"May the Fun Begin: Springing into a Month of Adventures!"

May is a great month for fresh and flavorful produce. Here are some meal ideas for May:

• Strawberry spinach salad with grilled chicken
• Asparagus and pea risotto
• Grilled apricot and balsamic glazed pork chops
• Pineapple and chicken skewers with a side of roasted artichokes
• Cherry tomato and mozzarella pasta salad

The Recipe Series for May 2023

Are you a fan of my work and interested in supporting my creative endeavors? Consider becoming a subscriber to my Patreon page! As a subscriber, you'll get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, early previews of my latest projects, recipes and other special perks. Your support will help me continue to create and share my passion with the world. Join me on Patreon today and be a part of the journey!



May Happenings

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

May is home to a month-long observance of both Better Sleep  and Mental Health Awareness .  Sleep plays a crucial role in our physical and mental health. It helps our bodies repair and rejuvenate, and allows our brains to consolidate memories and process emotions. Lack of sleep can lead to a range of negative effects, including mood swings, decreased productivity, and even serious health issues like obesity and heart disease. 

A Few Suggestions On How To Get Better Sleep

• Dr. Teals Pillow Spray (this spray not only smells amazing, it contains melatonin and lavender that help you drift off to sleep)
• We’ve all heard it but it bears repeating. NO caffeine before bed. Experts also say not to drink alcohol before bed but FOR ME, a glass of wine helps me relax. I am not suggesting you do the same!
• Your bed should be an oasis when it’s time to go to sleep. Comfortable, cozy sheets are a must and I absolutely LOVE jersey sheets! It feels like you’re sleeping on a t-shirt. Jersey Sheets
• I know it’s difficult but try to avoid being on your phone as you’re trying to go to sleep. Watching TikTok videos will pull you down a rabbit hole and actually stimulates your brain and delays REM sleep. Also, blue light is harmful for your eyes. 

Mental Health Awareness

It is important to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote understanding and support for those affected by it. According to a study done by Mental Health America, 21% of Americans are experiencing at least one mental illness, which is approximately 50 million people. And let's be clear, mental illness doesn’t always mean something severe. Anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders and addictive behavior are all considered a form of mental illness.

Mental Health Awareness Month is important because: 

It brings attention to the fact that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. This helps to break down stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive understanding of mental health.

• It highlights the need for better access to mental health care, particularly for undeserved communities who may face barriers to accessing care. This can help to improve overall public health and reduce healthcare disparities.
• It can inspire individuals to take action to support mental health, whether that means advocating for policy changes, volunteering for mental health organizations, or simply checking in on loved ones who may be struggling.
• It provides a platform for individuals to share their own stories and experiences with mental health, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among those who are affected by mental health issues.
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Cinco DE Mayo (May 5th)

Contrary to popular opinion, this day isn’t just about tacos and beer. Cinco DE Mayo, which means "Fifth of May" in Spanish, commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is a minor holiday in Mexico, but leave it to us Americans to blow it up into something big 🤣.  The holiday has become a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride in the United States.

Ways To Celebrate:

• If you are a history geek, you can actually research the history of the holiday here:

Public Service Recognition Week (May 7th -13th) and Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8th-12th)

It's important to highlight the various ways in which public service workers contribute to our communities. Public service workers are essential to the proper functioning of a city. They make sure citizens access public goods such as water, sanitation, education and energy and provide fundamental services such as waste management, social and health services and transportation among many others. “If public workers are a key piece in a city’s engine under normal conditions, their work becomes even more fundamental when we are facing a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrusted public health officials and other public workers into the spotlight, helping elevate awareness and understanding of the critical role public servants play in everyday life, and in particular during times of severe crises. While most of us were advised to stay home to stay healthy, many of these workers have put their lives at risk and continued doing their job, guaranteeing the safety and well-being of all other urban citizens.”

Teacher Appreciation Week

This is an opportunity to celebrate educators who play a significant role in your child’s life. They support, inspire and motivate our children and their paychecks rarely reflect how much time and energy they put in on a daily basis. AND LET’S NOT FORGET that in today’s climate, they are literally putting their lives on the line. Here are a few gift ideas to say THANK YOU.

Honor Our LGBT Elders Day May 16th

It was a mere six years ago when the Supreme Court declared same sex marriages as a constitutional right and about 50 years since the American Psychiatric Association amended that homosexuality no longer is considered a “mental disorder.” This day was established in 2015 by Baltimore’s Chase Brexton Health Services. As many LGBT people have been alienated from their biological families, elders often fill the roles of grandparent and parent for younger individuals. These relationships serve a significant purpose in providing mutual support and encouraging mental well-being. The goals of this national day are raising awareness about the ones who came before, recognizing their accomplishments and struggles, providing tools like healthcare services and counseling, patient resources, and providing adequate social services to those who helped propel the LGBT equality cause.

Among the elders are marchers, protestors, flag wavers, supporters, and cheerleaders who came together to embrace and encourage the movement. But there are also people from every walk of life, doctors, politicians, educators, business leaders, military who have served as mentors and true trailblazers, risking security and personal safety to propel the LGBT movement forward.

And now, in 2023, lawmakers in 46 states have introduced more than 650 anti-LGBTQ bills, according to a report by the Movement Advancement Project, or MAP, a think tank that researches LGBTQ issues and laws. "It’s clear that we are in a disturbing new era of attacks on our communities, and especially on transgender people," Logan Casey, MAP's senior policy researcher and adviser, told USA TODAY. "This dramatic rise in political attacks clearly illustrates how emboldened anti-LGBTQ activists seem to feel. Over the years we’ve seen many attacks on LGBTQ communities, but this moment is very different and frankly terrifying for many people."

Spicy Shrimp Burger w/Remoulade

Remoulade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped capers
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickles or relish
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Shrimp Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoon of avocado or a neutral oil
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of Sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato and sliced red onion for toppings

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the shrimp until it is roughly chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Preheat the grill or grill pan to high heat.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, Sriracha or hot sauce, garlic powder, lemon zest and Old Bay Seasoning. Take a teaspoon of the mixture and fry to check your seasonings. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
3. Form into four patties and let rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes
4. Heat your frying pan to medium high heat and then add the oil
5. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
6. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion and remoulade. 
7. Serve hot and enjoy!



Memorial Day - May 29th

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and remembers the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed on the last Monday in May and is a time for Americans to reflect on and pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for their country.

As one of the most significant holidays in the United States, Memorial Day is a time for Americans to come together and remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in the U.S. military. Here are some interesting facts about Memorial Day that you may not know:

• Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868.
• Some records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations was organized by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.
• The holiday was created to honor the soldiers who died during the Civil War, but it has since been expanded to include all U.S. military personnel who have died in service.
• Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May, which was chosen to create a three-day weekend for Americans.
• Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to pay their respects to fallen soldiers.
• The National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day, during which Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to remember those who died in service to their country.

As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel, let us also remember to honor and support those who continue to serve our country today.

 Things To Do, Places To Eat

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Are you a fan of my work and interested in supporting my creative endeavors? Consider becoming a subscriber to my Patreon page! As a subscriber, you'll get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, early previews of my latest projects, recipes and other special perks. Your support will help me continue to create and share my passion with the world. Join me on Patreon today and be a part of the journey!

Remember I am here for any food related event you may have coming up, big or small. I offer catering, meal prep, family meal planning, personal chef services and cooking classes. Whatever you need, I got you covered!