It seems that every year, around this time of year- the time between Memorial Day and Independence Day, our minds and hearts are turned to increased patriotism. This year, with the political climate and the increasing cultural globalization it can be hard to remember the what this whole “America” thing was all about in the first place.
Instead of focusing on the things we don’t agree with, the negative, today we wanted to think about the positive. We wanted to think about what our own individual American Dreams are and what the American Dream means today.
AMERICAN DREAM
By definition the American Dream is a “national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (Democracy, Rights, Liberty, Opportunity, and Equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.[1]”
How beautiful is that sentiment?! While I know we have a long way to go, and our country is far from perfect, having lived abroad I have an appreciation for some of the things we have done right. Allowing people to pursue THEIR own American Dream is one of them.
The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that “all men are created equal” with the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Let’s pause to remember that it doesn’t say anything about race, nationality, socioeconomic status, sexual preference. (Today, this also means women)!
American Dreamer Tee Shirt (FREE Friday)
What Is Your American Dream?
We wanted to explore what the American Dream means to others, in real life application and not just the text book definition. So we posed this question to some lovely friends, and of course we combined it with some fun fashion! Take a peek:
What’s my American Dream? Well I have many, but something that I have always dreamt about and has been on my bucket list, was to own a home.
Whenever my husband and I would talk about our future and talk about when we would see ourselves having children, something that was very important to my husband Justin and I was that we had a home. Somewhere to call ours, something that we can grow into and start making some amazing memories in, something that we have as an investment and somewhere to call home.
Buying a home is a process for sure and with this fast moving sellers market we had to move FAST! I was on a layover at LAX and saw the link for this house online, we went to see it right after I landed at almost 9 at night and we placed our offer in the next morning.
We were the 5th offer in 4 days of it being listed and I am absolutely convinced it was meant to be ours. We moved in May 20th and I have had a blast decorating! It has been so much fun to see everything in my head come to life room by room. This week I took you guys on a tour of my Living Room and how I decorated on a budget! Go check out my Living Room Decor and let me know what you think. Everyday I am working towards my goals and dreams, and I am very proud of achieving this dream!
~Deynece
Awe-inspiring force of nature and its mind blowing creations! An American dream is to travel the world and see all that nature has created, one place at a time!! What’s your American dream? #simplystyledjune #americandream
@SVEETESKAPES
For Fashion Friday Tomorrow, June 10th, the darling American Dreamer shirt we are wearing in these photos is FREE with any $30 purchase & FREE SHIPPING!!
For Fashion Friday Tomorrow, June 10th, the darling American Dreamer shirt we are wearing in these photos is FREE with any $30 purchase & FREE SHIPPING!!
Livin the American Dream people for #simplystyledjune ???????? needed a coffee run this AM because I ran out of K Cups ???? the horror ????????
@tay.andco
“A woman caring for her children; a woman striving to excel in the private sector; a woman partnering with her neighbors to make their street safer; a woman running for office to improve her country - they all have something to offer, and the more our societies empower women, the more we receive in return.” These words are actually from Queen Rania of Jordan. Someone who is NOT American, but someone who fights everyday to bring the rights that I enjoy every day. When I think of how obnoxious taxes might be, the healthcare system, the poor maternity support, etc. I am reminded that we have made HUGE strides in this country for equal treatment for all.
And just because other’s have it worse than we do, doesn’t mean we give up or settle with where we are at. No, it means we CAN and SHOULD continue to strive for a better world. Just like our mother’s fought to break the glass ceiling, just like our grandmother’s fought for the right to vote and just like the founding fathers dreamed of, and fought for, a free country. A country where we are all given the opportunity of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We need to be vigilant in both the appreciation of, and the efforts for, equal rights for all.
My American Dream is that my children are free to pursue their dreams, pursue their happiness and that they grow up wanting others to have theirs as well.
~Melissa
FREE BBQ Printable Invite
What better way to celebrate the 4th of July and summertime than a BBQ!? The perfect place to wear all the cute Americana inspired fashion.
We’ve got a printable invite just for you! Download the blank version and put in your own deets!
You can click the image and a blank version of this invite will be ready for download!
For Fashion Friday Tomorrow, June 10th, the darling American Dreamer shirt we are wearing in these photos is FREE with any $30 purchase & FREE SHIPPING!!
*Please note, the FREE shirt will be offered with a pop-up upon checkout with any purchase that is $30 or more. This offer is not valid with any other coupon code or promotion. Limit one shirt per order/customer. Only one free shirt will ship per order. We will ensure that each qualified order receives the free t-shirt.*
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