Summer Vibes & West Coast Wonders: An Oakland Travel Diary with Recipe & Lifestyle Favorites

Greetings from the sunny and vibrant landscape of Oakland, California! I’m currently enjoying a wonderful, albeit quick, visit with my sister, brother-in-law, and their adorable new addition, my niece, Cayla. While I’m refraining from inundating you with an excessive number of baby photos here (you can always catch the latest adorable glimpses on my Instagram stories!), rest assured, she is absolutely, undeniably precious and has completely stolen my heart. This trip has been a much-needed dose of family warmth and West Coast charm, providing a refreshing change of pace and scenery.

Beyond the delightful family time, I’ve found myself captivated by the unique beauty of California’s flora and topography. My phone’s camera roll is now brimming with approximately 58 photos of various bougainvillea in riotous bloom and striking cacti plants, each one a testament to the diverse botanical wonders found here. And oh, the weather! I’ve been luxuriating in this glorious, humidity-free climate – a stark and welcome contrast to the sticky summers I often experience. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to spend every moment outdoors, soaking up the sunshine. Then there are the hills! Give me all the steep incline hills; they’re a challenging yet exhilarating part of navigating this beautiful city and a distinct #midwestproblems solution I never knew I needed.

Before diving into more snapshots from my Californian adventure and some of my current favorite finds, I wanted to quickly touch base on a couple of recent updates from the blog. If you happened to miss it earlier this week, I shared my second farmer’s market ingredient spotlight post, this time featuring the delightful sour cherry. These little ruby gems are truly a seasonal treat, bursting with tart flavor that’s perfect for both sweet and savory applications. I highly encourage you to seek them out at your local market before their season ends. Along with that, I also published three fantastic make-ahead smoothie cup recipes. Seriously, if you’re looking to simplify your mornings and ensure you start your day with a nutritious boost, these are an absolute game-changer. They are incredibly easy to prep in advance, saving you precious time during busy weekdays. I cannot stress enough how much of a lifesaver they’ve been for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend trying to prep a few for the upcoming week if you have any extra time this weekend.

As promised, here are a few more visual glimpses capturing the essence of my trip so far. These images attempt to convey the atmosphere and beauty I’ve been fortunate enough to experience. Following these, you’ll find a curated list of some of my favorite links and discoveries from the past week, spanning everything from delectable recipes to practical lifestyle finds that I’m currently loving.

My Latest Obsessions: Recipes, Finds & Inspiration

This week has brought a fresh wave of culinary inspiration and delightful discoveries that I’m thrilled to share with you. From unique baking projects to refreshing summer meals and indispensable everyday essentials, here are a few things that have captured my attention and affection:

Exploring New Flavors in Baking: Rye Crust Sour Cherry Pie

Have you ever experimented with rye flour in your baking? My experience is somewhat limited, primarily to breads, but I am absolutely captivated by the rustic elegance and potential depth of flavor in this stunning rye crust sour cherry pie. The idea of pairing the slightly nutty and earthy notes of rye with the bright, tart sweetness of sour cherries sounds like a match made in culinary heaven. It promises a more sophisticated and interesting take on a classic summer dessert, moving beyond the typical all-purpose flour crust. The visual appeal alone, with its rich, golden-brown hue and vibrant filling peeking through, makes me want to preheat my oven immediately. I’m truly eager to try this unique combination and add a new dimension to my pie-making repertoire. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredient swaps can elevate a dish to something truly special.

The Epitome of Summer Indulgence: Coffee Cajeta Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

When it comes to summer treats, there’s nothing quite like a scoop (or two!) of perfectly churned ice cream. And this Coffee Cajeta Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is absolutely my idea of the perfect summer ice cream flavor. The rich, bold essence of coffee perfectly complements the sweet, caramelized depth of cajeta (a Mexican caramel made from goat’s milk), all studded with delightful chocolate chips for that satisfying textural contrast. It’s a complex yet incredibly harmonious flavor profile that hits all the right notes – creamy, sweet, slightly bitter, and utterly addictive. This recipe speaks to my love for unique flavor pairings and promises a truly gourmet experience right from your home freezer. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special, perfect for an evening treat or to impress guests at a summer gathering.

Light & Refreshing: Citrus Shrimp Avocado Salad

As the weather warms up, my cravings shift towards lighter, more vibrant meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. That’s why I absolutely cannot wait to make this citrus shrimp and avocado salad. This recipe screams summer to me – fresh, bright, and full of fantastic textures and flavors. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty citrus creates a harmonious explosion of taste that feels incredibly refreshing. It’s a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even as a standout dish for entertaining. Plus, it’s packed with healthy fats and lean protein, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. This salad truly embodies what I look for in a great summer meal: minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and an undeniable feeling of lightness.

A Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake with Milk Chocolate Cloud Frosting

For those moments when only the most decadent chocolate indulgence will do, look no further than this dreamiest triple chocolate fudge cake. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a masterpiece of rich, deep chocolate flavors. What truly elevates it to another level, however, is the “cloud frosting”! The mere mention of it conjures images of light, airy, yet intensely flavorful milk chocolate perfection. The idea of a frosting that is both ethereal and profoundly chocolatey is simply irresistible. This cake sounds like the ultimate celebration dessert, a showstopper that will satisfy even the most fervent chocolate cravings. I am completely sold on the concept of cloud frosting and can only imagine the delightful contrast it creates with the dense, fudgy cake layers. It’s a must-try for any serious baker or chocolate enthusiast.

Unlocking Trader Joe’s Treasures: 46 Favorite Finds

If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s (and honestly, who isn’t?), then you’re in for a real treat! Monique from Ambitious Kitchen recently rounded up 46 favorite finds for you to try out from this beloved grocery store. Sadly, I rarely make it to Trader Joe’s due to geographical constraints and the lack of a store within convenient driving distance. It’s a consistent source of lament for me because every time I see these kinds of lists, I realize just how much I’m truly missing out on. Trader Joe’s has a reputation for offering unique, high-quality, and often surprisingly affordable products, from specialty cheeses and wines to innovative snacks and frozen meals. This comprehensive list from Monique is like a treasure map, highlighting items that range from everyday staples to exciting new discoveries. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to maximize their TJ’s shopping experience or, like me, dreaming of a day when a store is just around the corner. I seriously need to make a dedicated trip soon!

Authentic Take-Home Chinese: Real Lo Mein Recipe

Confession time: I *never* go out for Chinese food. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it; it’s more that I haven’t found a local spot that truly captures the authentic flavors I crave. This makes this perfect make-at-home take-out lo mein recipe an absolute revelation for squashing that craving. The idea of recreating that beloved restaurant-style dish in my own kitchen is incredibly appealing. A good lo mein is all about those perfectly cooked noodles, tender vegetables, savory sauce, and often a choice of protein, all coming together in a harmonious stir-fry. This recipe promises to deliver on those authentic flavors and textures, making it a fantastic alternative to ordering out. It’s the kind of comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, and I’m genuinely excited to try my hand at making a homemade version that rivals the best take-out. It’s a true celebration of comforting home-cooked goodness.

A Summer Essential: Baba Ganoush Roasted Eggplant Dip

For fresh, flavorful, and healthy snacking or entertaining, this baba ganoush roasted eggplant dip combines so many of my favorite ingredients into one delicious summer staple. I adore the smoky, creamy texture of roasted eggplant, especially when it’s blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of fresh herbs. It’s a dip that’s both wonderfully satisfying and incredibly versatile. Perfect with warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, or even spread in a sandwich, baba ganoush brings a taste of the Mediterranean to any table. It’s naturally vegetarian, often vegan, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for everything from casual backyard barbecues to sophisticated appetizer spreads. This recipe highlights the natural deliciousness of simple, wholesome ingredients and is a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of summer produce.

The Ultimate Comfort: Bras That Live Up to the Hype (Nordstrom Sale Alert!)

Finally, moving beyond the kitchen for a moment, I have a non-food recommendation that is absolutely worth sharing. You guys, these bras genuinely live up to all the hype they receive. Finding a truly comfortable and supportive bra can feel like searching for a unicorn, but these deliver on all fronts. I actually own four of them, and I can confidently say they have held up incredibly well through countless washes and wears, maintaining their shape and comfort beautifully. They are genuinely *so* comfortable, providing excellent support without any digging or pinching – a true blessing for everyday wear. And with the Nordstrom sale currently happening, it’s the absolute perfect time to take advantage and invest in a few for yourself. Trust me on this one; your comfort will thank you! It’s one of those essential wardrobe items that can truly make a difference in how you feel throughout your day.

As my time in Oakland draws to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for the precious family moments, the invigorating West Coast air, and the fresh perspective this trip has offered. It’s always wonderful to reconnect, recharge, and find new inspirations, whether it’s through the stunning landscapes or the exciting culinary possibilities. I hope these glimpses into my journey and my current list of favorites provide you with some joy, a spark of creativity in the kitchen, or perhaps even a little comfort in your day. Keep exploring, keep cooking, and enjoy every beautiful plate!