Baby Boomer Old Fashioned July 4th Independence Day Party Ideas Updated for 2014

Celebrations

July 4th Floral Arrangement, MommyBlogexpert.com

This is a #PGeveryday sponsored post

Since I was a kid growing up in the 1960s, July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. In fact, among the many beloved Baby Boomer memories this time of year stirs up are growing up in a small East Coast town where everyone knows your name, marching in my hometown's parade, going to the fireworks in my Dad's 57 Chevy, and BBQing and chasing fireflies in our backyard.

My small town's 4th of July Parade Circa 1961, MommyBlogExpert.com

Big brother & I July 4th Parade Circa 1961, MommyBlogExpert.com

Just seeing these photos make me pine for my idyllic youth. There's nothing like a small town parade. And don't my brother and I look cute in the Abraham Lincoln and Clara Barton costumes my mother made? I still remember that day as if it was yesterday, not only because of all the mommy love that went into my outfit but because I won first prize in that year's costume contest!

All reminiscing aside, I think the ultimate reason why Independence Day has been a perennial fave my entire life is that I feel so proud to be an American. Yeah, I'm one of those who feels sentimental everytime I say the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the Star Spangled Banner. 

My kids & cake I made for their birthday, MommyBlogExpert.com

As you can see from the vintage family photo of my own children, I've passed that patriotic enthusiasm on to my four kids, who are now all teenagers. It's really something passed on from generation to generation -- holidays like the Fourth of July definitely deserve the ultimate celebration with family and friends. And this P&Geveryday post hits all the key points to make your own patriotic casual get together or party this year truly memorable and special.

P&Geveryday's Checklist includes Everything From Party Planning to Cleanup

• Dreaming up your food and drink menu
• Inspiration for All-American favorites for your table
• Ideas for injecting a patriotic theme into food/drink recipes
• What to think about when planning your table settings and centerpieces
• Americana and simplicity rules a casual celebration
• How to keep the party going after sundown, ie sparklers for both kids & adults
• Cleanup made easy without the "Parties Over" let down

My big boy rides in the 4th of July Parade, MommyBlogExpert.com

About the Brand
P&Geveryday is an online platform geared toward consumers that was created by Procter & Gamble, a company that has been establishing brands for the past 175 years, helping people around the world have extraordinary days, every day. Learn more about P&Geveryday by visiting PGeveryday.com -- which is all about making every day special with a great assortment of posts on enhancing family living, food. Also stay inspired by following the brand on Twitter @PGeveryday and on Facebook.

Please Comment Below This Post
Share your own July 4th party tips. How will you be celebrating this year? Alternately tell about your own favorite childhood memories of Independence Day. MBE's readers look forward to reading about your ideas and thoughts.

If you like this post, you're going to love MommyBlogExpert's July4th Patriotic Party Ideas & Style Pinterest Board.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

FTC Disclosure: I am being compensated for this blog post made possible by a partnership with Clever Girls Collective and P&GEveryday and opinions are mine. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Tablet Use Triples Among College Students Enhancing the Higher Education Experience

Technology

This is a sponsored post

My oldest son recently completed his first year of college 3000 miles away from home so this is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. If you have a high school senior, a student in college now, or one that will be starting as a freshman this fall, you'll likely appreciate this as well.

McKeldin Library at UMD, MommyBlogExpert.com

According to the United States Census Bureau as of 2012, 10.3 million men and women were enrolled in four-year universities with another 3.8 million registered students in graduate schools and 6 milion more enrolled in two-year colleges. That's a whole lot of college student -- over 20 million students altogether. At the same time tablet usage among this huge population of students has increased three-fold. 

The Verizon Wireless blog, which I read regularly, shares insights into why and how tablets are revolutionizing and elevating the college experience

iPad 2 and iPad Mini, MommyBlogExpert.com

Tablets are popular among college kids because they

• Are extremely portable, faster and more efficient
• Enhance processing of information
• Increase the engagement between student and educator
• Are very affordable, especially when compared to laptop costs
• Lower book expenses since digital textbooks can cost much less 
• Provide a double-duty tool for schoolwork, social networking and play
• Facilitate staying connected with friends and family back home

Helping my son move into campus housing, MommyBlogExpert.com

As much as I appreciate all of the roles tablets play in the day-to-day academic and social lives of today's college students, that last item, in my eyes, is the most important tablet asset on the list. That's because study after study proves that students who are wirelessly enabled are more likely to remain connected with their families and communicate frequently with them while they are away at school over the information super highway. 

It's a win-win for student and mom and dad because research also shows that students who remain close to their family while fully engaged in university life are more likely to experience overall happiness, succeed and in turn do better in school.

For more on the ways tablets are positively changing the campus landscape in ways we could have never imagined a decade ago, visit the Verizon Wireless Insiders Guide.

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I disclose that I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger #VZWBuzz brand ambassador and receive products for review and other perks. However I did not receive any payment and opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Woofstock 90210 Dog Festival Beverly Hills Today Offers Free Fun & Family Entetainment

Events

Sunday, June 29th from 11 am to 3 pm

If you're a dog lover in Southern California today, you're not going to want to miss Woofstock 90210, the region's premier free annual dog festival. I've been attending this event with my children for years and it's always a blast. Take a peek at past events here to see what's in store for canine fanatics. 

Dog Neckties, MommyBlogExpert.com

There's fun all day today so if you have kids and they are as crazy about doggies and puppies as you are, this is a must-attend family outing. Of course, if your dog is well-mannered, make sure you bring him or her too! And, if you are considering adopting a dog, this is a great place to take a look at the many pets from various organizations that are in need of loving homes like yours. 

Dogs Available for Adoption, MommyBlogExpert.com

This year's FREE annual event features

• Pet Adoptions/Rescues hosted by Pets 90210 - Many different breeds & mixes
• 35+ retail pet-related vendors, some with swag and sample giveaways
• Pet Parade & Talent Show
• Dog Entertainment/Demonstrations



Bulldog Sushi Chef, MommyBlogExpert.com

My daughter and I will be there with her silly and talented dog Dexter, the star of this YouTube...

Also Available: Activites &  food for an extra charge

• Face & Body Art
• Food Trucks: A ROCKin ICE, Cousin's Maine Lobster, Dogtown Dogs, Grilled Cheese

Doggie Fun Schedule

11 am          Event opens, Pet Adoptions & Rescues All Day
11:45 am    Disc Dogs in So California Show
12:30 pm   Pet Parade
1:00 pm     Pet Talent Show
1:30 pm     Award Presentation Pet Parade & Talent Show
2:00 pm     Zoom Room Demonstration
2:30 pm     Disc Dogs in So California Show
3:00 pm     Event closes

Sunday, June 29, 2014

11 am - 3 pm

La Cienega Park

8400 Gregory Way, Beverly Hills

FREE Parking at La Cienega Tenns Center 325 S. La Cinega Blvd.

We hope to see you there!

FTC Disclosure:  I'm a life-long dog lover and the adoptive granny of a miniature pinscher named Dexter. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.