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The heat of July, packaged with relentless humidity, and loads of rain, is really only benefiting one thing: our garden. We, on the other hand, are having a less-than-stellar time. There is the constant sweating, changing multiple times each day, our kitchen not exactly being a “good” temperature for cooking, and making sure Pepper has lots of ice so that she doesn’t cook, either.
And while I never want to put a damper on summer, I do love the season, this excessive humidity, paired with a lot of heat and unpredictable, extreme rain (my heart goes out to VT), is really creating quite the picture of summer 2023. Check back with me in January when I’ll fondly remember the constant-sweating coffee cups, but at the moment…this is a lot.
On a greener note, our yard is exploding! Lush plants aplenty, extra-long grass, overflowing rose bushes, hasta plants beaming, and everything else that appears this time of year is really thriving.
What’s even better? Our raised beds of dahlias and zinnias are the stars of the yard. I ordered a whole host of dahlia tubers back in the winter and crossed my fingers for a Dahlia Bonanza come summer. Low and behold, it’s happening!
Seth planted 17 tubers and they are all, so far, growing extremely well. I have even been able to cut a few flowers already for my first kitchen table arrangement. Yippee! Now, I don’t exactly have a green thumb, but I have a lot of vision for my yard/garden design goals. Thankfully Seth is excellent at the “making it happen” side of things so my vision for “Dahlia Land” is well on its way. Hooray!
Did you know that Pasta Beach is an actual restaurant? It’s located on Rowes Wharf right near the Boston Harbor Hotel; and despite never having gone there to eat (probably won’t bother given it’s lack of GF options), I really love the name of it. Pasta Beach. Two words that don’t really go together, but also work perfectly to conjure up significant nostalgia from summers long ago.
I don’t know about you, but I crave Italian food quite a bit during the summer. Is that weird? Somewhat. Growing up, my family went to Maine every summer and we frequented a few Italian restaurants over and over again, year after year. So, naturally, piping hot bowls of pasta became the norm for dinner when it was also piping hot outside. I also ate plenty of garlic bread, chicken parm, and all of the other “classics.”
Looking back, I am amazed that this craving has carried into adulthood. My celiac diagnosis didn’t come to be until I was 27 so I’m shocked I consumed so much regular pasta way back then without repercussions. Lucky me? On the flip side, decades of pasta-filled summers has turned me into an Italian-food-in-the-summer adult, which is not a bad thing. Honestly, I think this just calls for a trip to Italy. ;)
Pasta Beach is a restaurant I may never visit, but the phrase is one that will stick with me forever. It’s also a nice reminder that I need to get to the beach ASAP. It’s hot out!
Finally, speaking of food and restaurants, has everyone finished Season Two of The Bear? It’s on Hulu and we finally saw the last episode/finale last night. OMG I love this show.
Not only is it an exquisite look behind-the-scenes of running/opening a restaurant (and family business), but it’s one heck of an example of incredible writing. This show does an excellent job showcasing very difficult family relationships of all kinds and how tough events of the past and present can have such a profound impact on one’s personal and professional life.
The Bear is a whirlwind at all times, don’t watch if you’re stressed about something else, and is an awesome mix of panic, joy, tension, and fun all at once. Plus, a lot of great food. It will make you hungry. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time!
The weather for the next several days continues to look hot, humid, and unsettled, so I’ll be living in the most lightweight clothing I can find. And I definitely think it’s a multiple-ice-cream kind of weekend. Perhaps some pasta, too. ;)
Hot Day [Dinner] Ideas and a Breakfast Tip.
If you’re in need of an ocean (harbor) view, and some great sushi, I definitely think you should head to the Legal Harborside roof deck for cocktails and really delicious sushi. Get a lobster roll too if you’re so inclined. These days, the more seafood the better!
Spicy, hot red curry shrimp and veggies is a staple dish we make year-round. Is it even better after a wicked hot summer day? Usually. ;)
When it’s literally too hot for cooking, a Caesar Salad is a great choice. We made one this week with kale, crispy chickpeas, and homemade GF croutons. Store-bought creamy Caesar dressing is perfect for this low-effort, high-flavor meal.
Breakfast tip! Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins are delicious with an iced latte.
A Buffet for Today: 7/14/2023
In case you need a reminder, like I did, J.Crew Factory has great summer clothes at pretty fabulous prices. I picked up extra linen-blend shorts (under $30 each) and basic tanks ($10 each) that were a fraction of the cost they would be at the regular J.Crew or another retailer.
I finally organized my shoes! It took time to decide on a design, but I trekked to Container Store and got (many) of these cotton rope bins to keep my sneakers organized and off the floor. Rejoice! Another reminder that a custom closet build out, while awesome, isn’t always the right solution for a small space.
If you’re very tall and enjoy very-wide-leg denim, I’d recommend the Citizens of Humanity Brynn Trouser Jeans that are all over the internet. I ordered them and sent them back - too big, too long, too wide. A shame because the style is fun, but once again…dress for yourself and wear what makes you feel your most confident.
I love this Clare V glasses pouch.
Here’s The Bear season two finale recap; spoilers included.
How could I not mention Neil Patrick Harris’s Grub Street Diet? Delightful.
Cheers and joy,
Mollie