Fourth of July Reading Inspiration

Help your children understand the reason for the fireworks and parties this 4th of July by reading them some of these Independence Day Books.


Americana Adventure




The Story of America's Birthday





The Fourth of July Story




Fourth of July Mice!




A Is for America

Food Inspiration: Green Smoothie

One Charming Party has a recipe for a Green Smoothie that looks tasty. The smoothie is naturally green because it contains spinach. This would be the perfect breakfast on St. Patrick's day. The smoothie looks much more appetizing than scrambled eggs dyed green with food coloring.

Reading Inspiration: St. Patrick's Day Books

I love children's books and have a slight addiction to them. Reading books about a holiday can help children enjoy the day more. The pictures and stories bring the traditions to life. Here are some fun St. Patrick's day books for your family.  

Food Inspiration: Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic St. Patrick's day dish. I have never made it personally so I searched for variations from some of my favorite cooks and websites. Many of the recipes I found called for beer.  If you are uncomfortable cooking with alcohol you can substitute with a beef broth.  (Be advised though that the flavor of the dish would be altered)

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Food Inspiration: Irish Soda Bread

This delicious bread is the perfect side dish for St. Patrick's Day. This recipe calls for currants but raisins are also traditionally used.

I love cooking with orange zest. A microplane is a wonderful tool that makes zesting a breeze. When zesting make sure you only go over each area of the peel once. The white pith can have a bitter taste but the orange portion is full of fragrant oils.

Tradition Inspiration: St Patrick's Day

  

I remember Leprechauns coming to visit our school when I was little. They would leave green footprints behind and generally cause mischief. St. Patrick's day is a perfect opportunity to begin new traditions.   

I have been looking for inspiration to make my St. Patrick's day a little more memorable.  Green can become boring and redundant after a while so I also searched for rainbow and gold ideas. Click on the link beneath each picture to read more about the idea.  

Celebration Inspiration: First Birthday

I knew I wanted to do something special for my son’s first birthday. The first year flew by faster than we could imagine. My tiny baby had turned into a jabbering, walking toddler. I found inspiration for the party at wonderful websites such as Kara's Party Ideas and One Charming Party. I loved pouring over the gorgeous party pictures featured there.