Summer Roundup

A summer roundup and what we did, what we ate, and my favorite products!

Pull Up A Chair & Let's Chat!

Our summer was chock full of fun trips, time spent with friends and family, and absolutely living our best lives. We summered hard, but the time has come to get back in that age old routine of school for the kiddos. It's time to do the meal preps, get the kids ready for those busy weeks, and all the things. I can't say I'm completely mad about it. A little routine and a calm to the chaos might be good for my scattered brain!

For us, school starts in tomorrow and I still feel like we are still trying to get all the things prepped. The supplies are bought and labeled. Meet the teacher was last night so we are almost there. However, Auden is still recovering from her tonsillectomy and Isla is having a stroke that big sister won't be starting school on the first day.

That said, I hope you all have had a wonderful summer as well and pray that the upcoming school year is a roaring success. Parents, may your coffee be strong as your resolve. I need mine to be!

Below I am doing something a little different. At the request of family and friends, I am going to start doing some recipe ideas to make things a little easier for you. I'm also going to include a list of my current favorite things and some other things I've got in my cart. This is the Summer Roundup edition. I hope you like it!

Let's get started!

The Recipe Roundup

The Main Dish Ideas

My Oven Baked Salmon is beyond simple and the leftovers can be used to make a wonderful Greek Salmon Salad With a Dill Feta Dressing. You could even use the leftover salmon to make a salmon version of my Chicken Gyro Bowls. And, keeping with the theme, my Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is perfect for anytime of year!

Other Rufus Recommends Recipes

Another recipe I am loving is my Sweet Corn Pasta. It' a simple side dish for so many occasions, but it makes the Things I Love list because you can add some protein (roasted chicken or leftover steak) and you have a delicious, complete meal!

My Pork Wonton Soup is an all-time family favorite soup. It's so quick and easy and with the additions of store-bought, frozen wontons, you just cannot go wrong. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you need something comforting with little effort or time.

For an awesome snack that's simple to make and is perfect for a back-to-school situation, try my Savory Snack Mix. It's a fantastic mix of crunchy and salty. Just be warned, once you start snacking, it's very hard to stop.

I think everyone deserves a sweet treat during the week. Especially this week. It's hard to get back in the routine with all the things. My Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are just such a treat. Nothing better after a hard day of study than a warm chocolate chip cookie and a hug. Just ask my kids.

Things I Love

Kitchen

To begin my new Things I Love - Summer Roundup, let's talk about my new blender! My old blender was one that Blake and I received as a wedding gift almost 10 years ago. While I was testing out my Egg Bites Recipe, which are amazing by the way, my blender blended it's last blend. I'm actually surprised it didn't start smoking.

My sister, we call her Salsa, recommended this Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System. It is AWESOME. This system comes with a amazing classic upright blender, but also two smoothie cups with lids and a food processor option. There are many fun recipes planned for this gadget. Be on the lookout.

I found these tinted glass mugs at Target and they are so cute. I love a good mug for cooler weather and for when I have time to sip and enjoy and be cozy and happy and yeah. My husband just smashed one of my favorite glass mugs making chocolate milk for a kid so I am definitely adding to my cart!

This summer, I became a huge fan of a berry bowl. They make those expensive berries last longer. Seriously. These stoneware berry bowls from Target are coming home with me shortly.

Pro tip: Let your berries soak in some water and a healthy splash of white vinegar for 5-10 minutes. Let them air dry and into a berry bowl they go. They'll last twice as long!

Home

I'm going to have to start a shopping with Salsa section because this candle warmer lamp was also something she told me about. I love this thing so much because there is no flame. You turn on the lamp manually, can set a timer, and it has an automatic shut off. I cannot tell you the last time I lit a candle. It's a warmer all the way for me now!

To Wear

Things I Love Summer Roundup edition that I can wear include this women's fleece sweatshirt from Target. The green color is amazing and its so soft. I wore this to the surgery center while Auden had her tonsils removed and I can tell you I'll be wearing this all the time. And, it's like a $20 dolla holla. Put it in that cart!

I have had On Cloudsurfer sneakers for quite awhile now, and for someone who is on her feet all day, errrrryday, these are amazing. They have some of the cutest colors for fall, too!

The fanny pack is here to stay and I am here for it! I'm obsessed with Dagne Dover and currently have several Dagne products. The quality is incredible. I love my Dagne Dover Fanny Pack because it's a perfect size and with a swipe of a damp cloth, it looks brand new. Mine is black and I cannot say enough good things about it!

Beauty & Wellness

I have been influenced by my 11 year old niece more than once. And, more than once, she has been right. Raylie has me hooked on the Sol de Janeiro products and specifically this Sol de Janeiro Travel Set. After being gone so much during the summer, this something I grabbed immediately and restocked my travel toiletry bag with.

StriVection Hydration Multiplier is my current favorite skincare serum from Sephora. It's super hydrating and perfect for when I am still in the sun. I don't do any retinol products during the summer, so this one has become my absolute go-to!

Also from Sephora, and I buy these all the time, the Moisturizing Lip Balm. They are so good. These little beauties are super affordable, not tacky, and have just the perfect amount of tint. I have them strategically placed everywhere - in the car, my nightstand, my purse. They really are wonderful.

And, lastly. This is a "don't knock it till you try it" situation. Does it scream old lady? Maybe, but I don't care. I've given these as gifts to my very best friends and they will tell you this is an amazing product. The Jade Stone Infrared Heating Pad is something I keep in my nightstand and use almost daily. The stones in the pad heat up and relieve any tension or pain I have. If my back is sore, if it's that time of the month, or if I just want something cozy, I use this. You need it. Rufus said it.

Shop The Things I Love

You'll Also Love

• Kitchen Organization Essentials - A list of all the things I use to keep the chaos out of the kitchen.
• Spice Drawer & Pantry Essentials - My go-to list of essentials.
• 15 Fun Dinner Ideas - A list of recipes to keep dinner from being boring and that come together on the busiest of evenings!

Who’s Stirring the Pot?

Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.

You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).

If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.

Happy Cooking!

-Ruth aka Rufus