My Summer Resolution & Beach Games Galore
My Summer Resolution & Beach Games Galore
How to grow sunflower shoots, a beach game roundup, coconut vinegar + more
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Forget New Year’s Resolutions—I’m Committing to a Summer Resolution
Despite the gloomy overcast skies over Memorial Day weekend, the San Diego beach scene did not disappoint. Though few people splashed in the chilly ocean, plenty vacationers adorned brightly colored beach towels on the warm sand. Fun and revelry was in the air. Footballs sailed, paddle balls splatted, and I spotted at least six different groups of adults playing Spike Ball.
It made me think about how rarely I make time to enjoy simple fun outdoor games with friends. The kind of games with short learning curves that rarely evoke serious competitiveness or drama. When my sister asked me what was on my Summer 2024 bucket list, I came up with a blank. There was nothing. My mind has been elsewhere. What a shame. So, here it is, I hereby make a Summer Resolution to play more beach games. Keep scrolling to see my top 10 picks.
Of course I went online to start adding beach games to my shopping list and thought I’d share with you my best of beach games list. I’m going all in on Kan Jam and bocce ball. What’s on your Summer Bucket List? - M
Small Bites
Microgreen Spotlight—Sunflower Shoots: Have you tried sunflower shoots yet? I wrote an article answering all your pressing questions about sunflower shoots including, health benefits, ways to eat them, and including my friend Daniel’s favorite sunflower shoots, grapefruit, and micro radish salad recipe. - M
My Salad Cookbook Obsession: Four words—Mandy’s Gourmet Salads Cookbook. You’re welcome. This cookbook put me in a whole internet wormhole of gazing at photos of Montreal’s beaches (yes there’re beaches in Montreal, and now I feel I need to experience them all) but I digress. I can’t do boring salads as a main meal, so I purchased this cookbook on a whim after hearing good things. I won’t stop making the dressings and salads from this cookbook because it has exactly the kinds of greens I LOVE to eat. Very dressed up and flavor-balanced with heaps of herbs and crunchy accoutrements. A must-have is a magic bullet to make the dressings. Who else reads cookbooks for fun? Comment with your favorites because this is need-to-know info. - K
A Unique Take on BBQ Decorations: Use produce as vessels for foraged wildflowers or use as candle holders, see above. We also like these whimsical round woven placemats that will elevate your picnic table in a rustic, but fashionable way. Tip: We’ve been following the insanely creative chef and food stylist @lailacooks on Instagram for a while now. Her surreal ideas (like this extra long hot dog and this swan soup dish…but it’s cake) are what my food fever-dreams are made of.
Father’s Day gift ideas (that work for all ages)
$— For the athletic or runner dad: Mesh Runner Hat, $58 at Noah
$$— For the dad who reads mystery novels: Subscription to the Hincks Gazette, $66 at Uncommon Goods
$$— For the dad who needs new summer shoes: Cotton Espadrilles, $115
$$$— For the dad who listens to podcasts: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones, $244 (or Airpods Max)
$$$$ — For the dad who wants to biohack: Infrared Sauna Blanket, $699
I discovered a new condiment! I just got back from a weekend in upstate NY, and had lunch at Zinnia’s Dinette, a “New England style fish fry with Hudson Valley style.” I want to try EVERYTHING on the menu, especially the Rhode Island style calamari with fried and tossed hot pickled peppers and garlic sauce. I’m not even a calamari person! Is it healthy, no no, but the coconut side-slaw I ordered for my fried chicken basket was. It was so exceptional that I’ve already ordered a bottle of spicy coconut vinegar, which hails from the Philippines, which is used as the dressing. Yes to spicy salads. - K
How To Grow Sunflower Shoots
When I sold microgreens full time with Quantum Microgreens in San Diego, I grew and sold so many sunflower shoots. People love sunflower shoots. They are even available in some grocery stores, like Whole Foods. But the grocery store sunflower shoots are inferior to freshly harvested shoots. Growing your own sunflower shoots is fun. Since sunflower shoots can be an entire salad, you can grow your own salad, from seed to bowl in about two weeks. Yes—Two weeks from seed to salad.
I wrote a step-by-step grow guide for growing sunflower shoots, including links for supplies and seeds. My guide is from my years of experience farming microgreens, I promise you, I’ve made all the mistakes. This grow guide will hopefully help you avoid the mistakes I made.
Happy Growing! - M
10 Travel Friendly Beach Games
This post is your one-stop shop for 10 fun-filled games that will transform your beach or park trip from relaxing and chill to fun and laughs.
From classics like paddle ball to trendy Kan Jam, get ready to soak up the sun and make memories with friends and family that are travel friendly and won’t get lost buried in the sand!
Flora & Fauna
Flora of the week: Hibiscus is plentiful in Southern California, but you don’t often find lavender and peach flowers. This beautiful flower is located by the tortises at the San Diego Zoo. I couldn’t just walk by this stunning botanical specimen—it deserved to be seen.
Fauna of the week: YAY, You made it to the end! Here is my other cat Maya (aka Maya Papaya) for the send off.
xo Melissa & Kelly
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We’re Melissa & Kelly, two sisters who live on opposite sides of the country. Want to know more?