All The Benefits of August

The month of August tends to often be looked down upon, the negatives come into play of summer being over, school vacation is almost done, no more long beach days and ice cream shops aren't open til 11pm- but August is actually one of the best months out of the year in my opinion. 

We are actually required to take a legitimate chill pill and kick back and relax. The law says so. On August 10th it is National Lazy Day, and on August 15th it is National Relaxation Day. So take a personal day, sit on your porch, read the sunday paper and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. This month the 10th falls on a Friday (could be dangerous) and the 15th falls on a Wednesday (could be nice to take a break mid week), so make sure to mark them down in your calendar so that you're already ahead of the game. 

Start planning and planting your bulbs for the fall now if you want them to really succeed. Your veggie garden is going to be in full bloom this month however, now is the time to really start harvesting. Your tomatoes are just ripe enough for you to pick, your melon is at its peak for sweetness, your corn, blueberries and raspberries will all be at your ready so go grab and enjoy them before any other little garden critters do!
There's tons of recipes that you can incorporate your food into as well, ones that you normally wouldn't even think of.

You could make Summer Corn Cakes:
You'll need, 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pepper for taste
• 2 cups uncooked corn, cut from the cob is best!! (or 10 oz. frozen corn kernels, thawed)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Here's how to prepare it all, you're going to mix all ingredients except the last three. Heat a skillet pan and grease it with the corn oil. Drop mixture by spoonfuls into the skillet, making individual cakes about 3 inches across. Cook 2 or 3 minutes on each side, just until golden. Serve with sour cream and salsa☺!

A Ruby Raspberry Slaw would pair great with your Summer Corn Cakes.
You'll need, 

• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup prepared raspberry vinaigrette
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries straight from your garden!

Here's how to prepare it all, with the raspberry slaw you're going to combine cabbages and carrots in a very large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette, mayonnaise and pepper until blended. Add to cabbage mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, 10 minutes, and then top with raspberries.

ALSO: The weather is completely in its prime. Huge perk. We get a break from the sweltering heat and humidity, it's a nice change from sweating your tail off in July and being soaked by rain and torrential downpours in June. With the weather being at its best, it gives you a lot of opportunities to go out and take advantage of all of the sales it has to offer. Shopping for office supplies is always super inexpensive as well as decor and furniture. If you're like me, you have Bed Bath and Beyond coupons linked directly to your cell phone, and at least once a week you're getting text messages for 20% off. Staples commercials will be running constantly, reminding you that your moment to be reunited with a new desk calendar or set of gel pens is only moments away. 
August is also the most popular month out of the year for babies! As an August baby, our birthstone is Peridot. Which symbolizes strength and healing powers. It also symbolizes being a protector from all things negative and evil, therefore we radiate constant harmony and happiness. From July 23rd til August 22nd, your zodiac sign would be Leo, and a Virgo from August 23rd til September 22nd.

Have any August benefits or perks of your own?

Be sure to share them with us on our Instagram, or Facebook page or in the comments below!

xoxo,
Alayna Anderson
​Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist. 

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