Welcome to my favorite part of the season: summer Fridays! I always look forward to this stretch of lazy mornings, fresh food, and slow afternoons—the perfect time to savor local produce, try new recipes, and reset before the busy months ahead.
EATING
After vacation I often recreate dishes from our favorite spots. Two standouts I’m craving are a decadent lobster pot pie and a playful strawberry pizza. Both are on my mind this week and would be so fun to add to the menu for a casual summer meal.
STOCKING
My fridge is overflowing with sweet corn and ripe tomatoes right now. Summer produce has been outstanding—so vibrant and flavorful. First up: a hot bacon caprese with heirloom tomatoes. Next, a summer shrimp and charred corn carbonara. I’m also planning a marinated tomato and peach salad, and a marinated zucchini ribbon salad with feta and toasted pistachio breadcrumb topping. Can’t wait to dig in.
SIPPING
I’m sipping a rainbow coconut water spritzer all weekend as a gentle vacation detox. I’m also eyeing a grapefruit-mint chia refresher—light, bright, and totally thirst-quenching for warm days.
TRAVELING
We just returned from one of my favorite places. Many of you ask where we eat and what we do when we visit, and a few years ago I put together a travel list for the area. Growing up, this trip always marked the end of summer since we went the week before school started. Now it’s nice to know we still have several weeks of summer left to enjoy.
READING
Beach reading took a bit of a backseat thanks to the kids, but I did start a novel that’s been on my summer reading list. Slow quiet moments with a book are such a treat—even if they come in short bursts while the little ones nap or play nearby.
LISTENING
My playlist choice for the season is my newest workout mix—it’s been on repeat and will power me through the next month. If you have a favorite workout playlist, drop it below; I’m always looking for new songs to add.
WORKING
I’m into a seven-minute workout app right now. It’s perfect for when time is tight or when you have kids attached to you all day. Short, effective, and doable anywhere—ideal for keeping momentum without needing a big time commitment.
WEARING
This week I practically lived in a lightweight cover-up dress that’s been a favorite since I mentioned it in my picks last month. It brings back vacation memories of shopping with my grandma in Harbor Springs, which makes it feel especially nostalgic. When temperatures dipped into the high 50s one evening, I threw on a cozy shepherd shirt and wore it all day—such an easy, comfortable go-to.
SHOPPING
I’m tempted to do another round of browsing the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and have been loving everything at Athleta lately—especially their workout gear. My sister-in-law wore a swimsuit from there this week and I’m officially obsessed with the fit and style.
FEELING
I feel refreshed after the trip, even though it took me a little while to relax. With kids, I’ve learned to seize small pockets of time to breathe and truly enjoy the moment. It’s often unpredictable, but when a quiet minute appears, I try to lean into it and be present. Those tiny moments of calm have made all the difference in feeling rejuvenated.
All the rosé and summer hearts—cheers to easy days and long evenings. xo