How is it already Labor Day?! Summers seriously fly by here in New England. The good news though, warm weather isn’t over just yet—we have another heat wave coming to Boston next week.
In honor of savoring summer, I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes from August that you don’t have to turn on the oven for and are perfect to add your BBQ’s this weekend.
I’m also sharing some of my favorite new beauty products and fall fashion finds with Labor Day sales that you can already take advantage of. Because Labor Day is not all about BBQ’n.
Summer Labor Day Recipes
Cantaloupe Caprese Salad
I feel like cantaloupe gets a bad rep. It’s the one on the fruit platter that gets shoved aside because it’s not ripe enough and has a bland taste. Well I personally love cantaloupe but prefer to buy the whole thing and chop up it up myself. The key to a perfectly ripe cantaloupe is to wait until it starts to brown. You should be left with little-to-no green on the outside.
Cantaloupe has so many nutritious qualities: Vitamin A, C, and potassium to name a few.
Here’s how to make one of my favorite summer salads:
Cantaloupe Caprese Salad Recipe
Serves 2
- 1 cup of ripe cantaloupe, cubed
- 5-6 mini mozzarella balls, cut in half
- 5-6 basil leaves, loosely chopped
- 1 ripe tomato or 1 cup of grape tomatoes, diced
- EVOO, drizzle of
- Balsamic glaze, drizzle of
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add everything to a bowl, toss and enjoy!
This is a great side salad to add to your BBQ menu this weekend. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t have ripe cantaloupe?! Peaches work great as well.
Homemade Hummus
If you haven’t tried Minimalist Baker’s 5 Minute Microwaved Homemade Hummus, you are missing out! It’s so easy, so creamy and requires no skin peeling. The key to this recipe is using the aquafaba (chickpea water). I drizzled mine with EVOO and spiced it up a bit, but it’s also delicious on it’s own. And I highly recommend eating it warm—game changer. Seriously.
Serve it with some pita chips and veggies and you have the perfect healthy appetizer for this weekend.
Homemade Margaritas
Still have leftover watermelon? I’ve been eyeing Well Lived Mag’s Watermelon Mint and Lime Margaritas , perfect to enjoy this weekend. I made a few tweaks by using basil instead of mint because I had tons on hand.
Watermelon Basil Margaritas:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cups of watermelon
- 3-4 shots of silver tequila (depending on how strong you want it)
- 2 tablespoons of filtered water
- 4 basil leaves
- Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth
- Using your hands, rub the rim of 2 glasses with water then dip onto a dish with sea salt (optional).
- Add ice to glasses and pour blended drink into them
- Garnish with watermelon and lime slices (optional) and enjoy
Favorite Beauty Products
Aluminum Free Deodorant
I’ve tried a lot of natural/aluminum free deodorants and I’m currently loving Schmidt’s Lavender Tips.
Although their original formula works better since it has baking soda, I do get a reaction from it so I’ve had to stop using it. I wasn’t able to find a sale on this one but I did find this at TJ Max so keep your eyes peeled if you happen to be at a TJ’s and are looking for a new natural deodorant that works well. And if you can’t wait to find a bargain like I did, you can purchase directly on Schmidt’s website.
If you are new to natural deodorant it may take some time for your body to adjust to it so don’t expect it to work right away.
Facial Oil
I recently posted a video on my IGTV about my nightly skincare routine after finally finding something that works to keep my skin hydrated and reduce redness. The solution = cold water and cleansing with a facial oil. I wake up and my skin feels so soft and more rejuvenated.
If you are interested in purchasing a facial oil, here’s a great one to try that helps repair damaged skin from the sun: Teami Repair Facial Oil*. It also helps fade dark spots and redness. I love that it’s made from 100% pure plant extracts. You can check out the IGTV video I posted on Instagram for more of the non-toxic beauty brands I use.
*Use code GFF25 for 25% off your purchase of $34 or more through Sept 3rd.
Fall Shopping
Suede Mules & Cropped Pants
I finally found the perfect pair of fall mules that don’t look ugly on my wide feet so I had to share. I told myself I would never buy into the mule trend but I’m guilty.
Got these lovely mules on Amazon: Via Spiga Black Suede Mules
And since mules look great with cropped pants I’m also sharing these pants from Old Navy that are a steel and the perfect addition to my work fall wardrobe.
So comfy, affordable and cute and I’m very impressed with the quality of them despite the price. I purchased them in Wine Country Color and currently they are 20% off: Mid-Rise Built-In Sculpt Ponte-Knit Pixie Ankle Pants for Women
Are you shopping any sales this weekend or just BBQn’ and sippin’ on some margs or mock-tails (if thats your preference)?!
Hope everyone has a nice Labor Day weekend!
Xoxo
Marisa
