Backyard barbecues. Cool cocktails. Lazy, sun-drenched days. The year’s most eagerly awaited season is almost upon us. And there’s no better time to pursue your passions and do more of what you love.
Why not make this your best summer ever? Everyone has their own goals they want to accomplish during the warm weather months, but here’s a few things we want to tackle before fall (and you should too), inspired by the awesome summer hit list from Michelle Cantu—a Texas-based blogger from A Thrifty Diva and Texan Flavor.
Throw a Summer Soirée
With national holidays, kids off from school, and all that sunshine, the season brings endless reasons to host a party—or a few. Serve refreshing, fruity beverages (both boozy and virgin) that showcase vibrant summer flavors. Go easy on yourself with a menu of no-fuss finger foods and family-style dishes that can be prepped in advance. “I love pasta salads, especially when they can be made ahead of time,” shares Michelle. “My go-to is tortellini with fresh corn, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.”
Catch the Travel Bug
Experiencing new places is always enlightening. Be bold and explore a part of the world that you’ve never seen before. If you like big city escapes, try London or Rome. If you prefer to stay domestic, gas up the car and take a scenic road trip to the nation’s capital, or explore everything from Indian street snacks to Carolina barbecue in Asheville, our favorite small city to eat and drink in America right now. Wherever you venture off to, don’t leave home without summer travel essentials. Michelle also suggests stuffing an extra empty bag in your suitcase for souvenirs and food takeaways.
Dig into Global Cuisine
Never tried Pho? Saganaki? Pasta all'Arrabbiata? Take a tour of the food world and expand your palate by embracing different types of cuisine. Start by making a date at a local ethnic restaurant or try whipping up these delicious global recipes with international influence: Piri-Piri Chicken, Chana Masala, Quick Pork Pho, Peel-and-Eat Hot Pepper Shrimp, and Smoked Swordfish Tostaditas.
Grow an Herb Garden
Fresh herbs can add dimension and bold aromatics to your cooking. So why not grow your own at home? “Herb gardens are the easiest to maintain—you can basically do it in your kitchen,” shares Michelle. “I started by keeping herbs in mason jars on my windowsill and moved them to my outdoor garden as they outgrew their space.” While old standbys—think basil, parsley, and rosemary—offer endless culinary uses, green-thumbed gourmands should amp up their flavor game with more exotic varieties: try chocolate mint, lemon verbena, Thai basil, or marjoram.
Start a Summer Skincare Routine
When the seasons change, so should your skincare regimen. Strong sun, scorching temperatures, salt water, and chlorine can all wreak havoc on your skin. Salvage your complexion by staying super-hydrated, exfoliating regularly, and always wearing lotion with SPF, even on cloudy days. RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 does double duty by protecting against harmful rays and fighting the signs of aging. Michelle saw results “just weeks” after starting her RoC skincare routine—“my skin is more radiant, hydrated, and smoother than it was in my twenties.”
Channel Your Inner Child
Bring back to the good ol’ days by enjoying summer’s simple pleasures. Like riding a bike, building a bonfire (with s’mores, of course), or chasing down the ice cream truck for a sugary vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles. Embrace the season with the same wide-eyed innocence as when you were young. Or share in special moments with your own little ones. “I really enjoy spending quality time cooking with my kids over the summer,” says Michelle. “We put fun twists on their favorite foods—like taking a classic grilled cheese sandwich and adding sliced tomato and avocado.”
Hit Up a Food Festival
From grand high-profile celebrations to small regional fests, culinary events can be a blast (when you know what you’re doing). And some of the best roll out in the summer, all across the country. There are plenty of options to tempt your taste buds—narrow in on a few and mark your calendar. Fresh off her trip to Vegas Uncork’d, Michelle is passionate about food festivals and loves how they “extend her palate past the obvious foods” and introduce new taste sensations.
Feel inspired to share your own summer hit list? We want to see! We're hosting a #RoCYourPassions Pinterest contest and one lucky winner can score a trip for two to Chicago Gourmet. Click here for details and how to enter. Then get ready to do summer like a champ.