The sun is shining and it's time to have fun! Get ready for an unforgettable summer season by following these 7 simple rules.

1. Swimsuits are acceptable all day long.

2. Kiddie pools are for everyone.

3. Bicycles are the new commute.

4. Every night is game night.

5. Dancing is mandatory.

6. Flip flops are business casual.

7. Sidewalk chalk is fine art.

Are you hosting a 4th of July party this year? There are so many moving parts that you probably haven’t considered how to turn this year’s Independence party into an environmentally friendly bash. That’s where we come in!

1. CREATE YOUR OWN FROZEN TREATS AT HOME-RECIPES

Frozen treats are the perfect complement to sweaty summer days, however, many packaged popsicles and ice creams come with layers of plastic wrap that can’t be recycled. A fun, alternative to store-bought desserts are homemade sweets! You can make your own popsicles and frozen desserts at home with fruit juice, yogurt, and other common ingredients.

2. MAKE IT EASY FOR GUESTS TO RECYCLE

For every trash can, consider placing sorted recycling bins right next to it. You’ll want to use a bin for aluminum cans, one for plastics and one for paper items. This renewable party tip will eliminate any confusion your guests may have, and ensure your recyclables avoid the landfills this year.

3. SWAP OUT ONE-TIME USE PLASTICS

Instead, opt for using your regular washable dishes and cutlery.  If reusable dishes are just not an option, opt for compostable flatware made of corn, potato or bamboo. Be sure to look for these labels when purchasing.

4. REUSE AND REPURPOSE YOUR DECORATIONS

Instead of buying new decorations, use what you already have. White Christmas lights, flowers from your garden, or a bowl of bright-red strawberries, blueberries, and apples all look great!

Although you should take time to recharge your batteries all year round, summer is a particularly lovely time… for “me time”.

Drink your coffee outside. Instead of sipping your morning coffee while checking your phone or email, why not take it outside on the porch or balcony, and breathe for a few minutes while you savor it?

Take a stroll around the block. Get up and move throughout the day—and leave your phone behind you. It’ll help clear your head even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Power nap or relax. Just 15 minutes can do wonders. Bonus points if you can do it outside!

Enjoy your guilty pleasure. Be it catching up on gossip in a magazine, reading a book or watching an episode of your favorite show, take a few minutes to enjoy your guilty pleasure.

Munch on your favourite snack. Treat yourself to some Smartfood^® Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn flavored popcorn and savor every bite.

Warmer weather is finally yours to enjoy! Here are some fun ways of welcoming the hot season.

Have a pool party!

Gather your best friends and have a blast.

Snack on Doritos Crunch Mix

Bold flavor meets explosive crunch in one perfectly portable snack. Take it with you on all your summer adventures!

Fire up the BBQ

Because nothing says “summer” like grilling

Have a water balloon fight

Beat the heat while having fun!

Make your own sundaes

You’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like ice cream!

The key to snacking is preparation and planning.
Here are suggestions to help satisfy your afternoon appetite!

Rice cakes and peanut butter
Crunchy, gooey, and sweetly satisfying!

Avocado toast
Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Yum!

Yogurt with granola
Add some fruit to make it even more delicious.

Pita chips with hummus
Try different flavor combos to switch things up.

Crudités and light dip
Cut up some carrots, cucumbers, and celery, and keep them in a container, ready to eat!

Decorate pumpkins for Halloween:It doesn’t need to be a messy affair-check online for inspiration!

Go apple picking: Why not invite Grandma and Grandpa, too? It’s a great activity for the whole family!

Make easy artwork using fall leaves: Have the kids glue them to construction paper in a fun design, and voilà!

Paint some pine cones and decorate:Take the pine cones your kids have painted and put them in a hurricane vase to use as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Pick fall flowers like sunflowers:Then, place them in a vase to decorate.