Feasting on the Fourth: 4th of July Menu


It’s time to start making your grocery list for the 4th of July menu. If you are headed to a party, these mini pancake bites are great appetizers to bring. They are savory and a bite size twist on chicken and waffles.


Our new shrimp on a stick recipe is another great choice for a starter. You can even adapt it for chicken on a stick for the picky eaters.


Instead of grilling out with the usual, try some fiesta taco burgers or bacon wrapped hot dogs. Both are an excellent choice with homemade fries and coleslaw. You could even grill some pizza for a snack or appetizer.


For a sweet snack, whip up some star spangled gumdrops for the kiddos.


Make your cupcakes more festive with star sugar cookie toppers for two delicious desserts in one.


Enjoy the classic float with a patriotic twist.


Have a spicy adult drink option with Watermelon Jalapeño Mojitos or a watermelon keg.


Cool off with some Raspberry Rose Ice Cream Pops or some Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream. It will be a refreshingly different change. Of course you can make some homemade drumsticks if you want to be traditional.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

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Surprising South Africa Part 3: Kapama Safari

zebra kapama south africa 1

First I took you adventure traveling through KwaZulu Natal, then sightseeing in Cape Town. Today I want to share with you my experience on safari in Limpopo, South Africa at Kapama Private Game Reserve. It truly was the experience of a lifetime.
kapama south africa elephant

I even made some new friends along the way: Isoul HarrisChadner Navarro, and Colleen Friesen.
kapama game reserve vehicle

You will be shocked when I tell you how affordable and family-friendly a safari in South Africa is. It’s affordable luxury unlike anything you could imagine stateside.
kapama river lodge spa

Oh, the things you can do…
hot air balloon blyde river canyon south africa

and the things you will see.
kapama south africa leopard
kapama lions grooming
Come see the wild experience that’s just a plane ride away after the jump… (more…)

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Boy’s Brief Swimsuit: Baby Sunga! Free Pattern and Tutorial

boys brief swimsuit tutorial - baby sungaSewing for the boy just got adorable. Stitch up a sporty brief swimsuit for your little guy and he’ll be feeling all continental even if he’s just hanging by the neighborhood pool. Ooo la la! Since the under-3 set is wearing a swim diaper under their swimsuit, this quick brief pattern is all you need to keep baby looking suave this Summer.
boys brief swimsuit tutorial - baby sunga

boys brief swimsuit tutorial - baby sunga
Keep reading for the Free Boy’s Swimsuit Pattern and Tutorial. (more…)

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Trends We Love: Subway

Since my Seattle trip, I’ve been longing for the energy you find on the subway. There is something mesmerizing about the sway of the train while you wait for your stop. I can’t get that feeling in Dallas, so I’m enjoying some beautiful subway inspired items.

A subway birthday party would be a creative theme. Cupcake toppers made from a New York subway map would be an adorable start. Elizabeth from the Path Less Traveled has offered Pretty Prudent readers 15% off to her etsy store using coupon code PRUDENTMAMA.

Spring for a tiered subway cake for an even larger dessert impact.

Design your own subway map with this interactive toy that is beautiful enough to be art for any room in your home. Inventive subway home decor doesn’t stop there. A vintage New York subway map mounted on metal adds interest to any space. Honor your favorite big city with a shower curtain subway map. You can map out your next subway ride while you lather, rinse, and repeat.

How about a subway clutch? It’s made out of repurposed New York subway maps. It looks stylish and is eco friendly. Go green by carrying the subway map printed on your iPhone case. It’s adorable and a way to pay homage to mass transit systems.

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Turn a Footstool into a DIY Felt Tea Party (Free Template)


Rubyellen, from Cakies, and her adorable girls are back with the cutest DIY Felt Tea Party. You may remember her last felt tutorial for Pretty Prudent, DIY Halloween Headbands. Today she will show you how to turn any ol’ footstool into the most magical tea party. This makes for a great gift or portable toy to take anywhere. It’s tea time somewhere, right?

Head on over to Cakies to see more projects like the Mini Maypoles. Throw the cutest Breakfast Birthday Bash and hand out Cupcakes in a Jar to your guests.

Learn how to turn a footstool into a DIY Felt Tea Party after the jump…

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DIY Summer Dresses for Hot Mess Mamas


Mamas, while you’re sewing Summer Dresses for Girls, don’t forget to sew yourself some too. Our Snappy Hot Mess Dress is cute and simple!


Flatter your figure with The Most Flattering Shirt Dress. It’s causal and comfortable for everyday errands, while still making you look gorgeous.


Go for something long and flowy with the Modern Prairie Dress.

Or use your extra yards of fabric to make the 1.5 Yard Dress. The Freestyle Dress is a great option with leggings for a day at the park or at the library.


Get the ultimate in comfort on summer days with the T-Shirt Dress.

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DIY No-Sew Headband Holder


Between Scarlet, Clare, and Quinn there are a multitude of hair accessories around the Pretty Prudent Texas and LA headquarters. To keep the overflowing amount of hair clips, hair ties, and headbands together we came up with this DIY No-Sew Headband Holder. You can use Jacinda’s cloud template from the Cloud & Rainbow Decorative Pillow, and instead of rainbows we made felt raindrops to hold each headband. Clip your hair clips on the sun’s rays, hold your hair ties in the cloud pocket, and you’re good to go. Let’s get to it…

Keep reading for the full DIY No-Sew Headband Holder tutorial after the jump…

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Surprising South Africa: Part 2, Cape Town

african penguins boulders beach capetown

Last week I shared with you Part 1 of my journey to South Africa, as we visited KwaZulu Natal, including Durban and the South Coast for wild adventure and a taste of Zulu culture.
Langa Love Your South Africa Sign

Today I’m taking you to Cape Town – undeniably and inarguably the most beautiful city in the world… and I’ve been to a lot of cities. With each new vista, from Table Mountain…
table mountain view of capetown

to Hout’s Bay…
hout's bay boats

to Chapman’s Peak…
Chapman's Peak Cove

to Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope,
cape of good hope cape point selfie

to sandboarding on the white dunes,
sandboarding south africa group

to visiting the townships,
langa township

your heart will expand until you feel your ribs might shatter. Add to that, African penguins…
boulders beach penguin

…and then you implode from the amazingness.
boulder's beach penguins on sand

The people of Cape Town are indescribably lovely and welcoming, and the activities and sites add up to the ideal vacation for friends, family, or even the solo traveler. Come along with me, Isoul Harris, Colleen Friesen, and Chadner Navarro as we visit Cape Town, South Africa after the jump… (more penguins!) (more…)

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