Embracing Summer: Memorial Day Reflections, Chicago Adventures, and Fresh Recipe Inspirations

The much-anticipated Memorial Day weekend has finally arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer! I hope you all have exciting plans lined up for the next few days, whether they involve relaxing at home, embarking on a mini-adventure, or gathering with loved ones. Around here, we’re keeping our celebrations fairly low-key this year, embracing a slower pace and cherishing quiet moments. However, the upcoming weeks promise a whirlwind of activity, with a beautiful wedding on the horizon and several delightful family visits scheduled. It’s a wonderful balance of calm and excitement, perfectly setting the tone for the summer season ahead.

Just last weekend, Connor and I ventured north to Edgewater, where we spent a lovely afternoon exploring the sprawling campus of Loyola University, nestled right on the shores of Lake Michigan. It was an absolutely breathtaking experience. Approximately half of the campus is uniquely situated along the water’s edge, as you can see in the picture above, offering truly stunning panoramic views. I honestly can’t believe it’s taken me this long to discover and tour this magnificent campus. The serene beauty of it all instantly made it one of my new favorite walking spots in Chicago. The day was overcast, creating a soft, diffused light, and an incredible sense of quietude pervaded the air. We were practically the only people around, which only amplified the calming and peaceful atmosphere. Strolling along the lake, with the gentle breeze and the muted sounds of the city in the distance, felt like a much-needed escape from the everyday hustle. It’s moments like these that remind me of the hidden gems our city holds, just waiting to be explored.

Beyond our urban explorations, I’ve been incredibly busy in the kitchen, deep in the process of brainstorming a fresh batch of recipes for the coming weeks. As the weather warms and seasonal produce becomes abundant, my creativity is truly sparked. This is where you, my wonderful readers, come in! I’d absolutely love to hear your ideas and what kind of dishes you’d be excited to see featured here. Are you craving vibrant, refreshing salads perfect for summer picnics and light lunches? Perhaps you’re in the mood for festive cocktails, ideal for entertaining friends on warm evenings? Or maybe you prefer simple yet satisfying easy pasta dishes that come together quickly after a long day? And with stone fruit season almost upon us, I’m particularly interested in hearing if you’d like to see more delectable stone fruit desserts, showcasing the natural sweetness of peaches, plums, and cherries. I’m all ears, so please don’t hesitate to send your suggestions my way! Your input helps shape the content and ensures I’m creating recipes that genuinely resonate with what you’re looking for.

In case you might have missed them earlier this week, I recently shared two fantastic recipes that have already become household favorites. First up are these awesome wild rice veggie burgers. This recipe comes from my talented friend Shelly’s highly anticipated upcoming cookbook, Vegetarian Ventures. These burgers are a revelation – hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect, satisfying alternative to traditional meat burgers for any barbecue or weeknight meal. They hold together beautifully and are incredibly versatile. Alongside those, I also posted this wonderfully refreshing pineapple punch. It’s an easy-to-make, tropical delight that’s perfect for cooling down on a warm day. What I particularly love about this punch recipe is that it makes just enough for a small group of friends, avoiding any waste and ensuring every sip is enjoyed fresh. It’s wonderfully balanced – not too sweet, with a bright, tangy kick that truly awakens the palate. Both of these recipes are excellent additions to your spring and early summer repertoire, offering both healthy indulgence and vibrant flavors.

As promised, here’s a carefully curated handful of things I’ve been absolutely loving and obsessing over this week, from delicious culinary finds to helpful home hacks and inspiring reads:

If you find yourself with some precious extra time this holiday weekend, I genuinely cannot think of a more delightful way to start your day than with these incredible hibiscus donuts. Seriously, just the thought of them makes my mouth water. The vibrant color and unique floral notes of hibiscus are such a sophisticated twist on a classic treat. They’re not only visually stunning but also offer a delicate, fragrant flavor that is truly unique and memorable. Imagine pairing one of these with your morning coffee or tea – pure bliss and an elevated breakfast experience.

Gearing up for what promises to be a busy week ahead, I’ve been revisiting last year’s meal plan. It was incredibly successful in helping me stay organized and eat well, and it even includes a super handy free grocery list, which is a lifesaver for efficient shopping! This year, to add a bit of seasonal variety and warmth, I’m going to make a delicious substitution. Instead of the acorn squash recipe from last year’s plan, I’ll be swapping in this incredibly fragrant and comforting vegan garam masala carrot soup. It’s a wonderful way to introduce new flavors while still sticking to a structured meal plan. Meal planning, in general, has been a game-changer for me; it reduces stress, saves money, and ensures that healthy, home-cooked meals are always within reach, even on the busiest of days.

Are you, like me, a devoted crumpet lover? Oh, I just adore them! Their unique spongy texture, those perfect little holes for butter and jam – they are truly a breakfast masterpiece. I used to make it a point to bring back a package every single time I traveled to England, savoring each one as a delightful reminder of my trips. But now, thanks to this fantastic recipe, I can finally make my own crumpets from scratch right in my own kitchen! There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating these beloved treats at home, and the fresh, warm results are absolutely incomparable. If you’ve never tried making them, I highly encourage it!

The sound of this easy Vietnamese noodle salad is calling my name. It sounds like the perfect light and fresh meal for warmer weather. What appeals to me most is the promise of vibrant flavors, crisp vegetables, and tender noodles all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s incredibly versatile too – imagine it topped with perfectly grilled chicken for a protein boost or succulent shrimp for a taste of the sea. This kind of salad epitomizes refreshing summer dining, offering a delightful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes that are characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.

If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon fresh sour cherries at your local farmer’s market this season, I wholeheartedly recommend trying this sour cherry berry crisp. It’s an old favorite of mine that never fails to impress. The tartness of the sour cherries beautifully complements a medley of sweet berries, all nestled under a golden, buttery oat crisp topping. There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a fruit crisp, and this particular combination is simply divine. It’s especially good served warm, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting gloriously over the top – a quintessential taste of summer that evokes pure contentment.

I found myself completely engrossed in an interesting and thought-provoking read this week about the evolution of the natural beauty movement. It’s a fascinating exploration into why more and more consumers are seeking out clean, ethically sourced products. I’m absolutely all for this shift. Understanding the ingredients we put on our bodies is just as important as understanding what we put into them. The movement towards transparency, sustainability, and healthier alternatives in the beauty industry is a positive change that benefits both individuals and the environment, and it’s inspiring to see its continued growth and innovation.

These cinnamon swirl pancakes are absolutely calling my name and might just need to make a very welcome appearance in my life very soon. The idea of warm, fluffy pancakes infused with a luscious cinnamon sugar swirl is pure breakfast indulgence. They promise to elevate any weekend brunch into something truly special and memorable. Imagine a stack of these, drizzled with a touch of maple syrup, providing the perfect balance of sweet and comforting. It’s the kind of treat that makes waking up on a lazy morning even more delightful.

In a small but significant victory for our new apartment, we finally managed to hang the very last of our artwork this week! I truly cannot tell you how happy and relieved that makes me. For far too long, we had various pieces lying on the ground, waiting for their rightful place on the walls, and the sense of completion is incredibly satisfying. It transforms a house into a home when personal touches like artwork are displayed. On a totally random but incredibly helpful note, we stumbled upon 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 perfectly straight and precisely where you want them, making the process effortless and frustration-free. It’s a small investment that yields huge returns in terms of home decor satisfaction.

As we anticipate warmer evenings and more outdoor entertaining, I’m constantly on the lookout for stylish yet practical outdoor furniture. This cutest outdoor dining set immediately caught my eye. What makes it particularly appealing, beyond its charming aesthetic, is the promise that it “won’t break!” Durability is key for outdoor pieces, enduring various weather conditions and frequent use. This set seems perfect for creating an inviting al fresco dining experience throughout the summer, whether for casual brunches or lively dinner parties under the stars. It blends aesthetic appeal with functional resilience, a winning combination for any patio or deck.

And finally, as a dedicated fan, I am so very excited about the highly anticipated *House of Cards* season release on May 30th! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Frank and Claire Underwood’s political machinations and power plays. The show’s intricate plotlines, superb acting, and gripping suspense always make for compelling viewing. It’s the perfect series to binge-watch during those quiet evenings after a busy day, offering a captivating escape into the dramatic world of Washington D.C. I’m already clearing my schedule to dive right in!

This Memorial Day weekend, as we pause to reflect and celebrate, remember to savor the simple joys, whether that’s a new walking path, a delightful homemade crumpet, or the anticipation of new recipes. I’m already looking forward to connecting with you all next week with more culinary adventures and life updates. Until then, have a wonderful and restorative long weekend!