40 Things You Must Do Before Summer Ends
2. Live in This Shirt
This Fourth of July, you'll have your blue (see No. 5) and your red (see No. 22), but before completing the patriotic look with your old standby white tee (you know, the one that's morphing into a dingy yellowish gray), allow us to suggest this unbelievably soft V-neck. Not only does it flatter every body type, it's also made in the U.S.A. ($29; larelaxed.com)
3. Kick Off Your Shoes
Get your pedi ready: A 2015 report in the Journal of Inflammation Research suggests that skin-to-earth contact might reduce inflammation throughout the body via increased exposure to antioxidants.
4. Borrow a Dog
Canine-commitment-phobes, rejoice: Even if you don't have the time (or the energy) to own a pet, you can still hang with a hound thanks to Rover.com, the largest network of dog-sitters nationwide. Sign up to pet-sit in your area for as long (or as short) as you'd like.
5. Give Old Denim New Life (Rainy Day-Approved!)
A crib sheet to cutoffs:
Choose the right pair: Don't cut skinny jeans—they're not going to stretch enough for a comfortable fit. Boyfriend jeans are better because they're a little baggy. Start long to keep from going too short on your first cut; extra length allows for cuffing. Cut from the outside in, keeping the back a smidge longer than the front for a more natural fit. Check your work: After cutting one leg, try on the jeans to assess length. Tweak if necessary. Cut other leg: Fold legs together and do the same cut to the other leg. Add a slit: When you're satisfied with your handiwork, cut a small slit along the outside seams, so your legs won't feel squished.
6. Go Beyond the Grand Canyon
Photo: andrearoad/iStock
"Most people don't know there are 410 National Park sites, including historical memorials and monuments. So, in addition to beautiful mountains, you can revisit almost every major chapter in our past, including the Underground Railroad and the women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York." —Betty Reid Soskin, 94, the country's oldest park ranger, who works at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park
7. Sit by the Fire
Pinterest star Angela Burgin Logan explains how to light up an evening outdoors:
Illustration: Kate Francis, Brown Bird Design
8. Rock a Birkenstock
Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D
The crunchy slip-on has gone couture, but O editor Molly Simms still has love for the original.
I first saw you in a store called Aquarius among beaded anklets and tie-dyed palazzo pants. You were lumpen and brown, like desiccated dog poop. But oh, did I wear you, you foot-cradling miracles. We trudged around creeks, high school keggers, and music festivals. Now every lithe fashionista is pairing you with a trendy handbag. But I still can't resist your heady blend of orthopedic comfort and dowdy charm. You may have been nipped, tucked, and microdermabraded, but I'd recognize you anywhere.
This Fourth of July, you'll have your blue (see No. 5) and your red (see No. 22), but before completing the patriotic look with your old standby white tee (you know, the one that's morphing into a dingy yellowish gray), allow us to suggest this unbelievably soft V-neck. Not only does it flatter every body type, it's also made in the U.S.A. ($29; larelaxed.com)
3. Kick Off Your Shoes
Get your pedi ready: A 2015 report in the Journal of Inflammation Research suggests that skin-to-earth contact might reduce inflammation throughout the body via increased exposure to antioxidants.
4. Borrow a Dog
Canine-commitment-phobes, rejoice: Even if you don't have the time (or the energy) to own a pet, you can still hang with a hound thanks to Rover.com, the largest network of dog-sitters nationwide. Sign up to pet-sit in your area for as long (or as short) as you'd like.
5. Give Old Denim New Life (Rainy Day-Approved!)
A crib sheet to cutoffs:
Choose the right pair: Don't cut skinny jeans—they're not going to stretch enough for a comfortable fit. Boyfriend jeans are better because they're a little baggy. Start long to keep from going too short on your first cut; extra length allows for cuffing. Cut from the outside in, keeping the back a smidge longer than the front for a more natural fit. Check your work: After cutting one leg, try on the jeans to assess length. Tweak if necessary. Cut other leg: Fold legs together and do the same cut to the other leg. Add a slit: When you're satisfied with your handiwork, cut a small slit along the outside seams, so your legs won't feel squished.
6. Go Beyond the Grand Canyon
Photo: andrearoad/iStock
"Most people don't know there are 410 National Park sites, including historical memorials and monuments. So, in addition to beautiful mountains, you can revisit almost every major chapter in our past, including the Underground Railroad and the women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York." —Betty Reid Soskin, 94, the country's oldest park ranger, who works at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park
7. Sit by the Fire
Pinterest star Angela Burgin Logan explains how to light up an evening outdoors:
Illustration: Kate Francis, Brown Bird Design- Gather supplies from your local hardware store: You'll need a slate plate, ten to 13 rocks, gravel, and a small Sterno.
- Place the rocks around the outer rim of the slate plate and fill the middle with the gravel, leaving a hole for the Sterno.
- Light the Sterno, and voilà! S'mores, s'merrier.
8. Rock a Birkenstock
Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D
The crunchy slip-on has gone couture, but O editor Molly Simms still has love for the original.
I first saw you in a store called Aquarius among beaded anklets and tie-dyed palazzo pants. You were lumpen and brown, like desiccated dog poop. But oh, did I wear you, you foot-cradling miracles. We trudged around creeks, high school keggers, and music festivals. Now every lithe fashionista is pairing you with a trendy handbag. But I still can't resist your heady blend of orthopedic comfort and dowdy charm. You may have been nipped, tucked, and microdermabraded, but I'd recognize you anywhere.
