I just love the 4th of July

From the Sparkler Collection

Okay, I said it, I just plain love and look forward to the 4^th of July holiday.  It’s a big celebration, parades and lots of good food with friends and family.  On July 4^th, 1776 the United States declared its independence and 236 years later we are still celebrating.  To celebrate at our store we are showcasing a sparkler collection online  at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SVintageCollection. 

As kids, I remember my Cousin Bobby and I experimenting with firecrackers (definitely not a good thing) and twirling sparklers at night trying to write messages as we spun them around.  My Uncle Bart always tried to outdo our neighbor Bud’s display at our cottage on the lake.

Portage Lakes Ohio

This year is extra special because I get to celebrate it twice.  Next weekend  is the big celebration on the Portage Lakes in Ohio – antique boat show on Saturday and a light up the night boat parade Saturday night.  Last year someone had a dragon on their pontoon boat spewing fire.  Sunday is a decorated boat parade and then Sunday night are the fireworks.  There is nothing like watching them overhead from the comfort of your boat.

Lawn Chair Ladies

Wednesday, back in Cincinnati I will attend the infamous Northside Parade, watching the politicians, high school bands, fire trucks  and baton twirlers. We will be treated to the lawn chair ladies who perform with lawn chairs and the men’s drill team (men with real drills).  Yeah, I know you gotta be there.  Northside is an artistic community so there is a lot of really cool floats and costumes.

Gourmet hot dog toppings

So in honor of Independence Day, I am featuring the all American Hot Dog – with topping recipes gourmet style courtesy of Bon Appetit.

Grill your hot dog, put it in a bun and then add one of the following toppings.

Hawaiian - Mango, Papaya, Pineapple, Starfruit and/or guava relish

Hippie - Alfalfa sprouts, sauteed mushrooms and vegan mayo

So Cal - Burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, roasted beets and reduced balsamic vinegar

LA Mexican - bacon and jalapenos

Cobb - Chopped iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, crumbled bacon and blue cheese dressing

Caesar - Grilled Romaine and Caesar dressing

Texas - Barbecue Sauce, cheddar cheese and chopped onions

Reuben - Sauerkraut, melted swiss and russian dressing

Enjoy and be safe

Bikes, Trains, Boats and Automobiles

As you know from my previous blog Festive Flag Day Birthday Celebrations,  I just celebrated my birthday. It was so much fun, I just had to share.  My mom who is the beautiful lady you see on our site, gave me a fabulous family heirloom - a Bakelite Cameo necklace.  What a wonderful gift, and no, you won't see it for sale on our site :-)


There were lots of special greeting on Facebook from friends and family. 

Raspberry Fool

On the Towpath Trail

Our friends Dennis and Jeanne drove from Cincinnati to Akron with a bounty of food and gifts.  They made some wonderful seafood dishes (see the lobster bisque recipe below) and brought gifts from Don Drumm Studio's and Gallery in Akron, Ohio. Jeff gave me some beautiful vintage jewelry and a new camera lens so I can take close up photos of our merchandise. He also made Raspberry Fool and ice-cream.

http://www.marthastewart.com/336871/raspberry-fool

The next day we spent biking the beautiful Ohio Erie Towpath Trail.  This trail follows the old Erie Canal.  After a scenic ride 18 mile bike ride,  we hopped the historic passenger train for an air-conditioned ride home.   What a deal for a $2 ride! We shared some popcorn and rode back in comfort to the train station. http://www.cvsr.com/aboutus.aspx.


Saturday was a trip to Jamies Flea Market http://jamiesfleamarket.com/ in South Amherst, Ohio.  We bought some great finds.  It is definitely a good place for those who like to pick and "junk" it. 


We had a late lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Mallorca in downtown Cleveland.   We shared wonderful Spanish food - paella, seafood stew, mussels and a stuffed salmon.  After we arrived home, we spent the rest of the day boating on the Portage Lakes.  We love cruising the lakes, relaxing and looking at the homes. 


Just when I thought the celebration was over, our son and daughter Beth and Danny pulled up in the driveway Sunday evening.  After Beth pulled an all nighter working in costume on a film in Kentucky and Danny had just finished studying for finals, they drove in a nasty rain storm to surprise me with a delicious homemade dinner, gifts and a DQ cake. 


What a wonderful weekend!  How lucky and fortunate I am to have such special friends and family.  Thank you for making life so special.

Dennis and Jeanne's Lobster Bisque

Festive Flag Day Birthday Celebration

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101549634/
american-rhinestone-flag-vintage-brooch

June 14^th is Flag Day and also my birthday.  When I was young I used to pretend that all of the flags being flown were in honor of my special day.

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the flag in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Betsy Ross

What’s the history of the flag? According to American legend, in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of a declaration of its independence.

Birthdays have always been a big deal at our house.  When I was young my mother would let me invite my whole class to our house for a party.  I remember we would play games, eat refreshments and cake and just have a lot of fun.  

I carried on the tradition with my children.  They would always have a theme party with friends. My niece Sara would usually draw a themed poster and we would decorate and make a cake.  I remember past parties with Teenage Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and a Pinata filled with candy.  We had pool parties, scavenger hunts, spiderweb games and pin the tail on the donkey.

So in honor of Flag Day and birthdays, this recipe from AllRecipes.com is a flag cake.

Enjoy and remember to display your flag.