Happy July 4th!!!

Just wanted to share a little bit of the beautiful America that we live in.  Have a wonderful and safe July 4th!

Adrift from Simon Christen on Vimeo.

(video via My Modern Met)

4th of July round-up...my favorite ideas and inspirations

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I can't believe the 4th of July is right around the corner.  This summer is moving so quickly, and I feel very behind on the list of things I had planned to do.  I HAVE been collecting some inspiration for July 4th along the way though. It's all about classic Americana- red, white and blue and simple American traditions.  Can't go wrong with that :)

{ Parchment cones of fresh blueberries and strawberries via Better Homes & Gardens }

{ Stamped napkin ties via Better Homes & Gardens }

{ A breakfast of American flag toast via be different act normal }

{ Patriotic Bow Tie for your pooch via Martha Stewart }

{ Printable matchbox labels via lia griffith }

{ What could be cuter than individual cherry pies via }

{ I love these single serving pie boxes tied with baker's twine via Kara's party ideas }

{ Patriotic pack of "poppers" via Pick Your Plum }

{ Classic summer fun photo via LIFE }

{ Kraft paper snack bags via Lia Griffith }

{ Firecracker ice pops via Martha Stewart }

{ Watermelon ice cubes via Catch My Party }

{ 4th of July Mason jar drink tops via Examiner }

Mother's Day...my favorite ways to treat Mom

{ Love this : ) available for purchase here }

You do not have to spend a lot of money to treat your Mom or wife to a wonderful Mother's Day this year.  A little care and attention...and a step outside of the normal routine is usually what mothers want. 

Here are a few of my favorite ideas to make this Mother's Day memorable-

1. A beautiful and charming family picnic

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Picnics...something that all families are familiar with.  The way to make this picnic a gift is by the way it is presented, the food you serve and the fact that Mom does not have to make any decisions.  Think romantic- no paper plates, or fried chicken for this picnic : )  a pretty blanket, a nice location, and a picnic basket stuffed with wonderful food that she did not have to pack...there is nothing better : )

 I love this picnic bag! It has many pockets for all of your picnic necessities.  You can find it here.  

2. A bouquet and a book

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I dare say that all women love flowers.  Beautiful and natural bouquets have always been one of my favorite gifts, but here is a little twist on the normal bouquet.  Buy a few different kinds of your wife's or mom's favorite flowers, a pretty and interesting vase, such as a vintage apothecary bottle and this amazing book, The Flower Recipe Book.  I love the idea of not only giving flowers, but also a "how-to" book so your favorite mom can create beautiful bouquets for years to come.

 

You can find the Flower Recipe Book here.  

3. Tell your mom you love her...in code

I posted a tutorial on how to make Morse code jewelry a while back- you can find it here.  I still LOVE this idea, and I wear my morse code necklace almost every day.  You can express so many different sentiments on these sweet and simple necklaces. If you have multiple children, you can ask them what they want to tell mom, then use different colors of silk cording to symbolize each child. 

4. Breakfast in bed...easy enough for kids, adult enough for mom

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Let her sleep in and surprise her with breakfast in bed.  Now, breakfast in bed can be a very interesting affair.  Always sweet...not always edible : )  With a little help from Dad this recipe of Boozy French Toast can be easily prepared, and Mom will be very impressed.  It would be a great way to start the day.

5) Remind her why she is so special with a memory box

I LOVE this idea!  A memory box is one of the best way to celebrate being a mom.  Dig through some of those old items you have stored away and put them where they will be appreciated.  When you combine a photo from a special memory with an actual item from that time, magic is made.  I am going to do this for myself as soon as possible.  These boxes were made by Darcy Miller and can be seen here. 

Happy Easter!

The family and I are headed to Washington DC for the next few days.  I am hoping that the weather warms up soon, so we can enjoy the sights without being bundled up in our winter coats. The kids have done their research and made a list of things they want to see this year.  No matter how many times I go to DC, I always see something new. 

I hope you all have a Happy Easter!

Stay warm...and don't eat too many sweets : )   I will catch up with you again early next week.

("Happy Easter" art print via Society6)

 

Easter Round-up...my favorite ideas for Easter

Bunny Bags

I love these sweet and simple treat bags- a great substitute for the traditional Easter egg.  Just untie the bow and the treats are revealed inside.  This is a easy craft you can do in very little time.  See detailed instructions here at Mermag. 

Brussel Sprout Topiary

I have never been a huge fan of brussel sprouts, but I may be a believer now.  I am in love with these beautiful topiaries! This image is via Better Home & Gardens.

Origami Bunny Gift Tag

This free printable from Eat Drink Chic can be embellished with glittered paper after you print them up.  I am a sucker for freebies...especially cute and colorful bunnies. You can find the printable with instructions here.  

Cross Necklace

One of my best friends gave me this necklace for my birthday this past year.  I love how simple and pretty it is.  It is light enough to wear every day, and pretty enough to be noticed every time that you do.  It would make a perfect Easter gift.  You can buy the necklace here. 

Stamped place cards...or should I say eggs

Such a pretty and easy to do place setting for Easter brunch.  You may already have everything you need to recreate this look- Spring colored napkins, some dyed eggs, greenery clippings and alphabet stamps.  Simple and beautiful. You can find more photos of this tablescape at Love of Family and Home here.  

Bunny bread

Who knew refrigerated rolls and a pair of kitchen scissors could create such a cute addition to an Easter meal?  Snip ears into the top of the dough and use the point of the scissor blade to create the eyes.  As they cook, the edges will soften and the soft bunny roll will appear.  Image found here. 

Watercolor Nails

Celebrate Easter with the colors of Spring.  Water color nails...a new favorite of mine.  See how to get the look here at Small Good Things. 

Easter Egg Fortune

I LOVE this idea!  You may see this for a Pay It Forward in the future.  Find detailed instructions here at Poppytalk.

Bunny Ear Napkin Holders

I LOVE these little burlap bunny ears ! Such a cute idea!  These napkin rings can be found here, and you can see more of photos of this tablescape here at Amy's Party Ideas.  

Peep Love

And if you are a year long Easter lover...and if you especially LOVE your peeps...I would suggest this art print from Society6 simply called "peep".  A childhood favorite has been transformed into some sweet artwork : )  You can order this print here.

My favorite ideas for St. Patrick's Day...

Irish Blessing

What better way to start the day than with a beautiful Irish blessing.  This art print is available through the LiliandVal Etsy shop which you can find here. 

Party Popcorn

I love this idea- sweet and salty popcorn that is  perfect for any occasion, but the green and white sprinkles definitely bring a St. Patrick's Day flair.  Made of 3 ingredients- popcorn, white chocolate and sprinkles...I think I am in love.  You can find the recipe here at My Baking Addiction. 

Lil' leprechaun

This leprechaun onesie and hand dyed striped leg warmers are almost too cute for words.  The Etsy shop kakabaka, found here, has a few options in leprechaun gear for your little one- all of them are absolutely adorable.

Shamrock Juice

This St. Patrick's Day inspired drink looks tasty, fresh and....bright green.  The secret ingredient- lime popsicles.  Creative Juice shares the recipe here.  

Bells of Ireland

It is impossible to go wrong with this beautiful and simple flower arrangement.  Bells of Ireland are beautiful combined with other flowers, but I especially love them all by themselves.  Image is through Better Homes and Gardens.  

Traditional Fare

Closet Cooking shared his recipe for this tasty looking Apricot Glazed Corned Beef and Col-cannon recipe.  It has quickly become my top-runner for St. Patrick's Day Dinner.  You can find the recipe here. 

Entertaining with Clover

Bright green clovers are a wonderful way to brighten a table scape.  What I love the most...they can be found everywhere and they are free.   

Taste the Rainbow

I have seen rainbow cake, rainbow cookies, rainbow candy...but this is the first time I have seen rainbow rice krispy treats.  I have to say, that I love this colorful twist on an old favorite.  You can find the recipe and directions here courtesy of Raspberri Cupcakes. 

Beer & Bailey's

What would St. Patrick's Day be without stout and Irish cream.  This recipe for Chocolate Stout Cake with Bailey's Cream Cheese Frosting looks and sounds amazing.  I have been browsing through a lot of recipes for St. Patrick's Day, and I think this may be the winner for me.  You can find the recipe here at Closet Cooking. 

A charmed lunch

Imagine how surprised your little one would be if they opened their school lunch and saw this.  This little guy was created by Lisa Storms.  Visit her blog here to see how she made him come to life.  

Leprechaun Breakfast

My kids have been staring longingly at Lucky Charms in the grocery store for a few months.  When I saw this cute idea for a St. Patrick's Day breakfast...I thought this would be the perfect occasion to justify a little taste of this charmed cereal.  This idea was shared by Thoughtfully Simple and can be found here. 

Chewy Irish-Cream Blondies

I don't know that I need to say anything else : )  This recipe can be found here courtesy of Martha Stewart. 

Cooking with clover

I think this idea is genius.  Using spinach and a clover craft punch, you can create as many edible clovers as you want, for a variety of recipes.  Spinach is hearty enough to withstand the punch, and creates a clean and beautiful edge.  This idea was shared by Home is Where the Boat is.