Happy Fourth of July! We hope you have a safe, relaxing, and memorable holiday weekend.
Are you doing anything special to celebrate? Here in North Carolina the forecast looks lovely, so we’re planning a quiet weekend at home. It’s a treat when life slows down and we can simply enjoy time together.
Anne’s son is visiting for the holiday, so the house feels full and lively. As moms of older kids who are often scattered in different directions, we cherish every moment when the whole family is under one roof. Those gatherings make ordinary weekends feel special.
We shared a few quick updates in our social media stories yesterday—if you follow along you might have seen them. We’ve been working on some improvements to the website and are excited to roll them out. Stay tuned for refreshed pages, easier navigation, and a few new features we think you’ll like.
Thoughts for the Fourth of July weekend
- We’re proud to be Americans. Even when the country feels divided, this holiday is a reminder to appreciate the freedoms we share and the communities that keep us connected.
- Anne and I went shopping for business-casual outfits ahead of the Haven conference we’ll be attending and teaching at soon. We found some great pieces and admittedly splurged a little more than usual, but it’s fun to feel confident and put-together when you’re speaking and meeting new people.
- Grilling has been a go-to this summer. We’ve been preparing dinners on the grill most nights—vegetables, chicken, and seafood. If you like grilling veggies, consider using a reusable grilling mat or tray to keep smaller items from falling through the grates and to make cleanup easier.
- I had my annual skin check with the dermatologist this year. If you haven’t had one recently, book an appointment—regular screenings can detect issues early. My mom was diagnosed with melanoma at a young age, so I’m careful about sun protection and routine exams. Wear sunscreen, seek shade during peak sun hours, and get those skin checks regularly.
From the blog and helpful resources
If you need quick patriotic ideas for decorating this weekend, check our blog for simple, stylish touches you can add in minutes. We share easy ways to bring red, white, and blue into your home without a major overhaul.
Hosting a cookout? We’ve gathered crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for a holiday menu—think easy appetizers, flavorful main dishes, and simple side salads that travel well to picnics or backyard gatherings.
With college in mind for some families, our college packing list and first apartment checklist have been updated to help students and parents prepare. Whether you’re packing dorm essentials or shopping for off-campus living, these lists focus on practical items you’ll actually use.
This weekend I’ll be hunting for bargains to help with Gavin’s move off campus, using our apartment checklist to guide purchases. Planning ahead and shopping smart can reduce stress—and often your budget—during a busy move.
We hope you have an amazing Fourth of July. Enjoy time with family and friends, celebrate safely, and take moments to relax. Whether your plans are big or low-key, make a few memories and savor the long weekend.
This evening I’m planning to mix a refreshing cocktail—watermelon and blueberry makes a delicious combination—and raise a glass to good company and sunshine. Cheers to a joyful holiday weekend!
