Celebrate Your Independence with a New Home

Americans Ready for Barbecues, Travel for Independence Day

Summer is in full swing and Americans are ready to put on their red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family — and plenty of food. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Independence Day Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, more than 156 million consumers—nearly two thirds of those celebrating (64.4 percent), are planning to take part in the patriotic holiday by attending a cookout, picnic or barbecue, spending an average of $71.23 per household, up from $68.16 last year. Total spending on food items for the holiday is estimated to reach $6.6 billion.*

“The busiest half of the year for retailers is about to begin, and with economic conditions swaying in consumers’ favor more so this year than last, many seem eager to take advantage of retailers’ promotions,” said NRF President and CEO Mathew Shay.

When it comes to shopping for new Independence Day merchandise, though many already have all the patriotic gear they need, more than 48 million consumers - 22.8 percent -will hit the stores looking for decorations, apparel and more to celebrate in style.

The survey found 42.6 percent, or 103 million celebrants, will attend a fireworks display or community celebration, and 11.5 percent – 27 million of those celebrating, will watch a parade. The holiday weekend is also a popular time for travel and vacations as more than 33 million Americans say they will head out of town.

When asked about the impact gas prices will have on their spending, nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) say that the price of gas will not impact their spending for the holiday weekend, up from 70.1 percent who said so last year.

“Consumers this summer and for the 4th of July will take advantage of lower gas prices to head to the beach or get together with family– something they’ve had to think long and hard about in recent years with higher energy costs and limited budgets,” said Prosper Insights Consumer Insights Director Pam Goodfellow.

About the Survey

- See more at: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/americans-ready-barbecues-travel-independence-day#sthash.4vAzxGop.dpuf

4th of July Advice to Keep Pets Comfortable and Safe

Fireworks and Travel Precautions to Prevent Pet Anxiety

SAN DIEGO - To ensure the 4th of July holiday is a positive experience for everyone, Petco shares some simple ways to keep pets' safe, drastically reduce their stress and lower their risk of running away.

To help pets comfortably weather fireworks, considering the following:

• Create a quiet place so pets have a restful room or area to retreat to. Firecrackers, loud party voices and booming music can make pets anxious.
• Proactively attend Petco's free Anxiety & Calming Seminar, which takes place at stores nationwide June 28-29, 2014 at 2 p.m. Pet parents will learn how to recognize their dog's stress signals, learn techniques to help settle pets down and understand the importance of mental and physical exercise as ways to keep dogs calm.
• Be sure all pets, including indoor cats, wear current ID tags. Clear identification can be a pet's ticket back home.
• Avoid taking pets to see fireworks. Secure all potential escape routes and leave them in a quiet, sheltered area. A television or radio left playing at a normal volume can be reassuring.
• If it is necessary to be outside with dogs during fireworks, make sure each dog is secure on a leash and harness. Frightened dogs commonly manage to slip out of their collars, and harnesses allow pet parents to stay in full control.
• Don't leave dogs outside unattended. Even tethered pups will struggle to get away if startled by noise. Dogs who aren't tethered may try to dig out of an enclosed yard.
• Comfort pets with their favorite toy or blanket. Also, Thundershirts will dramatically help reduce the fear dogs and cats may experience. Hire a pet-sitter for the day or evening or ask a friend who knows the pet well to pay a visit.

If bringing pets along for a July 4th road trip, consider the following precautions:

• Always think safety first. Traveling with an unrestrained pet is not only dangerous for the pet and driver, but for every car on the road. Keep the pet comfortably restrained with an auto safety harness or in a traveling crate at all times. Be sure to secure the crate inside the vehicle to prevent it from tipping over. 
• Don't allow dogs to stick their head out of open windows while driving.
• Give smaller dogs a boost up to enjoy a clear view of the journey with the Petco Booster Seat.
• Keep small animals safe by securing them in the vehicle in a proper carrier. The Caitec Perch N Go Bird Carrier and the Petco Pet Keeper for Small Animals both allow their passengers to be transported safely and comfortably while in the car and also acts as a safe habitat for them while they are out and about with their pet parent. 

Patriotically Palette Pleasing Appetizers for Fourth of July

STOCKTON, Calif. -- The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and it's time to start planning your menu. Whether you're hosting or going as a guest, you'll need a few different, incredibly tasty and easy to munch side dishes. In honor of , The Roundup is serving up appetizer recipes that are sure to set-off fireworks for your taste buds. These dishes are the ultimate start to your all-day eating fest. Here's to you, America!

Independence Day

4th of July Potatoes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of mini red, white and blue potatoes
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Wash potatoes and place in a mixing bowl.
• Coat potatoes with the minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Grill potatoes for approximately 20 minutes, until tender, turning frequently
• Top of these delicious potatoes with a dollop of butter and pair them with a perfectly grilled steak or chicken breast!

America's Caprese

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant
• 1, 8-ounce mozzarella ball
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/4 cup basil, whole fresh leaves
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Ground pepper

Directions

• Cut eggplant horizontally into 1/4 inch rounds.
• Toss sliced eggplant with kosher salt and let sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• Wipe eggplant dry with paper towels and brush both sides of the slices lightly with olive oil.
• Place your eggplant on the grill and cook approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Cut tomatoes and mozzarella in 1/4 inch round slices.
• Place one slice of eggplant on a plate and stack with one tomato slice, one mozzarella slice and 1 to 2 basil leaves.
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season with pepper.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

• 24 jalapeno peppers
• 24 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 3, 8-ounce Italian sausages, precooked
• 12 pieces of bacon

Directions

• Slice peppers in half lengthwise, down the stem.
• With a spoon, scrape out the seeds and fibers, leaving the pepper clean.
• Stuff peppers with one slice of cheese, folding it inside.
• Cut sausages into four pieces lengthwise and stuff one piece of sausage into each pepper and press closed.
• Cut bacon slices in half, wrap each slice around a jalapeno and secure with a toothpick (grill tip: Soak your toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes prior to putting them on the grill to prevent burning).
• Place poppers on the grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp and peppers are tender.
• Remove from grill and place on a serving platter.

Patriotic Colada Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/2 fresh pineapple
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup rum, plus 1 tablespoon
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 cup ice
• Strawberries for garnish
• Coconut flakes

Directions

• Peel pineapple, remove core and cut into spears.
• Place spears in a zip-lock bag with the oil, sugar and 1 tablespoon of rum.
• Toss well and let sit for 15 minutes.
• Grill each side of the pineapple until caramelized.
• Remove them from the grill and put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
• Once the grilled spears are slightly frozen, place them in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Add blueberries, rum, half and half, coconut water and ice, blend well.
• Rim glasses with coconut and garnish with a strawberry.

Platinum 7X Vodka Cocktail Serves Smooth Taste for the Fourth of July

NEW ORLEANS -- Platinum 7X Vodka has created a recipe to put the boom in any Fourth of July celebration this holiday.

The ultra-smooth American made vodka, distilled seven times from high-quality Midwest grain, offers a taste of thoroughly executed tradition, excellent for making a patriotic cocktail as the nation celebrates its 238th year of independence.  

Platinum 7X, conveniently sold in a lightweight and stylish plastic blue bottle, will ensure all celebrations remain "uncrashable" this Fourth of July, and allows consumers more flexibility and portability while enjoying the smooth crisp taste under the fireworks.

"Whether mixing up a cocktail or simply adding it to cranberry juice, Platinum 7X delivers a super-premium experience without a super-premium price," said Tracey Clapp, marketing director, vodka.  

Careful attention throughout the distillation process insures the highest quality for every bottle of Platinum 7X, resulting in a clean, refreshing, ultra-smooth experience patriotic-sippers can take pride in.

The award-winning 80-proof vodka received two consecutive gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the vodka category. Additionally, The Beverage Testing Institute has rated it "Best Buy" and "Highly Recommended" for the bold impression the vodka delivers at an attractive price.

In a cocktail or simply chilled, the American-made Platinum 7X Vodka is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day.

Enjoy this cocktail under the fireworks:

(Note: High Res Photo of the cocktail is available)

The Firecracker (makes 1)Rimmer: Before you make the cocktail add a small amount of water to a plate, just enough to coat the bottom. Then add a layer of Tajin (a mixture of salt, lime zest, and chili seasoning) to another plate. Dip the rim of the glass into the water and then into the seasoning. Slightly swirl the glass in a circle to make sure the seasoning coats the rim.
3/4 Cup Lemonade
1.5 Ounces Platinum 7X Vodka
1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a glass. Stir and then sip!

Recipe and photo by Stefanie Bundalo, http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/.