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Must-Read: The Summer Shack Cookbook

YumSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:30:03 -0700

In case you hadn't noticed, the warmer Spring-to-Summer weather has put me in the mood for seafood 24/7. In the last few days, I've drooled over mussels and eaten oysters raw and fried at the Oyster Fest. As though someone read my mind, I received a copy of The Summer Shack Cookbook, a compendium of New England shack-style seafood recipes from Jasper White, the chef and owner of the East Coast's Summer Shack restaurants. Don't live in proximity to one of the shacks? You can still have the shore food experience; read more

Summer Style: Paper Lanterns in 500 Days of Summer

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:26 -0700

500 Days of Summer doesn't make its debut in theaters until July 17, but I've already got an eye on the sets. Here, Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt stand on a rooftop in full Summer style. Of course, the pair look quite dapper in a beautifully patterned sundress and a sharp suit, but it's the paper lanterns that complete the scene. The concrete wall looks a little gritty but the lanterns instantly give the space early evening elegance. Paper lanterns are very inexpensive and easy to hang on a string of outdoor lights. Do any of you use these at home? If not, try replicating this look in your backyard or on your rooftop! To see where you can pick up some paper lanterns of your own, read more.

Maru 30" White Round Paper Lantern - $12.99	Aki Curved White Paper Lantern - $9.99
Yoko Square White Paper Lantern - $19.99	Kyoku Triple Ball White Paper Lantern - $14.99
Blue Maru Round Paper Lantern - $6.99	Taro Double Ball White Paper Lantern - $9.99
Maru Round White Paper Lantern - $4.99	Hexagon White Paper Lantern - $7.99

Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight

Summer Style: A Lake Getaway in Surprising Colors

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:00:04 -0700

I doubt that I would ever think of painting a cottage these two colors. Still, the contrast between the Mediterranean blue and rusty brick red is certainly eye-catching, and there's something so innocent and playful about the combination. In fact, it almost seems as if odd, surprising colors should be de rigueur for Summer getaways. It seems to me as if the colors alone demand that one relax, sit back, and enjoy the space. After all, there's nothing serious about a Summer getaway. It should be all about enjoyment!

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I'm Asking: If You're Hosting, Do You Expect a Gift?

SavvySugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:41 -0800

I've always been taught not to show up to a party, dinner party, luncheon - you name it - empty handed. It seems like a pretty easy thing to do, just bring flowers, a box of candy, a bottle of wine, or some other treat along with you. It also always seemed to me, the right thing to do, since wherever I was headed, I was being entertained, someone was making dinner for me, or providing apps and drinks. Still, when you're cash-strapped, it's a lot easier said than done.

As holiday costs add up, even every little thing matters. It may seem like a much bigger deal to grab a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers now than it does in the Spring or Summer when there are fewer functions and a whole lot fewer expenses. Still, when I'm on hostess duty, I always appreciate the thoughtful friends who bring something along. Even if it's just a simple dessert, muffins they've baked themselves, candy - it doesn't have to be fancy, but it definitely makes a big difference. I wouldn't say I've come to expect a gift when entertaining, but I definitely notice the ones who do make an extra effort. How about you, when you've planned and prepped for guests to come over, do you expect them to bring a little something for you? Especially around the holidays, are hostess gifts important?

Posh and Boys Support Becks & Prep For Ramsay Christmas

PopSugarUK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:02:26 -0800

Victoria Beckham was on sweet treat duty on Friday as she took the boys to Yogurtland in LA, while David spent Saturday training and attending a press conference in a warm hat. The Beckham brood then made the trip to Seattle to support David and LA Galaxy in their big MLS Cup final game on Sunday, following the team's win last weekend. Despite losing to Real Salt Lake 5-4 in penalties following the 1-1 draw, Becks remained positive about the team, saying: "It's always tough losing, but we can be proud of where we've come to".

It's been confirmed David can buy an MLS franchise when his playing career ends, and David confirmed he'll be going back to the Galaxy after his loan spell in Milan and the World Cup next Summer, but will be undergoing rehabilitation on his ankle injury. It sounds like Becks could do with a rest over the holiday season, and reports suggest he's going to get pampered at Christmas with Gordon Ramsay is reportedly cooking dinner for the Beckhams as their two families will spend Christmas Day together at Beckingham Palace. Sounds fun!

To see more pictures of the Beckhams' weekend, read more.

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Summer of Salads: German Potato Salad

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:46 -0700

One of the reasons I look forward to Summer is the remarkable seasonal fare that comes along with the warm weather, from barbecue to ceviche to tropical Popsicles and everything in between. Since Party and I have had such a blast putting together Summer recipes (we instated an ice cream sandwich series in years past), we've decided to bring you a brand new series: Summer of salads.

From a crunchy classic Caesar to a Calabrian tuna panzanella, this season is sure to be all about refreshing salads that will keep you going even when the mercury rises. Traditional German potato salad is one of my favorites. Since it's made with a vinegar-based sauce, it's not as creamy as American potato salad, but what it lacks in creaminess it more than makes up for in tang from the vinegar and smokiness from bacon bits. It also stands up to the heat better than classic potato salad. To make this for a Summer grillout or picnic, read more.

German Potato Salad
Adapted from Bobby Flay

Ingredients

3 pounds new potatoes
1 yellow onion, quartered
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 large red onion, diced
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1/4 cup canola oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
8 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Place potatoes in a large pot with the onion and cover with cold water. Cook on high until tender. Drain, discard the onion, and cut the potatoes into cubes when cool enough to handle. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover to keep warm.
In a large sauté pan, add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the onions to the rendered bacon fat and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully add the vinegar and mustard seeds and cook for 2 more minutes. Whisk in the canola oil and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Add the hot dressing and the bacon pieces to the potatoes and toss gently to coat. Fold in the green onions and parsley. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serves 8 as a side dish.

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Summer Safety: Beware of Beach Sand

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:00:15 -0700

Whether you're building sandcastles or just burrowing your feet, getting sandy is an essential part of going to the beach. But if la playa plays into your vacation plans, be warned: beach sand can contain bacteria known to cause stomach bugs.

Though sand often looks and feels clean, remember that germs are everywhere. According to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, young children who dug in the sand raised their risk of diarrhea by 44 percent. Furthermore:

Other studies that have examined the bacteria content of sand at a variety of beaches that were nowhere near a treatment plant have found high levels of E. coli and Enterococcus bacteria in the top eight inches. In fact, levels can be almost 40 times those found in the water at the same beaches.

This doesn't mean that you and your family need to steer clear of sand altogether. Just be sure to keep sand and sandy hands away from your mouth. According to Dr. Philip Kazlow, you won't develop a gastrointestinal illness unless you actually ingest the germs, so just wash your hands before eating or touching your mouth. If you've got little ones, bring along some hand sanitizer to prevent this Summer health risk.

You Asked: End of Summer Detox?

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:00:27 -0700

Dear Fit,
Over the Summer I've definitely been overindulging, chowing down at BBQs, eating tons of ice cream on hot days, and drinking more beer and cocktails in a weekend than I would in an entire month the rest of the year. I know it's not the healthiest, but hey, it's Summer and it only comes once a year. I haven't really gained weight, but I feel pretty disgusting. I'm wondering what you think about doing a detox to celebrate the end of my Summer diet, and the beginning of new healthier changes. I was just going to eat raw fruits and veggies, and drink water for two weeks to cleanse out my system.
- In Need of Detox

Well we've all been there, so you're not alone in taking in the goodness of Summer. While everything is OK in moderation, it's nice that you've recognized that you've crossed over that line. So now what to do? To find out if a detox is the answer, read more.

I cannot say this enough but no, a detox is not what you need. Raw fruits, veggies and water are healthy, yes, but you can't live on those alone for two weeks. You want to make sure you're getting enough protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. If you don't, you'll experience symptoms such as loss of energy, headaches, muscle aches, irritability, and digestive issues.

Instead of a detox, what I do recommend is eating a diet full of all the healthy foods you can find including fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, lowfat dairy products, and nuts. Omit or limit the foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and alcohol, and you'll instantly feel better. There's no need to shock your system and go raw for two weeks. Just make the commitment to eat healthy, but be sure to allow yourself small indulgences every once in a while. If you deny yourself the things you crave completely, it can backfire and set you back to your Summer ways.

Stretch It: Summer Concert Series

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:04:55 -0700

This is a different kind of Summer concert series: a series of stretches! Because while you're never too old to go see live music, being on your feet all day doesn't get any easier as you age. It can be tough on your back and your leg muscles, especially if you worked out earlier in the day. But doing some simple, subtle stretches between sets or before, during, and after the show can keep you rocking all day. Here are a few ideas.
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Can You Ace This Summer Sports Quiz?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

From watching the French Open on TV to playing pickup volleyball at the beach, team and individual sports are a crucial part of Summer fun. If you're spending the warm months golfing, playing doubles, going swimming, or just watching from the sidelines, see how well you know your Summer sports jargon.

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Take the quiz