Long weekend energy

summer is loading!!

Memorial Day always brings the vibes as we celebrate the end of the school year, start of summer hours 😜, pool time, travel, sales (!) and the best food imo. I love the summer energy of slowing down to have more time with family, enjoying the outdoors (while we can here in Texas 🫠) and cooking — or really, *not* cooking — bright, fresh, healthier food.

This weekend we’re staying put celebrating my mom & step dad’s birthdays (they share the same day, isn’t that fun!?) and soaking up our ~under 100º weather~… we’ll take the little wins where we can. Here’s what’s on the menu this weekend:

MDW eats

Okay we’re starting with cocktails because it’s a three-day-weekend baby!! One of my favorite summer (and year-round) sips is this refreshing Aperol Tequila Spritz with grapefruit! It’s spritzy, slightly bitter and the perfect poolside sipper.

If you love piña coladas… you might get caught up in how insanely delish these lightened-up Skinny Shaken Piña Coladas are. Want to watch a step-by-step? Check out this throwback video with my favorite bartender shaking things up 😎

These Guacamole Buffalo Chicken Burgers are dripping with deliciousness and scream “it’s summer!” Looking for something a little lighter? Try these equally flavorful BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers instead.

Love the flavors of the grill but not into burgers? These Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Kebabs are quick, sweet, sour and festive!

What’s a Memorial Day without plenty of dips!? I love this Healthy Elotes Corn Dip that uses greek yogurt for extra protein.

Another great option is my Tomato, Corn & Cucumber Summer Salad, bursting with light and bright summer flavors! And the funky feta really brings the dish together.

Happy eating!!

summer wellness essentials

Extra sun + heat means new priorities: protection, hydration & cooling necessities! These are some of my current faves: