Summer Fridays Volume 8: New Releases & Seasonal Favorites

summer fridays

Hello summer Friday! Here’s what my weekend looks like.

EATING

An old favorite: my brown butter garden vegetable pasta skillet. I’m also planning to make the summer BBQ quinoa salad — bright, smoky, and perfect for warm weather.

DRINKING

Definitely a lemonade frosé for the win. I’m also craving a giant margarita — tangy, cold, and exactly what summer calls for.

MAKING

I’ll be making the strawberry crunch salad while we still have summer berries. For dessert, I’m thinking lavender vanilla latte ice cream — delicate, floral, and perfect for a slow weekend.

BAKING

Chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado fudge frosting are on my list. They sneak in vegetables while still feeling indulgent — a win-win.

GRILLING

Caramelized onion grilled focaccia is heavenly right off the grill. I’m tempted to pair it with grilled spatchcock chicken for a relaxed, delicious meal.

CRAVING

Salted pretzel s’mores crunch bars — anything s’mores-related is calling my name right now.

LISTENING

I’ve been looping a “summer girls trip” playlist from a few years ago. It’s upbeat, nostalgic, and sets the perfect mood for long, lazy days.

READING

I’m in a thriller mood and considering starting Such A Quiet Place. If you’re looking for more options, check my summer reading list for picks that suit beach days, flights, or porch reading.

WEARING

I loved the Freedom Moses slides last year and still wear them nonstop. They’re my go-to outdoor shoes for watering plants and spending time with the kids — comfortable and easy. I never thought I’d favor something over Birkenstocks, but these are perfect for summer.

SHOPPING

I still have a few things I want from the Nordstrom sale. I’m eyeing a cozy blanket, a versatile bag, and debating an AllSaints leather jacket. It’s tempting, but I haven’t decided yet. My favorites list has everything I’m considering.

LOVING

I’m obsessed with the idea of “spiritual age” — both for kids and adults. Even though I often feel youthful, my inner sense of self sometimes feels much older, and I love that contrast.

BUYING

If you want to be delightfully over-eager like me, consider picking up the adorable pumpkin pillows that sold out last year. I’m not ready for fall yet, but I’ll make a small exception for these cute seasonal accents.

PACKING

We’re getting ready for a Michigan vacation soon. I’m a list-driven packer and usually have everything nearly ready, but traveling with a baby adds extra gear. My favorite travel bag is the large MZ Wallace tote — it fits everything. I also love neoprene Dagne Dover totes because they’re durable and practical. A few baby items that are game changers: a travel crib with bassinet attachment, a portable baby dome, and a Baby Björn bouncer I’ve used since my older child — all reliable for road trips and vacations. Should I put together a road trip travel essentials post?

summer fridays

xoxo