Looking for a quick and easy alternative to bring to a Fourth of July party this weekend (besides the standard pasta salad)? Here is a fresh and festive Independence Day recipe that kids and grown-ups alike will gobble up faster than you can say “WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL,” that is after they upload a picture of it to Facebook.

What’s so SPA about this Spa Foodie post?: No, (sadly) we are not recommending that you  squish your face into this patriotic platter as DIY facial. However, remember the Dr. Perricone 3-day skin care diet? He suggests strawberries and blackberries to enhance your skin and eat for beauty. Just by swapping out the neighbor’s apple pie for these delectable berries loaded with anti-oxidants vitamin C, your belly and your skin will thank you. (Although you should probably have a piece of pie too.)

Note: For ultimate freshness, prepare this treat right before serving. Present with toothpicks for spearing the fruit and a bowl of yogurt dip or whipped cream, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of Family Fun Magazine

Ingredients

• 29 large strawberries
• 30 large blackberries
• 7 or so large bananas
• Lemon juice

Instructions

• Hull and halve 29 large strawberries and set them aside.
• Arrange 30 large blackberries, as shown, in the upper left corner of a serving tray or cutting board (it should be at least 8 by 13 inches).
• Cut 58 banana slices, 3/4-inch-thick, into a bowl. Sprinkle on lemon juice and toss the slices gently with a rubber spatula to keep them from browning.
• Assemble the banana slices in rows as shown and top each slice with a strawberry half.

Present on a large tray with handles and cover with saran wrap for easy transportation to the nearest block party or bbq. Wear this for added impact.

Get pumped for the pyrotechnics; it’s almost Independence Day… and you know what that means, bring on the patriotic tunes! We asked our Facebook friends what their favorite 4th of July weekend jams are and we got some rockin’ oldies and some fresh newbies from the likes of the boss man Bruce and Toby Keith to Ray Charles and Kid Rock.

Here’s what some of our friends suggested:
Michelle B, AJ G, Barbara J, and Salena J. “America the Beautiful”
Dorothy B, Michelle L, and Bridget S: Lee Greenwood “Proud to be An American”
Jaidon M, Leann S, Linda C, Michelle L, Ronda G, Dawn J, and Bridget S “God Bless the U.S.A” Lee Greenwood
David Carter “Janie’s Got a Gun” Aerosmith
Christine Scheel “Rocky Mountain High” John Denver
Sue S. and Jacqui B: ‎”Minutes to Memories” John Mellencamp
Janee B. Yankee Doodle
Liesje M. “Some Gave ALL” Billy Ray Cyrus
Forever Young Club ‎”Pink Houses” John Mellencamp

Hot dogs are a 4th of July staple and delicious from the grill or the skillet…but let’s face it, if you’re chatting it up at a barbecue, you’re not gonna want to settle for just one.

So, for this special 4th of July edition of 1 Food 3 Ways, we give you three hot dogs that don’t pack in the fat or calories, but don’t skimp on flavor, either. So have 2, and enjoy your holiday!

Oscar Meyer Light Weiners Made w/ Turkey and Pork

Per 1 frank (45 g): 90 calories, 6 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 30 mg cholesterol, 380 mg sodium, 1 g carb., 5 g protein

Applegate Farms Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
Per 1 frank (43 g): 80 calories, 6 g total fat (2.5 g sat. fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 380 mg sodium, 0 g carb., 5 g protein

Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks
Per 1 frank (49 g): 45 calories, 1.5 g total fat (0.5 g sat. fat), 15 mg cholesterol, 370 mg sodium, 2 g carb., 6 g protein

Wow, is it Fourth of July already? (Okay, it’s the 2nd, but still.) What would the weekend be without fireworks and festivals! With the assistance of Miss Cozy (check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money), we’ve constructed a list of the best places to watch the fireworks and other festive shindigs around the country…

Miss Cozy’s Beauty Tip of the Day: Put away cakey powder. To keep oily, shiny skin at bay, adjust your skin care. Use a mattifying lotion in the morning to absorb oil. Touch up with blotting papers during the day and make sure to use toner in the evening.

Miami, Florida – It’s July 4th weekend.. Of course Festivals and Fireworks are main priority! If you’re in Florida, check out the City of Homestead Concert and Fireworks – For those in southern Miami-Dade County, the Homestead Sports Complex is also hosting an Independence Day festival and fireworks show. The festival will feature a car show, rides, entertainment, food and music with a fireworks show at 9PM. For more, call the City of Homestead Department of Parks and Recreation at (305) 224-4570.

San Diego, California - San Diego Bay is the place to be on July 4^th when the 10th Annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom fills the sky with a spectacular pyrotechnic light show.  Four barges will be placed strategically in San Diego Bay off the shorelines of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero area and between Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing. The fireworks will be visible from all of the Port’s parks around the northern and central San Diego Bay area. These include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park, Coronado Tidelands Park and the Imperial Beach Pier.

Baltimore, Maryland – This Friday kicks off Moonstruck at the Little Italy Open Air Film Festival – The city’s grandest free outdoor movie series kicks off with this classic starring Cher and Nicholas Cage. Music starts at 7, the movie begins at 9, but get there early or you won’t have a spot to park your lawn chair. This is sure to be packed. The movie and music are free. Intersection of High and Stiles streets.

Little Rock, Arkansas – Most places and parks around Arkansas have firework displays this July 4^th weekend as well as plenty of BBQ’s and picnics.  This year, the place to be is Pops on the River. Bring chairs or blankets to Riverfront Park – gates open at 5:30 p.m. There will be music starting at 6:30 and fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. The Arkansas symphony will be playing patriotic music to go along with the display. There’s not only a fireworks display to get excited about, there are other activities planned and a marketplace with cute stuff for sale.

Kansas City, Missouri – One thing is for sure – Kansas City knows how to do it up right when it comes to fireworks. With the 4th of July holiday right around the corner, it’s time to start figuring out which fireworks display to go and see. KC Riverfest – Held at Berkley Riverfront Park, this annual event not only has one of the best Fireworks displays in the Kansas City Metro that is choreographed to live music, but great entertainment and things to do for the whole family. Berkley Park on the River between the Broadway and Paseo bridges – Ongoing events July 3rd and 4th. Fireworks at 10:05pm, 4th of July – $6 or save $1 when booking online. Visit KC Riverfest.com

Seattle, Washington – The rarest of the rarest. On July 3rd through July 5th – Come taste over 130 world-class beers from more than 15 countries. “SIB IS AN OVER THE TOP BEER FESTIVAL celebrating the world’s most legendary brewing styles and the nations that made them famous. Come taste over 150 world-class beers from more than 15 countries.” The outdoor event is hosted in the grass of the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater about 100 yards west of the Space Needle. Visit seattlebeerfest.com

Your skin is exfoliated, moisturized, bronzed and glowing (good girl!)… now it’s time to match it to an outfit that’s as explosive as those fireworks. Whether you aim for a style that is classic Americana, an authentic Southern Belle, or even a true Manhattan socialite, you’ll want to look your best in the summer heat. With the help of Celebrity Stylist and Fashion Guru Lauren Rae Levy we give you 5 ways to embody the holiday spirit without channeling the American Flag.

The foundation of a great summer outfit begins with the perfect accessory, and during the Fourth of July this one will be a great conversation starter over the grill. LRL says: Wear this bejeweled bib necklace over a solid white dress and wear a red shoe or red hair accessory. Roberta Freymann by Olivia Palermo Collection, Call 212.717.7373 for purchase info.

An American Goddess? Why yes. We love this draped one shoulder jersey dress by MARC By MARC JACOBS. Keep the look youthful and fresh with an arm stacked of bangles. LRL says: Add a great white bag and a patent white shoe. Purchase at Bloomingdales.

This is the perfect dress for a beach-side fiesta. To avoid looking like a bride really jazz up the accessories. LRL says: It would look amazing with red pumps and the Roberta Freyman necklace. Purchase at Shopbop.

How’s this look for modern patriotism? This dress is a perfect statement piece for a roof top affair. LRL says: Add a blue hair accessory and call it a day. Purchase at Shopbop.

This dress by Wink fits the bill for a look that is relaxed but still interesting. The straps and contrasting colors will keep them guessing. LRL says: Complete the look by adding a red cardi and wear red shoes to match. Purchase at Shopbop.