Red, white and blue (berries)

Celebrate the Fourth of July with this easy-to-make and patriotic version of a fruit shortcake. Simply slice a pound cake, layer with whipped cream and top with blueberries and hulled and sliced strawberries.

Back story

In addition to celebrating Independence Day, emphasize the blue by observing National Blueberry Month this July. Blueberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. A 140-gram serving of fresh blueberries has 80 calories and zero fat. Best of all, blueberries can be incorporated into breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, or eaten as an on-the-go snack. Store unwashed blueberries in their original packaging or loosely in a shallow covered container in the refrigerator for three to five days. You’ll find blueberries and more in Costco warehouses for a great July Fourth.

Too cute to resist

National Kitten Day

July 10 is National Kitten Day, a day devoted to acknowledging and enjoying the wonder of these playful and irresistible little creatures. To help you care for the feline members of your family, Costco and Costco.com sell pet-related products, including cat food, cat litter and other cat care products, and pet insurance.

Here comes the sun

Protect your skin

Sunshine feels amazing, but it can damage your skin. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It contains botanical emollients, including aloe vera, safflower oil and avocado oil, to nourish and moisturize your skin. Item 1595853. Warehouses/Costco.com.

KEEP IT COOL

Ride your bike

The Titan Deep Freeze Expandable Lunch Box is great for school lunches, but also ideal for summer outings. Each bag in the two-pack expands to double its carrying capacity, and provides six hours of refrigerator-level coldness. Item 1608056 (warehouses), 100792707 (Costco.com).

A BIG, BOLD RED

From Kirkland Signature

The 2020 Kirkland Signature™ Signature Series Columbia Valley Red Wine from Washington state is a blend of red varietals sourced from Washington’s finest vineyards. You’ll enjoy the rich bouquet and vibrant flavors of this wonderfully complex wine. Item 977741. Select Costco warehouses.

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

A hole-in-one

According to the National Hole-in-One Registry, the odds of the average golfer making a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1. On March 21, 2022, Larry Daniel of Atlanta beat those odds with a hole-in-one on a 165-yard par 3 at Candler Park Golf Course. Daniel made the hole-in-one while using a Kirkland Signature ball (Item 1465053) and a Kirkland Signature leather golf glove (various item numbers; search “golf glove” at Costco.com). Warehouses/Costco.com.

The joy of reading

Books with character(s)

School is out, but that doesn’t mean children need to put aside the joys of reading. A variety of I Can Read! eight-packs of books for kids ages 4 to 8 years are available now. Item 1524969 in most Costco warehouses. Various item numbers at Costco.com.

It keeps you running

Finish strong

If you work hard and play hard, Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier (available in a pack of 24 single-serving sticks) is a refreshing way to keep your energy levels up. It has 100 milligrams of caffeine (equivalent to 1-2 cups of coffee) derived from coffeeberry and coffee fruit extracts. A bonus perk: The new Yuzu Pineapple flavor tastes great. Item 1646709. Warehouses/Costco.com.

tasty avocados

Not just for guacamole

July 31 is National Avocado Day. According to the California Avocado Commission, avocados are a heart-healthy fruit that are naturally sodium-, cholesterol- and trans fat-free. Celebrate the day with organic or conventionally grown avocados from your local Costco warehouse.