For our family, summertime is about finding ways to beat the heat. Since my husband is on vacation and my daughter is out of school, our schedule is more relaxed. Thus, we try to stay busy to keep boredom at bay. One of the ways to keep life interesting is to have fun parties. These five creative summer party themes for kids are a great way to celebrate the season.

Summer Camp Bash

I have wonderful memories from summer camp. Relay races, campfire songs, and good friends were all part of my camp experience. It is easy to bring summer camp to your backyard. Start the party at dusk. Decorate with pennant banners, wooden signs, and lanterns. Set up food on picnic tables and serve lemonade. When children arrive, pass out two different colors of camp shirts. Then, have kids partake in games like potato sack races and a tug-of-war. Next, let your guests decorate the shirts with fabric or puffy paint. Serve barbecue fare on cafeteria trays. Finish off the evening in front of a fire pit w

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Nothing shouts 'America' louder than fresh baked apple pie. From Galas to Granny Smiths, from Pippins to Pink Ladies, Americans celebrate the apple like no others. Now you can show your patriotism with these innovative twists on what has become an American icon.

For an Elegant Dinner - Apple Pie Puffed Pastry Bites

There's no reason apple pie can't be sophisticated and elegant. This gourmet version of an American classic is a classy twist on the dessert and the perfect ending to an elegant dinner. (Makes two servings)

Ingredients:

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1" cubes.

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 - 7" squares puff pastry

Directions:

1. Toss prepared apple cubes in lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain.

2. Add apples, butter, sugar and cinnamon in heavy pot over medium low heat. Cook until apples soften and syrup is bubbly and thick.

3. Place 2-4 apple cubes in a rameki

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By GalTime Teen Expert Jennifer A. Powell-Lunder, Psy.D.

You have been looking forward to this night for weeks. You take your time primping, savoring every second as you get ready. it is 'date night' with your hubby.

You are so looking forward to adult conversation that isn't interrupted every other word by a question, or a pout.

The baby sitter arrives on time. You spend a while going over the long list of typed instructions you have fastidiously prepared. You are sure you have left every phone number she could possibly need.

Your husband waits tapping his foot. The look on his face tells you he is slightly annoyed.

Related: Date Night: Nothing to Talk About

You finally get to the restaurant. You tell yourself to relax but somehow you just can't. You conger up the most terrifying scenarios about what could possibly be going wrong at home.

You are so preoccupied that you can barely understand what your spouse is saying. When your anxiety reaches

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You've heard the buzz about raw meals, but would you -- or your kids -- ever catch on to this trend? Raw food is rich in nutrients, living enzymes, typically high in fiber, and pretty to look at! Whole, healthy foods like grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and veggies are some of the best things you can feed your kids. So besides salad, what are some raw, kid-friendly meals? How about cashew dip, chia pudding, and raw, no-bake granola bars? Here are 7 of my favorite kid-friendly raw, vegan recipes!

1. Raw Granola Bars
Easy no-bake granola bars are delicious, fun, and perfect for on-the-go. Filled with nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dried fruit -- these bars are packed with energizing nutrients. Whole grains add fiber, nuts add healthy fats, and seeds keep the energy burst going. To make this recipe raw, pay attention to which sweeteners you use -- go for raw agave syrup and raw nut butters.





Make Raw Granola Bars:

Ingredients:
1-3/4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup mixed super food drie

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By Dr. Mike Moreno
Author of The 17 Day Diet Cookbook
So many people tell me they can't stay fit while traveling, but I don't buy it-that just means they don't want it badly enough. Good planning helps you fit fitness into your travel plans. Here are my 17 travel-friendly snacks.

1. 4 oz. applesauce cups (unsweetened)
2. Fat-free pudding snack cups
3. 4 oz. fruit cups, packed in fruit juice
4. Apple or pear
5. My Lean Granola
6. My Power Cookie
7. Cut up raw veggies: carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, pepper or cucumber strips
8. Baby carrots
9. Single-serve box of high-fiber cereal
10. String cheese
11. One boiled egg
12. Small bag of fat-free popcorn
13. Small bag of grapes
14. Healthy sandwich with veggies
15. Beef or turkey jerky
16. Orange
17. Edamame

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