How did July get here already? Seems like it was just Christmas. Time really does fly by faster every year. Just wanted to share a bit of the fun I’ve had preparing for the 4th of July. I’ve been picking up little things here and there for weeks as I’ve been in town shopping.

I always like to try to find certain things like 4th of July themed paper plates and napkins, red licorice, pinwheels, sparklers, Pop-Its, Hershey chocolate bars, and glow necklaces and bracelets for the kids. But, I also seek out new and interesting things. This year I found a few new treats to delight the kids.

Marshmallows are always a hit in my house, and these red, white and blue star-shaped ones are so darn cute. Who doesn’t love Jolly Ranchers? Have you seen these Jolly Rancher Triple Pop suckers? They have three layers – the outside Watermelon layer is chewy, the middle Blue Raspberry layer is crunchy and the inner Green Apple layer is sour.

Little Debbies Snack Cakes. Need I say more? And here’s a closer view of the star-shaped marshmallows. Cuteness overload!

Pop Rocks were a staple candy when I was a kid, so it’s awesome that I found some for my kids to enjoy this year.

I also found this awesome cotton candy made in a town right here in Kentucky! Elly’s Cotton Candy is a new brand for me, but doesn’t it look delicious?! I can’t wait for the kids to open it this evening so I can snag a bite.

Also new this year are 4th of July novelty glasses and this cute little Uncle Sam’s Hat decoration.

If you’ve been visiting Beauty Brite long and seen some of my other holiday articles, you’ll remember that I’ve said before that a holiday just isn’t a holiday at my house without Hershey’s Chocolate. Well, Independence Day is no exception to that rule!

I even bought some new nail polish — a bottle of white and one of clear with red sparkles. I already had the blue polish around the house. Of course, I always put off polish and makeup until the last thing (so I don’t mess my nails up) and ended up not having time to get it done before our cookout. Boo! But, I still plan on doing it later this evening after the festivities are over for the day.

While shopping at a local warehouse store, I came across these Tickleberry Desserts cakebars all done up in a patriotic theme and couldn’t resist adding them to my cart for the cookout.

By the way, they are freakin’ delicious! These little bits of heaven on a stick are melt in your mouth goodness. And I love that they aren’t really big because it makes me feel like I’m being good by not eating a huge slice of cake with tons of icing like I would at any other time that cake is available.

And, for the main event — by which I mean dessert, of course! — I made a Firecracker Shortcake. I came across the recipe in an email newsletter last week. Coincidentally, a friend of my husband’s had just given us a huge container of fresh blueberries. I grabbed some fresh strawberries and an angel food cake mix at the grocery store and made some homemade whipped cream and voila!

Oh my gosh, it was SO delicious!!!

We’ll probably be heading out at dusk to hit up a lakeside community nearby that we’re members of to watch the big fireworks display like we usually do. How are you celebrating Independence Day this year?

Disclaimer: All items shown in this post were purchased by myself for the personal enjoyment of my immediate family. Beauty Brite is not affiliated with (nor was compensated by) any brand featured in this article. Opinions regarding products shown are 100% my own.