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? 

Everyone’s got a morning after story (though I’m sure the girl who watched people get it on at a table in front of her wishes she didn’t) and we wanna hear yours! Send it over to us and we’ll post it – anonymously, of course – right here!]

The summer after I graduated from high school I was excited to finally be free from compulsory family vacays to celebrate the 4^th of July. So to celebrate both America’s and my own newfound independence, I went big, I went all out – I went to a house party.

It was the kind of party I look back fondly on in remembrance of high school days. There was cheap vodka, a backup keg, and plenty of top shelf liquor plucked from the generous hostesses’ parents liquor cabinet. The night started out innocently enough, with keg stands, red and blue shots (white didn’t work out the way we’d planned), and plenty of high schoolers bragging about just how wasted they were.

As a mature, soon-to-be-freshman, I was so over the same un-graduated attendees that had been plaguing house parties for the last 4 years of my life. As I lamented the lack of “real men” with my equally sophisticated best friends, the college guys showed up.

There’s always a few; the ones who are so bored to death while visiting home that they will stoop to new lows and attend their buddy’s-little cousin’s-best friend’s party. Easily identifiable by their upscale party attire (not basketball shorts), college hats, and facial hair, heads literally swiveled when this otherwise unremarkable group of 4 guys walked through the door. Sensing the air of competition, the girls and I immediately discussed dibs before pulling down our Hollister tank tops and hiking up our Abercrombie shorts and plastering on our college-girl looks of indifference (an older, wiser friend had previously informed us that smiling makes you look younger).

All that scowling must have done the trick, because a few Keystones later, I was flirting charmingly drunkenly with my favorite undergrad. I could sense he was nervous, given the tendency of high school girls to lie about their age, so to put him at ease I showed him my license (really). Once he had properly satisfied himself that I was legally 18, the sparks flew. Pretty soon we were passionately sucking face on the couch while people took pictures of us, elbowing each other and shouting “FACEBOOK!”

As those with curfews slowly trickled out the door, others disappeared in pairs, and to impress my new friend with my maturity, I suggested we go somewhere a little more private. Unfortunately, a brief (and grope-filled) tour of the house proved every door locked and every bathroom –ahem—occupied. I suggested we take things outdoors for a little lovin’ au natural to find the Jacuzzi in use and the pool honestly too disgusting to swim in, let alone hook up in. And as we made our way deeper and deeper into the back yard, we saw it: a trampoline.

Needless to say, we “jumped” at the opportunity and “hopped” right on (OK I’ll stop now). The hookup got off to a rocky start (I had to feign preference for his school’s football rival to get him to go down on me), but finished with a bang—literally. Our hookup happened to coincide with the last of the night’s illegal fireworks displays, leading to my newfound appreciation for the missionary position (he missed the show, but judging by the look on his face, I don’t think he minded).

After bouncing our way off the trampoline and tiptoeing back through the house around passed out 16-year-olds, I walked him to the door and bade him a happy 5^th of July and goodbye for what I thought was forever. He ended up transferring schools and I still see him at the library; on those occasions I have to suppress the urge to salute him.

Happy Fourth of July! Hopefully you’re reading this not too far from a grille or barbecue, because they’re necessary for today’s recipe! Your mouth is probably already watering for hot dogs and burgers, but to give your holiday menu some kick, why not include this week’s ingredient—a personal favorite of mine: halloumi cheese!

This Week’s Ingredient: Halloumi Cheese

I discovered this cheese while traveling abroad and it remains my absolute favorite to this day. I would tell you that it can’t be topped—but actually, that’s the point! Because of its unusually high melting point, halloumi cheese can be grilled or fried and retain its form, so it can be layered, stacked, or tossed with other ingredients. There is nothing quite like relishing a steamy, smoky bite of halloumi, fresh off the grill. The cheese is native to Cyprus, has a semi-salty flavor and deliciously flaky texture, and is typically made from sheep and/or goat’s milk. One slice carries about 125 calories and an impressive 8.5 grams of protein! Toss a couple slices on the grill and serve with the following companions as an appetizer, or in the recipe below. (Note: it can also be served—and tastes equally as yummy—cold.)

Best kabob companions:

Pineapple (grilled or fresh)
Watermelon
Mint leaves
Lemon wedges
Chicken breast

This Week’s Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Cheese Sandwiches

This is guaranteed to please all of your summer BBQ buds, but especially the vegetarians! (No longer will they have to settle for the pasta salad at summer parties!) I adapted the following recipe from Epicurious to include pineapple (my favorite halloumi compliment).

Ingredients:

1/2 pound pineapple
1/2 pound Haloumi cheese
1 large garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
4 (3/4-inch-thick) slices peasant or country-style bread
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
Sprigs of mint (optional)
Sprouts (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare a gas grill for direct-heat cooking over moderately high heat.
2. Slice the pineapple into thin rings, set aside.
3. Halve cheese diagonally, then cut each triangle, cut side down, into 1/3-inch-thick slices.
4. Mince garlic and mash to a paste with a pinch of salt using side of a large heavy knife. Whisk in salt and sugar until dissolved, then add 1/4 cup oil, whisking until combined.
5. Toss cheese with 1/2 tablespoon of the dressing.
6. Brush both sides of bread with remaining 2 tablespoons oil.
7. Grill bread, cheese, and pineapple slices on grill rack, covered, turning over once (use a metal spatula to scrape under cheese to loosen before turning), until bread is toasted (2 to 3 minutes total), grill marks appear on cheese (3 to 4 minutes total), and pineapple begins to wilt (3 to 5 minutes total).
8. Whisk dill into remaining dressing. Divide bread among 4 small plates and top with cheese and pineapple. Garnish with mint or sprouts. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

While there are many things about America that are less than lovable – Nascar, the current economy, the fact that Heidi Montag makes millions of dollars – we live in a pretty awesome country. And most of us don’t really appreciate all that we’ve got, like free education, freedom of speech… and Miley Cyrus.

So I thought it was about time for all of us to take a moment to reflect on what we love most about being Americans. Get your American Pride on in the comments below.

Katherine – University of Delaware: I love being an American because you can experience completely different lifesyles without ever leaving the country’s borders. Yet whether you’re from the south, the midwest, or the coasts, you still share a common bond.

Sara C – Fordham: What do I love about being American? Being able to be a woman who can speak her mind if she so desires. Being able to go for a run in a sports bra and compression shorts on a hot summer day. And Ben & Jerry’s. God bless Chunky Monkey.

Kari – Florida State: I love being an American most when I’m milling around a bar at Happy Hour and I can yell “F**K YEA, AMERICA!” Which will spark warm sentiments of agreement from other bar patrons. Not much more American than profanity and self-promotion!

Ricki – University of Michigan: The fact that I can wear whatever I want in the summer.  Can you imagine a country where women can’t wear shorts? 

Cristina – Michigan State: As corny as it sounds, freedom of speech.   The fact that I’m a lady writer who can broadcast my stories and opinions on the internet without fear that I’ll be stoned to death is a pretty sweet deal.

Brithny- Duke: I love how you can tailgate hard and throw beer around while dancing on top of a pickup truck one day, then pull on your best sundress and go to church the next.

Sammie – Fordham: American boys and college sports.  In that order.

Kaitlyn – Middle Tennessee State University: (Via Facebook) I absolutely love the cultural diversity of America. No where else in the world would I have a friend from every country, every ethnicity, every religious affiliation, etc all in one place. LOVE IT!

Alex – Lakehead University: Well, since I’m not American, let’s do Canadian. From a practicality point-of-view, I LOVE the free health care, but for fun, how about the amazing beers and outdoors! I’m happiest with a cold Coors Light in my hand, sitting on the deck of my camp, overlooking Lake Superior.

Lauren – University of Michigan: College football. Soccer might have hotter players, but there is nothing like a football Saturday.

Meg – University of Delaware: I love being American because I can eat what I want: Italian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican all in one week? I love food.

Charlsie – Hollins University: The classic taste of Coca Cola makes me proud to be an American. Nothing is better than opening a can of coke and taking that first sip — especially during the summer.

Carly – Grinnell: Honestly, I think I love the English language most–I know that is such a dorky answer, but I love being able to travel all over the world and knowing that many people will be able to understand me because they speak some English. Of course, that doesn’t diminish the fascination I have with foreign languages, but it is nice to speak such a socially valued language as a mother tongue.

Brittany – University of Saint Thomas: Baseball, Apple Pie, Chevrolet, and the fact Spencer Pratt is considered a real human being.

Christie – NC State: Coming from a military family, I guess I just love this country and the principles it was built on. Cheesy, but I’m a firm believer that the principles this country was built on is worth celebrating and defending. My favorite part of being an American I guess you could say is just that: being an American. God, I’m lame.

Lady Liberty wouldn't be caught dead in a fanny pack

Patriotism is kicking into high gear as our Nation celebrates its big birthday today.  Suddenly, the crowds on the streets look like they got lost on their way to a (slightly chubby) reproduction of an American flag-themed musical.  With fanny packs…lots of fanny packs.

In contrast to the more traditional elements of American style (bedazzled jean jackets, tie dye and reverse fit denim), people are going all out to show their love and support for this great nation. In the form of sequins. But is an American flag parachute jacket really the way to show someone, especially our forefathers, you care?

I don’t know about you, but it’s things like this that make me question my pride in America. I know this is the land of the free, but shouldn’t we be free of fashion like this?

Don’t worry about how you’re going to stomach all those hot dogs and hamburgers without a “reversal of fortune;” just prepare your body and mind before you start packing away the pounds and six-packs. I know that I’ll be eating twice my own body weight this weekend in order to get over Kevin Jonas being off the market. Well, at least there are two JoBros left! But we may need a bigger bed if we want a chance with either of them (psh, purity rings don’t stand a chance against a girl on a mission – although open-mindedness is not a bad thing, either).

Speaking of celebs, what a crazy week it’s been for them and their adoring fans! Having to dispel rumors about their own deaths can’t be too fun. Hopefully, the coming week will bring with it some things to smile about (and really smile about) in spite of all the bad news we’ve been hearing. The recession is still laying into universities’ budgets and leaving college grads lost in the job search (or just literally lost); but we’ve heard that if you try sometimes, you can get the advice you need to make it in the world.

However, this week still leaves us with one burning question that we have yet to find the answer to: what’s with hipsters and PBR?

Ahhh, Fourth of July.

It’s not a holiday that carries the burden of gift exchange, and you don’t feel guilty if you don’t spend it with your family. Is that why it’s one of the best days to celebrate? People make plans for the Fourth months in advance, which is more than we can say for St. Patrick’s day, its celebratory-drunkfest cousin. So what is it that makes Independence Day so special? I mean… other than the fact that we have freedom of speech and right to assemble and such.

1. Fireworks.

They appeal to everyone. The rebels can light stuff on fire and blow things up. The artists can appreciate the colorful patterns of light against a midnight sky. And the lovers can tell themselves it’s okay if they just did it in a park on a blanket. Fireworks and Fourth of July are like Mistletoe and Christmas. They just aren’t as cool if you pick the wrong day.

2. Hot Dogs.

Am I the only one that kind of thinks Joey Chestnut is hot? Or the only person who has the SNL Saturday TV Funhouse featuring Takero Kobayashi bookmarked? Seriously, my inner fat kid can live vicariously through these competitive eaters. It’s like rubbernecking a bad car crash — you can’t help but cheer when 90-something-pound Sonja Thomas proceeds to chomp 8 hot dogs in about 15 seconds. Sonja, your metabolism is the kind of freedom every girl wishes for this Fourth of July.

3. Bank Holidays.

This year, the 4th occurs on a Saturday. My office is having a half day on the 2nd, and a full day off on the third. That’s a 3 1/2 day weekend, all because we gained our independence from the Brits a couple hundred years ago. Score! Many of us that do have to work can rest assured that we’re getting time and a half, and a lot of places have extended their patriotic holiday to include closings on Monday the 6th. Awesome!

4. Bikinis.

Really, the 4th is the only summer holiday. Sure, if you live some place with consistent warm weather, like California, Florida, or Hawaii, you can have pool parties and cookouts whenever you like. But even if it is nice weather year-round, can you really justify a bathing suit at Christmas dinner? Whether you’re having a party or a family get-together on the fourth, you can express your independence in a string bikini and get away with it this weekend

5. Colored booze.

For St. Pat’s, they dye the beer green. BFD. For the fourth, you have a plethora of options, especially since there are THREE patriotic colors. From red strawberry daiquiris to blue Electric Iced Teas, you can mask your social drinking problem and look festive all at once! A lot of barbecues will be supplying cherry and blueberry Jell-O shots for the occasion, or just swing back a PBR and boast that you’re a true, red-blooded American.

If these aren’t enough reason to love the fourth, then I suggest you flip on TBS — hello, Independence Day is bound to be playing on repeat. Not only can you get your daily dose of Will Smith, but you can repeat the line “Welcome to Earf” until it’s just not funny anymore.

What type of independence are you celebrating this year?

Welcome to July. After the 4th (chock full of parties, fireworks, barbecues, and every imaginable type of food on a stick) the rest of the month is sorta meh. It’s the middle of the summer, there is not much to do and you’re counting down the days until you’re back on campus.

Well stop counting. July just might be the most underrated month of the year. There are tons of things to celebrate besides our independence, namely the fact that it’s National Ice Cream Month. So grab a tub of Edy’s and let’s rock out with our…er…well, let’s enjoy the month of July.

July 4th- DUH.

Celebrate it with your favorite dogs – corn dogs and hot dogs, I mean. Enjoy the fireworks, but be careful because (not ironically) it’s Fireworks Safety Month. Not that it needs to be – the fear of blowing your hand off should be enough to keep you away from those shady shacks hawking cherry bombs on the side of a dirt road.

July 8th – Video Games Day

For my brother, every day is video games day, but at least today he has an excuse. Pick up the Xbox, Wii, or old-school Nintendo controller and unleash your inner child. Duck Hunt, anyone?

July 11th – Cheer Up The Lonely Day

There are bound to be people suffering from the lonelies mid-summer, so show them that you care. Bring a smile to a friend’s face with an e-card or a picnic and just cheer the blues away.

July 13th – National French Fries Day

Uh, need I say more? But before you start cramming those oily, fried, greasy faux-potatoes in your mouth, maybe you should watch that new movie Food, Inc. first. Or at least read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser (or watch the movie). I guarantee you’ll never look at those Golden Arches the same way again. And if you still wanna eat some fries but don’t wanna give up your bikini bod, try a healthier version of your favorite salty snack.

July 19th – Anniversary of the First Women’s Right Convention

Thank you Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony for everything you’ve done for us. GO WOMEN!

July 20th – Moon Day

Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon this day in 1969 and finally squashed those myths revolving around cheese and little green aliens. It’s not the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival quite yet, but have some moon cake anyway while you grab a boy (or some friends) and enjoy some star gazing.

Sometimes, I have to admit, I feel defective. People I hardly know forward me e-mails about supporting U.S. troops and flying American flags proudly, and I quietly delete them. It’s not that I hate my country. It’s just that I’ve never really felt any affection for it . . . until now.

I’m not about to get up on a soapbox and give some grand speech about how Barack Obama is The Chosen One or how a liberal president makes everything better. But even when I set aside my political views and think about where our country is now, I still feel kind of inspired. For the first time in my life, I feel as if things could be steady and reasonable. I feel we have a leader who is working toward security and happiness and who is competent in the best way possible. In short, I feel we have a leader who cares.

I’m fine with people who don’t feel that way, and I’m well aware that Obama’s presidency could be a disaster—it is still the early days, of course. But to borrow a politician’s turn of phrase, it seems as if there’s hope out there. Now, when I think about American troops, I feel that they’re actually fighting for something. They’re fighting to defend a country in which I finally take pride. It’s a completely alien feeling for me, and I’m still getting used to it. I’ve never felt any connection with America, but that’s changing . . . gradually.

So for now, I feel proud. When I think about the Fourth of July this Saturday, it actually has meaning for me. Sure, I’ll go to the usual barbecues and watch the fireworks (which are on July 3rd in my town—WTF?), but there will be something buzzing beneath the surface for me as well. This holiday, which has never had any meaning for me before, finally will. And that’s pretty cool.

This month’s Cosmo

And, of course, some semi-misguided advice…
This month’s “Get Him to Kiss and Makeup” bypassed the easiest ways to get your boyfriend to forgive you (lingerie, dinner, hypnotism) and found four surefire ways to earn redemption for anything short of “cheating on him with his brother in their parents’ bed while his dog watched.” For the most part, decent ideas, but Cosmo always finds a way to work in the darndest things…

Give Him Room

Cosmo Says: Even if you want to talk things out, let your man blow off some steam by going out with the guys. “That’s how guys multitask.”

Kari Says: Alright, I can understand this. Sometimes I just need a little time alone to sulk, scream, or commiserate with the girls, but watch the expiration date on that time apart. Allowing too much time to pass before apologizing and discussing can create tension, allow anger to steep, or at the very least will earn you some bad-mouthing to his friends. Give him some time to calm down, but don’t go to bed still angry.

Don’t Out-Argue Him

Cosmo Says: Even if you can logically prove you deserve forgiveness, don’t. Bringing up a time when he screwed up and you forgave him will only distract and annoy. Also, we’ll forgive you when we’re ready, but it shouldn’t take too long.

Kari Says: See?! He just doesn’t need that much time alone. But enough of me proving I’m right, that would just clash with this Cosmo tip, which I happen to wholeheartedly agree with. If Cosmo (and life) has taught me anything, it’s that women are far superior verbal warriors than our male counterparts. So outwitting him when he’s already pissed off at whatever I just did probably wouldn’t be the smartest idea. Good looks, Cosmo.

Stroke His Ego

Cosmo Says: “Guys are never immune to compliments. Doing or saying something that makes him feel good not only, well, makes him feel good, but it also reminds him why it’s way better when he’s not mad at you.”

Kari Says: First of all, I’m a little disappointed in the lack of innuendo that could have been used in a paragraph with the word “stroke” in the title. Anyways, when it comes to boyfriends, they’d prefer to be literally buttered up rather than metaphorically. A well placed compliment after you’ve made up is a good way to ensure forgiveness, but not a good way to earn it. Telling him how smart, handsome or funny he is won’t go over as well if you’re arguing; it will make him feel like you’re trying to distract him from the situation at hand.

Be Tough On Yourself

Cosmo Says: “We don’t want you to beat yourself up—unless you’re doing it for our benefit.” Crocodile tears pair nicely with this, but keep that advice on the low.

Kari Says: I definitely think that when apologizing you should own up to your mistake without making excuses, but a dramatic monologue about how horrible it made you feel will only detract from your boyfriend’s feelings about the issue. Make the focus of your apology why you’re sorry you hurt him and what you can do to make him feel better; your selflessness will go a lot farther than belittling yourself. And yes, just like getting out of a speeding ticket, tears do help.

So what do you think? Have you ever used any of this advice to earn forgiveness? What do you do to make up after a big screw-up?