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I’m not going to lie. As I sat right down to put this publish collectively, I discovered myself questioning, “What am I even going to share this week?”
It’s been a wet, comparatively uneventful week right here. However whereas I used to be out on a stroll this morning, pondering by means of all of the issues I may write about, I noticed one thing. Even when life feels slower than common, there may be nonetheless a lot good to note.
Recently, I’ve been leaning closely into the easy issues that make me really feel my greatest.
Day by day motion has turn into a non-negotiable for me, and I completely adore the Melissa Wooden Well being platform from the exercises to the meditations. I’ve been making time for walks with my mother, dinners with my household, and absorbing as a lot time as attainable with my sister earlier than she heads off to highschool within the fall. Earlier this week, we headed out for a night stroll at simply the appropriate time. The Florida air was heat, the sundown over the bay was lovely, and we ended up speaking by means of what felt like 100 completely different sister conversations.
I’ve been appreciating the smallest moments too, like saying goodbye to my youngest brother as he heads off to camp every day. It’s only a quick little day camp, however nonetheless.
I keep off social media for a lot of the day and attempt to be actually intentional with how I exploit it. I don’t spend a lot time scrolling. I hop on to share content material, join with you guys by means of feedback and DMs, after which I log again off.
I’ve additionally been listening to a number of podcasts, engaged on higher sleep habits, and completely burning by means of candles recently. My present favourite is Provence from Auden Lueur. It smells precisely like freshly baked lavender scones, and I’m obsessed.
And naturally, I’ve been spending most of my cash on flowers. Flowers, candles, and a brand new pair of sneakers. Though I’ll admit, I at the moment have a classic Chanel bag saved that I completely can’t cease fascinated by.
They’re all small issues, however they actually do make such a distinction.
And perhaps that’s a part of why I’ve discovered myself falling again in love with cooking recently too. The straightforward issues have a method of reminding you what issues.
The rationale I prepare dinner, and the rationale I fell so exhausting for recipe creation within the first place, is definitely quite simple. I really like making individuals really feel particular. I really like creating one thing that makes somebody really feel welcomed, cared for, and excited to assemble across the desk.
I really like creating the sensation of a night.
Candles lit. A heat home. Good meals. Contemporary flowers on the counter. In my very best world, the desk would all the time be set, the whole lot could be completely clear, and dinner would unfold precisely as deliberate.
However let’s be actual, that’s not my household’s actuality.
Most nights are chaos. Somebody is working late. The kitchen is a large number. The desk isn’t set.
However the candles are often lit. Generally there are flowers too. And there may be all the time actually good meals.
I’ve discovered that as an alternative of specializing in the whole lot I can’t management, I attempt to give attention to the issues I can. The flowers. The candles. The meals.
I’ve been cooking loads recently, and it’s been actually enjoyable sharing dinners with my household that they genuinely love. Creighton has apparently turn into our official meal critic, and I’m nonetheless chasing that good 10/10. I’ve gotten loads of 9/10s, however one way or the other these all the time appear to go to the steak dinners.
I do have a burger recipe coming quickly that earned itself a 9.8/10, and I can’t wait to share it with you guys. It’s going to be good for the Fourth of July.
This became a for much longer reflection than I meant, however I assume what I’m actually attempting to say is that this: if there’s one thing in your life you’ve been wanting to vary, begin small.
Melissa Wooden says one thing that all the time sticks with me:
“How badly would you like one thing in your life to vary? It begins with you proudly owning that it’s as much as you. How badly do you wish to really feel good?”
I really like that reminder as a result of it places the accountability again in our personal palms.
And truthfully, I feel that’s the place all significant change begins.
1. Issues I’m Loving.
listening to…’I knew It, I knew You‘. Say what you need about Taylor, however she comes out on high each time. This summer time, embrace your childhood smile. Smile so exhausting that it reminds you who you’ve all the time been. You solely get one life, and nothing feels extra releasing than reconnecting with the surprise, power, and pleasure you carried as a child. That model of you continues to be in there someplace. I actually imagine that.
gifting dad…I used to be going to do a complete Father’s Day edit. I sat down so as to add that part, however I truthfully may solely consider two issues I do know my dad would love. An ice maker (as a result of for no matter cause, he by no means has a working ice maker in his kitchen) and sneakers. I’m going to get him these sneaks. You’ll see beneath that I really like my Asics, so why not get Dad a pair too! And I ordered this GE Profile Opal 2.0 Extremely Nugget Ice Maker, however this Magic Chef has good scores too.
the whole lot in my cart (low)…my Zara Summer season Buying Checklist. Up first, these Flat Toe-Loop Sandals or these Flat Leather-based Sandals. Each are cute and look snug for on a regular basis put on this summer time.
And in order for you a snug heel? Attempt these fairly Wedge Sandals
If you would like a fantastic high to throw over your bathing swimsuit to go out to lunch, this Open-Again Knit Prime is so fairly. Throw it on with this structured knit skirt. And if you happen to’re headed on trip, Zara simply dropped this Printed Midi Skirt With Slit that may be nice for layering over your swimsuit or dressing up for dinner. It feels very summery and enjoyable!
I’ve this Strappy Tank Prime. And I’d get this Facet Ruched Prime, it’s the right primary tank.
For dinner, the Striped Strappy Midi Gown is enjoyable. Oh, and their Halter Neck Mini Gown too!
My mother has a couple of actually snug Hole crewnecks and sweaters that I really like. Ordering this Classic Tender Hoodie.
journey…The Finest Airbnbs in Italy, From Puglia to the Dolomites. I really like staying in lodges once I journey, however my mother will all the time desire renting an enormous home so the entire household can keep collectively. That is the home everybody stayed in whereas we have been in Livigno for the Olympics. I extremely advocate Livigno!
a fairly house…Leanne Ford & Grace Mitchell ‘Around the Spherical One Challenge in Spherical Prime, Texas.
baking…new recipes truthfully to share with YOU quickly, but when I wasn’t doing that, I’d bake my Caramel Peach Dump Cake.
for the kitchen…I discovered this Chamonix Eating Chair, and I feel it’s so candy. Dear, so sharing this Wood Chair kind Zara too. I can’t resolve which one I like extra!
the whole lot in my cart magnificence…I’ve been utilizing the EIGHTH DAY The Resurfacing Tonic Pads each different night time after showering and earlier than the my skincare routine, and I really like them. They really feel extremely refreshing and go away my pores and skin feeling easy and polished. Even after cleaning within the bathe, the pads nonetheless decide up grime and assist refine my pores and skin’s texture. A bit of goes a great distance too, so the jar lasts for much longer than anticipated.
a fairy story wedding ceremony…Mannequin Ming Xi Wore a Customized Dior Haute Couture Gown to Marry at Mont Saint-Michel in Northern France. An actual-life fairy story within the Mont Saint Michel Abbey on a tiny island in northern France. They have been the primary couple in over 1,000 years to be married right here. The costume, decor, the bride, groom, and kids – unbelievable photographs!
carrying… the Crimson Gentle Hat from HIGHERDOSE. I bought this for my dad!
simply now ordered…Havaianas Puffed Up Flip Flops. I really want a pair pairs of flip flops now that it’s summer time!
watching…Niall Horan and His Dinner Occasion Secrets and techniques – Whereas Cooking His Favourite Pasta. It’s truthfully only a candy, easy-to-watch video. Additionally, Nick Jonas on the “Thrilling” Pores and skin-Care Ritual Joe Taught Him.
the whole lot in my cart (excessive)… this classic Chanel Suede Chain Shoulder Bag, which is able to more than likely be offered out by now. However I feel it’s CUTE.
podcast decide of the week…Summer season Magnificence, Health & Wellness: What I’m Doing, Shopping for & Prioritizing on Nicely with Arielle Lorre. You’ll get extra out of this than you suppose. It’s enjoyable, so take a hear!
bought and love…the Nike Elevated Ankle Socks and On a regular basis Elevated Crew Socks. They arrive as a pack of three, they usually’re nice! I just about put on them day-after-day. Snug and breathable even within the Florida warmth.
Additionally bought… one more pair of Asics sneakers. I’ve been loving the Gel-Kayano 14s I purchased a couple of months in the past in Black and Pure Silver, so when the brand new Gel-Kayano 12.1 sneakers lastly got here again in inventory in my measurement, I ordered them instantly. We’ve been strolling a lot in Miami recently, and ever since I harm my ankle final yr, I’ve been actually aware about changing my sneakers each few months. It truthfully makes such a distinction in defending your toes and ankles.
loving…the Could Lindstrom The Joyful Galaxy Supercharged Physique Oil. The trick is to truly apply this within the bathe, identical to you’ll a physique wash. Our pores and skin absorbs extra product when moist. And if you get out of the bathe, your pores and skin feels baby-soft. I swear by it for glowy, summery pores and skin. I observe up with the Mutha physique butter or Osea physique butter. Each are nice! And if you happen to love a splurge magnificence product, the Augustinus Bader The Physique Cream is on sale at Bluemercury. They’re having a Summer season Buying Occasion!
2. Summer season BBQ Recipes.
Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé
Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad
Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini
Summer season BBQ Snack Combine
Steak and Crispy Potato Salad with Pickled Ranch
Mother’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Toasted S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
Selfmade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
3. Amazon Prime Day – summer time.
4. What’s Your Go-To HBH E-book and Recipe?
I’m so curious, which Half Baked Harvest cookbook is your go-to? And what recipes do you end up making repeatedly?
I by no means actually take the time to look again by means of my cookbooks. Actually, as soon as a e-book is launched and the standard promotional craziness wraps up, I not often revisit them.
However truthfully? The books are SO good.
I’ve poured the whole lot I’ve into every one, and every e-book feels so reflective of a special season of my life and profession. The recipes, the images, the temper of the e-book, all of it adjustments relying on the place I used to be creatively at the moment.
I can’t say I’ve one favourite cookbook, however I positively have favourite recipes from every.
From Half Baked Harvest, I make the 5 Ingredient Beer Bread essentially the most. And truthfully, I make it year-round. The Korean-inspired bowl on the duvet is so scrumptious, and I cherished each single seafood recipe a lot on this e-book.
From Tremendous Easy, the duvet recipe is a go-to for summer time!
With Each Day, I had a lot enjoyable creating all of the sandwiches. And the salads too! The Rosemary Rooster Avocado Salad is particularly good for summer time. In fact, I nonetheless make the duvet recipe typically, and the Candy Potato Pierogi are eternally a favourite.
And from the newest, Fast & Cozy, it must be the Rooster Parmesan Sandwich or the Sesame Schnitzel Pizzas. So good. Oh, and Nonnie’s Chili too!
Now inform me, which cookbook is your favourite, and what recipe do you make on repeat?
5. Weekly Digital camera Roll.
mother and sister dates are the very best type of date
That is cute! It’s spritz season! That is such a cute thought for a summer time night time. Construct an Italian menu and make it good. Begin with my Summer season Melon Salad or Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata. Then, grill or bake this 3 Cheese Prosciutto Peach Pizza. Prime the pizza with contemporary arugula tossed in oil, lemon, basil, and parmesan. Serve my Occasion Pasta Salad alongside. And for dessert, a Strawberry Tiramisu. In case you have my cookbook, make the chocolate tiramisu too!
Sunday night time Mexican Cobb salad
Summer season sandwich prep. That burrata!
When doubtful, add crispy prosciutto
SUMMER!
The calmness after a summer time storm
Korean night time
Summer season smoothies: plain Greek yogurt, complete milk, plenty of frozen wild blueberries and strawberries, a single date, Lineage protein, and cashew butter. Prime with bee pollen, hemp seeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and floor chia for slightly crunch and all the great issues.
Inspiration from Emma Grede
Nothing beats a PB&J
It will by no means get outdated. Do you all know the way a lot I LOVE seeing how the recipes and tales I share encourage you? Watching you prepare dinner, bake, host vacation gatherings, combine drinks, set lovely tables, all of it! It’s essentially the most particular a part of what I do and actually my favourite.
I really like sharing the images I paint in my head and bringing them to life with you. Seeing how every recipe, story, or thought evokes everybody differently is a lot enjoyable and endlessly rewarding. Thanks for inviting my creations into your kitchens, properties, and celebrations.
6. Inspiring Me.
7. Favourite Hyperlinks.
A Potato Chip Style Take a look at
14 Mom-Daughter Films That’ll Make You Textual content Your Mother Instantly
Dealer Joe’s Summer season Necessities to Seize on Your Subsequent Grocery Run
20 Analog Summer season Actions That’ll Make You Neglect Your Telephone Exists
Why Folks Really feel More healthy in Italy: 6 Italian Woman Wellness Habits Price Stealing
The Sneaky Tips I Use to Journey in Luxurious With out Spending a Fortune
16 Low-Value Methods to Have fun Father’s Day This 12 months
13 Fiber-Wealthy Meals for a More healthy Intestine
The place to Keep, Eat, and Play in Montecito
The One Factor That Makes a Behavior Stick
Why Self-discipline Outlasts Motivation
The Largest Yard Development of 2026 Isn’t a Pool or Pizza Oven
8. Clothes for that Summer season Marriage ceremony you Have.
This publish was initially printed on June 7, 2026
