
Hi, lovelies! 💖 Happy Saturday! I hope you’re having a great start to your weekend! So, I wanted to share some of my July favorites from last month. I’m sorry that this post is coming a bit late since it’s already August 11th. It took a little bit longer for me to compile my list and write down my thoughts about the month. Summer is ending soon and I can’t believe we’re already on our way to September.
Thoughts about July
July was pretty up and down. A lot of wonderful things happened, especially when it comes to figuring myself out a little bit more. I started working second shift and it’s the perfect schedule for me in terms of stress levels. I’ve never been a morning person and struggled with morning anxiety as long as I can remember. Since my start time is later in the day, I have the mornings and early afternoon to myself.
I’ve been doing a lot of writing, reading, and even started singing again a little. The best part is I get Fridays off (and work Saturdays instead). Every Friday, I’ll walk to Starbucks, put my headphones on, and work on my writing. That alone time is always restorative. I’m thankful to have finally found a schedule that works for me.
When it comes to blogging, I felt a dip in inspiration as sad as that makes me. Although I managed to post at least once a week last month, I’d like to maintain a consistent schedule. Also, I felt myself nitpicking at my posts again and telling myself they weren’t interesting or creative enough. It left me feeling exhausted.
I’m happy to say that I’ve been feeling much more motivated again compared to July. Blogging isn’t always easy, but it’s so much fun. I truly believe being a part of this community has made me a better person. 💖
July Favorites
– Scrapbooking –
I rediscovered an old love of mine in July, scrapbooking! When I was in high school, I used to make scrapbooks often. I even took a scrapbooking elective during my senior year! That was such a fun class!
Somewhere along the way, I kind of just stopped. My grandma’s birthday was at the end of July. I decided that I wanted to make her a scrapbook as a gift. For the theme, I featured different aspects of her personality, life, interests, and favorite memories.
The scrapbook took about 9 hours to make in total. I went to Michael’s (a true gem of a store) and collected different stickers and decorative paper for the scrapbook. It was a blast sitting on the floor, turning on Spotify, and brainstorming each page for the scrapbook.
My grandma means so much to me. She’s truly one of the kindest and most generous human beings I’ve ever met. Her eyes lit up when she saw the scrapbook for the first time. It made me tear up. Definitely one of my most meaningful July favorites!
– Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion –
Aveeno products have always been a fave of mine. When I saw their Stress Relief lotion at the store, I knew I had to buy it! I have pretty sensitive skin and struggle finding the right soaps, shampoos, and lotions. Aveeno’s Pure Renewal Shampoo is top 3 when it comes to shampoos and I also love their daily moisturizer.
At first, I was skeptical about the lotion providing any stress relief. After applying a little onto my skin though, my body felt a lot less tense especially after a hot shower. Throughout the month, I found myself reaching for this lotion first before the other bottles in my bathroom cabinet.
– The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J Bourne –
Another awesome find this month (thanks to Barnes and Nobles) was The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J Bourne. The book gives a lot of helpful tips for dealing with panic attacks and phobias. Since the workbook is pretty extensive, I’ve been skipping to chapters that are most relevant to my situation. Eventually, I’d like to read the entire workbook!
– Makeup Vanity –
I’ve mentioned to y’all that Alejandro and I live in a pretty tiny apartment. Finances have been a bit better lately, but we still need to save. Our lease doesn’t expire until next April, so we do have some time. I don’t mind the little apartment since we sectioned it off. At the same time, finding space is always a bit of a struggle. One of my pet peeves was having nowhere to efficiently do my makeup.
Since I don’t have enough space for a real vanity station, I decided to create a mini/semi-portable one! During one of our trips to the store, I noticed that Target had little storage drawers. I placed my everyday makeup products and wipes inside the drawer. I also bought a cup for my makeup brushes.
It’s been so much easier doing my makeup and keeping everything organized!
– Vacation to Lake Geneva –
The best part of July was going on vacation to Lake Geneva with my family and the beau. I wrote a post dedicated to our trip, but here’s a couple of pics that I didn’t post! One of Alejandro and I at dinner, and can’t forget about the adorable souvenirs!
– Black Midi Dress –
My inner vampire goddess has come out! LOL! But seriously, I can’t even deal with this super cute side button black midi dress! I’ve noticed that these type of dresses have been in style lately and I’m totally living for it. I’m pretty open when it comes to my style, and I’ve been into simplistic outfits lately.
I styled the dress with an off-the-shoulder striped top and patterned shoes.
What really won me over is the dress’s slit and stylish buttons!
– Dream Pop –
My favorite genre of music is easily dream pop. I adore the mystical, slightly mysterious vibe that it always gives. Spotify recommended a band called EXES to me last month and I’ve fallen in love with their music. “Cain” has been on repeat for days. Even Alejandro likes it!
Aside from EXES, I’m obsessing over Aly and AJ’s latest EP. “Promises” is amazing and needs to be featured on a Netflix Original, like yesterday!
– Enchiladas at La Hacienda –
Alejandro’s go-to Mexican restaurant growing up was La Hacienda. So glad he introduced me to this restaurant and it’s one of my July favorites for food! Their enchiladas are delicious. Also, they have the best chips and salsa. After dinner, they even serve you a little plate of complimentary fried bananas with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
It’s been a few weeks and I’m already craving some enchiladas!
I hope that you enjoyed this post, lovelies! Have a wonderful rest of your day!
How was July for you? Also, what were some of your July favorites?
Wow omg those enchiladas looks so delicious 😍 It’s one of my favourite food. I love Mexican food so much 💕 I loved to read about your favourites. I can understand you about what you said about blogging. Blogging is hard work but I love it too. Just write when you feel inspired. I also love scrapbooking. I’m glad you have a later shift on work. I’m also not a morning person so I understand you haha
I’ve been in the same stage as you when it comes to blogging. It is so difficult when you have a writers block and don’t know whats good enough to upload. But I promise you’re doing great. I adore your blog! xx
Aww, Chloe that’s really reassuring and your comment made my day! 💛Your blog is fantastic and I always look forward to reading your posts, dear! 💗x
Aw lovely pics and you have a cute vanity girl! Enjoy reading your posts 🙂
Thank you, hon! 💓So glad you liked the post!! 💛
That’s so cool they offered scrapbooking classes for your senior year! & sooo sweet of you to make one for your grandma! It really does take an awful long time – I have one big scrapbook that’s still not finished yet. 😂
The new portable vanity station is super cute! & so is that photo of you & Alejandro on vacay. 💟 oh & that dress!!! 😍
I forgot about how long it actually takes to make a scrapbook!! lol That’s so cool that you’re working on one big scrapbook! It’s a really fun and meaningful creative outlet.
Thanks, love! 💞 I think I’m gonna go to Ikea soon, buy an end table and put the station on top of it. 🙂Then my little project should be done haha!
I’m so into midi dresses right now, they’re super cute! And this dress was actually really comfy too, always a nice bonus lol!! x
I know, it’s so much work!! & sometimes I am not even happy wit the outcome LOL.
That should be cute with the new end table. 🙂
It looks so comfy!! & like you mentioned, I also love the buttons & slit. <3 <3
I loved reading about your weekend vacation, looked like you all had so much fun! Scrapbooking is such a nice way to keep and share memories and I love how crafty and creative you can be with all the stickers! The stress lotion from Aveeno sounds like it’s working out well for you 🙂 enjoy the rest of August <3
Thanks so much, Chanelle! You’re so sweet! 💖
Scrapbooking is a lot of fun, I missed it so much! I was a little too excited at Michael’s trying to find stickers and embellishments lol
We had such a good time and I can’t wait until our next little vacation. I’m glad that you enjoyed reading about it, dear. x 😊
The Aveeno lotion seems interesting. I wonder if it available here. Your vanity station is cute! Ours a mess lol. And love the midi dress! 😍
It’s a really great lotion, I usually love any Aveeno products. They’re great quality and gentle! 😊
Thank you so much! My makeup was always all over the place and I’m like, that’s it, I’ll make my own vanity hehe!! 😂
Thanks so much for stopping by, hon! 💖
Those enchiladas look good! Lol
Good post
Thank you, Ma!! Love you!! P.S. The enchiladas were amazing!! 💓