Notes from Home: Summer
What I'm cooking, watching, loving, wearing, and recommending this summer
Greetings! By the time this newsletter goes out, I’ll be headed to the airport for our annual trip across the pond. My husband, Greg, is from England, and we go for a month every summer to visit his family. I get to soak up English design – my biggest inspiration — go antiquing, and spend time in nature.
I understand how Americans are drawn to London or to the better known rural areas like the Cotswolds or to Scotland. I’m biased, but I think the southwest should be on this list. Here are my selling points: lots of natural beauty, coastline meets countryside landscape, excellent seasonal food from seafood to produce grown on local farms, and a genuinely exciting hospitality scene including agroturismos which are thoughtful hotels on working farms.
Perhaps most telling, many notable creatives have permanently moved, bought summer homes, or holiday in the area, which to me says a lot about what the draw is.
If this all sounds good to you, I’ve written travel guides to Devon and Cornwall, respectively.
We try to take advantage of our time and explore around. This year we’re checking out a few places I’ve never been before:
Fowlescombe - My husband and I are sneaking off for a couple of nights sans kids to this 450-acre luxury retreat and organic regenerative farm (that happens to be only a 20 min drive from my husband’s parents). Lucy Williams recently celebrated the launch of her new clothing collab there.
Cottage Orne - I’ve literally been stalking this Cornwall hotel since they started renovating it years ago. Each suite/shepherd’s hut/cottage has a unique design by Studio Alexandra, who also designed another beloved regional boutique hotel Glebe House. Plus, it has a heated pool which is unheard of in these parts.
A rental in North Devon - We’re meeting up with Greg’s London friends and their kids at a rental home in North Devon. The crazy thing is Devon is so big neither of us have spent time there so it will be fun to experience a new area.
While I’m away, regular newsletters will continue as usual — plus dispatches and discoveries from the English coast. See below for what I’m cooking, watching, loving, wearing, and recommending this summer. Hope yours is off to a good start!
x Melissa
What I can’t live without lately
Little bowls - There’s nothing better to me on a balmy summer evening than enjoying an aperitivo – a cold cocktail and simple snacks. I like to serve castelvetrano olives, chips, nuts, and/or taralli crackers in pretty bowls. I collect them from all over. I especially love these Horenzu bowls and anything Italian.
Farmers market supplies - I go to the farmers market up to 3x/week in the summer, and I always bring these reusable produce bags and my trusty straw market tote.
Summer bedding - It’s the first summer I’ve swapped out my bedding seasonally, and I found just the right layers with relaxed vintage washed sheets, a comforter that’s lighter than a duvet, and whipstitch waffle blanket. Save 20% (or more) with the Boll & Branch July 4th sale - use code SUMMER.
Holy grail stain remover - I’ve seen so many people recommend this spray, so I had to try it. Good timing — my son got dirt and paint on his precious baby quilt, and I got it out! Have also put to the test with berries and even cherries. Never traveling anywhere without it again.
Itch relief stick - I literally don’t go anywhere without this stick for bug bite relief. It really works.
Exfoliating bar - This buffing bar is a godsend for helping skin look nice and smooth for summertime.
Tinted sunscreen - I finally jumped on board the tinted sunscreen bandwagon, and I’m glad I did. In addition to SPF, this stuff has the added benefit of giving my skin a nice glow and barely there coverage.
What I’m cooking
Homemade summer pantry items - I like to make a lot of pantry items from scratch all year long — they’re just better and surprisingly easy. Here are the ones I make over and over again in summer: BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, tomato sauce (I make huge batches to freeze for winter), and onion dip. Find all the recipes here.
Cold sesame noodles - As the weather has heated up in NYC, I’ve been making this recipe on repeat (I sub with soba noodles for a bit more nutrition). Even my kid likes it.
Corn & tomato pasta - This is my absolute favorite summer pasta that makes use of peak produce.
Herby farro salad - I needed a side the other night and threw together this salad that’s my new hyper fixation. In a bowl whisk olive oil and lemon juice in 3:1 ratio. Add in cooked farro; then mix in chopped herbs (I like dill, chives, parsley, and mint), shaved Parmesan, thinly sliced radish, and chopped pistachios.
Crisps & cobblers - These are the easiest desserts to throw together and use abundant summer fruit. I make this crisp recipe (sometimes I sub almonds with rolled oats) with whatever berry I have on hand and cobbler with peaches or any other stone fruit.
Roasted eggplant - I discovered the idea of roasting eggplant through this Ottolenghi recipe when I had a lot of eggplant from the farmers market to use up. It comes out super creamy in the middle.
For more summer food ideas and table setting inspiration, check out my summer dinner party guide.
What I’m wearing
Cool mom summer uniform - I created this edit and outfit inspiration for myself to guide shopping and getting dressed for hot summer days with my kids. I’ve been keeping it up to date with new finds and sizing notes on the pieces I’ve purchased.
England packing list - After so many summers in England, I finally have my packing down for the moderate, damp coastal climate. These separates will translate to any summer locales where layers are needed. Shop the edit here.
What I’m doing/working on
Behind the scenes - Beside this newsletter and keeping up with two kids, most of my creative energy this summer has gone into building out my website — new shopping guides, styling tips, and other evergreen content over at SenseofSpencer.com. I write whenever I can find spare time — between naps and errands — it’s a labor of love.
Nursery update - After six months of our baby sleeping in our room, we’re finally going to move her into the nursery with my son which means I have to find a way to fit a toddler bed into an already tight space and make it feel like her room too. I took measurements so I can order the bed while we’re away, and I’ve been collecting feminine elements. I’m excited to put it all together and create a space for our girl.
What I’m watching/reading
Rivals season 2 - A soapy romantic comedy set in 1980’s Cotswolds is all you need to know about this show. Season 1 and the first part of Season 2 are up on Hulu — plenty of time to catch up before the second part comes out in Nov.
Sports - It’s been a summer of sports — whether or not you’re a big fan, they’re thrilling to watch. I’m still on a high from the Knicks winning the NBA Championship, and now I’m obsessively watching the World Cup (my husband has indoctrinated me as an England fan — that match in Mexico was insane!) and Wimbledon. If you’re in NYC, you can sign up for a free World Cup viewing party under the Brooklyn Bridge.
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