10 things I am enjoying this summer
On Friday, we celebrated Swedish Midsummer with friends. I made a wreath from the flowers I picked in a field by the sea. Sofie made the most delicious salmon cake, and Erik barbecued chicken. We swam in their pool and danced around the Midsummer pole in the garden of their local church. It has been magical, and I am finally truly in a summer mood.
Some wonderful things I am enjoying at the moment:
A novel about an unhinged woman trying to buy her dream house
I am listening to Best Offer Wins. It’s is a bit of a comedic thriller by Marisa Kashino about a woman named Margo Miyake who becomes obsessed with securing her dream home in Washington, D.C.’s brutal housing market. As her desperation grows, the story turns into a sharp, unsettling look at ambition, class anxiety, and how far people will go when they think a house can fix their life. Margo is completely unhinged but I find myself really sympathetic and actually rooting for her. Get that house, babe! I am not done yet, but very much hope for a satisfying ending.
TV series about a mum wrapped up in blackmail and murder
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is another comedic thriller. Paula Sanders, a newly divorced mom navigating a custody battle and identity crisis who falls into a dangerous world of “blackmail, murder, and youth soccer.” After having occasional video chats with Trevor, a cam model who serves as a stress-relief stand-in for therapy, Paula witnesses him being attacked on camera and later discovers he’s actually been murdered. Convinced she witnessed a crime while the police suspect her involvement, Paula launches her own investigation that uncovers a larger conspiracy while she tries to rebuild her family and sense of self. It is unexpected in the best ways. So far, only six episodes are out, and I can’t wait for more. The last one ended on such a cliffhanger.
A recipe: cold sesame noodles with cucumber and chili oil
It’s simple, refreshing, and perfect for hot days. Mix cooked noodles with sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, shredded cucumber, and a spoon of chili oil. Top with crushed peanuts. No cooking required after the noodles—just toss and eat. It’s delicious.
An overnight probiotic skincare treat with a bunch of probiotics and triple fermentation for revitalisation and radiance (whatever it means! it works!). I apply it before bed, and by morning my skin looks more rested, fresher, and noticeably brighter. It’s three times cheaper than Estée Lauder’s night repair serum and twice as good.
A podcast about love, life, and mental health
Happy Place is Fearne Cotton’s warm, honest mental health podcast where she talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between to reveal what happiness means to them. The episode with Alan Cumming, titled “I allow people to be abusive!” How to build self-worth and say no, is sad and brave and amazing. I am a life-long admirer of Alan Cumming, and now love him even more.
All things grilling
We’re staying at Fredrik’s aunt and uncle’s place, and their terrace has a grill that I’ve been obsessively using. I am grilling whatever I can find—cod, lamb, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, even whole lemons to squeeze over everything. The smell of smoky char clinging to the air, the sound of food sizzling over the flames, the way my daughter watches with wide eyes as I flip pieces with tongs—it all tastes like summer to me. I’m grilling lunch and dinner, and I don’t think I’m close to stopping. Plus it makes me feel like I can do literally anything. I can grill!
Watching a romantic hockey drama
I’m watching Off Campus. I started a few weeks ago, and, honestly, stopped after just one episode. I thought it was corny and cheesy. The premise felt ridiculous and very much not fresh - all the predictable tropes. But thanks to Charlotte Stephens’ review, I decided to watch the whole thing anyway, and I ended up loving it. The characters grew on me, the chemistry felt real, the maturity of the boys made my heart warm. I like media that shows men as kind, gentle, emotional beings who talk to each other and give each other excellent advice.
This is the conversation between two college age hockey players. It’s refreshing.
‘If it's her first time she might not come.’.
‘Not an option. She has to come.’.
‘Respect. Well, there is one thing that helps make a girl come. The single, most effective, highly recommended, enjoyed-by-all tool at your disposal. Trust.’.