Well hello there firecracker! It’s Friday Faves!
Even with this year’s 4th of July celebrations officially taking place on a Sunday, and even with a drought combined with sky-high temps banning fireworks in most every county in Utah, I am happy, happy, happy to have a reason to gather a few friends and family together for a cheers-to-all-of-us-in-the-USA barbecue.
Most years, it feels like the meaning of Independence Day is shadowed by the event itself. I often find myself focused more on the BBQs, the pool time, the fireworks, or getting the heck out of town than reflecting on the history of hope, perseverance, and the sacrifice it took of others—yesterday and today—to make this country the good old U.S. of A.
But this year is different. This year, the state of our democracy was thrust to the forefront of every American’s mind. This year, I became far more aware of just how precious our liberties and freedoms are and how they can be taken away. This year, I learned there are way too many in our country who don’t enjoy the same privileges as I do. That’s why this year, my 4th of July celebration will be a little different than before.
This year on July 4, I will take time to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate what it took to make our country what it is. It may happen when I’m walking the dogs, grilling up burgers or cooking my grandma’s potato salad, or maybe when I’m sitting in the mountains with my fam at the Utah Symphony’s 4th of July concert, but at some point, I’ll be appreciating what it means to me to be an American.
And please…this little ditty isn’t a political statement, so please don’t email me to say I should just stick to food. I’m just someone who’s lucky to live freely in a country and I’m grateful to say so.
Now, let’s dig into this week’s list of Friday Faves.
7 ways to help Surfside Building collapse victims. Soooo heartbreaking.
Miss Nevada is making history! How very, very cool.
A lesson to never give up: A Pennsylvania woman looking to adopt from a shelter discovers her dog that was lost 2 years before! I’m crying now.
How to stop feeling guilt around food.
This tomato salad is GORG!
Get dinner in a hurry with this one-pot chicken with orzo.
How to cook an East coast summer seafood boil.
I am all about Korean BBQ skewers so skewer me a few more.
This is one of my favorite coffees that I can now make at home.
This strawberry cake looks sweetly sensational.
Breakfast is calling and it’s saying make these strawberry oat bars now.
Another awesome pork tenderloin recipe loaded with flavor.
Caramel, chocolate chips, and an oatmeal topping??!! I AM IN.
I love a good bean salad.
and…
This roasted beet salad is gorgeous and I want it because I love roasted beets with everything.
This no-bake cheesecake tart has so much going on and I want it all.
Watermelon season is upon us, get ready to spit some seeds with:
- This red, white and blue watermelon salad sports all the festive feels
- This fresh watermelon cake
- Chill out with this watermelon sorbet
Break out the ice cream scooper because this CrockPot apple cobbler is gonna demand it!
Because it’s more meaningful: How to compliment someone without mentioning their looks.
Selfie-ready: 70 4th of July Instagram-worthy captions.
Pool time is all about the look-at-me floaties and these are 25% off.
I loved these sofas then and I still love ’em now.
8 little notes for more peace and less stress.
These storage containers (on sale!) will be perfect for storing bags of bird seed on the deck and doing double duty as a table too.
This is one of the hottest games of summer, and here’s how to play it.
Beach time chill time = 6 good summer reads.
And there you have it! Happy weekend everyone and have a SAFE 4th of July! XOXOXO
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