Greetings!   

fireworks

 Photo courtesy of Dreamstime
Photograh taken by  Ginosphotos
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Here's a little more of the quote: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Did you say, "Patrick Henry?" You're absolutely right! These are the closing words of his famous speech given on March 23, 1775. You can read the whole speech here.

A few years ago our family put together an A-B-C scrapbook of the American Revolution. It's a simple approach that can be applied to just about any topic. Find a word, name, or phrase related to the subject that starts with each letter of the alphabet. The kids enjoyed doing it (I think the black paper and gel markers helped) and the resulting scrapbook is a "keeper" on our bookshelves. It really was a fun and effective way to learn, and it's amazing how much we all still remember.

What about this quote, "These are the times that try men's souls . . ." (Hint, can you see the writer in the picture below?) And no, he wasn't talking about 2009!

Everyone loves a birthday party. Do you have plans in place to celebrate the 4th of July? (Canadian readers, we know you have a special birthday on July 1st, too!) Fireworks and picnics, parades and fairs--it's great to live in the "Land of the Free." With heartfelt thanks we honor all those who guard our freedom, as we remember and respect that "Freedom isn't Free."
On The Blog Last Week!
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Independence Day brings out the best blog posts. Here are some great tips and resources that I shared last week on the blog!
  • My Weekend Wonder wound up being another matching pair! This time, it was an old-fashioned picnic basket. 
  • Looking for some really cute blog fashions? I posted about two sites that I recently ran across that offer headers, backgrounds, blinkies, and more for free!
  • Watermelon is a yummy summer treat. Read my post on how to have a watermelon summer.
  • With the heat index on the rise, I am always looking for ways to keep my house cool during the summer. I listed quite a few tips that might come in handy for you as well.
  • What do you do with frozen lemonade concentrate and mint leaves? You can read about my new summer treats in this post.
  • Be sure to read this post that has some great summer travel checklists and websites to help you get ready for that summer road trip.
  • If you like my Thrifty Thursday post about my Thirty Days of Nothing Challenge, why not join me?
  • Be sure to read our Friday post where we have brought you the best freebies that have been circulating around the Internet.

If you are new to this newsletter, or you have missed some of our previous issues, my team and I are happy to announce that we now have an archive page of our past Minute with Molly newsletters.

The Weekly Recipe
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Photo courtesy of Tammy's Recipes
 
This week's recipe is being shared by Tammy from Tammy's Recipes. If you are looking for some wonderful tasting recipes, be sure to visit her site.
 
Description: A light and fluffy whole wheat cake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries
 
 
Yield: 8 servings
 
Ingredients:
4 eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar, divided*
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup oil
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound (about 2 cups) fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

 
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl with electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Continue beating at high speed and add 1/4 cup sugar, about 2 tablespoonfuls at a time. Beat well after each addition, until sugar is completely dissolved and egg whites stand in stiff peaks.
2. In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the egg yolks, flour, water, oil, baking powder, vanilla, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the beaten egg whites until completely blended. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch springform pan or two smaller round cake pans.
3. Bake cake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched with finger, and cake tests done. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before removing from pan. The cake will sink slightly as it cools.
4. Beat whipping cream in a chilled bowl on high until soft peaks form. Add a tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and continue beating until cream is stiff.
5. To serve, spread the whipped cream over the cake. Top with strawberries. Cut into slices and serve! Or, cut into slices and top each slice with whipped cream and strawberries just before serving.

I like to slice the cake in half (horizontally) and fill the middle with whipped cream!
 
Preparation Time:
35-40 minutes
 
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
 
Tammy's Review:
This is a fabulous whole wheat strawberry shortcake! It doesn't taste like the store-bought "strawberry shortcake". . . I think it's MUCH better!! It's sweet and hearty, and of course, anything with strawberries and whipped cream is a real treat. This is one you won't feel guilty about enjoying! My rating: 10/10.
This Week's Tutorials
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4th of July Party Poppers
 


 Photo courtesy of Little Birdie Secrets
 
One of my favorite 4th of July firework-type item is the little poppers. You know the ones that get messy with all the confetti and paper that you have to clean up later? Well, as I was looking for a tutorial to share with you this week, I came across this adorable website, Little Birdie Secrets. She has a very frugal and just downright cute homemade party popper! Be sure to stop by and let them know how helpful their tutorials are!
Idea Center
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I do believe that 4th of July is my most favorite holiday. I love the barbecue get-togethers, swimming with friends, fireworks, and being with family. But more than that, I love what the 4th of July symbolizes--freedom.
 
Here are some great links I found this week that I know you are going to fall in love with. They are sure to make your 4th of July go out with a "BANG!"
 
Molly's Money-Saving Digest
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June Molly Cover 

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The June issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is finally here!
 
What kind of vacation can you look forward to on a frugal budget? You'd be surprised!

Rest, relaxation, and adventure don't have to cost a bundle! Explore summer fun and vacation ideas plus innovative ways to save.
 
Do your plans for the coming months include some time for rest and relaxation? Even in these days of uncertainty and change, it's possible for nearly every family to enjoy a vacation, "stay-cation," or "day-cation." Discover great vacation ideas --even for those that can't afford a vacation right now! 
 
This issue is loaded with ideas, tips, recipes, checklists, and more to help you plan for those special family outings --all within your budget! Here are a few of the highlights:
 

You can view a sample of the June Molly's Money-Saving Digest right here.

We Want to Hear from You
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We have some great topics in the works for Molly's Money-Saving Digests, and would love to include your stories and ideas. July's Digest has just gone to layout.  You're in for a treat with this special issue on frugal fashion. August's featured topic is organizing, and in September we will be talking about decorating. Show us your stuff! We'd love to showcase your decorating talent and organizing ingenuity, and give you a free Digest, but we need to hear from you soon! We're always looking for "goal-getter" stories, examples of up-cycled or re-purposed objects, and frugal decorating ideas. Send me your story--Remember, if we include your contribution in a Digest, you'll receive that issue FREE.   

Until next week! 
 
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