I wonder how many of you have tried making watermelon lemonade?

I was reading through the July calendar and was thinking about how July was National Watermelon Month. I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone about how refreshing watermelon lemonade is on a hot sunny day.

A friend of mine gave me a watermelon and I diced it up and put it in the frig so I could just reach in and take me a cube and pop it in my mouth whenever I wanted. Well seeing those watermelon cubes reminded me of ice cubes. Then I noticed the 3 lemons sitting on the shelf beside it and my brain immediately went to watermelon lemonade. I didn't hesitate to mix myself up a gallon and have it getting ice cold in the frig while I was doing my yard work. Now I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it was to drink this after my yard work was done.

🛒 Lemonade Pitchers

I know most recipes blend up the watermelon in a blender and then mix it up, but I didn't do that. I left my watermelon in small cube sizes and mixed it with 1/2 cup of sugar, and I used all 3 lemons that I had. I also added about 2 large mint limbs in there just because I had it. I didn't want it to taste like mint I just wanted it to be a hint of mint. Anyway, it made a regular pitcher size of watermelon lemonade, and I loved it. It was so beautiful in the glass too. It was fun crunching on the watermelon chunks as I was drinking the lemonade. Ohhhhh I forgot to tell ya! I froze the watermelon cubes before I added it to the sugar and lemon water. It made it cold cold cold. Wink~

If you leave the sugar out, you have infused water. That taste refreshing too. Guys since I've mentioned infused water, I have a couple of "Infused Water posts" that you might like to read too.

🍓"Infused Water posts"

That's it for this post. I hope you try watermelon lemonade. Try it while the watermelons are in season. "Live everyday like a Holiday," Pam

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Have you ever tried Ginger Mint Fruit Tea for better health?

 Could a refreshing drink of ginger, mint & citrus really be good for your health?

Well, that's what research says. In fact, there are many many many studies on how these ingredients support better health. Who would have thought something so refreshing would be so good for the body? Well friends here's my findings........ now bear with me guys... I've gathered up a lot of helpful information for you. After you read my finding your going to want to drink ginger mint fruit tea all the time. LOL~

Health Benefits of Ginger

I think everyone knows by now that ginger helps with the stomach. Such as bloating, cramping, gas indigestion, and nausea. But there are sooo many more benefits.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer have found that ginger not only kills cancer cells, but it also prevents them from building up resistance to cancer treatment. I think I will write up an article about ginger and cancer in a future post.

• Gingerol is not just an anti-cancer agent, but it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activites.
• Ginger is used against headache and to get relief from nasal problems. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Ginger extract is used for curing sinus Infections.
• improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.
• Detox: promote detoxification by speeding the movement of food through the intestines, thanks to compounds called gingerols and shogaols.
• Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the sinuses that tend to flare up.
• Against airsickness and nausea: Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey. Can be combined with Fennel.
• Ginger helps reduce flatulence!
• Arthritis: Ginger contains the chemical gingerol. Gingerol has been found to reduce inflammation and block pain pathways.
• joint pain: Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.
• Nausea after surgery : Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.
• Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. 

Now let's look into Mint

Mint is another one that effects the stomach that most people are already aware of but here's some more. Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion, due to its typical aroma. It also soothes stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation ect. This aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Thus it is extensively used in culinary.

Now lets talk about it's effects with stomach disorders: repeated trials on the benefits of mint have established it to be very effective against stomach disorders ranging from irritable bowl to dyspepsia and cramps. 

Other Benefits: Besides its wide industrial use in food stuffs such as ice-creams, chocolates etc., alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, medicines, inhalers and mouth and breathe fresheners, it is used as a condiment and decorative item in culinary world-wide. Drinks and food-stuffs containing mint cools you off in summer. It is a good relaxant. One more peculiar property which is very much in contrary to its cooling and soothing effects is that it induces sweating if consumed in fever, thereby curing it. And did you know mint juice can be applied on burns to heal and soothe them?

• Nausea & Headache: Again, the strong and refreshing aroma of mint is an excellent and quick remedy for nausea. Whenever you feel it, just smell the oil of mint or crushed fresh mint leaves or use any product with mint flavor, whichever is available near you, and it will be gone. Balms based on mint or simply mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, gives quick relief in headache. 
• Respiratory Disorders, Cough etc.: The strong aroma of mint is very effective in opening up congestion of nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, giving relief in respiratory disorders resulting from asthma, cold etc. As it cools and soothes throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it gives relief in cough too.
• Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and gives relief in congestion. But, over dosage may irritate as well.

• Oral Care: This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breathe freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.
• Cancer: Current research show that certain enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer : Mint, specifically peppermint, contains a phytonutrient known as amonoterpene which has shown the capability to thwart the growth of tumors in the liver, breasts and pancreas in animals. It has also exhibited the capacity to protect the animals’ lungs, skin and colon against the formation of cancer.
• Vasoconstrictor : Mint contains chemicals that can help reduce bleeding by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels.
• It is also beneficial in rheumatism.
• It is also said to improve activity of the brain : Peppermint aroma improves memory and concentration.

Now let's talk about the key points of Citrus

• Lemons, Grapefruit, Oranges & Limes : These citrus-wonders aid the body in flushing out toxins, as well as jump-start the digestive tract with enzymatic processes.
• Fruits : Fruits are extremely high in liquid-content, helping the body wash out toxins. They are also very easy to digest and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, fiber and many important vitamins like vitamin C.
• Vitamin C is one of the best detox vitamins around, as it transforms toxins into digestible material. Eat vitamin c foods often to help get more of these benefits.
• Colds and Flu: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
• Liver: Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.
• Nutrition: Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
• Balances Body Chemistry: While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.
• Allergies: Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
• Brain and Nervous System Disorders: Containing the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
• Cancer: Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells. The most important nutrients of lemon are inside its peel, which is often thrown out. It contains essential oils and antioxidants which can cure cancer. Limonoids have a positive effect on Colorectal cancer, Prostate cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Liver cancer, Leukemia, Neuroblastoma.
• Oranges are rich in fiber: Oranges contain high amounts of fiber which helps keep the digestive system healthy. A healthy digestive system would mean proper absorption of nutrients for the body’s use and proper elimination of toxic wastes. The fibers also help relieve symptoms of constipation, reduce cholesterol levels thereby preventing atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries, and it also helps control blood sugar levels.
• Oranges boost the function of the immune system: In a very busy world, it is essential that we keep our immune systems in tip-top shape. A weak immune system would allow us to get sick easily. On the other hand, a healthy immune system would mean that we live quality lives, doing what we love to do and with the people who matter.Vitamin C found in oranges help stimulates the body to produce white blood cells (WBC), our body’s main form of defense against invading organisms. At the first sign of foreign invasion, the body produces WBC to attack the pathogen. So your immune system will need all the help it can get. Boost the function of your immune system by eating Vitamin C-rich oranges.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.

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Closing thoughts ~

💡I hope you found this post inspiring enough to make you want to make refreshing healthy drinks a part of your life by infusing ginger, mint & citrus into the water. It's good to be reminded that infused water is good for us and sweetened naturally from sweet fruits. (resources: wikiwel / government health / gone-ta-pott)

👀 Now just so you know... I have a few more posts I'm writing about being healthy naturally so if this interests you then keep an eye out for them. I have more great pictures to share too!

💻 I placed this post in the "Summer Drinks" & "Healing Foods" categories if you ever need to find it again. 

📅 And as always, I've listed related 📅 calendar dates below 🠟, and any related shopping links 🛒 that would be helpful to this article. 

 😄 "Live everyday like a holiday." Love Pam

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📅 January / National Staying Healthy Month

📅 February / National Cancer Prevention Month

📅 March / National Kidney Month

📅 March / National Nutrition Month

📅 April / National Cancer Control Month

📅 May / National Arthritis Awareness Month

📅 June / Men's Health Month

📅 July / Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

📅 August / Gastroparesis Awareness Month

📅 September / Pain Awareness Month

📅 October / Healthy Lung Month

📅 November / American Diabetes Month

📅 December / HIV & Aids Awareness

📅 April / National Garden Month

📅 June / National Great Outdoors Month

📅 April 14 / National Gardening Day

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► 🛒 ❤ Ginger Mint Lemon Tea / https://amzn.to/3xTjQnO

► 🛒 ❤ Fresh Herbs / https://amzn.to/3xU7NH1

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Make Strawberry Fruit Tea as Sun Tea with added Mint

 Strawberry Fruit Tea Sun Tea / Iced 

In honor of June being National Iced Tea Month I know many of my readers are looking for new tea ideas for the month and many bloggers are sharing tea ideas on their blogs this month. So, I wanted to do the same. Today I wanted to suggest "Strawberry Fruit Tea Sun Tea.".  .  .  then ice it.

Strawberries are in Season

Strawberries are popping out all over the place and in several different varieties. The gardens are full of them which means the grocery stores will be full of them. Some taste sweet and some taste sour. All varieties make a great strawberry tea.

I know some of you are thinking... sour tea... I don't want sour tea.  lol~ But remember this... Lemonade is a sour drink and think about how great that tastes. So even if you get a basket of sour variety strawberries don't worry. It will taste great.

Herbs are a great addition:

Herbs are a great addition for making homemade sun tea. The light flavors go great with strawberries when its sun brewed. But be advised if you boil the water instead; the mints can be strong in flavor. Another great point is... herbs are good for you.

Strawberry Mint / Mint Varieties

There are several varieties of mint. You can go with the traditional peppermint, but you could also go with spearmint, sweet mint, chocolate mint, apple mint or even... you guessed it. "Strawberry Mint" ~ Strawberry mint is great in tea and great in salads and desserts too. I really hope you're lucky enough to have this one. Its flavor is a mix of strawberries and mint. This one will grow indoors in a hanging basket too. A real great find. (🛒strawberry mint)

Options if you're not into mints 

If your not into mints but you are into herbs then you could try pineapple sage. Sage? Yes there's a sage that tastes sweet like pineapple! Wow! Or even lemon balm. Lemon balm tastes lemony. Oh, there's even a banana mint but I haven't tried that in tea yet. 

Last but not least: If you're not into herbs at all then just do it the simple way. Use your favorite loose tea and add sliced strawberries in it to sun brew. Strawberry tea is so easy; I would hate for you to miss out on the fun just because you don't like herbs.

Brew it in the Sun then add sugar

Now you can always boil up water and pore over strawberries and herbs and then wait for it to cool down before you add the ice. (or drink it hot) But it's so fun to put the sliced strawberries and fresh picked herbs out of the garden and put them in a large glass pitcher in the full sun and watch it do it's thing. It will slowly infuse the water for a refreshing summer drink. Then add the sugar once the water has fully warmed up, after it brews in the suns magic.

Some people say they add the sugar in the beginning of sun brewing while others say it blocks the release of the herbs, so they wait until the end. I suggest you have some fun and make 2 of them. One adding the sugar first and one adding the sugar last then see which one has the best flavor. I hope my readers post their results.

Then take a look at how beautiful the tea is. 

It's colorful and bright and would be a great drink for a garden party. Hey! Maybe I should make a post about garden party teas... lol.

Look at that red and white / candy striped straw too. Hehehe! That is the perfect final touch don't you think? So fun!

In Closing

I hope you enjoyed this colorful post today. I will be placing this post in my "Tea Time Tuesday" category if you ever want to find it again. And as always, I've added any related holiday dates in our calendar listed below, and any related shopping stuff you may need in making the drink. I hope this helps. "Live everyday like a holiday." Pam

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📅 May / National Strawberry Month

📅 February 27 / National Strawberry Day 

📅 May 20 / National Pick Strawberries Day

📅 June / National Iced Tea Month

📅 June 10 / National Iced Tea Day / US -  (nationalicedteaday.com)

📆 First Day of Summer / June 21, 2022 / June 21, 2023 / June 20, 2024 / June 20, 2025 - The First Day of Summer always falls on one of these three days between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere

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► 🛒 ❤ Strawberry Mint / https://amzn.to/3Q8ucr3

► 🛒 ❤ Sun Tea Jars and Pitchers / https://amzn.to/3MuFvXt

► 🛒 ❤ Striped Drinking Straws / https://amzn.to/3zpM22D

► 🛒 ❤ I love tea gifts / https://amIzn.to/3xczol1

► 🛒 ❤ Loose Tea / https://amzn.to/38WYYT5 ► 🛒 ❤ Holiday Calendars - https://amzn.to/3hfOcsn .............................................................★☆★............................................................

North Pole Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

North Pole Strawberry Smoothie Recipe
Originally uploaded by Betty Crocker Recipes

Tis the season to round up new recipes for holiday drinks and smoothies. Here's a smoothie recipe made with strawberries and vanilla frozen yogurt. The rim of the glass is dipped in crushed candy which makes it look so festive. Perfect for Christmas Eve drinks with the kids too. I love it!

INGREDIENTS:

1 package (10 ounces) frozen strawberries in syrup, partially thawed and undrained
1/4 cup water
2 cups vanilla frozen yogurt
2 tablespoons vanilla reduced-fat yogurt
1 strawberry-flavored or peppermint candy cane, about 6 inches long, finely crushed
Green decorating gel

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place strawberries and water in blender. Cover and blend on medium-high speed until slushy. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Transfer to 2-cup measure.

2. Wash and dry blender. Place frozen yogurt and reduced-fat yogurt in blender. Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth.

3. Place crushed candy cane on small plate. Pipe decorating gel around rim of two 12-ounce glasses. Dip rims into crushed candy.

4. Carefully pour yogurt mixture and strawberries at the same time into glasses, creating a half-and-half design. Serve with large drinking straws if desired.