Independence Day Lunch

 Hey there princess!

I was so happy to be able to spend the 4th of July with my sweet family at their home. First, we went swimming with my little boy in the pool where he went wild throwing the ball and watching my dad and brother race toy boats. We also ate the classic American lunch of chili dogs with chips and all the dessert that you could possibly consume. Then, we went home and took a 3 hour nap because... America!

I just have to show my mom's set-up, though! She put so much work into this, and is always such a wonderful hostess. 

Every 4th of July my mom brings out this flag platter and serves red, white, and blue fruit/marshmallow skewers. They are one of my favorite things and I probably ate way too many! Blackberries are my favorite fruit, and they bring back amazing childhood memories of picking them off of the bushes that my mom grew at our home. I would always wash them off with the garden hose and snack on them with my brother and sister. 

It isn't a family event without festive napkins! I love a holiday napkin. Also, these macaroons were divine!!!!! 

Then my mom made these amazing cupcakes with Pop Rocks in the middle! There is nothing better than a good Pop Rock in my opinion, and they were very patriotic - especially with the picks that were put in them (you can find them on Amazon here).

The main feature of her display was this wreath featuring historical American figures. It is so cute and so special! 

My contribution to this event was my Oreo cake balls. This is the third batch that I have made for this July 4th weekend (one for friends, one for my husband's work, and this batch for family). They are such an easy and fun treat. I believe I made them several years ago on this page when I was doing Movie Monday, so the recipe should be on here if your scroll through a bit!

Of course, my mom managed to find patriotic taffy. It was so cute and so yummy! Also, if you haven't already hopped on the Nora Fleming band wagon, what are you waiting for?! They are so fun! You can find my mom's Uncle Sam by clicking here, and there are tons of bases to choose from. 

In honor of Independence Day, I made a little calligraphy piece of The Star-Spangled Banner that I brought with me. I am always looking for new ways to decorate and practice art. 

We had so much fun, and the most important part of any holiday are not the decorations - it's the people you celebrate with. I am so grateful for my family and my husband and sweet little boy - all of whom I get to celebrate every fun day of life with! 

How did you celebrate the 4th? I would love to hear all about it!

Sparkle on!

Party in the USA

Hey there princess!

My family and I loved celebrating the 4th of July this past weekend. It was the perfect escape from all of the stresses of life - with work, and the world around us seeming so tumultuous - it was a real treat to sit back, stuff my face, and enjoy the fireworks. 

My little sister, Coco, started us off on a healthy note. She made these amazing strawberry, blueberry, and marshmallow kabobs set on this festive American flag platter. They were incredibly cute, and admittedly the only nutritious thing I ate that weekend. Big thanks to Coco for getting us to eat some fruit!

Next, my mom got the most amazing macaroons ever from a local place in Tomball called Indulge Bakery (click here for the website). My favorite flavors are Bomb Pop and Pop Rock! Look at how perfectly patriotic the colors are!

Coco set the table with some very festive flowers as well. I love all of the sweet little touches that come together to make a family meal special and memorable. Flowers are always so happy (especially these glitter-covered roses)!

Not ones to leave out the main dish - we got some amazing turkey and brisket from Bexar Barbecue in Tomball. Seriously - this meat was to die for. I have had the brisket before, but this was my first time with the turkey and I have to say I am in love. Forget the traditional 4th of July hot dogs - I say just go straight to the good stuff. Life is too short.

After lunch, we had tons of fun swimming in my parents' pool, and enjoying some fireworks. I am so incredibly thankful to be an American, and to live in the same city as my parents so that I can raid their refrigerator. 

If you want to see more of my 4th of July fun - hop on over to my Instagram (@heythrprincess) where I share all of my little adventures. 

I hope that y'all had a fun and safe 4th of July and I can't wait for the next adventure life throws at me! Let me know how y'all celebrated your Independence Day!