Hello summer Friday!
EATING
My corn and peach pizza with garlic sauce is unreal. I’m also making cedar plank salmon and grilled shishito peppers with lemon this week — simple, bright dishes that feel perfect for warm evenings.
DRINKING
We’ve been loving a rosé Aperol spritz and lavender blueberry vodka sodas — refreshing, floral, and easy for entertaining or sipping by the pool.
MAKING
Grilled peaches with lavender honey and whipped ricotta are a must. They’re quick to prepare and taste indulgent without a lot of effort.
BAKING
It’s too hot to spend hours in the oven, so I’m keeping it no-fuss with s’mores bites — all of the flavor with minimal heat in the kitchen.
CRAVING
I’ve been craving a hot bacon Caprese salad and no-churn coffee Oreo ice cream — a salty, tomato-forward salad and a cold, creamy treat to finish the meal.
GRILLING
Grilled gorgonzola potatoes have been on repeat, along with summer chicken skewers served over basil couscous. Both are great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for weeknight dinners.
LISTENING
On repeat: the golden hour playlist. It’s the perfect soundtrack for late-afternoon hangs, grilling, or winding down at sunset.
READING
I started The Summer Pact this week and I’m enjoying it. I also put together a larger summer reading list to keep on hand for poolside or porch days.
WEARING
I’m obsessed with a pink ribbed dress for easy summer outings and a simple black slip dress that’s great right after a shower or for running errands. For the kids, I choose bold, contrasting colors so they’re easy to spot in the pool — think bright orange, pink, or red. A hot pink rash guard has been a favorite for all three of them because it’s vivid and protective. Sunglasses are always on our list too; my kids love baseball-style shades in bright colors, and having matching options is a big hit. The cases and cleaning cloths that come with them are a nice bonus.
LOVING
I’ve been using clear pouches in my bag to keep snacks, sunscreen, and small toys organized — they make it much easier to find things quickly. Affordable Amazon clear pouches work great and come in so many colors and sizes, with smooth zippers. Double-layer cosmetic bags have also been indispensable for packing, travel, and keeping snacks separate and tidy.
SHOPPING
I rounded up my favorite picks from the anniversary sale. Highlights include comfortable sneakers, a nourishing body balm, cozy slippers, a versatile crewneck, roomy Longchamp bags, a sturdy wagon, a compact travel car seat, luxurious sheets, and reliable baking dishes. These are items I reach for again and again.
BUYING
I almost missed the Target Circle week, but the deals were too good to pass up. Favorites on sale included a cordless vacuum I use daily, a smart oven, an espresso machine, a cream maker, a cordless stand mixer, sunscreen and kid-friendly skincare, reliable earbuds, a mini photo printer we love, and a quality set of cookware. I also organized my top picks on a wishlist so I can easily find them later.
SHARING
I’m starting to gather back-to-school supplies — a few essentials for both school and home to help ease the transition when summer slows down. Little preparations now make the return easier later.
