FASHION FRIDAY: SPIN ON THE 4TH COLORS

Happy Forth of July!  It's supposed to rain today, but be gorgeous the rest of the weekend, so we have plans to spend time at the beach and barbecuing...can't wait!  It's patriotic to wear red, white and blue for the 4th, but the thing about fashion is that there are many different shades of those colors, so here's my spin...pink, cream and baby blue.  I picked up this dress at Target recently and love how lightweight and comfortable it is, plus it has slits on the sides which makes it much easier to walk in a maxi.  I wore this outfit for Father's Day Brunch and can see myself getting a lot of use out of this dress this summer at the pool and beach with flip flops.  I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your friends and family whether you are jet setting or staying put.  Happy Birthday America!

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Anthropologie (old, similar here)
Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita 
Bag: Danier Leather (on sale!!!)
Necklace: Sira & Mara (old, similar here)
Bracelets: Reece & Blaire
Watch: Michael Kors (old, similar here)
Sunnies: Prada

NORTH FORK FOR THE FOURTH!

Hi All! Hope you jet setters had a Happy Fourth of July! This weekend for a fun getaway for the 4th of July, I jet setted (really went by car) to the North Fork of Long Island in New York. The North Fork has its own wine country, which is surrounded by rustic beauty, the Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound. There are 11 small towns and villages located on the North Fork, or the east-end of Long Island. The North Fork is approximately 80 miles east of Manhattan and includes: Aquebogue, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, New Suffolk, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion and Orient. This past weekend, I stayed in the town of Greenport in a place called The Cliffside Resort, which is a Condominium complex that rents out small apartments with kitchen efficiencies. The room has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but also has a pull-out couch, so the place can sleep six. I got a room with a balcony which faced the Long Island Sound. The Cliffside Resort also has a pool, a private beach, and is dog friendly. For $429 a night (for 6 people), I thought this was a Jet Set Smart idea for sure, especially on a holiday weekend. I spent the weekend checking out a bunch of different wineries and restaurants that I can't wait to share with you all...so stay tuned!

JULY 4TH CALORIE COUNT OF BBQ FAVORITES

I'll be jet setting this weekend to the beach with my family...so of course that means a lot of eating is in my future. If you are like me, you may want to think twice before taking two hot dogs at the BBQ. I've compiled average calories of America's favorite backyard flavors. No matter what, enjoy a little of the bad stuff and have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July Holiday!

Hot Dog and Bun: This classic combo will set you back 242 calories and 14.5 grams of fat.
Watermelon: A backyard staple you don't have to worry about, watermelon contains only 46 calories and less than half a gram of fat per cup. Did someone say seconds?Coleslaw: The home-made version of this side can set you back, on average, 47 calories and 1.6 grams of fat per half cup. Not bad for such a tasty side.Corn on the Cob (with Butter): Who can resist the flavor of the sun-colored corn on the cob dipped in a warm pool of melted butter? It's my all time favorite thing to eat in the summer! However, at 115 calories and 3.4 grams of fat we may have to just limit ourselves to one. :(Hamburger (with Condiments and Vegetables): Found at backyard barbecues across the nation, this traditional dish serves up an average of 279 calories with 13.5 grams of fat. It's even more if you add cheese...and who doesn't, right?Potato Chips: Resisting the salty crunch of the potato chip maybe impossible but at about 150 calories and nearly 10 grams a fat for just an ounce, you might want to give the fried potato snack a pass.Homemade Lemonade: The perfect drink to wash down any barbecue meal, this burst of sunshine for your taste buds will set you back 99 calories and .1 grams of fat.