It’s the return of summer Fridays! If you’re new here, summer Fridays are our weekly virtual coffee dates where we talk about what we’re doing, loving, craving, watching and more — and take a true summer Friday to relax. This is the fifth year of these posts, and I’m so happy they’re back. The intention is to inspire your weekend plans and bring a little joy to each summer Friday.
EATING
All the strawberry things. Strawberries are in season here, and some favorite recipes I’m making include my strawberry crunch salad, strawberry burrata quinoa salad, five‑ingredient strawberry rose tart, no‑churn strawberry Oreo ice cream and two‑ingredient strawberry lemonade. Fresh berries make everything feel like summer.
DRINKING
I’m really into the orange crush right now. I don’t know why — it’s just unbelievably delicious and refreshing.
BAKING
My strawberry cobbler bars are a go‑to. They’re simple, satisfying and full of bright strawberry flavor.
CRAVING
I’m craving marinated tomato BLTs. I can’t wait until the garden tomatoes are ready so I can make these over and over.
MAKING
This week I’ve been prepping fridge staples instead of school lunches now that school ended. I’m focusing on things we can use for easy meals: lots of pesto, my favorite vinaigrette, grilled vegetables and more. I have a big chapter about this in Everyday Dinners that helps simplify our weeknight cooking and keeps everything ready to assemble.
GRILLING
I’m loving grilled chicken avocado orzo right now, and I always reach for grilled peppers with burrata. Both are great for warm evenings and feed a crowd with minimal effort.
LISTENING
Our favorite playlists are back for summer. I put together a kickoff playlist that sets the tone for lazy afternoons and backyard hangs.
READING
I just started Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. If you want more recommendations, I’ve compiled a full summer reading list to help you find the perfect beach or porch read.
WEEKENDING
We’re going strawberry picking! One of our favorite spots to pick is Triple B, and it’s the best way to spend a long weekend morning outdoors.
SHOPPING
The Stanley Quencher tumbler is everywhere right now and I love it, but my current favorite is the Stanley stacking beer pint. It’s the perfect size, lightweight and great for seltzer, iced coffee or any cold drink. I usually keep water in my 40oz tumbler, but this smaller cup is what I reach for most days.
WEARING
My everyday lounge and errand tee is the Back in Action tee from Lululemon, which now comes in a short sleeve version I adore. I’m also obsessed with the new hip‑length Align tank — finally less cropped options that actually cover what I want.
BUYING
Did you see the summer Hill House launch? I love so much of it, even though I don’t really need anything. I adore my nap dresses — they were lifesavers during pregnancy and nursing — and their silk pillowcases with zippers are some of the best I’ve found.
CELEBRATING
Today is National Donut Day! Some favorites from the blog include salted dark chocolate fudge donuts and strawberry sprinkle donuts — perfect for celebrating with something sweet.
LOVING
We’re finally getting a Jeni’s in Pittsburgh, which I’m thrilled about. Now if only we could get a Shake Shack nearby too.
SHARING
My ultimate kitchen essentials guide is a resource I often update. It covers the best tools and gadgets I use regularly and saves so much time and frustration in the kitchen.
RELIVING
This year has been a blur in the best way. Yesterday was Max’s last day of school, and it’s wild to think that last year at this time I was at the hospital having Jordan. I’ve loved this past year more than any other, and it still feels like it flew by. One thing I do often is scroll back through my phone to photos taken exactly one year earlier — it’s amazing how little and how much you remember all at once.
