I can't believe that summer is over, and I have very little to show for it, especially July.
We had plans for this summer. It's the first summer that I didn't have work (the summer before my first year teaching I was still doing the magazine) or a class to prepare for, so we were excited to truly have nothing to do. But summer had other plans for us this year.
Sickness and a family emergency called for slower days and fewer activities, particularly in July. Our season passes to our local water park didn't get as much use as I predicted (I don't think I saved any money with them, but it sure was convenient to not have to worry about buying tickets), we didn't take any day trips like I had hoped, and, most surprisingly, we spent very little time at the lake.
Alexis and I were talking and decided that this summer was one of rest. Even she spent more days lounging around in her pjs without asking to go and do than I would have expected. Her biggest requests have been to get Boba tea and go to Target, which we've accommodated as often as we could.
Now, we're getting ready to head back to school. I report back next week, and kids return the following week. I am absolutely not ready to start setting an alarm again, and we're not going to talk about the anxiety I'm feeling over having new students for the first time in two years.
Without further ado, here are my favorite things from the month of July plus the ten most popular things I shared.
My Favorites
By Any Other Name - This book is without a doubt the best book I've read so far this year. It's based on an actual theory that William Shakespeare did not write his own material. Author Jodi Picoult focuses her story on Emilia Bassano, the first published Englishwoman poet. Her book follows two timelines. In the present, Emilia's ancestor, Melina Greene, is a struggling playwright trying to make it in an industry that is still dominated by white men. Her groundbreaking project is a play bringing Emilia's story to light. This story, while fictionalized, is rooted in history, and I urge anyone who reads it to not skip the author's note. This whole thing was fascinating start to finish, and I find myself questioning all that I thought I knew about the Bard.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires - This is one of the best books I've read this summer. I read it early enough in July for it to have made it onto my best books of the year so far list, and I can almost guarantee that it will be on my best books of 2025 list. This non-traditional vampire book was definitely not my typical read, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. I literally could not stop reading it once I started, and at one point I literally bit my fist because of the suspense.
Lessons in Chemistry - I must admit that it took me awhile to get into this book, and I was a little worried that I'd made a mistake in choosing it, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. This book moved me. Despite it being set in the 1960s, a lot of the same issues faced by Elizabeth Zott are still relevant today.
Fire Tablet - This, honestly, was a reluctant buy. I've had just a basic Kindle for years now, but it needed replacing badly. When Prime Day rolled around, the Fire tablets were a much better deal than the Kindles, so that's what I went with...reluctantly. I've been pleasantly surprised with this buy, though. There aren't as many distractions as I was anticipating -- probably because I haven't downloaded anything extra. I love that the covers of the books I download are in color. I also like that it just scrolls through search results instead of only having eight or so books per page. The screen is also bigger, which I didn't realize I missed, and it tells me if I've already read a book (I can't always remember) which is convenient.
Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch - Earlier this year, I swapped from an iPhone to a Samsung flip phone (I do not regret this so-called downgrade so don't come at me, Apple folks), and as a result needed to swap out my watch, as well. After a lot of research, I decided to give this one a try. Samsung watches are so expensive, y'all. This watch has been great! The battery life is insane -- I went over a week before needing to recharge it. It does all the minimal things I need it to do plus a few things I didn't think I would like but do.
Wavytalk Pencil Straightener - This has been such a good addition to my hair tools. It's perfect for my shorter hair and really easy to use.
Luvamia Beach Shorts - I own these in the pink and blue striped and have been wearing them so much this past month.
Ribbed Tank Tops - These tank tops are a must-have! They're such a good basic and so comfy. I love them so much that I own them in five colors.
Layered Necklaces - I don't wear a lot of jewelry, so I'm trying to add in some simple, everyday pieces that go with everything. I started with a couple of layered necklaces. I wear this two-strand gold one the most, but I also really like this triple-strand one with the colorful beads.
Wide Woven Belts - I've been getting a lot of use out of these belts. They add visual interest as well as accentuate my waist. They're also stretchy, which makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
Your Favorites
Clever Fox Teacher Planner - I'm so tickled this made the list! If I convinced one person of the awesomeness of this planner, I've done something right.
Rugged Sharks Men's Water Shoes - My husband still loves these sneaker-style water shoes. He's worn them to the water park as well as the lake. They're good quality, too, so he'll be able to wear them next summer as well.
Stay Wild Light Purple Vintage Crew-Neck Graphic Tee - still popular! most sizes sold out now :(
Personalized Leather Car Documents Holder - part of my father's day gift guide, currently on sale
Wild Fable Printed Linen Shorts - one of my June favorites, and it seems y'all agree. still available in most sizes. i sized up to a large because this brand runs small imo and the shorts were pretty short
Lemon Graphic Tee - This is such a fun graphic t-shirt! The material itself is very soft, but be forewarned that the design is one of those crinkly ones that feels very slick.
Desktop Rotating Pencil Holder - I'm about to get one of these for myself.
Adidas Grand Court Sneakers - This is my go-to white sneaker that always feels in style because it's just such a classic. I linked to the adult sizes, but I got mine out of the kids section for a good deal less (I wear size 5 in kids shoes).
Old Navy OG Chino Pants - These were my go-to pants my first year of teaching when I was trying to rediscover my professional style. Since then, I've determined that they're not really me, but they're still great pants.
Neutral Espadrille Sandals - Sadly, my exact pair from Old Navy are no longer available in most sizes, but these really similar ones from Kohls are still available in sizes 7-11.