I love Summer Fridays and I’m so glad you do too! xoxo
Snacking
We’ve been snacking on chocolate-dipped watermelon pops. I make these every summer — they’re fun and simple. Cut watermelon into wedges, dip them in melted chocolate (stir in a little coconut oil so the chocolate forms a crisp shell) and add sprinkles if you like. Freeze briefly and enjoy. The kids flip over them and they’re a perfect warm-weather treat.
Grilling
For Father’s Day weekend we’re doing a lineup of Eddie’s favorites on the grill: baby back ribs with root beer BBQ sauce, crispy bacon pasta salad, marinated grilled vegetables with avocado whipped feta, and of course salted dark chocolate chunk cookies for dessert. Grilled vegetables and a rich pasta salad make great sides, and the ribs are always the star of the show.
Sipping
I’ve been craving my favorite micheladas — they taste especially good with chips and guacamole. There’s also a watermelon michelada that sounds amazing right now; fruity, salty, and perfectly summery.
Prepping
I’ve been prepping what I think is the best veggie burger ever. It’s so flavorful and holds up well in salads and pitas, so I make a batch for the week. The recipe is coming very soon, but in the meantime, it’s been one of my favorite things to eat and make lately.
Watching
We went to see On Your Feet, the Broadway musical about Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s career, and it was incredible. The storytelling and performances felt like being at a concert — very 90s and completely infectious. The cast was energetic and the music was fantastic. It’s inspiring to see how hard they worked to share their music with the world; if you get the chance, it’s worth seeing live.
Reading
Last week I finished The Light We Lost. I read it quickly and was drawn in by the writing and the characters, especially since the story opens around 9/11 and the timeline resonated with me. The main characters weren’t always likable, which felt realistic, and while I wasn’t shocked by the ending, I wished for more clarity about the future of the relationship. I also started The Last Mrs. Parrish and I’m hooked — it’s the kind of page-turner that keeps you reading late into the night.
Wearing
I may have accidentally-on-purpose bought a Summer Fridays shirt. There’s also a swimsuit I’m tempted by, but the shirt won this round. It’s an easy, casual piece for summer weekends.
Listening
This week’s playlist is a little Eddie-inspired for Father’s Day and a bit eclectic — the perfect mix for backyard hangouts and road trips. It’s full of upbeat tracks that fit summer vibes.
Traveling
We’re heading to one of our favorite places this week — Washington, DC. If you have suggestions for kid-friendly restaurants there, please share. We’re always on the lookout for spots that make dining with kids easy and enjoyable.
Loving
I’m really loving this little slice of life right now. It sounds cliché, but waking up and seeing the kids makes me so happy. When I’m tempted to compare my life to others, I pause and think about what will matter in five, 15, or 35 years. That perspective helps me focus on what’s real and important in my life.
Celebrating
It’s a busy celebratory time — Father’s Day this weekend, my mom’s birthday yesterday, and Lacy’s birthday on Sunday. Expect cake overload — it’s officially summer.
Pro tip: for an extra kick, dip the watermelon slices in tequila before coating them in chocolate. Maybe worth a try.