What a year July has been…

WHAT I/WE DID

July was a wild ride, there’s no other way to put it, considering everything that went on. For us personally, it began with being sick for the first time in years, spending the 4th of July burning up from fever on the sofa, and going on for another week recovering. Finally, about mid-July, we felt back to normal, though still took it easy and avoided people and places. Towards the end of the month, we went to visit The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and really enjoyed it — I recommend visiting if you’re in the area.

We also discovered FloridaRAMA and paid it a visit — it was fun and I recommend it if you want to experience something unique. It’s not very big, so it can take you as little as an hour to see, though I suggest not rushing it.

But yeah… this was our July in a nutshell.

July BLOG POSTS ROUNDUP

July on the blog continued to reflect some of my purchases, showcase summer style, and uplift. Here’s what I wrote:

Toile and blue and white summer pieces. If you love toile prints and blue and white, this post is for you!

5 things that bring me joy this week — that weekly list of random things that bring me joy throughout.

A versatile navy dress (and it has pockets). Zero regrets about buying this dress — I see myself wearing it for years to come and styling it in many ways.

The little moments... It’s been a crazy month, filled with a variety of emotions… I aim to uplift by reminding of the little things in our lives that make them better — I hope you find these inspiring.

Amazon Prime Day deals and things — a list of things I have and love from Amazon, plus a few fun finds.

So many essentials are on sale this week! I shared some of my beauty and self-care essentials — items I use daily or regularly.

Your summer style simplified. Just because it’s hot, it doesn’t mean we have to give up on looking put together. This blog post highlights easy summer styles for effortless outfits.

June at a glance... The monthly series recapping it — I hope you enjoy it!

WHAT I BOUGHT

I did not plan to shop in July, in spite of the sales, and as usual, my plan went well… not! Here’s what I purchased:

This dress in both stripes and white. Once I tried the first one on, I knew I had to have it, so I bought it in a second color. FYI — it runs big and the fabric is not linen. But it’s super flattering!

This mixed-media dress (wearing it here). I really, really like this dress!

This lightweight striped cardigan. It’s the perfect layer for summer.

This dress in cream (now sold out but available in black). I have to say I love the skirt but am deeply disappointed in the top — will make it work though.

I switched to this shampoo after experiencing more than normal hair loss — it’s really helping!

Stocked up on my skin essentials (this retinol cream, these retinol capsules, and this retinol face serum).

I think that’s about it…

MY MOST WORN ITEM IN July

It’s a tie between espadrilles (sadly sold out in red), and these slingbacks — they’re just too easy to put on and walk out the door. Other than that, I’ve been rediscovering this leather basket bag I’ve had for two years now — it’s really nice!

WHAT WE WATCHED

The Bear. I mean… what was this season? The unnecessary screaming and drama, the immaturity — Sydney felt over the top immature, Carmy felt over the top insecure — I get what they’re going through, but this season felt toxic. The only episode I liked was episode 6 — the one about Tina, and it seems I’m not the only one based on its ratings.

Outer Range. I have complicated feelings about this show — I’d describe it as trippy and a little too slow, but good. I loved it, hated some moments, and am disappointed it got canceled. Side note: Throughout the show, Will Patton’s voice made us think of The Outsider (an insanely dark and just as insanely good book), because he narrated it — I love his voice!

A Family Affair. Everybody seems to hate this movie, yet we mostly enjoyed it? Just… why was it released now and not during the Christmas season? It put me in a Christmas mood, and, umm, hello, it’s July?!

Rare Objects. I saw this on Hulu and decided to watch it since I read and loved the book it’s based on, and darn, what a disappointment this movie was. It’s not the acting, it’s the choppy scenes and storyline, different from the book, that just didn’t work. Also, the book has a much better ending.

WHAT I READ

The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer. “From award-winning crime writer and celebrated artist, Jonathan Santlofer comes an enthralling tale about the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, the forgeries that appeared in its wake, and the present-day underbelly of the art world.”

I shared in last month’s post that I had only begun reading this book and had trouble getting into it. Well, it took me the whole month to read it, which means I did not find it un-put-downable like some reviews say. Sure, there were moments where I was really into it, but overall, while this is an enthralling story (depicting some actual real-life events), the characters and storylines felt all over the place. I liked the ending though.

SONG OF THE MONTH

Blame Outer Range, but this song stuck with me…

WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE ON THE INTERNET

I’m loving this new arrival at J.Crew!

I think this piece is stunning and would make a perfect occasion dress!

I almost bought this dress but stopped myself because it’s too similar to one I already own… But I’m still thinking about it!

Readers Voted Istanbul the Best City to Visit in Europe — Here’s What It’s Like to Stay in One of Its Top Hotels. I heard it’s fascinating and I’d love to visit one day.

Mountain Magic Meets Coastal Charm in This Nantucket Home Designed by Whitney McGregor. Such a charming home!

Goodbye, July! August, please be kind and chill!