Happy summer Friday! Here’s what I’m up to this weekend—food, drinks, projects, and celebrations.
EATING
I’m loving light, flavorful salads right now: a buffalo smashed cucumber salad, grilled chicken caprese pasta salad, and a grilled chicken orzo salad. For something heartier, I can’t resist a root beer pulled pork—perfect for easy weekend meals that feed a crowd.
DRINKING
For drinks, I’m sipping strawberry-infused summer water to stay refreshed and making frozen gin & tonics when I want something boozy and cooling.
MAKING
Plenty of kitchen projects this weekend. I’ve rounded up 48 Father’s Day recipes to cover everything from appetizers to mains. I’m also planning to make a hot honey chili crunch dip and a Jarlsberg cheese dip—great for snacking and sharing.
BAKING
On the baking front, an Aperol spritz snack cake is calling my name, along with savory gruyere herb slab biscuits for brunch or sides.
CRAVING
I’m craving ricotta pancakes topped with salted blueberry butter—fluffy, tangy pancakes with a sweet and salty finish. Absolute yum.
GRILLING
Grilling plans include setting up a perfect slider bar, grilling pimento cheese chicken sandwiches, and making chimichurri quinoa bowls with flank steak for a fresh, herb-forward option.
LISTENING
For tunes, I’ve been enjoying a curated Father’s Day playlist—great background music for cooking, celebrating, or just hanging out.
READING
I just finished Swan Song, which felt like a full-circle read for me. I also put together a longer summer reading list with plenty of recommendations to dive into this season.
WEARING
CRZ Yoga skirts are back on rotation—so comfortable and flattering. Favorites right now include a pleated tennis skirt, an A-line golf skirt, and a ruffled style. I’m also tempted to try a lightweight shorts-and-top set, even though I usually avoid shorts.
LOVING
Gift ideas for Father’s Day I keep coming back to include polarized sunglasses, massage guns, and backpack coolers—practical, useful items that tend to get a lot of use. I’ve compiled a list of favorite gift picks for inspiration.
SHOPPING
We celebrated Jordan’s birthday yesterday. As the youngest of three, he already has a lot of toys, but I picked up a pony cycle that’s been a huge hit—non-motorized, simple, and so much fun. We also installed a waterfall wall on the deck that both the kids and I love; it’s been a great outdoor addition for summer play.
CELEBRATING
Tonight is Jordan’s third birthday party—how is he already three? It feels like he was a newborn yesterday. We’re doing a truck-themed party with construction vehicles, which he’ll adore. It’s also my mom’s birthday this week, plus Father’s Day and the US Open weekend, so there’s a lot to celebrate and many tasty meals ahead.
