The 4th of July is a great time to gather with friends and family and celebrate.

Maybe you're entertaining guests for the July 4th holiday, or maybe you're on summer vacation somewhere special.

Whether you're lighting fireworks in your yard or attending a big fireworks show, this 4th of July, when it comes to fireworks safety, your goal should be keeping things fun and safe for everyone.

Mad Libs crack me up.

Which would be less embarrassing if I hadn't just turned over a box set of Mad Libs I was working my way through with my daughter and read the age recommendations: 3 and up.

So they're saying I'm just a big kid at heart, right?

Headed to the beach for the holiday weekend? Don't forget your trusty bucket and shovel for hours of baby entertainment. Whether you have to do the shoveling or your little one is already a sand-tossing pro, finding the right bucket is crucial for castle success.

Here are three of the best bucket picks for building it up, so you can watch baby tear it down.

You pack your kids' summer vacation with swimming lessons and soccer practices and still they're coming to you with the proverbial "I'm bored" chant.

In which case I will share the secret in my closet: craft kits.

I have a literal smorgasbord hiding in my office, some she can do on her own (and has), and some she'll be using this summer with the mother's helper in order to keep them both completely out of my hair.

Because while we love our kids, sometimes the only thing standing between a mother and a bottle of wine before noon is something to keep them silent for five minutes.

It's almost July 4th, and Americans will be spending an estimated $209 million on their fireworks this year.

That's a lot of cash for some bright lights that disappear almost as fast as they appear, so how do you get your money's worth?

Shoot them.

With a camera we mean.

Photographing fireworks takes some special knowledge, but it's not nearly as hard as it looks.

I've been shooting weddings, family portraits, newspaper photos, and of course my own kid for the past decade. Here are four tips to get great Fourth photos:

Gardens at MonticelloMichelle Obama may be the most enthusiastic gardener the White House has seen in several years, but she's not the first. The White House has seen several vegetable gardens, including FDR's Victory Garden. But perhaps the most passionate gardener the White House has ever seen was Thomas Jefferson. He added to the White House vegetable garden John Adams created, but his masterpiece was actually located at his estate, Monticello.

So what did the author of the Declaration of Independence grow? Turns out he was as innovative a thinker in the garden as he was in politics. Jefferson introduced new foods and cultivation methods to America -- and many of those same foods are now growing in the First Lady's garden.

Keep reading to find out what Jefferson might have eaten from his garden around July 4th ...

Whether you live in New York, LA, or San Francisco (or are visiting for your summer vacation), there are a ton of fancy restaurants to put on your must-eat list. What would make those fine dining experiences even better is a great big deal or discount so you don't blow all your cash in one spot.

Blackboard Eats is a new discount site that understands those of us who want to eat well, but don't have a dining out allowance. Once you sign up for the newsletter, Blackboard Eats will send you a daily notice featuring a delicious deal of the day. If it's for a fab restaurant on your list, simply log on and learn how to redeem. Make your reservation and go!

If you've stayed in a hotel for more than a day or two lately, you may have noticed the housekeeping cart passed you by.

You may even have seen a little sign in the bathroom advising you they're "greening" up their cleaning, so you have the option of re-using your towels one more time.

USA Today asked this week if this is really greening or whether hotels are just tightening their belts?

We have a better question: Do you even care?