Goldilocks and the 4th of July Weekend

Aren't we all in search of "just right!?"

Dr. H and I have no idea what we're doing for July 4th weekend. As a friend kindly pointed out this morning, yes we know that it is 48(ish) hours away, but alas, we have no plans. We had plans, but unfortunately they unexpectedly fell apart, so now we are back to square one, a location we have not accepted lightly.

Last night, Dr. H and I spent over 4 hours scouring the internet and exploring the globe for a 4th of July destination.  Like Ms. Goldilocks, we are willing to try just about anything, but unfortunately everything is "not quite right". Coastal Europe? Too expensive. Vieques, Puerto Rico? Too much travel to get there. Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota? Not enough time to properly plan. Everywhere on the US eastern seaboard? Booked. Solid.

So here we are, about 36 hours from our first scheduled vacation day and still in search of the vacation that will be "just right". Maybe it'll be day trips to hike/beach capped off with evenings in an empty city dining at all the hot spots normally packed with New Yorkers. Maybe it will be the waterpark capital of the world. Maybe it'll be Mexico. Who knows? Whatever we ultimately select, with Dr. H by my side, I'm sure it will be juuuuust right (awww:).

Mother Nature you Mother *bleeeeeeep*-er

Sunshine Spotted (1 hr before it was time to go home)

Greetings friends and lovers from sunny and temperate New York. So sunny in fact, that one would never even guess that it rained here ALL WEEKEND, or wait, I stand corrected, until about 4pm yesterday... just in time for you to pack back into the car, say "adios!" to your beach-weekend accommodations and curse the weather gods for this unfortunate turn of events. 

(#Bitter #AtLeasttheTriptoTargetwasfun?!)

Because holding a grudge never made anything better (other than being a delightful outlet for my twisted, dark emotions...) I thought we should kick off the week by focusing on the END of the week and the upcoming July 4th holiday. I LOVE July 4th because it's summer, sunshine (hopefully!), BBQ, fireworks... do I have to continue?! Here to kick off our holiday week are some essentials of the red white and blue variety. Enjoy!

This is one of those crafts that's going to get you a LOT of oohs, ahhhs and "how do you have the times!?" but in truth, it's super easy and adorable to look at. Paper cones, cupcake liners and star stickers are the essential items needed to make these adorable patriotic treat cones... plus of course your favorite surprise sweets. Full tutorial HERE.

Is there anything as American as apple pie? (I would argue, yes, absolutely... ever heard of hamburgers and, hello!? George Washington!? I digress...) For those looking to stick with tradition and pie however, click HERE to learn how to make those cute lil pies on a stick and other adorable yet classy 4th themed items.

Like all good Americans, I love potatoes and mayonnaise, so it should come as no surprise that I'm endorsing preparation of a decadent potato salad to accompany your burgers and dogs. THIS bacon ranch recipe looks pretty freakin bananas, but here's the whole darn Pinterest "potato salad" search result because how on earth was I supposed to select just one!?

Since looking adorable is an essential part of your July 4th festivities (and overnight shipping puts the world of patriotic fashion just a click away!) here and here are some great suggestions for getting all chic, red, white and bluey!

I pledge allegiance to the patriotic sangria. Anyone else want to cheers to that!?

Hooray for Independence Day!

1776 inspired.

July 4th is one of my absolute favorite holidays. Maybe that seems like an odd choice, but between the delicious eats (burgers, hot dogs, seafood, corn, those ooey gooey mayo-based salads!), sunshiney locales (beach, boat, pool, lake!) and fireworks (FIREWORKS!!!!) I don't think there is a more relaxed and lovely day set aside for getting together with friends and family all year. (Plus, I heart me some founding fathers/American history. Seriously). Here to ensure your Independence Day celebrations are plenty red white and blue-y are some goodies from around the web.

15 (awesomely patriotic looking) Recipes for the 4th of July from SMP Living HERE.

Everything you need (and where to buy it!) for a patriotic picnic from Oh Happy Day HERE.

* Ever wonder where the best place in your state to watch fireworks is!? *

* Click HERE and HERE for some nifty facts about
the history of our independence day and how July 4th became a holiday! * 

How about an adorable Patriotic Mini Pie!? Learn how to make em HERE.

This simple craft is perfect for little kids who need to be entertained while you man the grill!

And don't forget to start your day with breakfast and a side of patriotic flair! (Inspiration HERE and HERE)

Hump Day - Independence Edition

I crush on the Founding Fathers. Hard.

Huzzah!!! A hump day that requires no humping at all! Happy Wednes-riday to all of my fellow Americans! May your next few days be filled with sunshine, barbecue, fireworks and friends. See ya Monday!

* 3 super easy and adorably patriotic desserts you can whip up in time for tomorrow HERE, HERE & HERE.

* Did you know that NYC is loaded with Revolutionary War era history?

* Adorable summer printables to make your table look picnic perfect!

* Ahoy matey!!

* Outside of Maine, where to get your lobster rolls.

* Nothing more American than a slice of warm apple pie (even if I'm more of a blueberry girl myself!)

* A "holy crap that's brilliant" ice cream sandwich making solution.

* Blurred Lines look out, Robin Thicke is adding to the soundtrack of summer!

* Nap time is always the best time. For giraffes and all other adorable animals. (giraffe via CupofJo)

* Beach babes beware!

Uhhh... back to work?

Chocolate Covered Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich

I feel like someone gave me an amazing chocolate covered brownie ice cream sandwich, let me take a big 'ol bite, and then just took it away!! After a day of sleeping in, egg sandwiches for breakfast (you KNOW how I feel about egg sandwiches) a little beach/pool/Dr. H/sunshine action and FIREWORKS(!!!) somehow, I am back at work. On the bright side however, a holiday on a Wednesday kinda makes it seem like this week has three weekends. I can live with that outlook! To welcome you back to the weirdest week ever, I thought I would dedicate this post to ice cream. Because I love ice cream (to the moon and back).

Tasty treat treasure trove right on the streets of NYC!

Soft serve is far and away my FAVORITE kind of ice cream (though there are a few homemade scoop flavors that rival it (I'm lookin at you Ice Cream Cottage Chocolate Overdose)). Mr. Softee trucks are a quintessential sign of summer here in NYC and block after block I have to ask myself "do I want a chocolate dip cone?" or "how about a swirl with sprinkles"? The answer: Yes and yes.

Never doubt the power of an amazing chocolate milkshake

This one requires an ice cream maker (which obvi I own) but
you could definitely just buy the flavor and start from there...

And finally, I saved the ice cream world's pièce de résistance for last. If you ever find yourself outside a Ghirardelli's Chocolate Shop, do not hesitate. Enter. Sit down. Order something RIDICULOUS from their ice cream menu (sample HERE).

The experience will start like this...

...and end like THIS!

Happy Birthday US of A!

Make your day sparkle.

"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." (Taken from the full text of the Declaration of Independence.)

May your day be filled with the pursuit and enjoyment of Happiness (also hot dogs, cold beer and fireworks). xoxo, m

My country tis of thee...

Bright lights, big city.

... mid-week holiday misssssery, of thee I sing. 4th of July on a Wednesday!?! Don't get me wrong, I'll take a day off from work any day of the week, but WEDNESDAY!? This is gonna be an interesting week folks! Here to help you prep for the holiday ahead (and distract you from the 2 days we have to get through before it arrives) are some patriotic eats and treats of the red, white and blue persuasion.

Channel Betty (Crocker) to make Betsy (Ross) proud.

Patriotic brilliance on a stick!

Thomas Jefferson wants you to put a ring on it.
(Seriously, how ridiculous / awesome is this idea!?)

Be a hit with the kids at your BBQ (or have the coolest
yard in town!) Click HERE for the free printable.

A salty, sweet and patriotic treat.

When in doubt, stick a sparkler in it!!