4th of July

Happiness is Homemade Party

Welcome to the Happiness is Homemade weekly link party #591!

We are so glad you are here.

This last weekend of June is our 4th of July celebratory party with lots of recipes for the occasion but, do not be disappointed if crafts, DIY, home decor, and family fun are more up your alley. Our party will certainly have that and so much more for you to enjoy!

This month I have been the host who as created our parties. My name is Sinea and my blog is Ducks ‘n a Row. It has been my privilege each week to pick out offerings from the previous party to highlight as our weekly features. We have another great selection of posts to see and trust that you will love them! Be sure to scroll to the end to browse what everyone has shared this week and, if you are a blogger, do add some of your family-friendly posts for us, too!

If you missed last week’s party, hop on over here to catch up: Happiness is Homemade Party #590

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. ❤️ Check out the holiday DEALS!

Our Features

Fireworks Ice Cream Brownie Recipe

Planning a 4th of July celebration? Here is a simply delicious dessert to serve: Fireworks Ice Cream Brownies made by Our Tiny Nest. Yummy!

Upside Down Cake Collection

This gorgeous Plum Thyme Upside Down Cake is GLUTEN FREE and one of a collection of upside down cakes shared by Wedding Soiree Blog. Isn’t it beautiful?

USA Baseball Caps

Welcome Home Patriotic Flag Cake

Seasonal Holiday Recipe Exchange shared this perfect Welcome Home American Flag Cake! You can see the flag as you cut through the cake. Very creative, and delicious!

I really like this 3-in one firepit, grill, table. What a great idea!

4th of July Charcuterie Board

Now this is a delicious decoration that no one wants to be the first one to eat! It is so perfect and you know what will happen as you pick it apart! So take a picture of your work-of-art, then DIG IN!!! The 4th of July Charcuterie Board is made by Rosebakes!

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Well, it’s not “patriotic” but this Buffalo Chicken Pizza by Homemade on a Weeknight will certainly bring smiles to the faces of those who come to celebrate the 4th of July with you. It will leave them hoping you will invite them to come back again NEXT year!

This party is published on 4 different blogs so, bloggers, the posts you share get lots of exposure! Many thanks to our hosting blogs for giving us all this opportunity every week!

Linda @ A Labour of Life

Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row

Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn

Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess

Invite your friends to join the fun??? Just share our party link on your social media. And all of our hosts say “thank you” for spreading the news!

This is a really great vacuum cleaner with lots of “bells & whistles!”

(No real bells or whistles … just very useful features to make cleaning so much easier!)

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

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Summer is here!!! And, Happy 4th of July to our friends in the USA. Do you have big plans this week? Maybe an outdoor barbecue? How about a trip to the beach? Is there a community parade? Many of our happiest 4ths in the Pies family have been spent at the baseball field! Well, whatever your plans, enjoy them. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your family. Enjoy freedom!

And, enjoy this party! First we will admire some features from last week and then we will move on to this week’s new party!

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links ♥

Featured Posts

Elegant Independence Table Setting from Thrifting Wonderland

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers from The Kitchen is My Playground

Gluten Free EASY Homemade Fish Sticks from Mommy Hates Cooking

30 Clever Ideas for Pool Noodles from My Life Abundant

Red, White and Blue Pavlova Recipe from Anne’s Entitled Life

Editor’s Pick

Loaded Potato Salad from Cincy Shopper

LEXA 12″ Handmade White Bamboo Wooden Salad Bowl – 130Oz Lightweight Large Wooden Bowls for Food – Bamboo Wooden Fruit Bowl for Kitchen Counter, Wood Bowls for food – Wooden Serving Bowl for Snacks

Let’s say “Thanks” to our wonderful co-hosts!

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.
Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties, please.
Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.
If you are NEW, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us what number they are.
Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries will be seen no matter when you arrive.
Please SHARE our party and invite others to join. ♥

MEET THE HOSTS

Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

GREATEST PET HAIR VACUUM! Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away True-Pet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Perfect Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool

Happiness Is Homemade Link Party

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Hey, this week is the 4th of July here in the USA! Got any special plans??? I love the many “beginning of summer” activities that take place at this time of the year. Parades, cookouts, swim parties and, of course, FIREWORKS! If you need some new ideas to make your celebration special, be sure to check out out guests’ posts. They have GREAT ideas! Now, don’t lose track of the ones you like: pin them! It will make it nice and easy for you to find again.

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links ♥ .

This week’s party is created by our host, Mel from Décor Craft Design. We are all excited about another month of choosing features, sharing, linking, reading, Pinning and inspiration, so let’s get started!

Previous party is right here, if you missed it!

Features for Happiness is Homemade 539

Popsicle Stick Uncle Sam Craft by Darcy and Brian is super adorable. It would be a great Patriotic Day-kid’s craft.

Faux SPARKLER BOX and FIRECRACKERS for the 4TH of JULY from Fresh Vintage by Lisa S is a great idea for 4th July DIY decoration.

CROWN SHADES 10×10 Pop Up Canopy, Patented Center Lock One Push Instant Popup Outdoor Canopy Tent, Newly Designed Storage Bag, 8 Stakes, 4 Ropes, Camouflage Blue & White

Note about the blessing of having a tent-canopy such as this one: I was just at a cookout that began with a lot of rain. We all ran into the house to let it pass. My son, the grill-master- had a canopy set up over the grills and folding table he uses for workspace. Food prep continued beautifully! What a great idea.

4th of July Donut Cookies by Fat Dad Foodie is really yummy and festive looking, perfect for Patriotic Day!

How to Make the Cutest Camping Cupcakes coming from 24 Hour Family is amazingly cute for Summer camp treats. Hmm, yummy!

BasketPong® Giant Yard Pong X Basket Ball Game with Durable Balls and Buckets – Outdoor Game for Lawn, Backyard and Beach – Set includes 12 Buckets, 2 Basket Balls and a Carrying Bag

On to the Party!

Thank you for joining us this week whether you are a blogger sharing your latest posts OR a reader enjoying all of the inspirational shares! Don’t forget to drop by and say hello to all our hostesses, they always appreciate your visit! Here are all of our hostesses at Happiness Is Homemade!

Linda @ A Labour of Life

Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row

Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn

Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess

Mel @ Décor Craft Design

Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife

Would you like to be a part of Happiness Is Homemade? We are looking for hostesses to join our team. If you are interested, please email any one of the Happiness Is Homemade hostesses and let them know. We would love to have you join our party.

Come to the Happiness is Homemade party! #recipes #crafts #July4 #homedecor Share on X

Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Perfect Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool, Bordeaux

Great pet hair vacuum (people hair, too!)

Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppets, Set of 6 (Elephant, Tiger, Parrot, Giraffe, Monkey, Zebra) – Soft, Plush Animal Hand Puppets For Toddlers And Kids Ages 2+ (Multicolor)

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

2 Comments

When you were a child did you equate the arrival of summer with the 4th of July??? You did? Me, too! The fireworks and picnics and trips to the beach and parades were something we little kids looked forward to. Summertime had begun!

You will see the marks of summer and sunshine in many of our guests’ posts this week and for some weeks to come. Personally, I love everything about this time of year. That’s why I picked a hot air balloon for this week’s party image. All part of the beauty of our celebrations. So, enjoy our features of the week, all yummy recipes, and browse what has been shared on our party. Yippee!

Featured Posts

Simple Fruit Tarts with Puff Pastry from Foodnutters

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links ♥

Chicken Pillows from Recipes My Mom Gave Me

Baked Banana Doughnuts from Treat ‘n Trick

Pet hair in your home? Keep the cat. Get a SHARK. It takes care of pet hair so easily! ad

Grilled Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwiches from My Life Abundant

KuaiLu Womens Recovery Sandals Comfortable Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Ladies Orthopedic Running Sport Slides Open Toe Slip On Thick Athletic Cushion Slippers Summer Pool Beach Sandals Beige

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LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.
Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties, please.
Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.
If you are NEW, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us what number they are.
Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries will be seen no matter when you arrive.
Please SHARE our party and invite others to join. ♥

MEET THE HOSTS

Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links ♥

New mom? Nursing? You are going to love this!♥

Momcozy Breast Pump Hands Free Mobile Flow | M9, App Discreet Control with Personalized Multi-Modes & 15 Levels, Independent Breastmilk Storage, Wearable Breast Pump M9 24mm, 2 Pack Cozy Red

Happiness is Homemade

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And, welcome to the Happiness is Homemade Link Party 538 “Get Ready for the 4th” Party. The 4th of July is right around the corner and our guests have been sharing some great holiday inspiration.

Mel from Décor Craft Design has been our host for the month of June. Take a look at this week’s features and think “cookouts and picnics and outdoor living.” Before we get started with this week’s event, take a look at our featured picks from last week’s party. (If you missed our party last week, click here to go over and catch up on the fun!)

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links ♥

This Week’s Features

How To Make A 4th of July Fruit Tray from Organized Island

Patriotic Salad in a Mason Jar from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away True-Pet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Perfect Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool, Bordeaux

DIY Patriotic Book Stack Using Dollar Tree Wooden Crate from Steph Creates Things

Easy Red, White & Blue No-Sew Felt Wreath from Darcy and Brian

Sinea’s Pick of the Week

How To Create a Kid-Friendly Independence Day Table Setting by Linda from A Labour of Life

How much you want to bet that some savvy fashionistas will buy more than one to go with different outfits?

ON TO THE PARTY!

Linda @ A Labour of Life

Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row

Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn

Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess

Mel @ Décor Craft Design

Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife

Patriotic Plastic Tablecloths for your Independence Day Celebration – 3pack!

Fashion tape that keeps your clothes UP!!!

Delicious Patriotic Red White & Blue M&M’s Chocolate Candies

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Have you ever seen a WHITE M&M? Me neither but I just heard they are out there. As a lifelong M&M candy lover, this is exciting news to me! M&M’s and I date way back. When I was a little girl, my brother and I would empty out our little bags of these chocolate gems and line them up by color. We’d count how many of each we had and then decide which one would be the first one we would eat.

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Back in those days, there was a tan or beige color – that shade was retired decades ago when orange was added. Blues came much later. Tell me if I am right: they came in brown, beige/tan, yellow, green and red.

The Multi-Colors of M&M Candies

Nowadays we have enjoyed lots of different M&M colors including pretty pastels in the spring. To the best of my knowledge, and certainly to me, white is new. The new red, white and blue patriotic M&M’s collection is available just in time for Independence Day!

Do you love M&Ms? Get this, they now come in red, white and blue! #USA #candy #tips Share on X

Have a Fun Kids Parade This Summer!

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The 4th of July brought back a lot of memories from my childhood this year. When we were kids, we had so much fun. There was a neighborhood parade. We planned for weeks ahead. After that? Swimming with friends in the pool, a cookout with bonnfire and then going to the fireworks. It was always such a great day!

Not long ago I was going through some of the family photos and came across this newspaper clipping.

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parades, kids activities, summer, familyfun

It holds one of those sweet family memories. July 3rd 1958 was a big deal for my brother and me, though we had no idea at all at the time. You see, our mom was one creative lady. She made George and Martha Washington outfits for us to wear in the kids’ parade.

Our neighborhood had a strong group of families who organized events for their children year round. We had picnics and other get-togethers. It was an annual tradition to have the 4th of July children’s parade. Everyone participated.

Kids decorated their bikes by weaving crepe paper streamers through the spokes of the wheels and attaching cards* with clothespins to them so that they’d make a clicking sound as the bikes moved. *Some used baseball trading cards others used celebrity cards like the Beatles or Paul Revere and the Raiders – I try not to think about how valuable they could be today if we hadn’t done that. Who knew? They came in packs of gum and it was fun!

Now, this is funny: Mom put together these Colonial costumes. I was 5 years old and Seth was 3. She used nylon stockings as a base for the white wigs and glued (yes GLUE!) cotton to them while they were on our heads. And then the hats went over them. Getting them offback our heads later on was a trip! Ouch! Plus, I had a hoop under my skirt. You can’t sit down in a hoop skirt. So, I had to stand with a wig glued to my hair and I couldn’t sit down.

Seth was even less comfortable. It was a very hot July. You could hear the grass growing, it was so hot. A neighbor had called the newspaper because she thought what mom did was so creative that someone ought to know. They must have agreed because a photographer and reporter showed up.

Little three year old Seth was beside himself with displeasure. He wanted that costume OFF NOW!. So, to get him to be still for a few more minutes, mom grabbed a popcycle from the freezer. They thought it was so cute that they took photos of him licking it and told me to stick out my tongue like I wanted some. The caption “Real Cool George” was born.

Independence Day, USA holidays, family celebrations, summertime, parades

The newspaper headline along with this photo was in both the morning and evening papers. It got syndicated and showed up in various papers throughout the nation including Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. My grandparents lived in Pennsylvania and when they opened up their morning paper and saw us there, well, it caused quite a stir.

So, it doesn’t have to be the 4th of July to have a parade does it? Just do it!

Putting together a kids’ parade is fun. Let the children do a lot of the work. Kids come up with great ideas.

Some of the things they can do:

Decorate bikes to ride in the parade

Make toy wagons into floats

Carry American flags

Dress in costumes

Dress up the dog and walk him in the parade

Push a baby doll or stuffed animal in a toy stroller

Play an instrument

March to the sound of a toy drum

March with pom poms

Walk blowing bubbles – check out this bubble-blowing toy saxophone!

Face paint the participants before it starts

Give prizes*

Definitely, have refreshments for everyone at the end of the parade.

*If you do give out prizes, I urge you to keep prize-giving light hearted and low-key. This is family fun time, not a sporting event. Participating in a parade is the prize!

Here is something fun to do this summer - have a kids parade! #4thofJuly #kids #familyfun Share on X

Have your kids ever had a parade? What fun things did they do?

Enjoy!

Float photo via Flickr