Serenity Now

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-05-26T10:31:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday! Please pop in to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. Don't forget the Rubbermaid Giveaway!

All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, home remedies, room makeovers, crafts, tips and tricks, fashion advice, book reviews, and more! The code for the button is near the end of this post, or you can add a text link back to me within your post.

Keep reading to see just a few of the posts that caught my eye so far.

***PLEASE, If you are a Pinterest user, Pin from the original source so that each blogger gets credit for his/her work.***

~Screen Porch Makeover via It All Started with Paint

~Rustic Chalkboard via It's Just Me

~Hallway Makeover via Just So Lovely

~Marinated Chickpea Salad via Peas and Crayons

~Outdoor Pillow with Plastic Grocery Bags via In My Own Style

~"Mad Men" Party via Parties for Pennies

~Faux Mashed Potatoes (Cauliflower) via building this nest

~Craft Bag Sewing Tutorial via Create. Craft. Love

Okay...I'm out of time for today, but I'll have a whole new list of links to share for tomorrow!

So, what did you have up your sleeve this week? Come by and share it with us here! Be sure to check out some of the other bloggers' work too. Here's the button in case you'd rather use that than a text link back.

I'm working at commenting as well as balancing my family and fun time this weekend...thanks for your patience! More Features coming tomorrow!

If I've featured you, feel free to snag a button for your blog here.

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-05-25T08:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love. Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link. Don't forget to enter this week's Rubbermaid Giveaway!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~Wood Pallet Family Tree via Delightful Deets

~Raised Garden Beds via Infarrantly Creative

~Pool Noodle Summer Wreath via Fox Hollow Cottage

~Vintage Camera Silhouette Signs via Sweet Little Gals

~And Me? This week featured:

Rubbermaid Giveaway (if your post includes a link back to me, you'll earn an extra entry!)
DIY Personalized Water Bottles
My Summer Reading List 2012
Why Linking Back (the Right Way!) is Important

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Please link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me in your post.*
No items for sale, shops, giveaways, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

*A text link-back (ex- Linking to Serenity Now) is fantastic, but here's the button code if you'd prefer to use that rather than a text link-back:

Party is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday night.

What are you up to this weekend?

Natalie's last day of kindergarten and class picnic are today...I think I'm going to cry typing this. Pizza party with the Mimi tonight--always a nice way to end the week. I'm going out with friends for tea and shopping in the "olde towne" area where I live tomorrow...too excited!

Did I Feature you today? Click here for a "featured" button for your blog post or sidebar.

Rubbermaid Review and Giveaway

2012-05-24T08:01:00.004-04:00

One of the coolest things about blogging is that I sometimes get the opportunity to test products out and then tell you guys about it. I get particularly excited about items that make my life as a stay-at-home mom easier, and today's Rubbermaid product review fits the bill. Even better, Rubbermaid is offering a Giveaway for one of you...so keep reading!

If you've been a reader for long, you know that we live in a 1970s Colonial in Virginia. Older homes are pretty solid, but you can definitely run into problems as the years pass. One issue we've had is with the plumbing...we once went 9 days without water while repairmen diagnosed our issue and built a new pipe from the house to the sewer. 9 days! At one point, I had to drive to the gas station to use the restroom. {Shudder}

Something we as homeowners and parents hate to think about is when the pipes inevitably clog and (blech) the toilet backs up. Whether you have a mischievous toddler who enjoys tossing various household items into your toilet or your pipes have just had it, no one enjoys hefting one of those grimey old plungers and going to work.

When a Rubbermaid rep contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out the new Clean and Dry Plunger, I was in. The site notes that this product will help keep your bathroom "cleaner and more sanitary."

I was skeptical when I read about the special NeverWet™ nanotech coating on the head and pole:

The coating repels water and minimizes the spread of germs.
Water beads up and rolls off instantly (like car wax)
Doesn't drip on your floors after use
Maintains coating for thousands of use

The package arrived, and of course I pulled it right out and stuck it in the (clean!) toilet just to see how this magic-like coating really worked. It was hard to get a photo with clear water, but this photo from Rubbermaid is pretty much exactly what the water did...ZERO drips on my bathroom floor!

It was also small enough to fit on its own scrap of drawer liner in our tiny downstairs bath cabinet:

A few other things to note- Always hold the plunger by the handle, as the coating is affected by the natural oils in your skin. You'll find a few notes on care and storage here. You can also view a quick Rubbermaid video of the coating in action. The Clean and Dry Plunger retail for $12.99 and are available for purchase at Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer, The Home Depot, and Rubbermaid.com.

Rubbermaid is giving away 1 Clean and Dry Plunger here!

Here's how you can enter (separate comments for each entry please)*

1. (mandatory for entry) Leave me a comment and let me know why you'd like to try out the Clean and Dry Plunger.
-For extra entries-
2. "Like" Rubbermaid on Facebook
3. Tweet the Following: @rubbermaid is hosting a #Giveaway via @SerenityNowGirl! Stop by and enter to win! http://bit.ly/MJFLBE
4. Facebook this Giveaway with a link to this post.
5. "Like" Serenity Now on Facebook (or let me know if you already do)
6. Join my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party this weekend and include a link back within your post for an extra, automatic entry!

My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party will open tomorrow morning at 8 am ET. Bring your best post of the week to share!

Here's the button code for the party if you want to get a head start! Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

*Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Giveaway valued at $12.99. Open to US and Canadian Residents only. I received this product to review, but was not compensated by Rubbermaid. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Why Linking Back (the Right Way) is Important

2012-05-23T08:01:00.001-04:00

Hi, bloggers. Today brings post #8 in my How to Blog Party series, which is written for new and experienced bloggers...lots of tips and tricks for joining and hosting a blog/link party. You can click here to start at the beginning of the series and see a round-up of all the posts so far. Last week, we talked about how to add a button to your blog post as a form of linking back.

This week's topic is: What's the Best Way to "Link Back" and Why Should I Do It?

Forgive the length of this post, but I really wanted to share with you all the reasons why linking back is so important. Other bloggers like to talk about it behind-the-scenes, but it's not often tackled head-on in a post. I'm not writing this to shake my finger at anyone or to come across as a cranky hostess, but I have been frustrated over the past year or so with link parties and have thought about ways we can improve things.

I've seen bloggers fret and complain about "who makes these blogger etiquette rules anyways?!" The honest truth is while there are no hard and fast rules to the blogosphere, there are basic guidelines. We observe guidelines because they make the blogosphere a nicer place to be. Bloggers who have been around for some time care about setting standards. It's no different for any other aspect of life...the "pioneers" forge the way for the rest of us!

Today we'll explore why taking the time to add a link back directly to your blog party posts is important.

I realize that this is a pretty hot topic and can stir up some conflicting opinions. I write this post from the point of view of someone who joins various link parties weekly and hosts one weekly. After several years of experience and lots and lots of discussion with bloggers far more successful than I am, I felt like it was time to write this.

If you sit and think about many of these points, a lot of it is just common sense. Please, if you regularly join link parties, continue reading with an open mind....

What is the best form of linking back to a blog party?

Simply put, the absolute best way to link back to a blog party is to insert a text link directly into the post you are adding to the blog party. We talked about how to add a text link back to your posts earlier in the series, and I mentioned that it's easiest to just quickly add them to the end of the post you'll be linking up.

This is pretty much guaranteed to endear you to blog party hostesses everywhere.

Can you pick out the correct text link back?

A) Linking here
B) Linking to these parties
C) Linking to Serenity Now

If you picked C, you were correct. A is okay, but really...if you're going to link to someone, why not just include the blog name and give that person credit? We'll get to the futility of link party pages later in the post.

In their most basic form, blog parties are a form of Quid Pro Quo. "I scratch your back, you scratch mine." I'm hosting your link about a DIY Toilet Paper Caddy from here to eternity, sending future readers your way each time they click on your thumbnail. In return, I ask you to place a simple "I'm linking to Serenity Now" text link or something like that at the bottom of the post you are sharing. I send readers your way, you send some my way so they can find similar posts from the party.

Why is a text link back in my post so important? Why can't I just direct readers to my "link party page" on my blog?

Text links added directly to your blog party post are better for both the hostess and the blogger linking up:

1. SEO
I am not very knowledgeable on SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but I did some research online after some of the (much, much bigger) bloggers noted that this is an important factor in link parties and link backs.

I'll share some links to online articles about SEO at the end of this post. Basically, what I've learned from articles and more experienced bloggers is that Search Engines look to see who you are linking directly to (ie. all those thumbnails on my site for my weekly party). When the Search Engine sees that a large percentage of those specific posts do not contain a link back to my site (within the post URL!), it can be bad. For me and you! If you're confused, Google "do follow links."

From what I understand, SEO is why text links are better than including a blog button in your post. I try to include a direct link to the party's specific URL when I can, but from what I understand, a text link to the hosting blog's homepage will also suffice.

If SEO isn't enough to make you want to link back within your post, then consider #2 on the list.

2. Etiquette
Several years ago, when I started blogging, link parties were a new thing and there weren't a lot of them. It was just expected that if you joined one, you read the hostess' guidelines and linked back out of respect for her and the work she did to put the party together.

Somewhere along the line, parties began to pop up everywhere and bloggers started linking their posts up to any party they might come across without linking back. You'd see the same craft post at 15 different blog parties, but no mention of those parties from the blogger. She was getting tons of traffic from these parties and growing her blog, but neglected to give credit to the sources of that traffic. Everyone seems to be in such a rush to be the next famous blogger that they aren't stopping to take a breath and remember their fellow bloggers.

Give credit where credit is due, and be consistent. It is really frustrating when someone links to one of my parties and has linked back to all of the larger blogs she partied with, but left out the small ones. Small blogs deserve that link back just as much as the large ones. (And a small blog may be more likely to see your link and feature it!)

3. Link Party Pages don't really help anyone
Sure, link party pages are great if a reader wants to browse and find a fun new site to follow. It's a nice service to provide for visitors, but it doesn't help blog party hostesses. My Analytics have never shown me any noticeable traffic that corresponded from a blogger's link party page/sidebar to my blog party.

I've noticed bloggers saying, "But the party link/button on my sidebar or link party page is there forever. I'm directing my readers to you that way."

If you pause to think about the work that would go into it for the reader, it really doesn't make sense:
-You write a really cool post about Chocolate Cake and link it to my party. You have my party button on your Link Party page, but you don't add a text link back to me within your post.
-Suzy Reader loves your post about Chocolate Cake and wants to know where to find other cool posts like this one because she sees your "Linking to These Parties" link at the bottom of your post.
-So you get an extra click on your site when Suzy Reader clicks over to your Link Party Page.
-She sees about 85 blog party buttons, all piled together in one big jumble.
-The probability that Suzy Reader will see my blog party button, click on it, go to my blog, and then browse pages of my blog to find the party you linked Chocolate Cake up to is very very small.
-And again, don't forget the SEO!!

4. What have you got to lose?
Yes, it does take time to add a text link at the bottom of your posts when you link them up. But responsible linking can also earn you Features. You're much more likely to get extra traffic from a blog party feature, as opposed to just adding your link and then moving on to the next party.

If you are too busy to edit your post and add a quick link back, then you might need to consider if you are linking to too many parties. Anything worth doing well will take time, so why not go the extra step and be rewarded for it?

5. Hostesses can't be hypocrites!
Hostesses who ask readers to link back should follow their own rules. I often have bloggers who host their own parties (and have much bigger sites than me) link up. With no link back. Yet they require the same thing from their readers. That's unfair and (in my honest opinion) pretty disrespectful, particularly when you are knowingly adding your post to a party with set guidelines for link backs.

In that same thread, hostesses who ask for link backs should encourage the practice by offering an incentive like a Feature on the blog, Facebook, Pinterest, or even Twitter!

Why do party hostesses care so much about me adding a link back into my post? What's the big deal?

It's not a big deal when it happens a few times. But when you spend hours hosting a party each week, it's frustrating when it continues to happen on a large scale. It's not the end of the world and hostesses don't think about it all day, but it sure can put a hiccup in the way your party grows.

It is a lot of work to put together a link party, whether you host it weekly, monthly, or even just occasionally. As we launch into the how-tos of hosting over the next few weeks, you will see that hosting a blog party is so, so much more than just pasting some code in your blog's html and watching the links pile up.

As stated above, a blogger puts her site's SEO on the line when she hosts a party. When numerous participants neglect to link back to her site within the post(s) they add to her party, it can be damaging. People who are serious about growing their blog, their party, and their readership care about things like this. You can't grow a party easily when half of the participants don't bother to let their readers know where they're linking up!

Many hostesses are invested financially in their blog parties. It costs money to use a linking service (like inlinkz). Even if it's not a lot of money, I have to pull from money I've earned writing articles or finding sponsorships to pay for the service. To help promote both of us!

Some hostesses are so frustrated with the lack of follow-through that they've edited their party codes to only accept posts that can detect a link back embedded within the post. Others (myself included) add a note to their parties alerting readers that they only feature posts with a link back in the post.

I can't tell you how many awesome posts I pass by every week because I don't see a link back within the post. I know it can be easy to forget when you're in a hurry, but some bloggers link up week after week...with no link back. I hate passing those posts by for a Feature, but I also want to be fair to the readers and bloggers who take the time to read and follow my guidelines. I know many other hostesses feel the same way.

To sum up, I know some of you will continue to keep your link backs on your link party pages. Or not link back at all. Is it the end of the world? Absolutely not? Is it the end for party hostesses everywhere? No!

But it certainly would make the blogosphere a better place if we all considered those around us, reading guidelines before linking up, and offering credit to the blogs hosting our links and sending traffic our way.

Next week, we'll talk about choosing a photo for your link up thumbnail.

Here are a few articles on SEO I found: SEO Tipsy, The Blog Optimizer, Phoenix Realm, Shout Me Loud

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I'd love for you to click the "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or +1 me for Google+.

Summer Reading List 2012

2012-05-22T08:01:00.000-04:00

Do you have a list of books or magazines to read over the next few months? Today's post brings my 2012 Summer Reading List. I rounded up some titles that the girls and I will be checking out this summer. While I don't have a lot of time to read, I read quickly when I make the time...Maybe we can compare notes?

To me, one of the ultimate guilty pleasures is to sit by the pool or on the beach with a good read. And actually read it. The girls are old enough to occupy themselves for small stretches, so my dream of relaxing poolside may come true for short periods of time this summer!

Here's what I'm looking forward to diving into (no affiliate links here...a few of these authors have great sites):

1. Spring Fever- Mary Kay Andrews

This one comes out on June 5, and I'm going to TRY to save it for our beach trip in July. If you have never read anything by MKA, you should know that she is hilarious. I am never able to put her books down. She writes plucky, likeable heroines, and I love the style and love of junking that she infuses into each novel. Start with Hissy Fit if you are a new MKA reader! (It's still my fave)

2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns) - Mindy Kaling

In one brief title phrase, Kaling shows us that she's going to bring the laughs. Really, what woman out there hasn't wondered the exact same thing about her friends?! If you don't know who Mindy Kaling is, she writes for The Office on NBC, and she also plays Kelly Kapoor--one of the most hilarious characters on the show. This should be a good read.

3. Game of Thrones- George R. R. Martin

So I'm not really into hobbits and warlocks and dirty people, etc. But I do like princesses, and I saw a commercial for the HBO show, and there was definitely a princess. Or someone who maybe looked like a princess. Also, my brother-in-law thinks I might enjoy it, so I'm going to give it a shot. It can't be any worse than reading Moo Baa La La La to Natalie 17 times a day for 6 months straight.

4. Continue the Stephanie Plum series- Janet Evanovich

I'm getting ready to start Hot Six. I request these from our local library, so sometimes I have to wait awhile in between books until the next one comes my way. They are pure fluffy, fun reading. I. like. Joe Morelli. (Hubba hubba) They were set in the early 90s, I believe, so I always have to change Stephanie's outfits around in my head....Spandex biker shorts and Doc Martens? No! Skinny jeans and riding boots? Yes!

I'm sure there will be others...my Bible study group from MOPS will most likely be doing a fun book study on motherhood and friendships. I have another great group of friends who wants to do a chick-lit style book club this summer.

For my girls?

1. Continue the Junie B. Jones series- Barbara Park

Junie B. is kind of bratty, but Natalie and Michaela Byrd get the biggest kicks out of her antics.

2. Henry and Beezus- Beverly Cleary

We borrowed this one on CD from the library, but haven't listened to it yet. Books on CD make car rides more enjoyable for everyone! If your kids (particularly boys) haven't read any of the Henry Huggins books, they must! These are classics. My girls love listening and learning about how kids in the "olden days" (the 1950s) lived. Cleary wrote the books because the boys in her library couldn't find any realistic books about "boys like us." She later wrote the Ramona books (equally adorable), which were made into what appeared to be a horrible movie.

3. Anything Fancy Nancy- Jane O'Connor

These are some of Michaela Byrd's favorite books. The girls got a whole bunch of the soft covers for Christmas, and we have yet to read through them all.

4. Any storybook they pull off the shelf at the library

We go to the library several Saturdays a month, and the girls seem to enjoy tearing through the children's section in a mad dash to select a book before the other one does. We end up with some odd choices, but at least we're reading, right?

So...what's on your Summer Reading List? Do you make time for reading?

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I'd love for you to click your "Pin It" button or maybe even a +1 for Google+.

Jessie Street Designs Giveaway Winner

2012-05-22T06:01:00.000-04:00

The winner of the Jessie Street Design Giveaway is #53, Elyse from Shabby Sweet Tea.

Congratulations, Elyse! Elyse linked up her Jelly Donut Cupcakes to my Weekend Bloggy Reading party last weekend. Because her post included a link back to me (see, it is worth it to take the extra step!), she was eligible to win!

Elyse, shoot me an email by Friday at 5 pm to claim your prize. You can reach me at amandaserenitynow(at)gmail(dot)com.

I'll be back later this morning with a Summer Reading post!

DIY Personalized Disney Water Bottles: Disney Craft

2012-05-21T08:01:00.004-04:00

I want to show you guys a super-easy and fun craft today, Personalized Disney Water Bottles. These took me just a few minutes to finish up, and require zero crafty skills. I'm doing my best to steer clear of Disney overload here on the blog. I know Disney travel isn't everyone's idea of fun. But I also know that readers and visitors love to find fun ideas, tips, and projects to plan or dream up their own Disney vacations. If Disney isn't your thing, you could easily edit these to fit your family's interests! Think: beach, camping, dance, school, etc.

Supplies:

-Inexpensive plastic water bottle (got these for $1.99 each at Hobby Lobby)
-Silhouette Premium Vinyl
-Silhouette Premium Transfer Paper

How to Get Started:

*Note: If you don't own a Silhouette SD/CAMEO or Cricut, there are tons of Etsy shops and websites that sell vinyl letters and shapes. Many will do custom work, and the prices are great!*

1. Measure the space you have for lettering/shapes and complete your design in your software (I used Walt Disney Script for my font, and found a clip art of a Mickey Mouse Silhouette).

2. Run your vinyl through the Silhouette SD and carefully peel the excess vinyl away.

3. Place the transfer paper on top of the vinyl letters/shapes and firmly press them together. (I use a pot scraper to really get them to adhere)

4. Put your transfer paper/letters on the water bottle and again, firmly press together.

You have a finished water bottle!

These obviously need to be hand-washed (no dishwasher!), and they have held up very well. The girls have enjoyed using them to take their water for school snacktime.

I was so glad we took these on vacation! The "cast members" who work at the counter-service snack stops in the park will begrudgingly give you ice water for free, but we filled ours with ice from the resort and added water from the water fountains once we entered the parks. Hydrated kids are slightly less cranky than regular, hot kids.

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this to Pinterest, or maybe even a +1 for Google+.

Linking to Home Stories A to Z, Positively Splendid, Today's Creative Blog, Tatertots and Jello

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-05-19T10:31:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday! Please pop in to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party.

All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, home remedies, room makeovers, crafts, tips and tricks, fashion advice, book reviews, and more! The code for the button is near the end of this post, or you can add a text link back to me within your post.

Keep reading to see just a few of the posts that caught my eye so far.

***PLEASE, If you are a Pinterest user, Pin from the original source so that each blogger gets credit for his/her work.***

~Laundry Room Makeover via Sand and Sisal

~End Table Dog House via Domestic Imperfection

~Vintage Picnic Baskets via Vintage Mellie

~Toffee Bars via The Kitchen is My Playground

~DIY Mason Jar Salt and Pepper Shakers via The 36th Avenue

~Entryway Picture Wall via Poofy Cheeks

~Scrapbooking Organizer Tower via Lookie What I Did

~DIY Oly Studio Serene Chandelier via Pig and Paint

Okay...I'm out of time for today, but I'll have a whole new list of links to share for tomorrow!

If I've featured you, feel free to snag a button for your blog here.

Saturday Stop and Shop

2012-05-19T07:01:00.001-04:00

Are you here for the Weekend Bloggy Reading link party? Stop by to link up your best post of the week! I'll be back later today with some highlights from the party, which is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday.

I thought I'd share a few quick shop highlights from my Sponsors, who always have something neat going on. Check out what they have in store for you this month! Here are a few of my favorites:

~The Cat's Paw
Vintage Rhinestone Button

~Imparting Grace
Grace at Home link party

~Jessie Street Designs
Giveaway! (win an item of your choice)

~Scentsy
Scent of the Month: Cherry Vanilla

~Shaklee
Save 15% on your first order from Shaklee today. The Get Clean Household Mini Kit looks like the perfect way to freshen up...Spring is on the way!

~ Silhouette
I don't have one (I guess I missed that bulletin), but the new CAMEO would sure be helpful in getting those upcoming Spring projects completed. If you head over to the Silhouette shop, please be sure to use the code SERENITY when you check out.

{Happy Shopping!}

*If you are interested in partnering with me this year as a Sponsor, I have a slot available! Please email me at amandaserenitynow(at)gmail(dot)com for details. My rates are very competitive!*

Back later this morning with some Highlights from Weekend Bloggy Reading!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-05-18T08:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love. Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link. Don't forget to enter to win an item of your choice in the Jessie Street Designs Giveaway!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~DIY Ships Ladder via Blue Roof Cabin

~Coke Cupcakes via Hating Martha

~7 Tips for Better Photos of Your Home via The Handmade Home

~Filing Cabinet Makeover via park house love

~And Me? This week featured:

Giveaway (if your post includes a link back to me, you'll earn an extra entry!)- win an item of your choice from Jessie Street Designs.
Minnie Mouse Silhouette T-Shirt Tutorial
Girls' Night Out Idea: Pottery Painting
How to Add a Button to Your Blog Party Posts

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Please link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me in your post.*
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

*A text link-back (ex- Linking to Serenity Now) is fantastic, but here's the button code if you'd prefer to use that rather than a text link-back:

Party is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday night.

What are you up to this weekend?

Michaela Byrd's first ballet recital is tomorrow afternoon...she is so excited to get her costume on. I hope she delivers on her solo!

Did I Feature you today? Click here for a "featured" button for your blog post or sidebar.

Jessie Street Designs: Shop Giveaway! (Your Choice)

2012-05-17T08:01:00.004-04:00

-Giveaway Closed-

You all know there's not much I love more than cute clothes and accessories. Jessie Street Designs, my newest sponsor, offers beautiful, handcrafted items for ladies and girls. And there is a GIVEAWAY today...win a free item of your choice from the shop! Keep reading to find out more about this Etsy boutique and for details on the Giveaway.

Jenny, a mom of three, opened Jessie Street Designs in January of this year. You can see she's already had a successful start...100% positive feedback!

I love the story behind the shop name...Jenny's paternal grandmother's name was Jessie, and her maternal grandmother lived on Jessie Street. Both women taught Jenny the value of a handmade item that can be treasured and cherished through family generations!

Jenny enjoys hunting for fun new fabrics to play with, and her pieces are all made in a smoke free studio.

The shop's most popular items are the adorable custom pillowcase dresses. With summer quickly approaching, these are perfect for little girls on those hot days. Colorful, roomy, and plenty stylish...without being heavy or clingy. My girls love wearing pillowcase dresses on days they want to dress up:

I love the Hostess Half Aprons. At only $12 apiece these would make the perfect hostess or housewarming gift, along with some fun kitchen or outdoor dining items. Jenny has some really cute fabrics!

I don't know any little girls who don't like to twirl...and the Twirl Skirts just make twirling more fun.

And, have mercy, Jenny's Necklaces are so sweet and stylish. I love rosettes, don't you?

There's also a Jessie Street Designs blog, where you can catch up with Jenny and find some creative inspiration.

Would you like to win an item of your choice from Jessie Street Designs?

Here's how you can enter. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

1. (mandatory entry) Visit Jessie Street Designs and leave me a comment here with the name of your favorite item.

-For extra entries-

2. Tweet this Giveaway: Win an item of your choice from @JessieStDesigns shop! Aprons, Necklaces, Pillowcase Dresses http://bit.ly/L9Oebo via @SerenityNowGirl

3. Facebook this Giveaway with a link to this post.

4. "Heart" Jessie Street Designs on Etsy.

5. Link up to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party this weekend (have a link back within your post!) for an extra automatic entry.

My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party is on for tomorrow! Bring your best post of the week to link up.

If you prefer a button to a text link back, here's the button code for the party! Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

*Giveaway open until 10 pm ET on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents only.

How to Add a Blog Button to Your Post

2012-05-16T08:01:00.001-04:00

Hi, bloggers. Today brings post #7 in my How to Blog Party series, which is written for new and experienced bloggers...lots of tips and tricks for joining and hosting a blog/link party. You can click here to start at the beginning of the series and see a round-up of all the posts so far. Last week, we talked about what a "link back" is and how to add a text link back to your post.

This week's topic is: How to Add a Blog Button to Your Post

Today's topic will explore how to add a button to your blog post before you link up to a blog party.

What exactly is a blog button?
A blog button is really just a picture/ad for a blog or blog party that is added to a post or blog sidebar with a special code.

Here's an example of what my party button looks like for my weekly link party:

It's different from a regular blog post photo because if you click on it, it will direct you to my specific site. If the button is an ad on a sidebar (like my awesome Sponsors section), clicking on one of those buttons will take you to the sponsor's shop/site. If the button is for a blog or blog party, clicking on it will take you to the blog that the button belongs to.

Why do blog party hostesses provide a blog button if they want a text link back (see previous post for definition of a text link)?
Text links are better for both the hostess and the blogger linking up for several reasons that we'll discuss another time. Many hostesses provide the code for a cute party button to help advertise their party/blog in a more visual way. Buttons are memorable, they are "Pinnable", they are easy to add to a post, and they can help "brand" your party.

But the main reason hostesses offer a party button these days is because it has become increasingly difficult to get bloggers to take the time to link back to blog parties with a traditional text link.

For many blog party hostesses, offering a blog party button has become a "consolation prize" of sorts to ensure that there is some form of a link back from party participants.

Rather than not receive any credit at all for the time spent hosting the party, many hostesses offer a party button in hopes that bloggers might add it to their posts when they link up to a party. I've seen a lot of blogs with special codes at the end of their posts, keeping the buttons for various parties organized in neat rows. Clicking on an individual button takes the reader to the site hosting that specific party.

How do I add a blog party button to my post?
I'm going to show you how to use the traditional Blogger dashboard to add a blog party button to your post!

This is what you'll see on the host blog when you want to add a button. You'll see the button with the code (usually in a box) underneath it. The code is what you want!

1. Highlight all of the code provided in the box and right click "Copy"

2. Open up your post in your Blogger Dashboard so that you can edit it.

3. When your post is open in editing mode, be sure to click on the "Edit Html" tab at the top of the post. Scroll through the post (usually to the end) to where you want to add the button code.

-This is pretty much what the code will look like after you've added it to your post's html (remember, each button has a different code!):

-If you click over to the "Compose" tab at the top of your post, you'll see that the button now appears in your post!

4. Hit "Publish" (or save as a draft to publish later) and your edits will go into effect. Here's my post with the button in it:

And that's all there is to it! Now you know how to add a button code to your posts.

Next week, we'll talk about why it's important to link back to a blog party within your post.

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I'd love for you to click the "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or +1 me for Google+.

Girls' Night Out Idea: Pottery Painting!

2012-05-15T08:01:00.000-04:00

Y'all know I love my Girls' Nights Out! Last month, my friend Christy and I put together an event at one of the local art shops: Pottery Painting. I wasn't particularly thrilled about the idea (painting is not my forte), but I was pleasantly surprised with how much fun it was.

The shop Christy found was actually pretty affordable. No studio or paint fee...you just chose an item to paint and paid for the item. They had everything from bowls and vases to dog dishes and piggy banks. I chose a small tea bag holder in the shape of a tea pot for a friend who loves to drink tea.

Choosing colors was kind of hard because they had so many different shades to choose from. I loved that they showed you how many coats of paint to layer in order to achieve your desired shade:

They also had all kinds of brushes, stencils, and sponges to choose from.

I went with a plain jane brush, but my friend Natalie decided on sponges and painted the heck out of a large fruit bowl. She is a real Georgia O'Keefe. Christy chose a really cool plate that you thread decorative ribbon through. I used to have one from Southern Living at Home, until T broke it.

I did a few layers of pale yellow paint on my teapot, and then free-handed some polka dots and a monogram.

The painting was actually kind of soothing and therapeutic, and it gave everyone a chance to sit down and really chat. When our pieces were finished, we sent them off to be fired. They'd be ready for pick-up another day.

If you have anything similar in your area, I highly recommend it, even if you think you aren't crafty. Christy kept saying that crafts aren't her thing, but her monogrammed ribbon plate turned out so nicely!

Grabbing dinner or coffee and dessert afterwards are the perfect way to round out this evening. Maybe slightly pricier than some of the events we've put together, simply because the pottery can be pricey...but definitely a lot of fun!

Have you attended or hosted a really fun Girls' Night Out lately?

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you'll click the "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or maybe even a +1 for Google+.

DIY Minnie Mouse Silhouette T-Shirt Tutorial

2012-05-14T08:01:00.005-04:00

After a very memorable vacation, I have all sorts of Disney recaps, crafts, and advice to share, but I wanted to start off with a simple sewing tutorial that I am very excited about. Today, I'll show you how I made a Minnie Mouse Silhouette T-Shirt for both of my girls and one for their cousin...with complete matching outfits!

How cute is this outfit for a first time Disney World guest?!

I consider my sewing level to be extra beginner (I can sew a straight line, and that's about it), so pretty much anyone could do this project.

Supplies:

-Cotton T-Shirt
-Fabric for the silhouette
-Sewable Fabric Interfacing (mine is from Silhouette)
-Contrasting Thread and a Needle
-Good Scissors
-Ribbon
-Emellishments/Buttons for Ribbon
-Silhouette SD or Silhouette CAMEO (I used my SD, but this is optional as the shape is very basic)

*Before I started the project, I washed and dried the zebra fabric, pressed it, and trimmed off any frayed edges. I also downloaded a Mickey silhouette shape into my Silhouette software, but the shape is so simple, I think you could easily replicate your own template on cardboard. The Silhouette interfacing comes with very specific instructions, but I'll loosely "translate" here so you can see how it works.

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of interfacing large enough to fit your shape, and be sure it will fit onto the cutting mat.

2. Iron the interfacing onto the wrong side of the fabric, leaving about an inch around the outside edges.

3. Trim the extra fabric off.

4. Peel the backing of the interfacing off. You'll notice the back of the fabric has a shiny side to it now!

*At this point, I ran the fabric/cutting mat through my Silhouette and it cut the shape for me. I peeled the excess fabric off and I had a nice clean Mickey silhouette. You could do the same with a cardboard template and disappearing fabric ink for a simple shape.

Next....

5. Iron the silhouette shape (shiny side down!) onto the t-shirt.

6. Using the zig-zig stitch option, stitch all the way around the shape to keep it from fraying.

7. Admire your rather sloppy haphazard stitching (oh, maybe that's just me).

Now it's time to make your Minnie Mouse bow!

8. I cut a length of ribbon and sewed the two ends together to form a loop. Another small cut of ribbon was sewn on top to form a closure.

9. (Optional) Sew a button onto the center of your bow.

10. Secure your bow somewhere on the silhouette.

11. (Optional) Add another cute button. Now you have a Minnie Mouse!

The shirts and skorts were from Wal-Mart, and I had the bows custom-made by Harper's Hat Box. The girls were so excited to have outfits made by Mommy that they totally bought my "these are for the beach this summer" story. This made the news of our Disney vacation even more of a surprise!

This shot was worth all the time spent cutting, ironing, and sewing:

If you liked this post, I hope you'll click the "Pin It" button, or maybe even a +1 for Google+.

Linking to Home Stories A to Z, Positively Splendid, Today's Creative Blog, Tatertots and Jello

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

2012-05-12T10:31:00.001-04:00

~DIY Lens Cap Pouch via Adventures of Our Fami-ly

~White Chocolate Oreo Brownie Parfait via Inside BruCrew Life

~Add Social Media Buttons to Your Email via The Weekend Homemaker

~Simple DIY Silhouettes via Crafty Texas Girls

~Man-Proofed Tools via A Fish Who Likes Flowers

~DIY Mini Milk Bottles via The 36th Avenue

~Margarita Cupcakes via Double-Wide in the Sky

~Defining Success in Blogging via Imparting Grace

~Drop Cloth Numbered Napkins via Cottage in the Oaks

Okay...I'm out of time for today, but I'll have a whole new list of links to share for tomorrow!

If I've featured you, feel free to snag a button for your blog here.

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

2012-05-11T08:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave some comment love on the awesome guest posts that were posted here this week. Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link.

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~DIY Live Edge Table via The Hunted Interior

~Tangelo-Blueberry Scones via Inside My Present

~Sharpie French Label Towel via Setting for Four

~Easy Cake Decorating Idea via In My Own Style

~And Me? This week featured:

DIY Cloth Travel Packets (from Stacy at She's {kinda} Crafty)
Delicious Summer Eating (from Kellie at Nest of Posies)
How to Incorporate DIY Projects Into Your Space (from Erin at How to Nest for Less)
Disney Craft Ideas (from Kelli at Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM)

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Rules:

Please link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back to me.*
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Remember this party is for your best post of the week. Don't link up 10 posts...that's really not in the spirit of this party.
Visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

*A text link-back (ex- Linking to Serenity Now) is fantastic, but here's the button code if you'd prefer to use that rather than a text link-back:

Party is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday night.

What are you up to this weekend?

I've got some post-vacay laundry to do. No plans for Mother's Day, but hoping some people I live with will pull out a surprise or something. {wink}

Did I Feature you today? Click here for a "featured" button for your blog post or sidebar.

Disney Craft: Autograph Albums

2012-05-10T08:01:00.000-04:00

We're baaaack! We're home from our Disney trip, and I'm using today to unpack and "cool down." There's a SUPER Disney craft for you here today, courtesy of Kelli from Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM. Keep reading to see how to make your own Personalized Disney Autograph Albums.

Please give a warm welcome to Kelli!
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Hi! My name is Kelli and most days you can find me blogging at Random Thougths of a SUPERMOM! I am a wife and stay at home mom of three boys. I love to be crafty, make yummy {and SUPER fun} food, share pictures of my cute boys, and blog about the every day happenings of my life as a SUPERMOM!

I am so excited to be sharing a fun Disney craft with y'all today! This is a craft that I made last year before our second trip to Disney...and it is something that I will make again every time we go back too!

One of the most memorable things about a Disney vacation is getting to meet the characters. Before our last trip I remember worrying about my boys being scared of the characters, but when we got to Disney my boys couldn't get enough of them. Well, except for the princesses who they refuse to even stand beside for a picture:)

Getting autographs is a big part of meeting Mickey, Donald, and even the Green Army Man, so every kid needs to have an autograph book. Sure you can buy the ones that they sell in all the gift shops, but why not make your own really cute {personalized} version for way less money!

I started our autograph books with a small spiral bound notebook that I picked up at Walmart for less than $2. Using my Silhouette, I cut a few Mickey heads and the year out of white contact paper. Because the contact paper is so thin {and I was trying to cover up the writing on the cover of the notebook} I had to do a double layer of Mickey heads on the cover.

Then I cut each of my boys' first initials out in black vinyl { I used a font called Waltograph} and put the initial onto the white Mickey head. If you look closely at the top right corner, you can see that I also added a small piece of black vinyl to cover up the smaller logo {Mead} that was on the front cover.

To add a little bit of color, I wove a piece of red and white checked ribbon through the metal spirals of the notebook and tied a knot in one end. On the other end of the ribbon, I tied on a retractable Sharpie that is just the right size for the characters to sign their names. {I read somewhere that it is hard for them to grip smaller pens with their big character hands, and these retractable Sharpies worked wonderfully on our last trip.}

Now all three of my boys are ready to get some autographs from Mickey Mouse and all the gang...and I'm hoping maybe we can manage to get at least one picture with a princess:)

If you are looking for even more Disney ideas, check out these other fun projects on my blog:

Disney Countdown

Personalized Mickey Mouse T-Shirts

Mickey Toes

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Thank you, Kelli, for being willing to share your fun Disney ideas with us. Love the toes!

Please be sure to stop by Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM to check out Kelli's crafts, recipes, and activity ideas. You'll have a blast!

*My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party will be back to normal tomorrow! Bring your best post of the week to link up.

Here's the button code for the party if you want to get a head start! Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

How to Incorporate DIY Projects Into Your Space

2012-05-09T08:01:00.000-04:00

Do you (like me!) love to read about DIY projects on blogs, but wonder how you can make those same ideas work in your own home? Today's guest post is for you! Since we're still Disney-bound, Erin from How to Nest for Less is here to show you how to incorporate DIY projects into your space.

Please welcome Erin!
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Hi everyone!

My name is Erin and I'm the DIY wannabe behind How to Nest for Less!

I'm so excited Amanda asked me to guest post while she's on vacation! Since I like to create a lot of things that I incorporate into my everyday living space, today I thought I would share with you some of my favorite projects from my daughter's bedroom makeover.

One of the very first things I did to her new room was add a silver metallic stencil to the back accent wall.

This was an easy project since it's just paint, and it adds some great focus to the room!

I also made sure to add some texture and eye candy, like this Anthropologie-inspired flower lamp shade I created using some supplies I found at Michael's.

I'm also a huge fan of finding old furniture from family members, garage sales and Goodwill. I scooped up this desk and chair, gave them a fantastic makeover with a bit of paint, and now my kiddo has a great spot to do her homework or color!

I have some other great DIY projects that I added to her bedroom, but you'll have to come visit my blog to see more!

Oooh, and while you're there, you can check out my Master Bedroom Makeover!!

Here's a little sneak peek...

Thanks for letting me share some of my creations with you today! For a full tutorial on any project that I mentioned, please make sure to click on the links.

I really enjoyed sharing with you today, and I hope to see you guys over at my blog sometime!

And Amanda, thanks so much for inviting me to Serenity Now for the day!

Much ♥ to everyone,

Erin

Erin is a St. Louis based designer, wife, mother and author of the blog
How to Nest for Less.

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Thank you so much, Erin!

I've gotten to know Erin a little better recently, and I am so excited to meet her at the Haven Conference this summer in Atlanta. Erin's blog is a fun spot with all sorts of lovely (Pinnable!) ideas and projects. Please be sure to stop by How to Nest for Less, her corner of the blogosphere and let her know I sent you!

Back tomorrow with a SUPER (hint hint) fun Disney craft!

Delicious Summer Eating (Nest of Posies)

2012-05-08T08:01:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to introduce today's guest poster. I've gotten to know her a bit recently, and asked her to stop by and share something fun with you guys while I am away. Kellie from Nest of Posies is going to share a couple of her best summer meal and snack ideas today. And I can wholeheartedly agree with her plug for "pure gold." It really does the trick in your garden!

Please help me welcome Kellie!

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hello hello!

I'm thrilled to be here at Amanda's blog! I'm Kellie from Nest of Posies blog and shop. Just like most of you, I'm a mommy, blogger, crafter, and DIYer. Well, at least I try to be all those things. Lately, I'm finding it's hard to be all those adjectives and a mommy too.

So at my blog you'll find a mix of topics. Because I truly believe in blogging about my whole life. The real life stuff. Not just pretty pictures all the time. Because I'm here to tell you, I can't do it all, and life isn't pretty all the time!

I'm probably the only one in blogland that has blogged about true, organic ~ crap!

Yep, that would be me. Remember, I blog about everything, even crap. ;)

My mom calls this ~~crap~~ stuff = Pure Gold!

It will do wonders for any and all of your plants. It will make your flowers bloom and grow like crazy!

Plus, it is so cheap! If you've never used this before, trust me ~ you'll want to give it a try!

To get the full scoop of how I use the Organic Gold click here.

With Summertime fast approaching, I have already given myself a BIG goal.

I want to make easy, good for you, not a lot of time involved meals for my family. Who doesn't, right?

I'm the grumpiest person in the world if I have to turn my oven on during 95* + degree days.

Cereal for dinner, anyone? Yes, I can guarantee I'll be serving up some General Mills a few times this Summer, but truth be told, I feel proud when my family eats well.

So good food is a must this Summer.

Let's just say I could devour this entire salad above in one sitting! I love it that much! Get the full recipe by clicking here.

One of my new discoveries is making FIZZ drinks!

The combinations are endless!

All are low cal and very thirst quenching.

I keep telling myself, at the next party I throw I will have a FIZZ bar. With all sorts of fruits, herbs & sparkling waters to add. To get the full deets click here.

I guess most of you can tell where my mind is these days.

Summer.

I'm ready and waiting. If time allows, I do plan on blogging about our hopefully *easy* days and easy recipes along the way this Summer. I've given myself a few other personal (learning) goals as well.

What about all of you? Are you out for a new adventure this Summer or carefree living? Any of you taking a Summer class? Would love to hear your plans.

Thanks for having me over, Amanda! I hope you all are having a blast at Disney World!!!

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Thank you, Kellie!

I just love Kellie's style. Her blog is full of beautiful projects, photos, and ideas. Please head over to Nest of Posies and let Kellie know I sent you!

What's your favorite summer snack?

DIY Cloth Travel Packets (Simple Sewing!)

2012-05-07T08:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! Assuming all is well, T and I are still enjoying Disney with our girls. I have another fun guest project lined up to share with you that I think is super-smart. Please help me welcome Stacy from She's {kinda} Crafty. She has a great simple sewing tutorial to show you today. Something guaranteed to make travel a little easier: DIY Cloth Travel Packets!

Please welcome Stacy!
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Hi Everyone!!!

My name is Stacy, and I craft and party over at She's{kinda}Crafty. I try to keep things simple, cute, and smart the best I can.

Recently I've been researching all things Walt Disney World all over mommy and travel blogland for our upcoming vacation. Now, the fact that I was researching these blogs in the first place is a little funny because I grew up 25 minutes from Walt Disney World and have been there hundreds of times. But now I live 3 states away and have 2 kiddos (4 and almost 2) to pack and account for so I thought it couldn't hurt to find some packing tips.

When researching endless blogs and tips about traveling to Walt Disney World, I kept coming across variations of the same advice -

Pack each day's outfit in it's own bag so that every thing is easy to find!

How great a tip is that? Most people just threw everything into ziplock bags, which would be easiest, but I felt bad wasting 16 gallon sized zip top bags so I made my own! These bags (or packets as I like to call them) are VERY easy to make, I am talking very limited sewing knowledge needed, and can be tailored to any size packet you want or need.

If you want to get all fancy, you can add Velcro (like I did to my first batch of 4) or a zipper if you have those kind of mad sewing skills that I lack. I picked my dimensions (shown below) for pure ease (also known as laziness) - most fabric is 44 inches wide, so I picked 22" and my long side and half a yard is 18" - so 9" was my height. Easy to cut/rip the fabric, and no real rulers needed - my kind of cutting.

Supplies:

Cotton Fabric (1 yard will net you 8 packets if you use my dimensions)
Scissors
Iron
Thread
Sewing Machine

Instructions:

As I said in the beginning, you can change the dimensions to accommodate your needs. We have 2 small girls and have no problem fitting an outfit, panties and socks into each packet.

I hope you find this little sewing project easy, cute, and smart!! I've packed everything up and this stacked so nicely in our duffle bags. I can't wait to get to Florida and start using them!

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Thanks, Stacy! I love anything that makes packing easier (and cuter). Please head over to She's {kinda} Crafty to check out Stacy's creative projects.

What's your best packing tip?

Don't Forget to Link Up!

2012-05-06T11:31:00.000-04:00

Good morning, readers! I'm on family vacaiton, but there's plenty to read here this weekend. My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party is going strong, until 10 pm ET tonight. Click over to link up your best post of the week and to find some inspiration for the week to come.

Enjoy your day!

Share Your Best Post!

2012-05-05T10:31:00.000-04:00

Howdy, readers! I'm at Disney World today, but there's plenty of fun to be had around here. My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party is going strong. Click over to link up your best post of the week and to find some inspiration for the week to come.

Enjoy your day!

Serenity Now

More Highlighted Links--Share Your Best Post!

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Rubbermaid Review and Giveaway

Why Linking Back (the Right Way) is Important

Summer Reading List 2012

Jessie Street Designs Giveaway Winner

DIY Personalized Disney Water Bottles: Disney Craft

More Highlighted Links--Share Your Best Post!

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

Saturday Stop and Shop

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Jessie Street Designs: Shop Giveaway! (Your Choice)

How to Add a Blog Button to Your Post

Girls' Night Out Idea: Pottery Painting!

DIY Minnie Mouse Silhouette T-Shirt Tutorial

More Highlighted Links--Share Your Best Post!

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Disney Craft: Autograph Albums

How to Incorporate DIY Projects Into Your Space

Delicious Summer Eating (Nest of Posies)

DIY Cloth Travel Packets (Simple Sewing!)

Don't Forget to Link Up!

Share Your Best Post!