July Fourth is one of my favoritest holidays. You get to make fun cocktails and chilled summery treats.  But we all know that the second our lips touch liquor our inhibitions go out the window. So this holiday weekend, keep your waistline intact with Rose's Cocktail Infusions LIGHT.

This month, Rose’s Cocktail Infusions is introducing the first ever light martini mixer line, with 1/3 of the calories than leading martini mixers! Just in time for Fourth of July celebrations, I wanted to pass along some of my favorite, lighter, drink recipes.  With the new Cosmopolitan and Tropical Fruit Twist Light Mixes, you just pour, stir and enjoy – easy entertaining that doesn’t have to compromise great taste or a great waist! 

Happy Fourth of July! Do Carrie Bradshaw proud with the light Cosmo mixer! We here at Smartypanties salute you!

Ameri-Cosmo

2 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Cosmopolitan Light Mix

1 fl oz Vodka

Shake with ½ cup of ice. Strain into martini glass.

Independent-ini

2 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Tropical Fruit Twist Light Mix

1 fl oz Vodka

0.5 fl oz Diet 7UP

Shake Rose’s Cocktail Infusions Tropical Fruit Twist Light and vodka with ½ cup of ice. Strain into martini glass. Top with Diet 7UP.

Cosmo-nation 

4 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Cosmopolitan Light Mix

2.5 fl oz Whiskey

0.5 fl oz Brandy

Combine ingredients in a highball glass. Mix well.

Independence Ade

4 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Tropical Fruit Twist Light Mix

4 fl oz Sugar-free Lemonade

2 fl oz Vodka

Combine ingredients in a highball glass. Mix well.

Patriot-ini

2 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Tropical Fruit Twist Light Mix

0.5 fl oz Blue Curacao

1 fl oz Vodka

1 dash Grenadine 

Shake Rose’s Cocktail Infusions Tropical Fruit Twist Light Mix, Blue Curacao and vodka with ½ cup of ice. Strain into martini glass. Top with dash of Grenadine Garnish with Maraschino Cherry.

Yankee Doodle

2 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Tropical Fruit Twist Light Mix

2 fl oz Watermelon Juice (press watermelon through a sieve, juice it in a juicer, or buy bottled watermelon juice)

1 fl oz Vodka

Combine ingredients in a highball glass. Mix well. Garnish with watermelon slice.

Red, White and Blue Martini

2 fl oz Rose’s Cocktail Infusions® Cosmopolitan Light Mix

1 fl oz Coconut Vodka

Shake with ½ cup of ice. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with coconut flakes, blueberry and raspberry.

 Disclosure: Smartypanties received a sample of the above product for purposes of this review.

No doubt this 4th of July you'll be tempted by your favorite fatty BBQ treats and Sugary Cocktails. We've got the skinny on how to stay skinny this season. First, here is a fabulous condiment chart courtesy of our friends at FitSugar. People often pack on calories by smothering their grilled chicken in mayo or ketchup. Just be aware of the healthiest (cheapest, calorie wise) options.
 

In celebration of Father’s Day, Skagen would like to offer Smartypanties readers a chance to win a watch from its Carbon Fiber collection, the perfect Father’s Day gift for any Dad!  

$145

Strength Meets Functionality. Innovation at its best comes together with the combination of two ultra-durable components: Titanium and Carbon Fiber. The Titanium mesh band unifies with a round case featuring the sub-second hand in Carbon Fiber with striking grey with orange accents.  

Some random facts about Skagen that you may not know:

   In 1989, Henrik and Charlotte Jorst came to the United States from their native Denmark to follow a dream: that of owning and running their own business and to introduce the Danish lifestyle and philosophy into the lives of many.

After taking a traditional door-to-door selling technique they landed, Bloomingdales, which became the couple’s first big break.   

Skagen Designs was founded on the principle that beautifully designed high-quality objects can be created at reasonable prices.  

Skagen also operates 2 flagship stores in Denmark, one in the inspirational starting point of Skagen, Denmark and the other in bustling, modern downtown Copenhagen.

To enter: Sign up for our daily emails or follow us on Twitter and @mention @MsSmartypanties.com

Sweepstakes Ends Friday 6/11/2010 at 2pm.

Funny gifts to get your friend or for your Sweetie

Hot Lips $15.00

The Always Popular Couples Massage is another Idea. This is obviously not the cheapest. Look for coupon codes to spas, which are common these days. Or make an at-home spa for your sweetie. Get a pitcher and fill it with lemon and cucumber water. Put out a selection of teas. Put out your robes. Burn some nice candles and give your sweetie a massage! This is super thoughtful but also super-cheap!!

You can even incorporate your gift for your sweetie by buying them a nice plus White robe–make it extra special by monogramming their initials or name!

Romantic Dinner for Two

You can offer to be the sexy-chef for the evening and put on a nice outfit or something a little even scantier! Is that a word? Make your babe his/her favorite meal. Though this works better as done by a she as girls don’t generally get too pumped about seeing their honeys stripped down to their skivvies.  Make homemade chocolate covered strawberries and his heart will melt!

Pick up some cute undies at American Apparel for 30% off through Feb 21, 2010.

Watch this video for instructions on how to gift-wrap yourself. PS, I have absolutely no wrapping talent but I think that half the fun is watching people laugh at how I mangled the oddly shaped boxes I somehow find.

Harajuku Lovers Perfume

I’m obsessed with these whimsical bottles. They look so f-ing cute all lined up together. I know it’s juvenile but I can’t help wanting to collect them all. They’re only $30 a pop. They don’t have much perfume though. But I think they’re a fun gift to give. Plus you can throw it in your purse on the go.

These are adorable too:

Bloom’s high-shine Lip Gloss conditions and moisturises your lips. Lightly flavoured with Vanilla and Mandarin essential oils. This go-anywhere version is perfect for clipping to keys or a handbag.
SRP: $10

Only $34 from Anthropologie!

For the Music Lover:

Only $28 on SomeoneSpoilMe.com

For the Narcissist:

Monogrammed Jewelry

Prices range based on Metal, starting at $165 on MaxandChloe.com

Personalized Stationary

Minted.com has adorable stationary!

The Eco-Friendly Chic!

It’s $16 but when you visit Someonespoilme.com you’ll get 20% Off!

Get the ones you love healthy water bottles!

And Just For Whoever…

Has anyone else noticed that Victoria’s Secret is getting kind of awesome??

The store that I once shopped for cotton panties and somewhat overpriced lingerie has really revamped itself, making me feel like I’m really getting my money’s worth…especially in the beauty department. It’s filled with tons of fun gift ideas for the holiday season but also cute goodies for Bachelorette parties!

The Good Girl store has gotten a bit risqué especially with its new line Two For Tease and we’re kinda digging the new fun vibe of the store.

Two For Tease products will make super fun gifts for girlfriends this holiday or for Bachelorette parties…or if you really want to embarrass some co-workers at your holiday gift exchange. I was at the Lake Success store this past weekend stocking up on bras when I first saw the collection on display.

The packaging is so f-ing cute. There is even like a little wax seal on some of the products…such a sexy little nostalgic touch. Added bonus? It’ll be nice to skip over the smutty corner stores in the village for Bachelorette gifts and give something a bit classier.

I hear the collection launched today but it may not be available in all stores just yet but definitely ch-ch-check it out!

The Collection

Kissable Massage Oil

care for a smooch or perhaps a tickle with your tease? Satisfy every craving with this succulent massage oil.

In Berry Passion and Vanilla Craving. 3.4 oz. $14

Kissable Massage Lotion

How do you take your tease? sweet with a slice of naughty? seduce with every serving of this luscious massage lotion. In Berry Passion. 5 oz. $14

Kissable Whipped Body Creme

tease party rule #1: place sweets within reach and don’t stop teasing until everyone’s had their thrill of this rich

body crème. In Vanilla Craving. 7 oz. $14

Edible Shimmer Lotion

proper tease time attire? A hint of glimmer and a lot of bare skin. tempt and tickle with this sugary shimmer

powder. In Vanilla Craving. 1.7 oz. $14

Edible Body Icing

Always serve your tease with a little something sweet on the side. nibble, bite, savor and delight in this decadent body icing. In Midnight Chocolate. 7.5 oz. $14

Tease Party Sweet Seduction Kit

All the sweets you need to get the tease party started. Revel in this delicious trio of Midnight Chocolate body icing, Berry Passion massage lotion and Vanilla Craving massage oil. $20

Victoria’s Secret Makes ‘em Good Girls Go badddd…..and in case you’re in the mood for the Cobra Starship song with my girl, Leighton here’s the song.

One of my oldest friends gave me this delicious idea. It’s a real crowd pleaser and you can literally make it almost totally fat free! You know who are you are girly! Get well soon!!

What you’ll need:

1 Trifle Bowl

1 Package of No Pudge Brownies

1 Package of Fat Free (organic) yogurt

1 Box of Strawberries

1 Box of Jello Instant Pudding

2 Cups of Milk

1 Package Cool Whip (Fat Free or Low Fat)

1 Can Fat Free Whipped Cream

First make the brownies (follow their directions). Then while they’re baking make the instant pudding. Put the pudding at the bottom of the bowl. Then slice up the strawberries and throw those in. Add Cool Whip. Once the brownies are done, let them cool and then cut them up and mold them to your trifle bowl. Add your whipped cream just before you’re about to serve otherwise it’ll shrink down and melt into the brownies. Let it sit for a little while because the strawberries will soak up the pudding and the cool whip making them deeeeelish. They almost taste like pie filling (which, is what my friend actually uses but I thought I’d add a little fruit to let myself get SOME nutrition from this).

The best part of this recipe is you can change so many things about it. You can use whatever pudding flavor you like. You can use different flavor No-Pudge Brownies (they come in Raspberry, Cappucino and Mint).

Throw in almost anything you like. It has a real WOW Factor when it’s served. Plus, it’s a pretty guilt free treat compared to what you could be eating. i.e. the cookies and peanut butter cookie bars and red velvet cake I’ll also be scarfing down this Thanksgiving!

Smartypanties is out for the weekend (perhaps I’ll check in but don’t count on it).

We’re off to Long Island to bask in the sun (cross our fingers!)

We Love You, Darlings! Go watch some Fireworks!

I have the best daddy ever!! Ever! Ever! Ever!

I hope he’s having the best Daddy’s Day in the Woooooooooooooooooooorld!

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