The Sunday Thymes — Fourth of July Edition

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Apologies for the unexpected silence here last week — Connor and I have been swamped with wedding planning and tasting appointments. He leaves for San Francisco for a month today, which made the schedule feel even tighter, and by midweek I had to step back and breathe. I plan to share a more detailed wedding planning update soon for anyone curious about the process.

This past Friday might have been my favorite Fourth of July yet, and perhaps my last one in Washington, DC. We rented kayaks from the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown and watched the fireworks from the water with the Washington and Lincoln Memorials in view. I was too nervous to bring my iPhone out on the water, so I skipped photos, but it felt like a scene from a movie—calm water, distant city lights, and fireworks reflecting on the Potomac. Being on the river that night was one of the most peaceful and memorable experiences I’ve had in a long time.

There’s something about kayaking at night that felt magical. The gentle sway of the kayak, the hush of the river around us, and then the sudden, bright bursts of color overhead created an unforgettable mix of quiet and celebration. Watching the show from the water gave a unique perspective and made the holiday feel intimate and special. After that experience, I think I’ve decided I’ll always try to find a way to kayak under the stars whenever possible.

Below I’ve gathered a handful of links, recipes, and projects that caught my eye this week. These are things I bookmarked because they felt inspiring, comforting, or simply delicious — small discoveries I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I did.

• Choco Tacos — a nod to a childhood favorite: the messy, nostalgic ice cream treat that always hits the spot.
• DIY Yarn Art — a simple craft idea that brightens a room with texture and color.
• Artichoke Soufflé with Goat Cheese — a savory, elegant dish I’ve been eager to try for dinner parties and cozy evenings alike.
• Vibrant Veggie Tacos with Lentils and Tomato-Radish Salsa — a fresh, colorful take on tacos that centers vegetables and bold flavors.
• Banana, Almond, and Chocolate Cake — a rich, moist cake that balances fruit, nuts, and chocolate in a universally appealing way.
• Pop Rocks Truffles — a playful dessert idea that combines nostalgic candy with grown-up flavors for a surprising treat.
• Anticipation for a new cookbook — I’m excited about Adrianna’s upcoming book and can’t wait to see the recipes and ideas she shares.
• Popsicle Mold Inspiration — I’m ordering a popsicle mold to make refreshing homemade treats all summer long.
• Chocolate Ganache Basics — a reliable primer on ganache that explains technique and uses for this versatile chocolate preparation.

My week has been a blend of joyful chaos and little, intentional pauses. Between tastings and planning, I’ve been saving recipes and DIY ideas that make the days feel brighter. The Fourth of July kayak outing reminded me how much a single experience — a quiet stretch on the water, a brilliant fireworks display — can reset your perspective and become a treasured memory.

If you’ve discovered something lovely this week, whether it’s a new recipe, a small home project, or an unexpectedly peaceful moment, I’d love to hear about it. I’ll be back soon with more wedding planning notes and more simple discoveries to share.