I had a really happy moment recently: I tried on my bikini and it not only FIT, but I felt really PROUD of my body. The nagging critic in my head was speechless and all I could hear was internal praise. I mean, I better get some kudos after working my ass off, literally, for the past 2 months!

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. Read More »

It’s officially summer, and this means you’ll be doing two things: going to parties and trying to fit into that swimsuit. Everyone knows Jello is a low fat snack, and vodka has zero carbs. Put those together and what do you have?

The perfect Jello shot.

There’s not a big science to making these squiggly alcoholic snacks, but it is possible to screw them up. A few miserable attempts in college taught me the no-fail ratios, and if you follow them, you’re guaranteed to have the ideal consistency.

Perfect Jello Shots

• 6 oz. flavored Jello (or one large packet)

• 16 oz. boiling water

• 6 oz. cold water

• 10 oz. vodka

Once your 16 oz. of water is boiling, pour the jello packet in and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Shut off the stove and add the cold water and alcohol. Pour the mixture into small paper cups and place the cups in your refrigerator for about two hours.

…And remember, just because they taste like candy, doesn’t mean there’s nothing inside. Jello shots are absorbed slower than liquid alcohol, so don’t overdue it! No one wants to make out with the plastered chick who’s got jello all over her face.

Parties are fun. They’re even more fun when they’re outside. Whether you’re a bonfire enthusiast, a backwoods aficionado, a raging – kegger – at – someone’s – house – where – something – valuable – always – gets – broken frequenter, or a small porch gathering kinda gal, there’s no arguing that summer puts the S (sound) in celebration.

During these warm months, there’s no Public Safety vehicle to worry about, no possibility of getting caught with a cocktail in your dorm room, and no cute guy across the hall to worry about when you wake up the next morning looking and feeling like hell. These summer perks have their downsides, however. Downsides! You say, downsides to complete freedom? Come on, as if! (I’ve decided your inner thoughts sound a lot like Cher in Clueless)

But really, ladies, there are a few things that can put a damper on a sizzling good time. That’s why Summer Do’s and Don’ts is back, freshly coated in SPF 15 and fake tanner, to bring you Summer Do’s and Don’ts: Summer Parties.

Do make sure you know the place and the person who’s throwing this shindig. House parties are much more frequent now, and the amount of people you’ve met in college combined with the amount of people your friends have met usually means you will find yourself at a place that is the very opposite of familiar to you. If you’re going to a friend of a friend’s house or apartment, find out their name and the address of the place. Get your own directions, even if you’re going with people. Be self sufficient and prepared.

Do bring your cell phone. I don’t care if you’d rather not be carrying a purse all night, a cell phone is a must at any and all parties. Especially those parties that take place in the woods or at a stranger’s house.

Don’t put your cell in your back pocket. Phone + back pocket + being tipsy + going pee = phone in the toilet. I’ve lost 2 phones this way (yet never admitted to Verizon why it looks as though the phone has been dunked in water). Learn from my mistake. Read More »