Host Erlene @My Pinterventures ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Instagram Bloglovin Stumbleupon Co-host Julia @Happy House and Home ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Bloglovin Co-host Treana @House of Bennetts ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Instagram Co-host Misty @The Lady Prefers 2 Save ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Instagram Youtube

On the Host's Blogs

My Pinterventures

Pinterest Tested: Chocolate Cupcakes vs Dark Chocolate Cupcakes ~ Ikea Stool Makeover

Happy House and Home

Photo Canvas Tutorial ~ DIY Elevated Cheese Board

House of Bennetts

Bridal Shower ~ Throwback Thursdays: Chore Chart for Adults ~ Help Treana vote for a new blog look

The Lady Prefers 2 Save

How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries ~ Tutorial Tues: Homemade Swifter Clothes & Solution ~ Ways to Save Wed: Petco ~ Homemade Flea & Tick Remedy

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Meet Your Guest Co-host

If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, please sign up! The party is booked until the end of August, so new openings won't be available until September.

Guest Co-host Lisa @A Merry Mom ~ Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Bloglovin

• Lisa from A Merry Mom blogs about the everyday joys of home and family life. She loves to write about anything cheery and family-oriented, including crafts, DIY, food, holidays, and travel

On the Guest Co-host's Blogs

A Merry Mom

Book Review: Mom Made Us Write This in the Summer by Ali Maier

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Feature Posts

Most Clicked

No Strain to Hang - Vintage Colander Planter @Sadie Seasongoods

My Feature Pick

Amy Krist made these Free Tree Branch Candle Holders with branches she found at her daughter's school. Aren't they gorgeous?! 

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Features will be pinned to the Merry Monday Linky Party Board

Follow Erlene Amat | My Pinterventures's board Merry Monday Linky Party Features on Pinterest.

If you were featured, grab the Merry Monday Linky Party feature button and display it on your blog, feature page, or sidebar

<div align="center">
<a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">mypinterventures</span>.com" title="My <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Pinterventures</span>"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i845.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/ab20/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">ErleneA</span>/NewMerryMondayFeatureButton150_zpsbc5e0f2a.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">png</span>" alt="My <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Pinterventures</span>" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Permalink back to the blog: http://wp.me/p3UxXD-1iW

 

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Party Guidelines

 

• Link up to 3 family friendly posts that teach us crafts, DIY projects, recipes, a tip/trick (gardening, cooking, crafting, beauty, party planning, travel tip, etc...). Link parties and giveaways are also welcome.
• DO NOT link up posts you have linked to a previous party, personal shops (Etsy) or things you are selling, posts that do not teach us one of the items in the first guidelines - these links will be deleted.
• Linking your posts gives us permission to share your link up on your host/co-host's various social media platforms.
• By linking up, you give us permission to add your email to the Merry Monday Linky Party mailing list. You will receive an email once a week for this party only.
• If you do not wish to be added to the list, leave your email blank when linking up.
• DO NOT link up and run. Please visit at least two other fellow party link ups and comment/share.

 

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Help Grow this party.

Grab our party button and place it on your sidebar, party page, or link post.

<div align="center">
<a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">mypinterventures</span>.com" title="My <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Pinterventures</span>"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i845.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/ab20/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">ErleneA</span>/401cdad4-0c84-4db7-a6aa-34af413d80b7_zps23c665f6.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">png</span>" alt="My <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Pinterventures</span>" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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Time to link up!

Sharing is caring! Tweet the party Tweet

***Your party hosts will be busy sharing your link ups on either Twitter, FB, Pinterest (some to several group boards), Stumbleupon, and Google+, so follow us and see how we're promoting your link ups. One or more of us will visit your blog and promote your link up on at least one of our social media platforms.***

An InLinkz Link-up