We started by wrapping a small box with multi-color striped wrapping paper, punched 50 small holes using a screw driver into the top of the box, inserted the 50 Dum Dum Suckers into the holes we punched, and then added a couple signs to finish it off. Within 30 minutes you have a great gift that only costs a few dollars in candy, wrapping paper, and cardstock paper for the signs.

1940s Airmail-Inspired

Old-Fashioned Refreshments + Strawberry Shortcakes

S'mores, Need We Say More?

Classic Croquet

Or a Patriotic Version of Cornhole

Stars and Stripes Invites

Red, White, and Blue!

Patriotic Pinwheels

Sparklers!

Candy Stripes

Milk and Cookies!

Red, White and Blue Strawberries

So much festive and fun inspiration out there, it’s hard to stop!

Wishing you and yours a Happy Independence Day.

–Val

Inquiring minds always want to know of new resources for great inspiration — and in today’s virtual world, there are new ones cropping up  every minute! I’m always grateful to find the real diamonds in the rough, via design savvy friends or just dumb luck.

From home goods and furniture to food and drink, here are just a few I’ve stumbled upon lately:

Design/Story

More than just a place to shop, design/story is a discovery destination, a gathering place for design. Design/story exists to connect the creators of beautiful and functional design objects with the people who love them, and to offer them at designer-direct prices. Be forewarned that the site is highly addicting!

Life’s a Feast

This blog is written from France (where else?), featuring fabulous recipes, great writing, and lovely photographs. I love how she intertwines tidbits from her life into each food post, whether it’s a backstory or just a musing. Careful with this one, you’ll find yourself wanting to read all of the archives in one sitting!

A Cup of Jo

This blog is so much fun because it’s so well-rounded. Joanna Goddard writes about everything from food to fashion, with funny asides and entertaining writing. Subscribe to this one, because it’s one you don’t want to miss for everyday inspiration, not to mention a laugh or two.

Not Martha

Ok, nothing against Martha here, because I happen to love her, the woman who singlehandedly taught  me how to cook and bake. But this site is a DIY gold mine with alternative flair, featuring project tutorials for everything from food to funky crafts you won’t find anywhere else on the web.

The Ugly Green Chair

I just found this blog today, but I have to tell you, it’s a keeper. With the tagline “Craving Bacon Since 2001″, what is not to like? Add to the list a love for cats and fun random posts about cardigans, ketchup, and other such things, this one will keep you coming back — again, look out! She’s been blogging for 10 years (I didn’t even know what a blog was 10 years ago!), so the archives are D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S!

Once Wed

For the brides-to-be out there, and the rest us who are just wedding junkies, this site has a ton of DIY projects you won’t want to miss. There is also a Used Wedding Dress shop with some amazingly priced dresses, how cool is that? It’s also just fun to read, with beautiful images.

Happy Reading, and a Fabulous Friday to you!

–val

Here are just a few picnic-inpired ideas for your weekend:

I love everything about this scene, especially the creative use of the half wine barrel as an ice chest!

Picnic-inspired wedding? Yes, please. Check out the Save-the-Dates!

Love the blue!

So many great ideas out there to inspire easy summer livin’! There is no better time to start than this weekend, happy picnicking!