“Rejoice as summer should… chase away sorrows by living.” ― Melissa Marr
For the past few months, I’ve been enjoying slowing down, living intentionally, and just soaking in each day.
This summer has been such a major blessing in every way. And for this article, I thought it’d be fun to share some things I’ve been loving from this season.
Sometimes, when I think things aren’t working out, they end up working for me in my favor. And this summer is one I always want to remember.
LEMON8
As I get older, I understand more and more why older adults told me years ago why they don’t like social media. Although I’ve seen some of them embrace it (mostly to keep up with family and friends), I get their initial feelings towards this way of living.
Performance is what turn me off of social media. To perform for the algorithm is so tiring. The comparison is running rampant too. How do I know? When I see influencers take the same “Insta-worthy” trips and vacations, have the same closets, and recommend the same things…it’s all too much of the same content. I mean, why would I want to “scroll” to see the same things in five similar ways?
While I do use social media for my businesses, I personally have been loving the Lemon8 app. I don’t care if people say the app is dead now. It’s refreshing to see the value of content on this app put out by others. So many women are sharing finance tips, how to get PR, book recommendations, etc. It’s like people are actually enjoying creating just to create. They don’t seem to care about the number of likes and are posting what they like and for that, I don’t plan on leaving any time soon. Follow me on Lemon8!
SOBER LIVING
As someone who drinks a few times a year, I’ve been loving seeing younger people talk about not drinking. My hope is that it’s not a “trend,” but more so to be in control of your body, a way to live more live intentionally.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun drinks! That said, this recipe book (which has been in my gift guides for the last few years) is all about non-alcoholic drinks if you’re looking to make drinks sans alcohol.
What better way to stay cool this summer than to make some mixed drinks from this non-alcoholic drinks recipe book? It’s also so beautiful to display in your kitchen or on a sideboard in your dining room on an acrylic book stand!
COLD HEAD WRAP FOR HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
I bought this headache relief hat on a whim at the beginning of summer and I kid you not, the day after it arrived, I had to use it. And if you’re around here long enough, it’s already free for me after having it for the last several months. #CostDividedByTimesPerWear
If you don’t get headaches or migraines often, this cold head wrap feels so good on your eyes and face in general. Think of the cryo roller, but all over. And it’s perfect to cool down in this heat!
HOME CONTENT
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been unfollowing fashion influencers to follow more home decor content creators. What is it that fascinates me when creators share their home renovations, home building, or home decor?
Is it that high feeling you get when you’re snooping around and looking inside a medicine cabinet when you’re visiting someone at their home? Who does this? I no longer do it, but sure did when I was a kid!
By the way, if you have any home content creators (or are one) you recommend, send them my way and fuel my addiction, please!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t understand the Stanley tumbler hype when it first came out. I had two Yeti cups and ordered one to see what the fuss was all about many months later. After using it for nearly a year, it’s okay. The lid is extremely difficult to take off when you have sparkling water in it. I think the carbonation just keeps the lid tightly sealed. Regardless, I’ve knocked over my cup a few times and can confirm, it leaks. Also, I think my Yeti cups can keep ice much longer.
Then I came across Simple Modern. I LOVED the sleek style and the pricing so I ordered one in the Almond Birch colorway. So far, so good! The lid is super easy to twist off even with sparkling water in it. And it also comes with two straws! I might just nab a black tumbler one and a mauve colorway and call it a day!
MIDSOMER MURDERS
Not going to lie, it’s been many years since I’ve watched crime/true crime shows. However, my best friend’s dad convinced me to watch this 25-year-old (and still going strong!) murder mystery British television show. And y’all, he did not steer me wrong.
It’s been SO much fun to watch it with them both! As the audience, you’re always guessing who did it. And it’s not just one crime you’re trying to solve, it’s multiple! I’ve gotten some right and some, I could never guess! And let me tell you, the writing is NOTHING like it is here in the U.S. The motives for murder range from not liking being made fun of to family honor. I will say that there are some scenes where I can’t look when the crime is being committed. However, I can’t stop watching because the acting is superb! John Nettles is definitely an underrated actor.
Each show is one and a half hours long so it’s impossible to “binge”, but that’s not to say you won’t be addicted to making it a part of your daily routine!
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved school supplies. When we went to the grocery store, you could find me in the school supply section, haha! I’ve only realized that while I appreciate the ease of technology, I want to go back to the good old pen and paper.
That said, I’m looking into getting a Filofax to store my wealthy woman secrets. The funny thing is, I bought gorgeous inserts from Noted Co. before I found the actual Filofax I want, ha! Oh and I have my eye on a few things from Cloth & Paper too. #SorryNotSorry
GETTING MY NAILS DONE
While I never used to be a mani girl, I’ve been embracing getting my nails done and done often this summer. Maybe it’s because I know that come fall, it’ll be harder to do due to my busy work schedule.
Nonetheless, I’ve been enjoying a little pampering for myself. It’s nice to be able to afford to do this on a consistent basis which wasn’t the case for me in the past. Here’s to me manifesting that getting manicures consistently become a part of my life and soon too!
What have you been loving this summer? Let me know in the comments!
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