Happy Cinco de Mayo — and happy birthday to my best friend. If you missed my earlier post this week, I shared a tropical mango guacamole that’s both simple and full of flavor, ideal for parties or a casual snack. For something to sip alongside, consider a kombucharita punch or a minty mango margarita punch for extra fruity goodness.
This week has been low-key. Connor has been on call a lot, but thankfully he gets a rare weekend off next week, so we’re planning to visit the outdoor farmer’s market for the first time this season. With daylight stretching past eight, it finally feels like the beginning of summer.
We moved into the new place two weeks ago and are settling in nicely. Hanging artwork in a new home always seems to happen last, but I spent time decorating my office and it made a huge difference. My favorite piece is a seasonal fruit-and-vegetable foil-press poster my sister gave me — I love foil-press prints, and this tan poster adds warmth to the room.
I’m obsessed with Lindsay’s Japanese Kit Kat taste-test post — we actually found a few of those unusual Kit Kat flavors ourselves and are saving them for a special treat. Fun fact: we crossed paths with Lindsay and her husband Taylor while we were in Japan, and it was such a memorable trip.
My friend Sarah from Broma Bakery is running a food photography workshop this summer. If you want to sharpen your photography skills for food styling or blogging, it’s worth checking out.
Last weekend we made yeasted waffles and they were incredible — light, crisp, and they freeze well for quick mornings. I reduced the butter slightly and used instant yeast; the result was still fantastic. These are a great option for a special brunch. Another favorite for a brunch or snack: figgy buckwheat scones I made for my mom years ago — still one of my most memorable bakes.
There’s real value in unstructured time. Taking time to wander, daydream, or simply do nothing can spark creativity and calm — a gentle reminder to slow down sometimes.
We picked up a few woven baskets at World Market to organize Marley’s toys and corrals for hallway clutter. They were affordable and add nice texture to the space; I’m not paying an arm and a leg for a basket these days. While browsing, we grabbed a pack of Tim Tams for nostalgia — they instantly brought back memories and reminded me of the homemade version I once made.
I read an interesting piece about a chef leaving the restaurant business after decades — it made me think about how demanding that industry can be and how big a transition such a decision must feel after 40 years.
On the recipe front, I loved a guilt-free vegetable fried rice that sneaks in extra produce without sacrificing comfort. I’m also drawn to simple, satisfying recipes like a straightforward pot of chickpeas — meals like that are practical, nourishing, and easy to build on. If you have requests for the blog, tell me what kinds of simple recipes or posts you want to see more often.
And if you’re planning a trip to Chicago, I put together my restaurant recommendations recently and had a lot of fun recalling favorite places and meals. If you’re heading that way, feel free to use that guide when planning where to eat.
Thanks for reading this week’s roundup. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, trying a new recipe, exploring a market, or just rearranging art on the wall, I hope you find little moments this week that make your days feel like summer is arriving.