In a dog-eat-dog world, sometimes you need to throw yourself and your pooch a bone. So whether planning a fun vacation or a quick trip down to the shore, make a splash and head to the beach with fido. With plenty of dog-friendly beaches across the nation, there's sure to be a spot in the sand for you. Here are four examples:

WEST COAST
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, Samoa, California: This 300-acre park is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers everything from hiking and surfing to fishing, sightseeing, and beach-combing. Dogs are allowed off leash.

EAST COAST
St. Augustine Beach, St. Augustine, Florida: Like most beaches in St. John's County, Florida, St. Augustine Beach allows leashed dogs to enjoy the surf.

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Yes, grass is the plant du jour. And amid all the lawn mania this summer, it's time to claim your turf -- or rather -- your mower. The powerful, loud mowers of recent have been showing lawns who's the boss for decades. And, bigger has always been better.

Until now that is.

If you haven't noticed, manual mowers are pushing their way back into our lives ... yes, even I jumped on the band wagon (no those aren't my legs, they're my husbands.) This is lawn mowing the old-fashioned way, but with modern appeal; especially for you fitness fanatics. Far less complexity than other mowers, the blades are attached to the wheels cutting the grass as you push the mower over it -- and according to many horticultural experts, these models are the way to pamper your lawn.

Today's manual mowers are light, quiet, and virtually maintenance-free. The mowers are environmentally friendly and have no noise or fumes. They do take some effort, but they aren't any harder to push than an 80-pound gas mower that isn't self-propelled. In fact, they are easier and that's probably why more women are using them. Two out of three people buying manual mowers today are female ... which means men are getting a break from the yard work and that gives them something to smile about too.

Just as significant, many people are finding that they just don't need a power mower because they have less lawn to mow ... a push mower is a great choice if you have 8,000 square feet of grass or less. But if you have much more grass than that, then it's probably not a good choice. As enjoyable as it is to use a manual mower it gets old mowing for three hours or more.

The Simpsons Ride, not officially open, held a 'soft open' while we were at the park and, without a wait, we were able to get on the ride, not once, but twice!

Basically, the jist of the ride is that The Simpsons are visiting Krustyland (a low-budget theme park created by Krusty the Clown) and you are right there alongside Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie as you enter through the carnival-like midway of Krustyland where you'll get a taste of what Springfield's Krustiest theme park has to offer: inept fortune tellers, uninspired musical revues, rides such as "The Tooth Chipper" roller coaster, and more.

Once you board your vehicle you're in for one surprise after another as you embark on a wild, over-the-top ride through the park ... flying, floating, and more or less crashing your way through Krustyland's kiddie attractions, stunt shows, and thrill rides.

The ride features all new animation starring the voices of the show's original cast, projected onto a towering IMAX screen. You are in your own car and while it's a simulated ride, it's nothing like you've been on before. The ride vehicles tilt, pitch, dip and twist in synch with the action on the film, giving you the illusion of motion, speed and flight.

The bad part, once officially open, I imagine long, long lines. They even incorporate that into the ride ... once inside you're eventually greeted by Krusty (on TV), who teases that your wait is almost over -- just 45 minutes to go, he kids. Luckily, by then, you're actually in the home stretch and yes, even if the lines are long, it's worth the wait. The entire family will enjoy this ride.

Tip: To say it's fast-paced is an understatement. There's a lot to absorb in one sitting (that's why I did it twice). Was that bartender Moe back there? Did I just smell baby powder? Did we just get sprayed with water? Expect to make multiple rides and to wait in a long -- but entertaining (depending on your sense of humor) -- line. Get to the park early and head to the Simpson's Ride first, most people will head in the opposite direction by following the map.
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You don't need a scientist to tell you that it feels good to play, but many of you still need one to convince you that bypassing play can actually make you sick. In fact, new research shows that leisure - whether it's drawing, playing a musical instrument or playing a game of basketball with friends - is as important for your health as getting enough sleep and eating well.

Studies find that recreational activities take care of the total package ... endorphins kick in and you're brain gets a time-out. So, before you declare it impossible to add another thing to your day, take a hard look at how you spend your free time. Is it fun? All you need is 20 minutes a day to reap a hobby's body benefits, so squeezing in something fun is truly doable. Let a new pursuit inspire you. Who cares if you're no Michael Jordan, Mozart or Monet - just do whatever makes you smile often. And of course, enjoy!

Everyone wants a slick set of wheels. A spanky little Beemer. A classic Karmann Ghia. A Vespa.

And then there are those of us who’ll settle for something just as cool, yet slightly more cost-sensitive, like Emporio Armani's Skorpion Quadline Roller-Skates. Ditch the Roller Blades pronto because these are the coolest skates around. Basically,the old school rollerskate is getting a modern upgrade. The skates feature an adjustable footplate that fits virtually any type of footwear and "Quadcoil" springs aid in maneuvering and control.

$425. Simple, yet brilliant.

Via:[Selectism]

Don’t deny it. You’re a prince (or a princess). And that means certain things simply have no place in your life. Cheap cigars. Cubic zirconias. Tents.

Enter: The Dave Ellis' Army Duck Canvas Tepee. It's mildew resistant, flame retardant and 15' tall by 12' in diameter. Made with 16 foot Montana wood poles and leather ties and grommets, you'll never confuse this little gem for a tent.

The best part: This Tepee has a sewn-in floor. A liner that allows proper air flow, while ensuring that nothing accidentally leaves or enters (without your permission).

Such luxury, of course, doesn’t come cheap. $2,200 gets you the Tepee. Campfire songs and ghost stories not included.