Saturday Sparks Link Party 173

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 173!

Our weather has been simply beautiful and it just makes life that much sweeter.  How can one not be anything but thankful for bright sun filled days followed by warm breezy nights.

"In summer, the song sings itself." ~ William Carlos Williams
So, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 172.



Upcycling Lampshades with Wallpaper at Pillar Box Blue



May - Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest - 'Bling Bling' at From Evija with Love



Summer Home Tour 2016 at Live Love Larson

Karen Keysar at justjanblog



It's not Grey Poupon... at The Painted Poppy Studio



Using Hemp Oil on Chalk Paint at UpwithFurniture



Lampshade Centerpiece - Good Bones at Hunt and Host



Beach Tablescape in the Cabana at Dining Delight



It's Called Quilling at Under a Texas Sky

DIY (faux) Wildflower Wreath at A Pretty Fix

Easy Caprese Calzones at One Little Project

 Peanut Butter White Chocolate Chip Cookies at From The Mother Side

Maple Peanut Caramel Fudge at Ilkas Blog

Spinach Dip Bread Bowl Recipe at Just 2 Sisters

And finally, a recap of my share from the party - Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

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 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.

If you were featured, please grab the featured button (above) to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings

Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

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<a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com/2016/01/saturday-sparks-link-party-173.html" rel="nofollow" title="Pieced Pastimes"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HifDcnk15uE/UWhdU4CSsZI/AAAAAAAAEzI/RrSqxDY8NN4/s1600/Saturday+Sparks+Button+3.png" alt="Pieced Pastimes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 Party Guidelines:

- Post the party button (above) with a link back to this page or just a text link back to the party on your post - Not required, but appreciated!

- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.

- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar. 

- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.

- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.

- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.

Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

On my last trip to the market, a package of fresh cherries happened to find their way into my basket and I am so glad they did. They were perfectly ripe with a lovely, sweet taste that just can't be beat. Add to that their 'super fruit' benefits and I knew it was a smart decision.

Being that the bag was pretty big, I needed to come up with a way to use up these delicious little morsels before their prime time passed by.

Smoothies seemed to be the way to go and this combination proved to be a winner.

Now, onto the recipe:

Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

Serves 1

- 1 Banana, sliced (frozen for a cooler drink)

- 3/4 cup Baby Spinach

- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

- 1/2 cup fresh pitted cherries

- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

- 2 tsp pure maple syrup or agave (use more or less for your sweetness preference)

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and mix. Add ice for a thicker, frappe like consistency.

#smoothie #meatlessmonday #vegan #vegetarian #breakfast  

Smoothies are my go-to breakfasts during the summer and this sweet mixture is now part of my regular rotation. 

Linking up to the following blogs:

Design Dining Diapers
Love of Home
Olives & Okra
Pieced Pastimes
The Casual Craftlete
The Crafted Sparrow

SaveSave

Saturday Sparks Link Party 172

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 172!

Before we start this weeks party, I have a favor to ask. Please take a moment to say a prayer for peace. The horrific events in Florida this week have taken their toll. So much sadness for so many. 

"God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world; peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the Earth." ~ Pope Benedict XVI
Of one thing I am sure, there is far more good in this world than evil and this saving grace offers hope for the future.
Now, onto the party.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 171.



Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover with Faux Brick Wall at Thistlewood Farms



A Big Armoire for a Little Space at Woods of Bell Trees



10 Minute Decorating: DIY Stamped Spoon Plant Markers at Making it in the Mountains



Summer Inspired Kitchen Table Setting at Calypso in the Country

Country Living Fair 2016 at Redo It Yourself Inspirations



Tie Tags for Father's Day at Designs by Miss Mandee



Patriotic Twig Vase at Hunt and Host

Abandoned in Oatman Arizona at Agent 54

Garlic Chive Baked French Fries at The Gracious Wife



Fire Roasted 20-Minute Pasta Sauce at The Whole Serving

Chia Seed Banana Muffins at Sweet Hydrangeas

Healthy Cereal Crusted French Toast at Little Miss Dexterous

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote at Simply Fresh Dinners

Summer Savory Tea at Thyme To Embrace Herbs

<div align="center">
<a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com/2016/01/saturday-sparks-link-party-172.html" rel="nofollow" title="Pieced Pastimes"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGA9knw0sJM/UWhdVLhZ9hI/AAAAAAAAEzM/qoGPRjDD7K0/s1600/Pieced+Pastimes+Featured+Button.png" alt="Pieced Pastimes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.

If you were featured, please grab the featured button (above) to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings

Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com/2016/01/saturday-sparks-link-party-172.html" rel="nofollow" title="Pieced Pastimes"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HifDcnk15uE/UWhdU4CSsZI/AAAAAAAAEzI/RrSqxDY8NN4/s1600/Saturday+Sparks+Button+3.png" alt="Pieced Pastimes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 Party Guidelines:

- Post the party button (above) with a link back to this page or just a text link back to the party on your post - Not required, but appreciated!

- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.

- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar. 

- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.

- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.

- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.

Saturday Sparks Link Party 171

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 171!

Motorcycle Week starts today in NH and with it comes plenty of visitors. Two wheeled vehicles will converge on our back roads and highways, taking in all the scenic beauty that the 'Granite State' has to offer. The barrage of sightseer's serves as a reminder as to how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful place.

"The earth has music for those who listen." ~ George Santayana
Now, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 170.



First Friday Home Tour Featuring Happy Happy Nester at Poofing the Pillows



A Farmhouse Style Bathroom Reveal at Making it in the Mountains



Farmhouse Linen Cabinet at Hello Farmhouse



Tablescape Tuesday: Blooming Hydrangeas! at Everyday Living



How to Make Mason Jar Citronella Candles at One Little Project



Homemade Soap for the Farmhouse at She Holds Dearly



Time for Tea at Rosemary & Thyme

Leaving the Nest at Debbie-Dabble



How to Doily Stencil a Cushion at Pillar Box Blue

Decking Our Deck Out For Summer at The Red Painted Cottage

Amazing One Minute Protein Brownie at To Simply Inspire

How To Save Money on Your Groceries, Part Two at Kiku Corner

Flourless Chocolate Cake at Ilkas Blog

<div align="center">
<a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com/2016/01/saturday-sparks-link-party-171.html" rel="nofollow" title="Pieced Pastimes"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGA9knw0sJM/UWhdVLhZ9hI/AAAAAAAAEzM/qoGPRjDD7K0/s1600/Pieced+Pastimes+Featured+Button.png" alt="Pieced Pastimes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.

If you were featured, please grab the featured button (above) to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings

Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com/2016/01/saturday-sparks-link-party-171.html" rel="nofollow" title="Pieced Pastimes"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HifDcnk15uE/UWhdU4CSsZI/AAAAAAAAEzI/RrSqxDY8NN4/s1600/Saturday+Sparks+Button+3.png" alt="Pieced Pastimes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 Party Guidelines:

- Post the party button (above) with a link back to this page or just a text link back to the party on your post - Not required, but appreciated!

- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.

- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar. 

- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.

- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.

- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.