But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some Independence Day fun! If you can’t make it to the Hamptons with the rest of New York, don’t fret! It can really be a treat to enjoy the city when it’s a little less crowded, a bit quieter and when restaurants and bars are offering discounted meals and drinks. Here’s a rundown of some things we recommend trying out during your relaxing holiday weekend:

That’s where Heidi Klein comes in, see we’ve teamed up with the iconic London based boutique to offer a discount on their swimsuits to all of our loyal readers. Now through August 1st log onto their site and you can save 15% by entering the code “BeautyNYC” at checkout.

From Four Wines, comes the first premium wine in an eco-friendly tube shaped box…and a cool looking one at that! The company, dedicated to innovative, alternative packaging has developed the first California wine that comes in a good looking round recyclable container. But this is nothing like the boxed wines of yore. Four Wines is a smooth blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Petite Syrah, that’s been aged in American oak for 14 months. The attractive round tube with a liner holds 3 liters, the equivalent of four bottles, and sells for about $40.00.

On top of trends like a nerd to comic books, the beauty industry quickly followed suit. Many companies, like, Stila, construct their eyeshadows, lip balms and foundations in recycled or reusable paper packaging. Other large name beauty tycoons, such as Origins, create their creams and lotions out of natural ingredients that are both effective and earth-friendly.

So this year Essie has launched a new line of neon shades no one will be able to forget. Punchy Pink, Flirty Fuchsia, Funky Limelight and Perky Purple are the four hot shades in this collection and each will add the perfect pop to any summer outfit. We’ve teamed up with Essie to offer two lucky readers a set with all four colors! Simply send an email to contact@beautynewsnyc.com with “Neon” in the subject line by Monday June 6th. Be sure to include your name, telephone number and email.

Fashion houses like Miu Miu and Chloe framed the arms with sleeveless frocks and one shoulder silky sun dresses. And, fashionable starlets like Jessica Biel and Kirsten Dunst are showing off their guns in arm-emphasizing eveningwear. From sleeveless dresses to tanks to vests, get ready to flex.

From the moment I set foot at Pier 66’s Frying Pan I was in love. The absolutely perfect water venue, it’s always my first suggestion when meeting up with friends. The bar is situated on an actual boat that was built in 1929 and is said to have been sitting at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay before it was restored to its current glory. Favorite of a young and trendy crowd, the Frying Pan often hosts live DJs and has an observation plank that offers up the most breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.

Which is why, amid the night’s liberation celebration, you must make your way to the West Village’s idyllic Carmine Street, which houses a spot all too apropos for such a gathering: Sweet Revenge.

After participating in a walking tour of the Annex (which includes a mind-blowing 15 minute video on the key players of rock and roll through history) you reach the Lennon exhibit, John Lennon: The New York City Years. Located in a huge, all-white room with projector screens hanging from the walls and Lennon memorabilia as far as the eye can see, the exhibit includes iconic photos, articles of clothing, instruments, lyrics, notes and set lists, and even some of Lennon’s own photo collages. Four films covering Lennon’s life and activities in NYC are on display including his anti-war protests and live performances, not to mention interviews and artwork from Yoko herself. The last stop of the exhibit is a memorial of Lennon’s death and allows visitors to sign a petition to support stricter gun laws in the United States that, at the closing of the exhibit, will be sent to President Obama. This is a must-see for anyone who is a fan of John Lennon or simply of NYC.