July 4th Celebration Ideas

Hi Friends,

The 4th of July is a time for celebration and festivities. It is a time to come together with family and friends to enjoy a day of food, fun, and fireworks. If you are looking for some ideas for how to celebrate the 4th of July, here are a few suggestions:

1. Have a barbecue. A barbecue is a classic 4th of July activity. Grill up some burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob, and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
   
   
2. Go to a parade. Many towns and cities have parades on the 4th of July. This is a great way to see your community come together and celebrate the holiday.
   
   
3. Watch fireworks. Fireworks are a staple of the 4th of July. Find a local fireworks display and enjoy the colorful explosions in the sky.
   
   
4. Have a picnic. Pack a lunch and head to the park for a picnic. Enjoy a meal outdoors and soak up the sunshine.
   
   
5. Play games. Games are a great way to keep kids entertained on the 4th of July. Try playing some classic games like cornhole, water balloon toss, or badminton.
   
   
6. Go swimming. If you live near a pool or lake, go for a swim on the 4th of July. This is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
   
   
7. Have a bonfire. Gather around a bonfire with friends and family and tell stories, sing songs, and roast marshmallows.
   
   
8. Watch a movie. If you are looking for something to do indoors, watch a movie on the 4th of July. There are many patriotic movies available, such as "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Patriot."
   
   
9. Decorate. Decorate your home and yard with red, white, and blue bunting, streamers, and flags. This will help to create a festive atmosphere for your 4th of July celebration.
   
   
10. Spend time with family and friends. The 4th of July is a time to spend with the people you love. Make sure to cherish the memories you make on this special day.

I hope these ideas help you plan a fun and memorable 4th of July celebration!

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Live well,
Yvonne

1st Day of Summer!

Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac

Hi Friends,

We love Summer and wanted to share some information and great ways to celebrate the season with you. First, lets get information on the summer solstice facts—plus, fun ways to enjoy summer!

The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator.

The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).

In temperate regions, we notice the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer.

This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year; check your local Sun rise and set times—and how the day length changes!

Now, 10 Ways to Celebrate Summer...

How will you celebrate the solstice and all that extra daylight? Here are 10 ideas plus, some "summer essentials" from the Almanac.com General Store!

1. Light a bonfire: The solstice day was traditionally celebrated by dancing around the bonfires. Check out our dramatic fire bowls and fire pits.

2. Go fishin': We love to get out on the water. Consult our free Best Days for Fishing chart—plus, tackle-box and bait tips.

3. Plant a seed or a tree: Traditionally, to the farmer, the solstice is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and an occasion for celebration. Browse our neat seeds kits and containers.

4. Cook outside: There's nothing as tasty as grilled food. Have a big cook-out on the solstice. Get a taste of our mouthwatering Grilling and BBQ sauces.

5. Camp: Plan a camp-out to enjoy the great outdoors whether it's a tent in the backyard or a cabin in the woods! Check out the camping store page for some fun ideas. Don't forget the best natural insect repellent on Earth to enjoy the outdoors in peace.

6. Listen to songbirds: We love our feathered friends. Attact birds to your garden with our beautiful bird feeders.

7. Get pampered. Midsummer Day, near the solstice, was said to make old people look younger. It was also thought that walking barefoot in the dew would keep one's skin from getting chapped. Summer certainly does cure the winter dries. You can also check out popular gardener's lotions and fisherman's soaps to soften calloused working hands. There's even an "annulment of time" rejuvenating cream!

8. Let the light in! With all this extra daylight, hang one of our gorgeous suncatchers or decorative accents for your window or porch. Here is the Almanac suncatcher, shot in our town of Dublin, NH, against the backdrop of Dublin Lake.

9. Read a book. Temperatures rise and lazy days ensue. Relax on the beach or the porch and read up on gardening tips, natural health, and more. See our great books and guides.

10. Watch the night sky! In ancient Egypt, the new year was celebrated when the star Sirius rose around the time of sunrise. This roughly coincided with the summer solstice and the annual flooding of the Nile River. Click for our free monthly Sky Map and explore the night sky from your own backyard!

Enjoy these lovely hot Summer days...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Wedding Dress Shopping Trip For The Special Day

Hi Friends,

Your weeding dress is one, if not the most impportant part of your wedding, with the exception of the groom of course. Why not make the shopping experience a fun one.

​Here are some wedding dress shopping ideas:

• Do your research. Before you even set foot in a bridal salon, take some time to research different designers, styles, and price points. This will help you narrow down your options and make the most of your time when you're actually shopping.
  
  
• Bring a small group of trusted advisors. While it's tempting to bring your entire bridal party dress shopping, it's best to keep the group small. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to make decisions.
  
  
• Be open to trying on different styles. It's easy to get caught up in the idea of a "dream dress," but it's important to be open to trying on different styles. You might be surprised at what you love!
  
  
• Don't be afraid to say no. If you don't love a dress, don't feel pressured to try it on. There are plenty of other dresses out there, so don't waste your time on something you're not sure about.
  
  
• Take your time. Wedding dress shopping can be a long and emotional process, so don't feel like you have to rush into anything. Take your time, try on as many dresses as you want, and don't be afraid to ask for help from your advisors.
  
  
• Have fun! Wedding dress shopping is a special experience, so make sure you enjoy it. Relax, take some deep breaths, and let yourself have fun with the process.
  
  

Here are some additional tips for wedding dress shopping:

• Plan your trip in advance. Many bridal salons require appointments, so it's important to schedule your trip in advance. This will help you avoid disappointment and ensure that you get the most out of your experience.
  
  
• Dress comfortably. You'll be doing a lot of walking and trying on dresses, so it's important to dress comfortably. Avoid wearing anything too tight or too revealing.
  
  
• Bring a change of shoes. You'll likely be wearing high heels while you're trying on dresses, so it's a good idea to bring a pair of comfortable shoes to change into.
  
  
• Bring a camera. You'll want to capture the memories of your wedding dress shopping experience, so bring a camera to take pictures.
  
  
• Bring a snack. You may be spending a few hours wedding dress shopping, so it's a good idea to bring a snack to keep your energy up.
  
  
• Bring a positive attitude. Wedding dress shopping is a special experience, so make sure you go into it with a positive attitude. This will help you relax and enjoy the process.

Plan this special experience with the people that mean the most; your family and good friends.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Father's Day!

Courtesy of SendOutCards

Happy Father's Day Friends,

Today is the perfect opportunity to show our loved ones how much they mean to us, not only on Father's Day but every day of every year.











Enjoy this day with the people most important in your life, family and good friends...

Check back for more creative ideas and enjoy all the timeless treasures of Father's Day; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Outline A Wedding Plan

Hi Friends,

Planning a wedding takes time and effort. We will attempt to alleviate some of the stress by outlining the wedding plans.

Here is an outline of a wedding plan:

12 months before the wedding

• Set a budget and create a wedding planning timeline.
• Book your wedding venue.
• Choose your wedding date and time.
• Start thinking about your wedding theme and colors.
• Begin researching vendors, such as caterers, photographers, and florists.
• Start narrowing down your guest list.
• Order your wedding bands.

9 months before the wedding

• Send out save-the-date cards.
• Book your honeymoon.
• Choose your wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses.
• Start working on your wedding vows.
• Order your wedding invitations.
• Finalize your guest list.
• Send out your wedding invitations.

6 months before the wedding

• Meet with your wedding planner or officiant to finalize the details of your ceremony.
• Book your wedding transportation.
• Order your wedding cake.
• Send out your wedding rehearsal dinner invitations.
• Finalize your wedding day timeline.
• Start making your wedding day arrangements, such as hair and makeup appointments.

3 months before the wedding

• Send out your wedding day transportation information to your guests.
• Order your wedding favors.
• Finalize your wedding day budget.
• Start packing for your honeymoon.
• Relax and enjoy the last few months of planning!

1 month before the wedding

• Pick up your wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses.
• Do a final walk-through of your wedding venue.
• Send out your wedding day schedule to your guests.
• Finalize your wedding day seating chart.
• Pick up your wedding cake.
• Relax and enjoy the countdown to your wedding!

2 weeks before the wedding

• Send out your wedding day transportation information to your guests again.
• Pick up your wedding bands.
• Do a final fitting for your wedding dress.
• Finalize your wedding day playlist.
• Relax and enjoy the last few days before your wedding!

1 week before the wedding

• Pick up your wedding flowers.
• Finalize your wedding day schedule with your vendors.
• Pack your wedding day bags.
• Relax and enjoy the last few days before your wedding!

The day of the wedding

• Wake up early and enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
• Get dressed and do your hair and makeup.
• Head to your wedding venue and relax with your bridesmaids and family.
• Greet your guests as they arrive.
• Enjoy your wedding ceremony and reception!

After the wedding

• Enjoy your honeymoon!
• Send out your wedding thank-you cards.
• Start planning your next chapter together!

This is just a general outline, and you may need to adjust it to fit your specific needs and budget. But hopefully it gives you a good starting point for planning your dream wedding!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Summer Trip Ideas - Viva Las Vegas!

Hi Friends,

The 1st day of Summer is only 14 days away. Let's kick it off with planning a trip to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are some activity suggestions for visiting this beautiful city:

SEE A SHOW

Las Vegas is known for its world-class shows, including Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and David Copperfield to mention a few. There is something for everyone, so be sure to check out the show schedule and book your tickets in advance.

SEE A CONCERT

Las Vegas is a popular concert venue, and many of the biggest names in music perform there. You can find tickets to concerts at most of the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

GO SHOPPING

Las Vegas is a shopper's paradise. There are a number of malls, outlet stores, and casinos that offer great deals on clothes, shoes, and souvenirs.

VISIT THE FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

Fremont Street is the original Las Vegas Strip, and it's a great place to walk around, gamble, and experience some of the city's history.This covered pedestrian mall is lined with casinos, shops, and restaurants. You can take a ride on the SlotZilla Zip Line or the SlotZilla Zip Coaster, or take a walk through the Neon Museum.

GO HIKING OR BIKING IN RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

Red Rock Canyon is a stunning natural desert oasis just outside of Las Vegas. There are a variety of hiking and biking trails for all levels, as well as biking trails and a scenic loop drive, the views are amazing.

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and it's only a two-hour drive from Las Vegas. You can hike, take a helicopter ride, or even go rafting on the Colorado River.

TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE GRAND CANYON

This incredible Natural Wonder can take your breath away, and it's an unforgettable experience to see it from the air. There are a number of helicopter tour companies that offer tours from Las Vegas.

GO ON A ZIPLINE ADVENTURE

There are a number of zipline companies that offer tours in and around Las Vegas. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get your adrenaline pumping.

VISIT THE NEON MUSEUM

The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization that collects and preserves historic neon signs from Las Vegas. It's a fascinating place to learn about the history of the city and see some of its most iconic signs.

TAKE A BOAT TOUR OF LAKE MEAD

Lake Mead is a man-made reservoir that's located just outside of Las Vegas. It's a great place to go boating, fishing, or swimming.

TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE AT THE VENETIAN

This is a unique experience that will make you feel like you're in Venice, Italy. The ride takes you through a replica of Venice, complete with canals and gondolas.

EAT AT A CELEBRITY CHEF RESTAURANT

Las Vegas is home to a number of celebrity chef restaurants, such as Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar, Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, and Gordon Ramsay Steak. These restaurants offer delicious food and a unique dining experience.

SPEND A NIGHT AT THE BELLAGIO CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDEN

This world-famous garden is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. The garden is constantly changing, so there's always something new to see.

GO TO A POOL PARTY

Las Vegas is home to some of the best pool parties in the world. Many of the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip have pool parties that are open to the public.

These are just a few suggestions for activities that you can do while visiting Las Vegas. There are many other things to see and do in this exciting city, so be sure to explore and have fun! You're sure to have a great time in the city that never sleeps.

Pack light clothing, it gets hot...

Enjoy and have a safe trip.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Wedding Plan Tips

Hi Friends,

Congratulations on your engagement! Planning your wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also an incredibly exciting time.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Weddings can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. There are many ways to save money on your wedding, such as DIY projects, choosing a less expensive venue, or having a smaller wedding.
   
   
2. Make a timeline. It's helpful to create a timeline for your wedding planning. This will help you stay on track and avoid any last-minute stress.
   
   
3. Hire a wedding planner. If you're feeling overwhelmed, hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to take some of the stress off your shoulders. A wedding planner can help you with everything from finding a venue to choosing a caterer.
   
   
4. Delegate tasks. Don't try to do everything yourself! Ask your friends and family for help with tasks like setting up, decorating, and cleaning up.
   
   
5. Enjoy the process! Planning your wedding should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Take some time to relax and savor every moment.

Here are some additional tips for planning your wedding:

• Start planning early. The earlier you start planning, the more time you'll have to research vendors, compare prices, and make decisions.
  
  
• Get organized. Create a wedding planning binder or use a wedding planning website to keep track of your budget, to-do list, and vendor information.
  
  
• Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adaptable.
  
  
• Don't sweat the small stuff. It's easy to get caught up in the details, but it's important to remember that the most important thing is that you're marrying the love of your life.

With a little planning and effort, you can plan a wedding that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Again, congratulations and may your new life bring you joy and happiness.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne