Happy summer Friday! Here’s a relaxed roundup of what I’m cooking, drinking, reading, wearing, and loving this weekend — a simple guide to make the most of the season.
EATING
I’m diving into bright, seasonal dishes: a caramelized zucchini pasta salad that highlights sweet, roasted zucchini; a rainbow fruit chopped salad for easy, colorful sides; grilled chicken vodka pasta for a comforting dinner; and ricotta pancakes topped with blueberry butter for a leisurely weekend brunch. Each recipe is approachable and built around fresh summer produce, making them perfect for warm-weather entertaining or a casual family meal.
DRINKING
For something that tastes like summer in a glass, an orange crush is at the top of the list. It’s vibrant and refreshing — ideal for poolside sipping, backyard barbecues, or a chilled aperitif before dinner.
MAKING
These grilled chicken avocado pizza sandwiches have been my go-to when I want something hearty but simple. They’re loaded with savory grilled chicken, creamy avocado, melty cheese, and a crisp, toasted exterior — easy to assemble and satisfying every time.
BAKING
Atlantic beach pie bars are the kind of treat I dream about through the summer. They deliver sweet-tart filling and a buttery crust that’s great to bake ahead for picnics or dessert after a long, sunny day.
CRAVING
I can’t stop thinking about crispy shrimp sandwiches with lime slaw. The crunchy shrimp paired with bright, zesty slaw is a perfect combination of textures and flavors for warm-weather meals.
SNACKING
Summer-marinated goat cheese has been my top snack pick. It’s tangy, herby, and versatile — serve it with warm bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for effortless entertaining.
GRILLING
Grilling season means trying fun, creative pizzas on the grill like a summer mushroom pizza finished with a pistachio vinaigrette — an unexpectedly elegant combination. I’m also firing up grilled baby back ribs with a root beer BBQ sauce when I want something classic and celebratory.
PREPPING
For the week ahead, peaches and cream baked oatmeal is a smart make-ahead breakfast. It reheats well, keeps the kitchen cool, and gives you a nourishing start to busy mornings without any fuss.
LISTENING
My summer pool nights playlist has been on repeat. It sets the right mood for late afternoons, pool hangs, and casual dinners with friends, blending upbeat and chill tracks for a long, easy evening.
READING
I downloaded The Lake Club for my Kindle and can’t wait to settle in with it this weekend. If you’re building a summer reading list, my comprehensive picks for the season offer a mix of beach reads, thrillers, and thoughtful literary escapes to match whatever mood you’re in.
WEARING
This linen set from Gap — a skirt and a tunic — has been my summer uniform. I love it so much I picked it up in several colors. I’m also into matching sweat sets for casual days and a brown seashell dress I wore at the beach twice this week. Lightweight linens and easy silhouettes are the wardrobe staples keeping me comfortable and polished through warm days.
SHOPPING
I’ve put together a father’s day gift guide and am especially excited about a fire pit I picked out this year. Beyond gifts, I’ve been curating recent finds and favorite pieces that make summer living easier and more fun: functional, stylish items for home and outdoors that deliver everyday enjoyment.
SHARING
I rounded up a bunch of recipes for Father’s Day weekend — easy crowd-pleasers and favorites to celebrate with family. These selections are practical for a variety of tastes and great for serving in a relaxed, festive way.
LOVING
I’ve been using two sunscreens that have made wearing SPF effortless: a La Roche-Posay serum sunscreen and a Tatcha milky sunscreen. Both apply smoothly, encourage daily use, and leave my skin looking dewy and protected, which finally convinced me to reapply more consistently.
WRITING
On the blog and in my newsletter I’ve shared summer wellness and kitchen habits that simplify the season, an ultimate list of summer essentials, and a 12-week summer dinner menu to inspire easy weeknight planning. These pieces are meant to take the guesswork out of seasonal cooking and self-care.
BUYING
I’m loving a particular wash of denim and a pair of slim straight-leg jeans that feel versatile for summer into fall. A few well-chosen denim pieces have become instant favorites and make dressing effortless.
LIVING
My go-to at home lately has been a pair of linen pants in black and white paired with a simple tank — a lightweight, reliable summer uniform that keeps me cool and comfortable while still looking put together.
