What I Loved in June + a Game-Changing Fish Tip

plus and a bright basil pistou with charred lemon to match

Happy Monday!

As we ease into July and start thinking about holiday menus, easy dinners, and fun summer finds, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite things from June to share with you. These are all little discoveries or reminders that made this month a little easier, a little more delicious, and a lot more fun.

The July online cooking class drops tomorrow, and it’s full of fresh, flavorful dishes perfect for summer entertaining—or just a Tuesday night dinner. On the menu: Grilled Chicken with Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce, Zippy (no mayo) Potato Salad, a Ricotta-Zucchini-Corn Galette with Hot Honey, Nectarine-Cucumber Crunch Salad, and a make-ahead Mixed Berry “Tiramisu.” I walk you through everything step-by-step so you feel confident and inspired in the kitchen.

If you're planning a July 4th gathering, the free weekly dinner planner on my site is packed with easy, festive ideas. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for something new (or stress-free) to make next week.

✨ June Favorites

My Yogurt Bowl (Summer Edition)
¾ cup full-fat Greek yogurt + a scoop of protein powder (I use MindBodyGreen). Freeze for about 45-60 minutes, then top with 2 tablespoons of granola (I store mine in the freezer) and some berries. It tastes a little like fro-yo, but lighter. This is packed with protein and sometimes I add a few teaspoons of ground flax if I want the fiber. Use this affiliate link for a 25% discount on MindBodyGreen products.

Flighty App
My daughters introduced me to this one. You can use it just for yourself or you can have your loved ones share their future flights with you in the app. Not only does it keep all their flight info in one place so I don’t have to ask for their itineraries, Flighty tracks flights in real time and gives you updates on delays, gate changes, and arrivals. I use it to keep tabs on my kids' travel without needing to ask them for constant updates. It’s beautifully designed, super accurate, and truly eases travel anxiety—for travelers and the people waiting at home.

July 4th Hack: Star Cookie Cutters
I’m not especially crafty, but cutting watermelon, cheese, or brownies into stars instantly makes everything feel festive for the 4th. You’ll look like you planned ahead—without really having to. Order these or these today and you’ll be party-ready before the holiday.

Other Easy, Cute July 4th Party Ideas

• Ice cubes with fresh berries (I love silicone molds)

• Flag Cookie or Pie (as easy or detailed as you want to make them)

• Red, white and blue potato salad (July class recipe, but look for Melissa’s Gemstone Potatoes and make your own)

• Arugula salad with red and blue berries, tomatoes + mozzarella or feta + pine nuts

• Red, white and blue Pancake Trifle

• Red, White and Blue Ambrosia (SO GOOD!)

Hostess Gift Idea
Letterly creates eco-friendly trays shaped like letters, numbers, or symbols, filled with gourmet snacks like popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, candy, and chocolates. Perfect for a summer celebration or hostess gift—choose fun shapes like “4TH” for July 4th, or spell out a sweet message like “LOVE” or “XOXO.” Stylish, edible, and no clutter—just thoughtful, delicious fun.

Basil Storage Tip
I don’t grow basil (no space), but I buy bunches from the farmers market. I snip the ends and keep the stems in a jar with a bit of water on the counter. Basil does not like cold! Add more water regularly and remove any flowers to keep it going longer. If you see roots, you can even plant it. My basil can last up to a month this way.

Food Covers for Outside

These pop-up mesh food covers are a summer essential—perfect for keeping bugs off your dishes during outdoor meals. They open and close like an umbrella. I love the extra-large size for big platters!

French Open Inspiration
I watched the French Open final this month—Sinner vs. Alcaraz—and I can’t stop thinking about it. Sinner was one point away from winning the entire match, and yet Alcaraz clawed his way back, took that set, and then went on to win the next two. It was an unbelievable display of resilience and belief. The kind of moment that makes you pause and think: if you stay present, trust your training, and don’t give up—even when it looks like it’s over—anything is possible. It was a reminder that progress, in tennis or in life, often comes from holding your nerve and showing up for the next point. Even when the odds aren’t in your favor.

Some Humor ...because we all need it.

Seared Salmon with Basil Pistou + Charred Lemon
This week’s bonus recipe uses a slightly unusual (but simple!) foolproof cooking technique that prevents fish from sticking to the pan. It’s a technique you can use with any and all fish. And the basil pistou and charred lemon are bright, fresh, and perfect for summer.

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