Take Advantage of the Independence Day Sales

Fourth of July is a good excuse for the nation’s retailers to put their most #summery merchandise on sale — and most of those sales will continue through the extra-long weekend. Big retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s and REI are slashing prices on grills, outdoor furniture and camping gear, CBS News reports. The Organizing Blog doesn’t advocate unnecessary spending or accumulating lots of #stuff, but if you need something and find a great price, treat yourself! Otherwise, look to #recycle and #reuse whenever possible by donating the things you don’t need to ClothingDonations.org. #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

Happy Fourth of July From ClothingDonations.org!

The Fourth of July commemorates the day the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the new nation’s Declaration of Independence in 1776, according to Constitution Facts. The date was also printed on the official handwritten copy ratified in August 1776 and the printed facsimiles that were circulated throughout the United States. But the landmark document proved controversial, and Independence Day #celebrations were rare until founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died within hours of each other July 4, 1826. It wasn’t until 1870 that Congress finally declared July 4 to be a national holiday. ClothingDonations.org wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July on the nation’s 248th Birthday! #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

Decorating for the Fourth Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

It’s easy to decorate for the Fourth of July #celebration without spending a lot of #money, says Fun, Cheap or Free. Paper chains, balloons and bunting; bouquets of dyed carnations; and other inexpensive red, white and blue decorations from the discount or #thrift store can contribute to the festive atmosphere. Fly the flag, wear #patriotic colors and feature red, white and blue foods at your cookout such as cupcakes with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries — or just stock up on #American #flag toothpicks for your sandwiches and burgers. As night falls, settle in and enjoy the #fireworks. #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

Best Places for a ‘Destination’ Independence Day

Thursday is Independence Day! There are lots of ways to celebrate the founding of the United States; the most familiar may be to watch a #parade and #fireworks. For a “destination” Fourth, however, Lonely Planet suggests Mount Rushmore, where reenactors portraying George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt hobnob with tourists. Colonial Williamsburg is another good destination, offering #historic re-creations and #patriotic sing-a-longs. For big parades and fireworks displays, head directly to New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Addison, Texas. #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

Plan Projects as You Celebrate Labor Day

At home or on the road, Labor Day weekend is nothing to squander. You might choose to host a #cookout or tailgate, Country Living suggests, now that football season has arrived, or you can find a swimming hole, rent a pool or simply turn on the sprinklers. Watching the local #parade and #picnicking are possibilities, as are bike rides, books, beer gardens and anything else you like to do for fun. If you’re handy, don’t wait to start your on any home improvement projects you want to get done this fall — or at least prioritize those projects, start gathering the necessary equipment and contacting any experts you’ll need to help. #LaborDay