#FourthOfJuly - Music for America

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/america-fuck-yeah

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/america-fuck-yeah

#FourthOfJuly - Red, White & Blue Sangria

When I think of a go-to summer drink, my thoughts immediately go to SANGRIA. Fruit, wine and even some vodka? Sign. Me. Up. It’s the perfect drink you can enjoy on the beach, by the pool, in your house with the AC on blast… however you spend your summer days in the south!

http://thisismoscatolife.com/2014/01/25/25-signs-that-suggest-you-may-be-drinking-too-much-wine/

Plus, you get some nutrients from the fruit intake, right?

And the best part of it is you make a big batch at a time for you to enjoy all by yourself share with friends!

Make a festive 4th of July sangria with this “Red, White and Blue Sangria” recipe. Drink responsibly, ladies!

Ingredients

• Two 750 ml bottles of white wine
• 1 cup triple sec
• ½ cup berry-flavored vodka
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup ginger ale
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Red apple slices

Instructions

1. Prep fruit by washing and slicing/chopping to desired sizes.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher. Chill well before serving.

Enjoy, y’all!

Sara

For more recipes, visit: www.saytheblessing.com

#FourthOfJuly - Grilled Corn Salad

http://drinkt0forget.tumblr.com/post/26496508108/happy-4th-of-july

Are you going to a 4th of July BBQ? Southern etiquette 101: don’t show up to a party empty-handed. Bring this perfect summer side dish to impress the hostess!

Another tip for you, go to Dollar Tree/Dollar General and get a serving bowl there. That way you don’t have to worry about getting it once the party ends and the hostess doesn’t have to worry about cleaning it and returning it back to you.

Don’t underestimate the cute things you can get from a dollar store.

http://thewanderlustress.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/12-im-on-a-budget.gif

Ingredients

• 5 ears of corn
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3-4 limes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. grill seasoning or paprika
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1 avocado

Instructions

1. Remove husks and silk off corn, brush on olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill on medium-high grill for about 10 minutes, turning frequently until grill marks appear on all sides.
3. Remove from grill, place corn on in bowl and run your knife down each side removing the kernels from husk. I like using a bowl vs. a chopping block or plate because the bowl usually captures all the flying kernels!
4. In a serving bowl, add the juice of three to four limes and 1/2 cup of olive oil, cumin, and your favorite grill seasoning. If you don't have grill seasoning on hand, paprika works just as well to bump the heat up a notch. Mix well.
5. Stir in diced avocado, halved tomatoes, corn kernels, and top with feta cheese.

Notes

Can be served warm, cold, or room temperature.

Enjoy, y’all!

Sara

For more recipes, visit: www.saytheblessing.com

#FourthOfJuly Fabulous

http://www.buzzfeed.com/dianabruk/times-stephen-colbert-was-the-perfect-man

It's that time of year again- when American pride is literally exploding out of everyone. Southerners are notorious for being exceptionally patriotic so we know y'all have been outfit planning for a while now. And while the Fourth of July is PLENTY enough excuse to buy a new red, white & blue themed outfit, we have the addition of the US's apparent interest in the World Cup now that the #USMNT might advance to the round of 16 teams. (I can't even lie, I'm really starting to enjoy soccer. Though I REFUSE to call it football. Obviously.)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/justinabarca/heres-the-chant-you-need-when-watching-the-us-during-the-wor?b=1

So take a look at some of our favorite Fourth options below!

http://richgirlrags.com/product/monogrammed-tanks/

So last week, Rich Girl Rags (one of my absolute favorite places to shop) released their American Honey lookbook and it's safe to say, all of us at Modern Magnolias kind of fell in love. (Seriously, here's Lanie's post about it.) Like, look at those tanks... a monogram AND a bow?? What could possibly be better? WELL, WE'RE ABOUT TO TELL YOU.

http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/3208450

Adding these Lauren James shorts. Like, seriously though... have you ever seen a more patriotic pair of running shorts?? Obvi you haven't.

Lucky for you, they have them at Rich Girl Rags, too. Convenient right?

http://richgirlrags.com/product/lauren-james-stars-stripes-shorties/

Now if you're like me and you have a family tradition that requires you to look a little more put together than a tank and shorts combo, we have options for you too. (Thank God for this lookbook because I am too lazy to scour the internet for options.)

pinterest.com/richgirlrags

I seriously died when I saw this on their Pinterest page y'all. Here's a better look at this fabulous maxi dress.

http://richgirlrags.com/product/chevron-maxi-dress/

If a maxi isn't what you were going for, they have a reallyyyy cute alternative that is patriotic but can also be worn for any other event. Everyone needs a little red dress all those country songs seem to talk about, am I right?

http://richgirlrags.com/product/red-tulip-skirt/

Dresses not your thing? No worries. These sailor shorts are literally to DIE for.

http://richgirlrags.com/product/striped-shorts/

Now to accessorize. Personally, my favorite part of the outfit process.

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/09/82/4c/09824c4fb38f064cc3f9b5da279d65a4.jpg

The majority of y'all will have all the nail polish you'll need for this already. This is much less obnoxious that some other patriotic themed manis we've seen pictures of. (Pro tip: use a toothpick for the star!)

http://www.thatmadonnagirl.com/shop_/patriotic-roses/

I've already worn this That Madonna Girl halo out and about and had people offer to buy it off of my head. Definitely a conversation starter/attention grabber/crowd pleaser.

http://www.jackrogersusa.com/shoes/navajo-classic-palm-beach-flat

As uncomfortable as they are, these Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals really are perfect for the Fourth.

Be sure to add a bold red lip to complete your look! We suggest Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso. This stuff actually does stay put!

http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-liquid-lipstick-P374936

So here's to a fabulous Fourth y'all- and GO AMERICA!!

-C. xx.