My Monthly Edit

LISTENING
Multi-tasking has always been one of my strong suits, so lately I’ve been discovering new podcasts that I can easily listen to while I’m editing photos, cleaning the house or walking the dog.  This episode that talks about coping with self-doubt really struck a chord with me, particularly the part about identifying your triggers.  I’ve begun nailing down mine & have already started the process of unfollowing a few people on social media & eliminating certain social situations that felt like traps for me.  It’s such a good reminder that we don’t have to be a slave to our self-doubt, but that we have the power to make positive changes that will help us release that negativity.

CRAVING
It may be too soon to think about wearing sweaters, but I personally love lightweight summer knits that I can wear with jeans & shorts like this simple tank.  It comes in 5 colors and would be so cute layered under a denim jacket in the early fall + it’s 25% off today!  There are lots of great sales happening (besides the Nordstrom Sale) – Express has 40% off everything + free shipping (check out this eyelet top, this little red dress, this tie-front tee & this cozy sweater).  Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy are offering free shipping today with code FREESHIP.  Macy’s is offering Black Friday Deals in July with code SHOPIT + free shipping on all orders (see my top picks here).
Today is also free shipping day at T.J.Maxx, which they rarely do!  Check out this cute striped top, this sweater vest (perfect for fall!), this little black dress (hello, date night!), this gorgeous blazer & these block heel sandals.

MAKING
I do a pretty good job of scheduling our dinner menu throughout the week, but lunches are always the meal that I fail to plan for myself.  I usually end up eating salads, which can get quite boring after a while.  So, this summer I’ve been trying to come up with more creative lunch ideas that are healthy, tasty & quick to throw together.  This clever take on chicken salad has become a fast favorite – you could also use crackers as your base, but there’s something about the tartness of the apple that takes it up a notch.  Other delicious lunch options I’ve tried: this flavorful quinoa bowl, these spicy shrimp wraps & these Thai peanut zoodles.

USING
Typically, in the summer months, I’m all about paring down my makeup as much as possible.  But, this oil-control setting spray instantly convinced me to add in an extra step to my daily routine.  I was skeptical at first that it would make any difference, but when we had near 100 degree weather with high humidity and my makeup didn’t budge all day, I knew it was worth every penny.  There’s a travel size option here that you can test out first and, if you have more dry/combination skin, there are different versions by the same brand here & here that get equally great reviews.  I wish these had been around when I lived in the South!

LOVING
When I came across her profile on Instagram, I immediately fell in love with the look of the raw stones Kelsey uses & the way she creates the most uniquely beautiful jewelry I’ve ever seen.  Her trademark designs are Mother’s Rings which you can customize using your kids’ birthstones (she also uses moonstones to represent babies who have been miscarried).  I already told my husband this is what I want for my birthday this year and I cannot wait!  If you’re not a mom, she has dozens of other gorgeous designs including necklaces, earrings & stackable rings that would make great everyday pieces – view them all here.

WEARING
As I’ve mentioned before, ever since we got our puppy, I’ve been wearing much more athleisure around the house and now that the weather is nice, we’ve been going for frequent walks throughout the day (which inevitably turn into jogs because he loves to run all the way home!).  These sneakers are my current favorite for such outings because they are so lightweight and well-cushioned + the smokey mauve hue is perfect for the season (though they also come in 9 other colors).  Other sneakers in pretty pastel shades include this quilted pair, these perforated slip-ons and these running shoes.