Penny's Passion: Thinking Out Loud Thursday - July 2, 2015

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - July 2, 2015

Welcome to this week's Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Thanks for stopping by and joining me and Vanessa.

X-tremely V

So this week I'm really thinking about the Fourth of July holiday we'll be celebrating in just a few days.  When you step back and think about it, what a fantastic holiday it is.  There's no presents to stress out over buying, no huge meals have to be prepared, the weather is generally nice so people can be outside.  And oh my goodness, there's FIREWORKS!!  St. Louis really knows how to do fireworks!  But the most important reason this holiday is special is because we are celebrating the birthday of America!


Last year I whipped up these USA blocks to help decorate my mantle.   Check it out -- they are so super simple to make.


Here's how those letters look on the mantle, along with the a few other holiday touches.





Happy Birthday, America!  We are so very lucky in be living in this country where we are free.  Free to write what we want, say what we want, worship the way we want.  That's what I'm thinking about, and very thankful for, today.  Honestly, it's what I should think about, and be thankful for, more days than I do.   

Now the fun part -- link up to Thinking Out Loud Thursday with me and Vanessa at X-tremely Vanessa . The rules are simple.  Link back to me and Vanessa in your post and linkup your favorite post below.  Super easy!  #ThinkingOutLoudThursdays

Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at

27 comments:

  1. Your mantel looks patriotic and festive. Love the blocks. Enjoy your holiday Penny.

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  2. Those USA blocks are super cute. We are having a big cookout on Saturday and my decorations are really lacking - these would be perfect for me.

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  3. 4th of July is my favorite holiday because it's just all about fun! All you have to do is cook good food and find some fireworks! But now I'm convinced that I totally need those blocks for my celebration!

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  4. These are awesome decorations! I'd love to make those cool blocks. Hope you have a great 4th!

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  5. I've spent the 4th of July in St. Louis several times and there is nothing like it!

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  6. Love your USA blocks, Penny, and I think I have that same red, white, and blue garland. Michaels? Love your festive mantle!

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  7. Fireworks have already started in our neighborhood :D I love your decorations- Happy 4th!

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  8. I love your USA blocks and the red, white, and blue beans in the apothecary jar!

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  9. Oh I can't wait to have a mantle to decorate for the holidays! :) Yours looks great!

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  10. Your mantle looks great, Penny! I love the idea of decorating for the 4th!

    Thanks for hosting this link party. I'm really enjoying meeting new friends and connecting like this~

    Blessings,
    Melanie

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  11. I love the beans idea, so cute! We don't normally decorate inside the house for the 4th but we do display flags outside.

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  12. These are beautiful decors. Your house looks so festive and ready. Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

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  13. Enjoy the holiday! We're hoping to head to riverfest tomorrow night then another celebration on Friday so let STL's fireworks ring!!

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  14. I love the way you decorated that mantle. It is definitely patriotic but not overdone. I just simply looks great and will remind all who see it what July 4th is all about.

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  15. I have always wanted to go to America, The Fourth of July sounds like a fun holiday so I may plan to go next year for it.

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  16. I love all your decorations! Sometimes 4th of July decorations can look so cheesy but yours are perfect! Pinning!

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  17. We're really excited about the Fourth too! We don't have any plans yet, but know we'll have a good time. I love how you've decorated for the weekend!

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  18. Your decorations are absolutely adorable! My favorite is the beans - I never thought to create red white and blue stripes with beans!

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  19. You have decorated beautifully for the 4th! I am in Canada and could make similar blocks to showcase here for next year! Thanks for sharing this great idea!

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  20. What a beautifully decorated mantel! I love the USA blocks :)

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  21. Oh Penny, your mantle is beautifully decorated for the 4th of July celebrations. Your DIY USA blocks are so lovely too.

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  22. I love all of those! We don't decorate for the 4th in my house, but I think a decorated mantel looks awesome for every occasion!

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  23. I'm so excited for fireworks and family fun tomorrow. Your mantle looks amazing and I absolutely love those blocks!

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  24. Happy 4th of July! The USA blocks is well done and is perfect display for the annual celebration.

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  25. I LOVE BBQ and fireworks so Fourth of July is fun in my book! We have weekly (Wednesday and Saturday) fireworks in Chicago from May to September but the 4th of July ones are SUPER amazing <3

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  26. Lovely! Wishing you a happy and blessed holiday weekend.

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
    xoxo

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