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.

Twitter Party Calendar June 29 - July 5 Schedule of Parties w/ Prizes - Continuous Updates

Twitter Parties

Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks

Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA & Canada

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. A new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET.

Be sure to check back often during each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+ and/or subscribe now.

Most parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise. Look for highlights in pink for Twitter Parties where CANADA residents are eligible for prizes.


THIS WEEK

Monday, June 30

Zours Face Twitter Party at 12:15 pm ET with @thedomesticexec @dentistmel @jamieharrington. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #ZoursFaceRSVP

Bob's Red Mill Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momsmeet @bobsredmill @kiwimagazine. Prizes: TEN (10) prize packs of Bob's Red Mill products. #BobsRedMill RSVP

Kmart Summer Fun Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kmart @enzasbargains @happyhousewife @savings. Prizes: FOUR(4) prizes total, including one Kmart giftcard in each of the following denominations $25, $50, $100 and $150. #KmartSummerFun RSVP

Banana Boat Best Summer Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momcentral @bananaboat. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 Amazon gift codes. #BBBestSummer Details

Brew Over Ice Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @keurig @kellysluckyyou @blueviolet and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 Walmart giftcards, THREE (3) Keurig $250 prize packs, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 GC + $250 Keurig prize package. #BrewOverIce RSVP

Mission Smile Twitter Party at 6 pm ET with @missionsmile @latinomarketing @latinamomblogs and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners each will receive two prizes, one to keep and one to give to a friend. Prizes include one pair each of the following: $25 Target Giftcards, $50 flowers GCs, $75 spa GCs, and $100 grocery GCs. #MissionSmile RSVP

Being Girl Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @doubledutydivas @beinggirl. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packages that include $25 Spotify giftcards and P&G products (ARV $75), ONE (1) Grand Prize includes $50 Spotify GC + P&G products (ARV $100). #BGSummer RSVP

Love With Food Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @lovewithfood. Prizes: Sneak peek at prizes. RSVP

Gold Emblem Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @whitneymws @classymommy @farmersgarden @cvs_extra. Prizes: Assorted products and some $25 CVS giftcards. #GoldEmblem RSVP

Explore More Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @travelingmoms @debmomof3 @cindyrichards and others. Prizes: TWO (2) Nokia Lumia Icon smartphones. #ExploreMore RSVP

#SummerWithGolds Twitter Party 7/1, 1:30p ET

Tuesday, July 1

Prep With Power at 11 am ET with @duracell @blm03 @formulamom @aboutamom and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #PrepWithPower RSVP

Silk Almond Blends Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @lovemysilk @dawnchats @frugalgreenmama and others. FIVE (5) $100 Safeway giftcards. #SilkAlmondBlends RSVP

Tru Care for Troops Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @armywives101 @adlupher. Prizes: $1000 in Visa giftcard prizes. Plus MSB is donating a $1 for every RSVP (up to $250). #TruCare4Troops RSVP

Summer With Golds Twitter Party at 1:30 to 2:30 pm ET with @joyofkosher @joyofkoshermag @kosherfoodbloggers @jamiegeller @tamargenger @mommyblogexpert. Prizes: FIVE (5) copies of Jamie Geller's Joy of Kosher Magazine, TWO (2) Gold's product prize packs valued at $50 each or equivalent gift cards. #SummerWithGolds RSVP

Earth to Echo Chat Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @earthtoecho. Prizes: TEN (10) $25 Visa giftcards + branded frisbee, FIVE (5) First Prizes that include $50 Visa GC + branded merchandise, ONE (1) Grand Prize that includes a $500 Visa GC and ONE (1) Grand Prize includes a Schwinn bike, walkie talkies, bike glow safety kit. #EarthtoEchoChat  RSVP

Mosquito Free Summer Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @5minutesformom @thermacell. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize pack that includes Patio Lanterns + $100 giftcards - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #MosquitoFreeSummer RSVP

Mas Lejos Llega Tu Equipo, Mas Cerca Estas Celebrate Closer Crest Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @lbconnect @laflowers @crestlatino. Prizes: $500 total in Visa giftcards including one each in the following denominations $25, $50, $75, $$150 and $200. #CelebrateCloser RSVP

Pass the Love Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @beinglatino @lancerios @paulabendfeldt and others. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 Target giftcards, ONE (1) $100 Target GC and ONE (1) $200 Target GC. #PasstheLove RSVP

Wednesday, July 2

Backyard Bash Twitter Party at 12 Noon ET with @freebies4mom @smashbravoteam @hotmamanthecity @mamamoiselle. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards #BackyardBash RSVP

2nd Chances Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @WPA_NYC @alysiareiner @piper @missnewyorkmao and others. Prizes: SIX (6) KiraKira pave sapphire lockets ARV $100, TWO (2) Orange is the New Black signed books. #2ndChances RSVP

L'Oreal It's That Worth it Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @verasweeney @audreymcclellan @lorealparisusa. Prizes: TBA. No RSVP, participate in party with hashtag #ItsThatWorthIt Details

EpiPetSummer Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @charlottereed @michaelfleckdvm. Prizes: FIVE (5) Epi Pet Summer Survival Kits including $25 Visa giftcards, additional prizes include $25 Visa GCs for Tweeting before the party & for photo contest. #EpiPetSummer RSVP

Living Now Foods Twitter Party 9-10:30 pm ET with @bookieboo @nowfoods @way2gomom and others. Prizes: FIFTEEN (15) Prize Packs that include Living Now Flour & Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Mix. #LivingNowFoods RSVP

Walmart to Go Twitter Party at 11 pm ET with @walmart @bayareamommycom. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 Walmart gift card codes. #WalmartToGo RSVP

Thursday, July 3

U of IKEA Twitter Party 12:30 pm ET with @ikeamiami @ikeaorlando @ikea_tampa @ikea_sunrise. Prizes: $400 in prizes. Participate in party with hashtag #UofIKEA

Share it Forward Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @sweeptight @amomsimpression @littlemamajama and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #ShareitForward RSVP

Moms and Brands 4th of July Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @momsandbrands. Prizes: Prizes from R.W. Knudsen Family and Life is Good. #momsandbrands #USA RSVP

Friday, July 4

Happy Fourth of July!

NEXT WEEK

Monday, July 7

Travel in the 50 States Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @travelingmoms @kimorlando @cindyrichards @debmomof3. Prizes: TBA. #TMom RSVP

Tuesday, July 8

Walgreens Beauty Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @walgreens @dawnchats @smashbravoteam and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walgreens giftcards. #WalgreensBeauty RSVP

Royal Canin World Pup Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @clever_network @royalcanin @akcdoglovers. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 Petco or Petsmart giftcards and ONE (1) Grand Prize Winner $50 Petco/Petsmart  GC + 1-month supply of puppy formula. #RoyalCaninDogs RSVP

Thursday, July 10

Physicians Formula Summer Glow Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @beautystat @alywalansky @pfcosmetics @joannschlip. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 Target giftcard with an assortment of PF products, NINE (9) $50 Target GCs w/ PF products assortment. #PFSummerGlow RSVP

Banana Boat Best Summer Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @blm03 @formulamom @laughwithusblog and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #BBBestSummer RSVP

Mom Inspirations Twitter Party chatting about grilling at 10 pm ET with @cafeyak. Prizes: TBA - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes.  #mominspirations RSVP

Friday, July 11

Making the Most of Summer Verizon Wireless Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

COMING SOON

Thursday, July 17

Garden of Life Social Moms Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @socialmoms @gardenofliferaw. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards and ONE (1) Grand Prize $250 Amazon GC. #GardenofLife RSVP

Friday, July 18

Disaster Preparedness Verizon Wireless Twitter Party at 3 pm ET

with@theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Friday, July 25

Mobile Security Check-up Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Friday, August 1

The Mobile Conversation Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Friday, August 8

Back to School Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Thursday, August 14

Love Your Skin Again Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @skinagain @twipartyexpress @s8r8l33. Prizes: SIX (6) winners will receive full-size skin products ARV $64, ONE (1) Grand Prize winner gets a full set of products ARV $196. #LoveYourSkinAgain #ESPGals RSVP

Friday, August 15

How to Choose a Smartphone Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party to the Calendar
Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar free by emailing janis@janiselspas.com with Twitter Party in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Hire Me to Plan, Promote and/or Host Your Twitter Party
Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis@janiselspas.com for information with Twitter Party Consulting Query in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. I am being compensated for the #SummerWithGolds Twitter Party on 7/1. However, I did not receive payment or compensation associated with any other party on this calendar. 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.

Mutineers David Gray Album Review - Soulful Listen Provides Refuge from Hectic Daily Life

Music

by Benny Balazs
Lifestyle Writer

This is a sponsored post

Silent Sunset w/ Seagull, Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Sometimes, amidst the rush of day-to-day life, you find yourself burnt out and exhausted. It’s on one of those days where the smallest of things can set you off, and you just want some time to yourself. That is, time with David Gray’s tenth new album, Mutineers, which was just released on June 17, 2014.

Gray's voice is crystal clear, soothing, and non-intrusive, but it’s not just his voice that makes this album the perfect thing to relax and tone down to -- it’s the instrumentals behind it. The slight kick from the lower bass notes of his tunes serves as a sort of pillow to the even softer notes that he chirps.


Watch the Gulls YouTube video to sample Mutineers




I can perfectly picture his tunes in movies, serving as the backdrop to footage of someone running through a wheat field in slow motion on a beautiful day. His music, much like trance in techno, has an inimitable ability to tap into one's nostalgic sensations.

Mutineers Album Tracks 
1.  Back in The World
2.  As the Crow Flies
3.  Mutineers
4.  Beautiful Agony
5.  Last Summer
6.  Snow in Vegas
7.  Cake and Eat It
8.  Birds of the High Arctic
9.  The Incredible
10. Girl Like You
11.  Gulls

Blue Sky Dotted With Clouds, Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

In Gray's song, Beautiful Agony, I can’t help but feel like I’m floating on a cloud, slowly drifting along with the reverberations of his vocals. I think of my childhood, and the happier, care free moments in life, and I just smile. Towards the song's end, you can hear the hi-hats slowly getting louder as they ebb the stress of the day out of your body.

Simply put, I love this album! A keeper indeed. Seriously enjoyed it. In fact, I could listen to this for hours and be at complete peace. If you need some time to relax, or just a moment to reflect on life, give this album a try. You won’t regret taking a listen, and your soul won’t either. Who knows, it might even keep wrinkles away.

Iceland Ice Bergs, Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Mutineers is available for download for $9.99 from iTunes  and Amazon. And be sure to follow David Gray on the official website DavidGray.com, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for more about the artist and his music.

About David Gray
This British bloke is a GRAMMY Award-nominated singer. In addition to releasing his latest album Mutineers, David Gray recently completed an 8-city sell out tour of the U.S. and Canada. 

Iceland Hot Springs, Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

About the Author
A California resident, Benny Balazs comes from a Hungarian family on both sides and describes himself as a writer by day and a singer by night. A newly-minted graduate, he received his high school's top music award, he was a member of an a cappella group, editor in chief of a student literary magazine and originated/wrote a newspaper column. He also penned an original play performed by students.  Following his passion for performing and literary arts, he hopes to join an a cappella group soon and aspires to write a book.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received a complimentary download of Mutineers to facilitate this review through a One 2 One Network influencers program. However, opinions here are the writer's and MBE's alone. 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.