Celebrating Independence

In the United States, July Fourth is also known as Independence Day, the holiday when we celebrate our nation’s freedom and all that comes with it. So in today's blog, I’d like to reflect on the importance and blessings freedom brings all of us around the globe. And I'd especially like to express my appreciation via food. ;)

Typically in the United States, July Fourth is celebrated with family, barbecues, picnics, getting outdoors or playing on the lake, and town parades. The food portion of this celebration often includes cold watermelon, grilled burgers and hot dogs, and various casseroles and cakes. Oh, and let's not forget the cocktails!

Photo courtesy of the FoodNetwork.com blog.

My sister celebrates with a red-white-and-blue mojito. Click here for the recipe. It has to be healthy with all of those berries, right?!

Calico Beans - Photo courtesy tasteofhome.com

My father's family has a lake house in Michigan. While we lived many miles away in Texas, we occasionally got back to celebrate with Grandma and a couple dozen aunts, uncles, and cousins for a week during the summer. Whenever we did, my aunts made a delicious casserole called "Calico Beans." Here's a link to the recipe.

Just thinking about those summer days at the lake conjures memories of fireflies and fireworks (which they shot off right over the hill behind the lake house), waterskiing and canoeing, and playing dominoes or cards with my aunts and uncles. It was a tiny house with one bedroom and one bathroom (no shower or bath), and we all slept on the floor, but it was always filled with warmth and love—the perfect way to celebrate the blessings freedom brings.

As my kids discover a love for cooking and baking, I'm always on the hunt for new, fun recipes.  A "4th of July S'Mores" recipe from Delish.com came across my Facebook feed last week, and so of course we have to try it! After we enjoy some BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs. ;)

This year, we hope to continue the family Fourth of July traditions with food and cocktails, relaxation and grilling, and pausing to reflect on the blessings of freedom. I am so grateful I live where I do, and am blessed that others fought for that freedom.

Happy Fourth of July to all! May your celebrations be safe (and yummy)!

If you’re not in the U.S. (and I know many of you read our blog from around the world), what is an equivalent holiday or celebration in your country? Tell me the story behind your independence. (And feel free to share a recipe!)

Happy New Year!

A special wish from our "Not Your Usual Suspects" family to yours... 

May your body be healthy, 

your mind be challenged, 

your spirit be lifted, 

and your friends be plentiful 

in 2016!

Happy New Year!!

-- The NYUS Gang

One hundred thousand WHAT?!

No, it's not the national Lottery win, I'm afraid, but for the authors at NOT YOUR USUAL SUSPECTS, it's almost as rewarding!!

The Blog passed its 100,000th hit this month!

THANK YOU to all the authors who've contributed, and also the readers who've visited and chatted and supported us since we started in December 2010.

Over 30 months in action -- 466 posts -- 5,100+ comments to date!


In celebration, we'd like to offer you, the visitor, a chance to win a free download from one of our authors. All these have offered into the Prize Draw:

Clare London / Marcelle Dube / Anne Marie Becker / Shelley Munro
Jean Harrington / Cathy Perkins / Shirley Wells / Maureen Miller
Lynne Connolly / Dee J Adams / Julie Moffett / Rita Henuber
Ana Barrons / Patricia Hale / Janis Patterson / J. Wachowski
Kathy Ivan / Carol Stephenson

Comment on this post for a chance to win,
or email me directly at CLARELONDON11 at YAHOO.CO.UK.

We welcome as many entrants as possible!

On THURSDAY JULY 25, we'll make the draw. I'll contact each winner in turn by email, and then it'll be FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED for your choice of author's work. So have your first few choices in mind!!

You can visit all the authors from their links above, and see what fabulous fiction they can offer. This is a chance to get the latest release from a favourite author - or to find a new favourite - or to try a new genre entirely!

The covers below are just SOME of the publications offered by these authors. Browse and enjoy!