Month Ahead // JULY 2024
MONTH AHEAD // juLY 2024
A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT'S COMING UP THIS MONTH
EDITORโS NOTE //
And just like thatโฆweโre halfway through 2024??!
Ok, but reallyโฆhow did we get here already?! And by here I, of course, mean part way through the year. If someone could slow down time that would be great, thanks.
Just a little over two months ago now we lost my beloved Nana. She was my biggest inspiration, my hero in the kitchen and in life, hugely instrumental in me becoming the person I am today and, truth be told, Iโve been quite sad and a bit lost since she passed away.
Consequently, but completely unintentionally, I stepped back from my site and social media platforms, almost without even realizing it. Like I thought it was just a quick break and now here I am, realizing itโs been nearly 3 months without a new post.
I miss writing. I miss creating. I miss sharing.
But the break has also given me pause to think about how I show up on-line, and in life. Because the two are feeling increasingly disconnected.
People think working as a creative and working for yourself is so simple, so easy and breezy and fun. And while itโs true that there are many lovely sides of self-employment, thereโs also the dark sides of what to do when everything youโre doing isnโt working, staying disciplined amidst nothing but chaos and uncertainty, motivating yourself when it feels like thereโs no reason to actually be motivated, but mostly, what to do when you lose someone who means everything to you.
As a creative, I find it hard to separate work and personal. To me one doesnโt exist without the other. My personal life inspires my work and my work inspires my personal life. So when something not so great happens in my personal life, I donโt know how to separate it out of my work life. Instead, I do one of two things- I either overshare and put my heart out on my sleeve, or a hibernate away and donโt say a peep. There is no in between.
And on that sad little noteโฆletโs make a hard pivot to summer fun. Because I donโt know about you, but I am so ready for some. Between May gray, June gloom, losing my Grandma and feeling the weight of the daily grind, itโs time to switch things up and embracing the careless days and long warm nights of summer. Whoโs with me?!
Happy summering and thanks for reading!
x
HAPPENINGS //
WHAT IโM PINNING //
Check out my JULY BOARD to see what summery goodness is currently inspiring me
WHAT IโM COOKING //
Nothing is better than the produce at the farmerโs market in the summertime, so Iโm embracing all that bounty with fresh salads, simple seafood roasted or grilled with herbs and summer squash, snacking on juicy tomatoes and savoring stone fruit that is bursting with sweetness. Also the cherries are insane right now and I canโt get stop eating them!
WHATโS ON THE MENU FOR 4TH OF JULY //
In case you need any last minute ideas for the 4th, here are a few favorites-
SPICY PEACH MARGARITAS (which are made pitcher-style aka perfect for hosting)
WHAT IโM LOVING //
I was long overdue for a new kitchen peeler so I recently got this one and I love it! Then again, what donโt I love from Material Kitchen?!
Iโm so obsessed with this bag that at this point I think if I donโt have it with me I will have separation anxiety. Seriously, the color is just TOO good.
I just received this body serum and, while I have yet to fully test it out, I was instantly intoxicated by the heavenly scent. Plus, I just love the brands ethos and that they embody so many incredible things like zero waste, reef safe, single use plastic free, sustainably farmed organic ingredients, upcycled ingredients and giving back to coral reef restoration programs, among other things.
If you havenโt gotten into the cottage cheese hype, or you think itโs not for you, then you have to try Nancyโs. Iโm telling you, it is elite. I swear, it taste like burrata, itโs so decadent and creamy (yes, even the lowfat one). Like I just bought 3 containers because I canโt get enough. I mean, itโs so good, I barely even use cheese anymore. Just trust me, try it.
Current treat drink obsession- Poppi Grape. I donโt even care if theyโre getting sued, just gimme all their grape soda!
WHAT IโM LISTENING TO //
Loving Kygoโs new album
WHAT IโM WATCHING //
On a real re-watch kick with re-runs of Sex & the City (which really hits different when youโre in your late 30โs) and The Office every night for a daily dose of laughs (because itโs cheaper than therapy)
WHAT IโM WORKING ON //
Currently working on a summer bucket list and creating a bit more joy in every day life (life has gotten a little too routine lately and, ya know, routines are like soooo boring). A few things Iโm thinking of adding- making homemade gelato, learning how to make a new pasta shape, eating dinner al fresco at least 2x a week, horseback riding in Malibu, taking my morning coffee and AM routine outside, camping on the beach somewhere along the coast, expanding my herb garden, having weekly evenings out by the fire pit, incorporating some new hobbies (I recently got really into Soduku and Iโd love to take a dance class)
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
I didnโt come here not to love my life.
