July 4th Decor (Pt.1)

I am sticking with the classic red, white, and blue color scheme, but didn't want it to be overwhelmingly patriotic. I'm going for laid-back-picnic-style verses Uncle Sam-was-my-decorator (not to say there is anything wrong with that, it's just not my cup of tea).

So far I have classic red and white gingham tablecloths, blue plates, and tons of stars (I love anything with a star on it!) as my base. Since this will be held in our backyard (we don't have a deck or porch) I had been scratching my head as to where people can set their drinks/stuff down while socializing and finally a clever idea popped into my head. I took a few old, rusty plant stands that were just taking up space in the shed, measured and cut cardboard inserts, then spray painted the whole thing white. In less than 10 minutes I made tiny tables that fit my needs perfectly. The best part? Once the party is over, the inserts can be easily removed and I am left with painted, functional stands.

Moving onto simple yard decor:

 

I have spruced up some white paper lanterns in various sizes (left over from my wedding, originally purchased from Hobby Lobby) with red ribbon to hang from my giant magnolia tree. Inside of them, 12 hour LED lights hung with clear fishing line will be turned on once the sun goes down. 

 

 

Although I hadn't intended to purchase any additional lanterns, I couldn't pass up these cute battery operated ones from Dollar Tree (yet again, I am a sucker for stars!). These will also be hung from the trees at various heights.

  

  

To help combat the ridiculous number of insects that a Tennessee summer brings, multiple citronella candles and tiki torches will be spread throughout the yard and bug spray will be on hand as well as cute ladybug flyswatters. The candles and torches also provide an additional source of light.

Most of my decorating efforts will be going towards the table trappings. I didn't want to take the focus off of the fireworks, plus once it gets dark no one will see the outdoor decor anyhow :) 

**In a separate post, I will provide pictures and instructions for the table decor projects I have completed!**

 

July 4th Menu

Since our party will kick off around 6 pm and most folks have already had supper by then, the party fare will be on the light side. It'll consist of the following tasty snacks:

(BBQ Snack Mix recipe via handmade&homemade blog)

• BBQ Snack Mix

• No-Mayo Pasta Salad 

• Mixed Nuts

• Potato Chips

 

(This genius idea provided by A Pretty Life In The Suburbs blog)

• Watermelon-on-a-Stick

And for something a little sweeter:

(Photo & Recipe via Cookin' Cowgirl blog)

• Firecracker Cookies

• S'mores (my favorite!)

 

For our adult guests, pitchers of Tiffany Blue Lemonade should keep the party going throughout the night as well as these delectable Drunken Orange Slices!

Calm of the Night

  From the poem “The Old Astronomer,” written by Sarah Williams in the mid-1800s.

Since I was a small child I have always loved the night. The quiet darkness always left me with a peaceful feeling and a sense of calm. There's nothing quite like a gentle breeze and the ethereal beauty of moonlight drenching everything in sight to put my mind at ease. Even now (if I had the free time), I could spend hours looking at the stars, contemplating the wonder of the universe we live in.

Lake Time

Since we live less than a mile from a lake, we (and most everyone else in a 10 mile radius) spend half the summer in the water. Besides making sure sunblock is properly applied and generous amounts of water ingested, I wanted to bring up another water safety issue everyone should be aware of-  

How To Know If Someone Is Drowning
 

I, like most, have never seen a drowning person on anything besides the television or in a movie. Before reading this link, I wouldn't of known what to look out for (the cinematic portrayal is completely false). I strongly encourage everyone to read the full story above besides looking at the list below. Drowning is the No. 2 cause of death among individuals aged 15 and younger (scary, huh?). By taking a few moments to familiarize yourself with the warning signs and by keeping an extra sharp eye out while you're on the water this year, you could save someone's life!!

Look for these signs of drowning when persons are in the water:

• Head low in the water, mouth at water level
• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
• Eyes closed
• Hair over forehead or eyes
• Not using legs—vertical
• Hyperventilating or gasping
• Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
• Trying to roll over on the back
• Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder

Oreo Mustache Pops

I originally made these yummy treats for L's 15th birthday, but they were so popular I made some yesterday for A's (L's cousin) 16th birthday. By far one of the easiest suckers I have ever made, involving only two ingredients! I purchased all materials (besides the Oreos) at my local Hobby Lobby store.

Materials:

Mustache Molds

Lollipop Sticks

Oreo Cookies

Vanilla Chocolate Wafers

Plastic Squeeze Bottle

Chop Oreos and fill each mold halfway.

 Melt wafers using directions on the package and fill molds. Add lollipop sticks. Tap the molds to get out the air bubbles and smooth out the shape. Chill for 15 minutes.

They should pop easily out of the molds when ready. If yours stick, chill for an additional 5 minutes.

Ta-Da! Delicious homemade mustache pops fit for any fun occasion!

Summer Sunset

I couldn't help but snap a photo of this beautiful June sunset!

July 4th

With July 4th less than a month away, I have picked up a few party supplies to help get me into the patriotic spirit as well as these adorable cherry red shorts (Rugged Warehouse)!

For the first time since moving in, we will be throwing a holiday bash and I am so excited! I love parties, people, and food; although, I am a walking contradiction when it comes to the planning process. I am a very detail oriented, organized person (I have a list for everything!) yet also a complete procrastinator. Since we have around 60 people coming and the hubby isn't allowed in the kitchen, I've decided to keep the fare simple and decor minimal so I don't get too overwhelmed. 

I will be posting the menu and decor (with pictures) throughout the upcoming weeks.

Berry Sweet

In light of recent events, I decided that a little bonding time was in order, so off to the local strawberry patch L & I go, as we have most Sundays for the month. While it does require a bit of time and effort, the payout is well worth it (in my opinion nothing quite compares to the flavor of a sweet, sun-ripened berry). Since this is something I look forward to every year, I have been so very excited to share this experience with her.

After all that picking, I'm always left with the dilemma of what to do with all that fruit before it goes bad (which happens quickly!). I do freeze at least half using the following method:

1) Wash gently & remove tops (quarter them if so desired).

2) Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

3) Freeze until firm.

4) Once firm, I measure them by 2 cup quantities into freezer bags and store for later use.

The frozen berries are great for use in the off-season or for recipes such as Very Berry Smoothies (recipe to follow). Besides eating the remaining fresh berries as is or in classic Strawberry Shortcake, I loved using them to make fresh Strawberry Picnic Pies, a wonderful recipe I came across via The Farm Chicks Blog.

Mine were nowhere near as pretty as theirs, but just as tasty!

Very Berry Smoothies

3c. Frozen Strawberries

3/4-1 c. Milk

2 Scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract (optional)

Blend until smooth. 

Makes 2 servings.

Enjoy!

Wanted: Inner Peace

So I know I am getting off to a rocky start with my blog (I had really wanted to post more than once a week), but the last few days have been some of the most trying times since L moved in. I have needed some time to process the events and try to regain my focus. 

Upon awakening Saturday, L immediately instigated an argument that led to my first panic attack. Cruel accusations were made and crueler words spoken. All because we couldn't afford to buy her yet another senseless material item. Now this isn't the first tantrum thrown because she didn't get her way (nor will it be the last), but this time she was out for blood. The only positive thing about the whole situation is that it occurred at home instead of the mall unlike her last fit.

I am an emotional person by nature (I completely wear my heart on my sleeve) so the disrespectful things said tore me to pieces. It has left me feeling lower than I have in years. Normally I am able to snap back after an argument in a few hours and life returns to normal, but not this time. The words spoken still cling to my mind and saddens my heart.