Do you have a little boy? Do they love light sabers from Star Wars? Are they constantly borrowing your brooms to stage epic fights? Do you NOT want to buy them one of the expensive light sabers from the toy store, that you know they will break a window with? Want to get your kids outside playing a fun water game? Then look no further, I have all the answers you need!

First you need to figure out whether or not your boys are on the dark side. I know what you are thinking, but it really matters. Your kids will appreciate the extra efforts. Next head out to the store. You need to find pool noodles in red or green, again depending n your kids alliances. The only other thing you need is duct tape. Good ole silver duct tape. Take your pool noodle and trim it to a reasonable size. This will depend on the size of your Jedi (Or Sith).

Take your duct tape and tape the bottom of the noodle. Enough to form a decent handle. That’s it, you have cheap soft light sabers for the kids to fight with. Send them outside and be done.

Of course, around here that wasn’t enough. We needed to add the element of water before my kids were satisfied. Running through the sprinklers while using the Force was a hit. As was shoving the end of the hose into the bottom of the light saber. It squirt water out of the top, and was easy enough to swing around. Super fun!

-Stephanie Wright

We all know that times are hard. This is why it’s more important than ever to teach your kids the responsibilities of money. I don’t think it’s ever too early to begin reinforcing key concepts.  However, we truly began our kid’s education in finances at age three. Can you imagine your kids learning to handle money so that they don’t repeat some of your mistakes? (Can we say credit cards anyone?)

Having fought the credit card battle, and survived, I am eager to help my kids avoid my mistakes. For help with that, we turned to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Junior kit. Dave Ramsey is the guy who helped steer us in the right direction, so it made sense he could help us with our kids. Dave has written six cute children’s books that reenforce ideas such as work, saving, debt, giving, spending, and integrity. My kids love these books to pieces. My daughter also loves the “piggy” bank that came with her kit. It’s not actually a piggy at all, but three plastic envelopes One for giving, saving, and spending. When my kids earn their allowance they look forward to dividing it up into the various sections. Putting money into three separate “banks” makes them feel like they are getting more.

Since starting Financial Peace Junior my daughter has really caught on to giving to others. She truly looks forward to earning her money so she can do something for someone else. She also gets a pretty big kick out of having her own spending money when we head to the store. My son on the other hand, just wants to save every single penny he earns. The concepts are simple enough for a three year old, and interesting enough to engage my six year old. Overall I could not be happier with the kit and the things it is teaching my children. If you are looking for a simple, smart, no nonsense way to teach your kids about money and being fiscally responsible this is it.

-Stephanie Wright

The sun is out, the weather is warming, and you’re picking up fresh fruits and veggies at your local famer’s market.  But there are items you can plant now—that will yield bountiful and tasty crops of your own.  A lot of people plant in January and harvest in May, but just because you didn’t hop on the first train, doesn’t mean you have to miss the caboose.

If you need a little direction however, let this list steer you in the right direction.

Basil:  Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh basil? Plant it now and harvest in August.  Use it in end-of-summer pasta dishes and fresh, homemade pesto.

Climbing beans (also known as runner beans): Beans and peas always produce a bountiful yield in a vegetable garden, but make sure you have good, rich soil and a solid climbing trellis, and come August, they’ll be ready for picking and eating.

Chives:  They add a great kick to most dishes.  Plant now and harvest in August.

Horseradish: Spring planted horseradish roots will be ready to harvest in October/November.  Add pungent flavor to many dishes.

Sweet corn:  You can plant corn now and have something delicious to throw on the grill when you harvest it in September.

Tomato:  I think tomatoes plants are a beautiful addition to any garden.  The vibrant red of the meat when the fruit starts to turn is a color unique to nature.  Dig up your dirt, plant your tomatoes, and you’ll be ready to start picking and tossing them on top of salads in August.  Better yet, serve it with your now homegrown basil and serve with Burrata and olive oil.  Salt and Pepper.  Perfection!

-Arianna Schioldager

Road trips are supposed to be fun, but we all know that when traveling with kids they can be more of a headache. The key to keeping kids happy on road trips is to understand that they are kids, with short attention spans. Also, it’s important to note that the excitement can absolutely get them more wound up than usual. For us, that means turning everything into a game of some sort.

When traveling we aim to stop for potty breaks every two hours or so. For our breaks we look for Cracker Barrels. If you don’t know about this restaurant, you should. The most important thing to know is that they are often interstate friendly, and have super clean bathrooms (not to mention really good coffee). Be prepared though, kids will want everything in their store. The temptation of the store is worth the reliably clean bathroom, and the chance to stretch our legs window shopping.  We used to stop at fast food joints with play areas but always had a huge struggle getting the kids to leave. The kids like the idea of stopping at a Cracker Barrel bathroom in every state we have visited.

As for actual car games, I like to have the kids draw pictures of the things they see. We also play “I Spy” and the “ABC game.” The ABC game is great for littler kids. Basically you look at other cars license plates and road signs and find each letter of the alphabet. If you are on an exceptionally long trip, its a great idea to find an actual park for the kids to burn off some energy.

Of course you can always opt for the DVD player, but for us those make for grumpier kids upon arrival. And with most things involving kids, planning is crucial, but be flexible if your plans need to change. Oh, and pack of healthy snacks too!

-Stephanie Wright

Hurrah for shorts and flip flops! And for kids being out of school! Okay, I know, that excitement only lasts a few days before your kids start in on the, “I’m bored.” train. Summer vacations can easily go from exciting to being stuck in a rut. To help you keep the kids happy, and hopefully you too, I’ve come up with a list of fun, mostly inexpensive things you can do with your kids this summer.

1. Go on a picnic. It’s old school, but something about eating outside is just plain fun.

2. Have a water gun or water balloon fight. This is also great with Nerf guns too. Or silly string.

3. Go fishing. Seriously, this one is fun for the kids.

4. Track the moon phases. My kids love getting to stay up late to look at the moon and stars.

5. Visit a national or state park. Or zoo, or aquarium!

6. Go on a hike.

7. Go on an extended bike ride. Somewhere out of the neighborhood if possible.

8. Build a bird house, then do some bird watching.

9. Plant flowers

10. Learn to use a camera and take lots of pictures. At the end of the summer the kids can put together a photo album, or scrap book!

11. Camp out in the back yard. Or in the living room if outside isn’t an option. Either way is a blast of fun!

12. Plan a day to watch everyone’s favorite movies. Don’t get dressed, stay in your pjs and lounge around together.

13. Learn to roller skate.

14. Try to recreate works of art on your sidewalk with chalk.

15. Make homemade ice cream

This of course, is just a list of ideas. Adapt them to fit your family and their interests. Just don’t be afraid to spice it up a bit, and have fun!

-Stephanie Wright

Working out doesn’t always have to be such a mental challenge (ahem bikram yoga), and sometimes throwing on some loose sweats, tossing your hair in a messy bun and heading to a hip hop class is the best treat you can give your mind and body.  Don’t be fooled by how easy some people make it look though, it gets a little technical.

But it doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or professional, hip hop gets your heart rate up and there’s nothing like a room full of high energy to keep your workout spirits moving.  Just remember to keep smiling and you’re sure to have a great, groovy time.

Case in point:

One of the most popular classes in Los Angeles is GROOV3™.  Founded in Los Angeles by dancer/choreographer Benjamin Allen, the GROOV3™ studio is a self-proclaimed grassroots initiative to motivate, inspire and unite to motivate, inspire, and unite communities through dance.  Groov3 targets non-professionals, with an emphasis on boosting confidence, weight loss, and an overall sense of well-being for all levels.

Although calories burned depends on personal exertion level, the average number of calories burned for a 125 lbs. person/per hour is 388.  If I’m going to burn that many calories dancing, I say, sign me up!

At Groov3 you will work out to some of the most current music and moves, choreograped by Allen in a 1-hour cardio funch class.  The best part?  Live DJ at every class.  There are classes all over the city, so be sure to check it out here.

You can be sure to bust you your newly refined moves next Friday night or at your best friends summer wedding.

As the GROOV3MENT says: DANCE SWEAT LIVE!

-Arianna Schioldager

Little boys are awesome. Not much compares to their energy and imagination. It is completely singular. Don’t misunderstand, I love my daughter and think that she is beyond amazing. However, I prefer super heroes over princesses. (On a side note, my daughter has been getting a real kick out of superheroes lately too!)

I am so excited that my kids are finally getting into the super hero fad. I remember growing up and playing with my brothers. Some of these characters are as beloved to me as the average teenaged boy! This is why I was so keen on helping my son begin his hero journey. Every hero needs a cape (unless you watch the Incredibles and remember why capes are bad)! But for dressing up, and non flying heros I imagine capes are still okay.

I have seen lots of tutorials on how to make a cape. My mom even gave me some pointers. They all had one thing in common though, they all choked my kids. I think I have finally gotten around this major flaw though.  For our cape making, I have two techniques. The first one requires cutting out the shape of your cape, hemming it (I use hemming tape. Easy!) and then attaching the cape to a plain t-shirt. I usually just hand stitch (but you can certainly use your machine, or Liquid Stitch, or whatever other means) the cape right across the shoulder area. This way is fun because the shirt and attached cape become a whole costume. You can use a t shirt that you buy with your kids favorite heros logo on the front for a cool finished product.

If that is too much sewing for you, I totally get it. You should use this next method. I use my husband’s old t-shirts for this, but you can also go to goodwill for some good colored shirts, or even just buy some new. All you do is cut off the sleeves and the front of the shirt. This leaves you with the back and neck. Its a quick and dirty method, but it works. Epescially if you have a rough hero who goes through a lot of capes.

-Stephanie Wright

I am admittedly pale.  I mean the kind of pale where people on the beach offer up sunscreen just in case I forgot.   It isn’t always fun getting into a bathing suit again after a long winter, and it takes forever for me to build a base.  I know I’m not the only gal with this issue, so what’s an English rose to do?

I am typically against spray tanning; the George Hamilton look and chemical warfare smell aren’t really up my alley.  I like to keep things as au naturel as possible, but if you have no other solution, and you need something to start your summer with… enter airbrush tanning!  Because we all know there’s nothing better than a summer glow.  You don’t have to wear makeup, you feel thin and lithe and lovely, and it camouflages those thank-you-mother-nature-bumps and lumps.  Not do-it-yourself streaks.  It’s called airbrushing for a reason.

You want to find a salon that is 100% natural, organic, and paraben free. If you’re in the LA area Lavish Tan has been voted the #1 salon in the US by Allure magazine.

They created a patent pending, brown sugar based solution derived from apples. The brown sugar base ensures golden brown color eliminating all possibilities of an orange tone.  They can also customize the smell for you.

The benefits of airbrush tan:

• Slimming and contouring
• Covers stretch marks
• Reduces the appearance of cellulite
• Can also reduce unfortunate skin conditions like rosacea and eczema
• Gives you the perfect glow
• Lasts about 5-7 days
• Even coverage

The day prior to your tan make sure you:

• Shave all parts you normally shave
• Exfoliate all over, especially rough areas like knees and elbows
• Don’t put on make up or lotion

-Arianna Schioldager

It seems that every time I go to the store, I see some new product designed to help make taking care of babies easier. I had my first child six years ago, and things are drastically different in just that small amount of time.

My latest and current favorite discovery is that of the squeezable baby food. Basically it is a pouch (similar to a juice pouch) full of various baby foods. Instead of a straw, it has a small spout. Price wise, these seem to be fairly competitive with regular baby food jars or containers. The combinations of what comes inside is diverse. What I really like about these is their portability. When at home my kids always got homemade baby foods, but when out and about I preferred the ease of store bought.

You can buy a spoon that attaches to the spout of the pouch, which I thought was really nifty. It screwes onto the pouch and has a little hole in it so you can squeeze the food right into it. But to be honest, I rarely use it. My son does better when I help him squeeze some into his mouth. I found the spoon to be slightly awkward, and my son couldn’t get much off of it. If you try the spoon it’s good to know that it is universal and fits on all brands of food. Plus it comes in a little carrying case for your diaper bag. My son is already nine months old, so I wonder if the spoon might work better with a smaller baby.

There are several brands out there to choose from, including those that are all organic. Even Target has their Up & Up brand making some. For older kids you can get them squeezable applesauce as well. Both of my bigger kids love these, I love not having to pack a spoon in their lunches for them to get their apple sauce!

-Stephanie Wright

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that mothers collectively deserve a special day.  But there should be nothing collective about the way you choose to shower your mom this coming May 13th.  Your gifts should be personalized and special—bonus if it can be something the whole family can enjoy.  Mom has enough fancy lotion and cookware, and I guarantee there’s nothing she likes more than everyone together.  Here a few ideas that are easy enough to cater to your mom’s likes.

Volunteer Together
No doubt public spiritedness is something that mom try to instill in you from the onset, so what better what to show her that she raised you right than to spend the day volunteering as a family?  There are plenty of organizations that focus on the needs of children and families.  Might be nice to start there.

Museum Day
You know your mom’s interests.  Perhaps she is way into Rose or Japanese Gardens.

From Herb Ritts at the Getty to the Gardens at the Huntington Library (champagne brunch too!) there’s an outing customized to whatever her loves.

Replace the Traditional
Everyone gives cards.  Why not give mom a book she’s been dying to read?  Take this gift a step further and turn the book into a card she can cherish forever.  As you go through each page, circle specific words (i.e. love, mom, together, family, cherish, etc.) that form sentences.    By the time she’s done reading, she’ll have strung each word together, and will be bowled over by the sentimentality and uniqueness of your card.

Why give mom new stuff, when you can take a walk down memory lane.  Spend some thoughtful time before May 13th, gathering items and memorabilia that hold a special place in her heart.  Share the memories over a special home-cooked meal.

-Arianna Schioldager

Everyone loves chicken and fruit combo, but throw in a few unexpected veggies and a surprise mango, and you’ve created a delicious flavor palate that will delight.

Ingredients

Skewers

• 2 Medium Sized Summer Yellow Squash
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
• 2 Mangos, ripe, but firm
• 2 pounds chicken breast (about 4-5)

Sauce (for marinating and dipping)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup Mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• ¼ cup finely chopped chives
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Sauce

1. Finely chop chives and garlic.
2. Mix all ingredients in medium sized bowl.
3. Set aside.

Skewers

1. If using bamboo skewers soak in water for 30 minutes, this prevents them from going up in flames on the BBQ.
2. Cut chicken into approximately 1inch squares. Place the cut meat and ½ cup of sauce in a medium bowl and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Add water (2 to 4 tbsp.) to the remaining dressing to thin.  Set in fridge to chill.
4. While your chicken is marinating, peel and cut mango, cut bell peppers and squash.  Use your discretion on size.  Depending on your level of OCD, place each item in a separate bowl.  That way as your arrange your skewers you can shuffle the order easily of items as you please.   When threading the squash, be gentle as to not split pieces down their centers.
5. Prepare a grill for medium heat (350° to 450°)
6. Oil cooking grate, using tongs and a wad of oiled paper towels. Grill kebabs, covered, until browned and chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes, turning once.
7. Serve with your sauce on the side.  Couldn’t be easier!

-Arianna Schioldager

There’s only a scant block of time left before Chicago turns unbearably summer-muggy.  Right now is a great time to visit.  The winter is
over.  The humidity hasn’t set in—you can actually walk about and experience all there is to offer.

Lay Your Head

Different pockets of the city offer a wide array of accommodations, but if you want to stay in one of the most happening areas, Bridgeport, check out Benedictine Bed & Breakfast, a monastery turned B&B.  Aberdeen Street just south of 31^st.  It definitely will be different.

Must Visit Neighborhood

This is the tattoo welcome part of the city.  Located within the West Town community area, Wicker Park is blend of popular pastimes: boutiques, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, nightclubs and coffeehouses.

Take Me Out

No, not to the nightclub, but to the ballgame.  Wrigley Field is a given, but it’s also an unforgettable experience.  There’s no parking around the stadium so the atmosphere is rife with walking excitement. Even better, be extra-extroverted, make friends in the area and get invited to a party on one of rooftops that overlook the ballpark (sometimes home-towners even set up seats and sell tickets).

Take a Breather

In the Myopic Bookstore of Wicker Park.  It’s been in the neighborhood for 20 years and it has 80,000+ books.  The mystery section… is in a vault downstairs.

Unbutton your Pants

You can’t do Chicago without the deep dish.   There’s some debate over what’s “the best”, but visit The Original Gino’s of East Chicago, and scribble your name in the wood with all the other patrons.

Walk on the Wild Side

Ask any of the students at Northwestern (if you get a chance, visit the campus), skinny-dipping in Lake Michigan is must.  Kind of ballsy, kind of cold, and kind of awesome.

-Arianna Schioldager

Okay dads and kids, this one is for you. Let’s talk about Mother’s Day. This shouldn’t be a day for you to fear, but one that you
look forward to. Who doesn’t want to show the mother in their life a little appreciation!

I know what you’re thinking, I can always just take mom out to eat so she doesn’t have to cook. This is true, and I’m sure for many moms that is an awesome treat. But it can also be expensive. Not to mention slightly unoriginal. As a mom, I’ve got a few ideas and insight to share with you.

First of all, we moms really did homemade things. Cards made by our kids (and significant others) really make us feel special. Practically anything with lots of colors, hand prints, and the smell of school glue is a winner.

If you’re feeling more creative, but not necessarily crafty opt to send mom to bed early. This is always a big winner for me. At 7pm I get to go into my room, take a bath, read, relax and turn in whenever I get tired. My husband takes care of the kids and their bedtimes plus takes care of any after dinner chores.

Starting a load of laundry and dishes. Ah, it is bliss. Sometimes we do this in reverse as well. I get to sleep in while daddy gets the kids up and our day started. Last year my kids took me on a walk. It was short, but very sweet. If you opt for the ever popular “let’s cook for mom so she doesn’t have to” route, make sure you include cleaning up too!

Another fun idea would be to give mom a “time out.” Why not let mom get some time out during the day to herself. Sometimes we don’t realize how beneficial an hour away from things really can be. If none of these ideas suit you, you cannot go wrong with hugs and a simple “I love you.”

Whatever you do take the time to show the mommies in your life that you love and care for them.

-Stephanie Wright

I love summertime because the produce is amazing.  Good light fruity breakfasts are always a good thing to me.  I feel like I can get my kids to eat better during the summer as well.  Anything I can make extra healthy for my kids I will!  Our latest creation was lemon vanilla pancakes.

Most pancakes call for vegetable oil in the recipe, I swapped that out for a healthier extra virgin lemon olive oil.  Then I added one tablespoon of vanilla extract and one tablespoon of grated lemon peel.  To get a little more health for my pancake buck I added some flax meal to the batter as well.  They were light, fluffy, cake-y, healthy, and completely devoured by my kids.

You will need:

1 egg lightly beaten

3/4 cup of milk

1 cup of flour

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 tablespoons of lemon olive oil

Grated peel of one lemon

1 tablespoon of brown sugar

1/4 cup flax meal (flax meal is better for you than traditional flax seeds because it is much easier on you to digest, so you get more of the healthy benefits from it!)

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) Combine all of your wet ingredients.  Slowly incorporate your dry ingredients until all is well mixed.  Allow the batter to sit for about ten minutes.  This is just about as long as it takes to heat up your griddle, or other pancake cooking vessel.  Cook the same way you would any other pancake.  To serve top each pancake with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries.  Blueberries make a traditional accompaniment to all things lemon, but do not be afraid to try strawberries, blackberries (my husbands favorite), or any other combination of fruits that you have.

-Stephanie Wright

How often do you forget to take your daily vitamins or have trouble swallowing them?  I used to be one of those people who at the age of 31, had trouble swallowing a simple pill, mostly my daily dose of Vitamin C.  Why do they have to make those pills so big?  All of my vitamin troubles were put to rest when I discovered Marz Sprays and their array of vitamin spray products.

Marz Sprays is a family owned and operated company that produces oral vitamin sprays in a unique delivery system designed to be sprayed directly into the mouth.  This is a very important addition to the vitamin world, as it is reported that over 40% of adults or 100,000,000 American’s have difficulty swallowing a pill.

Marz Sprays flagship product, “CSpray,” is what I have been using and made me a true vitamin spray convert.  All I have to do is spray this in my mouth throughout the day and boom- I get my dose of vitamins.  What I love about CSpray is that it gives me the full benefits of Vitamin C.  Most people don’t know that when you take Vitamin C (or other vitamins) in pill form, your body excretes naturally throughout the day 80% of the underlying nutrients leaving you to only absorb 20% of the original pill.  This revolutionary spray allows you to give yourself the maximum dose throughout the day without losing any essential nutrients!

Keith Marz, owner and founder of the company, oversees weight loss centers in Southern California and has also developed several private label products.  One of the most successful was “Slim Spray,” a weight loss spray containing Vitamin B12 and Chromium Picolinate.  It was originally designed for weight loss patients to help eliminate food cravings.

Along with CSpray and Slim Spray, Marz Sprays also has three others products:

ReBoot Energy Spray: a fast and effective way to deliver Vitamin B12 which is a natural energy provider.  ReBoot is the essential spray to get that energy while on the go.

Sleep Spray: a spray designed to help you relax and rest. It is Gaba rich and also contains Melatonin and Valerian Root.  Using this before bed will help lull you to a restful night.

Kids Spray: this is a great and fast way for kids to receive essential vitamins A, B, C, D and real fruits and vegetables.

All sprays are currently available for purchase on the company website, www.marzsprays.com.   As a special offer to our readers, Marz Sprays is offering Weekly Sauce readers a discount off of their purchases for the next month.

Please use these offer codes:  5OFF1 gets $5 off any one spray, 20OFF3 gets $20 off any 3 sprays.

-Jessica Brown

As a mom you never know what you are going to face from day to day. Things often catch me by surprise, and I am left unprepared. Or, I have everything that I need, but things are strewn throughout my diaper bag and I can’t find them when I need them. Sound like you too? You need to check out http://www.inapikle.com/. They sell fabulously cute little bags that contain everything that you might possibly need, no matter what the situation. The bag is about the size of a water bottle, and inside are sturdy plastic bags that contain the goods. All liquids are even TSA approved.

I love that it fits into my purse, or diaper bag easily and I know exactly where to find everything. I just have to wonder why in the world I did not think of this first. The best part is that you can add to the stash with things that are unique to you. For example, I have some gum, and my favorite lip gloss tucked inside.

Here is a list of things you can find in your “pikle.”

1 hand sanitizer

1 spot remover

3 individually wrapped antibacterial wipes

1 credit card size mirror and floss combo

1 pair of tweezers

1 pair of fingernail clippers

2 emery boards

1 travel size sewing kit

1 retractable mini scissors

1 24″ tailor tape

3 hair bands

5 rubber bands

5 bobby pins

5 safety pins

5 paper clips

1 philips mini screw driver

1 straight mini screw driver

1 mini pen

1 “In A Pikle” sticky notebook

10 adhesive bandages

1 package travel tissues

1 pill box

They only cost $34.95!! In my opinion you can’t put a price on this amount of genius! Refills for your “pikle” start at just $5.99. These little beauties will also make for some fantastic gifts! Perfect for the new mom who has every thing, or for the mom who is seasoned but enjoys form and function!

-Stephanie Wright

By now, some of you are treasure-hunting pros at turning something old into something new, but for you non-designer-thimble-challenged gals, there are options that are SO easy, and yet still incredibly fashionable.  For example, turning old jeans (or bonus! thrifted jeans) into effortlessly fashionable cut-offs, is something that everyone can whet their fashion up-cycling whistle with.  And because spring-summer-transition-time is shorts time, (aiy pale legs) and because it is incredibly economical to DIY, what better time to start than now?

Pull out your needle, thread, fabric scissors and a few other tools, because we’re getting crafty.

What you need:

One pair of shorts you love (their length is flattering on YOUR hips, butts, and legs).

An old pair of jeans with a good rise (thrift stores are rife with old Levis)

Fabric Scissors

Tailor’s Chalk

Straight Pins

The cut.  You need to cut at an angle for the most flattering hem. Start with a pair of shorts you already love as the template.  Align the crotches of both pairs and pin the inseams with your handy straight pins.

Mark on the jeans where the bottom of the shorts hem hits with a dotted chalk line.

Take your scissors and cut about ½ inch below the dotted line.  Throw them in the washer, then drier.  They will shrink.

Now adorn with your fashion specifics.  My personal favorite at the moment: The Southwestern.  To fashion patches on to one side of your short requires a bit of skill with a sewing machine, but there is a much easier solution.

Take your new homemade cutoffs.  Dip about ½ into bleach.  Find a pattern you like and paint it, or draw it with permanent marker, on the desired area.  Forget bobbins and threading the needle, and strut your new designs.

-Arianna Schioldager

Yay for summer, shorts, hot weather, and picnics! One of my favorite treats to enjoy during the summer months are popsicles. I love to let my kids help with the preparations as well. Sort of makes the moment sweeter.

I have made these popsicles for many summer barbecues and people are always asking for the recipe. Most cannot believe how simple they are to make once I tell them.

First, grab two cups of your favorite summer fruit. We have used peaches, strawberries, oranges, and plums to great success. Fresh is best, but in a pinch you can always go for frozen. I will emphasize that the fresh will taste much better though. Okay, dump those two cups of fruit into your blender. Purée them up good. Or I suppose if you enjoy little chunks you could leave them lumpy. Add one cup of vanilla yogurt, two cups of milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the blender. Mix it up.

At this point I like to taste the mixture to test for sweetness. Lots of times the fresh fruit is sweet enough with the addition of the yogurt. If not you can add honey a few teaspoons at a time until you get the right amount of sweetness. Once you get the mixture right you can pour it into your favorite popsicle molds. Freeze the for a minimum of five hours or over night. My kids like it when I mix everything but the fruits together, pour that into the molds and the swirl in the puréed fruit mixtures at the very end. According to my daughter that makes them fancier, and in her world fancy tastes better.

You can do it whichever way you please, just so long as you go and do it! You will not be disappointed! Finally a good, sweet, healthy treat for your and your families!

-Stephanie Wright

For those of us who don’t view the world through rose-colored glasses, thanks to current trends there are some awesomely rosey other options.

Roses are making a discernible comeback among prints this spring, and though they may come into bloom now, there is no reason you can’t keep them blossoming through summer.

Floral leg wear trends seems to come and go and it might feel a little 80’s for those of us who remember the pastel and rose printed jean shorts of our youth, but the fashion gurus have updated the cut and prints (to a degree), so there should be no shame in stepping both legs in.

All the top jean designers have options in the cuts you’ve come to love.

Citizens of Humanity offers the Mandy, a Cotton and Lycra Slim Jean with delicate floral patterns that crawl up the leg. The 9” rise is flattering, so you can wear with a simple brown sandal. Also available in a frayed short, known simply as Chloe.

Current/Elliot have a pair of lightly printed skinnies with roses a little bigger, a little bolder.  The Stiletto-Haystack Floral.

For those of you who don’t want quite the color shock and favor the wallpaper look more, J.Brand offers a muted solution with their black and cream Large Floral Print Skinny Jeans.

Don’t want to pay the price for the Queen’s Roses?

Head over to Asos to channel the swinging 60’s and a little Betty Draper, with their bold rose print pant.  It’s slim and cropped.

Light and simple, nothing is better for bike-rides and sun hats than roses with rompers. Johann Earl for Urban Renewal Mistress Romper.

Can’t wait for summer? Rose print bikini, the perfect blend of lady-like with beachwear.

No matter your choice, everything certainly will be coming up roses.

It may be one of the fastest fish in the sea but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch it and eat it.

At only 146 calories in a 3-oz. serving, swordfish can be an addition to part of a calorie-controlled diet. It’s healthy, delicious and since it’s a steak fish (i.e something thick enough to throw on the grill) it can take you less than ten minutes to cook.

Plus, it’s an unexpected choice if you’re having dinner guests, and looks impressively hearty on a plate.

Here is a great glaze and simple recipe that will have you (or your guests) saying yes please to this broad-billed fish.

Ingredients 

2 1-inch (approximately) thick swordfish steaks

Marinade:

¼ cup Sesame oil

½ tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Honey

1 clove Garlic

1 whole lime, juiced

Cayenne Pepper to taste (start with just a dash)

Kosher salt to taste

Directions

Finely mince garlic. Set aside.

In bowl whip together all ingredients for the marinade. Start with the sesame oil to get a good base, add the mustard, honey, and garlic.

Juice your lime and add to mixture.

Whip all ingredients with a fork.  Add dash of cayenne and salt to taste.

Here is the refined part:

Rinse your fish thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.

Throw the fish in a large Ziploc bag with the marinade.  Let sit for 30 minutes or longer.

Place fish on a well greased grill over medium coals or medium flame. Grill over medium coals for about 4 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reached 140 degrees F.  Brush with any remainder mixture. Your fish should be tender and juice.

Serve with a delicious mixed green salad with a simple citrus dressing, for a fresh and health-conscious dinner.