Welcome back to Summer Fridays — our weekly virtual coffee date where we share what we’re eating, drinking, making, watching and loving as we slide into the weekend. This is the sixth year running for these posts, and they’re meant to inspire easy weekend plans and bring a little summer joy to each Friday.
EATING
I’ve been making my grilled chicken summer rice bowls a lot lately — they’re simple and satisfying. Another favorite is the blueberry summer salad, which is bright and tangy. And when I have leftovers, I can’t resist my saucy baked beans; they’re the ultimate comfort side.
DRINKING
It’s iced coffee season: lavender vanilla iced coffee is a total mood right now. For something boozy and refreshing, a cucumber mint margarita is hard to beat on a hot afternoon.
BAKING
I’m obsessed with the banana cake topped with espresso cream cheese frosting — a cozy, slightly grown-up treat that disappears fast.
MAKING
For parties or a casual weekend snack, I’ve been serving a creamy chilled queso dip. It’s surprisingly addictive and always a crowd-pleaser.
CRAVING
Still dreaming about lavender vanilla latte ice cream — that floral coffee flavor is pure summer indulgence.
GRILLING
When the grill comes out, I love the blackened chicken watermelon salad. The dressing is so bright and drinkable, it practically steals the show.
LISTENING
We’ve been looping our 2023 Summer Fridays kickoff playlist — upbeat and perfect for backyard hangs, cooking, or driving with the windows down.
READING
This week I finished The True Love Experiment and really enjoyed it. I just started The Boyfriend Candidate and am curious to see where it goes. If you want more options, check my summer reading list for other picks that suit slow, sunny days.
SHOPPING
I recently shared a round-up of summer essentials. A few standouts I’m using non-stop: a sunscreen applicator that makes reapplying easy, a waterproof blanket that lives in the car, a favorite visor that keeps sun off my face, reusable water balloons for endless backyard fun, and Teleties — I barely use regular hair ties anymore.
WEEKENDING
We’re navigating the end of the school year, full baseball and t-ball seasons (we’ve had a flurry of games recently), and perfect strawberry-picking weather. It’s busy, sunny and exactly the kind of chaos that makes summer feel like summer.
BUYING
I spotted the Kyte Baby neon summer collection and couldn’t resist the bright solids — the material is soft, and the colors are so fun for kids who love bold shades.
WEARING
I’ve been living in Birkenstock slides — they’re comfortable and easy to slip on for errands and playground runs. I’ve also been reaching for lightweight tank tops that look like Lulu favorites but at a much lower price point; they come in lots of cheerful colors and work for layering or wearing alone.
CELEBRATING
It’s National Donut Day! My go-tos are salted chocolate fudge donuts for a rich treat and strawberry buttermilk sprinkle donuts for something bright and nostalgic.
PLANNING
As school winds down, our summer break calendar has been a lifesaver. Having a single big sheet with everything laid out makes planning activities, camps and playdates so much easier.
LOVING
I’m swooning over the Mystique sandals from the Elin Hilderbrand collaboration — they’re stunning. I haven’t tried them yet and worry they might not be supportive, but they’re tempting for special summer outings.
SHARING
If you missed it, try the frozen Aperol spritz I posted recently. It’s become my signature summer cocktail — especially refreshing when the temperature climbs into the 90s.
