Tag Archives: Fourth of July

A Few Fourth of July Party Planning Tips

Holiday parties and picnics can be a lot of fun. They are even more relaxing when you’re organized and have a plan. There are a few little things you can do to help make things go smoothly. Start by preparing your yard if you intend to entertain outdoors. Cut the grass and if you intend to use a product to prevent pests, use it in advance. Then, begin setting up tables and chairs. You’ll be able to see if insects are drawn to the seating area. If so, and if you don’t really have another good spot, you might want … Continue reading →

Will You Be Traveling On The Fourth?

Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year, but according to AAA the fact that the holiday falls in the middle of the week is not stopping Americans from adjusting their vacation plans accordingly. In fact, the barometer of travel says they expect families will be hitting the roads, rails and skies in record numbers. Will you be on the move next week? If so you will be joining a record 41.1 million other American who will be traveling sometime between June 29th and July 8th. According to AAA, that’s 0.8% more than the 40.8 million who traveled last year. … Continue reading →

Travel No-No: Packing Fireworks In Your Luggage

Sounds like a no brainer, right? You’d be surprised–not all travelers think alike. Some actually rationalize that there is nothing wrong about packing pounds of illegal fireworks in their airline luggage. And here’s the kicker: most of them are flying to or from Hawaii. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than a third of all fireworks found in airline luggage nationwide last year involved flights departing to or arriving from Hawaii. Honestly, I can’t say that I am shocked by the news. (Having been born and raised in Hawaii I know the role fireworks play in the state.) However, … Continue reading →

What are You doing for Fourth of July?

How will you and your family celebrate Independence Day? Do you take time to remember why the day is special? Maybe you display your flag and show your spirit with red, white, and blue apparel. Celebrations consist of many different events from attending parades, carnivals, and fireworks displays, to camp outs, picnics, and parties. Some people have huge celebrations while others have quiet events at home with family or maybe just a few friends. What is your favorite way to celebrate Fourth of July? Is there a year that you recall that was particularly special or exciting? Please share your … Continue reading →

Elegant Fourth of July Decorations

Who says you can’t be festive and still create an elegant look? There’s no reason that an outdoor gathering can’t be chic and attractive. Even though some bright red, white, and blue decorations may not seem to lend themselves to elegance, it’s all in the way you put things together. You can try country chic with nostalgic Americana accents. Another idea is to simply choose deeper colors. Deep blues and darker reds create a richer backdrop. Then, instead of fun and funky decorations that you see at most Fourth of July picnics and parties, you can try something a little … Continue reading →

Fourth of July Centerpieces

Do you like centerpieces? I hope you’ll like these Independence Day ideas: Light up the Night Or, light up the day with red, white, and blue candles. Create a design, using one large blue candle and surrounding it with smaller red and white candles, or line up one red, one white, and one blue. If you prefer something less symetrical, simply add a mixture of candles in different sizes and shapes in red, white, and blue, and carefully fill the spaces between the bases of the candles with curling ribbon in patriotic colors (making sure none of the ribbon reaches … Continue reading →

Festive Ideas for Fourth of July

A friend of mine recently remarked that centerpieces and things of that nature sound like something her grandmother would have done when hosting a celebration. “It’s just so Martha Stewart,” she said. Well, I’ve got nothin’ on Martha Stewart, but I do think a few special touches can make any occasion more festive. My friend just doesn’t think she’s good at decorating and such, and I’ve heard similar comments from others. Yet, many festive touches are very simple. I like ideas that are fuss free and affordable yet still pack a punch. Check out some of these ideas for Fourth … Continue reading →

A Few Ideas for Fourth of July

What are you doing for Fourth of July? Will you be entertaining guests at home, at your summer home, or at another location? Maybe you have been invited to be a guest at someone else’s home or getaway. Whatever you have planned, you might like some of these ideas: Fourth of July Flowers Even though it might be a little late to plant flowers from seeds, you can pick up some starter plants in red, white, and blue. You can find candy striped roses in red or white, or look for red and white amaryllis. For blues, look for blue … Continue reading →

Does Your Pet Hate Fireworks?

Fireworks, thunderstorms, gunfire. What do they have in common? They can be incredibly terrifying for your pets! My Miko was terrified of thunderstorms. And fireworks. And firecrackers. And any other sharp, sudden noise. He would tremble and try to climb into any lap that was available. Nobody around to sit on? He would belly-crawl all ninety pounds of shepherd-husky mix under my bed and hide. If your pet is afraid of fireworks and thunderstorms, you can try a few different things to help ease his anxiety. Some trainers suggest simply ignoring the behavior. If cuddle your frightened pet or try … Continue reading →

Born on the Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July! Happy Birthday America! If you happen to be sharing your birthday with the nation… Happy Birthday to you too! You celebrate this special day with a number of newsmakers who were also born on the Fourth of July, including: Calvin Coolidge Born in 1872, the 30th President of the United States of America is the only U.S. president to be born on the nation’s birthday. He took on the position in 1923 when then President Warren Harding died in office. He won the presidency in his own right in 1924. But, four years later decided against … Continue reading →