June Sponsor Intro...

I know I'm a few days late on this one, but I was on vacation! These ladies are so fabulous and they deserve lots of love sent there way, I hope you all will help me in doing so! And in case you missed it on twitter, I'm offering 20% off any ad size right now, just use the code "LOVE"...because I love you all so much. All together now...awwwww. Go here to grab your spot (after you read about these women)!

I asked them to introduce themselves and tell you what their favorite thing about summer is. So here they are...

Hi, Mallorie's readers! My name is Amanda and I blog over at Maggiano Takes Austin. MTA started in August of last year ('11) as a way to jot down the recipes that I love to make, but it's turned into so much more! Over at my little blog, you will see not only tons of amazing homemade recipes, but you'll be able to follow my life as my boyfriend of 5 years (Scott) and our crazy little fur-baby (1 yr old boston terrier named Huxley) work, cook, play, travel, go to events, and have FUN in the beautiful city of Austin, Texas!

Favorite part about summer: Since we live in Austin, we are surrounded by a few gorgeous lakes, and that is where I love to be! We just recently went Zip Lining across Lake Travis - so much fun! Anywhere near water makes me happy in this crazy Texas heat!!

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

Hi lovely Home is With You readers! I'm Mandy, I blog over at Fireflies & Cattails. I also have an etsy shop where you can find handmade clutches, headbands, etc. made by me. I started blogging a couple years ago to share my crafting adventures, my faith, and everyday life after being inspired by lots of other wonderfully talented women who do the same thing. I love being a part of the handmade community!

My favorite part of summer is definitely the food! Fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies. And I love all the summer outdoor activities.

Blog ~ Etsy ~ Twitter

Hi! I'm Daina. I moved to New York City in 2003 to attend NYU and instantly fell in love with my new home. Years later, I still pinch myself as I walk through the city to make sure I am not dreaming. The energy, people, and sights are unlike anywhere else. I feel very lucky to be a New Yorker! I blog about my adventures and life in the greatest city in the world. Stop by- I would love to hear from you!

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Hi All! My name is Dawn and I started up LeroyLime last fall. I adore anything and everything artsy, including photography, paper crafting and making our house a home. I haven't purchased a card for several years now since I make my own and I love being able to share that with others. I'm a wife, Mama to 3 and a true Iowa farm girl. I'm always up for a good paper crafting challenge and love creating custom themed items and watching them come to life. A lover of coffee, Instagram & Pinterest. My shop is on vacation for our family move this summer but check back the end of July for some fun new items!

My favorite part of summer is the HEAT and long sunny days!

Shop ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Facebook

...now go tell them hi and that I sent you!

**Patriotic Cookies**

I found this recipe on Pinterest and immediately sent it to my Dad, I knew it would be perfect for our 4th of July lake trip. We made a batch this weekend, you know, to practice...and they were so yummy and cute I had to share. Just in time for you to make them for your 4th of July celebration. We changed the amounts in the recipe a bit and made it our own so here's our version.

Ingredients >>

1 box french vanilla cake mix

1tsp baking powder

2 eggs

1/2 c extra virgin olive oil

1 small container of red and blue sprinkles, 1.75 oz (apparently these can be hard to find, we got ours at Target)

Preheat oven at 350.

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients (minus the sprinkles). In a small bowl mix all of the wet ingredients. Add the wet mixture to the dry one and mix well. Stir in the sprinkles.

Spoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

These spread a lot so don't place them too close together, unless you want one huge cookie! They would also be wonderful with some white chocolate chips mixed in. In fact, we're going to make a batch like that right now. Enjoy!

A little help...

So I'm pretty dang excited about this month. It's starting off with a bang since we're spending the first week of the month here at the lake. It's the perfect place to unwind. And then, for the last weekend of the month my Dad is taking my brother and I (Dave couldn't go because of scheduling conflicts) to VEGAS to celebrate my brothers 21st birthday! So. much. fun!

But here's where I need your help! The last time I went to Vegas I was 21, which I only realized the other day when thinking about this trip was five years ago. What?! No idea how that happened. But anyways, the last time I went to Vegas was for my bff's 21st birthday and her Mom took her and a few of her friends as a surprise. It was such a blast.

Since it's been awhile and her Mom planned everything last time (and for a group of girls), we need help on the best places to go, do, etc. We already have a hotel booked and are going to Blue Man Group on Friday night, but that's it! We would appreciate any tips or ideas you guys have for us, so let us know!

The last time I was in Vegas.

Oh and as far as the picture on the right, anyone remember this video? Probably the funniest thing I've ever seen to date. I was channeling Pearl in that pic...don't ask.

My week in Instagram pics, lake style...

Let's face it, the beginning of this week was just Dave and I trying to make it until we could leave for the lake on Thursday night. We could not have been more ready for this trip! Here's how it all went down...

Above you see...
-A favorite book my Mom bought Dave and I.
-The beautiful omelette that was half spilled on the floor.
-Tofu and veggie stir fry.
-Dave's "special" hat.
-Nights with my man.
-Taking in some music and coffee at Strange Brew, where Dave will be playing on Friday!

Above you see...
-My usual road trip position...feet on the dash.
-Restaurant style ahi tuna and rice.
-We drove so long on Thursday night we saw the sun come up on Friday morning.
-Made some of my energy balls for the trip, they were the perfect snack!
-Yum in a bowl...whole wheat penne, fresh broccoli, olive oil, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper.

Above you see...
-Heaven.
-Practicing our *4th of July Cookies*, recipe coming this week!
-An omelette to fuel us for a long day in the heat.
-Our breakfast view the other morning.
-Thanks to my little brother for leaving these sweet shades at the lake, I don't know if he'll get them back when he comes tomorrow...

If you'd like to follow along with more trip pictures, make sure to follow me on instagram @mallorieowens and Dave @daveowensmusic!

Linking up with A Good Life and Life Rearranged...