Christmas in July Day 4: Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day everyone.  For many, celebrating the 4th of July means a pancake breakfast, hanging out at the park with friends and family, camping, boating trips, hamburgers, hotdogs and fireworks. Some aren't that lucky and have to work through the celebration. However, you are spending your day, I encourage you to stop and think about why you are able to enjoy the freedom you have today to do these things. Thank those around you who have served to provide that freedom. Stop and ponder about your ancestors who fought and sacrificed. Think about our forefathers and the courageous men they were for standing as patriots. 

The Preamble: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."


The History Channel has a great page on Independence Day, that includes several short videos telling the stories behind Independence Day. This short "Bet you Didn't Know Video", is full of quick, fun facts.





If you are a big history nerd like me, you can even own your own copy of the Declaration of Independence on Parchment Paper. Here's a link to purchase one on Ebay, but shop around. They come in all sizes and quality. 

Christmas in July Day 3: Patriotic Christmas Trees on a Budget

It's down to the wire here at home, but I'm determined I'm getting this post done before midnight here in Denver. I'll admit, I started working on it earlier today and was side tracked. And when I say sidetracked, I mean SIDETRACKED. While searching for patriotic themes, I came across some patriotic wedding theme ideas, that stopped me in my tracks. I had to save them for my daughter and that ended up taking a huge chunk out of my afternoon. I do plan on sharing those idea boards at a later date, so let's get busy with today's Patriotic Christmas trees.

One of my most popular post in the past, was a 4th Of July post about Patriotic Christmas Trees. I'll admit, if I could have endless Christmas trees, one of them would be themed in Red, White and Blue, with all kinds of presidential and patriotic themed ornaments. I've seen some beautiful ornaments, but most are super expensive. After 9/11 I did put together my attempt at a patriotic tree, however it was on a budget. I used a white tree I already owned, transformed some blue ornaments from Christmas in the past and added some star die cuts from the dollar store. It wasn't as fancy, but it was perfect! Thinking about that today, got me thinking about how you can put together a patriotic tree on a budget.


By just using lights or garland, you can transform a white tree or  green tree perfectly.

This tree takes it a bit further in details, but limits the decorations to lights, bulbs and poinsettias. Personally I love it!

Think small! Little details can often make all the difference. This tree uses curly ribbon in red, white and blue and I think it's fabulous.

Make your own paper star garland or red, white and blue paper chains.

Using lights outside, can be just as simple and effective in making a statement.

I know not all families choose to have a themed tree and not all families have more then one tree. This holiday junkie just happens to have to many themes to count and probably would have more, if I could. However, switching it up once every few years, can be fun for the entire family. Get the kids involved. Have them make some homemade ornaments. You'll be surprised at how such a simple change can bring some extra sparkle into your holiday. 



Side note: I do not own these photos. I do apologize for not having more links to original sites. The majority of these pics, took me no when when I tried to link on Pinterest. So if you are the owner of these photos, feel free to notify me and I'll get the information added. 

Did you know tomorrow is Flag Day?

Does your family stop and acknowledge it's Flag Day? If you do, that's awesome. If you don't, tomorrow may be the day to start a new tradition. What goes along with family fun and traditions??? FOOD!!! Why not take a few extra minutes and prepare something Red, White and Blue for dessert. Here are some fabulous ideas. 

Cupcakes Takes the Cake, used regular cupcakes and mini cupcakes to create this fun treat. 

 

 The Celebration Shoppe made these simple cupcakes, but added a lollipop stick to take it over the edge. Little details like that, always take it to another level.

Want a healthier option? No cake for you? Well, how about some Flag fruit kabobs? 

How about just using mini cupcakes. If you are one of the many (and I am not) who enjoy making 100 mini cupcakes for a project, then this is the project for you!!! This flag is made of entirely mini cupcakes with some small fondant stars.

Now, if you are torn between cupcakes or fruit???? Good Housekeeping has the option for you. The combo of Blueberries, Strawberries and Coconut sounds super yummy. I don't know which one I'd pick first?

 

If one or two bites is all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out this cake pop cake by My Juice Cup.  

If you don't have time, don't fret. Just head to your local grocery store and I'm sure you'll find plenty of Red, White and Blue items in the bakery. Just remember, a little treat, can go a long way when trying to peak the interest of your family.

Christmas in July: Day 8 Let's Eat Cake!

Today was my BFF's birthday. We were having a surprise dinner for him, so that mean I also had to make him a very special cake. I've been wanting to make him a rainbow layered cake for several years and just never did. When I was participating in several link parties over the past few weeks, I seen several of these cakes and knew NOW was the time.

The tall, colorful candles I found years go and had stashed, finished it off perfectly! 

When I brought it out, he told me he was wondering why in the world it was so tall. When he cut into it, he was so surprised and LOVED IT!

You're probably wondering why I posted this cake today. How is this Christmas? Well, when I was making this cake last night, I thought about how easy it would be to use this same concept and make it in Christmas colors. Sure, enough I did a search and found exactly that at I Am Baker. She has made a fabulous layered cake in Red and Green. 

I Am Baker, took it one step further and even made a 25 layer cake for 4th of July. Yes, 25 layers!! 

I'm on a roll, so I found this as well for Halloween. At Elle's Studio  they made a fabulous looking Coconut Layered cake in Brown and Orange. Sounds and LOOKS yummy! 

And for St. Patrick's Day, you guessed it GREEN. All colors of Green. 

I think I'll close on that cake and say goodnight. Just remember, with a little creativity and time, you can make any ordinary cake...extraordinary!

Quick 4th of July Project!

Last week I posted several 4th of July projects on my Inspire list. I wanted to make the headband for my daughter to wear, but honestly I had forgotten about it till last night when Suzy from Joy is at Home sent me a nice message thanking me for posting her headband on my blog.  Well, quickly this morning I gathered the supplies, tossed them in my work bag and away we went. I'm happy to say, that between calls, I was able to finish this headband in less then 30minutes. It's a super easy project, but yet still looks great. My future political powerhouse  is going to look Fabulous up there on the stage with the Mayor tonight.  


Here is the inspiration piece I found. To see the whole tutorial, check out Suzy's blog at Joy is at Home . She'll take you through it step, by step.

Here is a quick overview of my headband. 

Since Ciara loves pearls, I used pearls I had on hand, instead of beads. 

I had bought a bag of headbands from the thrift store a few weeks ago, to use as basis for new headbands I was making, so I just grabbed a red one and used the hot glue gun to attach them. I would put the head band on to get a visual of where you want to attach the first one above the ear. I wanted them in order of Red, White and Blue, but becuase I started to high, I couldn't do that and had to bring the blue one down lower. 

I'm all done. I've got 2 more hours of work and then my holiday celebration begins. I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Happy 4th of July!!

We are going to combine the 4th of July and the 4th day of Christmas in July in this blog post today. To start, have any of you ever had a patriotic themed Christmas tree? I did have a red, white and blue themed tree one year after 9/11. I kept the ornaments for several years, but eventually we transformed them into Blue and Silver ornaments for a different look. 

After looking around, I think I've found the most PATRIOTIC tree ever...Check it out!

After a vote, the tree has officially be labeled the Stephen J. Colbert National Treasure Tree at Treetopia. It's on sale right now for $199.00. Tammy, you've been looking for a new tree...this may be it! 

If you want to start with a simpler base, then you can go with a basic Red or Navy Blue tree.

This Candy Cane tree might be a big hit with the kids! In fact, I think I like the red and white tree. It could be used for Valentines Day, 4th of July and Christmas. 

Here are some individual trees decorated with the American theme. 

Have a great 4th of July everyone and remember...

     "A good conscience is a continual Christmas...."
                                                 Benjamin Franklin

4th of July Inspiration!

After looking around the last few days in blog land, I wanted to share a few of the fabulous 4th of July projects and recipes I've come across. I've decided more then ever that I love the Americana look and really want to build on my decor in that area, during the summer.

This 4th of July Patriotic Berry Trifle at Six Sisters Stuff looks absolutely mouth watering. I love Trifle! If I get to the Berry Farm tomorrow, I might just make this on Monday.

The Lady Behind the Curtain has done fabulous chocolate work with these fireworks on her cupcakes. They look BRILLIANTLY BRIGHT!

This  Patriotic Paper Pinwheel at The Answer is Chocolate is a very simple, yet stunning decoration for the 4th.

How fun are these Patriotic Pinwheels in the coke bottles? Wayward Girls Craft came up with this fun idea.

I love this Patriotic Wreath at The Scrap Shoppe

Thrive has made some fun DIY Flat T-Shirts, using old T-shirts you may already have on hand.

Joy is at Home has made this headband with fleece and I think I've got to make one this weekend for Ciara to wear on the 4th. Super cute and super easy.

If you like to add a little silliness to your party on Monday, here are some Conversation Starters that the Happy Home Fairy has put together so you can print them out. 

The possibilities are limitless, look around, see what you can do to show your patriotism.