Monthly Slice: News, Trends, and Insights

Welcome to a fresh month of adventures—starting with a pastry run and gearing up for summer grilling.

A single batch of flaky pastry can turn a snowy weekend into something magical. We stood in line at a pop-up on Saturday for about 45 minutes, and every minute was worth it. The aroma alone built the anticipation, and the first bite confirmed it: heavenly layers of butter and sugar with bright blueberry and a hint of lime.

Babycakes had his first taste and, to our delight, proceeded to devour nearly the entire pastry. The Man and I managed to sneak a few bites here and there, but it disappeared fast. It was one of those food moments that reminded me why I love indulging in something perfectly made.

Now that the snow has mostly passed, I’m ready for summer—just not the triple-digit heat. I’m also bracing for a season of yard work as we get the outdoor space ready for barbecues, patio dinners, and long evenings. With that in mind, this post rounds up the small joys and inspirations that made me smile this week, along with my top grilling picks and a Memorial Day menu I’m excited to share.

Who’s ready to say hello to June next week?

Table of Contents

Song of the week

I’ve been into upbeat, summery tunes lately—perfect for warming up the day or lightening the mood while I work. “Mama” by LunchMoney Lewis popped up on the radio and reminded me how catchy and joyful it is. It feels especially sweet now that I’m a mama myself. Okay, enough music—let’s talk food.

Foodie things

There’s so much summer baking and cooking inspiration coming through right now. I’m swooning over a bright strawberry lemon sheet cake with airy frosting—light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather celebrations. A fresh poke bowl looks like the ideal lunch: clean flavors, bright vegetables, and satisfying protein.

Cocktails deserve some summer attention too. A tart rhubarb gin sour is calling my name; rhubarb season is fleeting, so I plan to savor it while it lasts. Mango salsa is another summer staple I’ve been dreaming about—versatile on grilled chicken, fish tacos, or fresh chips. I’m also adding grilled vegetable naan pizzas to the dinner rotation; they’re colorful, quick, and perfect for alfresco nights.

For fast weeknight cooking, I can’t ignore a 15-minute soy sauce butter fried rice that’s indulgent and easy. When it comes to steak, I’ve been loving skirt steak on the grill for its flavor and fast cook time. And for a sweet treat, strawberry white chocolate cookies sound like the ultimate summer cookie to bake with seasonal berries. Finally, burrata-forward pasta dishes are everywhere right now, and the spinach-and-sun-dried-tomato burrata pasta is topping my must-make list.

Fun things

June brings new streaming arrivals—Peaky Blinders returning in early June has me thrilled. If you grew up in the ’90s, there are lovely nostalgia pieces about recapturing that summer magic with simple activities and outdoor play. I’ve also been enjoying light quizzes for fun: which Brendan Fraser character would you fall for, which rom-com leading man matches your vibe, and even which Hallmark Christmas movie you’d get stuck in (I discovered a new title to add to my list).

Inspirational things

I’ve been reading thoughtful pieces on self-worth and personal boundaries. One essay about the stories we tell ourselves regarding worth was especially eye-opening and timely for anyone navigating social media and comparison. I also saved a collection of quotes about gently cutting toxic people out of your life—short, sharp reminders that protecting mental space matters.

Summer grilling!

Grilling season is in full swing even if the weather can be unpredictable. I’m a fan of pellet grills for consistent results across everything from burgers to smoked vegetables. A well-maintained grill is a reliable grill: a thorough clean at the start and end of the season keeps everything running smoothly. Below I share the essential tools and accessories I reach for when grilling—items that make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable.