Memorial Day countdown
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If you looked at your calendar and just realized that Memorial Day is Monday, you're hardly alone. A friend texted me yesterday that she was freaking out — she couldn't believe spring was already flying by, she had no plans for the holiday, but mostly because she hadn't yet thought about turning over her chilly-weather wardrobe or buying anything new.
I sympathized with her, since I'm in pretty much the same boat. But I'll tell you what I told her, since it worked for me:
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Jump on Memorial Day clothing sales, stat. Everyone from Nordstrom (30 percent to 60 percent off) and Lands' End (40 percent off) to Intermix (50 percent off) is rolling out big sales up until the last minute, on bathing suits; pretty, flowy beach cover-ups; tons of flattering shades; and all kinds of wedge sandals. Head in store if you want the peace of mind of having it now, or jump online and order overnight
shipping.
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Break out the selftanner. The ones I like best are light and fast drying, so you don't have to choose between getting them all over everything or standing around waiting to dry before you get dressed. Josie Maran's Argan Liquid Gold ($38 at sephora.com) is both. An argan oil-based formula, it also hydrates and softens skin. Another good one: NKD SKN PreShower Gradual Tan Lotion ($20, ulta.com), which goes on 10 minutes before you take a shower and then gets washed away. Et voila: a golden glow minus the telltale weird smell.
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Go in for an easy-as-pie day trip. When your beach house just isn't ready for its close-up yet and all your favorite New England inns and resorts are full for the holiday weekend, don't fret. One of the most incredible things about Boston is just how close we are to beautiful towns and small cities that feel a world away. Foodies can be in Portland, Maine, in less than two hours, and sample a slew of the most innovative foods in America right now, as well as sail on a windswept schooner in the city's harbor. In an hour, you can be in Newport, R.I. — and either hit one of its huge beaches, shop its adorably creative shops or pretend you're a Vanderbilt and visit the mansions.
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Embrace the power of the patio. If you need to stay in town this weekend for whatever reason (lots of people can't get away since it's crunch time for both proms and graduation ceremonies this week and next), grab your cell and make a lunch or dinner reservation at any one of the area's gorgeous restaurant outdoor dining spaces. They're almost all open now, and they can be a perfect setting for a lastminute family-and-friends gathering. It may not be a yacht out in Nantucket Harbor, but hey, with the right company and terrific food, even a couple of hours in a sunny alfresco spot can feel as relaxed as any vacation.
Hit the sales, make some plans