Happy 4th of July ladies!

I hope you enjoy this holiday and appreciate the day off. Whether you’re spending it at the beach, watching fireworks, or firing up that grill, July 4th is a day to celebrate. It’s a day to reflect on how we got here and remember the people that made this country so great. It’s a day to appreciate our country and everything it has to offer us, whether it be the big things or the little things.

Today though, today I’m going to focus on the little things…

10.  Driving. On the right side of the road that is. I don’t have much experience abroad, and I have absolutely no experience driving abroad but I can tell you this much: I don’t think it would work out to well for me. So yes, I’m thankful to have my Jeep, and my license, and my ability to drive on the right side.

9. Red, White, and Blue. Primary colors often get a bad rep. But there’s something  great about red, white and blue- when the three are thrown together, whether that be on the American flag, or an Uncle Sam outfit.

8. BBQs. Nothing says America quite like a good old hot dog or hamburger right off the grill. (The fact that neither hot dogs nor hamburgers were invented here is completely irrelevant.)

7. Football. I know other countries have football as well, but their football is actually our soccer. Which makes sense because in soccer you actually use your feet. I don’t know why we call it football, but I love the sport all the same. And I appreciate the irony.

6. Thanksgiving. A holiday dedicated to, amongst other less materialistic things, eating so much food that we bust the buttons on our jeans? Dedicated to turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie? Yes, please.

5. Our Youth. Not so much American teenagers on their own, but rather our collective youth. As a country. 235 years old may not seem too young but in comparison to most well-established countries, we’re spring chickens. Yes. I  did just say “spring chickens.”

4. Apple Pie. Why apple pie is such an American tradition I’m not so sure. I just know that it is. And I appreciate that. In fact, I appreciate it even more when it’s pipping hot and topped with vanilla ice cream.

3. Jeans. When I went to London in my junior year I was shocked and appalled by the lack of denim. I know America invented blue jeans and because of that we embrace it wholeheartedly, but it wasn’t until then that I realized other countries had not. I’d never survive.

2. American Authors. I know that when most people think of the classics they think of British Literature, but  America has some pretty amazing author as well. Fitzgerald. Twain. O’Connors. McCullers. Hemingway. Dickinson. Whitman. Just to name a few…

1. The Melting Pot. Yes, there’s an overlying “American” culture but part of what defines that culture is the diversity of our country. There is no one way to be an American, and that’s all sorts of freeing.

Time to turn this into a  love fest. What are the reasons you love the U.S. of A? 

But somehow I feel like I’ve only won the battle, not the war, aka, Summer BBQs. With Memorial Day just around the corner, they’re a-comin’ and with them, beer, hot dogs, potato salad, chips and dip… It’s all going to tempt me beyond belief, especially once I have a few cocktails. So in an effort to maintain what I’ve worked so hard for, I’ve come up with a BBQ Game Plan.

This may sound deep, but setting an intention before I begin my day has really helped me stay on track. So why not set one before I head to any summer gathering where not-so-healthy food is involved?

Promise yourself to be kind to your body. Treat it like a temple; after all, it is what allows you to function normally everyday. Doing this will keep you conscious of your noshing choices.

Be sure healthy options are available. Find out if your friends, especially guy friends, are serving anything other than artery clogging fare. If they’re not, bring a veggie platter, and maybe some chicken or shrimp. That way you won’t be forced to eat a greasy cheeseburger.

Load up on veggies. So you’re there, you’re hungry, you see all the deliciousness being grilled and passed around. Refocus on your intention and GO FOR THE VEGETABLES. Load up on these bad boys and, of course, have the healthiest protein possible. You will fill up quickly (helloooo, fiber!) and ease the temptation for the fattier options.

Determine portion control. Okay, you’re really dying to try some macaroni or potato salad. Go ahead and indulge. BUT your serving should be small, about the size of your palm. Refrain from going back for more; remember you are in love with your new body.

Don’t drink too much. I totally lose track of my healthy eating mantra when I get drunk. Somehow I always think it’s okay to pile everything on my plate, like it doesn’t count. IT DOES. Even worse, our beloved beer, wine and the like have plenty of calories that will only add to the count, so that’s another reason to pace yourself.

I know this may sound really inconvenient and lame, but if you want to develop healthier habits when it comes to summer parties and barbecues (and not have to skip out on them because you’re afraid you’ll throw away everything you’ve worked for), it’s best to start off on the right foot, right now.

Remind yourself of those intense cardio sessions, thousands of crunches, hot yoga classes as well as the healthier food choices you’ve made. You are proof that dedication to your health and fitness works. Stay strong and satisfied with your beautiful bikini body.

That’s not all, though. Other things start to happen to my body when spring rears its mighty head.  Suddenly, I feel randomly productive.  I clean everything in my sight.  I wash a dish instead of just shoving it into the dishwasher.  I wash my socks instead of throwing them away because they are stained with feet sweat.  (I’m not kidding, I’m a disgusting person.) Let’s just say when spring comes around, everything falls into place and I feel like a giant firecracker is going to explode in my chest with excitement.

The first day I know it’s spring is usually the best day.  My nostrils flair into the wind, I smell smells I thought only squirrels could detect (i.e. dirt, acorn stubs, wet leaves, ant hills).  My fingers tingle and touch the breeze…oh, and what was that?  Did I just feel a soft blowing wind lift my baby hairs on the back of my neck? Happy sigh.

To say I’m smitten for spring is like saying I’m smitten for self-serve frozen yogurt, and anyone who knows me knows that I put way too many Oreo’s on my soft-serve I’m over the moon for both. And how can anyone not be? Oreo’s are delicious There’s nothing on earth as blissful and perfect as a spring day.

1. The combination of warm sun and a cool breeze: This lovely mixture of weather elements allows me to practice my favorite driving activity (second only to eating Jimmy Johns while merging):  Driving with the windows rolled down and the heat blasting. It’s single-handedly the best thing since pretzel M&M’s and mini backpacks combined.

2. Twitterpated syndrome (thanks Thumper): We all know what this is like.  You see the sun outside your window and you just want to explode into a billion mini candy hearts.  You see a guy wearing those completely sexy basketball shorts under the May sunlight and you want to hug a stranger. You take a sip of your non-fat iced latte and you just want to frolic down the street blowing kisses at everyone you see. The combination of these two will put you in a thick state of Twitterpatedness. Is that word in Urban Dictionary? It should be.

3. Sleeping with the window open: I’m obsessed with this.  Unlike many people, I actually enjoy waking up to birds whispering sweet nothings in my ear.  If I could, I would sleep with my face pressed against the screen so a sweet morning breeze could wake me up naturally come morning.  I’m like Cinderella that way.

4. Community Barbecues: It doesn’t matter if it’s Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.  They all rhyme with Funday and spring makes it perfectly excusable to double fist a Bud Light Lime (I’m a baby) and play ladder golf with a bunch of amazing losers you haven’t seen since last summer.

5. Easy Entertainment: I could sit and be entertained by virtually anything during the springtime.  Seriously, I could people watch for hours sitting outside, and don’t even get me started with how long I could stare at a patch of grass.  Aside from being completely turned on by everything that moves, I’m unusually content during this time of year.

6. Flip-Flops: They are the lazy girl’s savior.  Who needs to have a hernia trying to shove their fat calves into some skinny Jessica Simpson boots?  Not me.  I want to live a pain-free, lazy, flip-flop life.

7. The first trace of sunburn: A spring sunburn usually lasts about an hour, but it’s the best thing EVER.  After sitting outside in the quad with your girlfriends drinking screwdrivers from a Nalgene, you can proudly prance back into your dorm, touch your shoulders and tingle into that tender warmth.  Pure bliss.

8. The three B’s ‘Baseball, brewskies and Boys:’ Because who can think of a better combination?  Sure, they’re around during winter and fall. And sure, I sound like a fifth grader when I end a sentence with ‘boys.’  But when you wrap them all in a little springtime gift basket and they just all look so nice in those baby blue button-downs, how can you resist!?

9. Music trumps T.V: After spending months tucked into my couch watching Jay Leno and E! True Hollywood Story, the transition into spring flicks off the boob tube.  Spring makes me want to listen to music.  Spring makes me want to dance in circles around my coffee table.  Who said the perfect spring day involves the Kardashians?  It involves Zac Brown Band and Bob Marley.

10. A new slate: A new season, means a new slate. A fresh start, an open road. (And a whole new flouncy, girly wardrobe!)  However you see it, it’s brand new!  And I am willing to believe that is the best part about a perfect spring day.

Looking for something fun and different for this Friday night? Forget a girls night movie night and forget funneling beers in a frat house basement, because if you’re lucky enough to live in this town, you’re getting BBQ AND a foot massage. Living the life.

Get more WTF Fridays here. Because this world is real messed up.

You are only a few hours away from a three day holiday weekend, ladies! Can I get a “what what”?! Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick-off to summer, which means only one thing: it’s time to get a bikini wax the inevitable family BBQ.

Truth: You love hot dogs off the grill.
Truth: Your family is ridiculous and you’d much rather spend the time with people who don’t make inappropriate jokes about hot dogs. Or at least people who make funny inappropriate jokes about hot dogs. And are under the age of 65.
Solution: CollegeCandy’s Memorial Day Family BBQ Drinking Game

Because Great Uncle Bert’s war stories (a war which he was not in) are easier to listen to when you’ve got Bud Light coursing through your veins. The best part? You can play alone and, being that you leave the BBQ with a killer buzz, you always end up the winner.

What you will need:
A case of domestic beer (we’re celebrating America, aren’t we?)
Various other alcoholic beverages
Your drinking hat

Let’s Play:
- Chug your first beer if you are the only single person there (over the age of 16)/chug your first beer if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, but they are playing this game at their own family BBQ

- Take a shot every time someone asks you if you are dating someone.

- Take another if they don’t at least feign surprise when you say you are not.

- Take a double shot every time someone asks what you’re studying and/or what you plan to do now that you’ve graduated.

- Mix and drink a screwdriver every time your mother nags about your lack of job or job prospects (“What are you going to do with a Communications degree!?”). You’re screwed in this market, anyway.

- Take a Kamikaze shot every time grandpa mentions his time in WW2.

- Pour one for our fallen heroes if anyone even mentions the real purpose of Memorial Day.

- Bring out the beer bong if someone starts talking about ‘Ole Dubya (George W. Bush), John McCain or the “glory days before Obama.”

- Take a drink every time someone says something that could be taken sexually and someone immature (i.e. you) giggles/responds with “that’s what she said.”

- Have a shot of whiskey every time your father/uncle/grandfather/brother almost burns off their eyebrows or arm hair with the grill.

- Take a sip every time your father/uncle/grandfather/brother talks about how he is the master of the grill and no one can grill up meat like him.

- Assign three drinks to anyone who says they are on a diet and only want salad.

- Put down your drink and start crying if someone comments on how much you are eating/how you should be on a diet.

- Polish off whatever is open and not finished if grandma/some other woman in your family leaves a big, wet lipstick print on your cheek when she says goodbye.

By the end of the night, your family should be bearable and your legs should feel like Jell-0. A Memorial Day BBQ victory!

[Photo courtesy of jfizz 79 on Flickr. Thanks!]

There’s a great many things to do and places to see in this world of ours.  As humans, our lives are pretty short (and if you party like I do, it’s probably going to be even shorter).  So we have to prioritize!  We have brains for a reason and that reason is…reasoning (well, at least some of us use them for that purpose: see comment about partying above).  Let me be your voice of reason as I show you all the things you should be doing right here, right now.

It’s hard to be sure of what to eat these days.  Health reports come out with a study against a certain food one day and for it the next.  Do I eat the egg yolk or do I stick with the whites?  Are pomegranates that good for me?  How many more vitamins do I really need to take?  It’s confusing.  And I don’t like being confused about food.  I just like eating it.

Everyone’s heard the old adage, “Everything in moderation.”  Sounds pretty obvious, right?  You can eat your egg yolk (as long as you don’t eat five eggs a day) and not feel guilty.  Even dessert isn’t off limits if you don’t gorge yourself.  So this is why I’m going to give a shout out to something that has gotten a lot of bad press lately: meat.  It seem everyone is jumping on the vegetarian wagon, what with all the new vegetarian options out there.  Hey, I don’t have anything against tofu (I actually love tofu, but that’s a different story), but I have to defend my meat.  It’s delicious, packed with nutrition, and can be used in a million different ways.  Here’s why you should eat more meat:

Stronger Muscles – Meat has mad amounts of protein.  The health benefits are endless and as college women we suffer from some of the lowest protein levels of any age group (I blame cafeteria food).  Have a steak, gobble a burger, or grab a pork chop to pump up your protein levels.  There’s a reason they make protein powder: it helps build up your muscles and makes your workouts more effective.  If that means I’m going to get more benefit from the same amount of work (true story), then I now have a reason to drag my butt from the couch and go to the gym. With a steak.

Guy Cred – Meat has long been considered a man’s domain.  Men are in charge of the grill, they are the ones who traditionally hunt game animals, and they tend to be masters of meat preparation.  If you practice a bit or even take a barbecue class (they have those), you will get major respect when you step up to the plate and pull off a perfect medium rare steak (instead of a charred hunk of flesh).  You’ll probably get a Woman Of The Year award or something from Spike TV.

Shiny Hair – Want hair like you see in the shampoo commercials?  Then save your money on expensive product and head over to your local butcher instead.  Meat, particularly red meat and fish, can make your hair look all shiny and amazing like you’re an Herbal Essences model.  This is because of the high levels of iron and protein in these foods (and the fat content, which can be beneficial).  So, not only will your hair benefit, but your nails and skin will look amazing as well.  Done deal.

Piss Off Some Vegetarians – Sure, it may be petty and wrong and you might not even know any vegetarians, but some of them deserve to be antagonized.  Whether their patched-up, baggy corduroys piss you off or their unidentifiable, stinky vegan mash makes you sick, there’s a sure-fire way to get back at those annoying plant eaters:  eat meat.  This is what portable meat was made for, people!  Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn dogs, shish kabobs, and anything else that you can eat on a stick or with your hands.  Sweet, delicious revenge.

More Bang For Your Buck – Okay, so meat isn’t cheap.  However, it does have a ton of nutrition.  So if you were to try and get the same amount of nutritional value from veggies, you’d end up paying more for the massive amounts of greens you’d need in comparison to the small amount of meat that does the same thing.  See the value?  And I’d much rather have a turkey burger than five pounds of salad.  Just saying.

Look Classy – Nothing says “I’m a classy lady” better than a filet mignon.  Or a rack of lamb.  Extra points if you can actually cook these things (and cook them well…).  Think about it: every movie that includes a romantic dinner or a expression of extreme wealth has meat.  Steak Oscar, and coffee-rubbed hunks of beef (okay, now I’m hungry) are all a great way to say, “I’m classy and enjoy great food.”  Trust me, you’re not gonna see any tofu casserole on the menu of the restaurant on the top of the Eiffle Tower.

After about a minute of feeling guilty about almost forgetting our Nation’s birthday, I started to remember why I adore the 4th of July so much.  I get to spend time with my family, spend all weekend drunk and in the sun, and eat massive amounts of food.

This year, however, I decided I wasn’t going to puss out after just three servings of barbecue.  So, I did a little research and gathered some tips from the masters (read: the competitors in the yearly Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest!).  Now you guys can join me in celebrating the founding of America the only way that is appropriate – by eating more than anyone else on the planet.

Don’t Starve Yourself Beforehand – When you starve yourself, you’re actually making your stomach shrink (in addition to being a pretty bad move in general).  Keep eating before the big day and you’ll  keep your appetite up.  Besides, who wants to rock that crazed, hungry person look during the family picnic?

Prepare Your Stomach - Assuming that you aren’t Takeru Kobayashi, you probably don’t eat like a maniac on a normal basis.  Therefore, you might have to stretch your stomach out to make room for all those amazing Independence Day meals (ribs? burgers? corn on the cob? Droooool).  Use this week to chug water and chomp on mad lettuce – you’ll expand your stomach in no time (thirds, much?).

Strategize – There are a million different delicious dishes (or calories) to be had at a Fourth of July barbecue (okay, maybe not a million, but close), so you might wanna take a second and think about what you really want to be filling your stomach up with.  Do you want the meat sweats or the ice-cream coma?  Pick your favorites and stick with them.

Do The Wiggle – It sounds crazy, but if you take a dance break (as in, wiggle your hips from side-to-side for 10-15 seconds and throw in a couple jumps here and there…that counts as dancing, right?), your food will pass through your esophagus faster and get all mashed up in your stomach.  More room for cake!

Exercise – Aside from being a generally good idea, working up a sweat will mentally and physically prepare you for  your day of eating.  Don’t overdo it – just some light cardio will get your appetite ready and raring to go.

Don’t Fill Up On Liquids – Although there’s nothing quite like a frosty Coke on a boiling hot day, stay away from carbonated and sugary drinks.  They’ll fill you up and take away valuable space that you can use for a hot dog (or four).  Stick with water to lubricate your digestive system (and to soften up those buns before you shove them down your throat).  Small sips while you chow down should do it – save the chugging for the beers by the campfire later.

Keep It Fun – Make your Independence Day feast into a competition a la Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.  Challenge your brothers, sisters, cousins, and/or crazy aunts and uncles to try and take the title from you.  Nothing says family like competitions and eating. And reversals of fortune.

Accessorize – Nothing says massive amounts of eating like an awesome sweatband and stretchy pants.  Thank goodness fashion is at a point where flowy, maternity-like tops and leggings are fashionable enough to wear at social outings.  That way, no one will be able to tell the difference between your aunt’s real baby and your food baby.

I’ve made it for many a backyard/patio/rooftop bbq, and it is always a huuuuge hit. Throw it on a burger, use it as a French fry dippin’ sauce, anywhere you want a really excellent dollop of flavor. It’s so easy you can whip it up in no time, and keep a jar on hand in your fridge for that impromptu summertime grill-fest (like the 4th of July??)

Chipotle Mayonnise

1 16 oz. jar Mayonnaise (makes a lot, but I like to use the whole thing so I can just pour the whole recipe back into the jar for storage, and have it on hand at all times.)
2 chipotles in adobo sauce, plus 2 tsp adobo sauce
1 large clove garlic
Juice of half a lime
Salt to taste (start with about ½ tsp)

Dump all ingredients all into a blender and puree until totally smooth. Put on everything.

Notes:

- If your blender sucks like mine, you may want to chop up the garlic and chipotle before putting them in there.

- This can be spicy! The thing that’s really wonderful about this mayo is that all the flavors are totally adjustable to your taste. Like less heat? Cut down on the chipotles and adobo sauce a bit. It’s all about tasting and testing until it’s absolutely perfect. Which, believe me, it will be.

But what to wear?

Not only is it day-to-night activities, but you don’t want to pull a George Banks and be a total party pooper (that’s why we invited you!) avoiding the red, white and blue all together, but, then again, you don’t want to be so obviously festive that you look like a walking Old Navy ad (or a pro wrestler). Thank God I’m here!

I can dress you from the beach to the fireworks so all you have to do is show up, grab that Corona and hot dog and enjoy.

For That Beachy BBQ/Poolside Celebration:

Bathing suit

Fourth of July or not, this badboy is adorbs.

Cover Up

For the Fireworks:

[The following post was written by the smart, savvy and totally rad ladies over at SomeoneSpoilMe.com]

As we all know, buying a gift for Dad is nearly impossible as he either seems to have everything or you just have no idea what he would want.  This causes most of us to procrastinate on buying him a gift, and then having to scramble at the 11th hour and settle for a gift that is less then mediocre. (Read: a tie.)

So if you that fit the description above, don’t worry; you still have some time this year (not much, but at least a day or two).  I have compiled my list of amazing gifts to give Dad that can all be shipped this week and make it just in time for the special day.

I got your back, ladies.

The Top 6 Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts:

Eleni’s I LOVE DAD Cookies: Eleni’s makes the cutest and most delicious sugar cookies.  They come wrapped in an elegant gift box and can be preserved for up to 1 week if the box is opened.  The box contains 18 cookies spelling out “I LOVE DAD” surrounded by cookie hearts.  The cookies cost $37 and must be ordered by 12pm PST on Thursday, 6/18.

BBQ Apron & Tool Set: If your dad loves to “man the grill” (or “dad the grill”…wait, that doesn’t make sense) then this is a perfect gift to give him. This durable apron serves as both an apron and carrying case that holds all the tools that Dad will need to grill.  Plus the apron has compartments that Dad can place the tools in while grilling.  This set costs $45 and must be ordered by 12pm PST on Thursday, 6/18.

Twelve Ways You Made A Difference: While you may not think that your dad would appreciate a sentimental gift, you are wrong!   Any dad would love a book that expresses your love for him and tells him how much of an inspiration he has been to you.  Each page prompts you to fill in a new message for Dad.  This is a keepsake that he will have forever.  This book is $28 and must be ordered by 5pm EST on Friday, 6/19.

iChime “Play Anything” Doorbell:   If your dad likes music and has a good sense of humor, then this is a great gift for him.  He can customize the doorbell by recording his own voice or from a CD or MP3 player.  This gift is really fun and hilarious for both Dad and all of his visitors.   This device is $89 and must be ordered by 12pm PST on Thursday, 6/18.

Bacon of the Month Club: This bacon is known as being the best around.  Loved by Rick Bayless and Jim Gaffigan, the bacon is nitrate free and comes in a variety of flavors and assortments.  Prices vary based on the amount of bacon you wish to send, starting at $40.  You can order this gift up until Sunday as all you do is have to print a gift receipt online.

Wines of the World Monthly Club: For the dad that has an extensive wine collection or that simply enjoys a nice bottle of wine from time to time, giving him a membership to a monthly wine club is a great idea.  Each month Dad will get two bottles of wine delivered to his door from boutique vineyards around the world (and all the wine is rated about a 90+).  This gift costs $149 for a 3 month membership and must be ordered by 12pm PST on Thursday, 6/18.

About SomeoneSpoilMe.com
SomeoneSpoilMe.com is your go to site for gift ideas and gift etiquette created by Lisa Friedman and Alexis Stein, two of Hollywood’s best gift buyers and gift experts.  The site offers their gift expertise for free and gives unique gift recommendations for every type of person, holiday or occasion.