HELLO summer fridays! I love you so much.
CREATING
I’m picturing an outdoor picnic spread: a cozy blanket, a wicker basket and plenty of rosé. Ideally at sunset or during an outdoor movie—simple, relaxed and perfect for lingering conversations.
SIPPING
I can’t get enough of lavender lemonade lately. I never expected to become a lavender fan since I usually avoid floral scents, but combined with sugar it’s irresistible. I’m making a batch for a little Friday treat and thinking of adding some sparkling lemonade for fizz. I’ve also been sipping strawberry-infused water nonstop this week—post-vacation hydration with extra flavor.
LISTENING
This week’s playlist is totally picnic-inspired. It’s perfect for a Sunday afternoon—light, nostalgic and cinematic, the kind of soundtrack that turns a simple lunch into a small, delightful escape.
EATING
For a packable picnic lunch, think portable, flavorful bites: a classic egg salad served with a baguette or in lettuce cups; a pistachio pesto pasta salad with burrata; salted honey-lavender nuts; goat cheese–stuffed figs; and maybe a sweet treat like rosé champagne gummy bears. Mix textures and flavors so everything is easy to eat outdoors.
READING
I’m finishing The Summer I Met Jack and I’m totally hooked. It helped that last week I watched a late-night political drama and then fell into a Wikipedia deep-dive about the Kennedy family. I also picked up Maria Shriver’s I’ve Been Thinking after hearing her on a podcast—I wanted something thoughtful to keep on my nightstand.
CRAVING
Affogato has been on my mind non-stop. We spotted it in Rehoboth Beach and talked about it for days. Earlier this week I shot an affogato feature and went through several takes to capture the perfect pour. Now I want one every night after dinner. Having a Nespresso machine makes an easy, irresistible affogato at home, and I’ve gathered recipes and toppings so an affogato bar is always ready when the craving hits.
SHARING
We’re still sharing summer essentials over at Sweet Peas Meals, and we have a quick, practical lunchbox guide coming next—perfect timing for families getting ready for a new school year.
WEARING
It was a comfy week—I basically lived in leggings and denim shirts. My go-to leggings are the Align style from Lululemon; they’re that soft and reliable. I’ve also been wearing a lightweight denim button-down that’s become a summer staple because it’s so comfortable and effortless.
LOVING
One of my forever summer favorites is a rich body cream with a warm, sweet scent—think vanilla, pistachio and coconut notes. I use the body cream, body wash, lip balm, bath bomb and a hand cream in my bag. It’s my signature summer scent that I reserve for warm months and put away by September. Seasonal scents make summer feel special.
LOOKING
I found myself browsing fall decor online last night—guilty as charged. I have an upcoming holiday shoot, so a little early scouting felt practical rather than impulsive.
Make it an ice cream weekend! xo