We Are Free

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I know many people out there are frustrated with politicians and the overall state of our country. Independence Day doesn't seem to mean much to the citizens of the United States as it did when I was growing up and the years before me. In certain parts of the country you can feel more pride than others, but overall I feel as though the people in my generation aren't necessarily proud to be Americans. I do, however, think that almost everyone I know is thankful to live in the United States and have so much freedom to make a life for themselves and generations to come. I'm especially thankful for three things this 4th of July...

1. A country that continues to fight for equality among gender and race. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a woman in a society that views me as less, tells me what I have to wear and tells me that I can't think for myself.

2.  A country that gives me freedom of speech, so that I can write freely on my blog and I can read about anything. Taking time to imagine my voice censored and my creativity put into a box kills my heart.

3. A country that lets me worship my God out loud and publicly. There are people dying every day because of their belief in Christianity. Though I would be willing to die for my beliefs I'm thankful that I don't fear for my life as I worship.

What three things are you thankful for this Independence Day?

Photos by Gina Meola Styling by Alex Evjen Makeup & Hair by Sarah Hubbell and Jess Mangieri Modeling by Steve and Hannah Wright

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Americana

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Happy 4th of July! I have some of the fondest memories celebrating America's Independence Day. Almost every year I have spent the 4th in New England - the most patriotic part of the U.S. In fact, did you know that Bristol, Rhode Island (where my mom's side of the family is from) has the oldest 4th of July parade in the history of the U.S.?

Every year we would wake up early to plant our lawn chairs on the side of the road to watch the parade go by. We would buy fresh lemonade from the food trucks and stuff our faces with clam cakes.

Then once it got dark, we would pack coolers with snacks and drinks and sit on the boat to watch fireworks blast across the ocean.

Maybe it's these fond memories of New England and the American spirit that has made me LOVE the preppy, all-American style.

I hope you have a fabulous 4th filled with family, friends and fireworks! Now, to start counting down the days until Halloween!!!

Sources: Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Best Fashion Blog, Brooklyn Blonde, The Best Fashion Blog

Happy Birthday U.S.A.!

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The 4th of July has a special place in my heart not only because it's the day we became a free country, but it reminds me of my grandparents. Here's a little trivia for ya...Bristol, Rhode Island is home to the oldest 4th of July parade in the history of the U.S.A. It's crazy there around this time. People wake up at 4a.m. to get there spot for the parade. Smells of the ocean, clam cakes, lobster and fresh squeezed lemonade fill the air. At night everyone gets on their boats in the harbor to watch the fire works. If you ever visit you'll notice that the medians of certain roads are painted red, white and blue. Talk about patriotism, right?! That's probably what I love most about New England and my grandparents.

Every 4th of July I miss them so much. The year that my grandpa passed away he got to be the grand marshall of the parade, which is the biggest honor in the town. Our whole family got to walk the three mile parade route together. It has to be one of my favorite memeories of all time!

So, now that you know a little bit more about me, I want to know a little something about you. What's your style for the 4th. Girly and cute or comfortably cool? I'm up for both.