July Love Letter: What July Looked Like

A few things I've been enjoying before heading off to Spain.

This July was pure summer, in its most pure form. From the heat dome that rolled in right at the start of the month, to everything I got into after — it was definitely summer here in Pittsburgh.

It was also a relatively quiet month for me — not much travel, not many plans — which let me really sink into the season. That's what I want to share with you this month: fresh farm vegetables, bike rides, the World Cup, and a great month overall.

The Heat Dome and the World Cup

It started with the heat dome, fully present in Pittsburgh — we had 99+ degree days that made it almost unbearable to be outside.

Luckily, this was right when the World Cup entered the knockout rounds, and I spent a lot of time in AC watching the games. It's not every World Cup I have time to really get into, so I was thrilled I could this year.

I watched from home, from the studio while packing Snap Cap packs, or at my favorite South Side pub, Pipers, where they always have soccer on. I was over the moon for Spain's win, since we're headed there at the end of the month for a much-needed vacation :)

Be.Wild.Er Farm Store

Another favorite addition to my summer this year was Be.Wild.Er farm store. My studio mate Sarah, of King Reld, is also part owner, and they started a new program this summer that is truly changing my life.

Every weekend you can order produce from their online farm store and pick it up from one of three spots around the city — one happens to be at the brewery down the street from my house, and I've been going all out on the veggies.

The lacinato kale bunch, which I make into a tahini dressing, and the kohlrabi, which I love roasted but also turned into a cold soup, topped with dill and chives, also from the farm.

Getting Ready for Spain

Between all of that, I've been fitting in bike rides to the studio — even though by the time I get there I'm drenched in sweat. Good practice, though, because in Spain we'll be doing an 8-day bike trip.

I'm excited to see the north coast, Basque Country, an area I've never been — art, ocean, hopefully lots of swimming, and of course, wine and good food :)

We'll be a bit slow to respond while I'm away, but we'll keep an eye on the inbox and take care of everything once I'm back.

Hope you're all enjoying summer in your own way. This is my love letter to summers in Pittsburgh, a truly special time here — see you next month.