GirlsGuideTo | What We Love About July

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is really the start of July! But we don't really mind that the year is literally flying by...there's so much to look forward to this month. From movies to holidays to new reads, here's what we love about July!

Independence Day
There’s no better excuse to eat yummy food all day and cuddle all night by a campfire or under some fireworks than the 4^th of July. In fact, we love it so much, we couldn’t wait to get the party started. We already found you some healthy recipes (and one not-so-healthy one too!) and some fab fashion finds so you can join us a few days early!

The Olympics
Unless you’re a new reader, it’s no secret at all that we are so excited for the Olympics. The countdown until the opening ceremony has begun and we are eagerly awaiting the start of the games! Cheer on Team USA because the Olympics take London by storm July 27 through August 12.

Music Festivals
So I know I'm pumped for Lollapalooza in just a few weeks (ok, technically in August, but is anyone in Chicago going to join me?), but there are festivals all over happening this month. Check out this list to find any near you (you can filter the results by state). Find your favorite bands and spend a few days in musical bliss!

New Beach-Bum Reads
It's a chick-lit, beach-reading trifecta: New books by Gigi Levangie Grazer, Emily Giffin, and Jennifer Weiner hit shelves and e-readers. Pick them up for a little poolside entertainment!

Batman’s Back
Blockbuster alert! Anne Hathaway is one badass Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, the final installment of Christopher Nolan's era-defining Batman trilogy. Get your midnight-premiere tickets now because July 20^th will be here before you know it.

The Return of Our Favorite TV
Ok, maybe just some of it. This past month or so has been a real drag, with nothing but reruns filling up the airwaves. Thankfully, the summer-season shows we love are all back for our viewing pleasure. True Blood is already in full (crazy) swing and Weeds, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and more all start this month. Hope your dvr's are clear!

Outdoor Beer Pong
There’s something depressing about playing beer pong inside while it snows. It really is more of a summer activity. Take the game out of doors. You’ll play more efficiently when you realize how fast half-cups of beer heat up in the sun. This also applies to cornhole or beersby or maybe even lawn twister…

It’s National Ice Cream Month!
Do I need to elaborate here? As if you needed an excuse to indulge on everyone’s favorite cold sweet treat! Just think of all the flavors you can try if you hit up your favorite parlor everyday…Yum!

National Hot Dog Day
Ok, so they’re not the greatest of meal options, but sometimes, you just want a hot dog! You can go back to eating healthy tomorrow, right? Hit up a baseball game and treat yourself on July 23^rd. Pass the mustard, please!

Longer Days
With more sunshine, there's more time to do everything you want to do! We want to soak up every minute of sun we can before we are forced into winter's doom and gloom. So take spontaneous road trips and spend hours after work gabbing with your girls at your favorite bar's patio. Real life will always be waiting for you later.

Why are you excited for July?