July Favs
My top 10 favorite things from the month
July is the sweetest month. We’re finally, deeply entrenched in summer, with fall just close enough to make us appreciate it. It’s HOT—something I actually like when I’m not in the kitchen. My tomato plants are growing wild and exploding out of their beds. My vision of having a row of Limelight hydrangeas is finally coming to fruition, with big puffs of green and white weighing down their branches. The Waverly Farmers Market is once again the place to be on Saturday mornings, and the booth for my favorite orchard with the grumpy employees is overflowing with sweet cherries, blueberries, and all kinds of stone fruit. I’ve gone on a few trips and bought shorts that I actually like. The list could have started and ended there. Based on that fact alone, life is good.
Before we get into the favs, here’s everything I shared this month:
If I can recommend anything from the month, it’s a Brick. It was my birthday present to myself, and it’s already been life-changing. I keep the brick itself stuck to my basement door (that’s how sick in the head I am over my phone!) and have been locking myself out of social media when I go to the kitchen and before bed. Game changer!
The highlight of the month was going to New York City for a collaboration with Radio Bakery. Collin and I took the train, which I always love. We spent the weekend bopping around and got to spend the whole day at the bakery. We had a fabulous dinner at Ernesto’s and Masalawala & Sons, saw friends, walked our asses off, and had an overall wonderful time. Every time I go to New York, I wish we lived there. Maybe one day.
I wrote myself off as a "no shorts" girl a long time ago. They’re always too tight or riding up, and I don’t like it when my legs rub together. But recently on our trip to New York, we stopped into Alex Mill, and I found this pair of white linen trouser-style shorts that I actually love. If you’re a chick with a bigger butt and thigh situation compared to your top half, these might work for you! They’re high-waisted with a subtle strip of elastic in the back that you could cover with a belt. The legs are loose and long enough without being dramatic. 10/10. I also got their big ass canvas tote for my birthday. I got it in cream with my initials in baby blue and it’s so cute. And while we’re on the subject I’ll just tell you that I’m lusting after their ballet flats in red for fall and the men’s clothes there are GOOD. Collin got a full fit but this polo was a highlight. It wears like a perfect worn in vintage Lacoste polo. Preppy without being prim.
See what I mean?? Hot! I’m counting this one as an extension of the above favorite, but on the subject of shorts that are actually comfortable, these Jean shorts from Mother are a WIN! They’re more on the dramatic side, approaching a length that evokes Adam Sandler but I think they’re so cute with flats and a t shirt. Also a PSA to my pear shaped community, they make this cut in a full length version that are tres cute.
We also spent a couple of days in St. Michaels, which was honestly sort of boring—but in a way that we probably needed. I don’t know that I’ll be back, but it was beautiful, and we had a delicious dinner at The Wildset. The polenta with scallops were a favorite.
Ice cream from Broom’s Bloom Dairy—in particular, the key lime and coconut flavors are delicious.
This Korean SPF every single day. I recently heard that you’re supposed to wear SPF even under a tinted SPF, which was, quite frankly, news to me. This one goes on smoothly and creates the perfect base for makeup. Plus, it’s SPF 40.
Drugstore makeup in general, but this bronze booster in particular has become an instant favorite for my everyday makeup routine. It goes on like the Benetint lip and cheek stain (which is to say, extremely thin), but it gives you the perfect bronzy glow, like you’re just a smidge sunburnt. I’m also woman enough to admit that I got on board the fake freckle train and it’s good to be here! I use a thin brow pencil from elf in brown and then tap it in with my fingers.
Peach iced tea! I don’t know if this was on the menu at Radio or just a staff beverage, but we were chugging this while grilling, and it was to die for. I ordered myself a big bag to make at home. Sometimes you just need something that’s not water. It’s refreshing without any weird ingredients.
This month I was in the mood for dumb, funny shows and found exactly that in Big Mistake and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (both on Netflix). I feel like everything on Netflix right now is a documentary about the most effed-up thing you’ve ever seen in your life, so these shows were a much-welcomed reprieve. If you’re in the mood to laugh and rip through something, I highly recommend them. I’m also in the midst of reading The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny for book club, and I’m loving the characters.
I picked up a new hobby this month—embroidery. My friend taught us all how to do it. It’s easy enough to get the hang of and requires minimal materials. I ordered this kit to get started. I’m currently getting my reps in by covering a Trader Joe’s reusable tote with various doodles.
