Late Summer Delights: Your Essential Guide to August’s Best Finds, Reads, and Experiences
A curated monthly collection of wonderful things to discover, acquire, enjoy, and explore.
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As the calendar gracefully transitions from July into August here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, a few recurring themes reliably emerge, marking the shift into late summer. This unique period brings a blend of nostalgic anticipation and abundant harvest.
- Firstly, the “Back to School” advertising crescendo reaches its peak. Despite our local children not returning to classes until after Labor Day, stores are already brimming with supplies and promotions. It’s a curious time, attempting to savor the dwindling days of summer freedom while the looming return to routines, along with the distinct smells and comforting flavors of autumn, beckon from just around the corner.
- Secondly, our vegetable gardens truly begin their prolific output. Up until now, harvests have typically been focused on “eat-as-you-go” items like tender lettuce, sweet peas, crisp kale, earthy carrots, fresh onions, and juicy strawberries. But August ushers in the true preserving season, with warm-weather crops like plump tomatoes, tender green beans, abundant zucchini, vibrant peppers, sweet blackberries, and refreshing cucumbers yielding their bounty in earnest. This is when the kitchen transforms into a hub of canning, freezing, and sharing the garden’s generous gifts.
- And thirdly, a more recent and somber reality of the past five years: the unfortunate prevalence of wildfire smoke. While some fires commenced earlier this July, much of the smoke has, thankfully, remained concentrated within the Cascades mountain range. Here in the fertile Willamette Valley, we’ve mostly experienced a gentle, high haze. However, it feels like only a matter of time before our skies become thick with smoke, necessitating closed windows and a retreat indoors.
Despite these seasonal shifts, our family has embraced a slower pace. We have a delightful lake trip planned and a couple of smaller local excursions, but beyond that, we’re mostly staying close to home. This allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the joys of the garden and truly appreciate these final, unhurried days of summer before autumn’s arrival. It’s a time for reflection, simple pleasures, and gratitude for the natural beauty surrounding us.
What unique August traditions or experiences characterize your corner of the world? We’d love to hear about them!
Discovering Good Things: August’s Handpicked Favorites
The Beauty of Fresh Cut Flowers
Moving from our previous cottage, which boasted an abundance of flowers perfect for cutting – from fragrant roses and voluminous hydrangeas to cheerful cosmos and zinnias – to our new farmhouse presented an initial challenge. The farmhouse property was literally devoid of any flowering shrubs or perennials, which was quite a letdown for someone who cherishes fresh blooms indoors.
My passion for having vibrant flowers throughout the growing season quickly spurred a mission: to intentionally plant varieties that would thrive and provide ample material for indoor arrangements. In the deer-resistant sunken garden, I carefully selected peonies, yarrow, lavender, zinnias, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and even flowering oregano. These choices not only added beauty but also offered some resilience against local wildlife.
Additionally, I dedicated a special, protected area within the fenced vegetable garden to cultivate flowers that local deer would otherwise decimate. This sanctuary now flourishes with stunning dahlias, delicate cosmos, upright snapdragons, more hydrangeas, classic roses, and cheerful asters. It’s a joy to walk through and select blooms knowing they are safe from hungry visitors.
The delightful photograph above showcases a recent harvest from this fenced garden, arranged into a loose, cottage-style bouquet, perfect for brightening our kitchen island. The arrangement features two distinct varieties of dahlias, complemented by both light and dark pink cosmos, a charming salmon-colored calendula, and a playful mix of pink snapdragons. The blend of pinks, whites, and yellows creates a harmonious and absolutely beautiful display that brings so much warmth and life to the space.
The enduring lesson here is simple yet profound: always make room for flowers in your life. Whether in a dedicated garden bed or a single pot, their beauty and presence are unequivocally worth the effort, transforming any space into a more joyful and inviting sanctuary.
The Tranquil Beauty of the Deschutes River
A true highlight of late July was the opportunity to spend a rejuvenating weekend with my parents in central Oregon. One particularly memorable day involved a scenic hike along the breathtaking Deschutes River. The beauty of the landscape was simply profound – and incredibly, there was hardly any smoke that day, despite three fires burning nearby at the time. Just look at the vivid contrast of those clear skies against the deep green of the towering trees! It was a perfect moment of natural splendor, a true escape from the worries of the world.
My daughter, with her keen eye for composition, noticed the vibrant purple loosestrife blooming along the riverbanks and suggested it would perfectly frame the gentle bend in the river. She was absolutely right; the pop of color added an artistic touch to the already stunning vista. While we appreciate its beauty, it’s worth noting that purple loosestrife is an invasive wild flower, a subtle reminder of the delicate balance in nature, even amidst such captivating scenes.
For me, the experience transcended mere visual beauty. It was profoundly about the quietude that enveloped us. There were barely any other people around, allowing the natural symphony of the surroundings to take center stage. You could distinctly hear the soothing rush of the water, the gentle whisper of the breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees, and the clear calls of various birds echoing in the air. It was a rare and precious moment of peace, a beautiful memory etched into the heart.
If your travels ever lead you to central Oregon, I wholeheartedly recommend making time for a leisurely walk along the Deschutes River. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, find tranquility, and create unforgettable memories.
The Anticipation and Joy of the First Large Ripe Tomato
While July had already graced us with a delightful harvest of sweet grape and cherry tomatoes, providing small bursts of flavor, the arrival of the first large slicing tomato of the season is always a momentous occasion. This year, much to my surprise and well ahead of its peers, the esteemed heirloom variety, Cherokee Purple, was the first to ripen to perfection.
Its early appearance was so unexpected that I nearly overlooked it during my routine garden harvest! The Cherokee Purple is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorites for its incredibly rich, complex flavor and distinctive dusky purple hue. The moment I spotted its readiness, I knew exactly what to do. I quickly snapped this photograph, preserving the memory of its pristine state, just moments before I began slicing it thickly for a wonderfully simple yet utterly delicious Tomato-Feta Salad. It’s a dish that truly allows the tomato’s natural sweetness and tang to shine.
Describing the sheer goodness of those first few bites is almost impossible; they were a revelation, a true taste of late summer’s bounty. The flavor profile of a homegrown, perfectly ripened heirloom tomato is unparalleled, a testament to the rewards of patient gardening. This simple pleasure is a reminder of why we dedicate so much time and effort to cultivating our own food – for these peak moments of pure, unadulterated flavor.
Discovering the Versatile Drew Barrymore Hero Pan
For quite some time, I resisted the urge to jump on the bandwagon of the Instagram-famous, pastel-colored “everything” pans that have permeated social media feeds. The hefty price tag was a significant deterrent, and I wasn’t entirely convinced it was a necessary addition to my already functional kitchen.
However, what I *did* genuinely need was a pan with adequately tall sides, ideal for preparing stir-fries and various sautéed dishes, that wouldn’t suffer from food stubbornly sticking to the bottom. My otherwise beloved stainless steel “everything” pan, while durable, proved challenging in this regard. Even a simple chicken stir-fry would inevitably result in a solid black residue at the bottom, demanding extensive scrubbing and a fair amount of frustration.
Then, a solution appeared: Drew Barrymore’s kitchen line, available at Walmart, introduced a pan with precisely the tall sides I desired, aptly named a “hero pan.” Its significantly more accessible price point, roughly half that of its trendy counterparts, finally convinced me to give it a try. And I am so glad I did.
This pan features a ceramic nonstick coating, reassuringly free of PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS. The result? Literally nothing sticks – a true kitchen miracle! It’s wonderfully liberating to cook without the constant worry of burnt-on messes. Furthermore, its generous 4-quart capacity is perfect for preparing larger recipes, making it incredibly versatile for family meals or batch cooking. And, in keeping with her line’s aesthetic, it comes in a range of appealing, fun colors; I personally selected the serene sage green, which adds a lovely pop of color to my stovetop.
After more than a month of consistent use, I’ve stumbled upon an unexpected bonus: the integrated steamer basket. Initially, I didn’t anticipate using it frequently, but it has proven to be an invaluable addition! Its surface area is considerably larger than my older, folding-type steamer basket, allowing me to steam more green beans, other vegetables, and even eggs simultaneously. Steaming eggs in this basket consistently yields eggs that are incredibly easy to peel every single time – a small but significant victory in the kitchen!
Beyond its functionality, the pan’s attractive design means it’s pretty enough to bring directly to the dining table for serving, reducing the need for extra dishes and simplifying mealtime. I haven’t invested in a new pan or pot in quite some time, but this “hero pan” has truly been a fantastic, practical, and beautiful addition to my cookware collection. It’s a product I simply had to share!
Explore the Beautiful All-in-One 4 QT Hero Pan with Steam Insert here.
Our Favorite July Reads: A Diverse Literary Journey
The Kill Fee (Poppy Denby Investigates Book 2), Fiona Veitch Smith. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my journey through this delightful six-book audio series, perfect for accompanying my gardening and cooking tasks. Set primarily in 1920s London, the series follows the spirited Poppy Denby, a newspaper reporter who frequently finds herself entangled in mysteries and murders. I particularly appreciate the historical accuracy, especially the author’s insightful notes at the end of each book where she distinguishes between factual elements and fictional liberties. The characters are well-developed and maintain a charming continuity throughout the series. While the mysteries themselves aren’t overly complex, the glimpse into early 20th-century journalism is captivating. Though they don’t possess the emotional depth of the Maisie Dobbs books, they offer consistently fun and engaging reads or listens. This month, I also completed The Death Beat (Book 3) and The Cairo Brief (Book 4), further immersing myself in Poppy’s intriguing world.
To Marry and To Meddle, Martha Waters. I stumbled upon Martha Waters through a blog that praised her as a fun, “closed-door” romance writer known for witty banter. This particular title is the third in a series, but the first two didn’t pique my interest as much. Set in the beloved Regency era, it features a classic marriage-of-convenience trope, a narrative device I always enjoy. Both the hero and heroine are likable, which is crucial for me; I often struggle with romances where one character is overly mean or unpleasant, only for them to inexplicably fall in love. This book was simply a fun, lighthearted read—perfect as a “palate cleanser” between more intense stories.
A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder, Dianne Freeman. This was the final installment in a wonderfully entertaining Victorian series following a couple who seem to perpetually stumble into murder mysteries. I genuinely adored the overall charming and lighthearted tone of these books, especially in their audiobook format, brilliantly narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. Her narration is exceptional, bringing the characters, particularly the main protagonist, to life with impeccable timing and inflections. Beyond the mysteries, there’s a sweet, very tame romance, alongside loving and realistic relationships with friends and family. I’m unsure if the author plans to continue the series, but I would absolutely listen to any future additions.
Paul: A Biography, N.T. Wright. This was a substantial book that I began in June and finally completed by mid-July. I hold immense respect for N.T. Wright’s scholarship and vividly recall my father-in-law delving into this very book years ago. Wright presents an incredibly compelling perspective on the Apostle Paul, meticulously weaving together verses from the Book of Acts with clues gleaned from Paul’s own letters to reconstruct a comprehensive picture of his life and extensive travels. Readers gain a profound understanding of the historical and cultural context in which Paul wrote, underscoring the importance of considering this background when interpreting his works. What Paul achieved, undoubtedly with the Lord’s divine assistance, is truly astonishing and deeply inspiring.
The Kabul Beauty School, Deborah Rodriguez. This poignant memoir came highly recommended by a reader and, conveniently, was available through Hoopla, so I immediately downloaded it. The narrative is set in Afghanistan after the initial defeat of the Taliban, a detail that now carries a bittersweet resonance given the Taliban’s subsequent return to power. The author, a volunteer with a background in hairdressing, arrives in the country and quickly identifies a pressing need for women to acquire practical skills, specifically in opening their own beauty schools. She then dedicates several years to this endeavor, empowering numerous women to earn an income in a society where such opportunities were often scarce or impossible. While the author’s personal choices, such as marrying a local without knowing him or speaking his language, raise some questions, and I’ve read about certain controversies regarding incidents she included, the book as a whole offers an incredibly eye-opening glimpse into a culture vastly different from our own, illuminating the daily realities and challenges faced by women living there.
Liturgy Of The Ordinary, Tish Harrison Warren. This title popped up in the Hoopla App after I finished “Paul,” and I’m always drawn to resources that explore how we can praise God amidst the mundane, everyday aspects of our lives. The concept of living a simple, intentional life is deeply biblical; it emphasizes that performing the Lord’s work isn’t exclusive to those in formal ministry. I often ponder how my daily choices can make a tangible difference, which led me to transcribe this powerful quote into my Book Notes Journal:
“Each time we make a small choice towards justice, or to buy fair trade, or to seek to share instead of hoard, or to extend mercy to those around us and kindness to those with whom we disagree, or say “I forgive you,” we pass peace where we are, in the ways that we can. And God can take these ordinary things, like fish and bread, bless them and multiply them.” This reflection serves as a beautiful reminder of the sacredness in the everyday.
Practice Makes Perfect, Sarah Adams. Sarah Adams is another author I discovered through the same blog that introduced me to Martha Waters, praised as a “master of the sweet, happy-ending romance” with a “closed-door” style. This description perfectly encapsulates “Practice Makes Perfect.” The story is set in a charming small town where the heroine has lived her entire life, meaning everyone knows her business. So, when an enigmatic, out-of-town bodyguard begins to pay her attention, it quickly becomes the talk of the town. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow-burn romance and the way both protagonists had to confront and work through their individual childhood “baggage” before they could truly commit to each other. The ending was genuinely super sweet and left me with a warm, satisfied feeling.
The Stand, Stephen King. Whew! Brian and I finally concluded our listening journey through this epic novel during the last week of July – a commitment spanning over two months and an astounding 47 hours. After a somewhat slow and initially challenging start, due to the sheer number of characters introduced, the narrative gradually pulled us into the chilling world King masterfully creates. The story unfolds after a man-made “superflu” pandemic brutally eradicates (with King’s characteristic gruesome detail, of course) 99.4% of the global population. It’s truly astonishing to witness how realistically such a contagion could spread. The diverse cast of characters eventually coalesced into mostly fully fleshed-out individuals whom we found ourselves rooting for or, conversely, utterly repelled by. From the initial pages, the overarching plot of Good versus Evil was clear, and we could anticipate where each character’s allegiance would ultimately lie. We eagerly sought out opportunities to listen whenever possible – during meals, while driving, truly whenever we could spare a moment. The novel had surprisingly comic parts, and we still use phrases like “m-o-o-n spells ____” (anything but moon) and “happy crappy,” which brought us genuine laughter. King is known for his depiction of gore, so when a character is shot, you receive all the meticulous details of the bullet’s impact, but this isn’t horror in the vein of some of his other works. There’s a strong supernatural element (characters share identical dreams and follow them to the same destination), yet also extensive discussion of the Bible and God as the ultimate antidote to the pervasive evil. While perhaps not for every reader, I am immensely glad I experienced “The Stand” – it profoundly makes you reflect on society as a whole, and it will undoubtedly secure a spot on my top 10 favorite books list.
What We’ve Been Watching
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Our latest cinema outing was to see this highly anticipated action film. If I had known beforehand that this was merely “Part One” of a larger story, I would have likely waited to watch it until “Part Two” was released, allowing for a consecutive viewing experience. True to the franchise’s reputation, it delivered all the high-octane stunts, intricate espionage, and thrilling sequences you’ve come to expect from previous Mission Impossible movies. The only notable difference, perhaps, is its almost three-hour runtime. While that certainly means you get your money’s worth in terms of screen time, it does leave you eagerly awaiting the conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s latest impossible mission!
And that concludes another installment of our Good Things List! We hope you found some inspiration.
If you’re interested in exploring more of my favorite recommendations and discoveries, you can browse all previous Good Things Lists here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have some wonderful finds of your own to share. Please leave a comment below with your insights and suggestions!
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