summer

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summer

Are You Shaping Up For Summer?

The pattern remains the same for a lot of us — we hibernate during the Winter months and get ready to shed our cold-weather selves as the weather heats up.

The pattern remains the same for a lot of us — we hibernate during the Winter months and get ready to shed our cold-weather selves as the weather heats up. By the time Memorial Day comes around, we're looking for a few smart ways to shed a few pounds before it's time to don that bikini.

For other's, it's not as frantic: your cold-weather workout routine differs little from your bikini-ready one, and you're careful to balance comfort foods with fresh, low-calorie options all the time.

We want to know: where do you stand on your Summer weight-loss goals? Are you looking to shape up for Summer, or does your diet and exercise plan remain the same throughout the year?

Movies

Girl Power: The Leading Ladies of Summer Movies

This Summer, some of the most well-known women in Hollywood will be lighting up the big screen as superheroes, cops, magicians, '90s teens, and more.

This Summer, some of the most well-known women in Hollywood will be lighting up the big screen as superheroes, cops, magicians, '90s teens, and more. While some actresses are returning to popular roles for sequels, others will be treading in new territory — like Emma Watson, who's playing a shallow socialite in Sofia Coppola's latest film. We've already shown you the boys of Summer, so now take a look at the leading ladies of Summer!

Spring

18 Cocktails to Toast College Grads and Coeds-to-Be

We're headed into college graduation season, which for many means packing four years of accumulated stuff in garbage bags, last-hurrah Summer vacations, and — soon enough — leaps into résumé writing and job hunting.

We're headed into college graduation season, which for many means packing four years of accumulated stuff in garbage bags, last-hurrah Summer vacations, and — soon enough — leaps into résumé writing and job hunting. With so much on these graduates' minds, why not make a toast to your special hard worker with a party and some delicious cocktails? We've rounded up festive, refreshing, and great-tasting alcoholic bevvies for your favorite over-21 former collegians, as well as cocktails with nonalcoholic alternatives to toast grads of all ages and their adventures to come!


— Additional reporting by Emily Bibb

healthy living

BluePrint's P.A.M. Gets a Makeover For an Antioxidant-Rich Happy Hour

If you've had BluePrint Juice's refreshing concoction of pineapple, green apple, and mint (P.A.M.) and thought to yourself how good it would be in a cocktail, you definitely have the makings of a bartender in you!

If you've had BluePrint Juice's refreshing concoction of pineapple, green apple, and mint (P.A.M.) and thought to yourself how good it would be in a cocktail, you definitely have the makings of a bartender in you! BluePrint's P.A.M. has everything you want in a great Summer cocktail — a balanced flavor profile of sweet and tart with just a little something extra from the fresh mint. All it takes is one sip to be transported to a tropical beachside destination. Adding to its taste appeal are of course P.A.M.'s many nutritional benefits: made from raw, live juice, pineapple and mint are both known for their detoxing and debloating benefits.

First we set out to hack BluePrint's P.A.M. recipe for ourselves, which was a success in its own right. But after mixing it up with a little rum, we may have even improved on the original.

Fans of the mojito, learn how to make your new favorite Summer cocktail after the break!

summer

Doutzen Kroes Sizzles in the New H&M High Summer Campaign

Thank goodness it's Friday, because Doutzen Kroes's latest turn as the face of H&M's High Summer campaign makes us want to be gallivanting on some far-off shore, too.

Thank goodness it's Friday, because Doutzen Kroes's latest turn as the face of H&M's High Summer campaign makes us want to be gallivanting on some far-off shore, too. Sure, Beyoncé may have heated things up in the brand's Summer kickoff campaign, but this Terry Richardson-shot spread is all sunshine, perfectly tousled beach hair, and of course, beach-bound essentials — with Tulum, Mexico, as the backdrop. Inside, Kroes shows off a cool mix of easy cover-ups, belted and accented with statement jewelry, and truth be told, there's really not much more you need than that. A look at the H&M High Summer campaign, as well as our favorite picks from the collection, here.

summer

Zara's May Lookbook Takes on Statement Denim and Fresh Hues

Zara's May 2013 lookbook goes a little something like this: statement denim, fresh hues (both bright and light), and pops of fun prints.

Zara's May 2013 lookbook goes a little something like this: statement denim, fresh hues (both bright and light), and pops of fun prints. Starting with denim, we're smitten with two circle skirts that are perfectly retro. And when it comes to color palette, shades of cobalt, orange, crisp white, and baby pink should cover all the style-setter bases. Floral prints and stripes can be found on suits, skirts, and trousers, while another batch of sleek oversize clutches maintain their status as the perfect day-to-night accessory. For all this — plus a closer look at the Zara's signature cool-girl styling in action — click on for the complete lookbook now.

relationships

Outdoor Date Ideas For Sunny Summer Love

Warmer weather opens the door for hot new romances and rekindled sparks, so take advantage of the rising temperatures with these fun outdoor date ideas.

Warmer weather opens the door for hot new romances and rekindled sparks, so take advantage of the rising temperatures with these fun outdoor date ideas. Whether you'd like to get active or sit back and relax, you're sure to find a connection on these couple-friendly outings. With the season right around the corner, let's take a look at these creative date ideas for sunny Summer love!

Additional reporting by Laura Marie Meyers

outdoor entertaining

Goodbye Paper Plates! 3 Essentials For Entertaining Outdoors in Style

May is in full swing, and with it comes the official beginning of outdoor entertaining season.

May is in full swing, and with it comes the official beginning of outdoor entertaining season. Since ambience is almost as important as the company, here are my top three essentials for entertaining in style.

Melamine plates

Melamine plates ($6 each) are a great option for outdoor entertaining because they are virtually unbreakable, lightweight, and dishwasher safe. Plus, have you ever tried to cut anything on a paper plate? Guaranteed fail. These resemble hand-painted Mediterranean ceramics, which make you feel like you are vacation even if you are just picnicking at the park.

Lanterns

Indoors or out, candles are a great way to add ambience to any gathering. Since candlesticks are too fragile and susceptible to wind, go for some ornate lanterns ($10-$25 for two) instead. I love these for their great shape, their range of colors, and the fact that they come in three sizes. Pair the small ones with flowers for a complete tabletop look and use the larger ones elsewhere on the patio or in the yard. Rock the casbah!

Glasses

The trick is to find good-looking glasses that aren't glass. These come in three colors and have a great pattern on the outside that will hide the wear and tear that acrylic glasses ($7 each) always seem to undergo in the dishwasher. I also love that they are large enough for drinks that require ice.

recipes

Off the Bookshelf: Quinoa Salad With Cherries and Feta

At the mere mention the word "picnic," my ears perk up.

At the mere mention the word "picnic," my ears perk up. So when I was flipping through Heather Christo's Generous Table and came across a menu plan for a lakeshore picnic, I knew I'd have to make at least one recipe from her spread. Add an early and bountiful cherry season to the mix — my local farmers market suddenly became overrun with them last week — and it was settled. Quinoa salad with cherries and feta would make it to my table, and soon.

Thankfully, Christo's palate is spot-on. Juicy cherries play off salty feta like old friends. Add grassy parsley, sharp minced shallot, and nutty toasted almonds to the mix, and the result is a hearty grain-based salad perfect for picnics, brown-bag lunches, or just because. As long as cherries keep finding their way into my farmers market tote, this delightful dish will be on my table.

Get the fast and fruity recipe.