While the writers here at the Lifestyles Channel reside all across the globe, one thing that remains constant are the celebrations of fireworks. Whether it’s here in the U.S. with the Fourth of July or on the other side of the world in New Zealand we all know a summer celebration isn’t the same without fireworks and the memories that go with them.

Chloe of Tangled Thread shares a few festive fireworks and needlework patterns.

Kerri and Cory at Marriage Actually talk about why having a shared past is one of the best parts about being married.

Heather at A Creative Journal shares her first memory of firecrackers with a view from Australia.

Christine at Mad Cropper remembers Guy Fawkes Day, a day celebrated in New Zealand with lots of fireworks. Find out why Guy Fawkes is celebrated by the English and most commonwealth countries. It is indeed a blast from the past!

Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork, provides a quiz for her readers.  See how many of the quilt designs you can connect with historical Americana – events, objects or people.

Marye at Baking Delights reflects on just how much menu’s have changed over the years while at Kettle and Cup she shares a modern twist that many are sure to love with her Non-Alcoholic Long Island Iced Tea

Kelly Saunders at Thrifty Mommy shares her favorite 4th of July memory – I just can’t spoil the surprise – check it out.

Char and Christine continue Camp Weary Parent with this weeks Patriotic activities:  Star Spangled Rocket and a week full of other fun projects

Marcie and Mary Emma are blasting through books with Fourth of July and summer recommendations at One Book Two Book. Make sure to check out Fourth of July Books for Teens and The 10 Best Fourth of July Picture Books

Linette at Robust Cooking shares 10 Healthy 4th of July Dessert Ideas.  At Mother Earth’s Garden she calls out the old saying about corn – “Knee high by the fourth of July.”  At She Knows Parties, she shares fond memories of her summers and holidays as a child.

Karen at Thrifty Mommy probably has the most reason to celebrate the fourth as anyone I’ve heard – join Karen as she shares family photos of one of the most memorable nights in her families lives.

Sandy at All Holiday Cafe provides us with a list of when Independence Day is celebrated in various countries around the world.

Christina at SoloMother shares her own experiences of celebrating the 4th of July in the nation’s capital.

Susan at PlayLibrary shares her memories of playing the classic game of Zimm Zamm during her family’s annual July 4th barbecue celebration.

Heather at Chocolate Bytes may not be having a ‘blast from the past’ but she’s got one heck of a yummy red, white and blue treat she’s serving up.

Eliza at Babylune reflects back on early holiday celebrations with baby on board and looks to this years celebration – their first out of the military.

Last but certainly not least there’s Gayla at MomGadget, whose memories take place in an earlier time when life was much simpler and her celebrations took place with relatives down in the holler in the hills of Kentucky.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday, no matter where or what you’re celebrating!

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

This is a fast and easy treat to make for a Fourth of July picnic or barbecue. An added bonus is that you can get the kids to do it and keep them occupied while you finish preparing the rest of the meal!

All you need are some cleaned, fresh strawberries, blueberries and white chocolate (or substitute vanilla chips if you don’t like white chocolate). Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in one minute increments. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry and lay them on wax or parchment paper.

Either dip the strawberries halfway into the white chocolate (you still want to be able to see the berry!) or, after it’s cooled a bit, put the white chocolate into a piping bag or a plastic baggie with a corner snipped off and pipe in lines over the strawberries. Let the the berries sit on the paper until the chocolate is completely set and then arrange on a plate or platter. Sprinkle the blueberries into and around the dipped strawberries and enjoy!

[image: sxc]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes