Month: June 2017

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Celebration: Red, White and Blue

Before we know it, flags will be waving, fireworks bursting and John Philip Sousa tunes blaring. While some people relish in family holiday traditions, there are celebrations happening across the country for the patriotic enthusiast who’s looking for a larger July 4 celebration. Below are a list of the top places to enjoy all things red, white and blue this Independence Day.

Washington, D.C.

It doesn’t get more patriotic than spending Independence Day in our nation’s capital. Not only is D.C. a mecca for all things American history, but there is a pretty fantastic firework show to boot. Take a seat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or a grassy spot on the National Mall to see the show.

New York City

You’re sure to never be bored in the City that Never Sleeps. Whether you take a day trip around the harbor to visit Lady Liberty and Ellis Island or spend the day perusing the newest exhibits at The Met, you have to make sure to catch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show. Recognized as the nation’s largest celebration of Independence Day, this 25-minute spectacle of pyrotechnics is a must see – even at the Big Apple’s high standards.

Boston

As one of our country’s oldest cities, Boston is keen on its Fourth of July celebrations. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is accompanied not only by the renowned Boston Pops orchestra but also real cannon fire. You can have a great view of all of the festivities from anywhere along the 3-mile stretch of the esplanade along the Charles River.

Philadelphia

Where better to enjoy some good ole fashioned patriotism than in America’s birthplace? Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed), so you won’t be without a surplus of American pride and joy. Join in on the Philly fun by attending their eight-day festival that culminates with one of the largest free outdoor concerts in the country and a grand fireworks show that lights up the sky over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  

Wherever you decide to spend your holiday weekend, make sure to celebrate the Fourth in a safe, patriotic way!

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Beat the Heat with Summer Style

I can be daunting to look at the forecast only to see high temps creeping towards triple digits. In order to tackle the summer heat and keep your cool, just follow these few simple tips.

Sunglasses, SPF and Hats – Oh My!

It’s pretty obvious as to how an itchy, uncomfortable sunburn can ruin an outfit. Protect your skin, and sanity for that matter, with continual application of a sunscreen (SPF 50 research says). To keep your outfit stylish and your face safe, you can always opt for a floppy hat. Also, if the eyes are the window to the soul, think of your sunglasses as black-out curtains, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Keep it Cotton (or other natural fibers)

Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton or linen is a sure-fire way to keep your internal body temperature in check. These breathable fabrics are key in making sure that you can enjoy the outdoors without compromising your comfort.

Opt for Lighter Colors

We all know that wearing all-black is a slimming option, but in terms of keeping cool, it’s best to leave the darker hues for winter. Go with lighter colors because they reflect the heat instead of absorb it. Besides, who wants to be drab when white or a bright color can lighten your mood and the feeling of stifling heat?

The Looser, the Better

Flowy clothes don’t cling to your body, allowing air to circulate to your skin. While the common misconception may be that to stay cool you need to shed as many clothes as possible, you’ll feel more comfortable and be more protected from the heat and sun in non-clingy skirts, tops, dresses and pants. 

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How to Keep Pets Feeling Fresh

The first “official” day of summer might not be here yet, but most of us are already feeling the heat. With weather this nice, it’s impossible to stay inside. But before you pack up to take on the great outdoors with a furry friend, check out these tips on how to keep your pet happy and safe this summer season.

  1. Don’t leave your pet in an unattended vehicle.
    This is a biggie. Cars retain more heat than an open area, even in the shade. No matter if you roll down your windows, it’s easy for dogs to overheat and become dehydrated quickly. If this hasn’t already hit it home, some states have laws in place making it illegal to leave animals in a confined vehicle.
  2. Keep your pet hydrated.
    Just like you and me, pets get thirsty. In fact, they get dehydrated even quicker because they don’t have the pores to sweat, so they can’t control their body temperature. Make sure to always have fresh, clean water on hand for your pet whether you’re out taking a walk or just playing in the yard.
  3. Be smart about your outdoor time.
    To avoid dehydration, it’s best to limit when and how much you do when it’s hot outside. Opt to be outside with your pet early in the morning or in the evening so your pet still gets the exercise he needs with a smaller risk of overheating. If you can’t avoid the hottest times of the day, at least do your best to avoid hot surfaces like asphalt that could overheat your pup’s paws.

The best way to keep your pet safe is to just be aware. Don’t let the heat spoil your summer; follow these simple tips to keep your pet healthy, happy and hydrated!