Happy Birthday, America!
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m sitting here work, work, working away the day before the Fourth of July, and I have no complaints. The big girls are at a sleepover, the babies are at school, and I’m using this day as a chance to catch up, to work a little bit ahead in anticipation of our upcoming vacation, and to get organized. I needed this day!
It was such a fun weekend! To recap just a little, we spent Friday night low-key and casual at home. We had plans every night last week that kept us out late and meant late bedtimes for everyone, and we were mentally and physically drained.
Saturday was busy. We loaded the kids in my SUV and headed to Tampa for the morning. Some of our very best friends host an amazing Fourth of July party every year – I mean, guys, you should just understand they grace us with a PRO fireworks display without the hassle of joining thousands of people and crowds and parking problems, etc…it’s amazing – and I like the fam to match. Unfortunately, the dress I bought myself was the wrong size and I needed to head to Lilly Pulitzer to get the correct size, so it was a shopping day.
Saturday evening was so much fun. Our friends put on the best show. I literally cannot even express to you the amazingness of their show. The kids had a blast – and they wore us out. Twins are no joke, you guys. We did nothing all night but watch them in the pool, playing outside, and running after them as they used their energy and sapped ours completely!
Sunday was a day of rest and relaxation. We took the big girls to see Despicable Me 3 – which was beyond adorable. They’ve been so excited for so long. Of course, we’ve been excited about it, too. We really enjoy the franchise…I won’t even pretend we don’t.
Tomorrow we’re doing the low-key pool day thing with my in-laws. My father-in-law is in town for the week, and we’re headed to spend the day with his side of the fam so the kids can spend a little time with their grandfather – which they are SO excited about – but not before we have to run back to Tampa so I can take my favorite bracelet to Tiffany’s to have the clasp repaired. My wrist feels empty without it.
Today, though…it’s all about catch up, work ahead, get it together. I have a few new clients and contracts to deal with, and I need to get my calendar organized like you don’t even know.
In honor of tomorrow’s Independence Day, I wanted to share a few last minute Fourth of July ideas with you. I know some of you are still figuring out what to wear, what to make for your friends or parties, or even what to drink – so I’m sharing a few of my Fourth Favorites for your last-minute shopping list.
Last Minute Fourth of July Outfits
I fell instantly in love with the Star Struck print by Lilly Pulitzer and knew immediately it would be our Fourth of July print. I bought the girls these shorts and myself this dress for the Fourth and everyone loved it (my dress runs TTS and I’m wearing an XS. The girl’s shorts all run a little big, but they have pull tabs inside I was able to use to make them smaller)! My husband and our son sported Patriotic Under Armour I picked up at our local Dillards.
Fourth of July Cocktail Recipes
You can make this with or without the alcohol depending on your preferences, but I thought this was the most fun drink when I was looking up something light and fun to drink. I’m a sucker for a good sangria, and how much fun is this recipe I found online?
Fourth of July Decor
We don’t host a Fourth party in our house – we are Halloween party and Christmas party people over here. But, I did order these fun napkins from Crate and Barrel just because they are so adorable. And, really, I’m in love with anything they offer me.
I’m super excited about the Fourth and a laid back day of fun in the sun with the family! What are your plans for the Fourth?
Tiffany Raiford 