Jul 5, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
It’s night of Independence Day. Most of the city’s fireworks have stopped, and now and then a neighbor child lights a popper. The neighborhood is back to being its quiet self.
I can’t help but wonder if tomorrow we’ll still remember what we’re supposed to remember today.
Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?
Let’s not confuse this, the birthday of our nation, with Memorial Day, or Veteran’s Day.
Every day, let’s take a bit of today with us and remember, we’re always moving forward to something better.
There’s so much I’d love to write on the subject, but it’s late and I’m tired.
I hope we always remember how good we really have it, how it started, and how many wonderful people fought to get us here.
Celebrate independence every day. And remember those who can’t.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jul 4, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
[Originally posted July 4, 2013]
For you new followers out there, thanks! This repost from a few years ago is still quite popular, and I didn’t want you to feel left out.
Happy Fourth!
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with delicious cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation?
I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity.
FREEDOM CUPCAKES

Freedom Cupcakes
Looks great, right? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! And the recipe? Easy-peasy.
But first, take a look at these mouth-watering photos:

Freedom Cupcakes with Flag

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Look at those layers!
Independence Day Cupcakes
This festive Fourth of July cupcake is sure to please everyone from young to old.
Ingredients
- White cake mix from a box
- 1 1/4 Cup water
- 1/3 Cup cooking oil
- 3 eggs
- Red and blue food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare a white cake mix according to package directions.
- Divide uncooked batter into three equal parts.
- Set aside the white batter.
- Mix blue food coloring into the second batter.
- Mix red food coloring into the third batter.
- Line a cupcake pan with red, white, and blue cupcake liners.
- Drop one large spoonful of blue batter into each liner.
- Using a clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of white batter onto the blue.
- With another clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of red batter onto the white.
- Bake according to package directions.
- Allow to cool completely. Top with white frosting, then add red and blue sprinkles.
- Decorate with a small flag.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/04/recipes-freedom-cupcakes-and-patriotic-kabobs/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press

She’s a Grand Ol’ Flag!
And for a little more fun with your food, try these!
PATRIOTIC KABOBS

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
Longer drink umbrellas, drink stir-sticks, or these cute pinwheels work great with this refreshing treat for the kid in all of us.
Carefully place foods onto the skewer.
I used a flavorful blend of red raspberries, white mini marshmallows, and blueberries.
Leave enough of a tip for the skewer to be “stuck” into a base before serving.
Serve with a small cup of whipped topping for dipping.
After you’ve enjoyed the food, you can add more or just play with the pinwheel!
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs. @RealMojo68 #franklymydearmojo #freedom #food
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 3, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Some years ago I shared a few posts on stocking up your pantry and cabinets for those moments when a storm hits or unexpected company arrives.
In keeping with my July theme of “Everything Old is New Again,” I recently found my old files, and combined my checklist into a single PDF download. How happy are we right now?! You can download your copy by clicking STOCK THAT.
I also themed out this month’s Meal Plan, thanks to my Happy Planner Menu Planner and some great washi tape and stickers.

MoJo’s July Happy Menu
I love meals that offer two rounds, whether a second dinner or lunch the next day. Salads are a breeze to change up with a different dressing and add-ins like tomatoes and mushrooms. Rice? Well, that’s a staple here at Bedford Manor. I keep not less than four varieties on hand.
Comparing what’s already available to me and what I know I’ll be buying, this menu plan was a cinch to put together. My STOCK THAT checklist and Happy Planner Menu Planner are keeping me on track for healthy eating on a budget.
But before you give me too many pats on the back, I confess ice cream and chocolate snacks did make the grocery list this month. And I’m so okay with that.
MENU TIP: Writing it out is an idea, not a commitment. Can’t make dinner one day? Too busy or didn’t get to the store? Allow a few “open” days on the calendar. You can switch the plan around.
PRINTER TIP: If you want the PDF to fit in your classic size Planner, when you print, select “custom scale” to 84%, and that should give you a readable printout with enough white space border to trim and punch without losing any content. You’re welcome. :)
Do you plan your meals by the month?
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . New Again: Stock That. A checklist and a menu plan. @realmojo68 #ameating #mealplanner

Molly’s Kitchen: Steamed Salmon on Rice and Spinach
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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