Courtney H oustonGroup
Fruits & Veggies YUMMY PASTA RECIPE
Liven Up Your Yard
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN THE SOUTH
Whether
you’re browsing a local farmers market or your backyard garden, here’s what’s tasting its best this time of year:
TOMATOES
(finally sweet + juicy!)
ZUCCHINI & SUMMER SQUASH CUCUMBERS
PEACHES
BLUEBERRIES
OKRA
FRESH HERBS: BASIL & MINT
“This season, it’s all about keeping things simple, soulful, and in full bloom” As we ease into summer, I’ve been leaning into slower mornings, barefoot evenings, and the beauty of living just a little more seasonally. Whether you’re staying close to home or dreaming of your next move, June is the perfect month to focus on comfort, color, and cultivating a home you love.
This month, I’m skipping the market updates and sharing a few favorites from my own summer rhythm—fresh produce, natural remedies, beachy escapes, and easy ways to elevate your space inside and out.
SUMMER RECIPE onepan summer veggie pasta
INGREDIENTS:
1 ZUCCHINI, SLICED THIN
1 YELLOW SQUASH, CHOPPED
1 LARGE RIPE TOMATO, DICED
2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
1/2 CUP FRESH BASIL, TORN
2 TBSP OLIVE OIL
SALT + PEPPER TO TASTE
JUICE OF 1 LEMON
COOKED PASTA OF CHOICE
OPTIONAL: SPRINKLE OF NUTRITIONAL
YEAST OR DAIRY-FREE PARM
INSTRUCTIONS:
SAUTÉ GARLIC AND SQUASH IN OLIVE OIL. ADD TOMATO, LEMON, AND SEASONINGS. SIMMER, TOSS WITH WARM PASTA AND BASIL. DONE.
BUG SPRAY that actually works
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 CUP WITCH HAZEL
1/2 CUP DISTILLED WATER
15 DROPS CITRONELLA
10 DROPS LAVENDER
10 DROPS EUCALYPTUS OR LEMONGRASS
SHAKE AND SPRAY AS NEEDED.
BONUS: IT SMELLS WAY BETTER THAN ANYTHING STORE-BOUGHT!
Perfect for sunset beach walks, cookouts, and backyard hangs!
LIVEN UP YOUR
summer landscaping
You don’t need a full overhaul to make your yard feel like summer. Here are a few quick wins:
ADD POTTED HERBS TO PATIOS OR PORCHES
FRESHEN UP MULCH OR PINE STRAW FOR INSTANT POLISH
INCORPORATE NATIVE GRASSES OR EVERGREENS FOR LOWMAINTENANCE TEXTURE
HANG STRING LIGHTS OR SOLAR LANTERNS FOR EASY AMBIANCE
USE TALL PLANTERS TO FRAME AN ENTRY OR OUTDOOR SEATING AREA
IS THIS YOUR SUMMER to explore a second home?
SUMMER HAS A WAY OF REVEALING WHAT WE CRAVE— SALT AIR, UNHURRIED MORNINGS, A PLACE TO TRULY UNWIND. IF YOU’VE FOUND YOURSELF VISITING THE SAME COASTAL TOWN OR MOUNTAIN TRAIL YEAR AFTER YEAR… MAYBE IT’S TIME TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN.
A SECOND HOME DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN EXTRAVAGANCE. IT CAN MEAN GENERATIONAL MEMORIES, A PLACE TO UNPLUG, OR A SMART LONGTERM INVESTMENT WITH SHORT-TERM RENTAL POTENTIAL.
IF YOU’VE BEEN TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF A BEACH HOUSE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY OR A DESERT ESCAPE IN CALIFORNIA, I’D LOVE TO TALK STRATEGY—WHETHER YOU’RE READY NOW OR SIMPLY GATHERING INFO.
for june
Your home—whether it’s your full-time haven or your weekend recharge spot—should work for your lifestyle, not the other way around. If you’re feeling the nudge to create something that fits your season, I’m ready when you are.
Here’s to breezy days, sun-ripened peaches, and the joy of coming home.
WARMLY,
Courtney Houston
