Remember when you were in school and there was a prescribed reading list to delve into over the summer? Back then, you might have viewed that list as a chore (homework for the entire summer), but now that you’re a bit older and wiser, you realize diving into a great story can enhance your vacation. Here are just a few literary adventures to embark on this season:

Pack in Your Beach Bag
Commencement
J. Courtney Sullivan

Whether you’ve just graduated or those fond college memories are a bit further in the distance, Sullivan’s debut novel will have you reconnecting with former classmates. The story follows four young women who meet their first year at Smith College as they undergo the ups and inevitable downs of academia as well as its real-world aftermath. Far from standard chick lit, this book has a serious side thanks to compelling, educated leading ladies who still have a lot to learn.

In-Flight Reading
Requiem for a Paper Bag: Celebrities and Civilians Tell Stories of the Best Lost, Tossed, and Found Items from Around the World
Davy Rothbart

This treasure trove may inspire you to sift through finds at the local thrift store once you reach your destination. The publisher of the magazine Found, which prints notes and letters people find on the street, delivers this anthology of musicians, writers, entertainers and artists as they detail unique items they’ve come across. The compilation is a bit of a scavenger hunt but there are several hidden gems from the likes of Chuck D, Andy Samberg and Sarah Vowell.

Experience the Book before Seeing the Movie
My Sister’s Keeper
Jodi Picoult

Sure it’s up on the big screen with stars like Cameron Diaz, Jason Patric and Abigail Breslin, but this moral odyssey is worth contemplating in print. Thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald was born with a unique birthright — she was designed by her parents to save her sister Kate who has been battling leukemia since she was two. In an effort to have a say in her destiny, Anna seeks to be medically emancipated from her parents. It might get a bit overly melodramatic, but the tale of a family simultaneously torn apart and brought together by a devastating illness is worth the read. You can always see it in the theater or rent it later.

Just for Kicks
What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock and Roll Survivor
Jessica Pallington West

Have you ever found yourself in a tricky situation and wondered what would the legendary Keith Richards do? Probably not, but it’s still entertaining to take in the Rolling Stones guitarist’s musings enclosed in the pages of this affirmative guide. We can only hope someone comes out with a What Would Joan Jett Do? counterpart in the near future.

photo by margo conner

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Summer, like winter, requires its own proper fashion and beauty etiquette. Whether you’re cruising the beach or headed poolside this season, it’s important to keep it effortless and fun. Say goodbye to your dowdy recession attire. Below are my tips to help make sure you’re a fashion “do” this season and not a fashion “don’t.”

Don’t over-do it with fake spray tans. Do opt for a more natural glow. Not a fan of the fake and bake? The key is finding the right self tanner designed to give you the perfect tan. Summer is the best time to give yourself a great tan but long exposure to the sun isn’t the healthiest. Look out for sunless tanning cream for a gorgeous and flattering glow without the damaging side effects of the sun.

Don’t be a victim of makeup overload. Do keep it simple. Keep makeup from melting off your skin by keeping it light. Foundation is out and tinted face moisturizer is in, at least for the next three months. Replace bright blush for bronzer and dark eye shadows for sheer colors. Try to avoid makeup at the beach and remember to choose bold, colored nail polish. For the best lip coverage, apply shimmery lip-gloss or clear lacquer—red lips are big summer don’t!

Don’t wear barely there clothing. Do sport breezy tops, summer skirts and lightweight dresses. Steer clear of tiny shorts and belly-bearing tops. Do incorporate denim and khaki shorts, summer skirts and baby doll tops. “Be mindful of the length of your hemline; select miniskirts and shorts that hit right below the widest part of your thigh for the most flattering silhouette,” suggests stylebakery.com. Another affordable alternative is the chic “Maxi,” a bohemian inspired dress that hits the floor. It can be worn to the beach or on the weekends. Take into account visible bra straps. Tank tops are nice and cool, but visible bra straps are tacky. Before heading out, make sure to do a bra strap check.

Don’t wear bathing suits in public places. Do wear a cover up or tunic over a bathing suit. Wearing swimsuits under clothes should be avoided in places other than the beach like restaurants or the mall. Keep in mind that swimsuits can be sexy but also fitted. Try to wear a full-coverage suite that fits properly. Beach cover-ups come in a variety of styles and colors, not to mention are a huge hit this season.

Don’t rock unflattering shoes or winter styles. Do wear flat sandals, espadrilles and dressy flip-flops. Store the Ugg boots and leave the ballet flats at home. In its place, sport glam beach to street sandals. Espadrilles and gladiator sandals look great with long skirts and sundresses. Socks with sandals are a huge fashion faux paux for summer (well, let’s just say year round).

Don’t wear excessive jewelry. Do look for key summer accessories. Limit big necklaces and flashy pieces. You can’t go wrong with a chic beach tote, a great beach bag or a straw fedora. No outfit is complete without a cool pair of aviators or retro chic sunglasses.

photo by nathan umstead

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What does sun have to do with it? It’s not a food or drink (not that I’d recommend anyone try downing an 11,000 degree treat) and most stories involving matters of health and sunshine also contain the word cancer – causing, not prevention. But there actually are mega-benefits to sunshine, beyond the happy, colorful glow it sheds on the universe and daunting harmful side effects that yes, we should be aware of and avoid.

For now, let’s focus on the positive. Sunshine promotes the creation of Vitamin D in our bodies. We need Vitamin D in order to absorb calcium, which promotes positive bone health and prevents osteoporosis. It’s also been associated with reduced risk for multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and certain forms of (oops, I have to mention it) the C-word…cancer. Five to thirty minutes of sunshine is needed to attain your daily does of Vitamin D.

Second and equally important are the emotional perks of sunshine. People who experience warmth and step outdoors to enjoy sunshine and fresh air each day tend to maintain positive attitudes, as well as improved physical health. The more contented we feel, the more likely we are to take care of our bodies by nurturing them with healthy vittles than to eat too little or too many foods that don’t offer much nutritional value.

If you live in climate that offers few sunny rays, a Vitamin D supplement or UV lamp may prove beneficial. If you work indoors and seldom seek fresh air, make it a point to take walks around the neighborhood. Enjoy your lunch breaks at area parks or take hiking or beach trips over weekends and holidays.

If you aren’t sure if you’re getting enough Vitamin D or sunshine, ask a healthcare professional. In the meantime a solid, basic multi-vitamin is a great idea. Even when we eat healthy foods and soak in the sun appropriately, we may have gaps. Multi-vitamins are great insurance policies that can fill them.

Vitamin D is currently the top vitamin deficiency in America, so take this seriously if you feel you may be at risk. A friend of mine was recently prescribed Vitamin D supplements and is now experiencing a “happiness she can’t explain.” Our bodies are complex and sometimes we don’t even know we are lacking in something.

Enjoy the summer, wear sun block, take your vitamins and find fun, healthy summer foods to dine on. You’ll be happier and likely healthier as a result!

Sunshine Waldorf Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
2 – 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
2 cups sliced celery
1 cup sliced green grapes
½ cup chopped walnut
Light mayonnaise, as desired
juice of one lemon
dash of salt, to taste
Lettuce leaves

Directions: Combine pineapple chunks, celery, grapes and walnuts in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice. Stir in mayonnaise, 1 Tablespoon at a time until the mixture is lightly coated. Serve atop shredded greens or wrapped in large leaves. Enjoy!

photo by Lin Pernille ♥ Photography

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Every time I turn on the T.V., there’s an ad for the newest fad diet, workout equipment, or special pill promising to make you perfectly toned “just in time for swimsuit season.”  Yeah, right. These ads promote an unhealthy relationship between you and your body: nothing is ever good enough. Before embarking on that outrageous cabbage soup diet or, worse yet, a fast, check yourself.  Is it your body or your mind that needs a workout?

Whether you’re a size 2 or 22, you can choose how you want others to see your body, and it starts with how you see yourself:

• Accept who you are, not what you should be. Ask who defines my ideal of perfection? What is good enough for my standards? It’s time to find out what you want to be, beyond what you look like in a swim suit.
• Change the way you talk to yourself. Get rid of the “should-a, could-a, would-a’s.” Start living in the now! Begin by adding “but” to the end of these sentences with yourself and add in something positive you did today. (ie: “I should have gone to the gym but having dinner with my parents was more important.”) As stupid as this may sound, over time it changes the way you feel about yourself and the decisions you make.
• Recognize your progress. Write down (and read) something positive about what you are accomplishing each day. “I am learning to take care of my body by running this morning.”
• Fake it till you make it. If you exude confidence, even if it’s in the way you carry yourself, people will respond to it.  If you talk in a low, soft voice, don’t maintain eye contact, and are slouched, especially in a swimsuit, people will assume you’re insecure.  By making direct eye contact, people will spend more time looking at your face than your “problem areas.” You may even see that, when you just stand up straight, that little tummy you are worried about disappears.
• Don’t make food the enemy. Starving yourself will only lead to being cranky and, when you begin eating anything “normal again,” you are bound to put the weight back on. When you’re trying to curb a craving, take a walk instead. After you workout your serotonin boosts and makes you feel better. Serotonin is the “feel good neurotransmitter.” Eating protein and working out naturally boosts this neurotransmitter, which in turn makes you feel better.
• Write a list of all your INTERNAL positive qualities. Put it on your mirror and read them to yourself every morning. It’s not all about the outside. Regardless of what you look like, your inner confidence is most important; it radiates on your outer beauty.

All in all, don’t jump out of the pool and wrap yourself in a towel, or worse yet a floaty.  Be proud of who you are, curves and all.  When you truly believe in yourself and love your body, flaws and all, others will too.  Your positive energy and confidence will out shine whatever you are (or aren’t) wearing.

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The recession has forced many of us to spend Friday and Saturday nights at home comfortably plopped in front of the TV instead of out enjoying the nightlife. Money is tight and every penny is sacred. Fun can still be had though, as long as you get creative. Here are some free ideas:

Take a Hike. Itching to enjoy the fresh air and springtime sun? Find a path you’ve never traveled and do some exploring with a hike or bike ride.

Free Community Events. Several cities offer free events throughout the year. During spring and summer you can usually find free concerts in local parks. Visit your city’s website and check out the events happening near you.

Rearrange Your Furniture. Moving things around in your house can add a fresh feel. Not only can it keep you busy for a full afternoon, but when you’re finished it’s like a brand new space.

Trade it in. Tired of watching Titanic? Trade it in for some new entertainment. Lots of local used CD, bookstores or movie stores exist if you look hard enough. If there’s nothing in your area, check out some swapping Web sites like TitleTrader.com, SwapADVD.com, or SwapTree.com.

Starry Night. If you want a romantic night out with your honey, try stargazing. Do some research on constellations online or find star maps at the library. Then head out to a private spot where you can gaze at the stars and into each other’s eyes.

Volunteer. Many of us forget that volunteering is a great way to spend the day. Try helping out backstage at a local music festival or art show. If you love kids, why not spend the afternoon at a Ronald McDonald House? Check out more opportunities at VolunteerMatch.org.

Cupboard Potluck. Enjoying good food with friends is always fun, but you can make it a little more interesting by hosting a cupboard potluck. Invite your friends to bring dishes created with only the ingredients they have in their cupboards.

Check out Craigslist. You might be surprised what you can find posted on Craigslist’s “Free” section. Aside from some great deals on furniture, you can find items that will surely keep you occupied. A quick search unearthed a posting for free firewood (perfect for an evening bonfire) and even a free pink golf cart to take for a joyride.

Garage Sale. It may be hard to part with some of your most beloved items, but consider how great it will feel to declutter your home and make some cash while you’re at it. A community garage sale can increase foot traffic and help you interact with neighbors.

Board Games. These always tend to gather dust in the closet but can equal tons of untapped fun. A big group of friends playing Cranium is a great way to keep you laughing all night long, while a quiet game of Scrabble with a bottle of wine makes for a cheap, yet competitively entertaining evening in.

photos by adam courtesy of lauren e. sayoc and phil romans

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