Weekend Dispatch

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Things are getting serious here at the Jersey shore. With all the schools officially out, and July 4th on our heels, the tourist season is about to go into high gear. While that's great for the local economy, it's an adjustment for us locals. Everywhere is bustling with people, and you need to allow twice as much time to get anywhere and do anything. But it's hard to complain when you live at the beach.

Here's are a few things to check out this weekend no matter where you live.


Along the lines of Almost Famous and High Fidelity is another music-related movie called Hearts Beat Loud. I haven't seen it...yet, but it looks good, and the soundtrack just might beat the actual movie. In this likable drama set in the hip Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, single dad and record store owner Frank is preparing to send his hard-working daughter Sam off to college while being forced to close his vintage shop. Hoping to stay connected through their shared musical passions, Frank urges Sam to turn their weekly jam sessions into a father-daughter live act. After their first song becomes an internet breakout, the two embark on a journey of love, growing up and musical discovery. Check your local theaters for showtimes. This movie is playing in smaller, indie venues in my area...just an FYI.



It's officially summer beach read season. Besides the sun, sand, and sea, you're going to need a good book to read as your dig your toes into the warm sand. After having put together my summer reading list, a friend mentioned The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth to me , and now I'm trying to find ways to squeeze it in this summer. My girlfriend said that if you liked Big Little Lies, you will love this book. This book is full of family drama and weaves a compelling suburban mystery that will keep you hooked until the very last page.


In case you missed it, Aperol spritzes are the "of the moment" cocktail. I posted about them yesterday and included a recipe, but there are many variations to the drink. This weekend is shaping up to be a scorcher, and this drink looks like the perfectly refreshing way to end a long day in the heat.

Speaking of trendy booze, rosé all day, anyone? This Saturday (June 30), the Wine Outlet in Point Pleasant Beach is hosting a rosé tasting. From 11 am to 5 pm. the store turns pink and it's all things rosé! Count me in!! The cold wine spots in the Wine Machine will be filled with different rosés throughout the day. There will be some awesome giveaways throughout the day as well. No need to be present to win. Just fill out a card with your info and you'll be entered to win. Click here for more info.


I'm not a big fan of breakfast foods. I don't eat eggs, and since I'm a vegetarian, I don't eat breakfast meats. But a good French toast is definitely a breakfast food I can lean in to. And if it's a French toast bake, even better! I pinned this recipe for a French toast bake a while ago but have never made it. As we start the slide into the Fourth of July week, I thought this weekend would be the best time to make it.


I generally listen to daily podcasts in the morning when they are first released. But lately I've taken to listening to one in particular before I fall asleep. Today, Explained is a podcast that runs through the most important events of the day to catch you up on any current event that you may have missed because you had a deadline at work or if your kids occupied all your waking moments (sound familiar?).

So, tell me. What do you have planned this weekend?

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