I can’t believe we’re already into week five of summer Fridays! Here’s what I’m planning for the end of June.
EATING
We’ll definitely have burgers on rotation this weekend — both the veggie burgers and classic smash burgers are on the menu. I’m also adding a hot bacon caprese salad and grilled vegetables with avocado whipped feta for variety. If you’ll be poolside, my favorite pool party snack mix is a must.
SIPPING
Rosé sangria is still my go-to for warm evenings. For a morning pick-me-up, iced raspberry lattes are perfect.
BAKING
Or rather, not baking: a red, white and blue no-bake cheesecake star tart is fun and festive. If you want something more traditional, a cinnamon blueberry slab pie is always a win.
SHARING
For our Sweet Peas Meals menu planning service, we put together an Essential Summer Party Guide with simple, crowd-pleasing recipes for all your gatherings. It’s filled with reliable favorites and is free for anyone who wants practical, tasty ideas for summer entertaining.
READING
I finished The Last Mrs Parrish and thought it picked up at the end — it kept me up late, but overall I’d rate it modestly. I’m currently reading The Perfect Couple, though I’m finding it a bit hard to follow when I read it late at night. After that I’m planning to start Emily Giffin’s new book. What are you reading right now? If you want more options, check out a summer reading list for fresh suggestions.
PARTYING
With the 4th of July on a Wednesday this year, I’m curious when everyone else is celebrating — the weekend before, after, or straight on the holiday? Traditions feel different lately, and I have oddly high expectations for this year’s holiday even though it’s midweek. Fingers crossed it’s fun and laid-back regardless of timing.
LISTENING
I put together a 4th of July party playlist that I’ve been playing on repeat — it’s full of upbeat songs that work great for cookouts and pool time.
WEARING
Last Christmas my brother gifted me a pink shep shirt and I love it — I grabbed a blue one, too. I’m also into a striped version that feels very red, white and blue. I’m thinking about a cute one-piece for Emilia to wear on parade days and beach outings.
SHOPPING
We’re gearing up for beach days (I’ll be at a book signing at Rehoboth Beach on July 8) and I need advice for keeping a baby shaded from sun and sand. We used a tent with our older child, but it’s hard to set up and gets very hot. An umbrella feels too small and a large canopy seems cumbersome with two kids. If you have a simple, practical solution that’s easy to manage with little ones, I’d love recommendations.
CREATING
I’m planning a home office refresh now that I’m mostly done with the book tour. I want a comfortable, inspiring workspace and I’m short on ideas — even choosing a single photo for the wall has been a challenge. I’m excited to design a space that finally feels finished.
ORGANIZING
My life needs some serious organizing. Between travel and events, suitcases have been sitting on my bedroom floor since March. I have a running list of decluttering projects — closets, pantry, styling props and the garage — and I want to settle into a relaxed summer routine. I’m still using the Passion Planner this year and it’s been a helpful way to keep things simple and manageable.
Let’s eat all the guac we can this weekend.