World Coconut Day on September 2nd recognizes the flavorful and aromatic nutrition the coconut brings to many products.
Biologically, the coconut is a seed, nut, and fruit all in one package. However, the term for a one-seeded fruit (nut) is “drupe.” Every part of the coconut is sourced from the water inside the shell to the outer husk. Its oil moisturizes our skin and improves the flavor of our food. The nutrient-rich ingredient is one superfood!
The coconut is full of anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. This nutrient-rich seed provides fiber, Vitamin B6, iron, and minerals.
Grown in tropical areas, the coconut also brings to mind yummy tropical drinks like the pina colada. We can use coconut milk to make ice cream, sauces, and soups.
In 1998, the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community declared World Coconut Day to bring awareness to the powerful nutrients and versatility of this superfood.
Crack open a coconut! Learn all the ways to cook with this plentiful nut (um, seed…fruit…drupe). See how many ways you can use the coconut. Will be the oil as a lip balm? Or will you use the milk for a sauce? This versatile ingredient calls for experimentation and adventure.
Share your celebrations using #WorldCoconutDay on social media.
July arrives in a blaze of sunshine, backyard gatherings, and patriotic pride. As the heart of summer, this vibrant month invites us outdoors to enjoy long days, warm evenings, family vacations, and community celebrations. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to beach trips, barbecues, and festivals, July captures the spirit of adventure and togetherness that makes summer unforgettable.
This year, July carries special significance as Americans continue commemorating the historic America 250 celebration, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Communities across the nation are hosting special events, educational programs, concerts, historical exhibits, and patriotic gatherings leading up to and surrounding Independence Day on July 4. The milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor those who shaped it, and celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy.
July’s birthstone is the radiant ruby, a gemstone long associated with passion, courage, and prosperity. The month’s birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily, both symbols of positivity, grace, and joyful living. Those born from July 1 through July 22 belong to the nurturing and intuitive sign of Cancer, while birthdays from July 23 onward fall under the confident and charismatic sign of Leo. Famous July birthdays include author and activist Helen Keller (June? Actually June 27—not July, avoid), astronaut Neil Armstrong (August), so use: author Ernest Hemingway (July 21), artist Frida Kahlo (July 6), actor Tom Hanks (July 9), inventor Nikola Tesla (July 10), and former President Gerald Ford (July 14).
Summer fun reaches its peak in July. Families flock to beaches, lakes, and parks while communities host outdoor concerts, farmers markets, county fairs, and sporting events. It is the perfect month for camping under the stars, watching fireworks, enjoying fresh seasonal produce, and creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re exploring a new destination or simply relaxing in your own backyard, July offers countless opportunities to embrace the season.
As the nation celebrates independence, honors history through America 250, and enjoys the pleasures of summer, July reminds us to appreciate both our heritage and the simple joys of the present moment. So grab your sunglasses, gather your family and friends, and make the most of every sun-filled day. Here’s to a jubilant July filled with celebration, discovery, and unforgettable summer memories.
If you need some fun activities here’s a page out of my book….
The seventh month of the Gregorian year is named in honor of Julius Caesar. In 63 B.C. Caesar had been elected Pontifex Maximus. During this time, the calendar was 355 days long. Gradually, through mishandling and corruption, pontiffs allowed the calendar to lengthen. To please one priest and anger another, January slipped into fall shortening it. While Caesar didn’t place the month of Quintilis (meaning fifth) in the strangely seventh place, he did decide to change from a lunisolar to a solar calendar.
A year after Caesar completed the calendar, he was assassinated on the Ides of March. In his honor, the Roman Senate named the seventh month July, the month of Caesar’s birth.
Quintilis
July was originally named Quintilis after Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus, a Roman Emperor who died in 270 B.C. Before the Roman calendar, there were only ten months, and Quintilis was the fifth month. When the Romans added new months, Quintilis and other months were adjusted. The new solar year would consist of 365 days, adding 10 to the total. The extra days were distributed among the months with 29 days.
Thе new calendar went іntо effect оn the first dау оf Jаnuаrу 709 A.U.C. (ab urbе condita—”from the fоundіng оf thе сіtу [Rоmе]”) Jаnuаrу 1, 45 B.C. and put аn end tо thе arbitrary and іnассurаtе nаturе оf thе еаrlу Roman ѕуѕtеm. Thе Julіаn саlеndаr bесаmе thе predominant саlеndаr thrоughоut Europe for thе nеxt 1600 уеаrѕ untіl Pоре Gregory mаdе furthеr rеfоrmѕ іn 1582.
Certain соuntrіеѕ аnd institutions іn fасt аdhеrеd to this ancient ѕуѕtеm untіl wеll іntо thе twеntіеth сеnturу. Thе Julіаn саlеndаr wаѕ uѕеd іn Russia untіl 1917 and іn Chіnа untіl 1949. To this day the Eastern Orthodox сhurсh adheres tо Cаеѕаr’ѕ саlеndаr.
America 250
Salute to America: This year-long celebration, launched on Memorial Day 2025, aims to honor American history and service. Memorial Day 2025 through July 4, 2026, for America’s 250th anniversary. Check out America250.org for a calendar of events near you!
Weather & Seasons
July weather in the Northern Hemisphere begins heating up. The dog days of summer begin in July and carry through until August. July weather is an excellent time for completing home renovations and projects.
This summer month is also perfect for eating ice cream. In fact, the entire month if July celebrates ice cream. There are seven ice cream-related holidays on the calendar to keep us cool. Check out my July 4th Menu too!
In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the second month of winter. While July’s average temperatures make it the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, July is also the coldest month on average in the Southern Hemisphere.
Did you know July’s full moon is called the Buck Moon? During the month of July, a male deer’s antlers grow the fastest and reach its annual growth potential.
If you’re born in July your sign is either Cancer or Leo. Cancer is the crab sign and Leo is the lion.
Your birth flowers are larkspur and waterlily. The larkspur represents the bonds of love. While larkspur doesn’t bloom until Fall, the waterlily blooms all summer long. However, like the rose, the larkspur’s colors also have special meaning.
Pink = fickleness
White = happiness
Purple = first loved
Blue = grace
The waterlily represents purity.
The primary birthstone of July is Ruby. This is a valuable gemstone found predominantly in Myanmar and Vietnam. These beautiful stones vary in shades from blood red to pinkish-red and signify wealth and prosperity.
Several countries celebrate their independence in July including Canada, the United States, and France. July has 31 days. The Bikini debuted in July 1948. Neil Armstrong put the first footprints on the moon in July of 1969.
The seventh month of the Gregorian year is named in honor of Julius Caesar. In 63 B.C. Caesar had been elected Pontifex Maximus. During this time, the calendar was 355 days long. Gradually, through mishandling and corruption, pontiffs allowed the calendar to lengthen. To please one priest and anger another, January slipped into fall shortening it. While Caesar didn’t place the month of Quintilis (meaning fifth) in the strangely seventh place, he did decide to change from a lunisolar to a solar calendar.
A year after Caesar completed the calendar, he was assassinated on the Ides of March. In his honor, the Roman Senate named the seventh month July, the month of Caesar’s birth.
Quintilis
July was originally named Quintilis after Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus, a Roman Emperor who died in 270 B.C. Before the Roman calendar, there were only ten months, and Quintilis was the fifth month. When the Romans added new months, Quintilis and other months were adjusted. The new solar year would consist of 365 days, adding 10 to the total. The extra days were distributed among the months with 29 days.
Thе new calendar went іntо effect оn the first dау оf Jаnuаrу 709 A.U.C. (ab urbе condita—”from the fоundіng оf thе сіtу [Rоmе]”) Jаnuаrу 1, 45 B.C. and put аn end tо thе arbitrary and іnассurаtе nаturе оf thе еаrlу Roman ѕуѕtеm. Thе Julіаn саlеndаr bесаmе thе predominant саlеndаr thrоughоut Europe for thе nеxt 1600 уеаrѕ untіl Pоре Gregory mаdе furthеr rеfоrmѕ іn 1582.
Certain соuntrіеѕ аnd institutions іn fасt аdhеrеd to this ancient ѕуѕtеm untіl wеll іntо thе twеntіеth сеnturу. Thе Julіаn саlеndаr wаѕ uѕеd іn Russia untіl 1917 and іn Chіnа untіl 1949. To this day the Eastern Orthodox сhurсh adheres tо Cаеѕаr’ѕ саlеndаr.
Weather & Seasons
July weather in the Northern Hemisphere begins heating up. The dog days of summer begin in July and carry through until August. July weather is an excellent time for completing home renovations and projects.
This summer month is also perfect for eating ice cream. In fact, the entire month if July celebrates ice cream. There are seven ice cream-related holidays on the calendar to keep us cool. Check out my July 4th Menu too!
In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the second month of winter. While July’s average temperatures make it the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, July is also the coldest month on average in the Southern Hemisphere.
Did you know July’s full moon is called the Buck Moon? During the month of July, a male deer’s antlers grow the fastest and reach its annual growth potential.
If you’re born in July your sign is either Cancer or Leo. Cancer is the crab sign and Leo is the lion.
Your birth flowers are larkspur and waterlily. The larkspur represents the bonds of love. While larkspur doesn’t bloom until Fall, the waterlily blooms all summer long. However, like the rose, the larkspur’s colors also have special meaning.
Pink = fickleness
White = happiness
Purple = first loved
Blue = grace
The waterlily represents purity.
The primary birthstone of July is Ruby. This is a valuable gemstone found predominantly in Myanmar and Vietnam. These beautiful stones vary in shades from blood red to pinkish-red and signify wealth and prosperity.
5 Fast Facts About July
Several countries celebrate their independence in July including Canada, the United States, and France.
July has 31 days.
The Bikini debuted in July 1948.
Neil Armstrong put the first footprints on the moon in July of 1969.
