Time to Unwind
July 4th Weekend: These last few weeks have been, well, a lot. Which means the holiday weekend — not to mention, the extra OOO — couldn’t have come at a better time. So here are a few ways to relax and recharge.
If you want to take it outside…
…and adventure is your thing: Consider taking a day trip to one of the country’s 400-plus national parks, where you can hike, bike, and do so much more. Think: sledding at the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, fishing at Assateague Island in Maryland or Virginia, and snorkeling at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida.
…and you’re looking for quality fam time: Enjoy a little friendly competition in your own yard with croquet, cornhole, Spikeball, Kan Jam, and a giant Jenga game. Of course, if you prefer to watch the competition, you could also head to a minor league or a Major League Baseball game.
If eating all the things is the only plan you have…
…and you want to spice up your grocery run: Head to a nearby farm or orchard where you can pick your own produce. (FYI: Blueberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, and corn should all be in season.)
…and must-haves are on your list: For your main dish, you could stick with tried-and-true burgers. Or you could make barbecue pulled chicken sandwiches for meat lovers, as well as stuffed peppers for a meatless option.
…and you’re looking for new traditions: Serve some of your main dishes with creative takes on classic sides, like coleslaw (see: stone fruit slaw) or corn (see: bang bang corn), then follow it up with a berry delicious sorbet or cheesecake for dessert.
…and you need a drink to go along with it: Pour yourself one of these alcoholic or non-alcoholic refreshments.
If your couch misses you…
…and there’s not enough drama in your life: Two sci-fi favorites are back: The futuristic fantasy series “Westworld” just kicked off its fourth season — with Ariana DeBose joining the cast. And the Netflix hit “Stranger Things” just released the final part of its fourth season.
…and you need a pick-me-up: The Hulu whodunit “Only Murders in the Building” is back for its second season. Plus, Maya Rudolph recently made her premiere in the new series “Loot,” in which she plays the newly-divorced wife of a tech mogul.
…and you like to chill with a thrill: “Chloe,” a psychological drama starring Erin Doherty, is practically guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
theSkimm
Whatever you decide to do, savoring time off is imperative. Studies have shown that a little bit of downtime can go a long way: It improves your mood, energy, and productivity. So this weekend, make the most of it.
Bookmark'd
A long weekend means more time to do the things you love. For many of us, that’s reading. Whether you're looking for a book you can't put down or a summer beach read, here are our top five picks…
“By the Book” by Jasmine Guillory…a modern retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” that’ll have you blushing. In it, an editorial assistant heads to California to retrieve an overdue book manuscript from an AWOL celebrity. And, well, you can probably guess what happens next.
“I Kissed Shara Wheeler” by Casey McQuiston…a new queer YA novel from the author of “Red, White & Royal Blue” about an ‘it’ girl who disappears on prom night.
“Counterfeit” by Kirstin Chen…a bingeable novel about a counterfeit bag scheme that feels like “Hustlers,” “The Bling Ring,” and “Molly’s Game” combined. And the TV adaptation is already in the works. Score.
“Meant to Be Mine” by Hannah Orenstein…a charming romance about a 20-something who knows the exact moment she’ll meet her soulmate — and discovers some complications along the way.
“Everything I Need I Get from You” by Kaitlyn Tiffany…a nonfiction read that unpacks the history of internet fandom — examining all things fans, stans, and boy bands (think: One Direction).
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