Blueberries, Almonds and Patriotism

We originally weren't planning on posting today since it's a holiday and all. But Sarah and Erika both expressed their feeling regarding the 4th so I guess it is my turn to do it as well in my own casual Tracey-esque way.

I, personally, love Independence Day. It is probably my favorite holiday. I dig the fireworks, the food, and the parties. I plan for weeks to find cute red, white, and blue outfits for my kids. Oh, how I love me some red, white, and blue. In fact, Ben is fully aware that when we buy a home, I need a railing on which I can hang patriotic bunting. Can't get enough of the stuff.

On a deeper level, I love the 4th because it embodies some of the great qualities that we possess as a nation. Qualities that while not exclusive to the Untied States, are still pretty darn great. I love my country and I'm grateful to be a citizen.

You know what else I love?  Blueberries and almonds. Stay with me for a minute.

Not only are blueberries blue, which is super festive for the 4th of July, they are also berries that are native to North America. Thank you NPR for that little fact. See? The berries themselves are Americans. And Canadian. We can share.

So in the interest of food and festivities, I have one question to ask.

Have you tried Blueberry Almonds?!  Holy fantastic snack food.



They are like blueberry muffins without all the flour, sugar and eggs. Not there is anything wrong with these ingredients. I love me some blueberry muffins. My diet, however, does not.

And get this, they come in Strawberry and Raspberry as well. I haven't tried them yet but you better believe they are on the grocery list.

Plus, the little buddies are relatively healthy. They are heart healthy, contain antioxidants, they're good sources or protein, and they may help lower cholesterol. And they taste like blueberry muffins. Really, what more do you need?

So from the families here at Our Unqualified Opinion: Happy Independence Day! Be safe and have fun! Oh, and buy some red and blue almonds to toss into the salad you are taking to your neighbor's house. Everyone will be super impressed. 

In case you were wondering, Blue Diamond didn't pay me to say nice things about them. They don't even know who I am. I kinda wish they did though. Maybe they would send me free almonds. 

Patriotic Printables

I am a huge fan of the 4th of July. Always have been. My first memory of the holiday was when I was 3 — we were living in Florida and my parents took us (my brother and me) to Stone Mountain in Georgia. I distinctly remember the faces in the mountain, which was just ginormous (I haven't been back since, but I'm sure, much like the Disneyland castle, that the mountain has probably "shrunk" since I was last there). I remember going up in the cable cars with my dad to the top and getting "black stuff" on my hands, probably grease or something. I don't remember the exact words that were said, but I remember having a very mature conversation with my dad on the cable car ride up. Mature to my 3-year-old mind, anyway. And I remember the laser show and the fireworks. Oh, those lasers and those fireworks! And Lee Greenwood. The very first time I ever heard Lee Greenwood — "....where at least I know I'm freeeee!"

The rest, as they say, is history! My love for the 4th of July has just grown since that day twenty-something years ago. And I daresay I've had some pretty cool Fourths. Fourth of July's spent in our nation's capital; something magical and nostalgic about the atmosphere. Fourth of July's spent in my grandpa's pool in Arizona, with the entire family. Fourth of July's spent in the midst of Idaho farmland; farmland that reminds you just how hard we Americans have worked to get to where we are today. Fourth of July's spent in Puerto Rico and South Africa — there's nothing quite like celebrating the birth and independence of America overseas to make you appreciate just how truly great this country is! I really am proud to be an American, "lazy and stupid" as we may be.

So, in the interest of free stuff for MY second favorite holiday of all time, here are some Patriotic Printables (aptly named, dontcha think?) for you to take and use however your heart desires this 4th of July week. Enjoy them!

And don't forget to enter our giveaway here! It closes tomorrow, and there's still a pretty good chance you could win :)

As always, thanks for reading!