Count down till the 4th...
outfits. recipes. books. and more
I thought it would be fun to round up all the things I’m loving so far this summer, from clothes and skincare to recipes, books, and even a cocktail that’s giving our Aperol spritz a serious run for its money.
The Jeep in the photo below makes me nostalgic, we used to have this exact model in navy. Sadly, it didn’t quite meet the safety needs once we had three kids in tow, but I still miss it—especially in the summertime. The pigtailed girl in the photo is my middle daughter, Georgia. When it comes to summer snapshots you will see stripes, whether it’s swimsuits, dresses, or tops, someone’s always in stripes. Safe to say stripes are a summer family tradition around here, no matter the age.
LKO Tip: A classic French sailor shirt makes a perfect gender-neutral baby gift, it’s timeless, practical, and just a little bit chic.
5 Summer Style Picks
”I feel like I’m so much nicer when I like my outfit,” ~Dua Lipa
Think classic stripes, sun-bleached whites, linen everything, navy-and-white palettes, straw totes & hats, and well-worn European flats. I really do love East Coast summers (with vintage jeeps!) as much as sun drenched Mediterranean ones. Here are five style ideas that just feel like summer, no matter where you are…
A striped boatneck (on sale!)
A romantic, billowy white blouse (also sale) or more of a splurge
A lightweight, layered white skirt (also sale) or a more splurgey one
A straw hat (and tote) or splurge on this gorgeous one - prefect day to night
Trendy barrel-leg jeans that are actually flattering in a soft beach wash - prefect with a fitted tee or white blouse & sandals (also on major sale—use the code!)
Bonus: Your favorite, oversized sunglasses. If you're eyeing a designer pair but can’t quite justify the splurge, drop a hint around your birthday—big sunnies make for a perfect group gift.
4 Favorite Summer Recipes
Summer meals are especially delicious, thanks to the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and dinners on the porch or deck are simply the best. Cooking is a family affair for us, and having multiple hands in the kitchen is part of the fun. If you're flying solo be sure to assign tasks if you’re cooking for a crowd—it can take the pressure off the head chef and keep it fun.
While we’re never above a simple spread of some type of grilled meat, corn on the cob, and jersey sliced tomatoes with basil, we also love to get more creative for weekend gatherings and holiday feasts. Here are four of our tried and true favorites that really shine in the summer…
Linguine w clams with my son in law Tom’s famous garlic bread: pick your favorite crusty bread and slice fully open. Add softened butter (generously) a drizzle of olive oil, plenty of chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and a nice grating of parmesan cheese. Bake at around 375 for 10 minutes.
Tequila marinated skirt steak with grilled scallions (lots of them). We like to serve with roasted cherry tomatoes, guacamole and tortillas. This recipe is from an all time favorite cookbook called Everyday Fresh by Sara Foster. HIGHLY recommend.
Hot and Crunchy Chicken Cones - This food truck recipe from Food & Wine has a few extra steps but it’s totally worth it. The girls usually pick this for a birthday dinner because it’s seriously one of the most delicious things we make. Serve with a tomato salad or homemade fries…or both.
Our own homemade tortilla chips and guacamole - This is perfect for a long boozy happy hour with margs. Chips: Simply cut flour tortillas into triangles (I find the tiniest tortillas easy for making four chips. Fire up about an inch of vegetable oil in a large stock pot and you’ll know it’s ready by testing with one piece, it will cook very fast. Then toss in a layer and remove when brown with large slotted spoon and pile on cookie sheet with a rack and sprinkle with salt. Add some grilled chicken or steak and it’s dinner. Quac: Avocados, red onion, garlic, cilantro, hot sauce, salt and pepper and top with some chopped tomato.
LKO TIP: An amazing trick we learned at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach is to drizzle the chips with agave before serving.
3 Summer Reads
The Mother Load by Sarah Hoover - Georgia plans to be a Psychiatrist, with a focus on female health, and this book was recommended by her. I’m reading it now and find it powerful, important and entertaining; written by a young woman who is both astute and v funny.
Everything I know about Love and Good Material by Dolly Alderton - two fun beach reads recommend by all three O’Leary gals.
Be ready when the Luck Happens by Ina Garten - Ina has been with me since the beginning of my cooking journey (20+ years). Love her so much and learned so many unexpected things about her journey…fun, highly inspiring and includes some great recipes.
2 Products for Glowing Skin
I received my products from Counter and I am in heaven. Missed my Brightening Face Oil so much, I use as my final step am and pm. And I now understand the addictive nature of this new Hyaluronic Moisture Mist —it instantly revitalizes parched skin making it softer, more supple and dewy. Two of the best additions to my current summer lineup.
1 New Summer Cocktail…
Hugo spritz! Fun fact: The Hugo Spritz is a regional signature drink in the South Tyrol province of Northern Italy amid the Dolomites— a place I need to go!!
Ingredients: 1/2 ounce St-Germain, 1 sprig mint, 4 ounces prosecco, 1 ounce soda water, Garnish: mint sprig, lemon or lime wheel.
Add the St. Germain and mint sprig into a wine glass. Gently muddle and let sit for 3 minutes.
Add ice, the prosecco and the soda water and stir briefly and gently to combine.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel.
We’ve had such a great time here on Fire Island. I’m writing this on our last day, after a week that’s been equal parts fun and relaxing. The island has an old-school beach vibe that takes me back to childhood summers. Everything is laid-back. No cars, just bikes and barefoot walks. Lots of coffee, spritzes, yummy meals and lingering dinners where the wine flowed along with the conversations (from Karen Reed to bridesmaid dresses) —plus a few ice cream cones from the cute local shop.
Thanks for reading along and sending me such encouraging notes! It means so much as I embark on this fun, sometimes uncomfortable journey. Many of you have asked how you can support me…just by shopping through my links (some are commission, some aren’t), subscribing for as low as $5 a month or just sharing it with friends. It’s all very much appreciated.
Here are my links: ShopMy, Counter and just write me back to order Canfora sandals!
Happy summer, friends.
Xx Linda