Frugal & Fearless

Spending frugally, living fearlessly

[fearlessandfrugal]

Why isn't personal finance taught in schools?

How many high school students do you think know what a mortgage is? Or an IRA? Or the difference between a checking or savings account? Unfortunately, probably not that many. Why would they? Outside the home, they would never have learned the first thing about personal finance. I see this as a huge problem and one that can easily be remedied if we taught the fundamentals of personal fiance in school.

After graduating from college, I had an internship at a non-profit. After a conversation with fellow interns about how little we knew about money, we asked the CFO for a simple informative meeting about personal fiance. Almost none of us had a grasp on what to do with the minimal stipend we were earning. Almost none of us knew what a mortgage was and how to pay it. Or if we needed a retirement account, or how to even open one! Our CFO did his best to educate us but he was so far removed from our situation even his advice was more than we could handle.

I felt embarrassed about how ignorant I was but ultimately knew that I needed to read as much as I could about what the heck to do with the money I would be earning in the future, or I was going to be in serious trouble. I refused to be one of those girls who lived on credit cards and was swimming in debt.

The first couple of books I read were How to Invest $50-$5,000 by Nancy Dunnan and All Your Worth by Elizabeth Warren and her daughter Amelia. These were great starters--I highly recommenced them. Then I read a bunch of articles and blogs online relating to personal finance, most notably LearnVest. I have gone on and on about LearnVest previously and I will still adamantly recommend subscribing to this site. It is completely free and incredibly helpful. 

During this learning process, I often wondered why the heck wasn't any of this taught to us in high school? We had health, physical education, and even psychology! Why in the world couldn't we have learned simple, personal finance? I see absolutely no harm in making this an elective, or more importantly, part of a curriculum. I just don't understand it.

I briefly read some articles online about this issue and it seems there is no good reason we can't accomplish getting personal fiance into the classroom--just the usual red tape and nonsense that goes on in government. Doesn't the government see this as an important characteristic into becoming a progressive and educated citizen? Would we have as many comprehensive financial issues if some people weren't so clueless? Yes, we all have a personal responsibility into learning about money but I can't help but feel that an issue this important should start in the classroom. What do we have to lose?

Did you learn about personal fiance in school? Tell us your experience!

[fearlessandfrugal]

Stop dressing like a slob when flying

I've noticed a few articles lately expressing displeasure in the way some Americans choose to dress when flying and I've got to say: I completely agree.

Since when did yoga pants, gym shorts, and pajamas become acceptable attire to travel in? Heck, when did this become acceptable attire to do ANYTHING in aside from sleeping or going to the gym? I know I may offend some here and I've got to say, I really don't care. This issue is something I've been thinking about for years and I'm glad others are taking notice.

For god's sakes, I work from home, where almost no one sees me and I look my acceptable sitting at my desk than some people look catching their flight.

Here are a few thoughts on the matter:

No one wants to see your gross feet, put on some closed-toe shoes. This is also a plus since you will have socks on when you take your shoes off in the security line. You REALLY don't want your bare feet on the ground of the security checkpoint. Ugghh.

Yoga pants are for yoga or physical activity. Wearing yoga pants as everyday attire says to the world "I don't care and I have given up." Don't give up...just put on some jeans.

Please take a shower. It would be nice if you didn't reek when sitting in a tight, enclosed space with almost no airflow. Just horrendous.

And while you're at it, have fresh breath. Go get some Altoids or gum at the Hudson News and call it a day. This may be worse than body odor.

Avoid wearing white. If you are a complete klutz like me, you are going to spill something on yourself at some point when traveling. Or better yet, someone will spill their entire coffee down your back--and never apologize for it. (Yes, this happened to me).

Ladies, for your sake, try and refrain from wearing too low-cut shirts. As a lover of the v-neck I find this a bit more challenging but the more covered up I am traveling, the better my day goes. (i.e. the creeper sitting next to you isn't staring). As a feminist, I am torn writing this because we shouldn't be subjected to such behavior but from personal experience, this strategy tends to provide a smoother travel experience. Plus, you're not tugging and pulling your shirt up while hauling your carry-on.

Fellas, please pull up your pants. No one needs a preview of the undergarment you chose to wear.

If you tend to get cold, bring a sweater because no, I am most definitely NOT turning down my air vent.

Wear a bra. Honestly...do we even need to write this?

In relation to frugality, it doesn't take much to look like a functioning part of productive society. Part of the battle is making the right choices. In all likelihood, you already have plenty of acceptable outfits to choose from in preparation for your flight. I'm not saying you need designer clothing by any stretch of the imagination, just pick actual clothing--not your gym or sleeping attire!

[fearlessandfrugal]

Splurge: Juice Beauty

Every now and then, you just have to treat yourself and spend money on a great product. My recent beauty splurge is Juice Beauty products. These skin care products have done wonders for my skin, so I knew I needed to share this amazing company with you all!

Juice Beauty is a California based skin care and cosmetic company that produces certified organic products that produce awesome, natural results. I know this, because it completely changed my face!

Since middle school, I have struggled with acne and oily skin. I've used countless face washes, lotions, and prescription acne medicine with no luck--until now.

A few months ago, I started using the Blemish Clearing Cleanser paired with the Oil-Free Moisturizer. I noticed difference in my skin on day one when I used the moisturizer. It was the only moisturizer I have ever used that didn't leave my face greasy after about an hour or make me break out.

I really started to notice a difference in the overall appearance of my face in about 3 weeks after using the face wash. My face had less blemishes and most notably, the red blotches from my face were gone. Gone. I also have sensitive skin so red blotches and irritation on my face was really common. The organic angle has been really working for me!

I also bought the Green Apple Blemish Clearing Peel which leaves your face super smooth and radiant. I definitely recommend this product for a weekly facial.

Fighting acne isn't Juice's only strength, they also have products for: anti-aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation, hair care, and more.

In full disclosure, there are a couple of cons regarding the face wash: 1) the bottle is pretty small. I go through about 1 per month. And 2) it's not a great eye makeup remover, you will still need to take your eye makeup off separately. These are things I am more than happy to endure if it means I don't have to hide behind 2 layers of mineral foundation just to go to the post office.

I'm not sponsored by Juice nor any other company--I just like to share great items with you all and I think Juice's products are worth looking into. Hopefully you will see as great results as I have!

Let us know if you love Juice Beauty or if you have another skin care company that you swear by!

[fearlessandfrugal]

5 go-to wedding presents

We are in the midst of wedding season so I thought I would put together some of my favorite wedding or bridal shower presents to help you with the decision-making process. These gifts are timeless, of good quality, and are sure to make an impression!

1. Godinger Serveware, Dublin 4 in 1 Cake Stand

I think I have bought this item for everyone I know that has gotten married--and they all loved it! This beautiful crystal cake stand is also a crystal dome, divided dish, and punch bowl. The great thing about crystal is that it is timeless and will never go out of style, so the happy couple is likely to keep this for decades. Always buy this from Macy's and never pay full price! This item is on sale a lot--if you wait for the sale, you will save a lot of money.

2.  Pottery Barn Monogrammed Stemware

I am obsessed with Pottery Barn's monogrammed stemware! This set of 6 wine glasses or champagne flutes are super classy and have a personal touch the happy couple are sure to appreciate. At $72 they are the perfect choice for a bridal shower gift.

3.  Pier 1 Serveware

I swear, I think I could live at Pier 1. It's just one of the best stores ever, in my humble opinion. Pier 1 also has really nice and affordable serveware that every couple needs for entertaining. This gorgeous 3-tier glass server is only $14.95 and check it this buffet server at only $24.95. At these prices you can pair these servers with any of Pier 1's unique drinkware or decor options.

4.  Crate and Barrel Barware

Crate and Barrel has excellent barware for just about every taste. I actually have quite a few items from my own wedding registry that are pretty great--and look quite stylish. Check out these contemporary Otis glasses starting at $3.95 or these fun and festive Como glasses starting at $4.97. Pair these with the Gatsby Ice Bucket or Oval Beverage Tub and you've got yourself a party!

5.  Anthropologie House & Home

My dark horse of the bunch is Anthropologie. This store offers many unique and whimsical choices for the home that would put a smile on anyone's face. Anthropolgie has everything from dining and entertaining to furniture to bath. I would also suggest buying online as there are limited choices in-store.

Do you have any go-to wedding or bridal shower gifts? Let us know!

[kiplinger]

Do you have what it takes to be a millionaire? See for yourself. 

[fearlessandfrugal]

5 useful items to bring on your summer vacation

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the crazy long delay on a new post! Things have been quite busy on my end lately but I am back and ready to dive into new posts, just in time for summer!

I thought of this post while I was on my honeymoon last week and hoped it would be helpful to those of you going on a summer vacation--as I know I could have used these tips myself! Let us know if you have any items that are a must during your travels!

1. Deep conditioner

I don't have dry hair (in fact, it's oily) but after all the swimming in chlorine, oceans, and sun exposure, my hair was in desperate need of a deep conditioning! I've used deep conditioners before, so I know they don't need to be expensive to get results. My favorite is Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask which runs about $6.99. This works just as well as fancy salon products!

2. After sun lotion

I've already posted in the past about how much I love Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion but I'll say it again! I actually did not pack this item last week and I wish I did! We used a different after sun lotion and it definitely did not have the same results. This lotion keeps your tan longer and makes your skin super soft without the greasiness. I also use this as a daily lotion and why wouldn't you for only $5.00!

3. Disposable underwater camera

I was just as surprised as you that film is still being used for cameras but this is a fun purchase that will come in handy on a snorkeling trip that will produce unique results you can't achieve with your digital camera. Who doesn't want to see pics of the tropical fish you stalked?! Just be careful, you only have about 25 shots so try and be selective when utilizing your photography skills (learned this the hard way). Try FujiFilm QuickSnap Marine for about $9.00.

4. Entertainment

Although your vacation will be plenty entertaining on its own, it never hurts to bring great books and the iPad along to pass the time--particularly during any downtime (and when all the programming on TV is in another language). If you're like me (and I'm not proud) going more than a week without a television fix is hard to endure. And a great book(s) will make any road trip or long hours at the airport (and pool!) fly by. Here is a list of 31 Great Summer Books according to Real Simple. Let us know if you have any recommendations!

5. Digestion & nausea medicine

Bringing stomach medicine along to any trip is never a bad idea. Nothing will ruin your day faster than an upset stomach. Make sure you pack some Imodium or Pepto, especially since these items are certainly more money in hotel gift shops. This $10 will go a long way!

Do you have items that are staples on your vacation?

[fearlessandfrugal]

I turned 30 yesterday

I turned 30 yesterday. I don't feel any different. I didn't have a panic attack, and I didn't drink until I passed out. I simply feel the exact same as I did as my 29 year old self. In fact, I may feel a little better than I did on Tuesday. Do you know why? Because my 20s basically sucked. At least professionally.

Your 20s are supposedly a time of exploration, the time to grab life by the horns and go after everything that you want! Too bad that this notion was extremely challenging for people my age.

By the time we graduated college, financial pandemonium was upon us. No one was hiring--and I mean no one. I had ambitious and very well educated friends with no work, some for even years--and not due to their lack of trying. I had friends with masters degrees who couldn't find work waiting tables. I had a few lucky friends with good jobs but were grossly underpaid and had to wait tables at night to make ends meet. I had friends who said "the hell with this" and took off and traveled the world because there was no work for them here. And there were friends like myself who enrolled in grad school because "hey, no one's hiring now but there will be some jobs and I may have an advantage."

My 20s were a very tumultuous time professionally but also a very important one. Grinding through the financial crisis makes me greatly appreciate today. Just the sight of full job boards brings me joy--because not too long ago they were quite empty. I feel a sense of hope that was very much doom a couple of years ago.

I intended to make my 30s count. No more wishing and pining. Thanks to some financial turn around nationally, the table is set for success and I very much intend to achieve it. And I know so many others feel the same way. We are no longer held back by fear and collapse.

And those friends I was talking about? Every single one of them has found work. Some even work they enjoy!

Here's to my 30s!

[fearlessandfrugal]

Are you ready to buy a house?

    We all know that is takes a huge pile of cash to buy a home. Some piles are larger than others depending on where you live (ahem, New York). Not only do you need to be ready for at least a 5% down payment but there are several other factors to consider before taking the plunge.

I write this post because my fiance and I have spend the past several months navigating the murky waters of home ownership. To make a very long story short, we never wound up buying and have decided to rent. The entire process was extremely frustrating, very time consuming, and an all-around pain in the ass. It was nothing like watching "House Hunters" and gave me several headaches. But it was also an eye-opening experience that gave us plenty of knowledge to fall back on in a couple of years when we decide to look again. Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding to buy a home:

Do you have 5% cash money to put down? Ten percent is even better. If we had 10% ready to go, I would be writing this from the living room of my new house. Aim for the highest down payment you can--which can take time. Be patient!

Are you really buying the house you want or are you settling? I am a firm believer of waiting to buy a home you really love. I know this could be tough in a hot market but this is a huge purchase that should not be taken lightly. You shouldn't have to sacrifice a must have from your list if it will bother you every day--such as living next to a busy street or intersection. It's not worth it.

Did you dive into your emergency fund for your down payment? This is a huge no-no. Emergency funds are a completely separate entity that should not supplement your down payment. Don't have an emergency fund? Then you are not ready to buy a home. It's more important to establish the emergency fund first since you may need it to fix important items in your home such as a busted water heater or burner.

Moving to a new area? It's probably best to rent first so you can take time to scope out which neighborhoods you like before purchasing. This is one of the main reasons we decided to rent.

Do you have debt or already own a home? This is a problem too. We ran into this issue since my fiance already owns a home that he rents out. Some banks or mortgage companies see this as a negative. We learned the hard way that some banks need to see at least two years of rental income before confidently lending for a new home. Check in with your bank if you too are a landlord looking to buy a home of your own.

What important factors do you consider before purchasing a home?

[fearlessandfrugal]

14 Money habits to break in 2014

As we say goodbye to 2013, it's time to focus on our finances and start fresh! Prepare for a successful 2014 by breaking these 14 negative money habits:

14. Not looking at your bank accounts almost daily

13. Underestimating how much it costs to buy a home

12. Eating out everyday or too much

11. Not asking for a deserved raise

10. Shopping too much! You know who you are!

9. Not going green or cutting back on energy bills

8. Running up your credit card bills with no plan to pay them back on time or in full

7. Not contributing towards retirement

6. Going into debt for no good reason

5. Ignoring your financial goals and replacing them with fleeting, temporary endeavors

4. Not creating a household budget

3. Letting your gym membership waste away since you never go. You can work out at home! Shout out Shaun T!

2. Not saving for an emergency fund. You should have about 6 months of living expenses saved.

1. Not using the 50/30/20 rule! This is a must!

What bad money habits are you going to break this year?

[fearlessandfrugal]

I just watched this documentary last night called American Winter, and man did it freak me out… And made me want to cry at the same time. In fact, I’m not ashamed to admit I did tear up a little in places… I can’t stand to watch children in poverty :( The movie focuses on some families in the Portland, OR area who were doing &

Very interesting post from J Money at Budgets are Sexy. In this tough economic climate, poverty is striking many who are in the middle class. Let's think of others this holiday season and be sure to watch the HBO Documentary American Winter.

[fearlessandfrugal]

Have you seen the price of Post-its lately?! My god!

[fearlessandfrugal]

"Treat Yo Self!"

If you are a Parks and Recreation fan like myself, (shout out Leslie Knope! Such a feminist, love her) you may know a little something about Donna and Tom's special "Treat Yo Self" day. Basically, co-workers Donna and Tom take the day off to pamper themselves and do whatever they want: manicures, fine dining, spa day, new clothes--anything and everything is fair game because they deserve it!

I thought this was such a great topic for a blog post! I think two opposing state of minds come into play with Donna and Tom's "Treat Yo Self" day:

You work hard, so why not take one day out of the year to spend freely and treat yourself? It's a great way to wind down and reflect on what life has given you and also has to offer. -OR-

This is a dangerous precedent to set especially when you have important financial long term goals that need to be addressed daily. One day of spending can set you back months or longer!

Now, I am not proud to say that I am unfortunately a glass half empty kind of person. I love the idea of taking a free-spirited day off from work to enjoy like Donna and Tom but my worried nature cautions me to refrain from the "Treat Yo Self" day. Personally, I would be kicking myself for being irresponsible when there are important financial goals to be met! I envy those who breeze through life with little worry and always land on their feet. Damn those people! Haha.

But, if I were to join Donna and Tom here's my short list of "Treat Yo Self" activities:

Knicks game

Auburn Football game

Craft beer

Facial

Lots of shopping

Swimming

Getting my hair done

Maybe we need a "Treat Yo Self" fund where we stash away a separate savings account for these yearly outings? I can get on board with that! Consider the "Treat Yo Self" savings project commenced.

Do you enjoy a "Treat Yo Self" day like Donna and Tom? What kinds of activities and items do you indulge in? Mimosas, velvet pants, cashmere socks?

[fearlessandfrugal]

Gameday guacamole

This week’s post will feature our famous guacamole! Guacamole is not only a huge crowd pleaser but also delicious and healthy. Seriously, who doesn’t like guac?! Make it for your next tailgate, football get together, or any party for that matter! Guacamole also goes great with all Mexican food, omelets, sandwiches, and on salad—so be creative!

Ingredients:

(6) avocados (this is for a decently sized group. If you only have a few people, you can use 2-3).

1/2 diced red onion. (the more avocados you use, the more onion you should add).

(4) cloves garlic, diced. (this is personal preference. I like a lot of garlic but some people like less).

1/2 lime, juiced

1/4 cup cilantro, diced

salt and pepper to taste (I like mine a little salty, but definitely add little by little. I’ve ruined quite a few batches by adding too much salt).

Directions:

Pit all avocados and place in a bowl. Make sure you scoop the avocado out of the skin (do not include skin!).

Mash the avocado until there are no large chunks left.

Add the diced red onion and garlic, mix together until evenly distributed.

Add diced cilatro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.

Taste. If the guacamole needs more salt, add and then mix again.

You’re done! Serve in a bowl with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Note: guacamole goes bad quickly. Do not make guacamole ahead of time and don’t store the leftovers. It’s made to enjoy right away. If you want to bring it to a friend’s house more than 10 minutes away, bring your ingredients and prepare it at their house.

What are some of your favorite gameday recipes?

[fearlessandfrugal]

Frugal Deal of the Day: Forever 21 sunglasses, $7.99. You don't need to spend $100+ dollars to be stylish!

[fearlessandfrugal]

Do you know tipping etiquette?

                 Recently, I was listening to The Herd with Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio in which he was dissecting the whole Drew Brees tipping "incident." If you haven't heard about this story, basically Drew Brees tipped $3 on a $74 take out order and all of Twitter went into a panic. This opened the flood gates of discussion for what really is the proper tip (if any) for a take out order. Which ultimately lead to the greater question: what is the proper etiquette for everyday services that we could be totally messing up?!

I've done a little research and here are the most popular figures among this highly controversial topic:

Food Service:

Sit Down Meal: 20%

This is a standard tip. Of course feel free to contribute more for outstanding service.

Buffet: 10%

I think this is a little low, they are taking your drink order and waiting on you in some form.

Take Out: 10%

I may have to agree with Drew Brees on this one. If my order isn't complicated and I'm simply picking up food, I don't see why I need to tip anything. I don't want to be cheap, so please enlighten me!

Exterminator:

$5-$10 per visit

I haven't dealt with an exterminator yet so this was a bit of a surprise--who would have thought!

Valet:

$2-$5

This is a pretty standard tip I think unless they're running a substantial distance.

Hairdresser:

15-20%

I ALWAYS tip 20% (if not more). Hair is pretty important and you do not want to make your stylist angry. Next thing you know, you have a messed up dye job.

Spa:

At the spa, 20% is also a standard tip for services.

Nail Salon:

I also tip 20% at the nail salon--if you mess up during dry time, your technician is going to be a lot more agreeable for a touch up if you tip well.

Cleaning Service:

10-15%

This is standard tip for an at-home service. If you are at hotel, it depends on how many nights you stay and I assume how gross your room is. My research has indicated about $5 per night. There is a lot more info about hotel tipping that I'll save for a future post.

On a personal note, tipping has always played a helpful and enlightening role in my family--my dad is the master of tipping. He tips EVERYONE. He has an emotional attachment to tips because when he was a kid in Jerusalem, he sold anything and everything to tourists, conducted city tours, and also peddled jewelry. He has a soft spot for the service industry and has passed down the knowledge of tipping to me. Let's just say, when we're with my dad: we get the best table at restaurants, the fastest service, the best view at a hotel, extra alcohol in our cocktails, and super fast bell service. That being said: What are your tipping habits? Do you agree with these percentages, tell us what you think!

[fearlessandfrugal]

Frugal weddings: wholesale flowers

As some of you know, I am in the midst of planning my wedding. Being "frugal and fearless," I've tried to save where I can. One area that I'm going to have to get creative with are the flowers.

Flowers are usually a healthy chunk of the wedding budget and quite frankly, I'd rather spend money in other areas such as food and entertainment. After flipping through some bridal magazines, I luckily came across a couple of fabulous websites that sell flowers wholesale!

Now, I'm not DIYing the wedding but I don't see why I can't take some of the floral matters into my own hands to save some cash. Fabulous Florals and Grower's Box are the best ones I've researched thus far. Both options are fantastic, especially if you are planning a DIY wedding.

These sites offer a large variety of flowers and plants for a substantial discount over your local florist. Grower's Box even offers ready to go arrangements and boutonnieres.

So you don't feel overwhelmed by the robust amount of choices, you can also narrow your search by:

color

season

occasion

fragrance

variety

One feature I will definitely be purchasing are the freeze dried rose petals to line the aisle with. It's a crazy good deal and there are several colors to choose from.

Besides rose petals, I also plan to buy bunches of flowers for the bar, bathrooms, and other common areas that don't need a fancy arrangement. I will also be creating boutonnieres myself with these wholesale flowers. (By the way, YouTube or Google "how to make a boutonniere," so easy. It's a waste to pay for it.)

Why just use these frugal flower deals for a wedding? Try out these wholesale sites for any festive occasion like: Mother's Day, birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, and much more! All you have to do is add a nice ribbon or throw them in a vase. No florist necessary, just a little imagination!

Have you used wholesale floral sites? Tell us your experience.

[fearlessandfrugal]

Fresh and frugal summer cocktails

             Summer is in full swing so cool off with these fresh summer cocktails that won't hurt your wallet. And remember, alcohol is optional!

  Grape Sparkler (EatingWell.com)

4 cup(s) seedless red grapes, plus more for garnish

2 tablespoon(s) lemon juice

2 tablespoon(s) honey

2 cup(s) seltzer

6 ounce(s) (3/4 cup) vodka

Puree grapes in a blender. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl or large measuring cup. Press on the solids to extract all the juice. Add lemon and honey to the juice; stir until the honey is dissolved. Add seltzer and vodka. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with whole grapes.

Strawberry Punch (Cosmopolitan)

3 fresh strawberries

3 slice(s) canned pineapple

1/2 ounce(s) pineapple syrup from the can

1/4 ounce(s) lime juice

1/4 ounce(s) simple syrup (dissolve one part sugar in one part boiling water; let cool)

2 ounce(s) white rum

Muddle fruit. Pour over ice with other ingredients; shake. Garnish with fruit.

Cran Razzy (EatingWell.com)

1/2 cup(s) fresh or frozen raspberries for garnish

2 cup(s) cranberry-raspberry juice

2 cup(s) seltzer

2 tablespoon(s) lime juice, plus 4 wedges for garnish

6 ounce(s) (3/4 cup) vodka

If using fresh raspberries, freeze them in a single layer for about 1 hour (or overnight) before proceeding with Step 2.

Combine cranberry-raspberry juice, seltzer, lime juice, and vodka in a pitcher. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with frozen raspberries and lime wedges.

Peach Wine Cooler (EatingWell.com)

3 cup(s) seltzer

1 cup(s) peach juice or nectar

1 cup(s) dry white wine

2 tablespoon(s) honey

4 slice(s) fresh peach

Combine seltzer and peach juice (or nectar) in a pitcher. If desired, add wine and honey; stir until the honey is dissolved. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with peach slices.

Watermelon Gin Fizz (EatingWell.com)

5 cup(s) diced watermelon, divided

6 ounce(s) gin, divided

8 tablespoon(s) lime juice, divided

1 1/3 cup(s) ginger ale, divided

Lime wedges for garnish

Freeze 1 cup watermelon for garnish. Puree the remaining 4 cups watermelon. Strain; divide the juice among 4 ice-filled glasses.

Top each with 1 1/2 ounces gin, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/3 cup ginger ale. Garnish with the frozen watermelon and lime wedges.

What are some of your favorite summer beverage recipes?