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

Here’s another installment of the Spa Week Road Trip Weekend Guide! Now aren’t you happy we’re here to plan the weekend for you– that’s one less thing to remember. This time around we have six Spa Week markets lined up with the most creative, tasty, and educational activities you can find this weekend. Get the troops together and brace for another weekend of fun in the sun courtesy of Cozy Wallet. Before you start on your way make sure to apply some SPF 15 (mustn’t forget about wrinkles and skin damage) and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and give yourself a natural glow.

P.S.- You can still enter Cozy Wallet’s $100 Spa Week Gift Card “I Feel Pretty” giveaway (click here to enter!).

1. Baltimore –  Wearable Art, hand crafted items, touches of Spring.. What more could you ask for at the 11th Annual O. C. APRIL ART & CRAFT where Exhibitors (almost 80) will be displaying fun and unique hand crafted items. Stop by to pick up some creative, unique gifts and extraordinary accessories. April 2nd thought April 4th Fri., 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

2. Boston – A time to chip in.. Enjoy A Spoonful of Ginger, which is a fabulous evening of food tasting bringing together Boston’s finest chefs to raise money and increase awareness of the growing incidence of diabetes among Asian Americans. Participating chefs include Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, Jasper White of Summer Shack and Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery and Myers + Chang, and others. All proceeds benefit AADI. Visit Joslin.org.

3. Las Vegas – In the mood for an all around Social Block Party?? Check out First Friday, which is an Arts and Entertainment party in the Las Vegas Arts District. Enjoy Live Music, Street Performances and cool local art. Friday, April 2, 6 pm – 10 pm – Arts District, Downtown Las Vegas.

4.  Michigan – Imagine big white things falling from the sky… lol Well you won’t have to imagine much longer.. Check out the The Original Great Marshmallow Drop where more than 15,000 marshmallows will be dropped from a helicopter at Catalpa Oaks County Park, Southfield, MI.

5.  Minneapolis/ St. Paul – Daffodils, tulips, lilies, and more.. What could make it feel more like Spring than A Spring Flower Show?? Step inside the beautiful glass confines of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s Sunken Garden, which features over 7,000 tulips, 1,000 daffodils,1100 hyacinth, along with stunning snapdragons, bearded iris, ranunculus, pansies and violas, plus hydrangea, freesias, crocuses and lilies all in a color palette of purple and orange. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55103. Visit Comozooconservatory.org

6. New Jersey – What could be better than spending the first weekend on Spring on the Wayer? Enjoy a bountiful lunch buffet, live entertainment and DJ dancing and the wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline. Sunday, April 4, 2010 Spirit Cruises 866.483.3866 Sailing from Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, NJ LUNCH CRUISE – Board: 11:30 am DINNER CRUISE – Board: 6:30 pm

This weekend, celebrity chefs, authors, wine experts, mixologists and industry insiders will be coming together to bring us food and wine tastings, cooking demos, interactive classes, party planning tips and holiday inspiration. It’s the third annual COOK. EAT. DRINK. LIVE. festival – a big celebration of the little joys we find in cooking, eating, drinking and living well.

We’ll be there seeking great new holiday food and entertaining ideas to bring back and share with you. If you’re in the New York area, come taste for yourself! The event is open to all; why not spice up your weekend with an epic epicurean adventure?

What:       2009 Cook. Eat. Drink. Live.
When:      November 6-8, 2009.  Friday 6-9PM, Saturday 2-6PM, Sunday 2-6PM
Where:     The Tunnel/La.Venue, 608 West 28th Street, NY, NY
Agenda:   Interactive food festival featuring tastings, chef demos, wineries, cocktails, popular restaurants, and opportunities for early holiday shopping.

Tickets are $65.00 per day and can be purchased online (www.cookeatdrinklive.com) or by phone: 888-695-0888.

Photo by Sebastian Danon

Tired of your boring Saturday routine? It’s time to flip things upside down and discover what your city has to offer. Get out, enjoy the beautiful weather, and take advantage of the events happening around the country.

Chicago
Event: “Are You Game?” presented by Women’s Health
Why You Should Go: Swap the treadmill this weekend for free outdoor activities that will get your heart rate up and your endorphins flowing. Choose from euro bungee, rock climbing, workout classes like Hula Hoop Pilates, and beauty and spa treatments to finish off your sweat session.
When: Saturday July 18, 10AM – 5PM
Details: North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
womenshealthmag.com

Boston
Event: Fillet-a-Fish Class at Catch Restaurant
Why You Should Go: Remember in Italy when that handsome waiter brought out an entire fish and you had no clue what to do with the poor thing? Next time you’ll be prepared. This weekend learn how to clean and cut an entire fish, and enjoy your fillet with a glass of wine.
When: Saturday July 18, 11:30AM
Details: 34 Church Street, Winchester, MA | Reservations at 718.729.1040 and Catchrestaurant.com

Washington D.C.
Event: ReUse Fashion Swap hosted by Fashion Fights Poverty
Why You Should Go: You know that dress collecting cobwebs in the back of your closet? It’s time to let go. Bring in your unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories to trade with other guests, sell to the on-hand boutique or donate to the Covenant House.
When: Saturday July 18, noon – 5PM
Details: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW | 202.347.3000 and RSVP at rsvp@fashionfightspoverty.org

Atlanta
Event: Backyard Bikini BBQ Blowout
Why You Should Go: Feel like you’re 10-years-old again and dance to the beat of the DJ in your bikini (cover-up), then participate in the hot dog eating contest and water balloon toss. After all that hard work relax with a massage and enjoy the evening performance by Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun.
When: Saturday July 18, 3PM
Details: The Graveyard Tavern, 1245 Glenwood Avenue SE | 404.622.8686 and californiawinefestival.com for exact locations of each day. All events, $139 ($170 at door); Spanish night, $39 ($50 at door); reserve tasting, $89 ($100 at door); grand tasting, $49 ($65 at door)

It’s here. Friday — the little gift at the end of every week that reminds you it’s going to be alright. But you know what’s even better than Friday afternoon? Friday afternoon with a glass of red and a massage. If you’re on the Left Coast there’s no better place to get both than at Napa’s Milliken Creek Spa & Inn. Right now they’re featuring an unbelievable package. More after the jump.
(more…)