Company

Summer brings many a house guest, especially if she lives close to a touristy destination like New York City or Disneyland. Out-of-town guests reminds her of the great things her hometown area has to offer. It's refreshing to be reminded, while enjoying quality time with friends, that many tourist hotspots are not well traveled by the locals. Some guests are more welcome than others and clean sheets, towels and a refrigerator full of food are necessary for such entertaining.

After the guests have gone some summer days are absolutely slower than usual, yet she still has those nights where she finds herself with a refrigerator that requires replenishing. She reaches for a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese and reminds herself it's cheaper and healthier than the fast-food drive-thru. If she has the luxury of staying at home with the kids and hanging by the pool, that pool still needs to be cleaned and those kids still need to be fed. And should she be taking that well earned vacation, she still needs to make arrangements for her pet, plants, house, mail, job-and pack. Lazy and hazy days happen for some and sleepless nights for others, with her one-year-old who wakes three times during the night.

July is about summer, family vacations, reunions, camping, and the beach. It's about kids going to sleep-away camp, some for the very irst time, which usually proves to be an emotional experience for camper and parents. She's barefoot in the grass and wearing flip-flops at the mall (not at the office, although open-toed sandals are OK). Sunscreen and hydration are givens for herself or her family. She falls asleep at night listening to the sounds of her air conditioner, crickets, a big city or maybe even you.Her list of things to do scrolls in her head, reminding her of what she did not finish. Focusing on what she accomplished is a better fit because the next thing you know the alarm clock is ringing and it's time to go for it again.

She buzz words

• Luau
• Tunic
• Beach Towel
• Hula-hoop
• Blogging

Right now she could be:

• Regaining her self-esteem after a divorce
• Figuring out her bluetooth
• Feeding the dog
• Checking her kid's web use
• Entertaining House guests

She questions...

• What's her favorite ice cream?
• What's the most unusual ice cream she's ever come across?
• Mustard or mayo?
• How much funnel cake has she eaten so far this summer?
• Favorite re-run?

She could be a...

• Music teacher
• Textile designer
• DMV employee
• Driving instructor
• Summer school advisor

She's totally ready for...

• A safe summer in the sun. www.skincancertakesfriends. com
• To stay motivated and finally lose the weight
• A Popsicle

July is

• National Ice Cream Month: in 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month.
• Recreation and Parks Month: The National Recreation and Parks Association is providing supporters with tools so they can spread the word throughout their communities. www.nrpa.org
• The best time to buy furniture: retailers are weeding out their inventories for the new styles that will arrive in August.
• Informed decisions, not cheap choices.

She top of mind...

• Politics
• Family affairs
• Finances
• Entertainment
• Celebrities' affairs and babies

She Travel

If she's going to take the time to book, plan, research, and pay for a vacation, she owes it to herself to not only enjoy it but to allow it to refresh her. The 2005 Journal of Travel Medi- cine reports that vacationers felt most recuperated after their vacations had:

• Visited warmer, sunshine places
• Enjoyed more free time to do whatever they wanted
• Exercised
• Slept more than usual
• Met new people

Those who felt more exhausted:

• Had health issues during trip
• Traveled across numerous time zones he travel

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com