It seems as though it should be the simplest thing to do in any given day, but I must admit I have to remind myself repeatedly to drink more water. My nutritionist Leslie Roehrig e-mails me to check on my progress and that’s the first thing she asks: “Lisa, how are you doing with the water?” I explained to her early on about my water issues. When I look at my belly it certainly seems to me like I have been consuming water regularly, but that is not the case. In fact, I am learning that drinking more water-not less, can alleviate this condition. Truthfully, this does not make the idea of drinking more of it, any more alluring to me. I just know-like so many other things in life-it’s just something I have to do.

Now, I keep a bottle of water at my desk at all times, but even though it is sitting right there, I think about other beverages first when I get thirsty. (Funny, since nothing quenches a thirst like water does). My employers even do an excellent job at providing fresh spring water for us in bottles and in a cooler. So, I have no excuse.

According to the American Beverage Association, proper hydration is essential for maintaining body temperature and for transporting oxygen and other important nutrients to our cells. It seems we lose water easily as we perspire, take bathroom breaks, and even just by breathing throughout the day.

Now that you are sufficiently thirsty, check out one of these great local resources to grab a cold one when you are out and about.

By Amanda Harding

Back to school shopping has never just been about school. There is something about fall runways and trends that inspire a need to shop in everyone, school enrollment status notwithstanding. This season can be summed up in one word: classic. From women to teens in lace and pearls to kids donning the perfect denim ensemble, this season is all about clothes that feel like home.

by Alyssa Wernham

Now that school is back in session, it can only mean one thing: tailgate parties! Make yours the best with these helpful hints and recipes for the perfect parking lot soiree!

The Basics:

1. Wear your team colors! An inexperienced tailgater might not think of this, but it is important to be a true blue fan—or green, or crimson…
2. Arrive 3-4 hours early, and stay 1-2 hours after. In order to get maximum tailgating time, 3-4 hours early gives you time to set up games, stoke up your grill, and get cooking!  Staying 1-2 hours after gives you enough time to pack up, and beats the traffic jam out of the parking lot!
3. Seek out an optimal parking spot, preferably near a grassy area. This allows your tailgate party to have a wider space for sitting, playing games, and just hanging out.
4. Have a banner (or two!) that everyone can see from a distance. This way, your group can see where you are, and others can see you. Pretty soon, your tailgate will be the happening spot in the parking lot!

While you read some intriguing cover stories in our September issue, there were others that were also highly notable.