10 Things I Love About America (and I Bet You Do Too!)

Happy almost July 4th! It’s been a busy week around here at ENB International HQ 😂! Bob and I are so looking forward to this long holiday weekend!

Midi T-Shirt Dress | Beaded T-strap Sandals | Resin Shell Clip Earrings (20% off) | Teak Rocking Chairs | Teak Side Table | Red Chair Cushions (Multiple colors available HERE) | Flag Pillows

We’re keeping the granddogs Thursday-Sunday while my son and daughter-in-law go out of town, and that’s always like a little joy pill🐕🐶! Then my son and his girlfriend are coming in on Saturday. The guys are playing golf on Sunday afternoon and I’m taking GF to Avara for a little shopping! On Monday, we’ll host our big family July 4th bash, with loads of food and pool fun, of course! Bob is going to break in his Father’s Day gift!

It’s been a wild week here in the good old USA Emotions are running high. I thought it might be a good time to share 10 things I love about America.

10 Things I Love About America

1. It’s Small Business-Friendly

I’m all about supporting small businesses and will choose one over a big business any day of the week. In fact, this week, I filmed a testimonial video for Rockmoor Roofing, the company that did our new roof this spring. I can’t say enough about how amazing they were to work with and I love being able to recommend them. (Not sponsored.) Also, did you know Empty Nest Blessed is a small business?

2. It’s Beautiful

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From the beaches of Sanibel Island to the mountains of Colorado, I love it all! I’ll do anything to get out in the great outdoors. (Wearing sunscreen, of course! You know I love my Supergoop, but THIS is the one Consumer Reports found was the most effective.)

Tiered Linen Sun Dress | Beaded T-strap Sandals | Resin Shell Clip Earrings (20% off)

3. Sports

You know I love most sports! (Especially college football — but also golf for the outfits! 😂) We went to a Texas Rangers baseball game just last week. (And yes, our kids made fun of us for our matching shirts!) ⚾ Going to sports games has been one of our favorite empty nester date night activities.

4. Great Music

One of my favorite songs this year is Thank You, Lord, from Chris Tomlin‘s album called Chris Tomlin & Friends. On it, he’s joined by friends Thomas Rhett and the guys from Florida Georgia Line. The video above is from a special performance they did for GMA’s Citi Music Series. Enjoy!

Whether you like country music, 80s pop, heavy metal, or Christian music, there’s something for everyone here in the good old USA! Bob and I love going to concerts as empty nesters. In a few weeks, we’re going to see Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Loverboy together!

5. We Help Others

When there’s a natural disaster or another catastrophic event in our country, Americans turn out financially and otherwise. From the Red Cross to the Texas Baptist Men and Samaritan’s Purse, you can see empathy and service at work in tangible ways.

6. Small Towns

Maybe you’re a fan of Erin & Ben Napier’s Home Town or maybe you’re all about Chip & Jo’s Magnolia Network, but either way, the revitalization of small-town America is something we can all get behind.

7. Cool Parks

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Not only do we have beautiful National Parks like the one above, but there are also some cool, privately funded parks that are amazing. Here are just a few.

• Little Island in NYC – This 2.4-acre floating island park that rises from the Hudson River has a 687-seat amphitheater, a plaza with concessions, and amazing views. Bob and I are going in a few weeks!
• Klyde Warren Park in Dallas – This 5-acre park with sustainable landscaping transformed a former freeway into a beautiful urban oasis. The park is even with the street-level and still preserves clearance for the highway below. 
• Gathering Place in Tulsa – This 66.5-acre park on the riverfront of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma is bursting with attractions. It regularly makes lists of best places of the best places to visit in America. 

8. Tiny Houses

It’s the ultimate downsize! I’m obsessed with the idea of simplifying your stuff and living cozy. I can’t stop watching Tiny House Nation on Netflix!

9. In-N-Out Burger

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My favorite burger chain (Yes, I go about once a week!) is family-owned and has locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, and Arizona. It features fresh-never-frozen beef with no additives, preservatives, or fillers. The lettuce is hand-leafed and the tomatoes and onions are hand-cut every morning. It’s about as healthy as you can make a hamburger! The staff is always friendly and the restaurants are always clean. (My mouth is watering as I type this!)

10. Our Flag

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I think the American flag is beautiful, but mostly I love what it represents: sacrifice, opportunity, hope, strength, and freedom. Freedom is never free; most importantly, the flag represents those who laid down their lives for our freedom.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15!3

The flag is also a living piece of history! You probably already know that the 13 stripes represent the original American colonies, and the 50 stars represent the (current) number of states. The colors mean something too! Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. I love THIS article with 10 Fascinating Facts About the American Flag.

What do you love about America? Let me know in the comments, okay? (Positive comments only, please!)

I’ll be back tomorrow with a round-up of the best July 4th weekend sales! I’ve waded through so many of them online this week, and I’ll be sharing the ones I think are worth your time. I’ve put them all in one convenient spot, so you can shop efficiently and get back to fireworks 🎆 and family! I’ve even rounded up some exclusive discounts, just for ENB followers!

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