{what's shakin' link party} 15 & patriotic link party!!

Since there is SOOOOO much fun stuff going on here today - two parties, woo hoo! - I shared my party faves from the {what's shakin' link party} #14 here!


Side note:  would you rather see features get their own post or included with the current week's party??  Inquiring minds want to know :)


Okay ... and now ... what you've all been waiting for ...

Link up your patriotic, celebratory, red-white-&-blue-all-over posts (old & new) ... recipes, DIY crafts, projects, spectacular sewing, party fun, tip & tricks, decorating ... anything goes!!



And if you don't have anything for the patriotic link party, NO WORRIES ... our regularly scheduled {what's shakin' link party} #15 is happening, too!

1. Link up delightful recipes, DIY tutorials, crafty projects, great parties, brilliant ideas, tip & tricks ... basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things: I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form. I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options! And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link. It's not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!







Want to stay connected?  Want to share your latest and greatest at this week's {what's shakin' link party}!  Want to know the skinny on everything going on around here?!  See my sidebar for details!

 

party faves from {what's shakin' link party} #14

Features on a Friday night?!  Well, I figured since there are going to be not one but TWO link parties happening here tomorrow, I better share some features today!!  Stop back by Saturday morning to link up any patriotic projects at the patriotic link party OR share your other posts of spectacular awesomeness at the {what's shakin' link party} #15!!  


So, do you know HOW HARD it is to narrow this down to just a few party faves to feature?  I mean really, you guys are so stinkin' talented!!  But, so this post is not a bazillion miles long ... here are six of the sweetest things that caught my eye!  


Team Payne linked up this post with two pennant banners that have be pinned or put on your must-make list right now!!  Those little banner magnets are TOO.CUTE.

Have a little one?  Throw a Cheerios party like the one over at The House That Built Us ... is it okay that I sort of want a Cheerios party?  ;)  Guess I'll stick with a rockin' 80s party for this year.

And these DIY alphabet blocks are the most charming, sweet little gift for a sweet little one ... head over to Let's Pour Tea for the full tutorial!

I want, like SERIOUSLY want need a dresser like this funky colored dresser shared over at Beer Budget Decor!  And those antlers?!  Crazy cool.

And I bought that same Target washi tape this week specifically so I can make this rainbow washi art from Crosbie Crew ... so simple and striking and just plain ol' happy!!

And what would party faves be without a recipe?  A fabulous recipe.  With ice cream.  And cookies.  AND cookie dough?!  I am crazy for this cookies n' cookie dough ice cream over at Crazy for Crust!

Were you a party fave?  Grab a button and slap it on over at your place!  And come back tomorrow morning to link up your best DIY projects, sewing tutorials, recipes, party plans, crafty goodness, tips & tricks ... AND your most patriotic versions of those same things!!  Two parties ... one post ... TONS of inspirational stuff!!


See you soon!!!

 

firecracker cupcakes {guest post} from Hating Martha

It has been a patriotic party all week long here at shaken together and I really hope you have enjoyed all of the guest posters so far!!

Did you miss anything?  Heather from A Cupcake Affair shared a yummy Patriotic Fruit Tart, Leslie at ASG in the SLC shared the tutorial for her Red, White & Bloom Pillow, Bonnie & Trish over at Uncommon wowed us with their Patriotic Flag Porch Lanterns and Gwen from The Bold Adobe shared her tasty secret for awesome Watermelon Smoothies!

You will probably never meet a more energetic, creative and fun lady than Janel from Hating Martha!  Her blog is one of my favorites and if you are looking for creative DIY tutorials, recipes and just a whole lotta fun, than make sure you spend some time with her!  You'll learn how to DIY a cool rug, add duck tape ruffles to your outdoor pots and make an awesome octopus table!  


And now, let's end this week of guest posts with a BANG!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi all!!

I am thrilled to be here with you!
Keri is one great lady…isn’t she!!
And her recipes...yum!!
I am always looking forward to what's next!

I am Janel…

( I am putting out my best picture…for Keri!)

and I blog at Hating Martha! 

It’s a fun place full of DIY, crafts, recipes, and silliness.
**************************************************

Today I get to show off these fun cupcakes I put together in honor of Independence Day.
And let me tell you…they are fun!

Giggling and smiling was had by my family when we were eating these!

These cupcakes are quite simple.

In fact, my daughter did a good majority of the baking!

They are gooey, spicy, and fun to eat!

They taste like Red Hot candies dipped in Pop Rocks.

My kids were nuts over them. Honestly, I loved them too…so fun!

But, be aware…the flavor mostly comes from the frosting…not the cupcakes!

Don’t skip the frosting!

Firecracker Cupcakes

• Prepare a package of white cake mix according to the directions for cupcakes
• Add 1 cup of crushed red hot candies to the batter before baking.

Tip: spray the cupcake liners to help them come off the cake better. These are gooey!  Bake according to package directions.

Firecracker Frosting  

Beat together with electric mixer for 2 minutes:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup soft butter

Now, add to the sugar and butter:  

• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tablespoon cream or milk
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp clove
• 2 drops of hot sauce (we use Widow’s Kiss)

Beat together an additional 2 minutes.  

If desired, more cinnamon and hot sauce can be added to increase heat.
Frost cooled cupcakes.
Dip frosted tops in Pop Rocks.
Cut licorice into about 3 inches.
At the very top make small cuts to create a “fringe”

There you have it…a fun cupcake the kids will be loving!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much, Janel!  I'm off all next week with my two Bugs and we can't wait to make, bake and eat all sorts of fun stuff ... and cupcakes with pop rocks are totally on their list of things to make :)  Loved having you here, girl!!

Now, get ready readers, followers and fans ... tomorrow morning, dust off your old patriotic posts and shine up your new posts ... because in addition to our regular {what's shakin' link party}, there will be an extra party for all things patriotic!!  Recipes, party tips, DIY projects, sewing projects, refashions ... can't wait to see it all!!

Want to stay connected?  Want to share your latest and greatest shared at this week's {what's shakin' link party}!  Want to know the skinny on everything going on around here?!  See my sidebar for details!

{taste this} summer no-bake raspberry pies

If you're here for the patriotic party and Gwen's awesomely delicious watermelon smoothies (with a top secret ingredient!) head on over here ... I'll wait :)

Now ... there is just something about pie that reminds me of summer.  Cinnamon-y apple pies for the 4th of July, my Aunt Lori's icebox strawberry pie for a weekend treat or a cool creamy lemon meringue for a pot luck ... see?  Pie = summer! 

But who wants to roll out pie crust and bake in the muggy, humid Florida heat?!  What is this pie-craving Southern girl and dessert lover to do?
You watch a little Food Network while you fold laundry and drool over the Deen family's blackberry pie.  Thank goodness I was folding towels ;) 

So, ya'll ... let's {taste this} ... summer no bake raspberry pies!!

summer no-bake raspberry pies
Yields 6 mini pies

2 - 10 oz. containers of fresh raspberries (reserve 6 for garnish) or thawed frozen berries
5 tablespoons of raspberry preserves , jam or jelly (I used sugar free, all fruit preserves)
1 small container of lite whipped topping
6 pre-made graham cracker pie crusts

Stir the raspberries and preserves together, gently breaking up the berries.  Spoon into your pie crusts just before serving (to avoid soggy crusts) and top with whipped topping and a fresh berry.  Yep!  That's it!  Almost too easy and boy do these disappear quick!!

A no bake pie with fresh berries and whipped topping ... simple summer heaven!


Using the Deen family's recipe, I basically swapped out blackberries for raspberries and used mini graham cracker pie crusts.  Because raspberries were on sale.  And mini is always better :)  Plus, you can avoid all bathing suit related guilt since these  pretty little pies are figure friendly!!


Hope you remember to stop back tomorrow for the last guest post in this patriotic party and come back on Saturday to share your patriotic posts (old & new) at the big ol' link party!!  Until then ...


I’m partying at the Pi Day Pie Party at Crazy for Crust today. Come party with us!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

watermelon smoothies {guest post} from The Bold Adobe

Are you here for the patriotic party?!  Even if you weren't, you are in luck because you're smack dab in the middle of one!!!  

So far this week, A Cupcake Love Affair shared an awesome patriotic fruit tart, ASG in the SLC showed us how to whip up an awesome red, white and bloom pillow and the ladies at Uncommon prettied up their porch with these patriotic lanterns!

Today ... let's just say, get ready to get BOLD!  Welcome Gwen from the Bold Adobe!  She is fearless, funny and super duper creative!  You never know what you're gonna get ... but I can assure you, it's gonna be good!!  Like these indoor s'mores and her orange gerbera daisy wreath ... all serve with a side of sass and quirk!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey yall! Let's get ta Shakin'!!!

I’m Gwen (and that’s my crazy husband, Morgan)

And we are thirty kinds of crazy over at

And today, I've a little secret to share with you... But, first I must thank the delightful Keri for being BOLD enough to open the portals of Shaken Together and let This Bold Girl come in!

Keri is so sweet and fun, and I have really enjoyed getting to know her better. And this girl can do some amazing stuff, yo. Like this clay starfish garland? Freakin’ Adorable!




And don’t get me started on the sweets…





Oh, Lawd have mercy!

{When I was little, we used make yellow cakes from a box, poke holes in it, and pour Chocolate Jello Pudding on it… oh, the memories!}

So, in honor of Summer and Keri’s love of sugar…

I’m going to let you in on a little secret….just please promise NOT to pin this all over the internet and tell everybody and their brother about it… it’s just between us, OK?

Oh, heck… pin away if you want. I’ll get over it.

Over here at The Bold Abode, we LOVE smoothies…

And in the Summer, we love WATERMELON Smoothies..

All you need is:

Cubed Frozen Watermelon and some Orange Juice.



But, herein lies the secret..

Lean in, now…

You have to use a half a can of Strawberry Bacardi Mixer. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm…..





It’s ESSENTIAL.

{And, if, while the children’s backs are turned, you want to add a splash of vodka or tequila in yours, I promise, I won’t tell…}




And that is all… no measurements. Just pile in the Watermelon, add half a can of Mixer, and then pour in enough juice to make it slushy…

And if you are feeling really super-dooper nice that particular day, you can squirt on some whipped cream.




And your boys will thank you…

And your youngest might even say that he liked it “BIG TIME".

Not sure about the girls. I don’t have any of those around…

And the best part? If your not a winner at picking lovely, sweet, red, ripe melons? Use them for Smoothies. We have them all summer long!

Wonder why?

It's been such a blast hangin' out with yall today. I hope you'll take just a sec and pop over to say hi!

Thank you so much, Keri, for allowing me to share my secret with you… You are the bestest.

Today just might be the day.

But, you'll never know if you don't get out there and

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No patriotic party is a party without watermelon and now, you can be the cool kid on the block when you whip these watermelon smoothies up for your guests!!   Needless to say (but I'll say it anyways) these are a serious MUST-MAKE this summer!  Or maybe next week and every week for the rest of our lives.   Your secret is safe with me, Gwen ;)

Want to stay connected?  Want to share your latest and greatest at this week's {what's shakin' link party}!  Want to know the skinny on everything going on around here?!  See my sidebar for details!

 

patriotic flag porch lanterns {guest post} from Uncommon

Welcome to Patriotic Party Week here at shaken together!!  

Heather at A Cupcake Love Affair shared a patriotic fruit tart on Monday and Leslie from ASG in the SLC showed us how to make this red, white & bloom pillow yesterday!

I am so thrilled to introduce today's guest posters ... the supremely crafty and creative ladies over at Uncommon!!  Their blog is a serious treasure trove of projects, DIY wonders and great ideas!!  I love their simple beach cupcakes, the 4th of July banner (seen below!) and I can't wait to make a summer bucket list with my boys!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Shaken Together readers, we are Trish and Bonnie and we blog over at Uncommon! We are excited to be here today and to be able to show you one of our favorite 4th of July crafts....

Patriotic Flag Porch Lanterns!

So....I had been searching for a unique accent for my porch side tables and this one was perfect! I did not want a traditional centerpiece or plant, and with the rustic look I was going for....this hurricane hit the spot!

I found the tutorial at Sweet Something Designs and could not be more thrilled with the results! I snatched up the American Flags in the dollar spot at Target! Sweet!

I did not have any jars around my house, so I found this extra large canning jar at my local TJ Maxx. The traditional, old-fashioned design of it was just what I was looking for!

My children and I could not wait 'til dusk, so that we could light the candle and see the flag glow!

I also added these Patriotic Porch Pillows and my Red Burlap Wreath to the decor!

I completed the look of the porch with this adorable Burlap Flag Banner!

The flag lantern, at night, all lit up is almost magical....and reminds all of our families about the importance of what the Fourth of July is about!

A big "Thank You!" to Keri for having us today! We would love for you to stop by and visit us at Uncommon! You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Bonnie  and Trish

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not sure there is anything better than a summer evening spent on the porch ... too bad our front porch is the size of a postage stamp!  BUT we'll be enjoying some "screened in back porch" lanterns this summer at our house thanks to Bonnie & Trish :)  Can't wait to see them glowing one evening!!

Want to stay connected? Want to share your latest and greatest shared at this week's {what's shakin' link party}! Want to know the skinny on everything going on around here?! See my sidebar for details!

red, white & bloom pillow tutorial {guest post} from ASG in the SLC

The patriotic party is in full swing here at shaken together!!  Five guest posters + a patriotic link party = a week full of fun!  

If you missed the delicious patriotic fruit tart from A Cupcake Love Affair, head over here!

Now, if you are a regular reader around here, you will know that my sewing skills are non-existent.  Just not one of my strong suits, much to the chagrin of my curtainless windows ;)  But NOT SO with our next guest poster!!  Some of Leslie's projects have me ready to plunk down some cash for a sewing machine and buy bobbins!!  Really, you need to check out the padded headboard and doodle duvet she made for her daughter's room ... so so cool!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey Keri, thanks for letting me stop in and take over for a day, I'm so excited to be here!

Hello all you Shaken Together readers!

I'm Leslie, and in my dream world I am a perfect combination of Barbie and Martha Stewart... In reality I'm a military wife of 14 years and SAHM to 2 kiddlets. I contribute over at ASG in the SLC where I write about all things sewing and somewhat-sewing related; from easy tutorials like my snap tape clutch, to recipes from our sewing retreats like Dulce de Leche Bars. I'd love it if you stopped by and say Hi!

Today I have a super simple sewing project for you! 

A patriotic pillow, perfect for your 4th of July party or to give as a hostess gift.

 Although it looks difficult, it's easy enough for beginners, and with an end result that will make your guests wonder where you bought that awesome pillow!

To start you'll need:

Cut:

• (5) 41/2 in. blue squares
• (4) 2 1/2 in. blue squares
• (2) 2 1/2  x 10 1/2 in. red strips
• (1) 2 1/2  x 16 1/2 in. red strip
• (1) 2 1/2  x 10 1/2 in. white strip
• (1) 2 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. white strip
• (1) 10 1/2 X 16 1/2 rectangle for backing (I used white)
  
Begin by folding your larger blue squares into an origami flower, 
(there is an easy tutorial here for the folding technique)
Next arrange your folded flowers and smaller squares into 3 rows of 3, alternating the flowers and plain squares.
Sew each square in the row, then sew all three rows together as pictured below.
Press well between each step!

You've made a 9 patch!
Next sew your short strips together, alternating red and white.
Sew your 9 patch block to your red and white strips,
then add your longer white and red strips to the bottom.

Yay! You've made a flag!
Go ahead and open your flowers up and sew a button to the center of each one, also sew a button to the center of each plain square. Fold flower petals back down.
Sew your backing piece Right Sides Together with your flag, leaving an opening at the bottom for turning.

Trim your corners and turn your pillow right side out.
(Give it a good press - a proper press takes your project from "Home made" to "Wow! You made that?!")
Stuff it up and hand stitch the opening closed, don't forget to open all your petals out!
Now stand back and admire your awesome handy work, not bad for a quick afternoon project!

The origami flowers really up the wow factor on this pillow, but if you're not up for folding just substitute the (5) 4 1/2 inch blue squares with 2 1/2 inch squares, easy peasy!
Thanks again Keri, for letting me stop in and share my Patriotic project with you and your lovely readers today!
If you enjoyed this tutorial I would love it if you stopped by ASG in the SLC and said hello or you can subscribe via Google follow and check out our Pinterest boards as well!
 Thanks lovelies, have a wonderful 4th of July!
Leslie     

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leslie - this pillow is GORGEOUS!  Seriously, I want one big time!!  I love the patchwork blues and the origami flower stars ... who wouldn't love one of these?!  

Don't forget that you'll have an opportunity to share your patriotic posts (old and new!) at the link party that starts Saturday morning!  Can't wait to see what you bring to the party!

Want to stay connected?  Want to share your latest and greatest at this week's {what's shakin' link party}!  Want to know the skinny on everything going on around here?!  See my sidebar for details!