Hey hey summer Fridays! You’re the best.
CREATING
I’m mapping out the rest of 2018. I hadn’t revisited the goals I set at the start of the year until recently — I’d been making progress but hadn’t taken a close look. Now I want a clear plan for the months ahead: what my ideal day looks like, which routines and habits I want to build, and what I want to accomplish next. Publishing a book felt a bit like having a baby — now that several months have passed, everyone asks, “What’s next?” So I’m sketching a focused, realistic plan to move forward with intention.
MAKING
I’m planning to bake chewy oatmeal zucchini cookies this weekend, and I might also try caramelized peach and lavender scones. I’ve got a bag of frozen sour cherries too, and I’m thinking they’d make a perfect cobbler.
EATING
We’re still living on late-summer produce: sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and simple preparations that let those flavors shine. I’m loving an embarrassingly easy grilled sourdough topped with heirloom tomatoes and buttery herbs — finished with a little honey drizzle — and a smoky heirloom tomato and grilled peach pasta salad that’s absolutely incredible.
SIPPING
I’ve been drinking blueberry mojitos made with lavender syrup. Local blueberries are everywhere right now, and they’re perfect in a light, floral cocktail.
READING
From my summer reading list, I’m moving on to either Mrs or Ever After this week. Have you read either of them? I’m curious which one will stick.
LISTENING
We put together a Broadway playlist this week. It’s fun, exuberant, and perfect for belting out while you drive — highly recommended for lifting your mood.
SHARING
Over at Sweet Peas Meals we published a back-to-school lunchbox guide. It’s free and full of practical ideas for packing lunches that kids will actually eat.
BUYING
I’m obsessed with Zephyr plates in sky and mint. I often turn to Anthropologie for food styling props and everyday “life dishes,” and these plates work for both. I want a dozen of each — they’re matte, pretty, and just right for summer meals.
WEARING
On the last day of the Nordstrom sale I picked up a pair of booties and I’m loving them. They’re flattering and stylish, and they work well in this season — probably more so now than in colder months.
OBSESSING
I’ve been watching Mel Robbins’ YouTube channel. I shared her “parent yourself” clip a few weeks ago, and I’ve watched a few more videos since then. The advice is simple, the clips are short, and they really resonate — often exactly when I need a quick dose of perspective.
Popsicles taste even better after a champagne bath. xo