It’s our final summer Fridays roundup of the year — my last seasonal list before we fully settle into autumn favorites.
EATING
Right now I’m obsessed with my fig burrata caprese. Figs are so juicy and delicious at the end of summer. I’m also making summer stuffed shells on repeat — they’re always a hit — and the best summer panzanella salad is at the top of the list for quick, bright meals.
DRINKING
For drinks I’m excited about a red apple cider sangria that feels perfect for the shift into fall. I’m also loving apple cider margaritas and a caramel cider crush — all great transitional cocktails as apples come into season.
MAKING
Keep a list of apple recipes handy for after you go apple picking. There are so many great things to make once local farms have fruit ready; our area already opened up for picking last weekend, and it’s time to start experimenting with fall flavors.
BAKING
I’ve been baking a lot — double fudge zucchini chocolate chip cookies to use up all the zucchini, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal for cozy mornings, and I’ve already made a pumpkin dream cake. Baking is the easiest way to welcome the flavors of the season.
CRAVING
I’ve been craving maple chipotle pumpkin hummus and a nutty harvest Honeycrisp salad — both give that sweet-and-savory balance I want as the weather cools and produce changes.
GRILLING
Even as the season winds down, the grill gets a workout. Grilled salmon club sandwiches and grilled chicken rice bowls remain favorites for easy weeknight dinners with summer-charred flavor.
LISTENING
On repeat: our “so long summer 2023” playlist. It’s perfect for long drives, backyard cookouts, and the last warm evenings of the year.
READING
I’m currently reading Becca Freeman’s The Christmas Orphan’s Club and really enjoying it. It’s slated to be released soon and is worth preordering if you love a well-told seasonal story. If you missed it, I’ve shared a full summer reading list previously, and I’m thinking about putting together a fall reading list soon.
LOVING
I’m really enjoying the return to a school routine and the structure that comes with it. Switching to an academic year planner years ago has been a game changer since we have kids in school. I’ve used different planners over time — the Passion Planner and more recently the Erin Condren Life Planner (I’m using the Daily Duo), which I’ve found especially useful. I also keep a simple weekly/monthly family planner to corral everyone’s activities and sports. For paper lovers, Ink and Volt notepads remain favorites for jotting quick lists and ideas.
WEARING
I live in athleisure most days — leggings, comfortable tops, and everyday layers. My go-to pieces include Spanx Air Essentials, items from Lululemon, and pieces from Carbon38. I’ve been loving the off-the-shoulder Carbon38 sweatshirts and their new long-sleeve tees, plus the Air Essentials crew necks in fall colors. There’s also a Jack jacket I’m obsessed with in a new blue shade — I want every color.
SHOPPING
I can rarely resist a bejeweled, glittery mule. It’s the one indulgence that always makes an outfit feel fun.
CELEBRATING
Wrapping up summer Fridays this weekend feels bittersweet. I love sharing these posts through the warmer months, and I’m excited to move into fall — my favorite season for showcasing seasonal recipes and cozy dishes. Expect lots of autumnal inspiration coming soon.
