It really is hard to beat summer in Seattle. The warm sunny usually not-too-hot days, the long evenings, Lake Washington and Puget Sound beaches. This year in particular, summer here seems especially good. A few summertime essentials that are contributing to the good life...

Salad greens from the garden. Last spring we got rid of our lawn and built three raised beds. It was the best decision we ever made. Not only is it fun to plant and watch things grow and enjoy in the bounty, it is incredibly low-maintenance. If you'd like to do the same, these are the guys to get you started. They make it so easy to figure it all out and get growing.

Heirloom tomatoes with Maldon salt and olive oil. (By the way, California Olive Ranch is a fantastic basic everyday oil. Delicious, not too expensive and widely available at PCC, Whole Foods and even our local Thriftway.)

These killer American made classic lawn chairs are a new addition to the garden. Perfect for lounging...

and drinking chilled rose from the perfect tumbler.

And this small but powerful fan. Thanks Omar. You really should know about Omar. He knows about all the right things that you too should have in your life. Thoughtfully designed, well made things that make your everyday life better. My only caveat is that you will find yourself buying pretty much everything he tells you to. Consider yourself warned.