GAS vs CHARCOAL

Advantages:

When it comes to taste, many people prefer charcoal grills for their great flavor and smoky taste. Some even argue that food cooked on a gas grill just doesn’t compare. Plus, if you’re looking for affordability, charcoal grills are generally less expensive than gas grills. And since charcoal is widely available, it’s easy to find fuel for your grill. Additionally, some charcoal grills offer the versatility of both direct and indirect cooking areas, making it easy to cook a variety of foods.

Disadvantages:

Starting up a charcoal grill can take up to 30 minutes, though natural lump charcoal can speed up the process when used with an electric lighter or chimney starter. However, it’s worth noting that charcoal grills are generally considered to be less convenient than their gas counterparts.

Cost:

The cost of each cooking session can vary, depending on the brand and type of charcoal used. On average, briquette charcoal can cost around $3-$350 per session, while natural lump charcoal can cost around $150-$175 per session.

Cleaning:

Charcoal tends to create quite a bit of ash residue, so it's important to prepare your grill before cooking. Make sure to brush or scrape the cooking grate to remove any excess ash, and be sure to clean the ash pan on occasion. Some grills even come equipped with an ash catcher to help make the cleanup process as easy as possible.

Advantages:

One of the most convenient things about gas grills is how quickly they light up. In just a few minutes, you can be ready to start cooking. To turn off the grill, you simply need to turn the knob to the “off” position. Gas grills also offer a lot of versatility, with multiple burners and a wide range of accessories like infrared burners and rotisserie kits. Plus, each burner comes with its control knob, making it easy to adjust the temperature to your liking.

Disadvantage:

When it comes to gas grills, they tend to have a milder flavor compared to charcoal grills. However, you can still get a bit of that grilled taste by using a smoker box to add some flavor to your food. One thing to keep in mind is that if you're using propane, make sure to check your fuel levels before you start cooking to avoid running out in the middle of grilling. Gas grills also tend to be bulkier and more expensive than charcoal grills.

Cost:

The estimated cost of operating this depends on the price of propane gas, which is usually around $1 per hour. If you opt for natural gas, the cost might be lower, but you may need to have a connection installed.

Cleaning:

To keep your grill in top condition, it’s essential to regularly clean drip pans, flame tamers, and burners. Fortunately, cleaning cooking grates is a fairly straightforward process. Simply turn on the grill on high for 15-30 minutes and then use a brush to clean the grates. If your grill has cast iron grates, don’t forget to oil them to keep them in good condition. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your grill stays in great shape and is ready to use whenever you need it.

Have you started tuning into Podcasts yet? It is a trend that is taking the entertainment world by storm. There are so many interesting topics and conversations to tune into. Many love how you can listen while driving, doing chores, or even just relaxing. It’s like having a personal radio station that you can curate to your interests. Did you know that there are even podcasts geared toward military spouses? Here are a few for you to check out!

The Spouse Angle thespouseangle.com/episodes

The Spouse Angle Podcast is a podcast that is created by Natalie Gross. It is a new podcast breaking down the news for military spouses and their families.

The Military Wife Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-military-wife-podcast/id1478933767

Certified Life Coach and military wife herself, Becca Brown reveals practical tools and real-life application for military spouses. It is a great way to self-reflect.

Military Wives Unfiltered facebook.com/militarywivesunfiltered/ A podcast made by military wives for military wives or anyone who wants a peek behind the camouflage curtain. Do you think you will share similar views?

Drop and Give Me 20 germono.com/drop-and-give-me-20/ Drop and Give Me 20 is a podcast for military entrepreneurs. Each episode is 20 minutes long, giving entrepreneurs a glimpse into the life of other successful military entrepreneurs.

Milspouse Matters jen-mcdonald.com/podcast/

Milspouse Matters is a podcast dedicated to encouraging military spouses. Military families make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, and the challenges they face are unique.

Milspouse Coffeehouse linktr.ee/milspousecoffeehouse

Join Leslie, Britni, and Open Mic Guests as they delve into hot topics in the military spouse community and beyond on the MilSpouse CoffeeHouse podcast. Gain insightful perspectives and opinions from this engaging conversation.

Military Money Show podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/military-money-show/id1397169855

If you are a service member, military spouse, or veteran, The Military Money Show is the perfect way to gain knowledge about money and investing.

For the Sake of the Child militarychild.podbean.com

The For the Sake of the Child podcast engages in conversations with military service members, professionals, parents, and military kids to discuss various topics that are pertinent to those who offer unrelenting support to military-connected children.

The Kentucky Bands, Bourbon & Wine Festival

Saturday, July 15, 12 to 9pm. Free Admission.

This new festival will feature wine, bourbon, and brewery vendors from across Kentucky. This is the perfect opportunity for you to sample, enjoy and learn about the wine, bourbon and beers coming from the state of Kentucky. The vendors will be selling bottles, by the drink, and some will be doing sampling as well.

There will be a great selection of food trucks set up all day, including Burgasm, Soul Fuel, Noway Jose, the Peach Cobbler

Factory, Chef Jamies, Derrick Cliff, Twinzies, and Wild Bills Soda will be onsite selling food and beverages.

In addition to the food and drink the festival features three Kentucky based bands for your entertainment

The line-up of bands:

Instant Zeal (rock and blues) 12pm

Chelsea Nolan (bluegrass) 3pm

Livewire (rock, blues, and pop) 6pm

Bring lawn chairs to enjoy band performances.

Attendees may not bring in outside alcohol or pets (unless it’s a service animal)

101 Walter Garrett Lane here in Oak Grove, Kentucky.

For more information about the FCSC, you can visit their website at https://www.fortcampbellspousesclub.org

Clarksville Independence Day Celebration

Liberty Park Clarksville facebook.com/events/711642660764472/ Celebrate our nation’s independence with great food, live music as part of our Liberty Live concert series, and family-friendly activities and Clarksville’s largest fireworks display at 9:10pm.

Fort Campbell Independence Day Celebration

Divison Parade Field campbell.armymwr.com

The Fort Campbell Division Parade Field will ring with laughter, music and fireworks for the July 4th, Independence Day Celebration. The Kids Zone opens at 4pm. The concert features Lynyrd Skynyrd along with Stone Temple Pilots and Cassadee Pope. The concert will begin at 6pm. Patrons are welcome to bring blankets, folding chairs, and safe light-up toys to enhance the event for you and your family. Sunscreen, hats, and bug spray are recommended. NO personal fireworks, outside alcohol, glass bottles, pets, or grills are allowed.

Reading Roundup

Wade Bourne Nature Center Clarksville mcgtn.org/parks/events-and-programs#readinground-up

Reading Round-Up is a little learner literacy sponsored by The Blue Star Families of Tennessee to help build home libraries. Join us as we host a reading circle in our community room. Arts for Hearts will also be present to conduct a craft activity relating to the story content. After the activity, everyone is invited to pick out a new, free book to take home! Snacks provided. This program is free and open to the public.

Whiskies of the World

Lowes Vanderbilt Nashville whiskiesoftheworld.com/tour/nashville

One of the largest whiskey tasting events in the US, is coming to Nashville. Over 200 distilled spirits from around the globe, including France, Israel, Japan, Scotland, Wales, and the United States, along with their ambassadors and makers.

Enthusiasts and novices alike will get to enjoy everything from prestigious single malts to small-batch samples from emerging distilleries.

Music City Brewer’s Festival

Geodis Park Nashville

.musiccitybrewersfest.com

Music City Brewer’s Festival is one of the longest-running beer festivals in Nashville. Enjoy brew tastings from approximately 50 local, regional, national, and imported breweries. There will also be vendors, food, yard games, and live music. 21 and over only.

Cool Critters Day

Woodlands Nature Station LBL facebook.com/events/1312350366206132

Eenjoy Cool Critters Day, where you’ll look beyond the world of the Nature Station! See some critters from around the world and learn all about just what makes them so cool. Event will be held rain or shine.

Kentucky Bands, Bourbon & Wine Festival

Oak Grove War Memorial Walking Trail visitoakgroveky.com

This new festival will feature wine, bourbon, and spirit vendors from across Kentucky. They will also have food and beverage vendors and live music all day. This festival is 100% FREE!

Clarksville Comic & Anime Show

Quality Inn Clarksville facebook.com/groups

/221199778003553/

This comic con features celebrity guests, including Larry Stricker (Marvel Artist) and Jason Mardsen (Voice Actor), cosplay contest, comics, toys, anime, t-shirts and more.$10 Admission both days. Active Duty Military and First Responders FREE on Sunday

Jazz on the Cumberland

Cumberland Park Nashville victorchatman.com/jazz-on-the-cumberland

A monthly concert series on select Sundays from 5:30pm to 8pm at Cumberland Park. This is a free, family-friendly event. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy some of the best local, regional, and national jazz artists. There will be food trucks and concessions available at each concert. Parking is $10 in Lot R and Lot T at Nissan Stadium. This is an alcohol-free event.

Storytelling Festival

Historic Collinsville, Clarksville visitclarksvilletn.com/event/storytelling-festival/1742/

Historic Collinsville is home for the Storytelling Festival from 10am until 4pm. Visitors will have a variety of ways to immerse themselves in the storytelling experience with both site and guest storytellers.There will be story-related activities and stations throughout the settlement.

2nd Annual BLK Xcellence Brunch

Wilma Rudolph Center Clarksville blkclarksville.com/upcoming-events

The BLK Xcellence Brunch is a highly curated brunch experience celebrating Black Xcellence in the Clarksville community. This annual fundraising event will feature black art displays, the BLK Xcellence Awards, and other cultural showcases and performances. BLK Xcellnece Awards will take place during brunch honoring 3 local leaders and awarding nominated members of the community for their success in business, activism, and leadership. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go toward the BLK Clarksville Scholarship Fund.

Urban Runoff

5K

Shelby Bottoms Park Nashville tnstormwater.org/urban-runoff-5k

The race showcases the park setting and weaves its way past several cool and innovative green stormwater management practices. A fun and educational and free Water Quality Festival held at the same time will provide entertainment and environmental information. All runners, walkers, strollers, families and dogs are all welcome.

Wonder Kids Triathlon

New Providence Pool & Middle School Clarksville cityofclarksville.com/444/Wonder-Kids-Triathlon Clarksville Parks and Recreation is hosting this non-competitive Swim, Bike, and Run that encourages children to participate in friendly competition without the pressure of being timed. The Wonder Kids Triathlon aims to inspire young athletes to embrace an active lifestyle while fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition. Athletes must be between 3 and 12 years old on race day

2 - 750ml bottles dry white wine

1 cup triple sec

1⁄2 cup berry flavored vodka

1⁄2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1⁄2 cup simple syrup

1 cup blueberries

1 ½ cups hulled and sliced strawberries

1 cup raspberries

1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks

Spiced Watermelon Cooler

Fresh Watermelon ‘Rita

2 chunks of watermelon

2 ounces of silver tequila

1 ounce of fresh lime juice

1 ounce of simple syrup

Dash of Cointreau

Coarse sea salt (optional)

Use a shaker top to crush the watermelon in the bottom of a pint glass.Fill the glass up with ice and add the rest of the ingredients. Shake vigorously for five to ten seconds. Rim a pint or margarita glass with salt. Strain the mixture into the glass and garnish with a small watermelon wedge.

Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir well. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve well-chilled with a good scoop of fruit floating in each drink, or serve over ice.

1 ounce Captain Morgan’s spiced rum

1 ounce Midori

1 ounce vodka

1⁄2 ounce creme de fraises

1⁄2 ounce grenadine

4 ounces cranberry juice

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and pour in the ingredients. Shake until chilled and pour into a highball glass, ice cubes and all.

Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com

1 1⁄2 ounces white tequila

1⁄2 ounce creme de cassis

Juice of 2 lime wedges

12 fresh mint leaves

3 – 6 ounces 7-Up

1 tablespoon brown sugar

In a collins glass, muddle the brown sugar, lime juice and most of the mint leaves. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila and creme de cassis Shake until chilled. Pour the mixture, ice and all, into the glass and top with 7-up. Garnish with fresh mint.

If you are reading this, chances are you understand the struggles of being a military spouse. There are many things that come with being a military spouse and they are a lot more difficult than one might think. Thankfully, there are veteran spouses out there that are open to sharing tips and tricks on how to navigate this crazy life.

This month adresses addresses one of the most dreaded things about military life. What is it you wonder? It is the dreaded deployments.

Deployments can seem very intimidating for military spouses. Not only do you feel a constant worry about the love of your life, but suddenly your other half is missing, and you are having to navigate life alone and create a new normal for 9 months.

Even though it is daunting and heartbreaking, many spouses face this mission daily and have shared ways that make those 9 months a little easier on your heart and sanity.

For me, when my husband deployed, I had a 6-month-old and an almost 2-year-old. I was terrified of doing it alone, so I did what was best for my family and me. I packed up our belongings and moved home with my family for the deployment. Was it stressful having to pack everything up? Yes. Would it have been harder to do the deployment alone with no help? Of course.

I understand that spouses with older children do not have the luxury to move home with family due to the school year. In these situations, I can not stress enough to meet another spouse whose husband is also deployed. You will have someone to lean on, vent to, and ask for help when times get rough. To find this person, be sure to attend the FRG meetings and join the FRG Facebook page.

Another thing that helped me get through the deployment was to set a goal for myself to achieve before my husband returned, as well as stay very busy.

My goal was to lose weight, and I ended up losing 80 pounds before he got back! It was a nice surprise for him. I also picked up another job that helped me build my resume and created a nice stepping stone for the rest of my professional career. Having things to take your mind off of things is huge. It will really help the time go by a little faster.

To help you feel connected to your spouse while they are away, create and send fun and unique care packages. I would pick a theme every two weeks, and create boxes that I knew he would love. It was not only fun for me, but he loved to receive them.

Let me tell you, the first few weeks that they are gone are the toughest, but it will get better. You will find a routine, and you quickly accept the new normal. But trust me, that first day back together after deployment is truly magical. Keep your head up. You got this.

Don’t you just love doing kids crafts? They are so much fun and a great way to bond with children. From painting and drawing to making slime and jewelry, there are endless possibilities for creative projects. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage imagination and develop fine motor skills. It's also important to let them express themselves and make their own decisions when it comes to colors and designs. Crafting with kids is a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. It is also a great activity for those rainy summer days. Check out these crafts by Onecreativemommy.com

Epsom Salt Painting

Heavy paper (lightweight paper will curl up as the paint dries) • Epsom Salt • Water

Food coloring (optional •Paint brushes of various sizes • Small jars or plastic cups) edges on the inside and the outside of the can. Check the edge where the lid of the can was removed, and file any rough edges there as well. If you can't get it as smooth as you would like, try covering that inside edge with duck tape for extra protection.

Directions for white paint: Pour one cup of boiling water into your jar or plastic cup.

Add 1 cup of Epsom salt, and stir until it completely dissolves.

Paint your designs onto dark-colored heavy paper.

Directions for colored paint: Pour one cup of boiling water into each of your containers. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container.

(Keep adding color until you like the result.) Add 1 cup of Epsom salt to each container and stir until dissolved.

Paint your designs on white or colored paper. Experiment!

7. To decide the length of rope you will need, ask your tallest child to stand on a can with his arms at his sides. The rope should be long enough to go from the hole, to his hand (and across the palm), and then back into the other hole. Add extra length for two knots. Cut two lengths of rope (one for each can).

8. If your rope is made of nylon, use a lighter to burn the ends of the rope so that they don't fray.

9. Thread one end of the rope into the can from the outside. Tie a knot inside the can. Thread the other end of the rope through the hole in the opposite side of the can and tie another knot.

10. Repeat with your second can.