Welcome back to summer Fridays! I’m so glad you’re enjoying this series and that we can catch up each week. xo
LOVING
Last weekend, Lacy and I drove to Rehoboth for The Pretty Dish event and to take the kids to the beach. Eddie had to work and couldn’t join us initially, but he surprised us—he left an hour after we did and came for under 24 hours just to spend time with the kids on the shore. It was spontaneous and wonderful of him to do that, especially knowing he drove six hours each way in a short span. The memory of Max and Eddie getting soaked in the waves, fully clothed, is one I know we’ll all treasure. Also: taking both kids to the beach with Lacy felt like a two-hour workout. Oof.
SNACKING
That stone fruit and cheese board pictured above is so simple and so good. Use peaches, plums, apricots and cherries as your base. Add whipped ricotta and a blue cheese for contrast, or try a creamy taleggio for an indulgent option. Avocado and olives are optional extras that play nicely with the fruit and cheese.
MAKING
I’ve been craving comfort food that still feels summery, like this summer chicken pot pie crostata with an herbed crust. I’m all about easy, no-bake meals in hot weather, but sometimes you want something cozy — this hits that spot while still feeling right for the season.
SIPPING
I’m obsessed with peaches lately. My fresh peach gin and tonic is calling my name — perfect for an 85-degree day. I have a few peach recipes planned to share starting next week.
BAKING
Zucchini bread coffee cake has been my go-to for summer mornings. Pair it with a huge iced coffee and I’m ready for the day.
READING
Reading took a backseat while we were away, but I’m still working through Emily Giffin’s latest. If you want suggestions after that, check out my summer reading list for ideas—there are plenty of light beach reads and engaging picks to choose from.
LISTENING
I’ve been playing my favorite playlist non-stop: How Sweet Eats Wedding Weekend. It’s my top pick and perfect for an impromptu dance party—Max and I danced to it for an hour yesterday. Also, I listened to the Armchair Expert episode with Dax Shepard’s mom and found it incredibly inspiring. One line that stuck with me: “you can always choose again.”
CELEBRATING
This weekend is my niece Evelyn’s first birthday—how did that happen so fast? It feels like we were just waiting for her to arrive. Between a wedding tonight and my aunt’s birthday last night, it’s definitely cake season in our house.
WEARING
I’m wearing an older dress to the wedding tonight, but for the rest of the weekend I’m packing a new casual striped dress I picked up this week. It’s super comfortable and unassuming—perfect for warm days.
BUYING
I’m shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and keeping a running list of favorites. I shared my picks recently and have updated them as I see what other people love. It’s dangerous how quickly items end up in my cart.
That stone fruit and cheese board would be perfect with a little grilled bread on the side.