Welcome, everyone, to this week’s Happiness is Homemade Link Party number 486. What that number means is that we have hosted 486 weeks of parties.  Our party may be one of the longest lasting online blog parties ever: over 9 years!!!  I believe that one of the explanations for its longevity is that the bloggers who visit us share top quality posts that are of great interest to you, our readers. We are consistently able to showcase the best recipes, crafts, home décor inspiration, DIY projects, mom-tips, family fun and more because of their experience and hard work!

My name is Sinea and my blog is Ducks ‘n a Row.  This month of July it is my pleasure to be the creator of our weekly  linkups. The parties start on Sunday and remain open to new submissions through Thursday.

Here is a little tip: link parties are most successful when lots of people to come by to visit them. And how do those people find us? Through you!   It is so helpful when you share our party with your social media friends.  Tweet it, pin it, email it, put the link on FB or Instagram… spread the news wherever your tribe gathers. We want to thank you, in advance, for being our voice!  And here we are, 9+ years later. Wow!

We start every week by visiting some of our very popular posts from our party last week.  Then, we will go on to the NEW!

This Week’s Featured Posts

I had to take a second look when I saw these beautiful flowers.   Bouquakes for Weddings by K’Mich Wedding Soiree Blog  Take a close look at these perfect wildflowers. They are not flowers, you know. This is a wedding cake! They call it a “bouquake!”  Gorgeous, isn’t it????

Kathryn from The Dedicated House encourages her readers concerning the success benefits of a clean, organized house in her post Creating Harmony from Office Oasis to Clean Home Haven.  One look at this lovely, neat home and I was instantly inspired to start cleaning mine!

I am so grateful for what bees do for us.  Busy, busy, busy!  But I like them best depicted, here, with this lovely bee-decked napkin ring on a pristinely set table. Alfresco Bee Theme Tablescape & Florals from Debbee’s Buzz is inspirational. You MUST stop by and see all the decorations that go with it!

This blog contains affiliate links ♥

Ceramic Succulent garden pots with attached trays.  AD   Oh my goodness, can you imagine plopping a sweet little succulent plant in each of them and giving them away as gifts?  How about a favor at a party?  Or, you COULD keep them all for yourself!!! LOL  I think they’re so pretty and unique.  How about you?

Fancy desserts are part of holiday fun!  What I love about this dessert is that you have the patriotic 4th of July theme with the ease of serving cupcakes – less fuss, less muss!  Lois from Walking on Sunshine set her red, white and blue cupcakes in place to form an American Flag on the dessert table that everyone can just help themselves to.  Bravo!!! Check out her  Patriotic Cupcake Cake!

PAW Patrol Caps for Kids!  ad

Pink PAW Patrol caps for your little cutie!  ad

Meat-lovers are going to really like this one!  Arlene from Flour on My Face blog made a delicious  Smoked Barbecue Beef Brisket in her Crock Pot!  Now, this is a recipe that this meat lover can get into.  Easy, peasy!

OK, Kristy … do you REALLY hate cooking?  Your blog name says so but I wonder … how do you make so many delicious looking recipes and hate what you do!  It’s a mystery. LOL  Yes, Kristy from I Hate Cooking made these scrumptious Gluten Free Lemon Blueberry Scones and shared her recipe with us.  Thanks, Kristy! ♥

And, now on to this week’s party!

Summer outdoor fun idea for you … REUSABLE water ballons!  No more tying. No more pieces of balloon left all over the lawn.  Super FUN!  Use it in the pool or out in the yard.

Thank you for joining us this week whether you are a blogger sharing your latest posts OR a reader enjoying all of the inspirational shares!  Don’t forget to drop by and say hello to all our hostesses, they always appreciate your visit! Here are all of our hostesses at Happiness Is Homemade!

Linda @ A Labour of Life

Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row

Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn

Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess

Mel @ Décor Craft Design

Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife

Would you like to be a part of Happiness Is Homemade? We are looking for hostesses to join our team. If you are interested, please email any one of the Happiness Is Homemade hostesses and let them know. We would love to have you join our party.

Be sure to share our party and we will see you here, again, next week! ♥