[make your 4th of july a blast]


The Cutest Cupcakes
These corn-on-the-cob cupcakes are too cute and fit right in with the BBQ theme. They even have pats of “butter” and “salt & pepper” topping (yellow starbursts and black and white sugar)!

Mayonnaise-less salads
Avoid unnecessary calories and food poisoning from warm mayonnaise this summer by choosing a sans mayonnaise coleslaw and potato salad for your buffet.
Two of our favorites:

Potato Salad—simple, easy to assemble and just plain yummy

Sesame Coleslaw—Asian inspired ingredients make for an unusual, but BBQ complimentary, side dish


Popsicle Drip Catchers
Use a standard basket-style coffee filter as a Popsicle drip-catcher. Poke the end of the Popsicle stick through the middle of the filter and move the filter up the stick to the bottom of the Popsicle. Little hands won’t
get sticky so everyone will be happier!

Decorating that Inspires Patriotism
If you aren’t yet inspired to throw a BBQ bash yourself yet, take a look at the Fourth of July crafts, recipes and more at Martha Stewart’s website, www.marthastewart.com We particularly love her patriotic napkin rings and red, white & blue fans for table decorations; plus she has great tips to keep the kids busy while waiting for the fireworks to start. Go to her homepage and then click under the Holidays tab to find her crafty ideas.

Pretty Planters
Get out the gardening gloves and a little shovel for your child—making a patriotic themed planter to put next to the front door is easy. Get a large pot and fill ¾ way with soil (we love Miracle Grow Soil with Moisture Beads for moisture retention) and fill with flowers like blue delphinium, red geranium and white bush daisy. These plants love the hot Florida sun! Top it off with a patriotic wind spinner stuck in amongst the flowers (try Michael’s Craft Store or Target’s dollar bins).