The Weekly Mix: Celebrating Summer, Delicious Doughnuts, and Fresh Perspectives

Happy weekend, everyone! It feels surreal to acknowledge that we are already stepping into the early days of June. Has time truly flown by this quickly? It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway through 2017! The arrival of June always brings a renewed sense of energy and excitement, signaling the true beginning of summer adventures, longer days, and countless opportunities for new experiences. From sunny outdoor meals to relaxed evenings, this season promises an abundance of joy and delicious discoveries.

A Sweet Start to the Weekend: National Doughnut Day Delights

Adding to the weekend cheer, today marks National Doughnut Day, arguably my most anticipated food holiday of the year! There’s something undeniably comforting and celebratory about a fresh, warm doughnut. If you’re looking for a quick and incredibly satisfying doughnut fix, my ricotta beignets with lemon cardamom sugar and lemon glaze are an absolute must-try. The batter comes together effortlessly, making them a perfect last-minute treat for any occasion. They offer a delightful airy texture and a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out.

Connor and I wasted no time celebrating this glorious day a little early last weekend. We made a special trip to Dorite Donuts, the newest doughnut shop to open in our vibrant neighborhood. Exploring new local eateries is always a highlight, and their innovative creations certainly did not disappoint. These culinary adventures are part of an ongoing effort to keep my Chicago restaurant guide thoroughly updated with the best dining spots and hidden gems the city has to offer. Be sure to check back soon for the latest additions and recommendations to plan your next food tour!

Weekend Plans and a Fresh Look

This particular weekend is extra special as we’re delighted to host my parents-in-law, who are visiting us from out of town. It’s always a joy to spend quality time with family, share meals, and explore Chicago together. We have a few fun activities planned, from enjoying the city’s beautiful parks to discovering new local markets. These moments of connection and shared experiences are what truly make life richer and more meaningful.

In other exciting news, I underwent a bit of a personal transformation yesterday: I got a much-needed haircut and, for the very first time in my life, received a color treatment! Yes, you read that right – my first ever! My incredibly talented hairdresser suggested trying balayage to enhance the natural highlights in my hair, adding dimension and a sun-kissed look without a harsh line. I am absolutely loving the results; it’s incredibly low maintenance, grows out beautifully, and is surprisingly gentle on my hair. It’s truly remarkable how a subtle change can make such a significant impact on one’s confidence and overall feel. If you’re in the Chicago area and seeking a top-notch salon experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Solo Salon. Be sure to ask for Julio – and tell them I sent you! He truly has a gift for hair artistry.

While a quality salon visit is an investment, I realized it had been almost an entire year since my last haircut. Time truly flies when you’re busy! This experience served as a great reminder to prioritize self-care and indulge in those little luxuries that make you feel refreshed and vibrant. Sometimes, a fresh cut and a touch of color are exactly what you need to embrace the new season with renewed vigor.

This Week’s Curated Favorites: Food, Travel & Lifestyle

As always, I’m excited to share a collection of things that have captured my attention, inspired me, or simply brought a smile to my face this past week. From exciting culinary finds to invaluable travel resources and delightful recipes, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy and explore:

Indulge & Sip: Culinary Discoveries

• **An Unbeatable Summer Rosé:** Top on my list of things to do this weekend is to seek out and stock up on this award-winning Côtes de Provence Rosé from Aldi. Imagine enjoying a crisp, refreshing, internationally acclaimed wine for less than ten dollars a bottle! It’s the perfect affordable luxury for summer evenings and entertaining. This find is truly a testament that exquisite taste doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.
• **A Showstopping Pistachio Rosewater Cake:** Erin, a truly talented baker, consistently creates the most beautiful and inspiring cakes. Her pistachio rosewater creation with rosewater buttercream is no exception. The delicate flavors of pistachio and rosewater combined with her impeccable presentation make this cake a work of art. It’s perfect for a special occasion or simply to impress your guests with a unique dessert.
• **DIY Ginger Brew for Refreshing Drinks:** On my immediate ‘to-make’ list is this fantastic DIY ginger brew. It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for crafting sophisticated mocktails and cocktails all summer long. Imagine the zesty kick it would add to last week’s pineapple punch, or how it could elevate a simple gin and tonic. Homemade ginger brew offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
• **Sakura Strawberry Jam: A Taste of Japan:** My dear friend Lindsay recently crafted a unique sakura (cherry blossom) infused strawberry jam. Her inspiration came from our unforgettable mutual trip to Japan, where the beauty of cherry blossoms captivated us. I can almost taste the delicate floral notes perfectly balanced with sweet strawberries. This jam sounds like a truly exquisite treat, bringing back wonderful memories and adding a touch of elegance to any breakfast or dessert.

Seasonal Eats & Healthy Inspirations

• **Abundant Summer Salad Inspiration:** With warmer weather upon us, nothing beats a fresh, vibrant salad. I found tons of summer salad inspiration that goes beyond just leafy greens. These recipes celebrate seasonal produce, offering creative combinations and exciting flavors that are perfect for light lunches, dinner sides, or even main courses. Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a spectrum of colors and textures!
• **A Refreshing Salmon Soba Noodle Bowl:** To celebrate the official start of salmon season, this refreshing soy ginger poached salmon with soba noodles bowl is an absolute winner. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with nourishing ingredients. The combination of tender salmon, earthy soba noodles, and a savory soy-ginger dressing makes for a perfect healthy meal on a warm day.
• **Get Ready for Popsicle Week!** Have you stocked up on this versatile popsicle mold yet? If not, now is the time! Popsicle Week is just around the corner, and with this mold, you’ll be prepared to create an array of delicious, homemade frozen treats. From fruity purees to creamy delights, the possibilities are endless for beating the summer heat in the most delicious way.
• **Easy Rhubarb Muffins for the Weekend:** My weekend plans definitely include looking for fresh rhubarb and baking a batch of these easy rhubarb muffins. Rhubarb is a quintessential spring and early summer ingredient, offering a delightful tartness that pairs perfectly with sweet baked goods. These muffins are an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, and fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Travel & Lifestyle Essentials

• **Unlock Major Travel Deals:** If you share my love for travel and are always on the hunt for a great deal, you absolutely need to check out this flight deal newsletter immediately. I recently signed up, and the major deals they highlight are truly incredible. It’s an invaluable resource for finding affordable flights to your dream destinations, making those aspirational trips a much more tangible reality.
• **The Secret to Truly Relaxing on Vacation:** We all crave a truly restorative vacation, but often find ourselves still tied to work. This article, “What Happens to Your Brain When You Work on Vacation?”, shares the key to actually unwinding and recharging. The main takeaway? Leave your laptop at home. I’m totally guilty of bringing work along, so this serves as a powerful reminder to disconnect fully and allow your mind to truly rest and rejuvenate.

And finally, to brighten your day and send you into the weekend with a smile:

Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekend filled with good food, great company, and plenty of moments to cherish!