Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru. This week Colin tackles the sometimes difficult subject of toasting.

We've all been there before, when the toasts and speeches seem like an endless ode to childhood memories, vacations long past, or inside jokes no one, other than a select few, are able to relate to, or for that matter really care about. There’s an art to speaking in front of a crowd and the best way to get comfortable and say what needs to be said succinctly is by practicing in front of a mirror until you're ready to practice in front of a friend.

For Colin's tips on giving the perfect toast, read more.

I'm crazy about classic pesto; I absolutely love it and make it all the time in Summer, when basil is in season. However, after enjoying mint pesto with lamb chops, I've been really into mint pesto, too. When I came across this recipe for shrimp with mint pesto, I knew I had to make it. The thick pesto is wildly creamy, thanks to the addition of feta and parmesan cheese.

It was so delicious that I used the leftover pesto as a dip with crackers the following day! It's great with perfectly plump broiled shrimp and would be divine tossed with pasta or spread on crostini. Although the original Bon Appétit recipe serves the shrimp on rosemary skewers, rosemary was expensive at my local market, so I skipped this step. To give mint pesto a try, check out the technique after the break.

"Staying active on vacation does not have to be difficult," says Kacy Duke, a celebrity fitness expert who has worked with Julianne Moore and Rachel Weisz. Getting away from the usual workout routine is good for the body and motivation. Follow Kacy’s lead on your next getaway — working out will be easy, and postworkout poolside relaxation will feel even more luxurious!

Think about where you will be on vacation and take advantage of the new fitness challenges the local terrain presents.
At the beach? Apply sunscreen and take your morning walk through the sand; it provides strong resistance to strengthen leg muscles.

Exploring a city? Track walked steps with a pedometer to help reach doctor-recommended 10,000 steps per day.

In the mountains? Pack your hiking boots and discover local trails; the terrain provides great cardiovascular exercise, and higher elevations help increase lung capacity and strength.

Pack appropriately for these activities and include breathable sleeveless tops for hot days. A recent Dove® deodorant survey found that the majority of women surveyed cited underarm stubble as a top concern before beginning a workout. Instead of letting pesky underarm stubble keep you from flaunting your favorite sleeveless workout tops, stay smooth with a multitasking deodorant like Dove® Visibly Smooth. It minimizes the look and feel of hair over time to help women feel stubble-free longer.

What will you pack for an active Summer vacation? Tell us and you will be entered to win a Dove® Visibly Smooth antiperspirant/deodorant prize pack including a designer tote bag and a $100 gift card for vacation and fitness gear.

Visit www.dove.com/visiblysmooth for more information.

Official Rules

^{* Kacy Duke is a paid Dove deodorant spokesperson.}

For a friend's bridal shower, I'm not just offering a dessert, but I've also decided to set up a color-coded candy bar. Instead of giving everyone a favor that they will never use, I'll have them fill a bag with edible treats to take it home. Since purple is the theme color (it matches the invitations), I plan on getting purple sweets and baked goods like M&Ms and macaroons. As for the delectable finish to the shower, I'll serve cupcakes. They look pretty on display and are always enjoyed. This recipe is for vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting. They are simple, but scrumptious.

Learn how they are made after the break.