Happy summer Fridays to you!
EATING
My one-pot peach basil chicken is on repeat lately, and my simple summer chickpea salad is an absolute must-make if you haven’t tried it. Both are light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather. I’m also loving chili lime chicken tacos for quick weeknight dinners that taste like summer.
DRINKING
Margarita floats have been a hit for entertaining — fun, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to pull together for a crowd.
MAKING
Lemon chicken Caesar wraps are a go-to for packed lunches and casual dinners. Peach bruschetta is another favorite for gatherings or a simple snack; the sweet fruit and bright herbs feel seasonal and special.
BAKING
I keep coming back to a blueberry peach galette for dessert — rustic and full of summer fruit. Lavender-glazed blueberry scones are another indulgence I bake when I want something floral and buttery with my afternoon tea or coffee.
CRAVING
Zucchini corn fritters — always. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re the kind of summer dish you can’t stop eating.
GRILLING
Grilled steakhouse pizza is delightfully unexpected and so flavorful. It’s one of those grill recipes that feels fancy but is actually effortless.
LISTENING
I’ve been enjoying a playlist of 80s and 90s female artists — such a great mix of energy and nostalgia to cook, clean, or chill out to.
READING
I’m starting A Novel Summer tonight and I’m excited to dive in. If you’re looking for more options, I’ve put together a summer reading list that covers a range of light and engaging picks.
WEARING
I’ve been living in the Spanx Air Essentials pieces for years. My favorite is a cropped jumpsuit that’s comfortable and sleek — easy to dress up or down. I also love the long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions. My Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals in eggshell have surprised me with how supportive and comfy they are; they’ve become summer staples.
LOVING
Ink & Volt notepads remain some of my favorite organization tools. The meal-planning pad and the daily list are the pages I reach for most, and a slim monthly planner gives me a quick months-ahead view of family activities. We also keep an acrylic wall calendar by the entry so everyone sees the big events, but the thin monthly planner is great to carry with me when I need it.
SHARING
The MacKenzie-Childs barn sale just started and I’m smitten with the new Sterling Check collection. The slightly blue-gray tone is stunning in person. I’ve collected pieces over the years and use them when entertaining or gifting. Favorites right now include a serving platter, an oval platter, and a three-tier stand I love for parties. There’s also a short, stout enamel vase that makes a perfect gift, plus herb pots, a large cake platter, an abundant bowl, and a square baking pan that I reach for frequently.
SHOPPING
My mom and I hit the anniversary sale in person and I picked up a set of Moonlight shorts pajamas, which are the most comfortable. I also love a Spanx skort I found, ordered On Cloud Coast sneakers in green, restocked OSEA body balm, and bought a wood bowl in a lighter shade. And yes — a set of sheets that Eddie actually sleeps on made the list.
PREPPING
We’re getting ready for our annual Northern Michigan vacation and I rely on a master packing list that’s saved me more than once. Essentials for the trip include a carseat travel tray for Jordan, backseat organizers for Max and Emilia, Uno Splash (new for us this year), and a Shibumi Shade for beach days. These items make road trips and lakeside days easier and more fun for the whole family.
