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"From BBQS to Beaches:Embracing The July Vibes"

by Tresia Smith on July 1, 2023 - Volume 13

July is a month of significance, recognizing and celebrating important events and causes. So what do we have going on? Let’s talk about it …

July is recognized as National BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Mental Health Month. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by these communities and promoting access to care. It is also National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of staying active. As for me, I don’t do summer. Just thinking about the heat puts me in a bad mood, but I love it for all of you! 😅😅

We also celebrate National Buffalo Soldiers Day (July 28th) which is particularly meaningful because of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. It's an opportunity to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Black soldiers throughout history and to reflect on the ongoing fight for justice.

And, of course, we CANNOT sidestep the Fourth of July. The person who came up with “Independence from Meat” Day that falls on July 4th, had to be a vegetarian. It is the number one grilling time of the year, as a matter of fact July is also host to National Grilling Month (of course it is). So I have some personal commandments that I think are imperative to great grilling. I even included some red, white and blue food ideas for your cookout!

July is the perfect month for sunburns and mosquito bites, but it's also the month of independence and fireworks. If you think about it, July is like that one friend who's always causing chaos but is so fun to be around. So, cheers to July - the month of freedom, fun, and aloe vera!

The Recipe Series for July 2023

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July Happenings

(some serious and some not … it’s all about balance)

National Minority Mental Health Month

The theme of Mental Health America’s 2023 BIPOC Mental Health campaign is Culture, Community, & Connection. Our mental health and overall wellness are affected by our surroundings, and our lives are closely connected to our environments. BIPOC communities have experienced historical trauma and displacement that can make it difficult to flourish in their surroundings. Nonetheless, culture, community, and connection serve as pillars that uphold and elevate BIPOC individuals in the face of systemic racism and oppression.

It is important to acknowledge and participate in any way possible for this cause. Sixteen percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental illness, and 22.4 percent of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental illness over the past year. Serious mental illness (SMI) rose among all ages of Black and African American people between 2008 and 2018. Bringing awareness to it helps to save lives and destigmatizes mental health.

National Grilling Month

Oh joy, it's July - the month where we celebrate National Grilling Month. Because what's more fun than sweating over a hot grill in the middle of summer, right? I mean, who needs air conditioning when you can just stand outside and cook meat until it's charred beyond recognition? And let's not forget the thrill of trying to keep the flames from engulfing your eyebrows while simultaneously fending off mosquitos and hungry neighbors who suddenly show up with empty plates. Ah yes, National Grilling Month - truly a time for laughter, merriment, and singed arm hair.

I could have kept going, but I think these four will get you started to becoming the best possible grill person you can be 😅😅

Hey there, family! So, I have a confession to make. Yes, I use affiliate links in my blog posts. But before you start throwing tomatoes at me, hear me out. Every recommendation I make comes from personal experience or thorough research. And hey, a girl's gotta earn a living somehow, right? So, if you end up buying something through one of my links and love it as much as I do, then we can all share in the joy of a great purchase together. And if you end up hating it, well, I'll take full responsibility and offer up some virtual ice cream to make it up to you.

Deal? Deal.

Stuff You Should Have But Don’t Think About

Listen up, grill masters! As we enter the season of outdoor cooking, it's time to take stock of your grilling gear. Sure, you've got your tongs, your spatula, and your fancy apron that says "Grill Sergeant" on it. But what about the really important stuff? Like a tiny hat for your grill so it doesn't get too hot? Or a miniature fan to keep you cool while you're flipping burgers? And let's not forget the all-important grill-side karaoke machine. Because nothing says "summer barbecue" like a rousing rendition of "Before I Let Go" with a mouthful of charred hot dog. Don't worry, I've got your back – and your grill – this season. 😁

● BBQ Grill Set - because the one you may currently have has probably seen better days

● Spatula Mat - you know we are ALWAYS looking for something to lay our tongs and barbecue brush on!

● Digital Meat Thermometer - I could be their spokesperson at this point

● Caddy Organizer - this just makes complete sense

● Soda Protectors - these are genius. They protect your drinks from bees, flys, mosquitos and that family member who is always drinking someone else’s soda.

● Pot Holder and Kitchen Towel Combo - self explanatory

● Portable Grill - great for picnics, tailgating, the beach, etc

● Mesh Food Protectors - because this is SO much easier than having to rewrap the aluminum foil that’s tearing from constantly being moved over the aluminum foil pan with the food in it. Can you tell that this is a pet peeve of mine? Lmbo PLUS it looks so much better.

● Watermelon, Feta and Blueberry Salad w/Honey Lime Dressing

● White Chocolate Coated Pretzels w/Sprinkles

● Blue Corn Chips w/Parmesan Tomato Dip

● Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

Independence Day (July 4th)

On the 4th of July, we celebrate America's independence with a bang, literally. Fireworks light up the sky as we eat hot dogs and burgers, pretending that the calories don't count on this special day. And let's not forget the classic red, white, and blue attire that we all wear, making us look like walking American flags. It's the one day of the year where we can be extra patriotic without anyone judging us. So let's raise our sparklers and cheers to the good old USA, where even the fireworks know how to put on a show.

New York is LIT on the 4th and here is just a SMALL list of things to do, places to go, what parks you can grill in and where to watch the fireworks. You’re welcome 😁

Where To Watch The Fireworks

● 4th of July Weekend at Time Out New York

● Macy's 4

● 4th of July Fireworks

● Edge 4th of July Celebrati on Events

Events

● Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

● Cruise Around NYC

● Afro Caribbean Fest

● Fireworks Cruise

Where To Find Barbecue

● Smorgasburg 2023

● Bark Barbecue

● Hudson Smokehouse

● John Brown Smokehouse

Where To Grill

● Van Cortlandt Park

● Riverside Park

● Morningside Park

● Randall's Island Park

National Fried Chicken Day (July 6th)

I think I have said this a few hundred times but it bears repeating. Baked chicken is good, stewed chicken has its moments and barbecued chicken hits the spot … but there is NOTHING like a mouth watering, crispy piece of fried chicken. NOTHING.

Over the years, every country has come up with their own version and it makes a cameo appearance on 74 percent of American and Southern menus, 80 percent of Chinese menus and 61 percent of Caribbean menus, according to Chicago-based research firm Datassential.

The first recipe for crispy fried chicken appeared in Hannah Glasse's "The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy" in 1747. According to the recipe, the seasoned and floured chicken needs to be fried in lard. In the Southern US, fried chicken became an Americans' go-to dish for a communal meal after church. Fast food fried chicken was introduced by none other than Colonel Sanders in the 1950’s and it has been on an incline ever since.

There's no denying the deliciousness of this classic comfort food. And what better way to celebrate its greatness than by recognizing National Fried Chicken Day on July 6th? It's the perfect excuse to indulge in this tasty treat and gather with friends and family over a shared love of fried chicken. So fry up a batch, grab some napkins, and enjoy all the mouthwatering goodness that fried chicken has to offer.

National Buffalo Soldier Day (July 28th)

National Buffalo Soldier Day is celebrated to honor the legacy and contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers. These soldiers were members of the United States Army who served in all-black regiments from the late 1860s to the early 1950s. They were originally formed after the Civil War as part of the Army's efforts to integrate African Americans into the military. The Buffalo Soldiers fought in some of the nation's most significant conflicts, including the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and World War II. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, they distinguished themselves with bravery and honor, and played a significant role in shaping American history.

The first troops to be called Buffalo Soldiers were assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, assembled in 1866 at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. There would be more regiments to come:

● 9th Cavalry Regiment

● 10th Cavalry Regiment

● 24th Infantry Regiment

● 25th Infantry Regiment

● Second 38th Infantry Regiment

The holiday is not a federal one; no banks close and no days off are scheduled for observances, and those who want to pay their respects are encouraged to visit monuments that may be nearby and research the history and contributions of these soldiers. When posting on social media, using the hashtag #BuffaloSoldiersDay is also encouraged.

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