Brendan and I were just sitting down at dinner talking about how we can’t believe it is already August! This summer is flying by so quickly! Every year seems to move faster and faster.
I wanted to share what’s been going on in our lives lately as well as some July favorites for myself and Hadleigh. I’ll dive into my current favorite beauty products, fashion trends, books, podcasts, shows, food, plus everything Hadleigh has been loving!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy something I link below I get a small commission. But don’t worry, you won’t pay a penny more!
Life lately
So, life…It’s been pretty busy! On a darker note, we lost three grandparents so far this summer. Because of this, we have had to travel to Maryland on several occasions. It’s been good to see family during this tough time, but also hard traveling so often with a baby.
Related post: Tips on Traveling with a Baby
On a lighter note, we have had some nice trips and mini vacations. If you saw my last post then you know we went to Blowing Rock a few weeks ago. It was so lovely to get away (but not too far), and to just relax.
I am still working part time at the addiction clinic. I plan on making a post in the near future about my experience there. I have learned quite a lot about myself and about addiction. I don’t think it will be a long term career for me, but I am still grateful for the opportunity.
Brendan is very busy working at his civil engineering company. Summer months are normally pretty stressful since that’s when most engineering projects really get going.
Weekends have been jam packed with me working and then him having to work extra hours. But, we are making it work and are still squeezing in family time!
Hadleigh is turning into quite the handful these days. She is about to be 15 months, so I am going to save the juicy details for her 15 month update, which will be on the blog next week!
We have some exciting plans coming this month, including more trips, family visits and exciting things for the blog. I can’t wait to share everything with you.
But for now, lets get into our July favorites!
July Favorites: Mom
Beauty + Health
I have been trying to clean up the products I use and stray away from harmful chemicals and ingredients. In doing so, I started using this Pacifica Alight Foundation and the Pacifica Cherry Matte Finishing Powder. I love them both! The foundation has a nice satin finish and the powder keeps me nice and oil free, which is especially helpful for the summer heat!
We are also trying to migrate to fluoride free products. The Dr. Sheffield’s toothpaste works very well and they have an extra whitening option.
I have also been on the hunt for a good chemical-free deodorant. It has been SO hard to find a good one that works for me! I started using the Arm & Hammer Natural Deodorant and it is seriously the only natural deodorant that makes me not smell gross after a couple of hours!
Clothes
I have been loving the long skirt + graphic tee trend lately! The floral skirt I am wearing in these pictures is from a new shop I discovered and love called Roolee. The mama bird shirt is by The Bee & The Fox.
You can shop this post, plus some more of our favorites at the bottom of the page!
Books + Podcasts + TV
I just finished a book called, The Husband Hour by Jamie Brenner and it was SO good. I finished it within 3 days. It’s a super easy read and a great summer novel.
I’ve also been really into the true crime podcasts lately. Culpable is a new series that I am absolutely hooked on right now. It is about a young guy named Christian who is accused of committing suicide, but all of the evidence says otherwise. The podcast uncovers the ineptitude of the police and the diligence of Christian’s family trying to solve his case. You NEED to listen to it!
Related post: Binge-worthy podcasts
I know I am late to the game, but my current Netflix binge show has been How to Get Away with Murder. Brendan isn’t a huge fan, but I can’t get enough. And I am so upset season 6 is the last one! 😢
July Favorites: Baby
Clothes
Overalls, clip-in bows and Birkenstock knock-off sandals. Those have been my favorite things to dress Hadleigh in this summer!
Old navy, Carters, H&M and this Etsy store called Vintage Baby Bumble Bee have extremely cute and affordable selections. I have also been getting some of her clip-in bows at TheBowsBoss on Etsy.
Books
Hadleigh is obsessed with books lately! It is the cutest thing when she grabs her book and blanket and then comes to sit on your lap.
We recently discovered Tiny Humans Read which is a children’s book subscription. They send 3 books per month and you can select picture books for older kids or board books for younger ages.
Play
Our current favorite toys for summer are her outdoor sand table, baby pool and her balance bike.
If you saw my Instagram stories then you saw us stroll around on the bike. She isn’t quite tall enough to use it on her own, but she loves to be pushed on it.
Food
If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s pretzel buns yet, run to your nearest store and get some right now! One night I made THE best turkey burgers with bacon, pepper jack cheese, onions, tomatoes, avocados and a bacon honey mustard sauce.
The buns were the best part of the burger though. SO delicious!
I hope you enjoyed reading all about our favorite things this month. Let me know if you’d like to see more of these! See you next time!
