More

    June Coffee Date – 2019

    Tree with sunshine.

    Affiliate links will always be marked with an asterisk! ♡


    I have thoughts, okay?

    It’s hot, it’s sunny, and I have thoughts.

    But first, let’s address the what’s-in-your-summer-cup question.

    This morning: iced coffee (details will be discussed, just you wait). Currently: coconut water with lunch. Last night: a Rowdy Uncle beer, from Insight Brewing, split with Bjork, to complement the carnitas and fried fish tacos from the takeout place by our house that were laced to perfection with lime and salsa verde. Yeah. It’s definitely summer, and did I already mention? I have thoughts.

    What are you drinking? I am craving bubble tea right now. Someone please tell me you’re drinking a bubble tea.

    Grab your glass and read on. It’s time for a few words about June!

    Summer Is Fun

    Lindsay and Solvi outside.

    I just want to take a moment to say that summer is my favorite. I love it. I want it to always be summer except for literally two out of 365 days which are Thanksgiving and Christmas, during which I’d like it to be fall and winter, respectively. And spring – let’s just skip it and get right to the good stuff. Is that so much to ask?

    This morning I opened the door to let Sage out, and I felt a nice wave of heat already at 6am, and I know some of you love to hate, but man, feeling that sticky air was like getting a big hug. My shoulders relaxed, I took a deep breath, and felt the little sweat droplets dripping from glass of iced coffee to my bare feet, and put on my shorts and t-shirt to go out for a hazy, sweaty, early morning run with Solvi in her little sparkly heart sunglasses, and just all the yeses for this.

    I live for summer.

    What’s your favorite season and please don’t even say winter.


    Minneapolis Summer Passport

    Dishes from Hai Hai on a table.

    I bought a Minneapolis Summer Passport for, well, for Bjork, for our anniversary, but technically it’s for both of us because it’s a book for two-for-one deals that only works with two people. What do they call it again? A gift for the giver? One of THOSE kinda gifts.

    Usually my problem with a lot of these deal things is that you get them and then you’re like… eh… I actually don’t want to go to any of these places.

    But this one has an awesome list of places for us to check off the list this summer in Minneapolis and St. Paul: Revival, Hola Arepa, Lat14, Lyn65, The Hewing, Hi-Lo Diner, Birchwood Cafe, The LynHall, Nico’s Tacos, Pajarito, Tattersall, Black Coffee and Waffle, and more.

    Also: Hai Hai, which is what is pictured above! Balinese chicken thigh with coconut rice, Thai basily gin and tonics, larb with so much chile, lime, and lemongrass that it should be worn as perfume. SO YUMMY.

    If you are local, what are your favorite Twin Cities restaurants to hit up? And you know I’ll love you if you are very specific – like, where to go but also what to order, because these details are important.


    The Iced Coffee Drink That Is Making Me Swoon

    Cold brew pitcher.

    Alright. Here we go.

    • Fill half a mug / pitcher / whatever you want with cold brew.
    • Fill the OTHER half of your mug / pitcher / etc. with oat milk. Oat milk is important. The flavor and creaminess are perfect for iced coffee, better than any other nondairy milk I’ve tried.
    • Add a fast but steady pour of maple syrup, and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt.
    • TELL ME THIS ISN’T THE BEST SUMMER DRINK EVER. I dare you.

    How I Make Cold Brew: The coffee lovers may have opinions for me but I am zero percent precious about how I make cold brew. I just use this thing* and I fill the middle filter piece with ground (decaf) coffee, and then fill the pitcher with water. I let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours (maybe 18, maybe 36 if I forget – told you, not precious) and then I take the filter out. The end.


    Office Remodel Update! Whee!

    Office remodel finished.

    We are *thisclose* to moving into our semi-finished office!

    Remember how it looked before? This has truly been a total transformation.

    The kitchen isn’t done – actually isn’t even started. And the rest of the offices are just big empty rooms right now. But THEY ARE ROOMS. And they are finished as in, like, we’re ready to put furniture in them! And they are so, so lovely.

    Our friend Melissa from The Faux Martha is working with us to design a space that’s cool and functional and just very us. She is a genius. Stay tuned!


    Back To Audiobooks

    Digital Minimalism audiobook.

    It’s been a year or so, but I restarted my Audible subscription this month! Yay!

    15 minute commute x 2 x 4 days / week = 2 hours / week = 1 (audio)book every two weeks! Not bad, considering I’ve read exactly… zero books in the last 6 months.

    Currently I’m reading the book Digital Minimalism which, honestly, is super boring, so I’m not necessarily recommending it as, like, a fun beach read. But it IS really fascinating and thought-provoking and challenging in a good way for me.

    What books are you reading this summer? Boring ones are okay, fun ones are better.


    Sagey Says

    Sage with dog twin.

    Sage wants you to know that she met a furry little someone at the park the other day WHO HAPPENS TO BE HER DOGGO TWIN! Look at these two!

    Sometimes it’s easier to just stay home (okay fine it’s ALWAYS easier to just stay home), but Sage says: get out there! You can do it. Sometimes it’s scary, but stay open, stay brave, try the new thing, go to the new place… because look at who you might find when you venture out into the wild.

    YOUR DOG TWIN.

    I mean, you just never know.


    You guys are the best.

    Thanks for sharing your summer (AHEM BEST SEASON EVER AHEM) with me!

    Related Posts

    The Pinch of Yum Everything List

    “What’s your favorite cookware?”“What cutting board is that?”“Where did you get your bar spatula?” This is the spot for it all! The goal of the […]

    Fall Coffee Date

    Pumpkin spice lattes, Mom life, 12 years of Pinch of Yum, a skin cancer PSA, and more! Let’s talk about life and other happenings!

    30 Comfort Meals to Bring to a Friend in Need

    Sometimes, there’s just someone in our lives who needs a really big, big hug through food. Maybe a friend just had a new baby or you know someone who is sick, grieving, or just has too many balls in the air to juggle. Help a friend find their way again through the gift of an ultra-cozy comfort meal!

    Twin Cities Restaurant Guide

    Whether you are visiting, new here, or a long-time resident who panics every time you actually get a night out…well, we have some Twin Cities restaurant finds for you.

    Team Meet and Greet

    We have a stellar team of people working everyday to deliver you fun and fresh recipes! Let’s meet the folks who help things run smoothly here at Pinch of Yum.

    Sage in February – 2022

    It is Sage’s moment in the spotlight! Bask in the beauty of this furry doll’s glamour shots and snuggly sweet self.

    Beauty Show and Tell

    Today is all about BEAUTY! These are the fun products that you can find in my makeup drawer. Maybe you use some, too? Let’s share!

    18 Better-For-You Products You Absolutely Need to Be Stocking Up on From ALDI

    18 Products You Absolutely Need to Be Stocking Up on From ALDI! Let’s take a quick run through ALDI and let me share my favorite essentials you NEED to get. Everyday staples, fun finds, organic foods, all at affordable prices!