Fourth of July Patriotic Recipes

With 4th of July on Monday, I wanted to share some patriotic recipes for you that you may enjoy over the weekend or perhaps at a 4th BBQ or get together. Keep checking back for even more 4th of July and Colorado Springs Activities.

Recipe Girl share a wonderful Red, White & Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe. Considering it's a sweet and yummy treat - each bar is only 200 calories (5 Weight Watcher points). And of course, summertime is such a fantastic time to find vibrant and delicious berries. If you are wanting to find local farmer's market's in Colorado Springs, see my recent post.

And who doesn't love Rachel Ray and her always chic ideas! I thought these strawberries were very cute and easy to make ~ a great way to dress up a dish or even garnish a salad.

What kid (or adult) for that matter doesn't like JELLO?! I thought this recipe for Stained Glass Jello Stars was very creative as well as festive for a 4th of July celebration.

And for all you cake lovers out there (I am right there with you) here is a beautiful patriotic cake recipe that will blow you away. Not only does it look really cool, it tastes delicious!

Whatever you do for your Fourth Celebration ~ have a blast as you celebrate our United States of America and our Independence. Keep checking back for more helpful posts!

Photography tips for 4th of July Fireworks

Fourth of July is coming quickly! It is less than a week away. What are your plans? Maybe a BBQ with neighbors or family? Perhaps camping? Most likely, you will catch a fireworks display. I found this article very informative and colorful! Keep checking back over the next 72 hours for more 4th of July posts, including what to do in Colorado Springs over the 4th.

Step Back in Time: Colorado Renaissance Festival

Have you ever been to the Colorado Renaissance Festival & Artisans Marketplace in Larkspur, Colorado? Boy is it an experience I would recommend. Even if you have been before, it is ALWAYS worth going again. This year is their 35th anniversary and they are open weekends through the end of July. I would buy your tickets ahead of time and plan to be there from open to close (10 am - 6:30 pm).

You can visit there site here for all the details!

Colorado Springs Farmer's Market 2011

Do you love to go to farmer's markets and get fresh produce? I know I sure do. I never seem to remember when and where I can find them. So, I thought you'd find this information helpful! I was surprised to find that there are quite a few weekDAY markets as well as many weekend markets. So, check it out and enjoy local produce!

Just Listed: Custom Home on 2.82 acres in Monument, Colorado

How Does Your County Rank?

Whether you’re looking to make local business decisions, integrate into a new neighborhood, or find volunteering opportunities where there is a need, it’s important to be informed about the health of your community. Fortunately, finding that information is quick and convenient when you visit this County Health Ranking Site.

This website brings together 50 reports through the collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The result is a health ranking of each state’s counties.

How Does Your Community Rank?

1. Simply visit http://www.countyhealthrankings.org.

2. Hover your mouse of the map of the U.S. and click on your state.

3. Click on your county once the state map appears on your screen.

It’s that easy. With just a few clicks, you can see your county’s overall ranking as well as important local statistics related to:

• Unemployment
• Education
• Health
• Access to recreational facilities
• Air pollution
• Poverty
• Motor vehicle death rates
• Diabetes
• And much more!

Check out your county today - and share this information with friends, family members, and co-workers in your community!