Summer Fridays always put me in a good mood — I wish every day could be iced lattes, warm croissants, and long, lazy afternoons.
EATING
This weekend I’m all about fresh summer salads and grilled vegetables. I’ll be making a classic panzanella and some grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers, plus a pot of grilled corn and cheddar quinoa — a longtime favorite. While the corn is on the grill, I’ll probably whip up a grilled corn avocado toast for an easy breakfast or snack.
DRINKING
With temps expected to near 100, cold drinks are mandatory: a rosé sangria for sipping on the porch and a frozen watermelon agua fresca to keep everyone cool and refreshed.
MAKING
I’m planning to bake caramelized peach and lavender scones. They’re soft, fragrant, and perfect with a cup of coffee or iced tea.
BAKING
Also on the list: a batch of chewy oatmeal zucchini chocolate chip cookies. They’re comforting, slightly cakey, and always disappear fast.
TAKING
For summer cookouts I have a go-to list of dishes that travel well and please a crowd. If you need a hot dip, try the white pizza dip — it’s indulgent and addictive. Summer crostini with whipped roasted garlic goat cheese is always a hit. For snacks, consider a chipotle caramel chex mix that’s great year-round. The creamy feta dip is another favorite. If you want something lighter, a marinated mozzarella and melon salad is bright and refreshing. These are my top picks when I’m asked to bring something to a BBQ or picnic.
LISTING
We leave for vacation late next week and I’m planning easy, make-ahead meals since we’ll be traveling with four kids under four (really three under two). We usually eat out most days, but with little ones it helps to have a few simple homemade meals ready. Pulled pork is ideal for sandwiches or nachos, and a double batch of seasoned ground beef works for tacos, nachos, and quick dinners. If you have favorite family vacation recipes that are low-effort and kid-approved, I’m open to ideas — I don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time.
ENJOYING
The kids have been loving a sprinkler splash pad we recently got. It was a hit at my niece’s birthday, so I ordered one and it arrived the next week. They’ve been playing in it every chance they get. It’s especially great for little Emilia, who enjoys sitting in the center and splashing around.
READING
I just started a new book called Drawing Home last night and I’m excited to dive into it a bit more over the weekend.
LISTENING
I’ve been listening to a fresh summer kitchen playlist. Last year’s playlist did so well that I put together a second volume — it’s different from the first but just as fun for cooking, cleaning, or entertaining.
WORKING
I’m trying a weekly reset routine I discovered on YouTube. The channel’s ideas really resonated with me and I’ve adapted a few simple practices to help keep the house and schedule on track without adding stress.
SHOPPING
My mom and I are heading to Nordstrom to browse the sale in person. I posted my favorites last week and today the sale opens to everyone. The top items I ordered are a pair of black jeans, a leopard trench coat, a crossbody bag, a colorful dress I love, and a pair of boots that turned out to be more comfortable and practical than I expected — they’re even waterproof.
BUYING
After saying I wouldn’t get a robot vacuum on Prime Day, I changed my mind when so many people raved about theirs. I ordered one last-minute along with a phone stand that’s already become indispensable. Little buys like that really make daily life easier.
SHARING
There’s a new video up showing how I make a slow roasted tomato farro salad. The recipe is on the blog and the video walks through the process — scroll down on the recipe post to watch and follow along.
WEARING
I’ve been living in one comfy dress all week — it’s soft, easy to wear, and perfect for hot days when I want something simple but put-together.
Looks so inviting — I want to dive right in!