While Mother Nature may still be busy making up her mind, one thing is for certain: spring is here. It’s safe to say we can finally store our UGGs away for the season and bring out our flip-flops and dresses from the closet. With a salute to spring, we can finally relax and enjoy the great warm-weather activities that make the spring season so great. In describing her perfect date, Cheryl Frasier (aka Miss Rhode Island) said in Miss Congeniality, “A perfect date is not too hot and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket”. And she’s right. And what better way to celebrate spring than with your significant other? Steer away from the cheesy dinner-and-movie dates and think outside (literally) the box with these fun date ideas.

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[lead image via Sweetlana / Shutterstock]

Oh yes, the most tried and true wardrobe staple known to man (and woman): jeans.

Jeans are an amazingly versatile little thing: you can dress them up or dress them down; wear them in winter or summer: and find them in a seemingly unlimited variety of cuts, colors and styles.  Denim is ALWAYS in in some form or another, and this season is no exception.

Be on the lookout for denim in all forms: jackets, vests, dresses, and even shoes. Not that you should wear them all together. In fact, please don’t. But throwing in the perfect piece – whether it’s some adorable boyfriend jeans, a sexy mini or a pair of  ballet flats – is always welcome and always works. Especially when you’re dealing with cuteness like this.

Jean jackets were IT in the ’80s and ’90s and they’re makin’ a major comeback in the ’10s. They’re perfect for spring because they fall between a heavy coat and a cardi, so they’ll keep you warm without making you sweat.

It’s hard to go wrong with a shirt dress and a shirt dress in denim?  You’re all set for that first picnic in the park.  Add your own belt for a pop of color or wear it as is with a cute pair of flats or some wedges.

Jean shorts are an American classic and a pair for under 10 bucks?  You can’t really beat that.

A denim mini is a must and this one works because it’s casual enough to wear to the beach, but can also be dressed up for a night out with the chicas.

Denim shirts are huge this season and this one will look adorable worn open over a tank with a great necklace or loads of bangles. Pair it with shorts and some Chuck Taylors or flats for the perfect spring look.

So I’m slightly in love with these darling ballet flats and think they’d be ridiculously cute with a flowy white or pastel sundress.

Denim leggings (or jeggings if you prefer) are back this season and these capri style are perfect for the spring/summer months.

Boyfriend jeans are also here to stay (for this season, at least), and these mix in more than one trend. The light, distressed denim with the railroad stripe print gives them an added little oomph. Perfect for day with a basic tee or rock ‘em at night with a cami and some killer heels.

There isn’t much else to say except, perhaps, “hooray for jeans!”  Really, could we live without ‘em?  I don’t think so. And at prices like these, we definitely don’t have to.

If Punxsutawney Phil was correct this year, we now only have 3 more weeks of winter, which means we can soon wash away those winter blues and bust out those spring styles.  This year, Pantone’s top color will be turquoise, which is not only a fun, bright color that can be mixed with everything from neutrals to browns to other brights, but it looks great on nearly everyone.

And with Spring Break comin’ quick, now is the perfect time to nab some turquoise!

Here are some great choices under 20 buckaroos that’ll perfectly highlight spring’s most popular hue.

Sure, it looks like your average tank top, but that scoop neck and racer back gives it a whole new dimension. Put this on with a bright bib necklace and some skinny jeans for the ultimate summer look.

I dunno about you, but I’m def looking forward to busting out my flip flops and showin’ off my fresh pedi once the warm weather hits, and these (paired with the perfect tan) will look totally fab with shorts, jeans or sun dresses.  The ultimate spring/summer solution.

And speaking of pedis, how can you resist this awesome turquoise nail polish? It’s funky, fresh and different. Love it.

It’s like those designers at Target heard my prayers. Behold: the cutest romper ever. Both rompers and florals are sure to be everywhere this spring, and this one (notice those ruffles!) is just too cute for words.

Looking for just a burst of color?  Go for this floral cocktail ring.

Cute, colorful and comfy: your go-to summer skirt, for sure. Wear it during the day over a swimsuit with a white ribbed tank, or tuck in something a little tighter and a lot lower for an evening on the town.

These shoes will be absolutely A-dorable with leggings, skinny jeans or a skirt.

Colored denim will be back this season, so why not throw on some turquoise jeans?  With a white tee and sandals these would be totally cute and perfect for your first spring picnic, those last few weeks of the semester or even a casual dinner date.

[We all live busy lives: we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right?]

This weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season and that means cool ice cream treats, hot days, hotter boys and less clothing.  I figured that in honor of Memorial Day, I’d do a Day-to-Night Style that can easily be worn from a picnic in the park to a night bar-hopping with your buds, all with a few key extras you can store in your beach tote.

Because why should you sacrifice quality daylight hours to go home and do a complete wardrobe change? The summer only lasts so long and we gotta make sure we get the most out of it.

For Day:
Denim shorts are always cute (OK, maybe not always, but they are now, so embrace them!). I love the wash and cuff on these. They are light, summery, and can go easily from daytime style to night time chic.

A flowy tank in a bright color (like a fun sunshine yellow) tops off the look nicely, while also bringing out that gorgeous tan you are definitely going to get.

A pair of flat white sandals are the perfect, versatile summer shoe. Comfy as a flip flop, but so. much. cuter.

Wear some silver hoops with a twist and you’re good to go. (PS: Please not that these earrings are from the most amazing web find ever: 2dollarjewelry.com. Yes, everything on there really only costs $2!)

For Night:
As the day wraps up and it’s time to go into party mode, there’s no need to fret; just change your shoes and your jewelry, add a wrap cardigan and you’ll be sittin’ (or dancing) pretty. Really pretty.

Swap those summer flats for a pair of white hot wedges. You still have the casual, summer vibe going, but the added height will make your legs look oh-so-hot in those shorts.

Add a little oomph with a few accessories. My recommendation: turquoise jewelry. The pop of color perfectly compliments yellow & white and really adds a bold statement.

The nights can still get a bit chilly, so don’t forget your cardigan. And don’t worry about lookin’ sloppy; a loose cardigan over a blousey top looks incredibly chic and will draw everyone’s attention to those long legs of yours.

With an outfit this hot, you won’t need the sun; you’ll be puttin’ off enough heat yourself. Have fun!

Grab a checked table cloth or blanket to sit on and save your tush from the summer bugs!

Keep cool. Bring water bottle spray fans if it’s a very hot day out. They keep you cool, refreshed and will even help work on your summer glow!

Hydrate. If you don’t want liquor (although beer and/or wine coolers are a great way to quench your thirst!), here are some drink recipes:

Women Today Magazine suggests these fun drink alternatives:

Ice Pops: In a blender, mix any type of fruit (try peaches, pears, strawberries) and add a table of lemon juice. Pour the mixture into ice cube holders and freeze. Either stick Popsicles in them or serve as ice cubes in water to add some spice to your glass of H20!

If you’re tired of boring ‘ole lemonade, try adding other types of juices to spice it up, such as cranberry, raspberry or grapefruit juice.

If you like some bubble in your juice, add some seltzer or club soda to put some zizzzzz in your juices!!!

Rumble in that Tummy.

As always, roll-ups and sandwiches are easy and cheap, but you may’ve grown out of them after mom packed you one too many lunchbox lunches over the years, so here are some other snack ideas for the summer munchies.

Cucumber minis. Slice cucumbers, spread regular or chive cream cheese on the first layer. Then, take a thin sliver of smoked salmon (aka lox) and top it off with a piece of dill and a caper. Wrap them on a tray in plastic and pack in your basket. They are d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!!!! (not to mention, low fat!)

Bean Salad. A great way to get protein from an unexpected source. Combine chick peas, cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and some diced red onion and then throw on some olive oil and garlic. You’ll get your iron fill, plus your good fat fill (with the yummy olive oil!). Chill before you go and throw in some tupperware and enjoy!

For you meat eaters. Throw some diced skinless chicken, mayo (low fat if you feel like saving the cals!), walnuts, apples (or grapes if you want it a little sweeter) and some dill. Toast some Italian bread and make mini sandwiches for you and your guest!

Well there you have it…some great ways to enjoy a unique summer picnic!!! Pack your bags and make sure you bring that appetite…and let us know if you have any other awesome ideas.

[photo courtesy of hickerphoto.com]

It’s a universal truth: Valentine’s Day can suck, even if you’re not alone. Make sure it doesn’t by using one of these five sweet date ideas. Whether you hang out with your GF, BF, or BFF on V-Day, it’s still possible to have a ton of fun with a creative date.

1. A picnic. If you live in the Southwest, a traditional outdoor meal might actually be possible. Those of us who shack up in chillier climates don’t have to abandon the idea of a fun picnic, though. Take your date, make a few sandwiches, then grab a blanket and head to the nearest academic building. Set up shop in one of its more isolated areas, unwrap your food, and—presto!—picnic.

2. Workout.

I don’t know about you all, but exercise is often pretty low on my to-do list. It’s not that I don’t want to do it; it’s just that when I finally get time alone with my boyfriend, it’s not the first thing that leaps to mind. The few times we have done a workout together, however—whether it be playing a few sets of tennis, running together, or even getting into a really energetic match of ping-pong—have been hugely satisfying, both emotionally and physically. So try coaxing your date to do the same. You’ll both feel great and have fun.

3. Cook.

I know, I know—who wants to cook when you can just go someplace ritzy and be served a fabulous meal? Well, I do, for one, and I’m sure I’m not alone. A great V-Day idea is to think of what you would order if you had access to all the menus at all the restaurants in all the world, and then get your date to actually make that dish with you.

It might take some investigative work as far as tracking down recipes and ingredients goes, but you can bet it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than going out—and still worth every cent.

4. Take lessons together.

Have you always wanted to learn the rhumba? What about sign language or how to make pastries? Lots of colleges and universities offer special not-for-credit clubs, classes, and lessons that are both fun and affordable.

If your school doesn’t, look to the community. Almost every town, no matter how small, has community education courses that you and your date could have a blast taking together.

5. Getaway weekend.

Save your pennies from now until V-Day and then splurge on a mini road trip with that special somebody. Pick a destination (I like to close my eyes and stab my finger at a map), toss a few clothes in your backpack, then grab the car keys and try to forget that the words “homework” and “school” exist. This is a great way to make some memories.

Those’ll get you started, but I’d love input from the CC readers as well. Do you have V-Day traditions or plans? Let’s hear them!

Not that I’m complaining, but one can only consume so much brie, bread and wine on a checkered blanket in a beautiful park before the routine turns stale.

Fortunately, Jane Magazine offers some alternative ideas for a sweet summer pool party (which can easily be converted into a park/patio/apartment/street party), complete with snow cones and lemongrass cocktails.

Check it out here.