Monday, June 27, 2011

Get yourself ready for the 4th of July!

The 4th of July is a holiday that my family takes very seriously. Provo, UT happens to have one of the greatest Freedom Festival celebrations in the nation. It's pretty awesome. Firesides, fireworks, The Stadium of Fire, a 10k, a baby contest, a huge parade, a gala, hot air balloons, a community breakfast, among other things...It's pretty awesome. Having grown up here we have always been a part of it. We used to sleep outside with my aunt to save a spot for the parade. We thought it was quite possibly the coolest thing ever. We got to stay up all night? Yes, please. Here we are at the parade last year. It is one hot and schweaty display of patriotism.
My family still tries to convince me that I want to stay up all night to save a spot for the fam, but I have since come to my senses.  I let them save the spot. I sleep in and ride my bike over in the morning...way better option. What can I say I like my sleep? :) I am always VERY sure to catch the fireworks with my family or friends. Last year we watched them from up high on the hill overlooking the valley, and it was awesome. I literally am in love with them. Fireworks are the best invention EVER.
It seems like my family and friends always find a way to fit in a lot of barbecues and picnics around the 4th of July and I am never mad about it. I'm assuming you are probably the same way...so, I thought I'd lend some suggestions so that you might be prepared to contribute some healthy dishes to your family freedom spread. 
If you are having a picnic, bypass the KFC deep fried buckets of calories and make delicious D-I-Y wraps or sandwiches. You can please everyone by offering a sandwich bar. Include different kinds of whole wheat breads, rolls or wraps. Get an assortment of meats, cheeses, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, green peppers, hummus, avocados, pesto, sprouts, etc. Get creative. With lots of options your family will feel like it is a gourmet event and they won't even miss the greasy chicken legs and gravy. 

Include some fun healthy salads, a relish tray, and fresh fruit. Everyone will go for these items and they will love them!
For some awesome healthy BBQ dish suggestions and recipes go HERE.
One of my favorite healthy desserts is the English Trifle my mom makes.
Imagine how delicious and festive this would look with strawberries and blueberries. It is such a light and tasty option.

What are your plans for the 4th of July? I plan on fireworking, parading, swimming, eating, and enjoying my family and friends like crazy! I can't wait. Do you have any 4th of July eats you are planning on making? I have some new recipes I'm excited to try and I will definitely keep you in the loop. :)

13 comments:

Michelle said...

I love your healthy dessert recipes! I live in the DC area, so I feel like this year will probably be the best 4th of July ever considering we live right in the heart of the country!

Julia said...

yay!!! I am excited to live close by for the celebrations this year. my first year here we camped on a mountain up kind of behind the Y and it was the perfect view of the fireworks and felt like our own little mountain with fireworks show :) can't wait for this year's celebration!

Ashley said...

I am definitely worried about the food on the 4th, we don't do fried chicken, but it is going to be three days of tons of food.

I'm thinking a fruit trifle of sorts might be a good option to bring though. And I've been seeing lots of cute things with watermelon stars and blueberries. Hope your holiday is great!

Samantha said...

I love 4th of July and fireworks too! I'm headed to Lake Lanier in Georgia to meet up with all my college friends. Should be a good time :)

Melissa said...

I usually head down to the Jersey shore, poss some fist pumping involved ;)

Curt & Cassie Ford said...

This will be my fourth summer outside of Utah. I miss all the fun festive activities Utah has to offer. That being said, it has been fun to experience other things. This year we will be watching fireworks on the beach. I'm pretty excited :)

Rene said...

I giggled at the thought of a baby contest in Provo. Umm, do they have a limit on number of contestants.
I love that my city does our big fireworks show the last weekend in June. We go to our friend's for a BBQ and sit in their backyard where we have an amazing view of the show.
This year for the 4th we will be in Destin, Florida. If you haven't been they are the best beaches in the US. The sand is perfection and the water is super clear. Heaven.

Jennʻs Adventureʻs said...

woop woop!! thanks to you I'll be rocking out with some AMAZING tunes!! I fly out to VEGAS on Thursday night, arriving Friday morning ready to shop till I drop and party like it's 1999... I plan on writing a blog tonight to spotlight your awesomesauce:) xoox's

Mrs. JM said...

i wish my family was cool enough to save me a spot for the parade! we've never been to provo over the 4th. sounds life fun.

i'm considering running the riverton 10k over the weekend and then taking my kids to their carnival and parade.

have fun!

Rachelle Wardle said...

Love the 4th and can't believe its here already. How did that happen. Watermelon and corn on the cob is how I'm going to try and keep it semi-healthy! :)

Lindsey said...

Fireworks are so fun! I think we're planning on having some friends over and grilling\playing games!

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