Hey hey and happy Friday!
It’s the 4th of July weekend and what a blast we all hope to have. Most years, one of the top spots would have most definitely included fireworks, but this year, watching fireworks in a crowd won’t be happening.
This summer is definitely looking a little different than years past, and feeling even more so. But I’m not going to let it diminish the shine summer puts on my face. Last week I mentioned my intention to make a list of 10 things I love about summer. I came up with a lengthy list, as summer lovin’ will do to a gal, but trimmed it down to things I feel comfortable doing with so many restrictions in place.
So, here’s 10 things I love about summer, the 2020 edition:
- Spend time on the water. As a true blue Aquarian, my happy place is spending as much time as I can at the pool, but this year has made it more challenging. To remedy that, this weekend we’ve rented a little cabin on the river and I cannot wait to just chill and listen to the water as I dip my toes in. Just hoping the mosquitos will stay away. I also bought an inflatable pool earlier this summer that I am just about desperate enough to break out and really want to check out these hot springs.
- Go camping. I’ve stalked, I’ve researched, I am officially obsessed, and I’m doing everything I can to justify buying..a little motorhome. It’s a fantasy I have for me and my husband (with our dogs once Smudge is off to college), to long roadies traveling from golf course to golf course, lake to lake, staying in our self-contained mini-motorhome as we tour the U.S. Not too small, because lord knows I want a really good bed. So first, we’re renting one this summer to take camping (to a lake, see #1 above) and see how we like it, then we’ll try another, and so on and so on. It’s all in the name of research.
- Day trip to watch the wild horses. Utah has them, so why not go see them?
- Go to the lake and pretend it’s the ocean. When we lived in LA, we spent so many weekends at the beach, making a full day and evening of it whenever we went. Time to load the cooler and chairs, the paddleboards and Smashball, stop to pick up grocery store sushi, and head to one of the many Utah lakes to dig our feet in the sand.
- Golf on 5 new-to-me golf courses. Gotta practice for when we get that motorhome!
- Socially distanced grilling get togethers. Our deck is a true extension of our home, and there’s nothing better than having family or a few friends over, 6 feet apart of course, to share a grilled rib eye steak, a nod to the 90’s arugula, watermelon and feta salad, and a little fellowship we’re all craving now.
- Drive to Bear Lake for a famous raspberry shake. Maybe get in the water too.
- Dig into the garden. Weeding, trimming, planting…it’s all therapeutic, with beautiful benefits.
- Canyon cookout. When the heat of the city just can’t be beat, head to the canyon for dinner over fire.
- Go to Fruit Way to shop the fresh produce stands. My favorite jaunt of the summer and oh my, those Brigham City peaches! And yes, stopping at Maddox Drive-in for a turkey burger is mandatory.
What do you have on your list of favorite summer things? Even if you can’t come up with ten, come up with one or two, and make them happen. It’s really what summer is all about.
But enough of all that. Let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves.
I’ve been getting eaten alive. Two things to do to keep mosquitos at bay.
plus…
10 plants to keep the creepy crawly flying buggers away.
You can’t do it all. Good ways to say “no” and set better boundaries.
How to manage anxiety during this weird time.
Put them on the list for when Americans are allowed back in: 15 best places to go for a girls trip to Europe.
and…
How to stay safe if you’re flying now.
11 podcasts you should be listening to about race.
L.A. just closed all dine in restaurants for the next 3 weeks. Just how safe is it to eat at a restaurant?
and…
The 10 tools she bought after working in a fancy restaurant kitchen.
God bless the food of the USA: A look at each states favorite food.
Speaking of, I could eat this salad for lunch all week long.
Literally cool: How to make an ice cream flag cake.
Your next baking challenge: Japanese milk bread.
It’s all in the wrist: How to slice a watermelon in under 5 minutes.
Chicken + beer and everyone’s happy.
Oh my, this classic cherry pie.
A 4th of July cheeseboard with all the red, white and blue.
These pesto potatoes in foil look like a great idea for the grill.
Who needs a campfire when you can eat these s’mores blondies instead?
I can see this healthy cashew chicken salad served for my lunch in lettuce leaves.
Oh man I LOVE a good grilled haloumi salad!
Instant Pot recipe alert: Indian style sloppy joes.
Asian garlic noodles sound like the perfect dinner or side for me.
No butter? No problem. Make these olive oil chocolate chip cookies instead.
I’ve always wanted to go to Santorini, but this place makes me want to get there even more.
You can rent this transparent cabin and get major glamping points.
The listing photos for this NYC house will NOT make you want to buy it. Yikes.
More pre-fab house inspo, but the decor is pretty rad too.
We’re in the final stages of redoing our landscaping (after 9 frigging months) and now it’s coming down to finalizing plants thanks to a little Mediterranean landscaping inspo:
- Grays and greens with lavender added in.
- Masses of succulents.
- Low and tall and meadowy.
and…
How to make the most out of your outdoor space.
This chain scrubber is the secret to keeping your cast iron pots and pans clean and rust free.
Just a good old-fashioned natural cleaning trick for streak-free glass and mirrors.
These hiking boots almost look cute, and comfortable.
Loving this flowy jumpsuit for summer.
Time to make the change and cut it down: Capsule wardrobe tips for beginners.
29 fashion forward masks for almost every day of the month.
And, since fireworks will be curtailed and it’s going to be hot as hades outside, try one of these 25 patriotic movies to watch over this 4th of July weekend.
Be safe and have a great one!
XOXO, H
We send good emails. Subscribe to FoodieCrush and have each post plus exclusive content only for our subscribers delivered straight to your e-mail box.
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more FoodieCrush inspiration.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.
Janelle
Heidi, I always enjoy your Friday Faves, but you must step out of the kitchen and give us a pictorial of your new landscaping when it’s all finished. We insist!!
Kate
Heidi — I live in New York, but have been to LaBeau’s while visiting relatives 18 years ago! So glad to hear those amazing raspberry shakes are still around! Happy 4th of July! I am going to try the Huli Huli Chicken and maybe Grandma’s Potato Salad. We cook your recipes at least once a week!