The tomatoes in my garden have slowed, although I still have a few late bloomers coming in. I hope your garden is lush and fruitful in the August heat. It’s so rewarding after months of hard work and preparation to it at its peak abundance. We are experiencing a severe drought upcountry and I don’t think I’ll ever take water for granted again!

I recently was interviewed by Greece’s iefimerida about my new book, living in Hawaii, and pursuing my photography dream. It was published in Greek on their website and I wanted to share the English version here if you’d like to have a read.

A quick and easy cake for a hot afternoon since I've been feeling exceptionally lazy in the kitchen as of late. Maui is in a severe drought; it hasn’t properly rained since early spring. I never thought I would have to treat water like the precious resource it is! Or praying for rain! I’ve had to ration water in my garden, using buckets since the water pressure is so low. I can’t help but feel this underlying foreboding feeling that this is a dire and tangible sign of climate change

August is like the Sunday of Summer" - unknown

Glimpses of summer lately, sparkly and golden, with a few recipes from The Art of Picnics. Whatever time of the year it is, even if it's wistfully dreaming of August in December with frostbit fingers in the snow, I try to make the most of where I am. The recipes throughout the book reflect a time and place, subliminally highlighting the importance of being present and savoring the moment.

There quite possibly isn’t something as so elegant and alluring as a summer rose. The delicate layers, like the most luxurious silk dress, make these beauties a queen in my garden. I adore their sweet and sultry scent, which holds many memories. On my weekly trip to the farmers market, I picked up a few and some summer honey from a local beekeeper.

A happy week indeed with a surprise delivery of the first copies of The Outdoor Table. I have been waiting for weeks for this notice, constantly checking my email for an update on the book's whereabouts. As I drove down my long drive Monday morning, I was ecstatic to see a box neatly placed outside the gate. I couldn’t wait a moment longer and opened it right then and there with loose cows curiously watching on.

I think one of the summer's greatest gifts is the tomato. A ripe, plump tomato, either one that is so small you can pop it in your mouth or slice it into slabs, is the fruit of the gods. I've planted several varieties, some that I've never even heard of before, like Summer's Bee (note I am a beginner gardener!), a golden streaked cherry tomato that looks like sunset-painted skies. I have to resist eating them all in one picking, leaving me with an empty colander with nothing to show!

Hello July! A month full of lazy beach days, grass-stained feet, and sunshine…perhaps the most blissful month of the year. But, when the weather is sublime, I don't feel like cooking or spending all my time in the hot kitchen….eating my weight in watermelon with a tall glass of lemonade is lunch sometimes! For that reason, my new book, The Outdoor Table, is brimming with easy outdoor recipes for all summertime gatherings.

Oh, summer how I love you so! Bluebird skies, turquoise waters, and sun-kissed blooms are just a few of my favorite things about this time of year. The lingering days are the only golden drop of inspiration needed to call some family and friends around for a dinner party al fresco. Over the years, I collected a few favorite pieces to make entertaining outside easier and lovelier.

Be it a blush, deep cherry, or sun-soaked raspberry, rosé is the darling wine of summer. The cheeky color is tempting and playful, just like the season's essence. It is my top pick to serve for picnics, lazy lunches, and dinner parties. It’s so light and refreshing, especially if it is bubbly. It pairs remarkably well with most light summer dishes, such as seafood and Mediterranean dishes. Light Provençal wines are delicious with light pasta, salads, grilled seafood, and goat cheese.

I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since my first book, The Art of Picnics was published. The whole process felt (and still does) utterly surreal. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced before, and I set a high bar for myself at the outset because this book was so personal to me. When my publisher proposed a second book idea on outdoor entertaining, I was thrilled and humbled simultaneously. The first felt like a blessing and the second feels like a privilege.

My closest friends and family know that I am an unabashed royalist ever since I can remember. I have always had a soft spot for the British Monarchy, well before the doe-eyed Diana came on to dazzle the scene. As a little girl, I was drawn immediately into history and the spectacle of the British royals with adoring fervor.

It has been a gorgeous start to spring on Maui, the violet blossomed jacarandas are in bloom and my garden is taking off. I was thrilled to find a lilac starter at my local garden store too. The sweet scent transports me back to my mother’s garden at home. Isn’t it the loveliest smell? It’s amazing how just one scent can mentally teleport you to a different time and place.

A green ode to spring - this tart is so easy with the help of pre-made quality puff pastry. Tender asparagus and delicate green onions are the star of this verdant garden inspired tart. It looks lovely doesn’t it? Fit for a sunny brunch in the garden or, dare I say, the first outdoor dinner party of the season?

Growing up Easter was generally a large gathering and family celebration - either a brunch or picnic in the pasture with the extended family after mass. I’m not religious despite being brought up in a Catholic family and attending Catholic school, but I do appreciate the sentiment of the Easter holiday…renewal, new life, and brimming optimism in every step. The flowers, soft pastels, and sweet little touches that Easter is so often synonymous with I find endearing. And I shall find any excuse to cook and bake something that reflects that sentiment!

It’s been quite some time since I last posted, but without getting into the ups and downs of the past two years, I’d like to stay present and consistent in sharing in this journal. Spring has began to pop up ever so slightly here on the island. Up here in Kula you do see the subtle seasonal changes which is so very exciting.

Without a doubt, this past year has taken a heavy toll on all mothers in more ways than one. As ever, they were constant source of support, care, love, and selflessness during this challenging year. Working at home whilst cooking breakfast, helping with math homework, keeping the daily life organized and normal as possible, is truly the year to give thanks and honor all mothers.

Mid summer is here and it couldn’t be more welcomed. The roses are blooming in the garden and it has become such a surprise and treat to discover the wild ones blossoming. The sun, ocean, and garden had been such blessing and escape during these summer months amidst this strange time. Life has been flowing up and down in my own personal life and finding these quiet moments have brought so much peace and clarity in such uncertainty.

I’ve planted a variety of fresh herbs in my new garden this year which have been lovely to have on hand. With my new sourdough ventures, I’ve developed this wonderfully delicious herb fougasse. Fougasse is a Provencal bread with a signature rustic leaf like design. It’s wonderfully crisp and soft at the same time.

With so much extra time on my hands, I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes and getting creative styling. Although, I seem to always come back to the simple things. I’ve finally nailed down my sourdough recipe and it has now become a weekly ritual to bake. One of these simple recipes I’ve been enjoying lately is a broccoli rabe and ricotta tartine on a garlicky sourdough.