4 Ways To Get into the Summer Camp Trend

So, I know summer is winding down but I've been noticing that the Summer Camp Trend is still going quite strong.  

There’s just something about all those uniforms, badges, and camp insignia that makes adult super nostalgic.  

Now, I’ve never been to summer sleep away camp as a kid but one of my very first jobs in college was as the videographer for a boys’ summer camp off the coast of North Carolina, Camp Seagull.  The different cabin names, mascots and cheers still bring a smile to my face.  The kids were super surprised to find out I was from Texas and never shot a gun before. J

Quick, before the summer ends check out my picks to keep the camp spirit alive and well in your home or apartment.

Read

Lumberjanes

Oh my god, you guys, the best thing to come out of the Summer Camp Trend revival this year is this charming comic books series, Lumberjanes.  Billed as Gravity Falls meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer at a summer camp, this comic is written and drawn by awesome females and featuring 5 female leads that come in every shape and size.  I’m loving the sisterhood and supernatural vibes.  Comic shops around my area can’t keep the issues on their shelves long enough.

Watch

Gravity Falls 

While it doesn’t take place in an actual summer camp, the Disney animated series Gravity Falls is set in a small northwestern town in which twin siblings visit their eccentric granduncle during the summer.  With their Uncle as the owner of the town’s “Mystery Shack”, twins Dipper and Mabel encounter all sorts of mystical creatures, supernatural occurrences and town conspiracies.  Equal parts cute and hella creepy, this is one of the best new animated series.

Yep, that's the gnome puking a rainbow.  If you can't see why it's funny then this is not your show.

Moonrise Kingdom - 

I shouldn’t have to tell you this.  Wes Anderson.  Scout uniforms.  Animal costumes. Summer romance. Perfect soundtrack.  You have to see this.

Shop

Etsy - Arrow Print from MossAndTwigPrints

Etsy - Stars and Dots Banner from Summer Boyfriend

Etsy - Camp Arrowhead Mini Wreath from SugarSkullIndustries

Listen

Camp by Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover

Outside of appearing on the show Community, actor Donald Glover is actually a pretty good and thought provoking rapper with, like, sick abs.  Picture Drake with a sense of humor, and a cuter face.  His first album Camp, while summer camp inspired, actually has some explicit lyrics so just don’t play around the kids. 

Got any summer camp memories you are fond of?  Visions of making s'mores by a campfire?  Tell me!

Read more

Simple DIYs for a Fun & Whimsical 4th of July!

Image Source

The Fourth of July is almost here!

In anticipation, I've rounded up some simple DIYs for a fantastic holiday bash.  

Enjoy!

Decor

Link

I'm in love with this holiday wreath.  If you have kids, let them help by making pom-poms with yarn.  It's super easy and all you have to do is glue or pin onto wreath base and voila!  Instant cuteness!

Link

Click on the above link to find a free printable banner from PagingSuperMom.com.  This is probably one of the easiest DIYs on this list.  Just print, cut and staple and you can adorn your home or patio in just a few minutes.

Link

These Mason Jar Painted Lanterns may take some prep time in painting and then letting the paint dry but they look so worth it!  Really, just when you thought you had seen every craft under the sun involving Mason Jars, someone clever thinks of yet another use.  Just make sure to paint the outside, not the inside!   

Outfit

Pinterest Link

I never have any idea what to wear for a Fourth of July party.  For so long I just threw on one of those Old Navy patriotic themed shirts and called it a day.  Now I can turn my old jeans into cutoffs, and paint those cutoffs with fabric paint!  Genius....or shall I say Jean-ius? (Shut up, puns are fun)

Link

Now you can buy this headband from Fab.com or....................you can just make it with some glitter foam sheets and a black stretchy headband.  Just cut out three stars to your liking from gold glitter foam sheets that can be found at most craft stores and attached to headband with some hot glue.  Pretty and simple.

Link

Or if you fancy, you could do a version with fake flowers instead.  You know this how Lana Del Rey does it.  I mean I assume.  Who doesn't like the Fourth of July?  Canadians, that's who!  And probably the rest of the world.  

Food

Pinterest Link

Usually, I'm pretty happy with a hot dog and some ice cream on the Fourth of July, but my mom likes to make a similar Strawberry Spinach salad as pictured above.  Just toss blueberries, sliced strawberries, almonds and some crumbled feta cheese in with some spinach leaves.  Then drizzle with some raspberry balsamic dressing and you have a tasty, festive salad sure to please!

Link

Oh mah gawd!  Patriotic Taco Salad sounds amazing and slightly ironic, no?  I could also see this as a way to dress up a Seven Layer Dip.  Just decorate the stripes with shredded cheese and sliced tomatoes.  Add some olives and extra guac to the top left corner and you have the most delicious version of the American flag to ever exist.

Link

 Dude, ice cream floats with red and blue sodas?  I'm soooo there.  This one is pretty much a no-brainer but so pretty and tasty looking at the same time.

Games

Link

Okay so I may have lied a little bit when I said, "simple DIYs" but how awesome is this Patriotic Corn Hole set?  Yes, to some of my readers out there, there is a game called "corn hole" and it is played quite frequently outdoors.  Basically it is a set of elevated boards with a hole cut out across the very top.  Players divide into teams and try to sink as many bean or sand filled sachets through the top or "corn" hole.  If you know how to build or know someone with basic carpentry skills, how cool would it be to bust these babies out?  Painted in red, white and blue.

Link

Now this Custom Beer Pong Table is entirely within my skill set.  Just get a slab of plywood or if you'd like something sturdier, a hollow-core door, from any hard-ware store and paint a flag using painter's tape for straight edges.  Then rest the table on top a pair of saw horses and your patriotic tribute to drinking games is now complete!

So tell me, my precious readers, what plans do you have in store for the holiday?

Marg

Read more