Fabulously Frugal Fourth of July
By GalTime Frugalista Kristen Hagopian
Hey everybody - Happy Independence Day! Read on for some effortless ideas on doing up this wonderful red, white and blue holiday without spending a lot of green!
THE FOOD -
Nowhere in literary or movie history have I witnessed a 4 th of July menu that required champagne, filet minion and crème brulee. We're talking hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, lots of cold beverages and some fabulous apple pie here! Et Voila! Fourth of July menu perfection achieved! If you really want to dazzle, finish off the meal with a delicious red, white and blue-themed dessert. Try a light cake topped with white buttercream, blueberries and raspberries! Or perhaps a gorgeous fruit salad loaded with watermelon, blueberries and raspberries! Hit your local discount gourmet grocery to stock up on the best brand names for a fraction of the price, and remember at all times that calories don't count when you're celebrating America's independence. Trust me, Betsy Ross didn't snack on Fiber One bars while she was creating the American flag. I'm sensing she went straight for the carbs. If weather permits, save on utilities by cooking outdoors on the grill! It keeps the kitchen cool and saves loads on air conditioning.
THE SALES! -
Stores nationwide of all shapes, sizes and offerings, whether they're huge Department Store conglomerates or corner Mom & Pop shops, long for a worthwhile reason to drive shoppers thru their doors. Black Friday is legendary in the wintertime, what's slightly lesser well known is its summertime twin - 4 th of July weekend. Sales are everywhere! Have a look in your favorite stores - if you're in need of housewares, clothes, appliances, even automobiles - 4 th of July weekend sale offerings could fit the bill nicely.
Related: Three Cheers for Red, White and Blue Desserts
THE FIREWORKS -
I don't know about your neighborhoods, but around me, stands and tents are everywhere offering these colorful little explosives ('scuse me, "fireworks") for sale. It could be the Mom in me, but every time I drive by one of these lovely tents, I cringe. Huge. If I see anything other than hand-held sparklers in the neighborhood kids' hands, my pupils tend to dilate wildly. Trust me folks, the statistics on injuries is insane. Save yourself the effort, expense, and potentially painful and pricey emergency room visit by heading to one of the dozens of parks near you for a fantastic, professionally-run, free fireworks display!
THE CLOTHES -
Make it clear to the world you're proud to be an American by wearing your most fabulous red, white and/or blue outfits - and the more colorful, the better! Dig deep into your closets for some fun combinations, or hit your local thrift stores for a few new pieces - the sales are huge! Some ideas? Try a fantastic casual white dress, paired with navy blue pumps and a red scarf or belt. Or have some fun and go totally flamboyant with pumps of different colors (one red, one blue), paired with a white blouse and red skirt. Or just make it a Bruce Springsteen kind of holiday, with your classic blue jeans and a fabulous white t-shirt. A fitting 4 th of July wardrobe for next to nothing.
Related: 4th of July Cocktails
THE FUN! -
if you're looking for some inexpensive activities to enjoy, check your local newspapers and get online! A few minutes of searching on Google (try entering "4 th of July festivities") will turn up fairs, festivals, and - if you're lucky - a parade or two within close distance. Important Frugalista Tip: Pack a snack (that $2 soda cart is selling items you can buy for .15 at your local discount grocer… you get the point). Bring small flags for everyone to wave (available on sale in just about every hardware store and dollar store this time of year) and have a ball!
Above all else, remember that thinking, acting, and adoring all things frugal is as quintessentially American as apple pie - what better way to celebrate America's independence than to do it with some fabulously frugal fun? Happy 4 th of July, everybody!
More from GalTime.com
