FitSugar

5 Cool Camps For Adventurous Kids

Natasha Dantzig — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:42:13 PST

Ninety-two days until Summer! The dog days of Summer may seem far off, but that last school bell will ring before you know it and mama needs something to keep the kids occupied while class is out of session. Keep reading for five extra awesome Summer camps for curious tots.

Braised Chicken With Tomatoes: Perfect For Between Seasons

Susannah Chen — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:45:25 PDT

This month, I've shifted my focus from Summer cookout food to something a little more soothing, but amidst a San Francisco Indian Summer, I'm not quite ready to plunge into full-blown Fall fare just yet. So in addition to treasuring those timeless staples, I've also looked for recipes that fall (pardon the pun) right in between those two seasons. One such gem is this slow-cooked dish of chicken with fresh tomatoes.

It incorporates the sunny flavor of Early Girl tomatoes with the reassuring tenderness of chicken braised in its own stock. Lighten it up with skinless chicken breast, swap out the sage for tarragon or basil, or use cherry or heirloom tomatoes instead. The result is a sumptuous main meal that's fantastic over grits, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Savor the in-between moment when you keep reading.

In Season: Okra

Susannah Chen — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:22:23 PDT

Today at the farmers market, the okra looked so fresh that I simply had to buy some. Right now is the perfect time to purchase a seasonal ingredient like okra, which is only available through early Fall. The folks at Padao Farms, the stand where I got the beloved green pods, gave me a few tips for picking the vegetable. Keep reading to get pointers for selecting okra.

Food Preserving Facts: Do You Have Them in the Can?

Susannah Chen — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:04:41 PDT

For every minute that I cling more desperately to the idea of Summer produce, I can feel it further slipping away. My soon-to-be saving grace? A frenzy of food preservation as the days get shorter and the nights grow colder. Who knows; perhaps I'll host a canning and pickling party or make a fruit jam of my own!

But before I share ideas and recipes with you, I want to find out just how versed you are on food preservation. One of the best-known methods of treating food is heat processing, or forming airtight seals around food in jars - but there's also fermenting, jellying, pickling, salting, and curing. Do you have the basics in the can? Let's find out when you take this quiz!

Take the Quiz

Picture It: A Labor Day Parade

Annie Scudder — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:00:17 PDT

A festively dressed woman takes a break during the West Indian-American Day Parade yesterday, in Brooklyn. Two million spectators were expected at the annual Carnival-like event held on Labor Day each year to celebrate Caribbean culture. Unfortunately, violence amid the festivities meant it wasn't a happy holiday for all, but the over-the-top music, food, and outfits made it a fun day for most. See some more photos of the costumes and revelry now.

Kiss Summer Goodbye With Cute Music Festival Couples

Tara Sharp — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:49:23 PDT

Summer is coming to a close, so now's the time to enjoy some jams and soak up those last sunny rays at the seasonal music festivals wrapping up over the next few weeks.

Whether you go with a new boyfriend, bring along a longtime love, or meet a new guy in the beer line, there's something about the music, booze, and sun of a Summer fest that sets the mood for romance. Let's look back at some of the cute couples we've spotted smooching, snuggling, and dancing at the fests that have taken place - rain or shine - all over the world these past few months. Get inspired for some end-of-Summer lovin' now!

5 Ways to Heat Up Your End of Summer Romance

TresSugar — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:30:14 PDT

Nothing's more seasonably appropriate than a Summer fling. But with Labor Day here, the sun is setting on this romantic time of year. Whether you're in a long-term relationship that's seen many Summers, or in the midst of a budding romance, check out five ways to keep Summer lovin' hot for as long as possible.

Skip PJs on a warm night: When night falls on one of the few scorchers we inevitably have left, make it a sexy occasion by sleeping next to your partner sans clothes.
Take a weekend road trip: Even if you don't have time to take off work, skip town with your guy before the season of vacation ends. You can spend a night at a bed and breakfast or make a day trip to the beach.
Go on late-night walks: The days are only getting shorter, so appreciate the long days of Summer by taking a romantic evening walk with your man. It can be around the block after work, or around town after a run to your favorite ice cream spot. A hand-in-hand stroll is the perfect way to disconnect from everyday stresses and connect with each other.
See a movie at the drive-in: While you watch a movie from the privacy of your own car, no one will interrupt your make out session or tell you to pipe down as you make flirty jokes.
Take an outdoor nap: Whether it's in your backyard hammock or on a blanket in a park, take advantage of the pleasant weather and Summer smells with an outdoor cuddle session.

Do you have any ideas to add?

Source: Flickr User Foxtongue

Tell Us Your Summer Love Story

Tara Sharp — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 PDT

It's Labor Day, which means it's time to reminisce about this Summer's best moments and other sunny seasons past before we cozy up to Fall. And if there's one thing that could have given you a Summer to remember, it's a steamy romance! There are all types of Summer romances, from a hot and heavy fling to the beginning of a long-term relationship. It was during the post-college-graduation warm months years ago that I first became friends with and then fell in love with my husband-to-be, so sun-kissed skin and poolside sunbathing will always bring me back to the early days of our relationship. There's just something romantic about the Summer!

Whether it was short and sweet or led to a walk down the aisle, have you ever had a Summer love story? Share it in the comments!

Heidi Klum Wishes She Could Sunbathe Topless in America

Annie Scudder — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:00:54 PDT

Heidi Klum confessed she likes to sunbathe topless last night on The Tonight Show. The supermodel reminded us that she is European after all, explaining that she brings more bathing suit bottoms than tops on vacations - except when she comes to America. While Heidi once tried to go topless in Phoenix, hoping to avoid tan lines, she found herself in trouble. Jay Leno couldn't help himself, making sometimes uncomfortable jokes about Heidi's swimsuit preferences. But Heidi played along. Watch the two talk about uptight Americans, Seal in a Speedo, and more now.

Dog Days of Summer: Perfect Places to Enjoy a Romantic Sunset

Annie Scudder — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:04:35 PDT

With Labor Day fast approaching, the sun is setting on Summer. Before it does, you should grab your significant other, or Summer fling, and catch a memorable sunset. To inspire you, here are 10 places you'll see a beautifully colored sky from all over the world.