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16 Memorial Day Discounts to Look Out For

Emily Co — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:21:20 PDT

As always, when it's time for a holiday weekend, everyone's looking forward to the extra day off - as well as the sales and discounts. Memorial Day is no different. Although we've given you the lowdown on which products you should keep an eye out for, here are a couple of great sales going on:

Amazon: Up to 60 percent off select women's, men's, and children's clothing.
Macy's: 15 percent off and free shipping with the code MEMDAY.
Pottery Barn: Save up to 60 percent on hundreds of items, such as umbrellas, lanterns, outdoor rugs, and more.
West Elm: Extra 15 percent off sales items with the promo code MEMDAY12.
Nordstrom: Nordstorm's half yearly sale on women's and children's items.
Bloomingdale's: Bloomingdale's Big Brown Sale offers discounts ranging from 20 to 65 percent.
REI: Save up to 30 percent on clothing and outdoor and sports gear.
Ikea: Deduct your restaurant charges when you purchase over $100 worth of home furnishings.
Quiznos: Small Sub, regular fountain drink, and chips combo for $2.99 if you show this coupon.
Tumi: Up to 40 percent off select items.
Sears: Over 300 Memorial Day deals.
JC Penney: Free shipping if you use the promo code JCPSHIP.
Puma: 30 percent discount if you use the code PUMASAVE30. Also, for every $50 spent between now and May 31, you get $25 to spend during the month of June.
Best Buy: 10 to 25 percent off major appliances.
Kohl's: Up to 75 percent off select home items, and if you use the promo code SUMMER20, then you get 20 percent off.
Ralph Lauren: Free shipping with promo code MAYFS12 and 25 percent off select sale items.
Perry Ellis: 40 percent off all online purchases with the code PEMEMORIAL40.

Healthy Side Dishes, Dips, and More

Michele Foley — Sat, 26 May 2012 19:27:57 PDT

Memorial Day is a great weekend to kick off the beginning of Summer. Keep the barbecue healthy by offering nutritious options that are low in calories. From a potato salad without mayo, to a guacamole made with edamame, these delicious dishes have something for everyone.

Side Salads

Israeli Couscous With Tomato, Feta, and Mint

Sweet and Sour Cucumbers

Potato Salad With Cornichons and Capers

Dips

Edamole

Black Bean Veggie Dip

Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Skewers

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Fruit Kebabs

Mango Grilled Shrimp

Vegetarian Fare

Grilled Veggie Pizza

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Grilled Tofu

What will you be serving or taking to your Memorial Day barbecue?

Source: Flickr User avlxyz

Boating Safety: Things to Know Before You Go Afloat

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 26 May 2012 19:27:32 PDT

It seems like boating season unofficially begins on Memorial Day weekend with everyone headed to their lake houses, weekend river residences, or the beach. In different parts of the nation, boating accidents, injuries, and unfortunately fatalities are on the rise. Now that I've captured your attention, let's review a few tips on boating safety.

Boater's fatigue is real, and it can wear you down. The US Coast Guard warns people about this condition, created by the combination of wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat. All these elements can mentally and physically fatigue boaters and subsequently impair their judgment.
Personal flotation devices, otherwise known as life jackets, are vitally important for everyone on board the boat, be it a canoe or a speed boat. Some states even require children under a certain age to wear life jackets, so if the little ones complain about wearing the big orange life vest, tell them it's the law.
Boating and alcohol don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm. Coupled with boater's fatigue, folks on a boat will feel the effects of alcohol faster than they would on land. Plus, driving a boat while intoxicated is illegal.
The wind can keep you cool and make you forget you're in the sun, but don't forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours and always after swimming. Lube up even if it's overcast since UV rays can still damage your skin through clouds.
Watch the weather to keep an eye on local weather conditions, and be prepared for electrical storms. Water conducts electricity, so you don't want to find yourself on the open water during a lightning storm.

15 Pieces That Are Perfect For Memorial Day - and the Rest of the Summer, Too

Brittney Stephens — Sat, 26 May 2012 07:55:05 PDT

As the unofficial start of Summer, Memorial Day gives us a chance to remember our fallen soldiers, relax with family and friends, and bask in the notion that more festive holidays are right around the corner. Since the long weekend is fast approaching, we thought it more than necessary to round up some of our favorite party-perfect pieces for the holiday - and even better, they'll work well for the rest of your Summer celebrations too. Whether you're headed to the beach, a barbecue, or a fun brunch with the girls, we've got you covered. Just click through to see and shop 15 pieces to help you make your way stylishly through the long weekend.

Do You Pack Healthy Snacks For Your Road Trips?

Leta Shy — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:44:05 PDT

It's finally here - the weekend where you pack up, suit up, or eat up to celebrate the start of warmer weather. For many, that also means packing up the car and heading somewhere to celebrate Memorial Day.

Staying healthy on vacation, no matter how short, can be difficult, especially when you're on the road. It's so easy to pull over and grab fast food or gas station fare instead of searching out healthier options, and sometimes packing your own snacks can take too much time to prepare.

If you're taking a road trip this weekend, will you be bringing healthier options with you, or will you be stopping for fast food? (If you need quick snack ideas, then check out these 150-calorie travel snack packs you can make fast!)

10 Tips to Save on Memorial Day Grocery Shopping

Emily Co — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:15:10 PDT

It's fun to host people for a barbecue, but it can also get quite pricey when everyone isn't chipping in. Consumer expert Andrea Woroch provides suggestions to cut your grocery bill when shopping for your Memorial Day meal:

Prepare most of your meal. Woroch says, "The general rule for prepared foods is that they are more expensive, and it's cheaper to buy the ingredients to prepare yourself." For example, prepared veggie platters and fruit salads "are never a good deal" and aren't exactly the freshest produce. However, prepared potato salad at a regular supermarket is less expensive and will save you time in the kitchen.

Get chicken from the butcher. Buy chicken breasts from the butcher counter instead of the prepared packets. They tend to be cheaper and are generally more fresh.

Consider boxed wine. Save money by skipping the bottled wine and going for the box. "Boxed wine is an affordable option for large parties, and the quality has greatly improved in recent years," she says.

Buy liquor at a superstore. If you're insistent on a specific bottle, then check out warehouse clubs like Costco. There are better deals on wine, liquor, and beer at a superstore, according to Woroch. While you're there, pick the store's generic version of vodka for an even cheaper deal.

Make your own salad dressing and marinade. Check out recipes online - here's a list of over 60 different marinades to make. "Most people will already have the basic ingredients like olive oil, some type of vinegar, and herbs at home," she says. "Other ingredients like lemon or lime, soy sauce, or honey won't cost much extra."

Read on for more.

Up and at 'Em! Calorie Burners For Memorial Day

Michele Foley — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:14:24 PDT

Memorial Day is more than just good barbecue! Why not throw in some fun activities so those treats don't expand your waistline? Here are a handful of ways to burn at least 200 calories this holiday. The best part is that they are all fun group activities, so it won't feel like you are working out at all!

Calories burned based on a 130-pound woman. Calculate a more accurate burn stat for your weight and height with our Calorie Burn tool.

4 Stylish Outfits to Try Over the Long Memorial Day Weekend!

Allison McNamara — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:11:02 PDT

Memorial Day is coming up this weekend, so that means fun-filled days of sun, barbecuing, and the beach! Accordingly, we've styled up some great outfits to keep you chic all weekend long. For a classic, clean look, try out a crisp LWD, and if you're in the mood to test out Spring's Hawaiian-print trend, then we have the perfect bikini for you. You can also elevate your weekend attire with a maxi dress and structured white blazer. Let us know which Memorial Day outfits you like best! On Allison McNamara: Madewell top.

Design-Inspired Ways to Hold It All Together For Memorial Day Outings

Lizzie Fuhr — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:25:49 PDT

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here. If you're planning on hitting up some fun festivities in order to celebrate this all-American holiday, chances are a picnic may be in your future. If you're looking for a fresh bag to get you pumped for the shift in seasons, we've pulled a number of design-inspired picks that are both practical and pretty. Click through to check them all out!

A Sweet and Salty Memorial Day Menu

Laura Marie Given — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:10:35 PDT

Since Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of Summer, why not kick off the sunny season with good friends and good food? Whether you're planning a low-key backyard barbecue or an all-out holiday feast, we've gathered some delicious recipes to help you host a fun, festive party for your pals. From salty grilled chicken to sweet cherry pie, here are 11 tasty dishes to try on Memorial Day.

Sources: Flickr User Horia Varlan and Thinkstock