Happy now August!!

Before we jump into the favorites, we first need to do a highlight of July. July was everything I needed coming off of a travel crazy June. It was lowkey and relaxing, but still had moments of fun and adventure sprinkled in.

We started the month out at Lake Lanier in Georgia to celebrate the 4th of July with Casey’s family. It was filled with boat days, *attempting* to surf, flanking (floating and drinking – lol), delicious meals and quality family time.

After that trip, we traveled back home to ATL and got settled back into our routine. I’ve been consistently working out again using my Madeline Moves app, taking Blakely on fun weekday adventures to fill up our summer, and spending most of the weekends cozying up at home with Casey and Blakely or doing activities out with friends or family.

Two of my best friends from college and their boyfriends all came to visit Casey and me one weekend and we had the best time. It’s always so happy & exciting to see friends I haven’t seen in a while. We went on the boat, we took them to the Twisted Oar to have drinks and lunch on the water, we then grilled out for dinner and played the card game “Buzzed.” So fun!

This past weekend (the last of July) we spent it with Casey’s family and went on a wonderful hike Saturday morning at Indian Seats Trail near Cumming, GA. It was the first time we took Blakely on a hike and she loved it! Casey’s parents bought a hiking backpack that is so awesome for toddlers… definitely want to explore more GA trails this fall and get more use out of the backpack!

I don’t have any wedding updates for July, but expect more coming in August! Some things to look out for: I have my engagement shoot scheduled, I will be sending out my save the dates, I’ll be putting together boxes to ask my bridesmaids, and I have a call with my wedding planner to talk through the details of the big day. Exciting stuff!!!

Now that we’ve covered the July recap, let’s get into the July favorites. We talk books, podcast episodes, shows/movies, favorite recipes, favorite items, and more!

BOOKS

The Wedding Veil – absolutely loved this one!!! It’s a new release by Kristy Woodson Harvey & it’s a mix of romance, historical fiction with the Vanderbilts and the Biltmore house, and a contemporary fiction/drama.

People We Meet On Vacation – I gave this one almost 4 out of 5 stars! It was an enjoyable read that took my mind away for a few hours. It’s a friends to lovers story with a lot of fun twists and turns.

The Hotel Nantucket – Technically I finished this book August 3rd, but I’m still going to count it as a July read. Y’all, this just might be one of my favorite books of 2022 so far, if not ever! The way Elin writes, I was transported into the story and captivated by each one of the characters. Elin Hilderbrand is such an impressive author and I am impressed by how much I fall in love with each one of her books. A must read!

Every Summer After – this was in my June favorites too, but I am reading this one this month and can’t wait! I have felt fomo in the book world from everyone who has read this and has raved about it.

SHOWS/MOVIES

West Side Story (2021) – this movie is on Disney+ and was super enjoyable! I have never seen the original, but really enjoyed the singing and dancing in this one.

Where The Crawdads Sing – run don’t walk to theaters to see this movie! Better yet, read the book then go see the movie. I loved this book so much, and the movie almost lived up to the book which rarely happens. The acting was so good and they followed the book very well. Highly recommend!!

Sex and the City – an oldie, but a goodie. I finally started this series on HBO Max and am loving it. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to watch it! It’s probably going to take me ages to get through because I don’t watch TV often… but when I get through it I’ll report back with my thoughts.

The Bachelorette – I’m surprised I didn’t mention this in my June favorites, but I am lovingggg this season of the Bachelorette. There are two simultaneous bachelorettes this season – Rachel and Gabby – and they are so cute and have the sweetest friendship. But as you can imagine, there is some spicy drama with the guys and having two bachelorettes.

PODCAST EPISODES

Emilie Blanchard of Tasty As Fit, Keeping Things Healthy & Spicy. Motherhood, Marriage, Fitness, and Daily Habits – I’ve been following Emilie for years and absolutely love her and her story. She’s a wife, a mama of two under two and a successful business owner of TastyasFit in Columbia and Greenville, SC. She dives deep into the behind the scenes of her life and how she handles it all.

What Every Girl Needs to Hear About Fear, Embarrassment & Rejection | Sadie Rob Huff & Lisa Bevere – Such an encouraging episode full of advice, tips and REAL vulnerable stories from both Sadie and Lisa.

Lauryn & Michael Bosstick on Move With Heart – if you’re a fan of The Skinny Confidential, this is a must listen. Lauryn and Michael switch roles from interviewer to interviewed. Melissa Wood Health with Move with Heart podcast sits down with the couple and they dive into podcast advice, relationship advice, daily routines, living with no alcohol, and more.

CURRENT FAVORITES

Alo Yoga Exercise Dress – I know everyone went crazy for the Outdoor Voices exercise dress, but I am team Alo yoga all the way. These dresses are SO flattering and comfortable… I am living daily in them.

Coziest Slippers – I love a good pair of slippers in the morning when I’m still waking up and want to chill on the sofa and drink my coffee. Love that these are under $20 too!

Flowy Workout Shorts – I posted these on my Instagram and got a few questions on them… so cheap, flattering and comfortable!! Honestly one of my favorite pairs of workout shorts.

Hot Seat Card Game – the best game for family game night. We played with my 87 year old grandma and it had my family in tears we were laughing so hard. I also have to mention the card game Buzzed that I played with my friends when they visited… a fun drinking game!

Hu Chocolate – current favorite dessert. I have SUCH a sweet tooth and I love how simple the ingredients are in this bar. My favorite flavor is the “simple dark chocolate.”

Sticky Bra – best sticky bra for backless dresses.

Crock Pot I Use – a home staple! I share a delicious crock pot meal in my July favorite recipes, so I thought I would link the one I use and love.

Gold Hoops – pretty much the only earrings I wear.

FAVORITE JULY RECIPES

Baked Chicken Thighs – easy, juicy, & delicious. Pair with rice & a veggie to have the perfect simple dinner.

Naan Margherita Pizzas – you can never go wrong with a pizza night… and naan pizzas are the way to go!

Chicken Pesto Pasta – the best meal for the busy gal + it makes for amazing leftovers.

Toddler Mini Banana Muffins – I can’t find the exact recipe I use, but this one is similar and has great reviews. Mine is posted on my Instagram in my recipe highlights!

JULY BLOG POSTS

Wishing you all a fabulous August and I can’t wait to report back in a month on all the fun this month. Also a thank you is in order – I so appreciate you guys for reading and supporting my blog. This is such a fun creative outlet for me and I’m just thankful to have people following along. If you made it this far, leave a comment of what is your favorite part of the monthly favorites, and what is a favorite you’d like to see incorporated into next months post! <3