4th of July Decorating

It is only 1 month until one of my favorite holidays...Independence Day! Our 4th of July usually consists of spending the day on the lake and then coming back to our home for a BBQ, flag cake and  then going back on the boat to see the fireworks on the lake...it is magical! Unfortunately my daughter & son in law have to work on the 4th (they are both nurses) and my brother & sister in law that usually come down from TN have other plans this yr. So it will be a very different 4th this yr as it will only be hubby, our 18 yr old daughter & I.

Anyway, I will still decorate & make my home look festive!

Last year hubby & I traveled the coast of Maine and saw so many homes with patriotic bunting on them. It was so beautiful and hubby & I mentioned how the American Pride really showed! Maybe because they were the original 13 colonies.

I have lots of 4th of July decor but I don't have bunting so I am buying some this year.
I have found a good deal and this is what I'm getting.  Get your Patriotic Bunting Here It has a vintage look which I really like....but this one is really nice too Red White Blue Bunting

Now for indoors decor...I love using these signs  Find them HERE There are other designs as well.

Or if you want something smaller, these prints are awesome. Add them on the table with your 4th of July food, hand a collection up on your wall. Celebrate our country's birthday! Find the 8x10 prints HERE

I will also do a post soon on festive 4th of July foods so stay tuned!

Have an awesome day!

Fall Camp Out Party!

It was a beautiful fall weekend spent mostly cleaning and getting ready to have a garage sale in a couple weeks. I swept up thousands of pine needles off of the deck and somehow got inspired to throw a fall party. I asked my 11 yr old daughter if she would like to have a fall party and after discussing it for a bit, we decided that we were going to throw a Fall Camp Out Party for her and her friends this next saturday. It's not her birthday or anything...just felt like throwing a party! Now the fun for begins...planning & decorating!

I have decided to set up a caramel apple station where the girls will make their own caramel apples and dip them into goodies such as; candy corn, nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.


Here is a recipe for Crock Pot Caramel Apples:
1. caramel candies. This time of year in the produce section, there should be bags of soft caramel complete with popsicle stick handles.
2. apples (one bag of caramel makes 4 large apples)
3. nuts/sprinkles/whatever topping you want
4. 2 T water
5. popscicle sticks

The Directions.

Use a 1.5 quart or larger crockpot---I used a 4 quart.

Unwrap all of the caramel, and add them and 2 tablespoons of water to the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours, checking every 20 minutes or so. The caramel is ready when it is shiny and can be stirred easily.

Put the popsicle sticks into the apples by the stems. Use a spoon to ladle the caramel over the apple, and swirl to completely cover the whole thing. Dip into chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.

Let cool on parchment paper or Release foil.


I have some more planning to do & a tent to buy so I'll keep you posted throughout the week on the plans. If you have any ideas for a fall punch, outdoor fall games, etc.. please let me know.