What I Couldn't Get Enough Of This June

The Perfect Summer Porch Drink, My Plant Obsessions, And The Song I Have On An Endless Loop

I think it’s safe to say summer is “summering” hard here in Colorado. Hello, 90 degree days and random afternoon rainstorms (that fresh rain smell truly is the best).

And with the warmer weather, we’ve found ourselves spending all our free time taking the kiddos up to the mountains, experimenting with lots of fresh ingredients in the kitchen, and crafting the perfect summer playlist (anyone else craft a new one for each season?).

Can summertime just be a year-round thing, please?

The Most Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

Let me paint the picture. It was summer of 2024. The temps were in the mid-90’s. I was at the very tail end of the third trimester, with a giant personal heater in the form of a cute little human attached to my body.

And of course, I felt the undeniable need to take on the task of cleaning out and organizing the entire garage in record time. Nesting problems (if you know, you know).

And in a moment of true desperation to escape the heat, this frozen drink was born. And it changed the game. Cold. Sweet. Herbaceous. And oh so refreshing.

Apparently, y’all loved the salsa recipe from last month, and many of you messaged me to let me know you were trying it. So I figured, why not share another recipe perfect for enjoying out on the patio on those sweltering summer days?

Ingredients (makes enough for about 4 servings):

• 1 mini seedless watermelon (cut up about 4 cups worth, chilled or frozen)

• 1 and 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries

• 1/2 cup of blackberries (I did fresh, but you could do frozen, too)

• 1/3 cup of lime juice

• 1 cup of chilled coconut water (no added sugar, it’s already sweet enough)

• 1/3 cup of fresh mint

• 1 tablespoon of mint water (optional, but if you really love an extra minty flavor, it adds the kick)

Recipe:

Slice and dice your watermelon so it’s easier to blend. If you like an extra icy drink, you could also freeze these cubes in advance, instead of just using chilled watermelon.

Pop all your ingredients in the blender, and blend until smooth.

Pro Tip: Even seedless watermelons still have some seeds, and they don’t really blend. If you want to avoid the “chewiness” of having seeds in your drink, you can run the contents through a strainer. That’ll also help catch the tiny blackberry seeds.

Serve and sip outside (that’s an order!).

Getting Outside This Month

I saw someone post on Substack the other day about how we’re all lying to ourselves about liking summer and that the only reason we think we do is because it was the only time period in childhood when we genuinely got a break.

Basically, they were implying that we’re subconsciously associating summer with freedom, but that no one in their right mind would actually like this season.

I’m gonna have to say I disagree wholeheartedly. I just so happen to love hot weather, the warm sun on my skin, evening poolside hangouts, endless fields of wildflowers, and days spent camping in the mountains.

And I’m sorry, but Colorado hiking season is quite possibly the greatest season you can experience. In my humble opinion, I don’t think it’s up for debate.

So yeah, there was plenty of time outdoors this month. And it’s fair to say I’m thriving.

In My Plant Lady Era

It’s safe to say I’ve officially turned into that unhinged plant lady. Full transparency, when my husband originally suggested starting a backyard garden a few years back, I figured it’d be a little hobby for him.

Meanwhile, I’ve historically been the type of person who can’t even keep a succulent alive. No green thumb to be seen for miles and miles.

But somewhere in this gardening adventure of his, I turned into the person who’s enabled our plant collection to get out of control.

We’ve spent nearly every weekend of June at the local garden center making impulse plant purchases, and I’m starting to wonder who I am at this point.

This girl is in her plant lady era, and she’s not mad about it. And honestly? I get the impression that I’m in good company here on Substack. The gardening community on this platform is pure magic.

Hello, High Alpine

If you know anything about the high country here in Colorado, it’s that it takes forever for hiking season to actually start. The snow is melting well into June on many of my favorite hikes.

But toward the middle of the month, we got outside with the kiddos and visited one of our favorite hikes: Mayflower Gulch (I’ve written a whole trail guide on this spot, in case you’re in the area and want the details).

Let’s just say I was wildly impressed with my toddler trekking his little self up the trail without once asking to be put back in the carrier.

The kiddo was literally running up the trail at several points. We love an adventurous king, am I right?!

The Song I Can’t Stop Listening To

Ok, I know this one is very niche, but if you’re a Lana Del Rey fan, listen up. I am fully obsessed with her new song “Henry, Come On.” Her voice? Hauntingly beautiful, as always.

But the old western vibes? Yes, yes, yes, I am so here for it. There’s nothing quite like listening to this song while driving through wild western landscapes during sunset, if you ask me.

June Trail Report: What Went Live This Month

Let’s just say June was quite opinionated.

Are Outdoor Influencers Ruining Hiking Culture?

This feels like one of the most hotly debated topics in the outdoor space. On the one hand, influencers have encouraged so many new adventurers to get outside and explore. But could they also be ruining the places they claim to love?

How To Visit Elite Mountain Destinations On A Budget

Because let’s face it, not all of us are millionaires. And why should the epic mountain spots be reserved solely for the ultra-rich?

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Hiking

Hindsight is 20/20, right? There are some things you really only understand after you’ve hit the trails enough times.

So I thought it’d be fun to create a little series sharing my best hiking tips and advice I’ve accumulated over the years.

I’m breaking down the tips I genuinely feel have made my life as a hiker that much better.

Coming Next Week…

Honestly, I’m so excited for next week’s post. I just wrapped a little two week, super simple challenge that really reset things for me.

Nothing crazy or massively groundbreaking. No life-altering heavy lift. But something totally approachable that really turned my days around. Can’t wait to share the details next Saturday.

P.S. Any specific topics you want me to cover in future posts? I’m all ears. Drop a comment and let me know.