I’m so glad you’re loving Summer Fridays! Chat with me below and tell me how your June has been so far!
EATING
With peaches finally coming into season, I’m bringing my one‑pot peach basil chicken back into rotation. It was an unexpected hit last summer and is just so flavorful. I also revisited my creamy Cajun chicken penne the other night—always a crowd pleaser and one of Eddie’s favorites.
DRINKING
It’s sparkling rosé Pimm’s cup season. After a great pool day this past weekend I’ve been craving them—so refreshing in the heat. I’m also loving an easy fake Paloma: grapefruit Spindrift, silver tequila, and a squeeze of lime. Simple and delicious.
BAKING
I’m planning a batch of firecracker cupcakes (they were a huge hit previously) and I might make chocolate chip cookie s’mores bars too—I’m really in the mood for something s’mores-inspired.
MAKING
All the recipes for the Fourth of July are being assembled. Are you celebrating early or on the day? I’ll probably do a hot dog bar again and choose between smoked gouda smash burgers or an incredible veggie burger. On the sides: my favorite bacon and blue potato salad with soft‑boiled eggs, grilled corn pasta salad with fresh herbs, strawberry caprese with pistachio pesto, and my beloved summer crostini with whipped roasted garlic goat cheese that everyone raves about. I’m also tempted to make buffalo bacon deviled eggs.
READING
I just finished Summer of ’69 and enjoyed it. I hesitated at first because I loved Mrs Everything and worried about too much overlap, but Summer of ’69 stands on its own and I think my mom would really like it too. Now I’m deciding between starting City of Girls or Ask Again, Yes. What are you reading this week?
LISTENING
We put together a Fourth of July playlist since the holiday arrives before next Friday. It’s very USA‑themed, and I like combining it with a couple of other favorites for the ultimate party mix.
LAUGHING
I laughed out loud during the Patricia from Southern Charm episode on The Skinny Confidential podcast. I’ve been a bit underwhelmed by this season of Southern Charm overall, but if you’re a Patricia fan, that episode is a treat.
SHOPPING
I recently spotted a pair of leggings in a Facebook ad that I can’t stop thinking about—2019 Lisa Frank vibes. They were only available in XS and are now sold out, but they made me nostalgic. Also, my favorite Halogen t‑shirts are on sale, and I’m still living in last year’s Madewell tanks because they’re so soft. Oh—and my go-to Cerastone skillet is currently discounted, so I picked up an extra one.
LOVING
I’ll share my June beauty favorites soon, but I had to mention two bronzy products I’ve been reaching for ahead of the Fourth. The Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow moisturizer gives such a natural, dewy boost—I was surprised by how much I liked it. I may have been wearing a bit of self‑tanner, but it really adds a lovely glow. I’ve also fallen for the NARS Laguna liquid bronzer. Powder Laguna was never right for me, but the liquid version is light, blendable, and perfect for a subtle bronzing effect.
JOINING
I joined the Pretty Dish book club on Facebook. If you have the book, you should consider joining too—we’re in the middle of a summer recipe challenge that’s been so inspiring and gets everyone cooking. We did one in March that was a lot of fun.
SHARING
There’s a new video for my mom’s veggie pizza that walks through the recipe—scroll down to the recipe card to see how to make this nostalgic 90s favorite. It’s great for Fourth of July gatherings as well.
Make it a bright one! xo