Blog Posts by Martha Stewart

With the most common form of cancer -- skin cancer -- on the rise, it's hard not to fret about soaking up too much sun this season. But instead of stressing your way through summer, take action to build up your skin-cancer defense, suggests dermatology expert Lily Talakoub, M.D., at the University of California, San Francisco.

For starters, take to the shade as often as possible from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays beat down the hardest. Whether it's sunny or cloudy, when you step outside, wear sunblock that offers an SPF of 15 (or higher) and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

"These ingredients physically block both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. They provide better protection than chemicals that work by reflecting the sun's rays," says Talakoub.

(Note that for adequate vitamin D levels, many experts recommend letting the rays shine on sunscreen-free arms and legs for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a week.)

Related: Top Tips for Healthy Summer Skin

We've created the ultimate arsenal for your foraging, picnicking, and beach-going needs. Stock the car with these items and you'll be prepared to stash anything, such as fresh clams and vintage jam jars. Tuck it all away in the cooler when not in use.

1. A plastic drop cloth underneath a blanket prevents wet grass from putting a damper on picnic plans. Or line the trunk with it when bringing plants home from the store.

2. In addition to the cooler, an accordion organizer ($19, wisteria.com) can keep small items (maps, phone chargers, flashlights) from rolling around in the trunk.

Related: 30 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do

3. and 4. With a moving blanket, you're always ready to wrap up furniture finds -- or have a picnic. Secure it with a bungee cord.

5. Stockpile wipes for hands and sticky accidents.

6. A galvanized bucket can hold flowers or umbrellas.

7. Keep newspaper on hand for bundling up breakables.

Related: Martha Stewart's Ultimate Organizing Solutions

8.

By Martha Stewart

The sweet patterns and crisp linen of my vintage tea-towel collection inspired adorable dresses for my granddaughter and some friends.

More from Martha Stewart:
Top Tips for Healthy Summer Skin
13 Crazy Beauty Tricks That Really Work
11 Secrets for a Happy and Healthy Summer
The No-Sweat Summer Workout

Floral waters add a sophisticated twist to a warm-weather favorite -- all you need is a few drops of rose water or orange-blossom water. Start with a quart of our classic homemade lemonade, then follow the directions below.

Related: Hands Down, The 20 Grilling Recipes You Must Try This Summer

Pitcher of lemonade
Ice
Lemon slices
Rose Water Lemonade
4 teaspoons of rose water
Orange-Blossom Water Lemonade
1 to 2 teaspoons of orange-blossom water

Related: Fast, One-Pot Meal Ideas To Feed the Whole Family

1. Stir rose or orange-blossom water into a pitcher of lemonade and serve over ice. Garnish with lemon slices.

More from Martha Stewart:
35 Beyond Delicious No-Bake Dessert Recipes
15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook
34 Reasons to Eat a Burger Everyday
Easy, Every Day Meatless Recipes

Lighting

Using a chimney starter is the best way to light a charcoal grill. Never use lighter fluid, as its odor and chemical components can penetrate your food. Place a few sheets of crumpled newspaper inside the bottom of the cylinder and fill to the brim with charcoal.

Preparing the Coals

Light the paper in several places, which will ignite the coals. After 20 to 30 minutes, when the coals are ashy white, pour the coals in an even layer across the grate.

Related: 15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook

Creating Direct and Indirect Heat

For direct heat, spread the coals evenly over the lower grate. For indirect heat, pile coals on one side of the grill; place meat on the other side. Keep the lid closed (with vents open) to trap heat inside. Or arrange coals around a drip pan (such as a disposable aluminum pan) with food centered over pan. You will need to replenish the hot coals about every hour.

Cleaning Grates

Heat the grill about 10 minutes

Know Your Plants

Campers, backpackers, and other outdoorsy types can steer clear of poison ivy, oak, and sumac by knowing how to identify each plant: Poison ivy typically has a woody, ropelike vine and three leaflets that turn green in the summer; poison oak shows off clusters of yellow berries and oaklike leaves (usually in clusters of three); and poison sumac is a rangy shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall, with seven to 13 smooth-edge leaflets. The sap of all three plants contains urushiol, a chemical that triggers rashes, blisters, and itching. If you do brush up against one of these plants, try a cool or lukewarm bath in oatmeal-powder-infused water. Taking two pellets of homeopathic rhus toxicodendron (at 30C strength) daily can also alleviate symptoms.

Sunburn Soothers

With its anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera is your best salve for sunburn pain. Squeeze the amino-acid-rich gel directly from the plant, or apply a product containing 95 percent to 100 percent pure

Our animals don't just make us happier; they also make us healthier, and we do the same for them. Martha Stewart offers practical tips for keeping your pets at their happiest and healthiest.

More from Martha Stewart:
15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook
19 Tips for Perfect Laundry Every Time
30 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do
Martha Stewart's Ultimate Organizing Solutions

Combine two classics to make a delicious summer salad. This dish is best served immediately, while the bacon is still warm.

Macaroni and Potato Salad

Related: Easy, Every Day Meatless Recipes

3 large all-purpose potatoes, (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking water
2 cups sugar-snap peas, (6 ounces)
1/4 pound elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
1 pound sliced bacon
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Homemade Mayonnaise, or prepared
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, torn into pieces

Related: 15 Kitchen Shortcuts That Will Change the Way You Cook

1. Place potatoes in a small stockpot, and cover with cold salted water. Place over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium high, and gently boil the potatoes until fork-tender, about 7 minutes. Drain in a