While the writers of the b5media Lifestyles Channel may be scattered about globally, one thing we all have in common is a celebration of fireworks.  Whether it’s the U.S. and our Fourth of July - or a very different kind of holiday in Perth - we all know the unique smell that penetrates the air and the sense of freedom the mere sound of them instill.  There is truly something so divine about a celebration of fireworks - they do create some of the most treasured memories.

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.

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

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

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.

And finally, there’s Gayla at MomGadget - Without fail, each year her memories race back to an earlier time when life was much simpler and she’d celebrate her summer holiday with relatives down in the holler in the hills of Kentucky - this year - she shares a Bluegrass Kinda Fourth of July.

To all our readers in the U.S. - we wish you the happiest and safest of holidays - and everyone else, thanks for allowing us to share our own memories with each of you.

June 6 is Queensland Day in Australia. The holiday marks the anniversary of the day that Queen Victoria signed the letters patent in 1859 that created a separate state of Queensland from New South Wales.

An official holiday since 1981, Queensland Day is celebrated with parades, cook-outs, and by honoring the achievements of Queenlanders during the past year.

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February 6 is Waitangi Day in New Zealand, a national holiday that commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on that date in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi made New Zealand part of the British Empire and gave the native Maori rights of British citizens including the right to vote and own land. (Like most treaties of that era, this one was upheld by some; ignored by others, a fact that some Maori residents protest to this day.)

Waitangi Day is marked by a 21-gun salute, the raising of the British colors, and a reenactment of the treaty signing in the North Island town of Waitangi. Elsewhere in New Zealand, the day is celebrated with Maori cultural festivals, concerts, and beach parties.

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January 26 is Australia Day, the national holiday of the “Land Down Under.” The day, which commemorates the first European colony in Australia begun in 1788, is marked with fireworks, parades, ferry races, and family gatherings.

Australia Day is also when the Australian Prime Minister announces the annual “Australian of the Year” award. This year’s winner is country singer, Lee Kernaghan. Past winners have included opera singer, Dame Joan Sutherland; cricketer, Steve Waugh; and tennis player, Evonne Goolagong.

Happy Australia Day to all of our friends “Down Under.”

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