Happy summer Fridays!
EATING
I’m obsessed with broccoli slaw — I use it on sandwiches, tacos and as a crunchy side. I’m also loving marinated tomato BLTs and a corn, peach and tomato salad with crispy quinoa for light, bright summer meals.
DRINKING
Watermelon grapefruit palomas are my go-to cocktail right now. I’m also rotating a cucumber-mint margarita that’s incredibly refreshing and a coconut iced coffee soda when I need a caffeinated treat.
MAKING
I’ve been making quick pickled vegetables to add to a favorite pickled vegetable sandwich. They’re excellent for adding tang and crunch to simple sandwiches and bowls.
BAKING
It’s too hot to bake much, but I still make salted pretzel s’mores crunch bars when I’m craving something sweet and salty without turning on the oven for hours.
CRAVING
All the homemade ice creams. I can’t get enough of salted cookie dough ice cream and a peanut butter Oreo flavor that feels like summer in a bowl.
GRILLING
On the grill, zucchini ribbon skewers are a favorite — they’re quick and satisfying. I’m also making grilled chicken Caesar sandwiches and a flavorful grilled Thai pork tenderloin for weekend cookouts.
LISTENING
My summer kitchen playlist has been on repeat; it’s the soundtrack I keep coming back to while cooking and cleaning up.
READING
Right now I’m reading John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed and thoroughly enjoying it. The book’s short, reflective essays about everyday things are surprising, thoughtful and often very funny.
WEARING
My favorite align tank just came out in hot pink, and I’m admittedly thrilled — it’s become a summer staple for me.
SHOPPING
Some longtime favorites are on sale, from sleep gear to kitchen pieces and comfortable bras. I’m also hunting for the best beach and vacation toys for slightly older kids — I have options nailed for babies and toddlers, but this age group is trickier.
LOVING
I’m into a few glossy lip products at the moment: a juicy lip plump, a smooth lip gloss and a shiny lipstick that all feel lightweight and soft while adding a lovely sheen.
ADMIRING
An episode of the Bad on Paper podcast with Carley Fortune stood out to me — it covers her first book deal, the writing process, working with an agent and the publishing experience.
SHARING
This week I shared a quick shishito pepper recipe on Instagram — we make them almost weekly in summer. I also posted videos for a blueberry-peach coffee cake, crispy pistachio chicken, cucumber-mint margaritas and grilled goat cheese–stuffed zucchini.
LIVING
We finally have a quiet weekend and I’m savoring it. I’ll be preparing for an upcoming vacation — I usually start packing and organizing about a week ahead so nothing gets missed.
