Coffee Sips and Lovely Links: 4th of July Edition

The 4th of July has always just been about family for me. I know it's supposed to be about celebrating our independence and all, but I've always just considered it a good excuse to eat yummy cookout food, hang out with my awesome family, and see some fireworks at the end of the night. My Grandaddy and Nana would always host the festivities, grill hamburgers and hot dogs, and Grandaddy and my uncle would shoot off fireworks. They lived on the waterway up until very recently, so that cool ocean breeze would usually make an appearance at some point in the evening.

These were such fun times and I am very appreciative of them. But now that I am married, we live in Charlotte and my Grandparents no longer live on the coast, so things are a little different. I still plan to go see my family for the forth, and I can probably still find a place to watch fireworks, but it's still different. It's not as easy now because I am over here learning to make my own traditions and adjust to not having all my family within a 15 minute drive.

Maybe you are in a similar place. Maybe you are not able to visit family or follow the same traditions this year. Or maybe you are just tired of the same ole, same ole and want to change it up this year. Either way, today's Coffee Sips and Lovely Links segment is all about Independence Day and some fun ideas for celebrating this July 4th!

Food

These red, white, and blue M&M cookie bars look fantastic for a July 4th dessert!

This Easy Flag Fruit Dessert by Family Fresh Meals is super cute and would add a little nutrition to your cookout! 😉

You could even make your own gourmet hot dog topping bar.

Fashion

Want something uber-cute but still casual and comfy? Summer has got your back with this off the shoulder top. So perfect!

Looking for something a little bit different? Chelsie has three more outfit ideas for you that might be what you are looking for.

Games

4th of July Bingo? Yes please!

You could also make your own Family Summer Olympics! How fun is that!?

You could also try this 4th of July Water Blob for Kids!

Safety

For fire safety, check out this Fire Safety Info-graphic!

For pet safety, this very short article has some important reminders.

Need more pet safety tips? This pet safety info-graphic might be what you are looking for!

I hope that everyone stays injury-free during the fireworks, but just in case, here's some info on firework injuries.

A Little Side Note

Now, I don't want to diminish what July 4th is about. I appreciate the freedoms we have in America, and I am thankful for people who risked their lives (as well as their emotional health) for my sake and the sake of others. Things in America aren't even close to perfect, but we should always be thankful that people who don't even know us are willing to protect us. People like my father-in-law, and my sweet friend Vanessa of Pursue Simple Joy- they gave so much. So don't forget to thank those around you who served to make our independence remain possible. Don't forget that as you are grilling, laughing, and watching the fireworks.

7 Ways to Make an Awesome Day Even More Awesome

*Originally Published on The Peculiar Treasure on May 2015

Do you ever have one of those days where you just wake up and everything is awesome? Or maybe it even takes you an hour or two, but sometime during the morning you realize that there is joy surrounding you. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, all the plants seem to be shouting "look at me!", and your mood is bursting with energy and positivity! Do you ever feel like that?

I tend to feel like that less than I would like to, but I do have those days- those awesome, beautiful days!

On days like that, I know I had better take advantage of those feelings. Those are the days where I am most productive, most pleasant, and most self confident. I am more likely to exercise and eat healthy, I am more likely to have a good prayer time, and I am more likely to have a grateful disposition.

Wonderfuls, when these days present themselves, I feel like we should take life by the horns and make the most of it by creating a day that matches our mood.

So here are 7 things you can do to enhance your already-awesome day!

7 Ways to Make an Awesome Day More Awesome

1.) Groom yourself and your home

When I was a teenager struggling with depression, my mom would always tell me to get up, make my bed, get out of my PJ's, and put on makeup. This was because she knew it would make me feel better. I used to not understand it. But since I have my own house and am living as a married "grown-up", I definitely understand now. I almost always feel better when I take her advice. There is something about a freshly made bed, a cute outfit, and a little bit of makeup that makes this gal feel more productive, put together, and ready to face the day. Give it a whirl. It can't hurt!

2.) Take a Day Trip

You know that restaurant in the next town over that you've been dying to try? Well, just go. Treat yo' self to a little road-trip. Invite friends or make it a solo venture- whatever your heart desires. Newness is always exciting, and you don't have to go very far to find that. Feeling super adventurous? Turn your day trip into a weekend getaway to the beach or mountains. Go hiking on a new trail, rock hopping in a creek, or for the over-adventurous folks, go skinny dipping in the sea- or on second thought... how about not ;)
Regardless of the size of the adventure, spend your awesome day doing what makes your heart sing.

3.) Read Outside

So maybe you aren't a very adventurous person...that's ok! There are still plenty of things for you to do! One of my favorite laid-back activity is sitting outside, soaking in the rays of sun that are dipping down to kiss my skin while I lose myself in a good book. Whether you like young adult fiction, self-improvement books, or Good Housekeeping Magazine, grab your favorite reading material and get yourself outside. Just don't forget the sunscreen!

4.) Clean Crap Up

Though I cannot relate, some of my friends love to clean. I don't get it, but thank God for them. In college, my wonderful friend and suite-mate would ask me if she could clean my room when she was stressed. Um, yes please! For those wonderful weirdos (a term of endearment!), on days when you are already feeling awesome, why not add more awesome to the mix by cleaning. You already know you enjoy it, and with your good attitude you will surely get things done more quickly- leaving you feeling productive and accomplished. Happy cleaning!

5.) Get Your Garden On

Another way to really enjoy your day is to spend it gardening. A lot of people feel so happy when they are able to get their hands dirty. Pull some weeds, plant some more flowers, or just take some time to admire the gardening you've already done. It is scientifically proven that looking at pretty flowers is a good idea ;)

6.) Ride a Bike

One of my favorite things to do is ride bikes. Somehow, this love skipped over my husband and friends... Sad day. But when I have a sunshine-y day staring me down, I almost always want to ride my bike. I don't have any bike-riding buddies around here, but I have got to stop letting that be an excuse because I love it way too much to miss out. So let's go ride a bike!

7.) Take Pictures

When the day is "pretty as a picture", why not actually take pictures? Do you have a favorite spot around town? A hidden gem that always brings a smile to your face? Then go capture it on camera. Don't know of anything in particular to snap pictures of? Then go exploring. Walk around town. Photograph strange things, beautiful things, mysterious things- all the things. Be creative. It's fun!

What do you like to do to improve the awesomeness of your day?

Note: Any day can be awesome. You don't need to wait for the perfect job, the perfect relationship, or even the perfect weather. Any day can be awesome if you will allow it to be. So rain or shine, happy or sad, do all you can to have an awesome day.

Summer Lovin'

Summertime is something that most of the modern world looks forward to. It represents freedom from school to children, sun-kissed faces, bonfires, and lots of time spent outside. Even though I am now an adult and do not get a summer vacation as I did when I was in school, there's something about the summer months that feels freeing, like somehow I do get a break.

Summer means a lot of things really. It means chalk drawings on the pavement, kites flying, bubbles being blown out of wands, flowers blooming, gardens thriving, and lawns being mowed. It means pink lemonade, popsicles, watermelon, and s'mores.

Summer means fun- even as an adult. There are about a bazillion reasons that I love summer, but today, I'm sharing my five favorite reasons!

Beach, Beach, Beach

You're probably tired of hearing me yammer on about being from the beach and missing it like crazy, but #sorrynotsorry. ;)
When the weather gets warmer, all I want is that beachy breeze, the waves, and the ability to lay out on my towel and read a book or a magazine.
It's a beautiful thing. And if you have an opportunity, I would urge you to go to the beach this Summer!

Freckled-Faces

My maiden name was "White". And growing up, it was a long standing joke that I was a "White girl". And boy is that ever true! My skin is so white during the winter. It almost glows. And when Summer rolls around, my body gets confused and doesn't really tan so much as it freckles. From far off, I may look like I have a decent(ish) tan, but we you get closer you will quickly see that my "tan" is actually just a large cluster of freckles. ha!
I used to want to be a perfectly-tan, beach-babe, but I have learned to appreciate and even love my freckles as I've gotten older. I think they are cute, and they make me feel unique (in a good way).
So to me, part of Summer time is getting all those freckles back, and I look forward to their arrival every year.

Water! Lot's of Water

I already talked about how much I love the ocean, but honestly, any type of water makes me happy- especially during the Summer. I love going to the pool, dipping my feet in a stream, paddle boarding on the lake, and even playing with the water hose when I'm watering flowers.
Water, for whatever reason, makes me feel free and light-hearted. I have no idea why. But when the temperatures rise and I am better able to enjoy the water, it makes my heart so happy!

The Smell of Sunscreen

Being from the beach, sunscreen was always a pretty prominent smell during Summer. All the extra-white tourists were trying to keep from turning extra-crispy, resulting in an over-abundance of sunscreen use.
As a result, the smell now reminds me of long days at the beach swimming, picking up seashells, and going for walks with my family and friends. Good memories. Good smells.
And I miss it so much that you can often find me using sunscreen as my lotion whether I'm going outside or not.

Ice Cream for Days

I grew up with a family who loves ice cream- but really, who doesn't love ice cream? We ate it year-round, but once Summer arrived, it was constant. Mama would always make dinner, we'd eat together as a family, and then after dinner we would continue watching TV and each have a bowl of ice cream. Sometimes we would go sit out on our porch swing as the sun was setting.

Summer is filled with amazing memories. Ones that I want to keep alive. I want to continue to enjoy the water, and take advantage of when it's warm enough to swim in the pool, go to the beach, and kick around in a stream. I want to embrace my freckles, the smell of sunscreen, and all the other joys that come along with the season.

Believe it or not, Summer is not my favorite season, but it is one that I enjoy immensely, and I don't want that to ever change.

What does Summer mean to you? Is it a happy time? What is your favorite part about the season?

Don't Waste Your Summer

In just a few short days, Summer will be "over", kids will go back to school, grade-school sports will get back into gear, and Fall will emerge. Before that happens, why not take advantage of the Summer that is left?

Fall is coming! As a Fall enthusiast, I am so excited for pumpkin, cinnamon, colorful leaves, light-weight sweaters, leggings, and boots. And as much as I am ready for it to cool off a bit (or a lot), I definitely think there is something to be said for squeezing out and enjoying every last ounce of Summer.

I know that I haven't even come close to fulfilling my Summer to-do list.
I went to the pool maybe five or six times, I made pink lemonade, and we grilled out once.

I'm thankful for what I did get to enjoy, but I wish I could have done more.
But Summer isn't over yet.

Yesterday, my husband read me a quote by Kevin DeYoung that said:

Open the windows. Keep the kids up. Ride your bike. Jump in the water. Eat some ice cream. Give thanks to God and don’t waste your summer.  

This quote inspired me. I can still do some of the things I wanted to! It's not over until all of us white girls put on our leggings and start drinking Pumpkin Lattes...Just sayin'. It's true. Embrace the stereo-type ;)

So, I have put together a little list of things that you and I can (and should) do before the Summer ends, if at all possible!

1.) GO PADDLE BOARDING!!!!!! (this is my main goal)

2.) Swim in an outdoor pool

3.) Go to an ice cream shop

4.) Play mini-golf

5.) Make Lemonade

6.) Have a cookout

7.) Ride your bike

8.) Have a bonfire

9.) Go to the farmer's market

10.) Sit outside and watch the fireflies

If you can accomplish some (or better yet, all) of these, before Summer comes to a close, you'll be glad you did. Summer is a time for letting lose a bit and having fun, so make sure you participate before it disappears for another year.

Do you have anything you are dying to do before the Summer ends?

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The "Get It Together" Initiative

As someone who gained 100 pounds in college, I could stand to lose a few of those. And I start every day with good intentions. I eat a healthy breakfast, I drink some water, I read a health/fitness blog post or two, and then something happens. I see a food blog, a recipe, or I get a craving for Mexican food (like yesterday) and I throw all of my good intentions out the door and invite fat, calories, and grease in instead. Is this as familiar to you as it is to me?

Earlier this year, I created a group on Facebook called "Get it Together" (find it here). I started this group to encourage myself and others to eat healthy, exercise, and be accountable. The group is good for me because I never like writing that I "failed" that day, so if I stay active in the group, I have something to keep me motivated. My friend, Challice, has also been trying to do weekly challenges. One week it may be "who can drink the most water this week", the next week "who can put in the most amount of time working out". 

Right now, the group is small. However, I think it would be more effective if it grew in both size and incentive. So, starting today, June 9th, I will be opening the group up to anyone who is interested in participating. Then, on June 15th, I will launch the Get it Together Weightloss Challenge.

The weight loss challenge will last one month (June 15th-July 15th) and will be based on a point system.

Daily Participation (Up to 3 points/day)- For every day that you share in the Facebook group (this can be a picture and description of a healthy recipe you made that day, a picture/description of what your workout was that day, a picture/description of your meal plan, etc.) You get 1 point per post and you can earn up to three points per day doing this. The purpose of this is that it encourages others to follow a healthy lifestyle too. If I had been craving a burger, but I log on to our group and see that you posted a picture and recipe for a yummy salad, it will be much easier for me to gather myself and eat healthy :)


Completion of Weekly Challenges (2 points/week)- Each week, there will be a new challenge. For example, one might be: Drink 70 oz. of water at least 4 days out of the week. Whoever completes that challenge would get two points.


Weight Loss (up to 50 points)- At the beginning of this challenge, you will need to decide on a weight loss (or health) goal. For example, I hope to lose 10 pounds during this month-long challenge. If I lose all ten pounds (or more), I will get 50 points. If I lose 5 pounds, I would get 25 points.
The same goes with health goals. If your goal is to get 8 hours of sleep each nights and eat three servings of veggies every day for a month, and you do that, then you get 50 points. Just makes sure you keep track of how often you accomplish your goals so that you can post them at the end of the challenge. If sleep and veggies was your goal for the month and you slept 8 hours a night 14 days out of the month, and you ate your 3 servings of veggies 25 days out of the month, then you would report that to me and I would convert that into points :) If that confused anyone, ask me questions in the comment section below.

This will only work if people are seriously interested. If you are trying desperately to lose weight, get healthy, or simply find motivation, this group might be for you! 

Who's with me? Leave a comment below if you are interested or have any questions.

Click here to request to become a member of the "Get it Together" group and challenge.

If you are joining us for the challenge, grab the button below to put on your side-bar.

    

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Summer Essentials

The hot sun beating down on my skin, the pool water calling for me to dive in, the tantalizing smell of BBQ chicken on the grill, and the crash of the ocean waves as they come in to shore to greet me- all examples of happiness at its finest!

I am so excited for summer. Since June is here, the pool is open, school is out, and watermelon is in season, I feel like running around screaming "Yippie! Woohoo"! Well actually, I'll walk...who am I kidding?

With summer comes a change in wardrobe, a change in schedule, and a change in needs. For every season there are things that this girl just wouldn't want to do without. With summer weather at our doorstep, there are a few essentials that make the transition much easier.

Summer Essentials

Sunscreen
Yes, yes, I know. We all hate hearing "put on sunscreen", but we really do need it. If I am going to be out in the direct sun for over 30 minutes, I try to make sure I have it on. I know several people who have had to have small surgeries for skin cancer, and I have also seen a few articles surfacing lately that will scare the crap out of most anyone (example).
Now, I'm no spokesperson for sunscreen. I spent years not wearing any and rolling my mind's eye at people who insisted that I should. But as an adult, I am seeing that I need to be more responsible about sun-care. I usually wear SPF 30-50.
I am also on the hunt for an affordable, natural sunscreen option. As much as I think we should protect our skin from the sun, I also think we should protect our skin from chemicals (which sunscreen is packed full of). I haven't found anything yet, so suggestions are welcome in the comment section.



Bandanna
I don't know if blondes have this problem or not, but as a brunette, my hair attracts way too much heat. Within 15 minutes of being out in the sun my head gets so hot it's unbearable. If I let the situation continue, I end up with a terrible headache- and who wants that?
So if I am going to be out in the sun, I always wear a bandanna. I find them much more manageable than hats that the wind can easily catch and blow away. Plus, bandannas are cheap, making it easy to buy tons of different colors and designs without breaking the bank!


Sunglasses
Sunglasses have to happen. I have some friends who go without them to avoid a "sunglasses tan", but I would much rather be able to open my eyes and see than avoid a bad tan. If I am outside on a sunny day, I always have sunglasses. They protect my eyes, keep me from squinting all the time, and they are cute-if you need a little more incentive ;)




Water Bottle
I struggle to drink enough water each day. It just never seems to happen. But when I am out in the sun in the warmer months, I always drink a bunch of water. Not only do I need water when it's so hot out, but it's also a great way to actually reach my daily water intake goals. When I am home and inside, I tend to drink around one water bottle (2.5 cups) a day. If I sit out in the sun for an hour, I'll probably drink 2-3 water bottles per day (5-7.5 cups). I am just way more likely to crave it. Woot woot! Go, hydration!

A Magazine
Last summer, I had several free magazine subscriptions. I was getting 4-5 magazines in the mail each month. So every time I went to the pool, I would take one of the magazines and flip through it. It was actually something I came to love doing. Now, if I go to the pool and I don't have a magazine, I feel somewhat lost.


Pop Music
Call me crazy (and you probably will), but there is something about the summer sun, the water, and smell of burgers on the grill that makes me want to get my pop music on. Give me Nsync, The Jonas Brothers, One Direction, or even Justin Bieber, and I'll be a very happy girl. *You may now start you judging*.

Though some of these things are much more important than the others (ie: put on sunscreen before you listen to Bieber), these are all big parts of my summer. The music and magazines make it a lot more fun, and the water, sunscreen, bandanna, and sunglasses make for a safer, healthier summer stay in the sun.


I hope you enjoyed my summer essentials list. Can you relate? What are your summer essentials?

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Life in Balance- Summer Family Fun