Quotes from Katie Lee

Every great summer party starts with a list. Throwing something together chaotically ends up being more work than taking 15 minutes to make a plan first.

During the summer, I used to hate when my mom would call me inside to eat - it was such a drag to leave all the fun.

I don't subscribe to that no-carb thing. I'm so sick of the Atkins diet and all that. First of all, if you're not eating carbs, all you do is think about them. It's one of those things that you take out, and initially, you lose weight, but you are miserable.

The best thing about summer entertaining is it doesn't have to be fancy - and you can eat outdoors. You can use a tablecloth or just a piece of fabric you love. You can't go wrong with white candles; put them in jars or hurricane vases.

One of my favorite salads is spinach with pickled strawberries.

For my Mai Tai recipe, I juice fresh orange, pineapple, and lime. It's like vacation in a glass!

If summer had one defining scent, it'd definitely be the smell of barbecue.

I once had a 'best friend' share private stories that I had told her in confidence to another mutual friend. I think the worst part, aside from the actual betrayal of trust, is that this experience affected my future relationships, as I was hesitant to be as open with my other friends.

I like a good burger as much as the next girl, but sometimes, I say hold the beef. In fact, every week, I do Meatless Monday to feel a little healthier.

I make green juice daily.

I never grew up with money, and I never wanted a lot of material things.

My biggest cooking influence, my No. 1, is my grandma. Then it's the farmers. When I go to the farm stand and see what's available, that's where I get most of my inspiration.