Undeniable Issue No. 3

undeniable

Issue No. 3

july 2014

U Issue No. 3

Design and Layout by: Anna Tselevich

SUBSCRIBE Issuu

CONTACT For any questions or concerns, or if you are interested in contributing you can reach us at the following email:

undeniablemagazine@gmail.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Featuring Ashley Brooke of Ashley Brooke Designs Shop her amazing products here

CONTRIBUTORS

Anna

Editor-in-Chief <Undeniably Anna>

Mack

Writer <The Total Prepster>

Katelyn

Writer <Seersucker & Stripes>

U Connie

Writer <Prep Northwest>

Frannie

Writer <The Blonde Prep>

Meredith

Writer <Endlessly Elegant>

CONTRIBUTORS

Hunter

Managing Editor <Prep on a Budget>

Nancy

Writer <Fancy Nancista>

Lauren

Writer <A Touch of Southern Grace>

M Ajah

Writer <Lenon Coté>

Eliza

Writer <Eliza’s Ramblings>

Scarlett

Writer <The Trendy Chick>

Hello there!

“Freedom is never given, it is earned” A. Philip Randolph Hey everyone! As you have

and it couldn’t be any better. I hope

probably noticed, Undeniable came a

you all loved every minute of your

week later than usual. Things have

4th of July, and I hope you still let

been so hectic lately that there was

your patriotism inspire you

no other option other than to push

throughout the month!

the release date back by a week. Here

This month, joining us for our

at Undeniable, we have some very

feature is the amazing and talented

very exciting things in the works.

Ashley Brooke. Ashley Brooke

This is Undeniable’s last issue!

Designs has some of the cutest and

But don’t worry we aren’t going

practical products you will ever see.

anywhere...confused? well good!

Upon visiting their website, I

Wait until August to find out what is

guarantee it will be love at first sight!

in store :)

Read Ashley’s incredibly

Things are going to be much

inspiring story in the next few pages,

different, and yet much better- and I

and I hope you enjoy this issue of

have so much confidence that you

Undeniable. Sorry again for the late

will all love what’s coming up!

release guys!

On another note, summer is FINALLY here. July is full of celebrations, travels, and sun-

Anna

Editor-in-Chief

Fashion

One Item- Many Ways Fashion Inspiration: Jenna Lyons American Themed Clothes

Beauty

Fitness

All Natural Beauty

Quick Summer Workout

Beauty Product Organization Healthy Summer Hair

Nike Run +

Home+Travel

Food

Art+Media

Enlarge A Room

BBQ Foods

SGG Summit

Summer Travel Destinations

4th of July Desserts

July TV Premieres

Travel Apps

July Movie Premiers

Relationship Advice all images found on tumblr if you would like to claim the photo please email undeniablemagazine@gmail.com

July

International Joke Day

Smart Girls Group Conference

Apollo 11 Goes to the Moon

Amelia Earhart Day

National Caviar Day

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;14

Independence Day

National Kissing Day

National French Fries Day

National Junk Food Day

National Cheesecake Day

Macaroni Day

July

LISTEN

THE ALL-AM

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Runaway Bon Jovi

Take It Easy Eagles

Dani California Red Hot Chili Peppers

Mr. Jones Counting Crows

Carry On Wayward Son Kansas

More Than A Feeling Boston

Tunes ERICAN PLAYLIST

The Longest Time Billy Joel

Only The Good Die Young Billy Joel

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stop Fleetwood Mac

Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd

Dance The Night Away Van Halen

Its Still Rock & Roll To Me Billy Joel

Meet Ashley Brooke of AB Designs

What inspired you to start Ashley Brooke Designs?

Honestly, it was an idea that was birthed out of necessity. I was laid off from my fancy interior design job when the market crashed and just decided that I need to do something and do something fast. No one was hiring for ANYTHING, so I decided to do my best to take control of the situation and start something. I put all my skills together with the resources I had and Ashley Brooke Designs was born. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been pretty crazy.

I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a business plan or an outline, I just asked a bazillion questions to anyone who would listen to me, read every business book I could get my hands on and hustled. I worked really hard and made lots of mistakes but every once in a while I would have a success and that is what kept me going. I have a fairly persistent personality, so I focused all my energy on that.

What did you major in in college?

I attended UCF Business School from 2005 to 2008, and also attended Seminole State College of Florida during the same period. I graduated from Seminole State College with an Associate of Science in interior design.

Is this your dream job?

Um, I love my job… but, I’m pretty sure I would really love Kelly Ripa’s job. Seriously, I can drink coffee and chat at 9 a.m. any day of the week!!

When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

My family is amazing, and lucky for me I grew up with parents who were and are still today successful, creative entrepreneurs. My parents run a high-end photography company, so I pretty much grew up in their studio playing with old negatives and watercolors… so I guess you could say I was destined to be some sort of entrepreneur--I didn’t really know there was any other option.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?

My style is preppy, girly, and classic… I don’t like to be any one of those things… I like when all three come together! Like a tutu and an oxford… the perfect match!

How would you describe your personality in 3 words?

Oh gosh… I don’t know! Loyal, generous, & always ready for a party! (Consider that one word!!)

Where is your favorite place to shop?

Oh gosh--so many! But I really love J. Crew (obviously, who doesn’t!?), Nordstrom, Annie Griffin, Lilly Pulitzer, GAP, Nine West (why are their 4” heels so comfy?!?!??), and Ann Taylor.

Favorite phone app and website?

I love PhotoGene. I edit most of my photographs on that app!

And I really like http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com! I love to cook and entertain, and so far I haven’t met one of their recipes I didn’t like!!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Truly? My everyday life. My life in general is a bit crazy, and so the sassiness and the touch of girly-snark just comes out and I realize, “Gosh! That would be cute on a mug!” I have stopped designing for what I think my clients might like and I’ve started designing for myself and things that I need… like a Happy Thoughts notepad!

What do you see for the future of Ashley Brooke Designs?

Oh wow! Well, a lady does not spill her secrets! What I can tell you? The next few years are looking very bright and very sassy!!

One Dress - Three Ways

By: Scarlett

For my first piece for Undeniable, I chose to write about how to style one dress three different ways. On my blog, The Trendy Chick, I tend to focus on more affordable options since I am a student. I know not all fashion lovers can afford to spend $300 on a new pair of shoes every week, so incorporating pieces you already own into new outfits is key.

Outfit #1- I created this outfit as a casual option. It is easy to dress pieces up or down to get more use out of them. Pairing a dress with a pair of sneakers is an unexpected way to create a new outfit! This outfit would be great to wear to go to a festival or grab an ice cream cone with your friends.

Outfit #2- This outfit would be perfect to wear to a fun lunch or even out for a day of shopping! While look #1 has a slight boho vibe to it, this option is very feminine.

Outfit #3- This outfit is the most elegant and dressed up option. This one might be worn to a wedding or a more formal event. I put in a few pops of red because I think it is stunning with a simple black and white dress.

To see where each piece is from, checkout the set on my Polyvore here.

MEET JENNA LYONS

By: Katelyn

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Meet Jenna Lyons, J.Crew Executive Creative

entire brand is totally perfect and the entire

Director

store is so appealing to the eye. Her love for fashion first began when she was forced to

J.Crew, a favorite retailer for many, seems to

wear a school uniform. She would always find

always set trends, have essential pieces, and

ways to spruce up the uniform and make it a

the store itself is definitely eye candy. Yet,

little more stylish and fashion friendly. From

there’s a superwoman behind the whole

then on she was always adding her own

vision; Jenna Lyons. To the New York Times

personal touch to clothes by adding her own

she is referred to as “The Woman Who

flare to each piece she owned. Her closet is

Dresses America” and this is no lie. Jenna

pretty much a small store itself! She loves

Lyons is the Executive Creative Director for

getting dressed in the morning and she lets

J.Crew and oversees pretty much everything

her adorable son, Bennet, assist her in the

that has to do with the store. From laying out

task. She says that he usually picks out the

and adjusting the catalog, assisting with the

shoes and she works the outfit around his shoe

design process and overseeing the overall

choice.

vision of J.Crew, Lyons does it all.

Lyons landed her first job for J.Crew

Jenna Lyons is truly an inspiration and is entirely living out her dream. Lyons says she

when she was twenty-one and has grown

has never woken up and not wanted to go to

throughout the brand and worked her way up

work. Although her job is amazing, she

to her current executive position. Her style is

definitely worked to get where she is today. To

impeccable and she can wear anything. At

close, Jenna gives insight on why she loves

about six feet tall and extremely slim, Jenna is

what she does: “Amazing things can happen

hard to miss.

when you’re having fun doing what you love”.

It’s interesting to see the eye in the sky of everything that goes behind J.Crew. The

patriotic looks for summer

By now you have probably already gone through your Fourth of July plans but patriotic gear should be worn with pride all summer long!

Whether it's casual, dressy, or in between, here are some outfits to get you ready for this wonderful month.

By: Nancy

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Look

1st look This look is super casual, and great for the beach or festival. The patriotic shorts help to show off your holiday spirit!

2nd look This look is the "in between" outfit. It can be dressy but wearing a Sperry/boat shoe with the outfit, helps to calm the dressy side down. This look might be simple but not as literal.

3rd look Men - if you are looking to impress your lady or stand out from the crowds, I would go for this lovely look. The blue chino pants help to brighten up anyone's day. Then pairing it with a plain white button down shirt with a patterned bow tie helps to give the outfit a bit of flavor, and the red leather loafers help to balance out the outfit.

CASUAL

CasualHeading to the beach, festival, or concert... these pieces are a perfect match for a great Fourth of July look! All these pieces will definitely show off your love for America!

DRESSY

The first look: Going to a lovely dinner or a night out? This look is for you. This look is a combination of classy and elegant with a bit of color!

Second look: This look is a bit more casual. I definitely would pair this red flowy dress with a nice white, or even blue colored wedge. Adding a statement necklace makes the dress pop a little more. Great for a nice barbeque or party.

KEEP IT NATURAL

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With summer comes plenty of sunburns, tans, and maybe even freckles for those like me! One thing that always seems to put me in a great mood over the summer is that no matter what, everyone always seems to look a little prettier with a natural glow and bronzed skin.

I've found that when everyone is looking their best, makeup becomes less essential, thus the big jump onto the "natural beauty" bandwagon. Enhancing your natural beauty by defining some of your best features is an important asset to a chic summer look.

Don't Overdo It | Not only will wearing too much

Bronze & Blush | I've found that coral toned blushes

makeup in the summer clog your pores, but

make a great option during the summer to give off a

contouring and caking on extra products is simply

nice glow and it is a shade that works well for a

useless during the summer months. Between sweating

majority of skin tones. Try NARS Blush in Final Cut

and swimming it is important to look natural and to

for a versatile coral blush. In addition to blush,

feel natural as well. Keeping it simple always works

bronzer is a great option during the summer to

out in the end.

enhance your tan and maintain your glow. My favorite broner is Warmth by Bare Minerals because a little

Stick to the Basics | As I mentioned, skills like

goes a long way and gives off a natural looking tan.

contouring can be unnecessary and even challenging,

Using either a blush or a bronzer effectively can give

especially for teenagers. Try to stick to a little

off a beautiful illusion to your face without having to

mascara, a complimentary colored blush, a nude gloss

do any serious contouring. Apply blush just on or

or even lip balm, and maybe take the time to darken

above the cheekbone and bronzer just on or below for

your eyebrows for a pop. Although you're trying to

an impactful effect.

keep this simple, don't forget to apply a little cover up if you need to cover anything up! A big key to

Lips | Dry, cracked, or chapped lips can be one of the

enhance your natural beauty is to slightly enhance

most unattractive (and noticeable!) qualities. Always

your natural complexion! Skip the foundation, but

make sure your lips look smooth, and maybe a little

don't skip the cover up if it is necessary. What is most

glossy. A nice lip balm or salve like this Bobbi Brown

important is that you feel comfortable, confident, and

option can make your lips look healthy and natural

beautiful in your skin!

with just the right amount of shine. For a little more sparkle, try a gloss like the Lancome Juicy Tube for a

What to apply...

smooth and shiny look.

Mascara | Apply a basic mascara such as Clinique

Eyebrows | Eyebrows are a face game-changer. Bold

Naturally Glossy Mascara. Mascara will help to

eyebrows draw attention and are not too difficult to

enhance your eyes, which are obviously one of the

achieve. Simply filling them in a little darker or a little

most important aspects of a face. Apply a few light

thicker can make a world of a difference. Try an easy

coats to the top lashes until every lash is lightly

product like the Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil to

coated and even. However, don't forget to apply a

achieve a bolder, fuller, naturally perfected brow.

single light coat to the bottom lashes to make your eyes look balanced and natural.

By: Frannie

Organizing Your Beauty Products

The one thing that most people dread doing is organizing. Especially, when it comes to girls and

is also good just to let go of some stuff. It feels good to let go of old stuff.

their beauty products! I am going to be honest and

The way that I personally organize my beauty

say that I hate organizing. Period. But the thing about

products is that I have one little bag for my everyday

beauty products is that most people, including

make up, foundation, powder, blush, and my not

myself, will buy something, try it, don’t like, but keep

going out eye shadow. Then I have my lotion,

it anyways. Then when you go to clean out your old

deodorant, all of the essentials on my counter. All of

beauty products, you find lotion that is oily and

the other stuff, like my “weekend” makeup, my extra

clumpy, and powder and blush that is all broken and

strength blemish cover up, and my hair spray are all

chunky.

kept in the far corner of my counter. This is a great

One thing that I have found is that if you have

away for me, but not for every one. Your organization

someone other than yourself, your mom, sister, or

really depends on your life, and what going on in

friend, go through your beauty products they will

your life at that point.

through out a lot more stuff then you will. In a good

Some great things I have found to organize

way that is; they don’t remember, or know, how much

your products are things that allow you to see

you paid for that blush that is siting in the back of

everything. Here are some organizers that might help

your makeup drawer, they will just through it away. It

you to organize your own beauty products, for the everyday and the weekend.

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HEALTHY SUMMER HAIR

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Washing- Don’t bother washing your hair every day! That’s a common mistake made by girls everywhere. When you wash every day, it hurts more than it helps. The chemicals from your shampoo and conditioner start to mess with the natural oils of your hair and causes damage.

Your hair will end up being dry, cracked, and have many split ends! So, I recommend washing every 2-3 days for the best results.

Dye- Don’t dye your hair during the summer! Once again, the summer is the perfect time to work on replenishing your hair’s health, so get rid of all those chemicals! Your hair will be lighter anyways as long as you’re in the sun, and so there is no need to add anything else. No Sun In, no lemon juice, treat your hair right!

Heat- Another way we all damage our hair is with straightening irons and curling irons. Stay away!!!! Heating tools only suck moisture out of and burn your hair. There is no need to do that when in the Summer you need as much moisture as possible for your hair!

Products- As far as products for your hair, I highly recommend shampoos and conditioners aimed toward moisture. My personal favorite would be Paul Mitchell Tea Tree and Lavender. I also absolutely love H20 hair masks- they will give your hair the moisture it needs, and they mend split ends, and make your hair extremely soft. Lastly, since you are staying away from the hot irons if you want to get some nice curls or waves in your hair- opt for a salt water spray for a natural and gorgeous beachy look!

A Simple Summer Workout

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This easy and simple workout is perfect for toning your legs this summer! It's easy enough to do while on your computer or watching TV, which is exactly what I do!

20 Lunges (10 per leg) 25 Standing Leg Raises 25 Donkey Kicks 25 Fire hydrant 20 Squats

Repeat as many times as you are comfortable with and able to do!

NIKE RUN APP

Running is by far one of the best ways to get in shape during the summer. The weather is pretty much always on point, and usually you have more time on your hands. The good thing about runs is that its all in your control. The speed, the intensity, the time- all depends on you.

Starting out you may be half a mile in, after 7 minutes and you could be panting and sweating and guess what? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s totally normal!

The point of running is to slowly work your way up to the point where you may actually enjoy it.

Start by walking a mile, and then the next day jog for a bit, increase your speed and distance by the day and before you know it you will be running like there is no tomorrow!

I personally used to be able to drag my butt out of bed at 5:30 in the morning to go on a

2 mile run before school. But over the course of this past year I have seriously been slacking off. I was so disappointed in myself, because when you progress through running you get such a great sense of accomplishment and I had lost that. That is when Nike Run comes in. This app was literally my savior. It is a gift from the running gods.

With the guidance of the training program, I worked my way up to be able to run a 5K in only a few weeks, and now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m training for a 10K. pretty impressive huh? Well you can do it too! Nike Run tracks your speed, your distance, your route, and your progress. Every time I look back at my times from a few weeks ago I am amazed at how far I have come. Trust me when I say this is an app you will want to download and take advantage of this summer!

My favorite feature? You can start a training program for different marathons, and it gets you on track and you can see your progress! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m currently starting the beginner 5K training program and am loving it!

Download: App Store Google Play Store

MAKE YOUR ROOM LOOK BIGGER

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When it comes to interior decorating one of the most common problems is trying to figure out a way to make the room or the interior of a place look larger than it really is. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting ready to move into a dorm room, first apartment, or update an older house I feel like the first move in decorating is mapping out a plan to make a space look bigger or in some cases how to make a room feel more intimate. Usually small rooms are associated with apartments; however, older houses tend to have smaller rooms as well. To help you achieve the illusion of having a bigger room or space here are a few easy tips that can make a big difference.

Use Light Colors Lighter colors such as light shades of blue, whites, light yellows, etc. tend to open up a room, giving the room a light and airy feeling. Light colors are better for reflecting light, hence, giving the optical illusion that a room is larger than it really is.

Wallpaper Often times people tend to make the mistake of thinking that since they want to wallpaper a small room they should use wallpaper with a small print. However, wallpaper with a small print gives the illusion of making an area feel smaller. If you prefer wallpaper over paint be sure to use wallpaper with a large print to make a small room feel larger.

Limit Clutter The less clutter the better. Limiting the clutter in a small room will make the space seem more open then it really is. Limiting the clutter will also make a room feel more organized and also make the room feel more enjoyable to spend time in.

Paintings/Prints I love a gallery wall just as much as the next person but when decorating a small space a gallery wall is not necessarily the best way to go. One large painting or print usually works for a small space rather that a lot of small ones. However if you are in love with the idea of a gallery wall and really want to go for it is better to make all the frames the same color â&#x20AC;&#x201C; remember monochromatic color combos work better for a smaller space.

Lighting For small spaces the more lighting the better. Allowing natural lighting to flow in will open up a space. To achieve natural lighting either pull window curtains back or use sheer window dressings.

Mirrors Mirror are one of the best decorating elements to use to make a small room look larger, and besides who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love a beautiful mirror or mirrored piece of furniture. Mirrors reflect light and color making a room feel instantly bigger.

Tables/End Tables Using a glass or Lucite tables will help to keep the space feeling open. Using mirrored end tables will also help to reflect the light and colors in the room.

SUMMER 2014 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Wailw Beach, Maui.

How could anyone not want to spend time walking along this beautiful beach? The view is absolutely breathtaking.

Cannes, France Not only known for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual film festival. Cannes is also a beautiful holiday travel spot.

Mykonos, Greece I know that for me, my dream has always been to travel the beautiful Greek Isles. Talk about a good way to start the 2014 summer!

Beautiful Montreal, Quebec as night falls!

(Magic time!)

TOP 5 TRAVEL COMPANIONS

One of the best parts of summer vacation is the opportunity to travel. Whether you are going to visit family, or making a trip out to Europe, these travel apps will be a helpful tool for making your trip less stressful and more enjoyable. I hope these apps will come in handy for you! I wish I wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had some of them on our earlier travels (especially the translation one ;) ) Have a fun time traveling this summer!

1 The Converted by Ideon Traveling outside of the US for the first time can lead to a lot of confusion. I remember coming to Germany and wondering the difference between pounds and kilograms, miles and kilometers, and the American Dollar and the Euro. Make international travel easier by using the Converted by Ideon. This app is an ultimate all-in-one conversion app and includes every conversion you’ll ever need. $2.99 App Store

2 Packing Pro This app just might be worth its $2.99 price tag. Anytime I go on vacation, I get packing anxiety.

I’m afraid that I’m going to forget something or leave something at the hotel. For people who love to make packing lists like me, this app is your candy. Packing Pro allows you to make customizable lists for any trip and allows you to share these lists over iCloud/email. It allows you to stay organized and make sure you’re not forgetting anything important. $2.99 App Store

3 iStone Planning on traveling somewhere where English is not the spoken language? Download this app!

Sure a lot of people do speak English however there is always some person you need to talk to that can’t speak English. iStone is an app which translates more than 300 useful phrases into 12 languages. Best of all, it gives the pronunciations in a native accent and it doesn’t need Wifi!

Free on App Store

4 Wikitude This one is super cool. Wikitude is an app that uses your smartphone camera and will point out restaurants, sights and hotels in your general vicinity by scanning the area in front of you. The app then syncs your location with restaurant reviews, tweets, photos, and details about the area.

Free on App Store, Google Play, Blackberry World, Windows Phone Store

5 Pingspot Are you addicted to pinterest like me? Pingspot is kind of like pinterest but specifically for your travel benefit. Pingspot does a few things- it allows you to ‘ping’ places you visit, leave a photo/ recommendation for friends, and allows you to see other friends ‘pings’ and reviews.

Free on App Store

KEEPING UP SUMMER RELATIONSHIPS

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Relationships; they can be short, long, difficult, fantastic, you name it, but how do you maintain a relationship over the summer? Being in high school, maintaining a healthy relationship over the summer isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too hard since my boyfriend only lives 8 minutes away from my house; however, for some of you college girls or full-time vacationers, maintaining a good relationship can be really difficult. The hardest part is mostly the separation because it can be lonely not seeing somebody all the time, but if you want to keep the relationship you definitely can! Here are some tips to maintaining a good relationship over the summer.

makes you happy and that you are not 1. Plan Dates: Making sure you go on

dates is super important. They don’t have to be expensive or fancy, but just

relying on somebody else for your happiness.

4. Communicate: One biggie in any

something to keep the relationship

relationship is having good

fun. Not going out just isn’t good for

communication. Don’t be afraid to say

any relationship, even if you see the

you are upset or you wish something

person all the time. Going out shows

were better. If you don’t, the problem

you care and you guys can still have

won’t go away and your relationship

fun together!

won’t end well. Always talk to your

2. Be Ready for Separation: In the

BF/GF and attempt to solve the

summer separation is pretty much

problems. It makes for a much better

inevitable, even if you live near each

and stronger relationship.

other. We are all so busy in the

5. Be Understanding: Lastly, it is really

summer, so seeing somebody 24/7

important that you remain

usually isn’t an option. To keep a good

understanding. If things crumble or

relationship you need to be ready for

don’t work out, don’t let it get you

some separation and be accepting. Go

down. Understand that maybe it

out with friends or find some time for

wasn’t the relationship for you and

yourself when you can’t see your BF/

that there will always be other people

GF.

out there. Doing this will, ultimately,

3. Don’t Be Too Needy: Along the same

lines as tip #2, make sure you aren’t

makes everything a lot better and makes you the bigger person.

too needy. Constantly relying on the other person to make you happy never

I hope these tips help you maintain a

works. You always make yourself

good summer relationship and I hope

depressed and having a good time is

everyone has a great summer!

usually never, unless you are with that person. Make sure you are doing what

WHEN YOU THINK OF A BBQ...

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When you think of a BBQ, you think of the perfect weather, perfect food, and perfect memories to share with your friends. While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having a blast in the summer sunshine, what better would it be with the perfect food? BBQ is known for the wonderful homemade assortments and hearty meals. My personal favorites are potato salads, grilled chicken and potatoes. My mom has always made the best meals and I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want them any other way. Home-style is always the way to go.

POTATO SALAD

Potato salad can come in so many different varieties. From cold to hot.

Here’s a recipe of a wonderful potato salad that can cure hungry quickly.

•

2 cups dried Orecchiette Pasta

•

1 pint Grape Tomatoes, quartered

•

1 container Fresh Mozzarella Pearls {or 1 ball fresh mozzarella, cubed small}

•

1 cup Fresh Basil, sliced into ribbons

•

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

•

FOR THE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:

•

2 Cloves of Fresh Garlic, squeezed through a garlic press

•

1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar

•

3 tablespoons Olive Oil

RECIPE

Grilled Chicken has always been my favorite, you can change it up and put flavoring or stuff on top to add to the flavor. This recipe is a cool way to make the grilled chicken interesting and fun.

•

6 grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts

•

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

•

1 tablespoon butter

•

6 slices mozzarella cheese

•

6 slices tomato

•

RECIPE

large basil leaves

•

l3 pounds small red potatoes

•

1/4 cup olive oil

twice baked potatoes are perfect for a

•

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

summer BBQ. Here’s a recipe that

•

1 teaspoon black pepper

will be a crowd favorite-

•

2 Tablespoons minced garlic

•

2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

Potatoes are amazing and will fill you up so quickly, baked potatoes or

RECIPE

AMERICAN

Ingredients: 1 bag of Pretzel Rods 24oz. of Almond Bark 2 Tbsp. of Shortening Food Coloring Sprinkles Instructions*: 1. Melt the almond bark with two tablespoons of shortening.

2. Dip the pretzel rods in white almond bark (about 3/4 of the pretzel should be

covered) 3.Divide the remaining almond bark in half and add red and blue food coloring.

4.Dip the upper 1/3 of the pretzel in the blue chocolate.

5.Add white sprinkles before the blue chocolate dries.

6.Drizzle red chocolate over the remaining white section to create stripes *The awesome thing about this recipe is that you can get creative with it. The

instructions above are for the pretzels in the picture but if you wanted to, you could make the whole pretzel red and add white stripes and blue sprinkles. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all up to you!

DESSERTS

We had to have one healthy desert right? These are not only really easy, but they’re also a great showpiece.

Ingredients: • Blueberries • Raspberries • Mini Marshmallows • 12 10-inch Wooden Skewers Instructions: Thread 4 blueberries, 2 mini marshmallows and 2 raspberries on each of five 10-inch wooden sticks. On the remaining seven sticks, thread 4 raspberries and 3 marshmallows Arrange as seen in the picture.

T.V Premieres Witches of East End July 6 Lifetime 9/8c Finding Carter July 8 MTC 10/9c Extant July 9 CBS 9/8c Ray Donovan July 13 Showtime 9 ET/PT Masters of Sex July 13 Showtime 10 ET/PT The Real Housewives of New Jersey July 13 Bravo 8/7c Rookie Blue July 17 ABC 9/8c The Quest July 31 ABC 8/7c

Movie Premieres Earth to Echo July 1 Tammy July 1

Deliver Us From Evil July 1

Begin Again July 10

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes July 10

Magic in the Moonlight July 24

Lucy July 24

Planes: Fire & Rescue July 27

In our July issue, Anna and I thought it would be a great idea to include a little information about the Smart Girls Summit being held in New York City this year. Both Anna and I are going and we could not be more excited for such a great event! If you didn’t know, the Smart Girls Summit is being presented by the Smart Girls Group—an online magazine, blog, and support site for women.

They are such an empowering group with a great mission: to empower the women of the world. With that said, their summit is all about empowering and educating women of every age to “succeed in every facet of their lives”.

There will be several notable speakers at the conference that I cannot wait to meet and talk to. The speakers range from CEO’s to Managing Editors to Bloggers and many other areas of expertise. I am especially excited to meet the famed blogger, Carly Heitlinger! She is one of the most popular women in the blogging industry and, I think it is safe to say, a blogger many of us look up to.

She has such a unique writing style and a great perspective on life that will be really interesting to hear more about in person. Needless to say, there will be a great line-up of speakers at the Smart Girls Summit.

So that is just a little background information on the Smart Girls Summit.

I am so excited to be attending this year and I’m sure I will get to see some of you there. Give me a shout-out if you are and we can definitely meet up at the conference. It is going to be so great to meet some of the people I have known online for so long!

For more information on the Smart Girls Summit click here.

THANK YOU FOR READING!