A Patriotic Fourth

Long time, no post! So, what better way to get back in the swing of things than with a 4th of July party? 🙂

Decorations: Red, White, and Blue Banner

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Supplies:

  • Red, White, and Blue Bandannas
  • Twine
  • Hot Glue

Directions:

1. Cut the bandannas into triangles or rectangles (whatever shape you desire).

2. Hot glue the tops of the shapes onto the twine and hang inside or outside.

Food: Red, White, and Blue Parfaits

FullSizeRender (6)

Ingredients:

Red layer:

  • 1 (3 oz) package of strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries

White layer:

  • ÂĽ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon (1 envelope) of unflavored gelatin powder
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream, liquefied

Blue layer:

  • ÂĽ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon (1 envelope) of unflavored gelatin powder
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ cups blueberries
  • 6 Mason Jars
  • Whipped Cream

Directions:

Strawberry layer: Stir 1 cup of boiling water into the strawberry gelatin until gelatin is fully dissolved. Add in ½ cup of cold water and the chopped strawberries.

1. Arrange the jars at an angle in a muffin tin.

2. Put flour or uncooked rice in the wells to hold the jars in place. Gently spoon equal amounts of the strawberry gelatin mixture into each of the jars. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 to 45 minutes.

White layer: Once the strawberry gelatin is firm, begin making the white ice cream layer. In a medium bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the unflavored gelatin evenly over 1/4 cup of cold water (allow the gelatin to absorb the water for 2 minutes). Then, stir in ½ cup of boiling water until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Mix in ½ cup of sugar, then stir in 1 cup of the melted ice cream until smooth

1. With the jars still at an angle in the muffin tin, spoon equal amounts of the ice cream mixture into each of the jars.

2. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Blueberry layer: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin evenly over 1/4 cup of cold water in a bowl. Wait 2 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water. Add in ½ cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved and then mix in ½ cup of sugar. Lastly, add the 1 ½ cup of blueberries.

1. Refrigerate the blueberry mixture in the bowl until it thickens to the consistency of a gel .

2. Take the jars out of the muffin tin and set them upright.

3. Spoon equal amounts of the blueberry mixture into each of the jars. Refrigerate until firm.

4. Garnish with whipped cream and serve.

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_12340443_red-white-blue-patriotic-parfaits.html

Game: Test Your Patriotic Knowledge! 

Quiz your friends on their Patriotic Knowledge. Person to get the most right wins. (Answers below.) 

1. What is the capital of Colorado?

2. The Mardi Gras celebration is held in the French Quarter of where?

3. Which state became the 50th state, admitted on August 21, 1959?

4. Name the six states that make up New England.

5. Coca-Cola was founded in which capital city?

6. Which state capital name means “protected bay?”

7. Which state is famous for earthquakes?

8. What state is known for having crocodiles?

9. Also known as Mary Hayes McCauley, what woman carried water to men in the Battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War in 1778?

10. Who was the leader of the Underground Railroad, which brought many slaves to freedom?

Answers: 1. Denver 2. New Orleans 3. Hawaii 4. Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island 5. Atlanta, Georgia 6. Honolulu, Hawaii 7. California 8. Florida 9. Molly Pitcher 10. Harriet Tubman 

Quiz Copyright 2015 Country Belle Chic

American Flag on the Moon

Every now and then we all need a little motivation. Some motivation to get us through the day, week, or even year. Country singer Brad Paisley’s “American Flag on the Moon” is the perfect inspiration and pick me up.

Just remember when you are going through a tough time, there is nothing you can’t do, because, after all, there’s an American flag on the moon.

Happy Thursday!

A Southern State of Mind Roadtrip

South August 14

Before another summer wraps up, there is still time for one more roadtrip. What better destination than the South? I’ll introduce you to each spot and give you the insider tips in this special “A Southern State of Mind” series.

My perfect Southern summer roadtrip would include these 10 places:

  1. Charleston, South Carolina
  2. Savannah, Georgia
  3. New Orleans, Louisiana
  4. Fort Worth, Texas
  5. Nashville, Tennessee
  6. Williamsburg, Virginia
  7. Boone, North Carolina
  8. Orlando, Florida
  9. Tupelo, Mississippi
  10. Louisville, Kentucky

Man Crush Monday, Country Style

August 10

Who doesn’t love a little Chris Young on this Man Crush Monday? Here are my top 5 favorite songs by the “Neon” singer.

“Aw Naw”

“Tomorrow”

“Text Me Texas”

“Voices”

“I’m Comin’ Over”

A Patriotic Fourth: My Stars and Stripes Extravaganza

The 4th of July is right around the corner. As one of my favorite holidays, I thought I would share with y’all a little bit on how I’m celebrating, starting with decorations, food, and a game. Check back tomorrow for the final additions to the party!

Decorations: Red, White, and Blue Banner

FullSizeRender (5)

Supplies:

  • Red, White, and Blue Bandannas
  • Twine
  • Hot Glue

Directions:

1. Cut the bandannas into triangles or rectangles (whatever shape you desire).

2. Hot glue the tops of the shapes onto the twine and hang inside or outside.

Food: Red, White, and Blue Parfaits

FullSizeRender (6)

Ingredients:

Red layer:

  • 1 (3 oz) package of strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries

White layer:

  • ÂĽ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon (1 envelope) of unflavored gelatin powder
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream, liquefied

Blue layer:

  • ÂĽ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon (1 envelope) of unflavored gelatin powder
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ cups blueberries


  • 6 Mason Jars
  • Whipped Cream

Directions:

Strawberry layer: Stir 1 cup of boiling water into the strawberry gelatin until gelatin is fully dissolved. Add in ½ cup of cold water and the chopped strawberries.

1. Arrange the jars at an angle in a muffin tin.

2. Put flour or uncooked rice in the wells to hold the jars in place. Gently spoon equal amounts of the strawberry gelatin mixture into each of the jars. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 to 45 minutes.

White layer: Once the strawberry gelatin is firm, begin making the white ice cream layer. In a medium bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the unflavored gelatin evenly over 1/4 cup of cold water (allow the gelatin to absorb the water for 2 minutes). Then, stir in ½ cup of boiling water until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Mix in ½ cup of sugar, then stir in 1 cup of the melted ice cream until smooth

1. With the jars still at an angle in the muffin tin, spoon equal amounts of the ice cream mixture into each of the jars.

2. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Blueberry layer: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin evenly over 1/4 cup of cold water in a bowl. Wait 2 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water. Add in ½ cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved and then mix in ½ cup of sugar. Lastly, add the 1 ½ cup of blueberries.

1. Refrigerate the blueberry mixture in the bowl until it thickens to the consistency of a gel .

2. Take the jars out of the muffin tin and set them upright.

3. Spoon equal amounts of the blueberry mixture into each of the jars. Refrigerate until firm.

4. Garnish with whipped cream and serve.

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_12340443_red-white-blue-patriotic-parfaits.html

Game: Test Your Patriotic Knowledge! 

Quiz your friends on their Patriotic Knowledge. Person to get the most right wins. (Answers below.) 

1. What is the capital of Colorado?

2. The Mardi Gras celebration is held in the French Quarter of where?

3. Which state became the 50th state, admitted on August 21, 1959?

4. Name the six states that make up New England.

5. Coca-Cola was founded in which capital city?

6. Which state capital name means “protected bay?”

7. Which state is famous for earthquakes?

8. What state is known for having crocodiles?

9. Also known as Mary Hayes McCauley, what woman carried water to men in the Battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War in 1778?

10. Who was the leader of the Underground Railroad, which brought many slaves to freedom?

Answers: 1. Denver 2. New Orleans 3. Hawaii 4. Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island 5. Atlanta, Georgia 6. Honolulu, Hawaii 7. California 8. Florida 9. Molly Pitcher 10. Harriet Tubman 

Quiz Copyright 2015 Country Belle Chic

Memorial Day

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After several days of packing, moving, and unpacking, it is nice to relax by the pool and enjoy some BBQ on this Memorial Day. However, there is one thing not to be missed: the real reason for the holiday.

Today isn’t about the fireworks, opening of pools, or ringing in the summer season. It’s about remembering the military members who gave the ultimate price for our country’s freedom. You can probably tell by now that I bleed red, white, and blue. Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Veteran’s Day are a few of my favorite days of the year.

Let us not forget to remember our fallen soldiers today and everyday. Add a new tradition to your backyard BBQ this year with a few of the ideas below.

1: Raise your American flag outside your home.

2: Visit a veteran’s home and capture their story.

3: Share a picture of a beloved fallen military member on social media.

4: Write thank you notes to our troops serving throughout the world.

5: Watch or listen to the National Memorial Day Concert.

My Summer Bucket List

Ah, summer-the time to break out the swimsuit, flip flops, and the traditions. Every year, there are certain things I have to do, otherwise it wouldn’t be the season. Below are the ten things on my summer bucket list:

1. Take a walk on the beach.

2. Spend a day on the lake.

3. Have a backyard camping trip.

4. Play messy twister with paint (tomorrow’s post will tell you how).

5. Go star gazing and watch fireworks on the 4th of July.

6. Make homemade ice cream and can vegetables for next year.

7. Spend a day volunteering.

8. Build a sandcastle.

9. Make s’mores in a bonfire.

10. Spend a day at an amusement park.

Musical Tuesday

Recently, I’ve been working on a project about country music’s portrayal of patriotism. This project was very fun and interesting to research! (I’ll share more later.)

So, in honor of Memorial Day coming up in a few weeks, I thought I’d share one of my favorite songs that I looked at for the project. Here is Toby Keith’s American Solider. 

Source: YouTube

A Southern State of Mind

lynchburg 1

Lynchburg, Virginia 

Country Belle Chic is heading North for the next “A Southern State of Mind” trip! As the heat starts setting in for the summer, road trip to Lynchburg, Virginia anyone?

1. The city was named after its founder, John Lynch. In 1757, Lynch started a ferry system across the James River. Finally in 1852, Lynchburg was made into a city.

2: Tobacco and iron were the chief products of the early days of the town.

3: “City of Seven Hills” is another name for the area.

4: During the Civil War, Lynchburg was a major storage depot and burial ground for soldiers.

5: The Society of Friends (Quakers) were the first religious group to settle in the city.

Tomorrow, we go to Lynchburg’s best attractions!

Source: http://www.lynchburghistoricalfoundation.org/history/