This is the most summery Friday of them all — a long summer holiday weekend is here, and I’m sharing what I’ll be cooking, drinking, making and enjoying.
EATING
My baked beans are a must — truly the best. We’ll be grazing on snacks all day: peach burrata crostini, a red, white and blue party mix, a melon mosaic salad and a blueberry cucumber summer salad. Simple, bright dishes that travel well and scream summer.
DRINKING
Watermelon-grapefruit palomas are my top pick, and I’m also planning watermelon margaritas so I can turn some into salted watermelon margarita popsicles. Refreshing, fruity cocktails are essential for a long weekend in the heat.
MAKING
On the grill and the stove: caramelized onion smash burgers for a juicy main. For dessert, trifle is always a crowd-pleaser — triple berry trifle or a strawberry shortcake trifle with homemade vanilla bean pudding offer layers of summer fruit and cream that feel celebratory and effortless to assemble.
BAKING
I’ll be baking firecracker cupcakes and a triple berry sheet cake. The berry sheet cake is a favorite that keeps coming back into rotation — easy to slice and perfect for sharing at a picnic or backyard party.
CRAVING
I’m craving everything cooling: mojito watermelon wedges, a nostalgic summer pool party snack mix (replenish with salt!), and anything that helps beat the heat while staying light and flavorful.
GRILLING
This weekend it’s all about a hot dog bar for easy, customizable bites and a grilled chicken caprese pasta salad that combines smoky chicken with bright tomatoes, basil and mozzarella — great for serving warm or at room temperature.
READING
I just started Counterfeit by Kristin Chen and I’m into it. If you need more options, there’s a summer reading list with plenty of recommendations to inspire your next book by the pool.
LISTENING
I discovered the Summer I Turned Pretty playlist and it’s pure summer vibes — the kind of soundtrack you want on repeat while you’re outside soaking up the sun.
LOVING
Two episodes from The Lazy Genius on summer reading expectations and on kids and reading have been especially helpful. I get asked often how I read so much; the short answer is that reading is a non-negotiable part of my life, and these podcast episodes are great companions for thinking about how we make time for it.
WEARING
My favorite Lulu tee now comes in neon pink, and I’m still wearing a simple active/pool dress I found a few years ago — it remains one of the best lightweight, easy pieces for summer days by the pool or running errands.
SHARING
I made several new Reels this week featuring recipes and quick demos: broccoli slaw, lemon chicken pasta salad, honey mustard chicken, guacamole salsa, blackened chicken watermelon salad and tequila fruit punch. I don’t always love the emphasis on Reels, but they do reach people and help engagement, so I’m sharing short videos alongside regular posts.
SHOPPING
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview has a lot of great kids’ items and gear — the Doona stroller showed up in the sale, which was a favorite purchase for us. I usually pick up classic, useful pieces rather than fleeting trends; the sale is a good time to grab basics and home items that make great gifts later in the year. I’m also keeping an eye on Prime Day deals.
CELEBRATING
It’s the 4th of July weekend — a perfect time for festive food and drinks. I have a full 4th of July recipe guide ready if you need ideas. What are your plans for the long weekend?
