Hello summer Friday! xo
EATING
Favorites on repeat: chicken meatballs with zucchini risotto and the creamiest broccoli shells and cheese. I’m also loving a hot bacon Caprese and a crispy prosciutto and charred corn salad for easy, bright summer meals.
DRINKING
For drinks, I’ve been enjoying a brown sugar fig bubbly, a refreshing cucumber prosecco spritz, and lavender iced lattes when I want something calm and floral.
MAKING
Cooking at home has looked like hot honey tomato crostini, freezer-worthy ricotta meatballs, and a batch of peach cobbler granola for breakfast or snacks.
BAKING
On the baking front: a dreamy chocolate zucchini cake and a big pan of almond butter baked oatmeal to keep in the fridge for quick mornings.
CRAVING
All the figs this time of year. I can’t resist goat cheese–stuffed figs wrapped in bacon. I’m also dreaming about a summer tomato pie—there’s nothing better on a hot afternoon.
GRILLING
Grilling means cinnamon sugar toast (yes, with more figs!), a charred grilled vegetable panzanella, and zucchini ribbon skewers for easy sides that feel special.
LISTENING
Queueing up a feel-good Friday playlist to set the mood while cooking, grilling, or just relaxing.
READING
Hoping to start Real Americans this weekend—perfect for some slow, focused reading time.
SHARING
Sharing my roundup of the best back-to-school dinners—85 easy, family-friendly meal ideas that are great when the schedule gets busy.
WEARING
I’m wearing my favorite Rails dress in a new print—I’ve owned this style in multiple fabrics for years because it’s so versatile. I also love a great denim shirt, the long scuba from Lululemon in a gorgeous green, and Madewell studs and suede pieces for casual polish.
SHOPPING
Anthropologie’s fall collection is calling my name: cute Halloween glasses, bud vases, mini pumpkin candles and other seasonal finds. I’ve picked up Halloween pieces from a few favorite shops—adorable houses, a table runner, placemats, a pink witch hat garland, and spooky-era bracelets. I love decorating for the kids and go all out for the holidays.
LOVING
I’m obsessed with the MacKenzie-Childs pumpkins this year—the colorful options are so fun. I have a lot of their Halloween décor and it really makes the season feel festive. I’ll be pulling out fall items on September 1 and can’t wait to decorate.
PREPPING
With the school year about to start, we’re in full back-to-school mode. I put together teacher care packages with mini skincare and little treats, organized a refresh for our school teacher lounge, and stocked up on several lunchboxes that the kids are thrilled about. I also gathered my go-to lunch-packing gear to make mornings smoother.
