Shopaholic in Alabama

Today, we celebrate our independence on the 4th of July.  It might sound silly, but the speech given by fictional President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) in the movie "Independence Day" always stirs my heartstrings. The address was given to United States Fighter Pilots before going into battle with the enemy, and is widely regarded as one of the best inspiration speeches in "disaster movie" history.  The speech transcript and video clip is below. Although we are not fighting a war against aliens right now (thank goodness!), there are many men and women protecting our freedoms and our way of life. July 4th is the celebration of our national independence. Please enjoy the day and celebrate safely!  Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in this history of mankind. Mankind -- that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by...

                        Happy 4th of July, Shopaholics! As you celebrate today, please take a moment to reflect on meaning of today.  John Adams, one of our nation's founders, said of the holiday: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore." Enjoy the below poem - it's one of my favorites... Home of the Brave by Roger Robicheau Through the feel of war they brave this day How proud they stand, their unselfish way Our soldiers bear what we cannot see They assure our right to live life free Each trained will face an unknown fate Our support they nee...

Happy Thursday! One day closer to the long 4th of July holiday weekend!  Last night I was all over the internet, looking for recipes for new and interesting 4th of July fare. Lucky me, I found this "Fourth of July Cocktail" recipe on the Food Network website (link HERE ). Now I'm dying to try it, perhaps a trip to the ABC store is a requisite stop today! :-)  Ingredients 1 ounce watermelon schnapps 1 big splash  cranberry  juice 1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper 1 slice lemon 1 slice lime 1 1/2 ounces  tequila 1/4 ounce blue curacao 1/2 ounce simple syrup Watermelon  wedge, for garnish (optional) Directions Mix the  schnapps  and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass. Muddle  the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly  strain  into the glass over the re...

Hello, Shopaholics! Welcome to Wish List Wednesday, the 4th of July edition! Many of us have gatherings, parties, BBQ's - or maybe just a day at the beach planned for 4th of July. Our annual celebration includes: sit on the beach all day, come inside for dinner, then walk right back across the street for the fireworks display. In all likelihood, I will have on a swimsuit and coverup from 10am - 10pm. Wish I could tell you it's more exciting than that, but honestly - that's just how we roll around here. :-) Now - if I were to actually go somewhere else, my ensemble would include the following... Lilly Pulitzer Roslyn Skirt, Cherry Bomb (available on www.lillypulitzer.com) Lilly Pulitzer Wynne Top, White, imagine without the green shorts! (available on www.lillypulitzer.com) Kenneth Jay Lane Caribbean Coral Cuff, in Red (available on www.qvc.com) Jack Rogers Sandals, Navy with Red Trim (available on www.sandalworld.com) How will you spend the 4th o...