7 Tips to Squeeze the Most Out of Summer Before It Ends

1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

What is HSA?

HSA stands for Health Savings Account, a type of savings account that lets you set aside funds to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are often available as a part of health insurance plans, though banks and credit unions offer them, too.

What can I buy with an HSA?

You can buy a lot more with your HSA funds than you think: menstrual products, over-the-counter medicines, sunscreen, and travel to and from medical appointments are just some of the things you can buy with an HSA.

Is HSA worth it?

Whether an HSA is worth it is really dependent on your needs. There are some nice advantages associated with it, though. You may be able to lower your out of pocket costs for medical needs. Plus, the funds are not taxed, so you may be able to save more. Unlike an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), HSA funds roll over year-over-year, so you don't have to worry about it expiring.

Should I max my HSA?

Maxing out your HSA to your account's annual maximum amount via monthly contributions can be beneficial if your goals are to save money and limit out of pocket costs for medical care. You can also opt to invest some of your HSA funds, which can be a smart decision for saving for things like family planning or retirement.

Sunscreen

Per Cigna, sunscreen counts as a reimbursable HSA purchase. SPF is super important for skin cancer prevention, plus wearing it regularly can reduce signs of aging – a win-win!

Hatch Alarm Clock

The famed Hatch Restore alarm clock is both HSA and FSA eligible. It's a superb tool for going to bed soundly and waking up feeling refreshed as ever!

Period Underwear

Menstrual care and feminine hygiene products are also HSA eligible. Cigna says this category may include tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, and similar items, like period underwear!

Theragun

This luxurious massage gun is both FSA and HSA eligible! It's truly life-changing for relieving muscle soreness and tightness. Therabody's other devices like the Theragun PRO Plus, Theragun Sense, and Theragun Relief are also eligible.

Oura Ring

This fitness tracker ring is FSA and HSA eligible – it can help you keep tabs on your sleep, activity, stress, heart rate and more.

Breathing Strips

According to Cigna, breathing strips are HSA eligible, plus you don't need a doctor's prescription for reimbursement.

Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are HSA eligible and reimbursable with a medical diagnosis. This model in particular cleans way better than a regular toothbrush, expertly supporting your oral health.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are HSA-covered with a medical diagnosis. Certain oils can help relieve stress, anxiety, physical pain, and nausea, and aid in better sleep.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers of any kind are also surprisingly HSA eligible. We love these sprays from Touchland because they're cute, easily portable, and smell delicious.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are indeed HSA eligible – the moisture they put out into the surrounding air can relieve respiratory issues, common colds, and even reduce snoring.

Air Purifiers

Similarly, air purifiers are eligible because they can help remove airborne contaminants and viruses that cause allergies and disease.

Spa Trips

In the case you're prescribed a lovely visit to a spa or resort by a physician for medical treatment, the only part that's covered by HSA are the services you receive while you're there. The cost of transportation is not eligible for reimbursement.

Blue Light Glasses

Blue light glasses are covered by HSA; lenses like these block out blue light from screens which helps prevent eye strain and fatigue.

THE BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."