July Joys
All of the things that brought me joy in July
Happy August!
I’m currently writing to you from my final trip of the summer. We are staying at my in-laws in Rochester. They are right on Lake Ontario, which as you can imagine is beautiful in the summer (and perhaps, not what you think of, when you think of Rochester, NY??). It’s nice to also see so many of our friends who are visiting or moved back here from Boston and NYC. Fitz has swim lessons this week and is staying alone (with his older cousin) an extra week for sailing camp. It will be his first time spending a week away from both of us! It’s a trial of sorts, as we are going on a 10 day trip next May. While here, we are doing all the swimming, outdoor sports, playgrounds etc. and I am eating as many Wegman’s subs as humanly possible in one week.
I am feeling the push and pull of wanting to be present with my family, but also wanting to get back into work and I think it is because Colin always has to work for a portion of this trip, so it feels like I should be working too. I hate the way August feels like everyone is rushing to get back to a fall routine. Am I the only one??
Let’s jump into all the things on my brain in July!
We kicked off July with celebrating the 4th with friends on the South Shore and it was SO FUN to get our families together. We concluded the month with our family trip to the Cape, which was the best as always. We stay in Dennis Port and go with my parents, my sister, brother and their families. The cousins all have the best time together— there are five in total ranging from 5-10 in age. It’s chaos but the best kind. I didn’t shower inside once, which is always the sign of a good beach trip.
Aurate reached out and asked to send me one of their new stainless steel pieces. I LOVE this bracelet (20% off right now; code: SUMMER), and I love that it comes in four different lengths. I much prefer to buy a bracelet in my exact size (6.5 inches) vs having an extender hanging loose. Baublebar previously sent me a mariner puff bracelet, and I wore it in the shower once and it tarnished immediately. Aurate said they have a lifetime guarantee, and the gold version has a plating on it. So far it’s held up well and I wore it everywhere on the Cape and now in NY.
I also loved these sunglasses in July— wore them nonstop and got asked about them often! They’re well under $100! I LOVE the green colorway, it’s speaking to me.
I have three new skincare favorites that I have been loving (and haven’t discussed yet on Instagram)! For things to make it into my daily rotation— it has to REALLY impress me. I’ve tried a lot of things, I am extremely picky and have high standards. These three are top notch!
Abi Ame Summer Skin Body Serum + Lotion - if you’ve been here for any amount of time you know I am not a body lotion gal. I prefer a body oil. And I’ve tried a lot of body serums and I find them to be too sticky or not hydrating enough. This is a true lightweight serum/lotion hybrid that melts into the skin instantly, and isn’t sticky, greasy or heavy. It provides long-lasting hydration for being so lightweight.
Bloomeffects Bi-Phase Tonic - I know this is not a new product by any means, but it’s my first time trying this. This is milky— but it’s really meant to actually be a more clarifying and pore refining toner so best for those with combo to oily and/or acne prone skin and is also great for sensitive skin. This is not going to be for those who want an ultra milky hydrating essence. I personally love this, and think it’s the perfect milky essence for day time or humid climates and the skin types mentioned above (me). It’s acne safe, no fragrance and feels nearly weightless on the skin but adds a little hydration. It’s ultra calming and soothing too.
Auna Beauty Manuka Moisturizer - This moisturizer makes me want to try every single product in the line. They have some richer moisturizers, but this one is a water-based gel cream. The brand uses ComVita Medihoney (the same anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant-rich medical-grade Mānuka honey used in an FDA-cleared wound care device). This gel cream also has ceramide complex, squalane, and jojoba as well as niacinamide. It smells like manuka honey (dreamy!!!) and immediately hydrates and plumps the skin. No pilling, is amazing during daytime or in the PM. I love this so much and it’s been fantastic for my skin.
I don’t want to hear the F word until at least August 15th (honestly, September 1st but I am being realistic here) — but I know it is very much on everyone’s mind. I have been slowly saving things I’m eyeing but not yet buying on this list here.
I bought this Soeur Suzette pouch bag off Depop secondhand. It retails for over $300 and I grabbed it for about $55. It’s a fun colorway they don’t make anymore, almost like a yellow/chartreuse? I thought it could be a fun pop of color with navy or black— perfect for all year round! I like that it has a strap to wear over the shoulder, but can also be tucked in and worn as a clutch.
I don’t think I bought much else (since I spent a small fortune on hats in June)? I had everything I wanted for summer and I am not ready to shop for fall yet.
I am currently reading by Joss Richard’s Let’s Kiss and Tell (releasing August 11th), whose debut novel was my favorite book of 2025. I am also listening to Games: A Love Story by Anna Maria Volkova, which I am also loving!
I posted my July reading wrap up here, but my standouts (and must reads IMO) for July were:
It took me the entire month to watch the eight episodes of Elin’s The Five-Star Weekend, which I really enjoyed. I thought the casting was great!
I am SO looking forward to The Love Hypothesis which is an adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s debut novel. This book is actually my least favorite of hers, which makes me even more excited for the movie because I feel like it has the potential to be better than the book. The casting is SPOT on. I highly recommend reading before the movie comes out on September 23!
July was a month of grilling, endless lobster rolls, ice cream stops and trying not to get explosive diarrhea. We are lucky to have our own garden, my parents have a huge garden that I grew up helping them manage, and my sister has a CSA membership— and they are always sharing the wealth. We have purchased almost no fruits or veggies except whole cantalope and some peaches from our local farm stand. Feeling so grateful to live in a place where we can have a garden!!
Some of the links here are affiliate links, which means in some cases I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my work and trusting my recommendations!
❤️ If you liked this post, please like the heart button at the bottom - it helps others discover my content!
The color of that bag is incredible
Such a fun read. Love that pouch bag!