Time to fire up the grill! πŸ”₯


Marlynn Jayme Schotland

June 23, 2026

Hey there, Reader!

With Oregon Wine Month in full swing, Alain and I spent a full, hosted day out in Newberg, Oregon wine country last week. We did a 4-hour vineyard hike and lunch with Adelsheim Vineyard and Cooper Mountain Vineyard. We loved the experience! You should check it out if you are in the area. Then we went wine tasting at Compris Vineyard (highly recommend!) and finished the day at Sealionne Wines. I'll be posting a recap reel on Instagram tomorrow.

And if you're in Oregon, check out Magic in the Mountains on May 30th. We love this event that showcases Chehalem Mountain AVA wines.

The weekend ahead is a three day weekend here in the US, and it's also Alain's birthday weekend. We'll be celebrating it all with meals on the back deck, cheering on our fave local soccer team, chilled bubbly and our fave Trader Joe's RosΓ©, and yummy Basque food.

If you're hosting a Memorial Day weekend BBQ or making a dish for one, here are five crowd-pleasing recipes to make.
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5 recipes to make for Memorial Day Weekend

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

Potato salad is a backyard barbecue staple. This year, take yours to the next level with this tangy dill pickle potato salad dish. Made with chopped eggs, red onion, celery, and creamy mayo, this delicious twist on the classic recipe will have your friends going for seconds.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Skewers are great for grilling. And what better to fire up your grill than with these slightly spicy bang bang chicken skewers? Sweet chili sauce and sriracha provide the mild heat, and a combination of spices layer on the flavor. They're the perfect finger food for your next holiday BBQ.

Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Looking for a light, vegetarian option for a summer barbecue, potluck, or picnic? With fresh vegetables and basil pesto, this tasty, refreshing salad is balanced with chickpeas and orzo pasta. Plus, it's ready in just 25 minutes.

Cherry Crumble Bars

Summer is cherry season. And I love using fresh ones for all kinds of desserts, including these craveable cherry crumble bars. With a shortbread cookie crust, sweet cherry filling, and streusel topping, these treats are so tasty, you may find yourself making them over and over again!

Ultimate Burger Bar

Sure, you could make all the food whenever your friends come over. But where's the fun in that? Let them get in on the action with a customizable burger bar. You make the burgers, then offer an array of toppings and sides so they can make them truly their own. Check out my ultimate burger bar for some inspiration!

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Shop more faves in my personal LTK shop or our Urban Bliss Life Shop​

Reader comment of the week

​Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles​

"Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles is so easy and quick to make and it is yummy. Everyone in the family loves it! We will be making this often."

-Carol

Thanks for being a part of the Urban Bliss Life community! As always, I truly appreciate your support. Here's to a delicious week ahead full of fabulous meals and adventures!

Cheers!

Marlynn Jayme Schotland

Editor, UrbanBlissLife

Questions? Reply to this email, or email marlynn@urbanblisslife.com.


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