Things That Felt Like Big Wins This Summer 2025
🌸 Dance Recital Memories
One of my favorite parts of this season so far: watching my daughter at her dance recital. Tap, jazz, and hip hop—she really did it all! Seeing her up there confident, sparkly, and giving it her all was definitely a mom win moment for me.
Fountain Park Days
Another sweet part of this summer—days at Fountain Park in Rock Hill, SC with my son. We’ve been throwing pennies into the fountain, making little wishes together.
It takes me right back to when I was a kid, doing the same thing at the local mall. Funny how something so simple sticks with you all these years. Now it’s his turn. Small things, but they really do feel like the good stuff.
Culinary Wins!
Located On Queen Street, Charleston SC delivered two distinct wins for me this summer!
At Poogan’s Porch, Southern heritage meets indulgence— buttermilk‑fried chicken, malted waffles, peach‑bourbon huckleberry syrup, and a historic Victorian dining room. I opted for the patio.
Bonus Win: I was able to sit by the beautiful Mills House Hotel while at Poogans in all its pink beauty—my favorite color. There’s just something about that soft blush exterior against the Charleston sky that feels calm and timeless. Whether you’re staying there or just passing by, it’s one of those spots that makes downtown feel extra special.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks away, Harken Cafe & Bakery offers a quieter respite—a cozy hideaway for latte lovers and pastry enthusiasts, with rustic charm and in‑house baked goods that feel like a hug in edible form. I had their chocolate chip cookie (Devine!) and iced chai latte
While we’re on the topic of food, I crafted my own lavender-mint lemonade using clippings from my little garden. Fresh, simple, and so refreshing! Recipe below:
Lavender Mint Lemonade (Single-Serve)
Ingredients:
1 large lemon, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
2 tbsp sugar
3 fresh mint leaves
A few fresh lavender flowers (culinary-grade only)
3/4 cup cold water (or sparkling water)
Ice cubes
Optional garnish: lemon slice, mint sprig, lavender sprig
Instructions:
Muddle:
In your glass, combine lemon juice, sugar, mint leaves, and lavender flowers. Gently muddle with a spoon to release flavor.Mix:
Add cold water and stir until the sugar dissolves.Serve:
Fill the glass with ice and garnish with extra lemon, mint, or lavender if desired. Sip & savor!
A Little Summer Garden Wins
I clipped a few bright gladiolus blooms and my single, sweet hydrangea flower to make a little arrangement for the house. It’s nothing fancy—just some color from the yard, but it made me smile every time I walked past it.
I’m also growing watermelon and cantaloupe this summer. Fingers crossed for some juicy harvests later in the season. It always feels like a little surprise gift when those first fruits show up.
Signing off for now, friends — I’m pressing pause on the blog until early fall. I’ll be back when the air cools down with fresh favorites and new winners to share. Until then, take care and enjoy your own simple wins!
Disclosure:
This blog is for personal sharing and informational purposes only. I do not earn commission or compensation from products, places, or businesses mentioned. All opinions are my own, and any recommendations are based on my personal experience.
