Friday Favorites: July 2023 Edition

“I drifted into a summer-nap under the hot shade of July, serenaded by a cicada lullaby, to drowsy-warm dreams of distant thunder.” ~ Terri Guillemets

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July you were Bittersweet 

Friends I don’t even know HOW it is possible to be rounding up July favorites, but apparently it is. I feel like I blinked and this summer has flown by. In my defense it hasn’t really felt like I had much of a summer, spending it in hospitals. NOT that I am giving myself a pity party. I definitely am not, but this summer has been full of highs and many lows. But it is the highs I am choosing to focus on. Like spending time with my God-daughter, celebrating my Dad’s 80th birthday which was even more sweet with everything he has gone through, and being back in the city that I love. July, honestly this whole Summer, has been tough but I also feel immense gratitude. I probably sound like a broken record, but the lows make us appreciate the highs, and I definitely feel that after everything. So without further adieu, here are my July favorites, simple, but oh so sweet.

Ombre nails 

Friends, won’t stop can’t stop with this Tik-Tok Trend. I am obsessed with the ombre French look and each time I get them done, I feel like they use a different technique. No two ombré French nails have been the same. This time they did it completely in dip and I am obsessed. Instead of using the gel, they used a pink powder and a white powder to create the Ombré look, which was truly seamless. I have never had dip before, and I don’t hate it. So far it has been holding up well and that includes being the ocean and pool water. I also feel like it was a much faster process.

Beach Time 

It took a hot second, but I finally got to go to the beach even with all of the crazy weather family upheaval, and in between working on campaign shoots and product design. I even got to sneak in a much needed dip (or two!) in the ocean and it made me ecstatic. The beaches have actually been pretty quiet this year it seems, and friends the water was insanely warm. Which makes me happy, because I am a wuss when it comes to cold water. I will hopefully be getting some quality beach time in August, and I can not wait!

Pool Time

Not only did I get much needed beach time in, I also was finally able to get some pool time in as well! Oh happy days! There is nothing better then floating in a pool, especially with all of the hot days we have been having. It is the perfect way to relax, cool off, and even multi task. My phone case is pretty water resistant, but as an added precaution I got a dry bag that also happens to floats for added protection while still being able to work, and of course document my goddaughter dunking the shark..aka me!

Nest 

I wear perfume daily. There is nothing better then giving a spritz over my clothes or pressure points to start the day. It always lifts my mood and is almost as good as coffee for putting that pep in my step. I have a large collection, but my favorite scents are those that lean towards the more soft tropical. Nothing is better than some fresh white tea, or sweet coconut. Nest carries some of my favorite scents, but their newest one, Sunkissed Hibiscus, might just be my new favorite. It is perfect for summer. It is subtle and sweet, yet lasts all day. It invokes memories of beach days and tropical vacays, and it brings me so much joy. It also lasts all day which I love.

Farm Rio

By now you know how much I adore Farm Rio. I even shared them on the blog last week. And they deserve a shout out on Friday Favorites! Their styles are so fun to rock and they create the perfect prettiest summer dresses, that vary between casual, chic, and elegant, and sometimes all three depending on how you style it. One of my favorites this season is this short ombré dress which is currently on sale. I also love this longer lobster maxi which is perfect for summer nights on the beach. I am truly obsessed with this brand and love how they not only make great sustainable, chic, clothing, but also give back.

Sewcialite Beach Blossom Earrings

Sewcialite makes the best accessories. And I know, I ALWAYS share her designs, but friends she is insanely creative and talented and she is always coming up with NEW designs like these Beach Blossom Earrings, that truly resemble a Rosa Rugosa flower, also known as a beach rose. They are so light weight, and I love the clasp on it. I have been rocking them everywhere, but they were perfect  to wear for the Barbie movie, and Once Upon a One More Time, the Brittany Spear’s music inspired musical about fairy tales.

Trader Joe’s Sunscreen

I wear sunscreen on both my face and my body daily. As much as I love the sun, it is SO important to protect my largest organ from the damage the rays can do. I am always on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen and have tried out many brands, both inexpensive and expensive, to the point I should buy stock in them. Decent sunscreen has nothing to do with brand names or price point and I do have my favorites like Coola, and Kiehl’s, which work amazing. But if you are looking for a great cheaper alternative that is also kid friendly, look no farther then Trader Joe’s own brand. Alas you can only get it during the summer, (which is why I stock up on it!) or you can also find it on Amazon (as with everything in todays day and age) though it is pricier there. With vitamin E and coconut oil, it is organic, reef safe, and you can get it in SPF50. I love the spray feature it has to apply which as I mentioned before is perfect for kiddos.

Dior Red

July 29 is National Lipstick Day (my next blog post!) and nothing is better than my Dior Red 080 Satin Smile Lipstick. It is literally the perfect shade of red and lasts well into the day, even with sips of coffee and eating. I know I am saying this a lot, but it really is the perfect shade of red that goes with everything. It is such a timeless color for those who wish for a vibrant lip but also a great neutral red. I literally rock it every day!

What I am Watching/Listening too

While in June, I didn’t really watch anything, July more then made up for that. I finally watched Citadel on Amazon Prime which was pretty good and now I want the second season! I also watched the last season of Jack Ryan, and it ended perfectly. I love John Krasinski! He really was the perfect jack! I just started the second season of the summer I turned pretty and I have too say the jury is still out on that. I loved the first season, but the second is kind of slow to start (and yes I have read the books!) Lastly I was pleasantly surprised when Is it cake released a second season. Food shows really are my guilty pleasure. They bring me so much joy to watch! Lastly (told you it was a big tv month Hallmark aired their Christmas in July movies, not just for a week but ALL month long, I am really going to miss it especially as it has gotten me in the Christmas spirit.

How was your July? Can you believe we are going into August now?