The Weekly Mix: Embracing Summer, Culinary Inspiration, and Weekend Adventures
As the long weekend unfolds, marking the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day, there’s a tangible sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. We hope you’re all geared up for some wonderful plans over the next few days! Here at home, we’re embracing a more relaxed pace this particular weekend, enjoying the calm before a flurry of upcoming events. The next few weeks promise to be quite eventful, filled with the joyous celebration of a wedding and cherished visits from family and friends. It’s truly a beautiful time of year to connect with loved ones and make lasting memories.
Just last weekend, Connor and I embarked on a delightful spontaneous adventure up to Edgewater, where we spent a peaceful afternoon exploring the stunning campus of Loyola University, nestled right on the shores of Lake Michigan. It was an incredibly serene experience. Imagine walking along paths with half of the campus majestically set against the sparkling expanse of the water – truly a breathtaking sight (as captured in the image above). I’m still wondering why it took me so long to discover this gem, but it has quickly become one of my new favorite walking spots in Chicago. The day was perfectly overcast, lending a soft, diffused light to the landscape. The campus was remarkably quiet, and with just a slight chill in the air, we felt as though we had the entire serene environment to ourselves. It was an incredibly calming and peaceful escape from the city’s usual hustle and bustle, offering a moment of quiet reflection and natural beauty.
Fresh Culinary Ideas and Seasonal Inspirations
Beyond our urban explorations, my mind is constantly buzzing with new culinary ideas. I’m currently deep in the exciting process of brainstorming fresh recipes for the weeks ahead, aiming to bring you delicious and inspiring dishes. This is where your input truly helps! Please don’t hesitate to send over any ideas or specific recipes you’d love to see featured here on the blog. Are you craving more vibrant, light salads perfect for summer lunches and picnics? Perhaps some refreshing cocktails to unwind with on warm evenings? Or maybe easy, comforting pasta dishes that can be whipped up on a busy weeknight? And with stone fruit season just around the corner, are there any particular stone fruit desserts, like peach crumbles or plum tarts, that pique your interest? I am genuinely all ears and eager to hear your suggestions to tailor upcoming content to what you want to cook and enjoy!
In case you might have missed them, I had the pleasure of sharing two fantastic recipes earlier this week that are absolutely perfect for the season. First, these incredible wild rice veggie burgers were a highlight. They come from my friend Shelly’s eagerly anticipated cookbook, Vegetarian Ventures, and are truly a game-changer for plant-based eating. They’re hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal choice for your next backyard BBQ or a healthy weeknight meal. Alongside those, I also posted this wonderfully refreshing pineapple punch. It’s a vibrant, tropical concoction that’s not overly sweet and perfectly sized to make just enough for a small gathering of friends, adding a cheerful touch to any occasion.
My Favorite Finds This Week: A Curated Collection
It’s always a pleasure to share a curated selection of things that have captured my attention and brought me joy recently. Here’s a handful of discoveries and delights I’ve been absolutely loving this week, spanning from irresistible breakfast treats to practical home solutions and inspiring reads:
Sweet Starts to Your Day
- If you find yourself with some extra time this coming weekend, perhaps looking for a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch project, I honestly can’t imagine a better way to kickstart your day than with these incredible hibiscus donuts. The vibrant color and unique floral flavor sound absolutely divine, making them a truly special treat that goes beyond your average donut. “Woah” truly doesn’t even begin to cover it – they look like a work of art!
- For those who appreciate a classic comfort food with a twist, these cinnamon swirl pancakes have definitely caught my eye. They look incredibly fluffy and are laced with that irresistible ribbon of cinnamon sugar. I’m thinking they might just *need* to make an appearance on my breakfast table very, very soon, perhaps for a cozy Sunday morning with a strong cup of coffee.
Smart Meal Planning & Savory Delights
- As I gear up for another busy week ahead, I’ve found myself looking back at last year’s incredibly helpful meal plan. It’s a fantastic resource for simplifying dinner prep and includes a free, organized grocery list, which is a lifesaver. This year, I’m planning a little substitution to keep things fresh and exciting: I’m definitely going to swap out the acorn squash recipe for this absolutely delicious and aromatic vegan garam masala carrot soup. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a nourishing meal.
- Are you, like me, a crumpet lover? Oh, I just adore them! I used to make it a point to bring back a package every single time I was lucky enough to travel to England. There’s something so uniquely comforting about their spongy texture and the way they perfectly soak up butter or jam. The exciting news is that now I can actually make my own from scratch! This is a culinary challenge I’m truly looking forward to tackling, bringing a little piece of English breakfast tradition right into my kitchen.
- For a lighter, yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal, the sound of this easy Vietnamese noodle salad has been calling my name. It promises a vibrant mix of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and delicate noodles, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s such a versatile dish too – you can easily top it with your choice of grilled chicken, succulent shrimp, or even some marinated tofu for a delightful and healthy dinner option that tastes like summer in a bowl.
- And speaking of summer, if you’re fortunate enough to find those wonderfully tart sour cherries at your local farmer’s market, you absolutely must try this sour cherry berry crisp. It’s an old favorite of mine for a reason! The balance of sweet berries and tangy cherries under a buttery, crumbly topping is simply divine. Served warm with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, it’s the epitome of a perfect seasonal dessert.
Lifestyle & Home Enhancements
- I found this an incredibly interesting and insightful read on the evolution of the natural beauty movement. It explores the forces behind its growth and the shift in consumer preferences towards more mindful and sustainable choices. I am genuinely all for it – embracing natural ingredients and ethical practices in our beauty routines feels like a positive and necessary step forward.
- It might seem like a small thing, but we finally hung the very last of our artwork in the new apartment! You have no idea how incredibly happy that makes me. No more leaning canvases or framed prints lying on the ground, creating clutter! On a totally random but incredibly useful note, we discovered this ingenious hang and level tool at Home Depot, and it has been *so* incredibly helpful. It takes all the guesswork out of hanging pictures straight and at the perfect height – a total game-changer for anyone setting up a new space or refreshing their decor.
- As we transition fully into warmer weather, my thoughts turn to outdoor living. I spotted the cutest outdoor dining set that seems absolutely perfect for summer entertaining. What makes it even better is that it’s designed to be durable and practical, meaning it “won’t break” easily, which is a huge plus when you’re looking for something reliable for al fresco meals and gatherings all season long.
Entertainment Excitement
- And for those of us who love a gripping political drama, I am so very excited about the House of Cards season release, which is just around the corner on May 30th! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Underwoods’ story, and I’m ready to dive back into the intricate web of power, ambition, and betrayal.
That wraps up another edition of The Weekly Mix! I hope you found some inspiration, whether for your kitchen, your home, or your weekend plans. Enjoy the long weekend, savor the unofficial start of summer, and take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. I’ll be back soon with more delicious recipes and lifestyle insights. Until then, happy cooking and happy living!