Your Ultimate Weekend Mix: June Delights, Delicious Recipes & Lifestyle Inspirations
Happy weekend, everyone! It feels surreal to already be stepping into the early days of June. Has time truly flown by this quickly? It’s astonishing to realize we’re nearly halfway through 2017. This time of year always brings a vibrant energy, a sense of fresh beginnings, and endless possibilities for outdoor adventures and delicious seasonal eats. As we transition into full-blown summer mode, I’m excited to share a fresh batch of reflections, recent discoveries, and delightful inspirations that have brightened my week and are sure to spark some joy in yours.
Celebrating Sweet Moments: National Doughnut Day & Beyond
Speaking of delightful, this past week brought us one of my absolute favorite food holidays: National Doughnut Day! There’s something undeniably comforting and joyous about a freshly made doughnut, and it’s a tradition I wholeheartedly embrace. If you’re ever in need of a quick, yet incredibly satisfying, doughnut fix at home, I cannot recommend these ricotta beignets enough. They are genuinely one of my go-to recipes, celebrated for their fluffy, pillowy texture and the exquisite balance of sweet lemon cardamom sugar with a bright lemon glaze. The best part? The batter comes together in a flash, making them perfect for an impromptu weekend treat or a special breakfast. Last weekend, Connor and I got a head start on the celebrations by visiting the newest doughnut sensation in our neighborhood, Dorite Donuts. Their innovative flavors and perfectly fried dough left a lasting impression, and I’m already eager for a return visit. Stay tuned for exciting updates to my Chicago restaurant guide, where Dorite Donuts is definitely making an appearance!
Personal Refresh: New Look & Family Visits
This weekend is shaping up to be a lovely one, as we’re delighted to host my wonderful parents-in-law, who are visiting us from out of town. There’s nothing quite like sharing good food and creating new memories with family. In other exciting personal news, I finally got around to having a haircut yesterday, and for the very first time in my life, I ventured into the world of hair color! It’s a milestone, to say the least. My incredibly talented hairdresser suggested we try balayage, a freehand technique designed to create soft, natural-looking highlights. The goal was to subtly amp up the natural brightness in my hair, and I am absolutely, completely loving the results! It’s super low maintenance, which is perfect for my busy schedule, and it’s incredibly gentle on the hair, making it an ideal choice for a first-timer like me. If you’re in the Chicago area and looking for a top-notch salon experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Solo Salon. Ask for Julio; he’s truly an artist, and feel free to tell them I sent you his way!
While investing in good hair care isn’t always cheap, I realized it had been almost a full year since my last haircut. Whoops! Sometimes, self-care takes a back seat, but moments like these remind me of the importance of taking time for oneself and feeling refreshed. It’s a small change that has made a big difference in how I feel, boosting my confidence and adding an extra spring to my step as we head into summer.
Weekend Loves: Discoveries & Inspirations for a Beautiful Life
This week has been full of exciting finds, from culinary delights to practical tips and travel dreams. Here are some of the things that have captured my attention and I believe you’ll love too:
Sip & Savor: Award-Winning Rosé for Under $10
Top of my priority list for the upcoming week is to seek out and stock up on this award-winning rosé. It recently won a prestigious award, yet remarkably, it’s available for less than ten dollars a bottle! Aldi has truly outdone itself with this Côtes de Provence gem. Imagine enjoying a crisp, refreshing glass of this dry, elegant rosé on a warm summer evening – it’s the epitome of affordable luxury. Its light fruit notes and subtle floral undertones make it the perfect companion for anything from a casual picnic to a more refined dinner. This is definitely a budget-friendly find that tastes anything but cheap, and I’m thrilled to incorporate it into our summer gatherings.
A Culinary Masterpiece: Pistachio Rosewater Cake
Erin, from Erin Made This, consistently creates the most beautiful and inspiring cakes, and her latest pistachio rosewater creation is absolutely no exception. This cake is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The delicate, nutty flavor of pistachio paired with the fragrant, slightly sweet aroma of rosewater buttercream is an ethereal combination. It’s the kind of dessert that transports you, making any occasion feel special. I adore how Erin blends sophisticated flavors with stunning presentation, turning simple ingredients into edible art. This cake is definitely on my “must-bake” list for a future celebration or simply when I want to indulge in something truly extraordinary.
Unlocking Travel Dreams: The Flight Deal Newsletter
For all my fellow travel enthusiasts out there, I recently signed up for this incredible flight deal newsletter, and you absolutely need to check it out immediately! If you harbor a deep love for exploring new destinations, this resource is a game-changer. It curates major flight deals from various airlines, often including error fares and limited-time promotions that can slash travel costs dramatically. Imagine spontaneously booking a dream trip because you found an unbeatable price – this newsletter makes those dreams a tangible reality. It’s an essential tool for savvy travelers looking to see more of the world without breaking the bank, and I’m already dreaming of our next adventure.
Summer Kitchen Inspiration: Beyond Green Salads
With the warmer weather officially here, my appetite shifts towards lighter, more vibrant meals. I’ve found tons of summer salad inspiration this week that goes far beyond the typical leafy greens. We’re talking about creative combinations featuring grilled fruits, ancient grains, roasted vegetables, and a medley of fresh herbs and unique dressings. These salads are not only refreshing and nutritious but also incredibly satisfying as a main course. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a light and flavorful dinner on a warm evening. I’m excited to experiment with some of these innovative recipes and infuse more color and variety into our summer menu.
Celebrating Salmon Season: Soy Ginger Poached Salmon with Soba Noodles
The start of salmon season is always a culinary highlight for me, and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing soy ginger poached salmon with soba noodles bowl? This dish is a perfect example of elegant simplicity. The salmon is delicately poached in a flavorful broth infused with soy sauce and ginger, resulting in incredibly tender and moist fish. Served alongside earthy soba noodles and crisp, fresh vegetables, it’s a harmonious bowl that’s both healthy and immensely satisfying. It’s light enough for summer, yet packed with robust flavors that make it truly memorable. A definite must-try for any seafood lover.
Anticipating Popsicle Week: Get Your Molds Ready!
Popsicle Week is just around the corner, and if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to stock up on this versatile popsicle mold! Homemade popsicles are a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and a wonderful, healthy alternative to store-bought options. You can create endless flavor combinations using fresh fruit purees, yogurt, coconut milk, or even infuse them with herbs like mint or basil. They’re fantastic for kids and adults alike, offering a burst of cool, refreshing flavor on a hot day. Get ready to unleash your creativity and experiment with vibrant, delicious frozen treats!
A Taste of Japan: Sakura Strawberry Jam
My talented friend Lindsay recently created a truly unique sakura (cherry blossom) infused strawberry jam, drawing inspiration from our mutual trip to Japan. The idea of combining the familiar sweetness of strawberries with the delicate, floral notes of cherry blossoms is simply enchanting. I can almost taste the subtle, aromatic essence of sakura mingling with juicy strawberries, evoking memories of spring in Japan. This artisanal jam sounds like a perfect spread for toast, a delightful topping for yogurt, or even a sophisticated addition to pastries. It’s a beautiful reminder of how travel can inspire culinary innovation.
Homemade Refreshment: DIY Ginger Brew
On my immediate “to-make” list is this fantastic recipe for DIY ginger brew. Homemade ginger brew is incredibly versatile and offers a potent, spicy, and deeply refreshing flavor that store-bought versions often lack. It’s absolutely perfect for crafting delicious mocktails, providing a spicy kick to your favorite cocktails, or simply enjoying on its own over ice. It would be an excellent base for last week’s pineapple punch, adding a complex layer of warmth and spice. Plus, ginger is known for its health benefits, making this brew not just delicious but also good for you!
The Art of Unplugging: Truly Relaxing on Vacation
This week, I also came across a thought-provoking article on the key to actually relaxing on vacation. The most important takeaway? Leave your laptop at home. It sounds simple, but it’s a profound truth. In our increasingly connected world, it’s all too easy to let work creep into our precious vacation time, preventing us from truly recharging and experiencing the mental benefits of a break. I am absolutely guilty of this one, often bringing my laptop with good intentions only to find myself checking emails. This article served as a much-needed reminder to fully disconnect, allowing the mind and body to completely unwind and refresh, which is essential for both well-being and productivity upon return.
Seasonal Baking: Easy Rhubarb Muffins
My weekend plans definitely include a hunt for fresh rhubarb to make a batch of these delightful rhubarb muffins. Rhubarb is a seasonal favorite, bringing a wonderful tartness that beautifully complements sweet baked goods. These muffins are incredibly easy to make, yielding a moist, tender crumb with pockets of tangy rhubarb, often topped with a delightful streusel or a sprinkle of sugar. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast, a midday snack with a cup of tea, or as a treat to share with visiting family. The vibrant flavor of rhubarb truly sings in these simple yet satisfying muffins, making them a quintessential early summer bake.
Wishing You a Joyful Weekend!
As we wrap up this week’s mix, I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your own weekend adventures, culinary explorations, or moments of self-care. May your days be filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. Here’s to making the most of these beautiful early June days!
And to brighten your day even further, here’s a smiley pup to bring a little extra joy!
