Today feels like a true summer Friday for us — we’re heading out on vacation. Cold sparkling water in hand and a trunk full of snacks, we’re officially in getaway mode.
TRAVELING
We’re heading to my favorite place at the moment: Northern Michigan. It’s our annual trip and everyone is so excited. Max has been counting down nonstop, and I can already picture the kids — Max, Emilia and my niece Evelyn — playing together all week. They always have so much fun and I’m looking forward to the little moments and big laughs we’ll share.
EATING
On every trip I make an oversized version of my signature house salad, and this year won’t be any different. I’m also preparing a simple summer chickpea salad and chilling it in the fridge so it’s ready to go when we arrive. Fresh, easy, and perfect for summer meals at the cottage.
DRINKING
There will be plenty of rosé and likely some fruity beers. One of our first stops will be to pick up ingredients for a refreshing orange crush. I even tried to pack a small juicer just for that — maybe a bit excessive, but worth it. I’ll also hunt down my favorite canned rosé once we’re settled in.
MAKING
For the eight-hour road trip I packed simple, familiar foods: whole grain croissants filled with smoked turkey, havarti and honey mustard — a road-trip tradition. I tossed in leftover blueberries and apples from the fridge, the kids’ favorite yogurt pouches, and some RX bars for the adults. There are small sabra snackers with pretzel crisps, plus some indulgent treats for the kids since we’ll need survival snacks: Fruit Loops in portions, pretzel twists, store-bought mini muffins and tubes of mini M&Ms for emergency bribes. Practical and indulgent in equal measure.
SURVIVING
To keep the kids entertained on the drive, I packed a selection of travel-friendly activities: a Melissa and Doug latches board, multiple Water WOW books, sticker puzzles, a Color Wonder travel pad, magnetic scenes, a Boogie Board and a doodle board. I also included a few of our favorite picture books to read together. These items are lifesavers for long trips and help the hours pass more smoothly.
LISTENING
We’ll be playing our favorite boat-drinks playlist on repeat — it always sets the right mood for a slow, relaxed day on the water.
READING
I’m still working through Drawing Home and hoping to catch up on reading during quiet moments. I also packed a couple of lighter reads I’ve been curious about so I can switch between something immersive and something more fun while we’re away.
SHARING
I filmed a new video of my chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado fudge frosting — they’re ridiculously good and perfect for summer baking when zucchini is everywhere.
SHOPPING
I’ve been scoping the Nordstrom sale daily — the rotating deals are hard to resist. I’ve been eyeing a Barefoot Dreams blanket as a gift and a black crossbody bag that I love. I keep checking back in case items restock.
WEARING
We’ll probably embrace the cliché and do matching Lilly outfits for the family. Emilia and Evelyn have the same little shift dress and my mom picked the same pattern in a different cut. I’m bringing a favorite dress I adore — vacation is the perfect time for fun, coordinating outfits.
SOAKING
We plan to soak up as much together time as possible. My mom once said that traveling with little kids isn’t exactly a vacation, but it’s a change of scenery — and she’s right. The kids are tiring but utterly lovable at this age, and I can’t wait to watch them explore the sand and water. Emilia is full of energy and always on the move, which is part of the fun.
We’re ready to relax, play and enjoy every bit of this trip.