Back to School: Rock the Lunchbox

Tweet

Pin It

We love back to school in our house. It's one of our favorite times of the year, back to school shopping almost gets us as excited as that first Christmas movie in August November!

It's not hard to find cute school supplies (though it is an ueber-Bummer that C's fourth grade class does the 'communal school supplies' thing, so we can't get all her all pink glitter everything).

A little harder than finding a cute backpack, however, is finding a lunch that pleases both mom (aka: the nutrition concerned one) and student (aka: the "where are my gummy bears?" one). That's why we decided to take the Rock the Lunchbox Draw Your Dream Lunch challenge this year!



C was happy to comply and drew a picture of what she would pack for a lunch without mommies checking lunchbox vitamin level.

We gave it a look. Probably the same you're giving it right now - the one that basically says HA.

Then we check out Rock the Lunch for some ideas of how to transform the lunch into a healthy one!



We ran to the supermarket for some quality ingredients! Along with a few super handy lunch containers Rock the Lunchbox sent our way (reusable is cool, guys) we were ready to go!

We asked C what it was that she liked about pizza for lunch and she said that she liked the cheesiness and the different flavors. Cheesiness? Flavors? We can do that!



We made a healthy pizza sandwich, instead, with Rudi's Honey Sweet Whole Wheat bread as our crust. With 25g of whole grains, no GMOs, no high fructose corn syrup, and an organic label, it's an excellent place to start. Then we added some sliced tomatoes, a dollop of pizza sauce on the bread, and a slice of Organic Valley Muenster cheese, which is basically creamy deliciousness in a calcium-rich, and hormone-free, slice.

C's thoughts? Yum! Our thoughts were equally positive, because that's the kind of power sandwich a growing girl needs.



The drink was a no-brainer - we swapped the soda for a Honest Kids Super Fruit Punch. It's sweet, flavorful, and C loved it. Best of all, it's organic, free of the fake stuff, and sweetened only by fruit!

For the sides, we went for grapes instead of gummy bears (naturally sweet and tart and wonderful!), a few carrots for some extra veggie factor and crunch (with a little tub of ranch!) and Annie's Cheddar Bunnies instead of cheese puffs. They're still cheesy, salty snack awesomeness, but they're organic and made with real aged cheddar. They're a healthy salty snack!

Lastly, we rounded out the meal with some chocolate mini rice cakes and baguette slices with lentil dip to share. C loves when mom or I (when I'm in town) come to visit at lunch. We always forget to bring any food for ourselves, though! C was thrilled to be able to include a little something in her lunchbox for when one of us visits.

All in all, we were very happy with how we rocked C's lunchbox - she was thrilled! Healthy can be every bit as delicious (often even more so) than unhealthy!

What are your favorite parts of back to school?

What's in your dream lunch?

What's your favorite healthy lunch switch?

Read More...

Raw Generation Juice Review

Tweet

Pin It

Can you believe we're wrapping up summer?

I didn't have a summer vacation this year, since I moved to NYC and started working just days after graduation. I've had a lot of fun this summer, however, and have an awesome vacation planned for September, though, so don't feel bad for me.

I also got an awesome package in the mail - so, you know, win.



I'm going to Hawaii!! I'm so excited, I've never been that far west (not to mention to Hawaii, which seems like a world wonder from the photos in the guidebooks I've been obsessively going through).

I have a ton of plans for Hawaii, including trying Stand Up Paddle-boarding, taking another surfing lesson, lots of chilling on the beach, and hopefully some nice hikes and/or bike rides around the island.

The last thing I want for such a sure-to-be-fantastic trip is to go feeling any less than my best. Feeling good happens from the inside out and that brings me to my awesome package.

I received some Raw Generation juice in the mail! The timing was great, as it's a delicious way to nourish my body and make my sensitive stomach a little less on edge in preparation for my trip.

But let's be honest - when isn't a good time for delicious fruit and vegetable blend juices?

They're shipped frozen and packed on ice, which I love, because it means that I can keep them in the freezer and drink them as I want. There's no rush to drink them all up before a certain expiration date, so it's up to the individual whether they want to do a full juice cleanse with six juices a day, a partial juice cleanse with four juices and a meal or two, or supplement their normal diet with the juices.

However you do it, including adding the juices to your regular diet, they're really easy to drink (so sweet and delicious) and really great for you - it's 100% juice with loads of vitamins, no added sugars, and nothing but fruit and vegetables!

I also have fabulous news, since I'm in a super happy going-on-vacation-soon mood (and, mostly, because Jessica at Raw Generation is really nice): all Living, Learning, Eating readers get 40% off with the coupon code LIVELEARNEAT!

Yum :)

Where are you going on vacation next (or hoping to)?

Where did you last go on vacation?

What's your favorite type of juice?

Read More...

Back to School Basics

Tweet

Pin It

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brita for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Fall is approaching! This year is really flying by, much like last year. Does anyone else have that feeling, or is it just because so much is changing in my life?

I graduated from Harvard! I moved to NYC! I'm a working adult now!

Anyway, the year flew by and the approach of fall means that it's back to school season.

Okay, so not for me. But I love back to school!

Back to school is awesome. What's one major reason why?

Back to school shopping.

Guys, I had SO much fun with school supplies. There's pink glitter stationery, awesome pens, cool tech, and everything for the dorm room.

If you're just starting college and don't know what the must-haves are, here's a short list of the absolute essentials:

1) A Full-Length Mirror

I didn't have one for a month last year (senior year). WHAT. Obviously that's a necessity for a fashion-forward college student!

2) A Brita® Pitcher

Brita® Pitchers are available at Target and they're not too pricey, but super convenient. You can fill them up in your bathroom and refill whenever you need more water! It's great, because it's way more eco-friendly than bottled water - not to mention way cheaper in the course of a semester.

Water is important for everyone, including college students, because staying hydrated keeps your brain working optimally, your body functioning properly, your energy levels up, and your skin looking great.

Hey! That's important! There are so many functions in college.

3) A fan.

Most dorms, unless you're living somewhere super posh, don't have A/C. Trust me, there will be nights when you will melt if you don't have a good fan.

My freshman year fall was particularly bad, several of my friends and I camped out in the Science Center some nights for the A/C!

4) A snack stash.

All-nighters require fuel and dining halls often lock up at night, even the cereal and milk sections. Since you'er not home with a 24/7 kitchen, be sure to keep some snacks for when you really need that extra energy.

Great snacks to have in your stash include: granola bars, protein bars, cereals you can eat out of the box, trail mix, dried fruit, chocolate (for that time of the month), and whatever other shelf-stable snacks you love!

5) More underwear than you think you'll need.

Sometimes laundry just doesn't happen - welcome to reading period and final's week. So that you don't find yourself in the awkward position of wearing swimsuits to class.
Besides, awesome excuse to go wild at Victoria's Secret.

Shopping spree!

What are your back to school essentials for college?

Do you like back to school or the end of the school year better?

Are you still in school? If not, are you considering going back to school for another degree at some point?

Read More...

YourTea Review: Digestive Help

Tweet

Pin It

I love NYC and living in NYC and food in NYC - but NYC life doesn't always love me back. Between late nights, early mornings, takeout, meals out, and brushes with food poisoning, my digestive system doesn't always love my new city life.



This cool Australian tea company, Your Tea, offered to let me try their digestive tea! They ship all over the world, with very reasonable shipping rates to the USA, and focus on natural tea blends (non-laxative, there's no senna) to help bring your body back into balance for optimal health and well-being.

Of course I wanted to give them a go!



The box is already very inviting and the cute pink exterior made it acceptable to have out on my desk in my room - I didn't feel that it was an eyesore and having it in plain sight made it easy to remember to drink my tea.

My tea with my NYC view!

You're supposed to drink a cup three times a day, about 30 minutes before or after a meal, for optimal effect on regulating your digestion.



I didn't follow timing to the letter, as it generally ended up being more like an hour, but I till felt the effects!



Beyond the fact that it actually worked, making me feel less bloated and experience stomach discomfort and cramps and pains less often, even while eating out the same amount, it was also really convenient.

I know loose leaf tea is great and all, but tea bags will always win for convenience. And hot pink tea bags are a double-win.



I felt better, the products are all-natural, and while my batch contained gluten (I don't have celiac's disease, so that's totally fine) they also offer gluten-free teas. There's something for everyone!

I'm very glad that I tried them - I have already ordered more tea, because it's just too helpful not to have on hand!

Even if digestion isn't your difficulty, I recommend checking them out. They have a variety of different teas with different goals for both men and women, so you're quite likely o find something that might help you!

Do you live in a city or the country?

What is/would be the hardest part about living in a big city for you?

Read More...

Recipe Review: New York Cheesecake

Tweet

Pin It

I visited home for a long weekend at the beginning of the month (guys, how is it already August?) and my mom really likes cheesecake, so I decided to make a cheesecake for my AWESOME mom!

We didn't have any graham crackers in the house, so I used Sandy's recipe for a New York Cheesecake that doesn't have a graham cracker crust!

Of course, I made some alterations. Following recipes to the letter? Generally not my thing, I like mixing things up! Here's my version of her recipe:

New York Cheesecake

Makes 1 10-inch springform pan

The throwback Harvard 'H' is unnecessary, unless you're as ridiculous as me

* 1.5 c. all-purpose flour

* 1/3 c. sugar

* 1 egg

* 1/2 c. margarine

* 2.5 lb cream cheese, softened (5 8oz cream cheese packets)

* 1.75 c. white sugar

* 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

 * 5 eggs

* 2 egg yolks

* 0.25 c. heavy whipping cream

1) Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly oil a 10" springform pan. 

2) Combine the first four ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Spread to the edges of the springform pan. Prick all over with a fork.

3) Bake the crust for 15 minutes at 400F. Allow to cool while you make the filling.

4) Increase the oven temperature to 475F.

5) Make the filling by combining all remaining ingredients except the cream in a large bowl and mixing thoroughly.

6) Add the cream and mix only enough to combine.

7) Pour evenly over the crust.

8) Bake at 475F for 10 minutes. 

9) Reduce temperature to 225F and continue to bake for 70-75 minutes, until set. 

10) Cool, then refrigerate overnight. Open the springform before you cut and serve!

 

What's your favorite dessert?

Do you like plain or flavored (ie: cappucino, peppermint, chocolate, etc.) cheesecake better?

Do you follow recipes or alter them?

Read More...

Kid-Friendly Nutrition: Fruigees Review

Tweet

Pin It

Guys, I have exciting (food) news - Fruigees now has a shelf-stable product that's available across the USA!

While this is pleasant news for everyone, it's particularly awesome news for parents and babysitters of kids who won't poke a stalk of broccoli without breaking into a wailing tantrum. 

Fruigees are a sweet, creamy fruit snack...with veggies hidden in there! You honestly can't taste the veggies at all, all three varieties are very fruity and sweet and taste just like their hallmark fruits. 

I expected to love the Cherry, followed by the grape, and not be too wild for the carrot orange, but I really couldn't rank them. All three were delicious, so naturally sweet, and creamy! 

I loved them chilled from the fridge, especially on hot days, but they're even a great snack at room temperature. That's perfect, because it makes keeping one or two in your handbag as an emergency snack really convenient.

Did I mention that they're really good for you? Here's a close up of how good:

Fruits and veggies and vitamins...and an awesome taste! These are perfect for back-to-school, any kid who finds one in their lunch bag or snack pack is a lucky kid.

Oh, and they're totally vegan, certified kosher, non-GMO, certified organic, gluten-free, have no added sugar, contain nothing artificial, and provide 100% of your daily vitamin C content. Happy snacking!

Do you like fruit snacks?

Are you into spiced applesauce or do you prefer original?

What's your favorite shelf-stable snack?

Read More...

Tried And True Trips To Survive Train Travel

Tweet

Pin It

There are five main options for getting around when you're going somewhere further than your feet or bike can carry you: car, bus, boat, plane, or train.

We don't all have cars. Buses aren't very comfortable. Boats are for limited transit over water (and a lot of people get seasick). Flights tend to be pretty expensive.

That leaves the train. And okay, trains can be pretty pricey, too ($300 for Boston to NYC roundtrip, Amtrak - really now?).

Still, if you book in advance you can luck out and get a $49 one way for a lot of  routes, bringing the roundtrip to under $100 and thus a much better deal than a flight but with a lot more comfort and space and amenities than a bus.

If you're opting for train travel, here are some of my best tips to make it a little more enjoyable and, at the very least, easily survivable! I'm a seasoned Amtrak veteran, you can take my word for it.

1) Pack a laptop. 

More to the point, pack one that has a DVD player and pack more DVDs than you think you'll need. All streaming sites, even pandora and *cough, cough* questionable movie streaming sites, are blocked on Amtrak wifi. It's a really slow shared connection, anyway.

Don't forget your headphones - especially if you're riding in the quiet car, but really anywhere!

2) Likewise for more food and drink than you think you'll need. 

Amtrak's food is pretty awful and waaaaaay overpriced, with particularly limited options if you're vegetarian and a tendency to run out of everything fresh/everything that's not a candy bar or chips.

And it's overpriced. Did I mention it's overpriced? Honestly, McDonald's at the train station is a better bet. Amtrak charges $2 for a cup of water and forget about asking for hot water in your thermos - $2 again!

3) Bring a pillow.

This one doesn't need much explanation, just two words: nap time. If you need a third - delays. That should really suffice.

4) Layer.

Regardless of the season and the outside temperature, I have been in both uncomfortably cold and uncomfortably hot trains. Sometimes I've had both in the same trip!

Layer so you can shed or pack it on to adjust to the fickle train temperatures. Don't expect them to have blankets or adjustable thermostats - HA.

5) Pack Dramamine, Ibuprofen, tums, and whatever else you may need. 

Once you're on the train , assume that you can't get off before your destination. Most routes have no rest stops, just quick drop-offs. The cafe car stopped selling basic meds years ago because of something to do with difficulty to getting the appropriate licensing without having to be a pharmacy.

Bring your own stuff and again, bring the whole array. If you're feeling unwell, even a relatively short ride without hope of reprieve can feel like torture.

6) Hand sanitizer.

I'm not trying to gross you guys out or anything, but it's certainly not unheard off for the faucets in the lavatories not to work (or like 5 drips per minute) and/or for the soap dispenser to be empty.

7) Not much luggage.

This is more a what not to bring. Aka: your whole closet.

While it's true that trains are much more lax about luggage than planes (and even allow free carry-on or checked full size suitcases) traveling lighter is always easier and more fun.

If you do need to bring big suitcases, check them! There's nowhere secure on board to leave stuff if you're traveling solo, so it can be stressful - because even those with iron will and matching bladders will eventually have to use the lavatory.

What are your tips for train travel?

What's your favorite form of travel?

What's your favorite travel snack?

Read More...

Protein The Right Whey: SimplyProtein Review

Tweet

Pin It

I love protein bars, especially chocolate ones, but let's face it - it isn't hard to love something that's chocolate covered in chocolate with a layer of caramel, some nuts, a layer of nougat, and some more caramel under a final layer of chocolate.

Oh yeah, and maybe some soy nuggets or something tossed in there. Because, you know, protein.`

Do you even lift, bro?

Um, okay. I don't. But even as a relatively girly actress-writer-model-nerd, I can tell that it's a little off for a protein bar (originally intentioned as a health food) to come in with the same sugar, saturated fat, etc. as a same size candy bar. Sometimes more!

There's absolutely nothing wrong with eating candy bars. I do. But when you want a protein bar, you generally want a protein bar health food, not a candy bar.

I recently learned of SimplyProtein, a brand of protein bars and other protein-packed snacks that's definitely not on the candy bar spectrum. All of their products have plenty of protein and just a bit of sugar.

So, of course, I had to know - eh, meh, or oh yeeeeah? 

I got to try a wide range of their products, because they're not just protein bars. 

I tried two protein bar lines, SimplyProtein Whey and SimplyProtein Bars, as well as the SimplyProtein Crunch (I was hopeful that this would be like granola - long story short: YES), and SimplyProtein Chips.

Let's start with the protein bars, since that's what brought me to SimplyProtein.

They not only have nutrition labels that read like a nutrition label should, but they're also perfectly portioned snacks and actually delicious. They're sweet and match their advertised flavors without being cloying. Everything in life doesn't need to taste like a fried Oreo, thank you very much.

In fact, I'd prefer if it didn't. As much as I like Oreos and all.

Of the two lines, I preferred the original to the SimplyProtein Whey as a personal preference. Both had spot-on flavors, but I liked the denser, more Chewy-bar-like consistency of the SimplyProtein Bar , while the SimplyProtein Whey was more of a rice krispie treat-ish consistency (which has never really been my thing, even back when I was a wee lass).

That's obviously going to vary based on what you're into.

The SimplyProtein Crunch was my next favorite from their line, because I lovelovelove all things granola. 

This was definitely a puffier granola (definitely more Kashi Go Lean Crunch than Bear Naked), maybe even more like granola-inspired cereal than flat-out granola.

 Then again, it never claims to be granola. That one's all me. 

I loved that it had killer protein, a decent sized serving (some granolas pretend 1/4 cup is a serving - psssshaw, maybe for an infant), and nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and FLIPPING HUGE CLUMPS making it the shizz. 

Thank you, SimplyProtein. Thank you for making my Greek Yogurt-topping dreams come true.

It's also sweet enough to make a healthy ice cream topping for a protein-packed dessert! Win, win, - dare I say it? - win! 

Last up are the SimplyProtein chips, which were also delicious and great for chip lovers. 

Salty snacks can be unhealthy in large amounts (though, if I want to be facetious, so can water), so it's nice to have a healthy option that still has crunch and chippy satisfaction for savory snackers.

Every time I see a healthy lifestyle infographic suggesting swapping chips for raw veggies and dip, I raise an eyebrow. 

Sure, raw veggies and dip are delicious and sure, that's a great smart snack, but let's be real - the crunch from a spear of raw broccoli and the crunch from a Dorito are no more closely related than a drugstore bodice-ripper and A Tale of Two Cities.

These chips are great with ice cream - crudites? Not so much.

I'm not buying it.

SimplyProtein Chips actually do satisfy that same time of crunch craving. And they do it delicious and, in my opinion, more satisfactorily since there's none of that heavy in your stomach feeling after. Awesome!

Have you tried any SimplyProtein products?

What's something you've tried recently that you really enjoyed?

What's your protein bar pet peeve?

Read More...

Sugar-free Chocolate Syrup Giveaway - 4 Winners

Tweet

Pin It

Let's cut to the chase - Nunaturals wants to sweeten your Saturday, so they're letting me give away a selection of their natural sweeteners. And the best part?

Four of you win! Each winner gets the complete assortment: a bottle of cherry vanilla stevia, a 50 packet box of NuStevia White Stevia Powder, a bottle of NuStevia No Carbs Blend, and a full-sized bottle of the new natural sugar-free chocolate syrup!



You have until August 20 to enter to win (entries are only accepted through Rafflecopter below) and with four winners, your odds of winning are 400% of what they usually are. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More...

New Product: Mary's Gone Crackers Everything Pretzels Review

Tweet

Pin It

I'm a big fan of snack foods, but haven't done that many snack food reviews in a while. I know, I know - I totally dropped the ball there.

Cut me some slack! I graduated from Harvard, moved to a new city (love it, #NYCistheshizz), started a new job (don't love it, bummer), and discovered that I live down the street from a Red Mango and a raw vegan place whose cocoa pies and avocado sushi are #theshizz.

Okay, maybe that last one isn't relevant. But isn't it awesome?

Anyway, it's time that I get back to the important stuff. You know: blogging, decorating my room some more, getting back into the writing groove, studying my craft (kidding, I really meant playing pretend -> acting), and covering the snack stuff reviews.

To come back with a bang, I have something that's entirely new on the market for you guys. 

Drumroll, please...

Mary's Gone Crackers presents Everything Pretzels!

I'm definitely more of a sweet than savory snack girl, but I actually do enjoy pretzels. They mix into sweet snacks very well, whether it's mixing with chocolate, ice cream, yogurt, or any combination of the above!

I love that these are whole grain and all-natural, because a lot of pretzels are just refined white flour and salt, so there's no nutritional benefit to eating them. These are every bit as delicious (more delicious, actually, because the whole grains lend an extra nuttiness) so why not get in that extra fiber and extra nutrition?

They're also very flavorful - literally everything. 

Okay, not literally everything. But that's good, because who wants to eat bath water-flavored pretzels? Not this girl.

Instead, they're flavored by a lot of things that are delicious and healthy! Sure, there is a fair amount of sodium - they're a salty, savory snack, after all. But everything in moderation, so it's fine.

There's also garlic, onion, seeds (as we've come to expect from Mary's Gone Crackers), and spices of all sorts. All in all, a great snack for the mid-afternoon slump, a picnic, a hike, or (dare I say it?) brown bags for school or work.

Fall is coming! Whether you have a little ragamuffin or you are a little ragamuffin (okay, okay, if you're a college kid, I guess you're notthat little) it's not too early to start thinking back-to-school planning. The shops are already all on it! My little sister picked up the cutest pink glitter pencil pouch the other day.

I'm glad to see that my influence extends all the way down the East Coast to home, sweet home in North Carolina.

Speaking about home, sweet home and family - my super-smart, fabulously frugal mom is an excellent couponer. I haven't used them much in a while, but I think I'll get back into it with my newest non-pretzel obsession: the Checkout51 app. 

It's a free app that I found at the app store and you just download it to your phone, shop as you normally would, and scan in your receipt afterwards when you get home to get the coupon value as cash-back! 

It's perfect for the lazy couponer, because there's no coupon-clipping, no confused store clerks, no angry fellow shoppers getting impatient at checkout, and no need for foresight. 

The selections change weekly for what's available and you get your refunds cashed out once you hit the $20 cash-back mark. 

I'm not sure yet how it will work out for me, since I haven't used it long enough to see if the coupons offered are things I buy super much, but the range seems good, I like that offers change weekly like normal coupon circulars, and seems like it might be a good way to save a little on this crazy city prices.

I'll keep you updated, but I just had to share that with you guys because you're awesome and saving money is great.

Do you have any money-saving tips to share with me?Do you coupon? If you do, are you a systematic/extreme couponer or do you just do it occasionally, when you remember?

Pretzels or crackers? I'm usually leaning pretzels, including in this case.

Read More...

How to Throw The Perfect End of Summer Party

Tweet

Pin It

It's been a great summer and we still have a month left of summer as we head into August. I'm already looking forward to fall with the crisp, cool fall weather, apple picking, Halloween parties, and gradual approach of Christmas. But before we can welcome fall, we must bid a great adieu to summer.

How?

END OF SUMMER PARTY!

Enjoy the last weekend evenings of summer with friends, but without the stress of throwing a big to-do. A summer evening party should be fun and relaxed from prep to party to clean up!

Here's how to throw a summer sundown shindig completely stress-free!

- Invite a manageable number of people.

You might have 869 Facebook friends, but that doesn't mean that you need to invite all of them to the same Friday night get-together. An ideal party size for a tress-free get-together is between five and ten. If you think about it, you don't really get anything out of inviting more than ten people - do you really socialize thoroughly with all of your guests when you have a 50+ guest party?

Huge crowds are great for wild parties now and then, but no one really wants to host those. If you do host one of those, you should be prepared for a lot of prep and even more clean up work.

Instead, invite a small group of friends for a warm, comfortable, enjoyable party on a summer night. We still have a month of summer left, so you can throw multiple easy get-togethers rather than inviting them all at once.

- Keep the menu simple.

I'm as guilty as the next girl of an inner Chef Remy that looks at a block of cheese and has visions of something fabulous.

I know, I know - it's tempting to go crazy and try to put together an impressive spread for party.

But I caution you to please, please, please consider saving the kitchen experiments and culinary wizardry for another time, preferably one where you don't have guests and it's A-Okay if you collapse into a bawling mess of flour on your kitchen flour.

Guess what the difference between a funny fail and Failure with a capital 'F' and silent tears is?

Guests.

Trust me, no one will complain about a nicely arranged platter of fruits, cheeses, nuts, crackers, and cookies. No one is going to say 'HEY! These aren't homemade, you delinquent domestic!'

And if they do, don't invite them to your next party.

- Don't forget liquid libations.

I'm not much of a drinker, but that doesn't mean that I should forget about my guests who do enjoy a drink or two.

I'm not suggesting that you take it upon yourself to get everyone absolutely wasted (please don't, especially if it's a rooftop party or if your friends will require the use of their livers in the future). However, some bottles of beer and a bottle of a wine or two are an appreciated touch that will help get the party started faster and put everyone a little more at ease, especially if they don't all know each other.

I suggest a nice rose for the season! It's the wine of summer and you can get a decent bottle for under $20.

- Choose an outdoor setting. 

You and your guests will automatically feel more at ease than if you're all bumping elbows on your couch. Also, cleanup is way easier when you're sitting on the grass or a NYC rooftop than over carpeting.

Especially with the aforementioned rose. Are your friends as klutzy as mine (and me)?

What are your top summer party tips?

What's your favorite summer adult beverage (or other)?

What's your summer song of 2014?

Read More...