Hello weekend!
This week on the blog I shared a few new recipes and roundups I’m excited about. I posted this delicious baked chicken pesto pasta, which is a comforting weeknight meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. I also shared grilled garlic butter shrimp, a quick, flavor-packed dinner that comes together on the grill in minutes.
When I’m trying to avoid elaborate cooking, I rely on easy recipes — so I published a collection of dinners I make when I don’t want to cook, full of shortcuts, simple swaps, and maximum flavor with minimal fuss. There’s also a fresh Summer Fridays post to savor seasonal ideas and little weekend joys.
It’s also Nordstrom Anniversary Sale season, and I rounded up my favorite picks from the sale, from wardrobe staples to home finds. If you’re shopping the sale, that post collects what I love and what’s worth grabbing before items sell out.
On the reading front, I shared everything I read in May and June — a mix of fiction and nonfiction I enjoyed — in that reading roundup. If you’re looking for book ideas for summer, take a peek.
My newsletter is still going strong — you can subscribe to my Substack for a curated list of favorites, recipes, and discoveries. If you want to browse products I use and recommend, check out my shop pages: ShopMy, my Amazon storefront, and my LTK shop.
There’s also a new weekly menu with meal ideas to simplify planning, and a fresh A Week in the Life post that gives a peek into our everyday routine.
What I’m Loving This Week
Perfect dark chocolate ice cream — rich, slightly bitter, and deeply satisfying. I’ve been dreaming of a scoop after dinner and this recipe looks like the ideal homemade version. (dark chocolate ice cream)
A layered Mexican street corn dip that’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with corn, cheese, and fresh herbs — a must for gatherings and summer parties. (7 layer street corn dip)
A no-bake Neapolitan cake for anyone who loves strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla together without turning on the oven — perfect for a warm-weather celebration. (neapolitan no bake cake)
A black-bottom strawberry cream pie that combines a dense chocolate base with light, fruity filling — elegant and delicious for summer dessert. (Black bottom strawberry pie)
Buttermilk blueberry muffins for weekday breakfasts and snackable treats — moist, tangy, and studded with fruit. (blueberry muffins)
Copycat Pizza Hut breadsticks that would have my kids ecstatic — buttery, garlicky, and impossible to resist alongside a simple marinara. (Copycat pizza hut breadsticks)
Caprese grilled chicken with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil — a summer main that feels fresh and satisfying. (caprese grilled chicken)
Homemade smothered potatoes — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned just right for a weekend brunch side. (Home fries)
An avocado corn salad that’s bright, creamy, and perfectly seasonal — a great side for cookouts or easy lunches. (avocado corn salad)
Hugo spritz jello shots for a fun, bubbly twist on party treats — whimsical and festive. (Hugo spritz jello shots)
A simple watermelon salad with feta and herbs to cool down hot afternoons — bright, hydrating, and easy to make. (watermelon salad)
Zucchini herb fritters that are crispy, herbaceous, and a great way to use summer squash — excellent with a dollop of yogurt or aioli. (Zucchini herb fritters)
I’m also planning to try quick pickled cabbage this weekend — it’s a versatile, tangy condiment that brightens sandwiches, bowls, and salads. (quick pickled cabbage)