EATING
Bruschetta chicken (no lettuce necessary) is a summer favorite. I also love a green bean salad with blue cheese for a cool, tangy side, and this grilled buffalo chicken with scallion corn salad for spicy BBQ nights. For something lighter, try the caramelized zucchini pasta salad, full of bright summer flavor.
DRINKING
When temperatures soar, frozen cocktails are essential. I’m all about frozen gin and tonics for a refreshing twist, and margarita floats make an indulgent, fizzy treat that’s perfect for backyard afternoons.
MAKING
I’ve been making lemon butter pork chops a lot lately — simple, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners. For dessert, the peanut butter and strawberry crumble is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that’s easy to pull together.
BAKING
The peaches and cream baked oatmeal is a great make-ahead option. It holds up all week, reheats well, and makes morning routines much easier while keeping summer fruit front and center.
CRAVING
I can’t stop thinking about my salted pretzel s’mores crunch bars. The combination of salty, sweet, and chocolate is irresistible and perfect for casual entertaining or a late-night snack.
SNACKING
My summer marinated cheese is the snack I reach for again and again. It’s easy to prepare, packs great flavor, and disappears fast whenever friends drop by.
GRILLING
For grilling, the grilled taco chicken with Frito slaw is a standout — the slaw adds texture and crunch. Another go-to is summer garden quinoa with flank steak, which pairs smoky steak with bright, herb-forward sides.
PREPPING
I prepped a batch of dill pickle chicken salad for a quick, fun meal option. It’s tangy, creamy, and keeps well for sandwiches, salads, or picnic snacks.
ORDERING
I tried a viral DQ order recently: vanilla soft serve topped with peanut butter sauce and cocoa fudge. It was surprisingly delicious — rich and creamy without being overwhelming. I skipped the marshmallow sauce to keep it balanced, but it was still a perfect treat.
LISTENING
I’ve been revisiting a 90s R&B playlist nonstop — it’s the perfect soundtrack for cooking, cleaning, or just relaxing on a warm night.
READING
I recently started the Romance Revival and am really enjoying it. For more summer reading ideas, see my big summer reading list — it’s full of beach reads, thoughtful nonfiction, and light-hearted fiction to suit every mood.
WRITING
I’ve been working on a few pieces, including a calming kitchen reset, notes on how we eat on a beach vacation, and my summer prep list. These posts focus on simple routines, easy meals, and small comforts that make summer more enjoyable.
WEARING
For warm-weather wardrobe picks, I love the Somerset linen pants from Anthropologie — comfortable, breathable, and available in great colors. The mini linen smocked dress is another summer staple, perfect for casual days and warm evenings.
LOVING
I’m obsessed with The Ideal Bookshelf concept. I recently bought a notebook featuring favorite book covers and love that you can customize items with your own reading tastes. It’s a small joy that feels personal and literary.
SHOPPING
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is underway, and I’ve rounded up tried-and-true favorites I own and recommend. One item I grabbed early was a pair of brown jeans — a wardrobe staple that sold out fast. The sale is a great time to pick up quality pieces across categories.
SHARING
I put together a list of summer dinners I make when I don’t feel like cooking. These recipes lean on fresh tomatoes, simple preparations, and bold flavors so weeknights feel effortless.
BUYING
The Mackenzie-Childs barn sale is live, and it’s a perfect opportunity to pick up classic, decorative pieces for the home. I still use a round tray from their collection for entertaining, and a few cutting boards and pots have become kitchen essentials. There are so many giftable and decorative items worth considering.
