Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 59
June 29, 2024
Currently Crushing On.
Happy weekend!
This week on the blog, I shared this 15 minute watermelon greek salad! I also shared these summer crab nachos, this cucumber tequila soda and a new summer fridays post.
Plus, a new weekly menu and a peek at a week in our life.
You can find my summer entertaining favorites here as well as some 4th of July favorites!
You can join The Everyday Dinners cookbook club right here! If you have a copy of the book, request to join the group. If not, get one here! Ready to start on fall! It is such a wonderful community and an amazing place for recipe ideas.
xoxoxo
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEKDying to make gooey butter cake!
Margarita punch! How fun.
Need these garlic parm chicken skewers.
Greek orzo salad looks delish.
The most perfect sopapillas.
Sriracha steak lettuce wraps. Yum.
This new york cheesecake is unreal.
BLT pasta salad. Oh my gosh.
You know I love a summer reading list!
Planter’s punch! Refreshing.
Making pistachio butter ASAP.
No churn strawberry ice cream for the weekend.
The post Currently Crushing On. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
June 28, 2024
June Favorites!
A peek at everything I loved in June 2024!
FOODSalt and vinegar pistachios snack packs. Okay so this has been one of my favorites forever – but I didn’t know it came in the snack packs! Love them for grab-and-go snacks.
The Federalist Sauvignon Blanc. I rarely recommend a specific wine, but this is the epitome of summer. It is delicious and has so many hints of melon, grapefruit and berry. It’s been a huge party favorite!
Canada Dry fruit splash cherry ginger ale. Repeat offender because THIS IS SO GOOD. I don’t even love carbonation and soda but this is out of this world. Everyone who has it at our house loves it.
Lavender syrup. I have made my own lavender syrup for years but finally bit the bullet and grabbed this one with the pump. Not only have we been using it for coffee – we’ve been putting it in lemonade! Emilia loves it too.
HOMEZero gravity chair set. Okay I’m cheating because I’ve only had this for three days. But they surpass my love for most things this month! We literally set them up in the living room to try and fell in love. I didn’t want to move them!! We have them outside now and I can’t get enough.
Boll and Branch waffle blanket. I bought new bedding and have been trying to make our bedroom more “zen” since we moved. I found this on amazon because this brand makes our favorite sheets. Wow – I am blown away by this blanket. It feels amazing. This is going to be one of my go-to house warming gifts for family from now on. It’s awesome.
BEAUTYYSE Beauty Skin Glow. I’ve been using this for a few months and I adore it. I don’t use it as a primer, and it doesn’t have enough coverage to be my real makeup if I want a full face (or even half a face). But for everyday use, or when I’m just doing skin/lashes/lips, this is perfect. It still shows my skin but adds a very pretty glow. Doesn’t migrate into my eyes either.
Olive and June The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk polish. I am obsessed with this. It is the BEST neutral shade for my skin tone. It’s like nail concealer. I love it so much and it’s the shade I’ve been looking for my entire life.
Beauty of Joseon relief sun SPF 50+. This is a repeat fave because I LOVE IT. I’ve never been so consistent with my sunscreen. This is the best I’ve ever used on my face and under makeup.
Dior Addict Lip Glow in Lilac. My favorite balm in this lilac shade is everything I’ve ever wanted. A little cool toned, but still pink. Gorgeous, easy to apply and looks like nothing, but better.
FASHIONAmazon sleeveless tank. I’ve raved about this for weeks in my summer fridays post, so it’s only natural it’s a favorite. It’s like a bodysuit, but it’s a tank top.
Larroude Milan Jelly Sandal. This is my new go to flip flop that can be fancy or casual. Perfect for traveling. I love it and want it in every color now! I currently have nude and black.
Athleta Elation Dress. This is my current dress of summer! I’ve loved the athleta presidio dress for years. This is different and so good – almost more like a tennis dress, but can also look slightly dresses up. Super comfortable too.
La Blanca one piece swimsuit. I’ve had this suit for a decade but bought a new blue version. It’s so pretty and comfortable.
Cropped zip up hoody. I didn’t want to buy the lulu version of this, so I tried this amazon one and I love it. I leave one in my car to grab it when going inside cold AC.
MEDIASwan Song! How could I not choose Elin’s last Nantucket book for my favorite of the month?! It was always meant to be.
My summer fridays playlist. It’s a good one to have on repeat.
KIDSBlue Lizard spray sport sunscreen. This has been my go-to for the kids this summer and even they can put it on. Doesn’t get in their eyes and doesn’t sting!
Aquaplay waterbox playset. Jordan and Emilia have been loving this. Think of it as a travel water table! It folds up into this briefcase-like box and we have been taking it to the pool – they will sit for an hour and play with this! We also have the non-travel version and they love that too.
Uno Attack. This is another repeat. One of you suggested this after I mentioned how much we are loving playing Uno every night as a family. We play 10 or 20 games some evenings! This version is not the classic, but it’s super fun!
Ponycycle. We got this for Jordan for his birthday. It is definitely a splurge, but hello #thirdkid and we have every toy. I love that it isn’t motorized – it’s a push bike! He LOVES it. My old kids even love it. It’s a gigantic hit!
[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]
The post June Favorites! appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
Summer Fridays, Vol 5.
Hello Friday! Here’s what the weekend looks like!
EATINGThe best ever baked beans!! They can’t be beat. And my whole entire 4th of july recipe guide! Oh and you must make this broccoli slaw ASAP.
DRINKINGBubbly jam margaritas! And cherry lime vodka sodas.
MAKINGA big batch of my favorite party mix – but use red, white and blue m&ms.
BAKINGFirecracker cupcakes! And my triple berry sheet cake which is incredible.
CRAVINGThese summer crab nachos. They are outstanding!
GRILLINGMy favorite smash burgers. I use this grill insert for them. Also, a hot dog bar! Um and please make a flaming hot cheetos dog. Thanks.
READINGAlmost finished with The Next Mrs Parrish! It’s interesting.
LISTENINGTo this 4th of July playlist! And this one too. And also, give me some yacht rock.
WEARINGStill living in my favorite amazon tank. It’s like my uniform now. I also love this cropped zip up hoody!! I have it in gray and green. Oh my gosh and remember when I fell in love with this jacket last year? I have it in three colors. Now I’m dying over this palm green color!! Stunning. I have worn those constantly over the last year,
LOVINGI am absolutely in love with this mini longchamp pouch with handle. This is my current favorite mini bag and I guess I’m late to the game. First, it is such high quality. Second, it holds so much (I have a bigger iphone – the pro max). Third, my favorite way to use it is inside my other bags – then I can grab it for errands, etc. It’s perfect! Also makes such a good gift. And it comes in so many colors!
SHARINGDid you see the Heinz + Kate Spade collection? Kind of amazing.
SHOPPINGI ended up getting these zero gravity chairs and they are AMAZING. Oh my gosh. So easy and simple to use too! I’m also super excited about the nordstrom anniversary sale this year – there are so many of my favorite items in the preview!
CELEBRATINGWith the way the 4th of July falls, it’s like we have an entire week to celebrate with all the delicious food! I have all my favorite summer entertaining essentials here and 4th of July favorites here!
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June 27, 2024
Cucumber Tequila Soda.
This cucumber tequila soda is wildly refreshing and perfect for summer! Cucumber syrup, fresh lime, mint, tequila and super bubbly soda water make for the most delish, crisp and light drink.
Thirsty Thursday!!
I am in love with this cucumber tequila soda, which is the most refreshing, bubbly, cooling drink you can make this summer.
It’s light. And it’s pretty! Oh and it tastes phenomenal.
I’ve been making cucumber vodka sodas for years, but this tequila one is taking the cake. Or the cocktail.
My cucumber vodka sodas use fresh cucumber juice and simple syrup. These tequila sodas take that idea… but I make a cucumber simple syrup. Cucumbers are the syrup!
I’m all about finding ways to use some of my favorite homemade ingredients, like syrups, dressings and more. In Everyday Dinners, I have a sauces and dressings chapter and it’s my meal lifeline.
This is sort of like that! The cucumber syrup, I mean. I first shared it a few weeks ago in this cucumber spritz. It’s definitely my official drink of summer 2024! It’s very refreshing.
But here’s the thing – a tequila soda with lime is my go-to in general. It is so light and easy. It never makes me feel like garbage. It’s simple!
So this is my second way of showing you how to use this cucumber syrup!! Delish.
First, I make the cucumber syrup. You can make this a few days ahead of time and store it in the fridge!
I pour some of the syrup over crushed ice and mix it with a bit of tequila. I squeeze in some fresh lime juice too!
Then, I top it off with super bubbly seltzer. (more…)
The post Cucumber Tequila Soda. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
June 26, 2024
Summer Crab Nachos.
These summer crab nachos are a snacky dream! Jumbo lump crab with lots of lime, melty cheese, crunchy tortilla chips and a crisp, refreshing garden salsa. Perfect for happy hour or a last minute get together!
I’ve got everything we love on a big plate of nachos!
These summer crab nachos are divine. Crunchy tortilla chips, buttery lump crab, melty cheese and the perfect quick throw-together garden salsa on top. Tastes like summer on a plate and is the perfect dinner treat.
I say “dinner treat” because nachos are SUCH a treat. Yep, I live for nachos! I could pretty much put anything on a tray of nachos and be thrilled.
Nachos are also one of my favorite summer dishes because they are so fast and topped with fresh ingredients. While I do pop them in the oven to get all warm and melty, they feed a crowd and can be sprinkled with fruit and vegetable salsas plus lots of herbs.
The flavor is always amazing and I love how fresh and light nachos at home taste.
It’s true! They just taste fabulous at home. Weirdly less indulgent too.
First things first: get the good jumbo lump crab. The good stuff! The buttery, lump crab or heck, even the freshest crab that you can find if you live in an area where it’s possible.
I toss the crab with some spices, scallions and fresh lime juice.
Next, I spread some big tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top them with the crab mixture. A big sprinkle of cheese goes on next.
This is where I stick the whole pan in the oven. Just FYI: you can also stick a pan of these on the grill. We’re really just doing it because the cheese is best when melty. And you want the entire pan to be warm so the flavors marry nicely.
As soon as the cheese is melted and everything is warm, throw on the toppings. I like to chop up tomatoes, white onion, cilantro, jalapenos, green onions, radish and squeeze in a ton of lime juice. This mixture is SO incredibly refreshing and crisp. It not only adds a great texture to the top of the nachos, it adds wonderful flavor too.
Bright, fresh, crisp and tastes like the warm weather. I love this part. (more…)
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June 25, 2024
Tuesday Things.
1. Lemon brownies!! Sign me up.
2. Are you still drinking Poppi? I love it so much and I’ve never liked any soda.
3. Can’t believe I’m saying this but I sort of want to start drinking green tea. I hate tea and think it tastes like dirty water. How do I start? Which brand do I use? What kind do I drink in the morning?
4. Um, no way I could do the viral onion coffee. WHAT!
5. How is the year almost half over? I’m having a meltdown over this.
6. TV things!! Not really on TV, but I took Emilia to see IF last week that was cute.
7. My dad has always talked about this: do things that give you self worth.
8. Kind of want a zero gravity chair for outdoors. Tell me about them!
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June 24, 2024
15 Minute Watermelon Greek Salad.
Easiest salad ever! This watermelon greek salad is refreshing, crisp and cooling. It’s filled with cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion and fresh herbs, then drizzled with a honey lemon dressing. It’s delicious!
Say hello to the most refreshing plate you’ll enjoy all summer.
This watermelon greek salad is made with fresh watermelon chunks, sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, a ton of fresh herbs and honey lemon vinaigrette.
This is essentially my favorite greek salad where instead of using tomatoes, I use watermelon.
Instead of those juicy cherry tomato sounds, crisp sweet watermelon comes into play and works like magic.
We already know that watermelon is fabulous with feta. And of course, it works with fresh herbs, lemon and cucumber too. The olives add a buttery, savory richness that complements this crisp melon super well.
I love a refreshing summer salad just like this. It’s perfect to make and take to the pool or beach. It’s a lovely light dish on a super hot summer evening. And it’s the best lunch, served with toasted sourdough. You can even add some chickpeas, grilled chicken or salmon.
You can’t go wrong.
And we’ve been experiencing crazy hot days here – temps reaching 95 and above. So a cooling, refreshing salad is a must. Give me all that water content, please! (more…)
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June 23, 2024
A Week In The Life, Vol 26.
It was so hot this week!
All we could do was work and swim.
I made a few of these fruit plates every day for the kids to have.
These two are still having soooo much fun together!
And Jordan could live in the pool forever.
We had to go indoors and play since it was 95!
Fun with friends.
Emilia loves the climbing!
I can’t get enough of them!
Summer BFFs.
Max & hockey.
Had a few tea parties.
Can’t handle the cuteness!
Movie day too!!
More swimming with friends.
Cheeeeeese.
A year later this is still my favorite breakfast. Plain greek yogurt, fruit, grapenuts, honey.
Love the blonde braids!
More babies + friends!
We celebrated Lacy’s birthday too!
White on white cake.
It’s a neon summer.
Max teaching Emilia all about pokemon. And she’s wearing his hand me down PJs. My heart!
Too hot to eat anything else.
I win at the sandwich.
Dinner at balvanera!
This ice cream with almond brittle. OMG.
And tiny alfajores to end the night.
Jordan is obsessed with bugs, so when he found Emilia’s halloween fairy wings from a few years ago… game on.
And it’s a party to end the week!
The post A Week In The Life, Vol 26. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
What To Eat This Week: 6/23/24.
It’s officially summer!!
What’s on your menu this week?!
What To Eat This Week
Creamy lemon zucchini bucatini
Coffee crusted steak with corn salsa
Peanut chicken and avocado summer rolls
Risotto stuffed grilled zucchini
Pesto, peach and prosciutto pizza
The post What To Eat This Week: 6/23/24. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
June 22, 2024
Currently Crushing On
Happy weekend!
This week on the blog I shared this incredible peach cobbler granola! I also shared this creamy lemon zucchini pasta, a 4th of july recipe guide and a new summer fridays post!
Plus, a new weekly menu and a peek at a week in our life.
You can join The Everyday Dinners cookbook club right here! If you have a copy of the book, request to join the group. If not, get one here! Ready to start on fall! It is such a wonderful community and an amazing place for recipe ideas.
xoxoxo
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEKStuffed prosciutto wrapped chicken. Yes yes yes!
Want to make this peanut noodle salad.
Sweet tea mint juleps sound so refreshing.
Craving a coconut margarita. Yum.
Coconut cake is always a favorite here.
Love this new york crumb cake.
Blueberry sour cream coffee cake too!
Need all the s’mores cookies. OMG.
Crockpot beef tacos for the win.
Making this wild rice orzo salad.
Double chocolate banana muffins sound wonderful.
The post Currently Crushing On appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
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