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Summertime is all about taking trips to the beach with the people you love most. Turning on your “out of office” notifications, trading your work clothes for flip flops and bathing suits, and recharging your batteries with some much-needed rest and relaxation by the water. That’s, of course, assuming that everything goes exactly as planned for your beach trip.

Since we want to make sure that you make the most of your beach day, we’ve put together a list of eight beach hacks to make sure that you have the best experience possible. So, here’s to no longer getting sand all over your blanket (or phone), fearing that you’ll lose (or soak) your valuables, and forgetting when to reapply your suntan lotion. After all, vacation days at the beach should always be stress-free and fun.

Beach Hack #1: Pack Your Beach Bag The Night Before

There’s nothing worse than getting a late start on your beach day, especially if it’s because you’re running around your house or apartment looking for everything that you need for the beach. So, take some time the night before your beach trip to pack your beach bag.

This is an extremely important beach tip for parents with little kids. That’s because, as you know, everything takes longer once your little ones are up and moving in the morning. By packing the night before, you’ll be able to save crucial time the day of your beach adventure. And who knows, maybe you’ll be one of the first beachgoers to arrive, allowing you to pick any spot on the beach that you want for the day. Then you can mark your territory with your beach umbrella.   

Beach Hack #2: Two Words – Mesh Bag

While you need to bring all of your kids’ beach gear with you whenever you go to the beach, you don’t need to bring all of the sand from the beach home with you, too. One of the ways to solve that problem is to use a mesh bag to carry your kids’ beach toys around in. This way the excess sand will fall out on the beach rather than in your car or later in your house.

Beach Hack #3: Bring A Fitted Sheet With You

Sure, we’re all going to the beach so that we can dig our toes into the sand, but that doesn’t mean that we want our beach blanket or towel to be filled with sand, as well. One way that you can limit the amount of sand that will be blown or kicked onto your beach towel or blanket is by using a fitted sheet instead.

All you have to do is lay a fitted sheet upside down on the sand, put four heavy objects in each of the corners (think the cooler that you brought, a heavy beach bag filled with beach gear, etc.), and then pull the sheet up and taut. This will create four short walls around you, which is also ideal if you have young kids. And for those of you who value comfort, you can lay a yoga mat down inside your fitted sheet to relax on.

Beach Hack #4: Pack Baby Powder For The Beach (Even If You Don’t Have A Baby)

Stepping foot in the sand for the first time is always a treat. Trying to get the sand off of you at the end of your beach day? Not so much fun. However, all you need to do to remove sand from in between your toes, or other areas of your body, is to use some baby powder.

That’s right, just air dry for a little bit after you get out of the water and then apply baby powder to any area of your body where sand is still sticking. The powder works by absorbing excess moisture on your skin, which then makes it easier to brush off the sand. You can also use baby powder in your wet hair to help release any grains of sand that are stuck in your scalp. And if the beach that you go to is known to get buggy from time to time, you might also want to pack some bug spray to bring with you just in case the bugs are out that day.

Beach Hack #5: How To Never Forget To Reapply Suntan Lotion Ever Again

Sunscreen needs to be applied before heading out into the sun and then reapplied every two hours or so. But, let’s be real, when you’re having a blast at the beach, how often are you actually thinking about the last time that you applied sunblock? Usually, not until it’s too late.

So, to avoid sunburn, write the date and times of reapplication on your sunblock bottle with a permanent marker. This way you’ll always know the last time that you applied your sunscreen, as well as when you need to apply it next.

Beach Hack #6: A Safe Way To Protect Your Phone From The Sand

As anyone who has ever kept their cell phone in their beach bag knows, sand will always find a way to end up inside, and pretty much all around your phone. To help protect your phone (and valuables) from sand (and also water), you can place them inside an empty plastic peanut butter jar. Just wash the peanut butter jar out when it’s done, and then put your phone, keys, wallet, or anything else that you don’t want sand to get inside. This particular beach tip is also a great way to reuse a plastic item that you already have in your home. And if the jar is large enough, chances are that it will probably float, as well, which is never a bad thing when you’re at the beach.

Beach Hack #7: The Diaper Trick

Bringing your baby, or little ones that are still in diapers, to the beach? Take advantage of the diaper trick then when it’s time for you to go swimming. That’s right, by placing your valuables in a diaper, and then wrapping the diaper up as if it is dirty, chances are that no one will be walking off with your valuables. Unless, of course, they’re cleaning up the beach and think they’re doing you a favor. Or, if they’ve read this article and now know that the best place to hide valuables are in seemingly dirty diapers. So, while we don’t recommend bringing valuables to the beach in the first place, you can try the diaper trick, but at your own risk.

Beach Hack #8: Add A Cork (Or Another Flotation Device) To Your Keys

If the diaper trick isn’t really up your alley, or if you’re someone who prefers to keep your valuables on you, then make sure that you add a cork or some other type of flotation device to your keys if you plan on taking them into the water with you. While a cork or flotation device won’t necessarily get your keys back to you if the current is strong, at least you’ll stand a fighting chance of finding them again if you notice they’re gone. If there’s no flotation device on your keys and you lose them, then they’re pretty much guaranteed to be lost if you accidentally drop them since they’ll sink to the bottom of the ocean.

So, the next time you’re heading out to the beach, make sure to remember these helpful beach hacks. And have the best time!

Summer solstice celebrations have been taking place for thousands of years. Traditionally, people celebrated the return of light, life, fertility, and the potential for a good harvest on the longest day of the year.

More recently, people have been celebrating the arrival of summer with outdoor feasts, bonfires, and lots of singing and dancing. Some people also use the summer solstice as a way to restart their lives, letting go of what no longer serves them, while opening themselves up to meaningful change. So, whether you’re looking for a reset, or simply some fun ways to celebrate the summer solstice this year, we’ve got you covered.

What Is The Summer Solstice?

A summer solstice is the moment in time when the earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum and the sun reaches its highest position in the sky.

The term ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) because the sun will reach its highest point at noon on that day and appear not to move for a short period of time.

Summer solstices aren’t just limited to earth either as all the planets in the solar system have summer solstices.

When Does The June Solstice Take Place This Year?

The summer solstice occurs twice each year, once in June in the Northern Hemisphere and once in December in the Southern Hemisphere. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs every year between June 20th and June 22nd.

While the June solstice occurs at the same moment in time all over the world, the date and local time may differ from location to location depending on a location’s time zone. This year, the June solstice, which marks the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere (and winter in the Southern Hemisphere), will take place on Monday, June 21st at 3:32 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), or on Sunday, June 20th at 11:32 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). If you’d like to find the time of the June solstice where you live, you can translate UTC to your time zone. 

Different latitudes also get different amounts of sunlight on the solstice. For example, the longest day of the year at the equator lasts for around 12 hours, while the longest day of the year at the North Pole lasts for 24 hours. In fact, all locations inside the Arctic Circle experience a continuous period of daylight for 24 hours. And if you live in southern Texas you’ll get a little less than 14 hours of daylight, but if you live in Washington or Maine, you’ll get almost 16 hours of daylight. 

11 Ways To Celebrate The June Solstice

Throughout the centuries, the summer solstice has been celebrated with festivals, rituals, and Midsummer celebrations. The summer solstice has also been associated with femininity and fertility, and ancient cultures would celebrate femininity and fertility with feasts and bonfires. So, you can definitely include feasts and bonfires as part of your summer solstice celebration this year. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the different ways that you can celebrate the summer solstice either alone, or with your loved ones, in 2021.

Start Your Day With A Sun Salutation: International Yoga Day falls on the same day as the summer solstice. So, wake up and do a sun salutation, which is a series of yoga poses that provide a great overall body stretch. There are also a number of in-person and/or virtual yoga events that you can take part in, such as Solstice in Times Square, which takes place on Sunday, June 20th this year. This free event is intended to help people find calm once again within the chaos of life in New York City on the summer solstice. Both experienced yogis and first-timers can take part in one of seven socially-distanced, limited capacity classes in-person, or join the class virtually by livestreaming one of the sessions throughout the day.

Use The Solstice As A Restart: If things haven’t been going quite the way that you’ve wanted of late, use the solstice as a way to wipe your slate clean and give yourself a fresh start. Write down any behaviors or experiences that you want to put behind you on a piece of paper and then bury that paper (or burn it).

Set New Goals And Intentions: After you bury (or burn) the stuff that you want to leave behind, it’s time to set some new goals and intentions for yourself. So, think of some news goals, as well as the ways that you’ll be able to accomplish those goals. Then write down some intentions, or things, ideas, or habits that you’d like to bring into your life. You can also write affirmations, which you can then say every day in order to help you achieve your new goals. As you work toward becoming the best version of yourself, remember to be kind to yourself along the way. The journey is about progress, not perfection.

Create A Summer Thrill List With Your Family: Life is more fun when we have adventures to look forward to, right? So, take some time to develop a summer thrill list (or bucket list) with your family on the first day of summer. This will make summer more exciting not just for you, but also your entire family. And, of course, make sure that everyone in your family is given an opportunity to add something to the thrill list.

Build (Or Attend) A Bonfire: Building (or attending) a bonfire is a recurring feature in almost all summer solstice celebrations. That’s because it’s believed that the fire deters evil spirits who roam freely as the sun turns south. Jumping over the bonfire (which we do not recommend) is a popular tradition in places like Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, and Spain. Estonians also believe that not lighting a fire invites fire into the home, causing devastation. And in the United States, an annual Midsummer solstice celebration is held on Casper Mountain in Wyoming. The majority of the community, and even some people from around the world, attend this event to partake in the bonfire. Then during the bonfire, people are invited to throw a handful of red soil into the fire in hopes that they will get their wish fulfilled. You can also build your own solstice bonfire and invite your nearest and dearest over to celebrate the solstice with you. Then you can sing, play music, and dance around your huge bonfire, and roast marshmallows, too.

Make A Flower Crown: In Finnish folklore, there’s a story about a young woman who collected seven flowers under her pillow on Midsummer night, which resulted in her future fiancé showing up in her dreams. Today, women pick flowers and craft their own flower crowns, wearing them throughout the Midsummer celebration. To make your own flower crown, you’ll need floral wire, floral tape, wire cutters, greenery/foliage, and flowers of your choice. 

Start A Garden (Or Add To Your Existing Garden): Since the summer solstice is traditionally a time to celebrate the potential for a good harvest, why not take advantage of the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and finally start that garden that you’ve been planning on bringing to life in your backyard? If you already have a garden, plant some new flowers, vegetables, or fruits.  

Throw A Summer Solstice Party: Instead of just enjoying the solstice on your own, or only with your immediate family, throw a summer solstice party. This will allow you and your family to spend some quality time outdoors with the people you love most on the planet. After all, what’s better than good company and good food? Not much.

Visit Stonehenge (Or Watch The Live Stream): Ancient cultures knew that the sun’s path across the sky, the length of daylight, and the location of the sunrise and sunset all shifted in a regular way throughout the year. In fact, it’s believed that they built monuments like Stonehenge in England to follow the sun’s yearly progress. Now, tourists go to the ancient site, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, to witness the sunrise right through the center stone during the summer solstice. If you won’t be able to make it to Stonehenge this year, you can still join in on the festivities thanks to a live stream, which will allow you to see the sunset and sunrise at Stonehenge from the comfort of your own home.

Watch (Or Play) Midnight Sports: Since 1906, the summer solstice has been celebrated in Alaska with a midnight baseball game that starts at 10:30 p.m. and goes into the next morning. And in Iceland, there are some people who play a round of golf at midnight.

Reset Your Body Clock: Midsummer is a great time to focus on improving your health and happiness by getting better sleep in the summer. Since light is the number one factor in regulating your body clock, make sure to get some sunshine while you can during the day, and also do your best to keep light out when it’s time for you to go to bed. Making use of the extra hours of sunlight during Midsummer is an excellent way to get started with your new sleep schedule.

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. The proposal was first introduced by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was endorsed by a record 175 member states. In his address to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Modi said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action… a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.” Since then, International Yoga Day has been celebrated every year on June 21st as a way to raise awareness about yoga, and the many benefits that the practice has to offer.

The first International Yoga Day celebration took place on June 21, 2015 with nearly 36,000 people, including Prime Minister Modi and many other high-profile political figures from all over the world, performing 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes in New Delhi. This Yoga Day celebration set two world records – one for being the world’s largest yoga session (with 35,985 people), and the other for having the most number of nationalities (84) participating in it. The first record was eventually broken three years later on June 21, 2018 when over 100,000 participants took a yoga lesson in India.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. Deriving from Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. It involves movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to promote mental and physical well-being.

The overall philosophy of yoga is about connecting the mind, body, and spirit. There are many different types and styles of yoga, including Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, Kripalu yoga, Kundalini yoga, Power yoga, Yin yoga, Prenatal yoga, and Restorative yoga. Some benefits that yoga has to offer are increased flexibility and fitness, mindfulness, and relaxation.

International Yoga Day Theme For 2021: ‘Yoga For Well-Being’

The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is ‘Yoga For Well-Being,’ focusing on how the practice of yoga can promote the holistic health of every individual.

Last year’s theme was ‘Yoga For Health – Yoga At Home,” which took into account the social distancing measures announced by most countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yoga By The Numbers

• About 36 million Americans practice yoga, with 89% of US yogis practicing for one to five hours per day on average.

• The number of US yogis increased by over 50% in four years.

• At any given time, more than 60 million posts about yoga are trending on social media.

• Women account for 72% of yoga practitioners.

•  59% of yoga practitioners in the US believe that yoga helps them sleep better.

5 Ways To Celebrate International Yoga Day 2021

Take Part In The International Day of Yoga Virtual Event: To celebrate the 7th Annual International Day of Yoga on June 21st, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations will be hosting an online celebration that will be broadcast live on UN WebTV from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST. The event will feature demonstrations of yoga exercises (asanas) to improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. There will also be an interactive panel discussion on ‘Yoga For Well-Being.’

Attend An Online (Or In-Person) Yoga Class: If you’ve never tried yoga before, get out of your comfort zone and take a free online yoga class on International Yoga Day. If you’d rather take a class in person, see if any yoga studios near you are offering introductory yoga classes on International Yoga Day.

Treat Yourself To A New Yoga Mat: If you’re a yoga enthusiast who has been practicing yoga for a while, treat yourself to a new mat on International Yoga Day this year. That’s because old, worn-out mats can affect how you practice, and even your health.

Do Yoga At Work: June 21st happens to fall on a Monday this year. So, if you’re unable to take an online yoga class or get to your favorite yoga studio on International Yoga Day due to work obligations, break up your work day and keep yourself centered by doing a few yoga poses at your desk.

Introduce A Friend To Yoga: Do you have a friend who has been asking you about yoga for a while, but your friend still hasn’t tried it? If that’s the case, use International Yoga Day as a way to introduce your friend to yoga. You can either recommend yoga studios or online classes to your friend, or maybe you can even do a yoga session together on International Yoga Day.

Summer 2021 officially kicks off on Sunday, June 20th in the Northern Hemisphere. So, it’s almost time to trade your sneakers and heels for flip flops and sandals. Whether you’re heading to the beach, taking a family vacation, or planning on spending lots of quality time outdoors with your loved ones this summer, we’ve got you covered with a summer essentials checklist that will ensure that this is your best summer ever!

Summer 2021: Summer Essentials Checklist

• Sunglasses: Small sunglasses are coming back in style, making them a must-have item on your summer essentials checklist. You also can’t go wrong if you wear large sunglasses as they’re coming back in style right in time for summer, as well. And while sunglasses are most definitely a go-to fashion accessory for summer 2021, the right kind of sunglasses can also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Talk about fashion and function.

• Sunscreen: Not only does wearing sunscreen prevent premature aging of the skin, it also protects your skin from harmful UV rays, helps to maintain an even skin tone, and lowers your skin cancer risk. By wearing sunscreen each day, you can cut your risk of contracting skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States, in half.

• Lip Balm with SPF: Your lips also need sunscreen, too. So, make sure to wear SPF on your lips as this will help to protect them from both skin cancer and signs of aging. 

• An Air Conditioning Unit (Or A Powerful Fan): One thing we can always count on is that it gets hot in the summer. To beat the heat, it’s probably a good idea to get yourself a window AC unit for your home, or a powerful fan, to help you stay cool. 

• Sandals and Flip Flops: Let’s be real, the only places we’re planning on going this summer are the beach, pool, or our (or our friends’) backyards. One of the best parts about these places is that fancy footwear is not required. So, make sure that you dress the part with comfortable and versatile slide-on sandals or flip flops.

• Shorts: We all know that it’s going to be hot outside this summer. Luckily, shorts are a great way to enjoy the summer heat, while also looking stylish. You can usually dress shorts up or down, making them a perfect summer wardrobe staple.   

• Bug Spray: While itchy bug bites are always annoying, bugs like mosquitoes and ticks can also spread serious diseases. That’s why it’s a good idea to use bug spray or insect repellent as the first line of defense for you and your family against any pests that you want to avoid. Then when you return back indoors, you can then wash off the bug spray just to be safe.  

• A First Aid Kit: While summer is all about fun, sometimes accidents can happen. To be prepared for anything that may come your way, it’s always a good idea to have a pre-made first aid kit ready to go for all of your summer outings.

Summer 2021: Beach Packing List

While you’re definitely going to want to take your sunglasses, sunscreen, and flip flops to the beach with you this summer, there are also a bunch of other items that you’re probably going to want to bring along, as well. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the summer essentials that you’ll want to bring to the beach with you.

• Beach Bag: Whenever you take a trip to the beach, you need a roomy beach tote to hold all of your beach stuff. That’s why the first item on your beach packing list is a beach bag.

• Beach Towel: After you find that perfect spot on the beach for you and your family, you need to mark your territory. That’s where your beach towel (or beach blanket) comes into play. Then you and your family can lay out on your own individual beach towels or on an oversized beach blanket as a family. You’ll also need a towel to help you dry off after you take a dip.

• Beach Umbrella: In addition to helping with securing your spot in the sand, most beach umbrellas have SPF values high enough to protect you and your family from the rays of the sun, as well. It’ll also help keep the sand near you and your family cooler, which is another plus.

• Straw Hat: Another way that you can protect your head and face from the sun is by wearing a chic straw hat at the beach. You can also post a picture of yourself on social media wearing the floppy straw sun hat, too.

• Bathing Suit: While a classic one-piece or bikini will never go out of style, you can also take a look at this 5 Swimsuit Trends That Will Rule Summer 2021 article for some additional inspiration.

• Water Shoes: If there are lots of rocks and sharp shells at the beach that you go to, you’ll probably want to bring along water shoes to keep your feet safe and cut-free while you swim.

• Beach Toys: What’s a day at the beach without some toys? So, make sure to bring a ball to throw, hit, or kick around, or some digging and carving tools to make a sandcastle. When it comes to toys and games at the beach, the more the merrier as this will keep you and your children entertained all day long.

More than 37 million people are expected to travel during this year’s Memorial Day holiday weekend, which many consider to be the unofficial start to summer. In addition to honoring the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military on Memorial Day, Americans also typically look forward to backyard barbecues and celebrations with their family and friends over the long weekend.  

For those of you hosting a Memorial Day weekend BBQ this year for your nearest and dearest, we have you covered with five healthy and delicious recipes – from appetizers to dessert – that everyone in attendance will be sure to love. And please make note that the National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, which will occur on Monday, May 31st this year.

5 Healthy Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

APPETIZERS

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

As your guests start trickling in, have this Southwestern Black Bean Salad (and some chips) ready to go as an appetizer. This black bean salad is low in saturated fat,  and can be prepared in just 35 minutes. It also yields 13 servings.

The ingredients you’ll need are 15.5 ounces of black beans (rinsed and drained), nine ounces of cooked corn (fresh or frozen), one medium tomato (chopped), 1/3 cup of red onion (chopped), one scallion (chopped), the juice of 1½ to two limes, one tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of fresh minced cilantro, salt and pepper, one medium avocado (diced), and one diced jalapeno (optional).

To make this Southwestern Black Bean Salad, combine the beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper, and one diced jalapeno (optional) in a large bowl. Then squeeze fresh lime juice to taste and stir in the olive oil. Let it marinate in your refrigerator for about 30 minutes, and then add the avocado right before you’re going to serve the bean salad to your guests.

Chicken and Avocado Roll-Ups

Not only are Chicken and Avocado Roll-Ups healthy and delicious, they’re also an easy appetizer to make. This recipe yields 20 roll-ups and takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect option when you don’t have a whole lot of time before your guests will arrive.

To make these Chicken and Avocado Roll-Ups, you’ll need one cup of cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded), one avocado (pitted and diced), ¼ cup of shredded cheese, ¼ cup of diced tomatoes, two tablespoons of minced onion (optional), two tablespoons of minced cilantro, two tablespoons of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), one tablespoon of lime juice, salt and pepper, and two 10-inch flour tortillas or three medium tortillas.

In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, avocado, cheese, diced tomatoes, minced onion, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lime juice. Then season with salt and pepper and stir with a spoon until everything is fully combined and the avocado is chunky and mashed. Spread the mixture equally on each of the floured tortillas and roll them up tightly. Then cut the tortillas into slices and place them on a plate. Serve the roll-ups immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve them. You can eat these roll-ups hot or cold, depending on your personal preference.

MAIN COURSE

Grilled Fish Tacos

There’s the traditional barbecue food like hot dogs, burgers, and grilled chicken, but you already know how to make that. So, if you want to mix things up a bit this Memorial Day weekend (and also eat a little healthier), try this Grilled Fish Tacos recipe with coleslaw. Instead of deep-frying the fish, you’ll be coating the fish with a flavor-packed chile rub and be grilling it instead.

The adobo rub requires four teaspoons of chili powder, two tablespoons of lime juice, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of salt, and a ½ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.

To make the coleslaw, you’ll need ¼ cup of reduced-fat sour cream, ¼ cup of low-fat mayonnaise, two tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, one teaspoon of lime zest, two tablespoons of lime juice, one teaspoon of sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, freshly ground pepper, and three cups of finely shredded red or green cabbage.

You’ll also need 12 corn tortillas and two pounds of mahi-mahi or Pacific halibut. The fish should be skinned, cut into four portions, and filleted about a ½-inch to ¾-inches thick so the fish can cook quickly.

To prepare the fish, combine the chili powder, lime juice, oil, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the adobo rub all over the fish and then let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes so the fish can absorb the flavor. Then preheat your grill to medium-high. To prevent your fish from sticking to the grill or falling apart when you flip it, either use a grill basket that holds your fish fillets and secures the fish in the basket for easy flipping, or make sure that your grill is hot and oiled before adding the fish. To oil a grill rack, oil a paper towel, hold it with tongs, and rub it over the rack.  

To prepare the coleslaw, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl and mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add the red or green cabbage and toss to combine. Make sure to refrigerate the coleslaw until it’s time for everyone to make their fish tacos.

When it comes to grilling the fish, grill it for about three to five minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Then transfer the fish to a plate and separate it into large chunks. Then serve the tacos family-style by passing the fish, tortillas, coleslaw, and taco garnishes around the table. You can also use the Southwestern black bean salad as a topping (if you have any left), too.

SIDE DISH

Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

There are your basic grilled vegetables, and then there’s this elevated Balsamic Grilled Vegetables recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe yields eight to 10 servings and will take you a little more than an hour and a half to make with 25 minutes of prep time, 45 minutes of inactive time, and 25 minutes of cooking time involved.

The ingredients you’ll need are two cups of balsamic vinegar, one tablespoon of brown sugar, two tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, one tablespoon of sea salt, one tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper, one teaspoon of granulated garlic, three carrots (nine to 12-inches that you’ll slice lengthwise ¼ of an inch thick), two celery roots (trimmed and cut into ¼-inch slices), three large red onions (cut into rounds, 3/8 of an inch thick), two zucchini (seven to eight inches, sliced ¼-inch thick lengthwise), and four crooked neck squash (four inches, sliced lengthwise ¼ of an inch thick), and oil (for brushing the grill).

To get started, place a pan over medium heat. Then add 1½ cups of balsamic vinegar, the brown sugar, and honey. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until reduced by half. Make sure to keep it warm for glazing on the grill. Then, in a one-gallon resealable bag, add the remaining ½ cup of balsamic vinegar, the extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix until combined. Next, add the carrots, celery root, and onions, making sure to remove any excess air. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. After that, add the zucchini and squash. Then allow it to marinate for another ten minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium-high, and then brush it with oil. Add the onions, carrots, and celery root. Cook the vegetables on both sides for three to five minutes, brushing with balsamic glaze. Try to mark and brown the veggies evenly on both sides. Then remove to a holding pan and cover with foil. Add squash and zucchini to the grill, brush with glaze, and cook for two minutes per side, or until marked and evenly browned. Remove to a holding pan, and then cover the veggies until you serve them. You can drizzle the veggies with the remaining glaze and serve on a warm platter.

DESSERT

Fruit Salad

Before you say, ‘I don’t need a recipe to make fruit salad,’ give this Fruit Salad recipe a look. It’ll take your fruit salad to a whole new level just by using a simple dressing. This recipe yields eight to 10 servings and will take 20 minutes to make.

The ingredients that you’ll need for the simple dressing are ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and zest of one lemon. For the fruit salad, you’ll need one pound of strawberries (hulled and quartered), six ounces of blueberries, six ounces of raspberries, three kiwis (peeled and sliced), one orange (peeled, and the wedges cut in half), two apples (peeled and chopped), one mango (peeled and chopped), and two cups of grapes. It’s important to note that you should only use fresh fruit for this fruit salad recipe. Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, whisk together the honey, orange juice and lemon zest in a small bowl. Then add fruit to a large bowl and pour the dressing over it, tossing gently to combine. Chill until you’re ready to serve. Then enjoy the sweet taste of summer with your family and friends.