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Spaghetti squash lasagna

Lasagna is always a family favorite, but it's loaded with carbs and time consuming to make. Try this version, made with spaghetti squash. Not only is it much healthier, but it'll come together in a fraction of the time!

Find out how to cook spaghetti squash >>

Ingredients:

• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 4 cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
2. Spread the spaghetti squash over the marinara sauce
3. Spoon the cottage cheese over the squash.
4. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the cottage cheese.
5. Pour the rest of the sauce over the cheese.
6. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is bubbly.
8. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Zucchini chips

Potato chips are one of America's favorite snack foods, but they're horrible for your waistline — and your heart. Get your chip fix in a healthy way with these zucchini chips. The seasoning combinations are almost endless, but they turn out better with savory tastes than sweet ones. Think chili pepper, paprika, cumin or garlic if you want to add more flavor.

Check out 3 Ways to serve zucchini >>

Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini
• Foil
• Cooking spray
• Seasoning salt

Directions:

1. Cut the zucchini into thin slices, about the thickness of a quarter. If you have a mandolin, this is the time to use it. If you don't, use a sharp knife and take your time.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray foil with cooking spray.
3. Spread the zucchini slices out on the lined baking sheet and spray zucchini with cooking spray.
4. Sprinkle the zucchini slices with seasoning salt or your choice of seasonings. How much you use depends on your tastes.
5. Bake zucchini in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes, then flip the chips, sprinkle them with seasoning again and bake another 40 minutes or until browned.
6. Remove zucchini chips from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve immediately.

Stuffed summer squash

We're all familiar with stuffed peppers, but stuffed squash is a must-try in the summer. This recipe works well with yellow squash and zucchini, and the ground beef can be replaced with sausage for more flavor, or ground turkey for a healthier choice.

Cooking with summer squash >>

Ingredients:

• 4 yellow squash or zucchini
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 10 ounces frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded, divided
• 2 scallions, diced

Directions:

1. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise.
2. Scoop the flesh out of each piece of squash, setting the squash aside.
3. Cut a sliver from the round side of each half so they sit flat.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper on each squash shell and place in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, flesh side up. Set aside.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet. Chop squash flesh and add to skillet, along with pepper and onion. Cook until soft, about four minutes.
6. Add tomato paste and chili powder and cook 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the ground beef to the squash and pepper mixture, turning frequently. Cook until beef is browned.
8. Stir in corn, then remove from heat.
9. Add 1/4 cup of the cheese, salt and pepper. Stir.
10. Spoon mixture into squash halves, then sprinkle each half with the remaining cheese.
11. Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the shells are tender. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese starts to brown.
12. Sprinkle with scallions.

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Mediterranean salad

This easy salad is so good, you'll probably find yourself eating it two or three times a week. Slice two small Persian cucumbers in half lengthwise, then into 1/2-inch slices, cut 1 cup of grape tomatoes in half, then into 1/2-inch chunks. Put tomatoes in a bowl, grind generous amounts of salt and pepper onto them and mix. Add cucumbers and a sprinkle of feta cheese, along with any fresh herbs you have on hand . Then top with a 2 tablespoons of hummus. Serve with homemade pita chips that you make by cutting whole wheat pita bread into wedges, brushing them lightly with olive oil and sprinkling with garlic salt. Bake for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown.

Watermelon feta salad

Invite a friend over for lunch and grab some gab time while enjoying this refreshing salad. Cut 2 cups of watermelon into chunks and lay on top a bed of spring green salad mix. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon and drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a piece of whole grain toast topped with 1/4 of a fresh avocado, salt and pepper.

Mozzarella, tomato, avocado and corn salad

Cut 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese into bite size chunks, cut 16 ounces of grape tomatoes in half, and cut two avocados into bite size chunks. Rub four corn cobs with oil and cook them on a baking sheet in the oven on 450 degrees for 10 minutes on each side. Cut off the corn kernels into a bowl with the mozzarella, avocados and tomatoes, and add fresh ground salt and pepper. This is the perfect salad to take to a summer potluck — you're sure to go home with an empty bowl.

Salmon arugula salad

If you lack the time or desire to prepare your own salmon, buy a pre-cooked piece of salmon from the market to make things easy. Serve your piece of salmon over a bed of arugula and sprinkle with capers. Add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and finish with freshly ground salt and pepper on top. This salad is loaded with healthy Omega 3s and protein.

Quinoa salad

Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package directions. While it's cooking, finely chop 1/2 cup of celery, one small Fuji apple, 2 ounces of Gouda cheese and a handful of walnuts. Mix chopped ingredients with cooked quinoa and stir in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Quinoa is packed with protein and goes well with just about anything, so if you want to substitute other dried fruits, cheese, vegetables or nuts, go for it. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper.

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Dress it up

Sundresses are some of the best fashion pieces of the summer. They're cute and comfortable, and you can find one that makes you look great no matter what body type you have. They also rock because they can easily go from day to night with just a few accessory changes. During the day, pair a sundress with a light cardigan and switch it out with a fitted blazer for the perfect evening look.

CHeck out 10 Sweet sundresses under $60 >>

Shoes

It's amazing what a difference a new pair of shoes can have on your whole outfit. Wear a cute pair of flats or sandals during the day, but keep a sexy pair of heels in your bag or your car. A quick footwear change may be all you need to take your look from daytime casual to nighttime ready.

Jewelry

Every girl likes a little bling, but just how much of it you wear has a lot to do with the time of day. During the day, you don't need much more than a simple necklace and a small pair of earrings. Once night falls, however, it's your chance to bling it out. Replace the simple day pieces with a bold cuff, a big cocktail ring, a long layered necklace or a pair of chandelier earrings. Just remember to pick one or two big pieces of jewelry instead of all of them — it's easy to go overkill when you start adding sparkle.

Baubles galore: Must-have jewelry pieces >>

Top it off

When the sun is shining overhead, a big floppy sunhat is just what you need to protect your head and face from harmful UV rays. It doesn't hurt that they're super cute either! When you go out at night though, you don't need to worry about that. Ditch the big hat in favor of a tight ponytail with a big pair of earrings.

Take this Quiz: Find your signature summer style >>

Bag it up

When you're out and about throughout the day, you need a big bag to carry everything you simply must have with you , but that's not so necessary at night. Throw a cute clutch in your big bag, and pull it out with your nighttime essentials before you hit the town.

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Though the dating site Plenty of Fish recently announced Salt Lake City as the number one destination for a summer fling, we have our own ideas. Check out our list of the best cities in the U.S. and around the globe for a hot summer romance.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers hot beaches and sexy bodies — the perfect recipe for a summer fling. Though Carnaval is over, the party never stops in Rio de Janeiro. If you are looking to head out of the country for a steamy summer, Rio is one of the best places to be.

Paris

This summer, say oui to Paris. Considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is a hot destination for summer vacations and sexy flings. If it's not the people that seduce you, it will be the architecture, fashion and food of Paris. While in Europe, you can also travel to other sexy cities from Venice to Vienna.

Miami

You don't have to leave the States to have a hot time this summer. Miami offers all the action you could ask for. Known for its beautiful beaches, unparalleled nightlife and sexy people, Miami is the perfect destination for a steamy summer fling. So grab your bathing suit and book your trip to Florida.

Montego Bay

Stella knew what she was doing when she went to Montego Bay, Jamaica, to get her groove back. She hooked up with Taye Diggs for a sexy summer fling. Jamaica is an amazing place to soak up the sun and the scenery, and if you hook up with someone special, that's a bonus.

San Diego

On the west coast, you can find a number of hot spots for summer lovin' from Malibu to San Francisco. Our favorite is down south in San Diego. With fabulous weather and so much to do, you are sure to meet plenty of people while vacationing in San Diego.

New York

While a beach vacation is perfect for some, many people love the city. One of the hottest urban vacation destinations for arts, culture and sports, New York is popular among singles too. While experiencing some of the best nightclubs, restaurants and events in the world, you also may find romance along the way. Though you might not meet your soul mate in Manhattan, you'll certainly find plenty of single people looking to have some fun.

Las Vegas

We couldn’t finish the list without mentioning Sin City. For a hot time this summer, pack your bags and head to Vegas for non-stop action 24/7. One of the best things about going to Vegas is that getting there is cheap. You can find affordable flights from almost anywhere in the country, and once you are on the Strip, you certainly won't have trouble meeting anyone.

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Pacha

Pacha is known around the world with locations in hot spots such as Buenos Aires, Ibiza and London. The glam club came to New York in 2005 and has been considered one of best dance clubs in the country ever since. If you like to dance and you love the crowds, Pacha is the place to be. The four-story, 30,000-square-foot venue is set between the Hudson River to the west and the Hell's Kitchen district to the east. Each level of the club has its own distinct character, decor and operation. From "Little Pacha" — the small attic hideaway up top — to the wide-open dance floor on the main floor, you'll love every inch of this place.

Location: 618 W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-209-7500

Mansion

If you are headed to South Beach and want to dance, you have a wide variety of clubs to choose from. One of our favorites is Mansion — formerly Level nightclub. This hot spot is popular among celebrities and locals alike with stars from Diddy to Nicki Minaj hosting parties here. Mansion features six bar areas, decadent decor, cozy seating areas and plenty of space to dance. Their famed dance floor features sky-high ceilings, performance stages, luxurious seating and more. Relax in the back or middle ivy room, or watch all the action from the mezzanine.

Location: 1235 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-695-8411

Boulevard3

Located on the site of the former Hollywood Athletic Club, Boulevard3 is considered one of the best dance clubs in Los Angeles. The club features three levels and a massive dance floor. When entering the club through the large iron gate, you'll come through the outdoor space that features an English garden courtyard with its own bar and two reflective pools. One of the pools ends with an amazing 20-foot-tall fireplace. Around the courtyard are canopied private garden rooms. If you want to chill out, head to the ornate manor library room. The mezzanine level is set three feet above the main dance floor and is decked out with plush velvet couches for posh comfort. If you get the munchies, don't worry — they serve chocolate dipped strawberries and free tacos.

Location: 6523 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-466-2144

Avalon Hollywood

Located at Hollywood and Vine in the historical building that was once the Palace Theatre, Avalon Hollywood features club nights on Thursday , Friday and Saturday . With a big dance floor, some of the best DJs in the country and an array of live music, you are sure to have some fun at Avalon. This dance club is 18 and over on Thursday and Friday. It stays open all night Saturday and features a separate after-hours club on Friday. Bardot is a restaurant, lounge and dance club located above Avalon with a speakeasy vibe. The club features an indoor/outdoor lounge and balcony seating that looks over the dance floor.

Location: 1735 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-462-8900

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George's Ocean Terrace

The San Diego weather is beautiful almost all year round — making it a fabulous destination for outdoor dining. One of our favorite spots is rooftop dining at George's Ocean Terrace. Located at George's At The Cove in La Jolla, this restaurant offers amazing food and drinks, but it's the views that will make you come back again and again.

Location: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858-454-4244

A Fish Called Avalon

Experience outdoor dining in South Beach at A Fish Called Avalon. Located in the north tower of the Avalon hotel, this restaurant features some of the best seafood in the country. Whether you are on a special date or just hanging out with friends, this restaurant offers a culinary oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive. Dine on the terrace and enjoy spectacular ocean views, the gentle breeze and entertaining live music. If you are looking for a refreshing cocktail, you must have one of their legendary mojitos.

Location: 700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-532-1727

The Ivy

The Ivy has been hot spot in Los Angeles for years and it's still as good as ever. Get a spot on the charming patio where you can scope out the stars and enjoy the Southern California weather. Known for their industry-heavy crowd, this landmark restaurant also has great food. Everything on the menu is tasty, but the crab cakes are exceptional and the salads are top-notch.

Location: 113 N. Roberston Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 310-274-8303

Geoffrey's Restaurant

This amazing restaurant in Malibu features a spectacular terrace overlooking the ocean where you can often see dolphins and whales at play. A hot spot for dinner, as well as Sunday brunch, Geoffrey's has been a favorite among the Hollywood elite for years. For an unforgettable oceanside dining experience, you can't beat this Malibu favorite. The waitstaff is excellent, the food is fresh and tasty and the atmosphere is breathtaking. Try the pan-seared Chilean sea bass or scallops, and finish off your meal with a slice of cheesecake.

Location: 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: 310-457-1519

Primo Patio Cafe

All the good patio restaurants in California aren't down south. Up in the San Francisco area, you'll find a number of fantastic places for outdoor dining. We love Primo Patio Cafe in SoMa. The Caribbean-style food reflects tastes from Cuba, Jamaica and Mexico. From the grilled jerk chicken to the blackened salmon to the crispy calamari, you'll love everything on the menu. The sunny patio in the back is perfect for relaxing with friends and enjoying a glass of housemade Sangria or a cool Buli-Buli — a Cuban cocktail made with beer, lime juice, sugar and ice.

Location: 214 Townsend St., San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-957-1129

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South Beach

If you're planning a girls' getaway, Beth Jenkins of McCabe World Travel recommends Miami's South Beach for swanky clubs, great restaurants and tons of fun. "Stay at the hip W South Beach hotel," she says.

Aruba

Jenkins says Aruba is another great year-round option for a vacation with girlfriends. "Aruba is far enough south it is out of the hurricane belt," she assures us, "so you rarely have to worry about bad weather." The beaches are pristine white sand, and the island has a great international dining scene, casinos and nightlife. Jenkins says to keep your eye out in 2013 as Aruba gets a new gem — the Ritz Carlton opening on Palm Beach!

Atlantis

For young singles looking to mingle, Jessica Griscavage recommends The Cove at Atlantis. "Cain, the resort's super-sexy adults-only pool with an outdoor casino area, is always buzzing," says Griscavage. "You have a nightclub, great spa and, of course, access to all the amenities of Atlantis. Plus the Bahamas and Atlantis offer a safe environment for a woman traveling solo."

St. Barths

If the young singles scene isn't your thing, Jenkins and Griscavage recommend St. Barths for the mature client looking for luxury. For a lady of leisure, the French atmosphere is fabulous, with delicious dining options and the best boutique shopping in a beach destination. They love Eden Rock for a solo woman or ladies traveling together.

Anguilla

Our McCabe World Travel duo recommends Anguilla for its gorgeous beaches and relaxing vibe. Luxuriate at the spa at CuisinArt where you can enjoy treatments such as the Warmed Seashell Massage or the Caribbean Warm Stone Massage.

Turks and Caicos

Head to Turks and Caicos and take advantage of Beaches Resorts' special four-night BFF Girls Getaway vacation package. Enjoy girlfriend-friendly activities like a welcome cocktail hour, beach bonfire , skincare classes, seaside yoga and more.

Ibiza

Sexy Ibiza has been called both a "playground for the rich and famous" and "a single woman's paradise." This island, located off the coast of Spain, has a thriving nightlife with drinking and dancing that doesn't slow down until dawn.

Cabo San Lucas

If tequila, fish tacos and sandy beaches beckon, try Cabo San Lucas, located at the tip of the Baja peninsula in Mexico. Stay at Capella Pedregal,  the area's newest resort, offering secluded luxury and sweeping ocean views.

Playa Del Carmen

Enjoy the azure blue waters of Playa del Carmen, located on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Stay at an all-inclusive resort and all you'll have to worry about is when to order your next margarita. Playa offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the area and is perfectly located for a day-trip to the Mayan ruins of Tulum.

Negril, Jamaica

Friendly locals, reggae music, beautiful weather and sandy beaches are a few reasons to visit Negril, Jamaica. If you're looking for an active nightlife, take your pick from several hard-core party resorts like the all-inclusive Hedonism II.

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San Diego, CA

With a year-round temperature of 70-80 degrees, San Diego is a favorite destination of Laura Williams, Founder and CEO of Girls Gone Sporty. The beaches are perfect for everything from sand volleyball and body boarding to surfing and cycling. "Whether you're walking the San Diego Zoo or the museums of Balboa Park, taking ocean kayaking tours or playing golf," says Williams, "it's hard not to stay active when you're vacationing in San Diego!”

More info available at: www.sandiego.org

Vail, CO

Vail is known for its skiing, but Williams loves to enjoy the outdoors at popular ski resorts in summertime, too. Hit the mountain bike trails on Vail and Beaver Creek mountains. Enjoy a brisk hike or visit one of the swimming pools with the family for a day of swimming, splashing and sliding.

More info available at: www.visitvailvalley.com

Portland, OR

Portland's abundant hiking trails, cycling paths and parks make this city a great spot for the outdoor enthusiast. If you like to run, try the Waterfront Park Loop over the city's bridges or head off-road to Forest Park's 70 miles of trails. Hit one of Portland's many farmer's markets for fresh, healthy eats while you're there.

More info available at: www.travelportland.com

Maui, HI

If you don't mind an early wake-up, the Haleakala Sunrise is an experience you won't want to miss. Sign up with a local tour company that will pick you up and drive you up Haleakala Crater Road where you'll watch the glorious sunrise. Then hop on a bicycle and cycle down the high-speed winding road with amazing views along the way.

More info available at: www.gohawaii.com

Belize

If you're looking for adventure, head to Belize. Hike inland through dense rainforests, zipline through jungle canopies or kayak down serene rivers. Hit the coast for activities including scuba diving and snorkeling with beautiful tropical fish. Ever tried windsurfing, kiteboarding or parasailing? If not, here's your chance!

More info available at: www.travelbelize.org

Cinque Terre, Italy

You won't even realize you're exercising as you drink in the surroundings while hiking along the Italian coast visiting each of the five towns that comprise Cinque Terra, Italy. Go ahead and enjoy a mouth-watering pizza along the way. You will have certainly burned enough calories to indulge!

More info available at: www.cinqueterreonline.com

Canyon Ranch Resort

For a getaway that's all about health and wellness, book a stay at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. This all-inclusive luxury resort offers relaxing spa treatments as well as activities including hiking and biking through desert canyons and pine-covered mountains.

More info available at: www.canyonranch.com

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Good Morning America Summer Concert Series

Good Morning America and Pepsi have come together to put on this summer concert series at Rumsey Playfield in New York's Central Park. The 2012 concert schedule includes performances from Mary J. Blige, Counting Crows, LMFAO, Demi Lovato, No Doubt and more. The free live performances take place on Friday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. from May through August. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series. Also in New York City, check out the River to River Festival in the Financial District.

Summer Season at the Hollywood Bowl

In the Los Angeles area, you can't beat the summer concerts at the historic Hollywood Bowl. Summer music season extends from June to September, where you can catch the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic and a number of other top-notch performers. Visit the Hollywood Bowl website for ticket information and other details. Also in the Los Angeles area, you can't beat the Grand Performances summer concert series at California Plaza downtown. These free concerts feature world-renowned artists and some local homegrown performers as well.

Universal Orlando Summer Concert Series

Every June and July some of the country's biggest music stars play at Universal Studios in Hollywood. If you are visiting Florida, take in one of the performances after spending a day at the popular theme park. You can learn more about this summer concert series and everything else Universal Orlando has to offer at UniversalOrlando.com

Del Mar Summer Concert Series

If you are in the San Diego area, head to Del Mar to take in a summer concert at the Seaside Stage. The free summer concerts at the Del Mar Summer Concert Series will be held every Friday from mid July to the beginning of September. With the beautiful weather and the ocean as the backdrop, you'll enjoy both the sights and the sounds at these spectacular summer concerts.

Woodstock Concert Series

Down south in Woodstock, Georgia, you'll find the free, family-friendly Woodstock Concert Series. The concerts are held once a month from May through September and no tickets are required. Bring your kids and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of great music and plenty of fun.

Geneva Commons Summer Concert Series

Every Wednesday and Sunday, bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Geneva Commons for this fun, free concert series. Enjoy some of the area's best musical artists and have a fabulous time with your whole family. If you enjoy classical music, then the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago's Millennium Park is a must. This is the only free, outdoor classical music series of its kind in the country.

Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series

Every Saturday in June and July, you can hear some of Arizona's top bands performing live at the Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series in Scottsdale. The free concerts take place every Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Center Plaza.

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Outdoor volleyball

Grab a few of your friends and head outside for a friendly game of volleyball! Whether you choose to play in the sand, on the grass or even in the pool, volleyball requires full-body movements in every plane of motion. One minute you'll find yourself diving for the ball while the next minute you'll be leaping into the air to place a point-winning spike. An hour of volleyball will burn between 240 and 300 calories on a 150-pound frame, but you'll be having so much fun, you won't want to stop at just an hour!

Playground workouts

Your kids want to hit the playground this summer, and so should you! Playgrounds provide you with all the tools you need to get a killer workout without the confinement of a gym. Jog the park's perimeter to get warmed up, then use the steps or benches to do split squats, use the railings to do assisted pull-ups, place your hands on a swing to do balance-challenging push-ups and climb up and down the ladders for a full-body workout. Use your creativity to come up with more ideas based on the equipment you have available.

Theme races

Summertime is race season, so if you've been toying with the idea of participating in a race or fun run, now's the time to sign up. The best part is that more and more races are focused on providing an awesome experience for participants of all ability levels, rather than focusing only on speed and times. Check out just a few of the fun theme races worth signing up for:

• The Color Run: A 5K run or walk where participants are doused with all-natural, 100-percent safe color dust at every kilometer marker.
• Run for your Lives: A cross between a race and a horror film, Run for Your Lives participants are "chased" by zombies as they cross a 5K distance that takes them through man-made obstacles while they try to protect their "health" from zombies in pursuit.
• Disney Princess Half Marathon: If you've always imagined yourself a Disney Princess, the Disney Princess Half Marathon is the race for you. Bringing together women from across the country and around the world, this run has many participants dressing up as their favorite princess as they wind their way through the most magical place on earth.

Anything on wheels

Bicycles, long boards and rollerblades, oh my! Choosing a workout on wheels adds a bit of thrill to any outdoor experience. Rent a tandem bike and ride along the boardwalk while at the beach. Brush off your inline skates and take a spin around the neighborhood. You'll enjoy the speed and the wind blowing through your hair. Plus, it's great exercise! Wheeled workouts require balance and coordination in addition to cardiovascular endurance. In fact, a 150-pound woman can expect to burn about 600 calories an hour when engaging in skating or cycling exercises.

Horseback riding

Ever wish you could exercise while sitting still? Try horseback riding! While you may not find yourself huffing and puffing as you ride down the trail, you will be surprised at how sore you feel the next day. Horseback riding requires balance, coordination and core strength as your body continually adjusts to the movements of the animal. Plus, it also requires leg strength, particularly when moving at faster speeds. According to the HealthStatus.com calorie calculator, a 150-pound individual can expect to burn between 170 and 550 calories per hour when riding a horse, depending on the gait of the animal . Sign up for a series of riding lessons or a vacation trail riding tour when you're tired of feeling cooped up inside.

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Carmel, California

If you are in Southern California, one of the best road trips is driving up the coast. You'll find spectacular views and amazing destinations, from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. One of our favorites is Carmel where you can enjoy art, culture, music and, of course, the beach.

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Grand Canyon, Arizona

If you live in the Phoenix area or even neighboring states to Arizona, you should take a road trip to the Grand Canyon. The scenic views on your way to the Grand Canyon area are wonderful, but it's the destination itself that is the most magnificent. If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, it should definitely be on your bucket list, and road tripping is one of the best ways to get there.

Read more about The Grand Canyon and other road adventures >>

New Orleans, Louisiana

Even though much of the city of New Orleans is still being rebuilt from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the city hasn't lost its intrigue or allure. On your way to New Orleans be sure to check out some of the outlying countryside areas for a sharp contrast to the city. Visit the plantation homes that line the banks of the Mississippi River and explore Cajun country.

Read the cheap girl's travel guide to The Big Easy >>

Niagara Falls, Canada

From New York City, Chicago or a number of other cities, you can take a spectacular road trip to Niagara Falls. Though both the New York and Canadian sides are nice, many people enjoy the drive going into the Canadian side much more.

Read about these romantic Canadian vacations >>

Savannah, Georgia

For sexy, summer romance down south, head to Savannah. Stay at a bed and breakfast and enjoy the many restaurants, shops and other attractions in this historical city. If you want to take a short trip from Savannah, head to St. Simons Island — one of Georgia's renowned Golden Isles — and stay at King and Prince Hotel.

Read about what to do in Savannah, Georgia >>

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5 Summer figure-friendly snacks

Wave jumping

If you're comfortable in the surf and love spending your days playing in the waves, just make your water time a little more intentional. Water aerobics and swimming are both known as great workouts because you're constantly working against the water's resistance. When you add crashing waves to the mix? Your workout gets even harder. Spend 30 minutes or more jogging out into the ocean to meet the crashing waves. When a wave begins to crash against you, jump up and through the surf, tightening your core to help keep your body upright. Just don't go too deep — stay at depths between mid-thigh and mid-torso. You'll have the most success when you're deep enough to feel the waves' resistance while still maintaining ample foot traction on the sand.

For extra effect don't rest between waves! Jog in place and use your arms to paddle through the water around you. For an even more difficult routine, carry a boogie board with you and hold it flat against your torso to increase your body's surface area. When the waves crash, press the board straight out into the wave as you jump to get a killer upper body workout.

Sand sculpting

Sand is nature's balance tool. When you place a foot or hand in the sand, the sand shifts under you and requires more muscular engagement to perform the intended movement. In fact, according to a 1998 study performed at the Universite Catholique de Louvain, walking in sand burns twice the number of calories as walking at the same pace on a hard surface. So go ahead and put the shifting sand to good use with a booty-busting sand circuit!

Run through this circuit four times on the driest sand you can find. Perform each exercise for a minute before progressing:

• Walking lunges: Keep your torso upright and straight as you walk back and forth across the sand while performing lunges.
• Crab walks: Balance on your hands and feet, your booty lifted and your belly pointing toward the sky. Walk yourself backward across the sand while maintaining your balance.
• Burpees: Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on the sand in front of your feet. Jump your feet backward into a pushup position, your back straight. Perform a pushup, then hop your feet back to the starting position and explode up in a powerful jump, reaching toward the sky and landing in a standing position. Remember to use proper landing form, bending your knees slightly to reduce impact.
• Walk-out pushups: Start in a standing position, rolling your torso downward until you can place your hands in the sand. Slowly walk yourself out to a pushup position, perform a pushup, and reverse the movement, returning to standing.
• Lateral slides: Mark out a 20-foot area in the sand. Starting on the left side, hop your right foot laterally to the right and step your left foot over to meet it. Continue this hop-step movement across the 20-foot space before reversing the slide and returning to start.

Can't perform a full pushup? No problem! Simply drop your knees to the sand when it's time to do the exercise.

Beach intervals

If exercising on sand is a calorie-blasting dream, and if high intensity interval training is also a calorie-blasting dream, then it only makes sense to combine the two routines into a single, body-toning workout. The best part about interval training is that you can easily adjust your routine to your current fitness level. If you're a relative fitness newbie, try walking at a moderate pace on slightly damp sand for a minute, then speed walking as fast as you can for another minute, continuing to alternate between the two intensities for 20 to 30 minutes. If that's too easy, take your workout to drier, looser sand or bump up the intensity by alternating between a walk and a jog or a jog and a run. The goal is to make sure you're working at roughly 70 to 90 percent of your maximum effort during the high intensity intervals.

More beach body tips

5 Ways to get your body ready for the beach
Bikini body fitness DVDs
Get the ultimate beach body with kettlebells

Any novel described like this automatically peaks our interest — one of the world's highest-grossing celebrities and mom of two is legally controlled by her father and future husband. Come backstage...

If this sounds like the life of a famous blonde pop-star we've all followed in the tabloids, it's because it is . Emma Mc Laughlin and Nicola Kraus re-imagine the private journey of how an adult megastar could be so controlled in their highly-anticipated novel,  Between You and Me.

If you're a fan of pop culture, you'll love this novel inspired by the life of mega pop-star Britney Spears, a fictional examination of the life of a pop icon. Emma and Nicola ask the questions, "What if you weren't judging Spears' life from the sidelines? What if life had put you in the getaway car, the hair salon, the hotel hallway right along with her?" Their novel questions what — and who — is responsible for a celebrity's destruction.

About Between You and Me

What happens when you are followed by millions... and loved by none?

27-year-old Logan Wade is trying to build a life for herself far from her unhappy childhood in Oklahoma. Then she gets the call that her famous cousin needs a new assistant— an offer she can’t refuse.

Logan hasn't seen Kelsey in person since their parents separated them as kids. In the meantime, Kelsey Wade has grown into Fortune Magazine's most powerful celebrity. But their reunion is quickly overshadowed by the toxic dynamic between Kelsey and her parents as Logan discovers that, beneath the glossy facade, the wounds that caused them to be wrenched apart so many years ago have insidiously warped into a show-stopping family business.

As Kelsey tries desperately to break away and grasp at a "real" life, beyond the influence of her parents and managers, she takes one catastrophic misstep after another, and Logan must question if their childhood has left them both too broken to succeed. Logan risks everything to hold on, but when Kelsey unravels in the most horribly public way, Logan finds that she will ultimately have to choose between rescuing the girl she has always protected... and saving herself.

Perfect for your beach bag

Grab a copy of Between You and Me and put it in your beach bag this summer. A truly satisying read for a hot summer day!

More reading

RED HOT BOOK OF THE WEEK: Overseas by Beatriz Williams
RED HOT BOOK OF THE WEEK: Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews
RED HOT BOOK OF THE WEEK: Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

Gifts from the heart

Father’s Day is a time to teach your children to shower Dad with love and affection.

Skip store-bought gifts and help your children create something handmade for their dad. Add a healthy dose of letting Dad veg on his big day and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a memorable Father’s Day!

If you’re not into messy play at home, it’s tempting to leave arts and crafts time at school. Even if you dread getting glue and glitter all over your countertops, the clean-up is worth the quality time spent creating something with your kids. This Father’s Day, help your preschoolers create homemade gifts for Dad with one of these four easy craft ideas.

Family stick puppets

Create puppets that represent the members of your family. Use popsicle sticks for the body and pipe cleaners for the arms. Let your preschoolers draw clothes and other features on the sticks. Tissue paper can be used to create clothing. Help your kids glue googly eyes onto the puppet faces. Have your kids create and rehearse a special puppet show for Dad to see on the morning of Father’s Day. At the end of the show, he can keep the puppets as his gift. For this craft, you’ll need craft popsicle sticks, markers, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes and glue.

Find more creative Father's Day gifts Dad will love >>

Decoupage picture frame

Make Dad a one-of-a-kind picture frame. Over the span of several days, have your preschoolers cut out scraps of paper from magazines. Try using every color of the rainbow or just one color scheme, such as greens and blues. While your kids work on cutting scraps, cut out letters to spell your kids’ names. Carefully place the scraps of colored paper onto the frame and brush Mod Podge over them to seal them. After the first layer has dried, add your kids’ names. When the frame is finished, include a picture of your kids for a special gift for Dad. For this craft, you’ll need a plain craft photo frame, a photo of your kids, safety scissors, magazines, a paint brush and Mod Podge.

Avoid the top 5 worst Father's Day gifts >>

More crafts for kids

Hippo storage box
DIY crafts for kids
Homemade tooth fairy pockets

Hugh Howey is the newest self-publishing phenomenon, and the latest to rise to fame after E.L. James, author of 50 Shades of Grey. But Howey's novel Wool has a very different audience than James' erotic trilogy. It's destined to become one of the science fiction greats, set in a dystopian future in which the population of earth resides underground. Wool was originally published as a series of five separate short stories or "novelettes" — Wool, Proper Gauge, Casting Off, The Unraveling and The Stranded — but it's now available for purchase in a single, omnibus edition.

Wool: The Omnibus Edition

It's the distant future, and humanity now resides underground. A mysterious cataclysm has made the surface of the earth uninhabitable. Wool focuses on one particular group living under the ground in a missile silo. There's one big rule for living in this community — you never, ever talk about the surface. Ever. No matter what. And while you might think that people would be clamoring to leave, especially because of the ban on talking about the above ground, the punishment might make them think twice — banishment. To the surface. So then, the question becomes, what is outside that is so bad that a person talking about it gives that person exactly what they seem to want — a one-way trip to the surface?

Shrouded in mystery, Wool has earned acclaim from critics and readers alike for its creative plot line and for Howey's talent at storytelling. Though there are many easy comparisons to make to the hit 50 Shades of Grey — the novel's beginnings in self-publishing and its rise to mainstream — the author's writing and editing talent set it apart from that and other self-published novels.

And now, it appears as though Wool is destined for the big screen — film rights were recently sold to 20th Century Fox. Ridley Scott, whose directing credits include science fiction classics such as Blade Runner and Alien as well as the recently released Prometheus, has been attached to the project. Though self-publishing isn't for everyone, it certainly has been a success story for Hugh Howey and Wool.

More red hot picks

Red hot memoir of the week: The Receptionist by Janet Groth
RED HOT BOOK OF THE WEEK: Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews
Red hot memoir of the week: I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag by Jennifer Gilbert

If you're looking for a great warm-weather meal that's filling but won't weigh you down, this recipe for pasta with smashed peas and ricotta is ideal. To make it even better, you could easily make your own ricotta cheese — really!

This recipe is smashing!

Pasta with smashed peas and ricotta

Recipe adapted from Real Simple magazine

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or linguini
• 1 package frozen peas, thawed
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1-1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, pulse the thawed peas in a food processor or blender until chopped . Add one-half cup ricotta, salt and pepper to the peas and pulse to mix everything together.
3. Drain the pasta and reserve one-half cup of the cooking water. Put the pasta back in the pot.
4. Add the peas to the cooking water, add to the pot with pasta and toss together.
5. Arrange the pasta in a large bowl or platter, top with the remaining ricotta and sprinkle with the chives.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over top. Serve in individual bowls, making sure to distribute the ricotta cheese topping with some in each bowl.

This recipe is smashing, whether or not you make your own ricotta cheese!

More Sunday dinner recipes to try

Whole-wheat pasta with grilled vegetables and sausage
Ballpark chili dogs
Pasta with low-fat walnut pesto