I love all holidays.  I am exactly the type of person Hallmark was targeting when they set out to commercialize all sacred traditions and create fictitious new ones.  Sorry, America!  I just can't say no to an excuse to decorate with bold colors, bake delicious treats, and wear a themed outfit. You could say I like to get festive.

This Friday is the 4th of July.  Like most people I know, this day doesn't mean a whole ton to me in terms of being patriotic (sorry again, America)-- it means food, fireworks, and gaudy red, white and blue attire.  This year's July 4th is a bit of a celebration of my own independence, from a job that consumed much of my time and kept me working through the long weekend for a whopping seven summers in a row.   This time around I get to enjoy a BBQ/pool party with my extended family, and who knows what else!  

My two biggest 4th of July memories are fireworks and flag cake.  I can't tell you how many times this cake was made, or if it was even a yearly tradition like I am remembering, but I can tell you that it has stuck with me forever and now that I'm grown-up and old, I try to make it during the week before or after the 4th every year.  

To be honest, it's more just an assembly of ingredients and requires no baking or even any skills, but that's kind of the beauty of it!  Here's the drill...

I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE Easter Candy. Possibly more than candy for any other holiday. The problem is, with everything being so marshmallowy and fluffy, many of these store-bought candies contain gelatin or other animal products, which I generally try to avoid*, along with a bunch of other mystery chemicals.  I can't claim that homemade candy is "healthier" in any way, but it's nice to know exactly what is going into your food, even when it's junk. If you're looking for a last minute treat to bring to an Easter gathering or for a super easy, super fun activity for the holiday, look no further!  Today, Bits and Bobs Craft Club brings you, "How to Make (Vegan) Cadbury-Style Creme Eggs!