June 2013

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Cook's Secrets

Summer Social

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Your guide to summer entertaining

MOVABLE FEAST

Beach flavored

Aida Mollenkamp

Rosé-colored glasses

Present perfect

41 million

Handy Wrappers

Gingham Style

Carry On

Tech it out

Think of it as a family-focused Trip Advisor. Plug in kids' ages and your destination, and benefit from the experience of those who've gone before. The robust database of parent-to-parent reviews and tips will make getting from point A to point B a breeze.

Walk-ins Welcome

A Connecticut couple turns a cozy weekend cottage into a carefree home perfect for easygoing entertaining seven days a week.

Party time

Isn't any summer night (or day) worth celebrating? We think so. Here are three gorgeous, idea-packed gatherings you can host at home.

Party's at Your Place

But don't panic. These expert tips make it fun for everyone, including the hostess. Here's how to plan, prep, and relax (really!) before your best bash ever.

Sunny Sorbets

Talk about refreshing! These hues brighten your rooms and your mood. The berry and citrus notes meld beautifully, so scoop up several-- they're better together.

Decked Out

Screen Play

Extra living space could be right outside your door. See how a plain deck became the ultimate gathering spot.

Bloomerang Lilac

Traffic Stop

An outfitted space by the back door keeps a family of five on track, with spots to store gear, slip on shoes, and even scrub up.

AMERICA'S MILK PROCESSORS

Entry Outfitters

Open to a more organized drop zone? Make an entrance in an instant with one or more of these seven smart buys. Then watch how quickly things fall into place.

Inside Out

Indoor room or outdoor space? It's a little of both for this cozy backyard gathering spot.

Garden-Fresh Dahlias

These darlings of borders and bouquets bloom nonstop from summer to fall.

PATIO PARADISE

Escape to an oasis in your backyard. A no-dig water feature is easy to assemble in an afternoon. Buy a prefab pond like this one, or do it yourself! Our how-to, below, makes it as simple as 1-2-3-4.

Q I want to get a spray tan before an upcoming wedding but I'm scared I'll look streaky and orange. How can I ensure I end up with a natural glow--not dayglow?...

Potato Chips

The First Thornless Raspberry

Be one of the first to own BrazelBerries Raspberry Shortcake!

SWEET TREATS

Wish Dad a happy Father's Day with a gift that's good enough to eat. These three simple ideas are delicious ways to show him you care.

What we're loving

We can't get enough of The Republic of Tea's new iced tea pouches featuring four fresh, bright flavors: Ginger Peach, Limón Black, Watermelon Mint, and (our favorite) Hibiscus Sangria.

What we're learning

Make a smoothie

KITCHEN SECRET

56 The percentage of RVers who bring pets along for the ride

Close game

Bound for glory

The bite stuff

It's a draw

Bad bounce

Pet project

61% Portion of doctors who use social media to keep up with research, connect with peers, and share new medical Information

National treasures

Make a national park visit unforgettable by turning it into an adventure. Ride the rapids, crawl through caves, and more.

Top Pop-tions

You can finally put something on his project list that he'll love. These Dad's Day doables are fun for parent and child alike.

A Trio of Our Favorite Hydrangeas

I Did It