Sparkler Safety 101

Sparklers are very fun and make children of all of us during the July 4th Holiday. However, it is very important that we explain how to properly play with sparklers. Too many children are hurt because they are childish.

Here's a sample explanation:

"Sparklers are fun to make shapes when they are on fire, but even after the light burns out you may not touch it or you will get hurt. You need to be away from everyone else, and you may not run.  I know you would not like to accidentally hurt someone else. When your sparkler's light stops, place it in this bucket of water. Then you may come over a get a new one!  Any questions?"

If you know your child is impulsive and will not obey you, do NOT give them a sparkler.  A simple mistake can cause third degree burns to your child or those around him.

Happy July Fourth!! ~Julia

P.S. 
Consider this cool tip we found at I Love to Dream, Do You?

American Flag Bunting Tutorial

With the 4th of July right around the corner and Summer in full swing, I needed something cute and patriotic to add to my front porch. I noticed the other day that most American flags sold in stores can run $10 to $20 on the cheap end. Many of the nice ones are closer to to $50. I wanted to spend under $5. So, I snatched up a bunch of the inexpensive flags on a stick that run for 50 cents to a dollar each and put together this bunting! See below to recreate this look:

Step #1:

Remove the flags from their poles - mine had one staple securing them in there which I just pulled out.

Step #2:

Use a ruler or hard sided book to lightly trace a line from each corner to the center stripe at the bottom of the flag, creating a triangle shape.

Step #3:

A rotary cutter and mat would make this project a breeze (but alas, this was an afterthought). I chose to use a pair of pinking sheers to create a scalloped edge. Cut along the lines you drew in the previous step. 

Step #4:

Thread a ribbon or heavy cord through the opening that used to be for the pole. I used the pole to push my ribbon through.

So simple! Once you've strung the flags together, space them as far apart as you'd like and hang with push pins.

Patriotic Pie

Whether you're using a homemade or store-bought frozen pie crust, take it up a notch! Just use a cookie cutter of your choice on the top layer of dough before baking to create a stunning creation, sure to get a few "ooo's" and "aah's" at your weekend party!

Holiday Pies

Happy 4th of July!

Simple wow factor: Homemade blueberry pie filling inside a frozen pie crust, take one crust and cut out shapes using a cookie cuter. Semi-homemade perfection :)