I don’t know about you, but July 4th week always seems to mark the middle of Summer for me. So much awesome. Warm air, flip flops, farmers markets, sundresses. So, today I bring you my 5 favorite summery things to savor.

No. 1: Watermelon

Y’all know I am a Southern girl through and through. So, of course I love me some watermelon. My college sweetheart used to grow and sell them in the summers as a kid (sandy soils, plant on hills). Now a days, you can get them year round. But, nothing says Summer to me than a nice plump melon from the farm stand (even better, picked up on the way to the beach). No salt, large chunks (moon shaped slices… even better), spitting seeds off the porch. A perfect breakfast, ideal desert, or just because. Don’t bother sending me any recipes for watermelon salad, pickled rinds or how to spike it with Everclear. Been there, done that. I just want my slice straight up and garden hose for cleaning up afterwards.

No. 2: Mock mojito soda

This drink, y’all. This drink is the shit. Refreshing lime with a drop of my favorite peppermint essential oil will cool you in a hot minute. Here’s how. Mix together the juice of 1 lime, a drop of YL Vitality Peppermint Essential Oil, and honey (or agave) to taste (I use about a tablespoon). Mix in a glass tumbler until well combined. Add ice. Top with sparkling water (I love love love my Soda Stream).

I only use Young Living for this recipe because their Vitality essential oil line is safe to ingest. You can order it here. Use my sponsor/enroller ID# 2786054 when you check out.

 No. 3: Flip flops

I have just about worn out my favorite flip flops. These are made by Keen. The extra protection on the big toe? That is just about the best flip flop invention ever for clumsy people like me. My toenails are forever grateful. But alas it is time to head to my fave shoe store while we are still close by to get a replacement pair.

 No. 4: THE Ultimate Mexican dress pattern

Judging from last week’s trip to Target, boho is still a thing. Thank god, because this hippie-girl crocheter is all about the boho. What can a say, for the most part festival dresses are dirt-cheap, and body-shape forgiving. What is more boho than a classic Mexican embroidered dress? So check this out…. There is a super versitle pattern (actually more like an anti-pattern, which you guys know I love love love). As soon as the sewing machine gets unpacked across state, I am so making no less than three versions of this.

No. 5: Bubble Smoothies

How in the Sam-hell is this not a thing in Asheville? Last month during an exploring trip to Raleigh, I fell in mad love with the bubble smoothies at the Grand Asian Market. In that moment of perfect boba bliss, I vowed to have one everyday of our 6-day trip. I have not tried the bubble milk tea yet, because the smoothies are just so perfectly delish (and, frankly, I am not a fan of milk in my tea in general). But, I imagine I have plenty of time. Thanks to the large Asian population in the triangle area, there is a ton of places to get my boba drink fix.

This Friday 5 is one of my all-time favorite type of blog post that is being revived by me and my mastermind buddy, Deane. Check out her Friday5 here. So what are you rocking for your Friday5? Post it on your blog, leave me a comment below with the link and share on social media using the hashtag #friday5.