Happy July 4th! {and last minute ideas}

If you are looking for a last minute,super simple 'festive' treat, these fruit kabobs are perfect!

You could use watermelon or raspberries, and blackberries in the place of strawberries and blueberries.

Marshmallows are a quick and easy 'white', but you could also use pound cake, angel food cake or...

Cream puffs! I'm thinking glazed donut holes could be used too. Just place on a skewer (wooden ones would probably be a little safer!)

OR...you could do watermelon, mozzarella balls, blueberries and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction. holla! Sorry, nobody says holla anymore, especially 40 year old moms. I'm so last year. 

• If you forgot about the chili for your hotdogs and hamburgers, then check out my 'Cheater Chili' recipe posted over at Eat at Home - throw 3 ingredients in a pot and done!

• Want a festive drink for the over 21 set? How about this...

Sideline Shooter
1/3 oz. Three Olives Cake Vodka
1/3 oz. Grenadine
1/3 oz. Blue Curacao
Layer in a shot glass

**This can actually be done with any beverage (so I've read)...just put the drink with the heaviest sugar content on the bottom, followed by the second highest, etc. Just pour slowly. I haven't tried this yet, but plan to!

• And a friend of mine posted on Facebook a great tip she found...if your little one wants to light 'Sparklers'...you can put a cup over their hand and poke the sparkler through the cup for instant hand protection against those potential little sparks. Just another use for the Red Solo Cup :-)