Five Ways to Spend July 4th with a "BOB"

5. Finish your "to do" list

Hope the white German Shepherd takes a spin round the lawn
Photo by: Telegraph UK

Does the lawn need to be mowed? Has the car been washed? Been meaning to clear out your closet? Today is the perfect time to do it! It may not be a fun list of things to do, but it sure feels great to check off a few things from your already busy schedule. Time well spent is always rewarding. I personally started clearing out my old clothes today and plan to donate them to a local Hawaii charity.

4. Shop 'til you drop

Tip: Shop today only if you can afford it

Tons of sales are happening in-stores and online! This is a great time to get deals on things you might need for your home, for work, or for the kids. Well, furry kids in my case. Haha! I scored new discounted toys and clearance rack harnesses from PetCo in Hawaii Kai today. I try my best to plan purchases around holiday sales or when shops have special offers. It helps me get the most out of my money on things I always need.

Check out these places for sales or shopping passes:

3. Get out and play

Luck we live in Hawai`i
Hey, you...Take a hike! I mean that in the nicest way possible. Head to the beach and surf, set up the back yard for a kick ball tourney, or just hit the gym! The holidays are always about indulging in food and drink, but how about an endorphin binge instead? "I wish I didn't exercise today," said NO ONE EVER!

2. Plan a potluck party

Create and easy and inexpensive menu to serve
Round up the family and neighbors and ask everyone to make something to share. Encourage everyone to bring simple dishes that don't require too much money or work. Hamburgers and 'dogs are affordable in bulk at wholesale stores, but don't limit yourself to just "American" food. Consider making Vietnamese summer rollscaprese bruschetta, or a vegetable platter with hummus. They might be considered non-traditional July Fourth dishes, but they're simple to assemble and require little to no cooking. WooHoo!

1. Find a free firework show


Honolulu
View from Ala Moana Center.
Photo by: latimes.com

What would July 4th be without fireworks? Find a free show in your neighborhood, bring a blanket, and pack a simple and affordable picnic dinner. Consider carpooling, walking, or biking to the event since parking will likely be limited and traffic heavy in some areas.Special thanks to KHON 2 News for providing the list of firework shows across the state.


July 4 Celebration
Turtle Bay Stables
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Kailua Fourth of July 2013
Kailua Beach Park
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Independence Day Maunalua Bay Festival
Maunalua Bay (East Oahu)
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Ala Moana Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park
Fireworks around 8:30 pm
42nd Annual Fourth of July Spectacular
Weyand Field, Schofield Barracks
Fireworks around 8:30 p.m.
* Only Department of Defense ID cardholders: military members, their families, military retirees, DoD civilian employees, and their authorized guests

Kauai
The 24th Annual Concert in the Sky in Lihue
Event from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Vidinha Soccer Field in Lihue
Kekaha Community 4th of July Celebration
Kekaha “Faye” Ballpark
Fireworks around 9:15 p.m.
Maui
Lahaina July 4 Fireworks Show
Front Street in Lahaina
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Hawaii Island
2013 Hilo Bay Blast
Hilo Bay
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
Kailua Bay
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Family Fourth of July
Waikoloa Bowl
Fireworks around 8 p.m.
Be safe. Have fun. Keep it affordable!
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