Today's Favorite Olympian

Today's favorite Olympian is no other than Jordyn Wieber.  Jordyn is the reigning women's gymnastics world champion.  Although she didn't make one of the two coveted spots to compete for the all around gold medal, Jordyn is still one of my favorite 2012 Olympians.

Jordyn Marie Wieber

Age 17

July 12, 1995

Born in DeWitt, Michigan

2011 World All-Around Champion

She will be attending UCLA next year.

This is her first Olympics to compete in.

She was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on July 18, 2012 with the rest of the USA Women's Olympic Gymnastics team.

Check out this video about Jordyn's journey!

I have Wieber Fever! Do y'all??

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

Freedom Isn't Free

Today is America's birthday!  You probably already knew that.  I know I've already posted about 4th of July, but this post is a little deeper than that.

I want to use this post, today, to ask you to take a second out of your day and think about those who have fought and are fighting for this country that we love and call home.  Not only think about the men and women protecting us, but think about their families and friends as well. The sacrifices they are making are immeasurable.  Some have even made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their life.  I can't even begin to imagine.

Most of us are lucky enough to have the ones we love near by and out of harm's way.  While I'm extremely thankful for this fact, it is also the reason why I take the freedom I enjoy for granted more times than not. 

What does it mean to be free?  Webster defines freedom as exemption from external control, interference, or regulation.  This is so true, but it really and truly means so much more.  Freedom is the difference between being able to walk freely in public wearing, doing, and saying whatever I please and having to cover my head and face whenever I leave my house.  Freedom is being able to worship my Lord and Savior freely without interference from anyone or anything.  Freedom is what is important.  It is the basis of who we are as Americans and link that ties us all together.  In times like these, when our country is so segregated by political parties and many other things, it's important to get back to our roots and remember the things we have in common.

So today, as we celebrate America's independence, lets remember to think about, pray for, and thank those that are keeping us safe and free.  Lets also remember who we are.  We are all Americans.  We are all free, and we should all be thankful today.  Now go shoot some fireworks, wave a flag and sing The Star Spangled Banner!!  God bless you, our troops, and America!

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

Tuesday's Cravings

The perfect Mississippi Hippy Independence Day ensemble.

I would totally rock this outfit tomorrow.  Can't wait to grill out, have a drink, and spend the day with my wonderful friends!

xoxo-Chelsea Eli

USA! USA! USA!

The 4th of July is rapidly approaching, and I'm excited.  This star spangled holiday has always been one of my favorites.  It's full of fun, food, fireworks, family, and friends!  Since my roommate and I are having a 4th of July/house warming party, I thought I'd share some of the best decorating, food, and drink ideas as well as some fashion inspiration for this patriotic day.  Here we go!

Food/Drink

to spice up the already delicious burgers and hot dogs on the grill...

How easy and creative?  Click here for directions!

For those of us 21 and over, go here for lots of delicious drink recipes!

Throw this on the grill with those burgers and hot dogs, and you will not regret it.  Grilled corn is so delicious, and here is a simple how to.

How cute are this chocolate covered strawberries?

Decorations

I'm in love with these cute little cans I found on Pinterest!

This decor looks so simple and easy.  Mason jars are so popular right now, too.  Stick some sand in them and add a dash of red, white and blue, and you have simple, chic, and inexpensive Independence Day decorations!

How perfect would these be hanging in the trees outside at a 4th of July party?  Here's a super easy tutorial on how to make these patriotic, tin can windsocks!

Love this cute and classy wreath, and it's super inexpensive to make!  Go to the simple tutorial here!

I don't really know if these is considered a decoration, but I just love sparklers!

Fashion Inspiration

In honor of the 2012 Olympics that are also rapidly approaching, here are two pictures that I just had to had to this post!

Go USA!!!

This one is just too funny!

So there ya have it! I'm so ready to celebrate the country I love with the people I love!  Lets all remember the reason why we celebrate the 4th of July, and remember to thank those who fight to keep us free.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! 

God Bless America!

xoxo-Chelsea Eli