Happy Friday, everyone!

We’re enjoying this brief bout (two days) of cool-ish weather because a heat wave is about to arrive…just in time for the weekend! Well, we can’t change the weather, but we can stay home, use fans and air conditioning, and read the Buffet! Yes, this week’s Buffet has lots of articles, recipes, and some shopping to keep you busy amidst the heat. And takeout options! As we go to “print” I have already eaten the fries I mention below (last night’s dinner). Sometimes you just need a good car picnic!

I hope you have a great weekend. Stay cool, stay home if you can, and of course, wear a mask.

READ

An in-depth discussion of bottled water. Usually I just grab a glass and turn on the tap, but I’ll definitely buy a bottle if we’re out and I had forgotten to bring along a reusable bottle.

With outdoor dining being the most prevalent dining-out option right now, the weather has become just about the most important aspect of the day. Always wear a mask!

Working out at home is my new normal, which is something I’d never have imagined six months ago. I was always convinced that my best workouts would be done in a gym or outside. However, I’ve joyfully been proven wrong and now, somewhat happily, look forward to post-work fitness in my living room. Here are great ideas to get moving and suggestions for staying active amidst the current circumstances.

Three awesome sauces that don’t require turning on the oven. Excellent!

I’d like to make these cocktails out for our next Friday evening cocktail hour. Which one would you choose?

Our balcony garden has turned out to be quite the helpful little project (and it’s fun to look at). Do you have space for a garden? Even indoors, growing your own food is entirely possible.

COOK

Did you hear? Recipes have arrived! We’re now featuring original recipes on the blog and will be adding new ones weekly. That isn’t to say we won’t be making dishes from our favorite food blogs and cookbooks, but now we’ll be adding recipes for the original creations you see so often. Hooray!

Beyond our own recipes, these sounded delicious this week as well…

Salted PB&J Ice Cream Pie - Just need to use gluten free crackers to make this summer stunner.

Galayet Banadoura - This naturally gluten free dish is rich and versatile as either part of a mezze platter or a new take on pasta sauce.

Avocado Corn Salad - Summer produce is now abundant and it’s just about time for locally-grown corn. Yay! I can’t wait to make this salad on repeat throughout the month of August.

DINE

As you know, we’re sticking to takeout, but that won’t stop us from eating delicious food in the comfort of a park bench or our car. So, what have we been ordering? Check out these great spots and my local dining guide, here.

The Stones Common House and Kitchen - I’m moments away from ordering their fries and eating them in the park this weekend. Note: I ate them on Thursday night. I couldn’t wait!

Rancatore’s Ice Cream - I either order the mint chocolate chip or gluten free hydrox. Both are delicious!

Twist Bakery Cafe - This spot is 100% gluten free so order with abandon! No, but seriously, order all of their goodies. I love the breakfast tacos, grilled cheese, cupcakes, and more..

SHOP

After eyeing them for a few months, I finally placed an order for copper metallic Birkenstocks (an early birthday gift to myself?). Yes, my shoe guide (which you all voted on and requested) is coming to the blog very soon.

Just another plug for these awesome, ultra-lightweight, ultra-comfy shorts. It’s going to be scorching this weekend and I’ll be living in them. And if you’re feeling more like jean shorts, I’d highly recommend this pair.

Ever on the lookout for more comfy, but cool, clothes to wear at home, I was introduced to Sol Angeles by one of my go-to blogs, cupcakes and cashmere. Living on the East Coast I’m not sure I can ever acquire the southern CA vibe/mindset, but their clothes look cool (and comfy).

Enjoy! Wear a mask.

Mollie