Hi friends, how are you all faring this summer?
It has been a little bit since my last casual post, but I thought I’d hop on and share a few things that are bringing me joy these days. Because to be honest, a lot of the world feels heavy right now and it has been a struggle to not dwell on stuff that is out of my control, so finding these little pockets of joy and peace has been helpful for my mental health.
I always worry when I post content like this if I am coming off as insensitive or naive to what is happening in the world. I’m not. I promise. I just have a hard time grappling with this stuff and tend to just… shut down. I focus on the small positives as a distraction, really… because there is only so much negative that my brain can take. I feel like the more I am on social media, the worse my mental health gets because I am blasted with crazy headlines. I could let it consume me, or I can protect myself from anxiety. I wonder if any of you feel similar. Let me know if you feel like you are in the same kinda mindset.
So on that note, I want to share the little things that have been delightful amidst all the not-so-great things.
What I’m Loving Lately
This post will contain Amazon affiliate links.
~ I just finished reading Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. This has been on my TBR for a while now but I never prioritized it until I saw the trailer and was blown away. I had FOMO immediately. I cannot say enough good things. Wow. Just so beautifully done and so heartwarming and charming. I had the biggest grin on my face many many times. The movie lead is Ryan Gosling, so if that isn’t enough to entice you… I’m sorry.
~ I am re-reading A Court of Mist and Fury for the 5th time… because… escaping reality. 😅 But honestly, I have just been wanting to read it again and this year I have been in a on/off reading slump so I figured now was a good time. I was correct. I am relishing every word.
~ My favorite Olive + June nail color this summer is surprisingly Sagey. I just love a good olive green.
~ Really really small joy here, but my Mom sent me this cherry pitter and it has – not to be dramatic – changed our lives in the kitchen.
~ I have been living in this maxi dress while hanging around the house. So comfortable.
~ My new favorite reed diffusers! They make our home smell so lovely and do not overpower a room.
~ One of my favorite books of all time, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, released a teaser trailer for the movie and I was kicking my feet the entire time. 🤗
~ The endless hydrangeas in full bloom are making me very happy.
~ I am a big fan of Brittany’s Notebook on Substack and have been using her Sunday Menu posts as inspiration when meal prepping. If you haven’t subscribed to her, I highly recommend.
~ We’ve been having quite a few thunderstorms lately and I always love opening my bedroom window wide to listen. The most cozy.
~ Our romaine harvest is so so good this year. I have been addicted to a new salad combo for lunch, which is: garden romaine, strawberry slices, Violife vegan feta crumbles, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss it all and enjoy. SO ADDICTING.
~ I know it is July. I know. But also… we all know that I am already dreaming of fall, right? I can’t help myself. I should be living in the moment, but alas, I am starting to compile an autumn TBR. I absolutely cannot wait for Brimstone by Callie Hart and The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If they are not on your radar, they should be. But they are part of a series, so you have plenty of time to catch up. ;)
Okay, that’s all I’ve got for today. Wishing you peace wherever you are. x
