VIM Pick: Best Read of the Summer

Summer is always a great time for relaxing on those lazy days and catching up on reading that you've meant to do but just can't find the time during the school year. Naturally, we VIM staffers did a lot of that this past summer and wanted to share our favorite read with you:

Chelsea Handler's collection of one-night stands, My Horizontal Life, is just plain hilarious. All of Handler's books are written effortlessly. One can tell she really has knack for storytelling and often comes off much like Judy Blume, a childhood fave of many. Beyond the writing, My Horizontal Life is really great in that you can pick it up at anytime or even read the chapters out of order as it is designed in a series of short stories of Handler's pre-comedian life. Trust us, it's colorful.

Fake the Bake

As the summer temperatures continue to soar, many of us are devoted to getting that perfect golden tan. Unfortunately, frying in high UV rays accelerates skin aging (wrinkles, age spots, etc.) and can cause cancer. Mothers urge us to wear high SPF lotion—and while we may not want to admit it, they are right. SPF is vital and should be a part of your daily skincare regimen. Use a daily moisturizer that has SPF 15 or higher to be fully protected from the sun’s dangerous rays. If you are out in the sun, be sure to reapply face and body SPF lotion periodically and after swimming.

For a safe golden glow, here are our top picks for self-tanners and bronzers—whether you want a slightly sun-kissed look or a savagely bronzed tan.

1. Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15- $32, stilacosmetics.com This daily face moisturizer—infused with 24kt gold—gives a gleaming, flawless look instantly, in addition to the bronze tint that comes within two days.

2. Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer in Copper- $5.99, Walgreens The easy-to-apply air-whipped formula is extremely lightweight and perfect for those smothering humid days. No need for a fancy brush— you can apply with your fingertips!

3. Too Faced Tanning Bed In A Tube for Body- $22.50, Sephora Say goodbye to your tanning goggles! This body lotion gives an instant golden shimmer as well as a gradual tan.

4. Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam- $9.99, CVS Pharmacy With a refreshing grapefruit and nectarine scent, this foam formula is ultra-light and absorbs easily into your skin.

5. MAC To The Beach Bronzing Powder in Golden- $22.00, maccosmetics.com This superfine bronzer compact provides glistening, warm highlights for the face and body.

Get your (sunless) tan on!

How to have the perfect picnic

With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to have a picnic. Here's all the essentials that you will need to have a memorable picnic.

• The perfect picnic basket. The picnic basket pictured above includes everything you'll need to have your perfect picnic for two.
  
• A large, over-sized blanket to lay on the grass.
• A Frisbee or other easily portable games to play.
• An easy menu consisting of already prepared food. Check out Whole Foods for a large selection of artisanal cheeses. Make sure to get crackers or a loaf of french bread to go along with the cheese you choose. Also, pick up fruits such as apples, figs and grapes to pair with your cheese and crackers. Whole Foods also has a great olive bar, so be sure to check that out as well.
  
• A good bottle of wine. Don't forget a bottle opener

So, grab all of these picnic essentials and enjoy a summer breeze with your main squeeze.

Cherry Fest in Traverse City

This past Saturday started the week long, summer tradition of the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI. There are many things to do for all ages. The weekend started off with the Blue Angels show that only comes every other year, making for a big attraction this weekend. If you're not into the airshow, there was the arts and craft show, carnival rides and games, and plenty of vendors with great food... especially Traverse City's finest cherries.

The city was packed with visitors from all over the country. Not only was the Cherry Festival a big attraction for all of the non-local visitors, the fact that Traverse City was voted number 8 of the best beaches in the country, was another big target for the vacation weekend.

If you don't mind large crowds, spending a little bit of money, and you're looking for a weekend getaway, check out the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI.

--LK

It's officially summer!

Kickoff the summer!


Plan a getaway! Find a perfect summer vacation destination that fits your lifestyle! You deserve a break from work and/or summer classes!

Are you a...
Fashionista? Plan a trip to New York City, the Fashion Capital of the United States!

Camper? Plan a camping trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Try a beautiful spot like Pictured Rocks (shown above):
http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/index.htm


Fudgie? Drive across the Mackinac Bridge and take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island! It's known for its great fudge and has breathtaking views!

Beach Bum? Visit Traverse City, Mich., home to beautiful sandy beaches along Lake Michigan's shoreline, rated number 8 on AOL Travel's America's Best Beach Towns. Dine downtown or drive out on the peninsula for some wine tasting and cherry picking! The "Cherry Capital of the world" holds its annual Cherry Festival July 3-10.

Start planning and happy summer! 8-)


Lauren