Happy July! June might just have been my favorite month of the year so far. It was just fun and happy. It was busy but for some reason didn’t feel that way. It felt like the right blend of sunshine, time with family, time with friends, weddings, and rest. I spent time in the sun, had morning coffee dates, and ditched everything to go to the beach. I want the rest of the summer to feel just like June. Here are some specific things I’ve been loving.
Circus Tent Dress
I picked up this dress at Old Navy and have worn it a couple times a week since! It is so lightweight and comfy and easy! I also like that it is stretchy around the top so it doesn’t gap. It reminds me of a circus tent which only makes me like it more. (And makes me want to read “the Night Circus” again).
Laying in the sun
If there is one thing I’m an under-the-radar evangelist/psycho about it’s vitamin D. If you know me in real life it’s probably likely I’ve tried to talk you out of using sunscreen (seriously!!!! Trust me on this one!!!), told you the statistics about why our bodies need vitamin D, why if you live in the midwest you probably are deficient, and why you should be spending time laying in the sun (without sunscreen!!) every single day of summer! If only I practiced what I preach 🙃. My mom and I talk about this all winter and then with summer comes wedding season and taking a break to get some sunshine always ends up falling to the bottom of the list. This year I am determined to change my ways and I’ve been spending 1-2 hours outside 3-6 days a week. I use this app to track (because I’m nerdy like that) what my estimated level is at. I was at 16 in April and my goal is to get to 80 by the end of the summer. It also tells you how long you can be out everyday without burning based on the weather which is helpful! The more time I’ve spent in the sun the more I’ve enjoyed it! It’s come to be a really refreshing part of my day whether I do it with my sisters and nieces and nephews, or just sneak out to my deck for a bit of a work break in the afternoon.
The Food Nanny
I found Lizi a couple months ago on Instagram and you guys, you have to follow her! She, her mom and sisters are joyful, funny, and a delight to have on your Instagram feed. I’ve made several of her recipes this month and this morning even made bread because of her! And it TURNED OUT. She makes me smile every time she pops up on my feed!
Summer Salads
Inspired by the Food Nanny! Dan and I both love a fresh salad for dinner in the summer and she has a whole highlight bubble of ideas she’s saved! I’m trying to switch things up and have found quite a few new favorites because of her! You must try her sister’s pine nut salad!!
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers always make me happy and so lately I’ve been trying to keep some in the house at all times. For about $5 a week (if you get them at Trader Joes!) I can’t tell you what a difference it makes. I picked up a ton from a wholesaler the other day for a work project and loved sprinkling the leftovers in every room!
GreenPan Cookware
The non-stick pans we got for our wedding registry are unfortunately not so non-stick anymore. My mom has used GreenPan for a couple years and swears once you use them you’ll never go back. She’s right! One morning I had my last failed fried egg, threw my pans in the trash and drove to World Market to buy a new one (I was a woman on a mission). I can’t speak to longevity yet, but truly my mother (as always) was correct. I’ll never go back. Food literally slides right out and they are non-toxic which is important to me.
Cheese/Charcuterie/Snack boards
When I have girlfriends or sisters over to my house I like having a little snack to offer. My go-to has always been muffins but lately I’ve been throwing together little snack boards with whatever I have in the house! Fruit, cheese, meat, crackers, bread, nuts, whatever! It takes 5 minutes to put together and I don’t feel like I have to have anything fancy on hand!
The Nanny
My sister Hailey and I used to watch the Nanny almost every night in high school and this month I found every episode saved on Youtube TV! The best part is- I got DAN hooked on it!!! We’ve been watching an episode or two every night before bed and basically my whole life is made. P.S. Singing along to the theme song is required.
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