With the unofficial kickoff to Summer upon us, we have beach reads on the brain! In time for Memorial Day, here are three new page-turners that will keep your mind off the office while you enjoy the sun and sand. From a book of bite-size and hilarious essays to a much-anticipated sequel about a certain devil who wears Prada, here are the books to pack along.
With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, we're ready for the long, lazy days of basking in the sun over the coming months. So as we soak up the warm weather and daydream in our offices about diving headfirst into the refreshing waters of an ocean, lake, or pool, get in the mood for the skin-baring season with these vintage Summer ads for bikinis, cold beverages, sunscreen, and more. Check out how women back in the day enjoyed their hot Summer days — from their pointy-chested bikinis to their Summer flings — now!
When you've written as many books as Martha Stewart has (she's up to a whopping 77 by her own count), finding ways to add something new can be a challenge. But at a recent round table we attended with the doyenne of American entertaining, Stewart told us that readers can still learn a lot from her cookbook Martha's American Food: A Celebration of Our Nation's Most Treasured Dishes, From Coast to Coast
In it, Stewart gives a regional overview of what makes American food so special and includes recipes for everything from Indiana succotash to New York cheesecake. "American cooking is really an amalgamation of all the world's cuisines because we're the quintessential melting pot," she told us last week. "This book kind of incorporates by region what all those foods are."
So what sets this book apart from the rest of Stewart's oeuvre? Keep reading to find out.
Slather on the lotion! If you thought the breast vs. bottle debate was polarizing, wait until you talk to fellow playground moms about sunscreen. Though lotions and sticks protect little ones' skin from cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays, doctors advise new mamas to use physical barriers — SPF clothing, umbrellas, and shades — rather than lotions on babies younger than 6 months old.
Once tots reach the six-month mark, keep them protected from the sun without harming them in other ways. The Environmental Working Group just released its recommendations for the best sunscreens for tots — seeking out products that do not contain potential hormone disruptors. The group recommends staying away from spray-on lotions and powders, as well as those containing oxybenzone or vitamin A. Tops on their list are sunscreens using zinc or titanium for the best UVA/UVB protection without the use of such harmful chemicals. Click through to see 10 of their top picks (which includes many that can be found at your local drugstore — not just at specialty stores).
It's still technically Spring, but given how April showers have quickly passed into sunny May days, now's the perfect time to head to the outdoors and fire up the grates for a pre-Summer cookout.
You could go for the classic sides — or just grab bags of your favorite chips — but putting in some extra effort won't go unnoticed by all your guests who are looking forward to what you'll be heating up on the grill! Click through to check out eight less-conventional sides that will have everyone impressed.
We know you're spending plenty of time getting your body bikini ready with healthy food and fun workouts. While taking note of these tips to make bathing suit shopping easier is a great start, being equipped with as many tools as possible will help you feel confident before running around on the beach. In case you're concerned about unnecessary extra bloat before you rock your bikini, here are six foods to avoid right before you hit the beach.
Carbonated drinks: While you've hopefully taken the initiative to say goodbye to soda for good, sparkling water can be a decent substitute if you can't get enough of those bubbles. With that said, it's best to avoid any carbonated drinks before you hit the beach to steer clear of unnecessary belly bulge or gas.
Salt: Supersalty foods or added salt don't necessarily make you gassy, but they definitely make you retain water. Even though those cantina chips and salsa may seem like the ideal prebeach grub, opt for something with lower levels of sodium to help you feel your best before you head to the ocean.
Cruciferous veggies: They're great foods for long-term weight loss, but if there's one time not to chow down on a heaping helping of broccoli, cabbage, or kale, it's right before you hit the beach! These veggies contain a complex sugar called raffinose that's known to cause some lovely bloat.
Keep reading for three more foods to avoid before the beach.
Work it, mamas-to-be! For expectant mamas heading into the Summer season, swimwear selection is always top of mind. Fifty percent of POPSUGAR Moms readers showed off their burgeoning bellies in a bikini while pregnant — and they're not alone. Take a look at some of our favorite expectant celebs who also sported two-piece bathing suits while playing in the sun.
Whether you're a denim loyalist or just on the hunt for the perfect pair of cutoffs, you've come to the right place. But as a warning, this season's play on bold prints isn't for the faint of heart, nor are the cool-girl takes on ultradistressed silhouettes. For the casual dresser, the tomboy short is ideal for the laziest days of Summer. And if you're already riding the '90s throwback wave, then why not embrace the overalls revival while you're at it? Edgier moto vests, fresh pastel skinnies, and a totally new interpretation on patchwork can only mean one thing: the denim lover will be well stocked this Summer. See — and shop — all the standout denim, or choose a key trend below.
Embellished
The Tomboy Short
Patchwork
The Denim Dress
Stripes
The Denim Shirt
Bold Prints
Distressed
Overalls
Pastels
The Moto Motif
— Additional reporting by Leah Melby
Love an anything-but-beef burger? At Sutter Home Winery's Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest this past weekend, contestants submitted alternative burger recipes for a chance to win $15,000. These five finalists flew to Napa Valley to cook their alternative burgers (including pork, salmon, and lamb) in front of the judges. Take a look and get inspired to cook something other than beef!
If you think a fruit salad just involves chopping up a bunch of fruit into a bowl, think again! Make a stunning fruit salad by prepping and seasoning the fruit as shown in the video. Following these tips will illustrate the difference between a decent and absolutely delectable fruit salad.
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