In my element at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I'm determined to get back there one of these days!

Our feature stories for the summer are all about food and family. I’m always thinking about food, and with a baby on the way (our first!), family’s definitely been in the forefront of everything I do. Will I be a good mom? Am I getting enough exercise? Is there such a thing as an affordable, eco-friendly crib? If you want a scary read, forget Stephen King. Try The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy.

I’m coveting our picks in this issue for family gear (thank God for baby registries) and am salivating over Kath’s smoothie recipe in “Healthy Eating On-the-Go” (page 18). So far, smoothies are my one and only craving. I usually crave excitement, but I’ve been one lame pregnant lady. For now, I’m living vicariously through the insights and experiences of the wonderful women who helped me put together this issue. I’m planning future family vacations in my head, and hoping my dogs will one day tone it down enough to join us in our travels (Marley’s got nothin’ on my Henry). In addition to our getaway guides, you’ll find plenty of fresh tips and finds from summer style and sun safety, to gardening and bike racing.

For me, summer means bare feet (when shoes aren’t required for service or sport), day hikes with the dogs, quality porch time, outdoor music festivals, and margaritas (well, no margs this year). Whatever you do with your summer, I hope you have a good one… and have a margarita for me!