America

Land of the Free - Because of the Brave

7.04.2013

The 4th is finally here. And I know Provo will be bumping, University will be full of hoodlums, and Kelly Clarkson will be rocking Lavell Edwards Stadium. What are you looking forward to? I think Jim Gaffigan said it best when he said ,"I usually don't have a hamburger, hot dog and a steak but it is what the founding fathers would want! And I am going to need my energy if I am going to be blowing crap up later." 


At the end of the day I hope you remember why the 4th is so wonderful. And all the people that help keep it that way. Enjoy your day! Because baby, you're a firework.

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Wear the Red, White, and Blue

7.03.2013

I love dressing in red, white, and blue... I remember one time in high school I showed up to a powder puff practice with a red and white shirt and navy blue shorts and a girl tried to be all snide, "Celebrating America today Deidre?" (I went to high school with some mean girls...) And I smiled and said, "Yeah! I LOVE AMERICA!" I showed her... not really. But one thing I love about July 4th is wearing the red, white, and blue. It is one of the few days a year you can go ALL out with American pride and no one can say sassy things about it. Stars, stripes, flags. You name it. 

Fourth of July attire is easy to come by right now. Old navy has a ton of flag t shirts, most boutiques have a stripped something or another, and red pants can be found EVERYWHERE. I like to pair up an American-styled item with a neutral item. That way my American stands out. See all these looks on Polyvore. As for me... I like the make my fourth wear. Last year I made this sweatshirt. All you need is one white sweatshirt, red and blue spray paint, some sort or star cutout, and tape. Easy, yeah?
I got a lot of compliments on it. And the things I learned from last year? 
  • ALWAYS Tape things you want to stay in place, spray paint has a lot of force with lightweight cutouts. 
  • Two hands are better than one in taping straight lines.
  • Make sure you have enough spray paint.
  • Be patient.
  • Have a place to hang the sweatshirt in between colors.
  • Wait 24 hours to wash.
Sadly... last year's sweatshirt got ruined... during another lesson called, "Never was red pants with white things!" The sweatshirt is now purple, pink, red, and blue... Also, Adam has two pink shirts thanks to that fiasco. Awesome. So this year I decided to try again. My plan was to make an identical sweatshirt, but the one I purchased bunched weird at the bottom, so I switched up the pattern. I also forgot the patience lesson.... but here it is.


My photographer A is playing baseball in Montana and my photographer B is at Lake Powell enjoying a week of vacation.  That is why you get awesome selfie in the mirror photos. Even with my lack of patience, I am happy with how it turned out. But even with that being said, I will probably give it another go next year... but I will start looking for items to purchase earlier. The spray paint this year is a little more stiff this year, so I hope to buy red clothing spray paint - it was all sold out this year and last year. And next year I will hopefully be able to find a lighter weight sweatshirt that is made well. NO one had white sweatshirts in store this year.

You can see some other 4th of July fashions and ideas at Fashion UtahBridgette Nicole, and Breezy Days. Have you ever purchased some American-wear? What is your favorite American combo for fashion? What are you planning to wear for your 4th of July celebration?
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Music for America

7.02.2013

This week is all about the good ol' U.S.of.A. Whether you live in California, Maryland, Texas, or Idaho - I know you will be out celebrating our independence this week. And what better way to celebrate than with an American Pride playlist. If you are here in Utah, I will probably see you out on University during the all-out and all-night party which is Independence Day here. Pull out the lawn chairs, grab a piece of watermelon, hit play, and enjoy the fireworks!


Side A
Stars and Stripes Forever - University of Arkansas March Band
Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
American Girl - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
America - Simon and Garfunkle
Kids in America - Kim Wilde
R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. - John Mellencamp
Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue - Toby Keith

Side B
We're An American Band - Grand Funk Railroad
America the Beautiful - Ray Charles
Coming to America - Neil Diamond
My County 'Tis Of Thee - Rene Marie
American Pie - Don McLean
Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus
God Bless The USA - Lee Greenwood
Star Spangled Banner - Jimi Hendrix


*I do not own the rights to any of these songs. I am endorsing that the songs listed above make me want to sing and dance.*

'Merica by Deidre Miller on Grooveshark

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Memorial Day

5.27.2013

Dear Sandy Hook,

12.17.2012

Since Friday morning I have been trying to think of how to put my thoughts and feelings into words... but at the end of it all the same thing came to me. I am speechless. My thoughts, my tears, my love, and my prayers go to all those that were affected by the events of that morning. I have no doubt that arms were opened wide at Heaven's gates for all of the Connecticut natives. Young and old, boy and girl, all welcomed to be with their Heavenly family. At this special time of year I ask that we all keep these families and friends in our prayers and in our thoughts. That they might have peace, comfort, and love. And that we use moments like these to come together as a nation, all feeling the same heartache and looking for a brighter tomorrow. I want to share this special poem with you, every time I read it tears fill my eyes. I hope you can feel the same love and peace as I do when you finish.

 
 
Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA


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