July Favorites: 10 Things I Loved + Your Favorites Too!

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.

One Woman Book Review: The Price of Paradise

The July One Woman Book Club pick was another book that sent me down a historical rabbit hole once I finished reading it. I had to know how much of the book was real, who the main characters might be based on, and more background information about a place that I honestly have never known much about.

The Price of Paradise is a historical romance featuring a pair of star-crossed lovers. It is set in Havana, Cuba, before, during, and after the revolution. It's the type of book that meanders -- honestly, I wondered if Patricio and Gloria would ever get a happy ending.

While the romance is the overarching main plot of the book, there is much more happening. The big focus is the El Encanto department store. We get to see it in its heyday before the revolution and watch its decline and ultimate fiery demise after Castro takes control. Another focus is the friendship between Patricio, El Grescas, and Guzman and each of their life successes. And finally, it is a fictionalized account of the grip the mafia had on the country and its people.

To avoid spoilers, skip to the end of this post.

***Spoilers***

Patricio emigrates from Asturias to Cuba after the Spanish Civil War to escape a life in the mines. He meets and becomes lifelong friends with El Grescas and Guzman, working odd jobs to pay the rent. His main source of employment initially is as a shoe shiner; he's not very good but enjoys the work. A near fatal run-in with mobster Cesar Valdes ends that endeavor. Eventually, he gets an entry-level job at El Encanto, the largest department store in Cuba, and that's where he meets Gloria, the love of his life and the wife of Cesar Valdes.

Gloria met Cesar when she was 13 and he was 26. Still, he pursues her relentlessly. When her father doesn't immediately agree to Cesar's 'request' to marry her, Cesar has the family candy shop destroyed. Gloria's father dies shortly after, and her mother goes into a catatonic state from which she never recovers. In an effort to save what's left of her family, Gloria sacrifices herself at the marriage altar. From the outside, her life looks enviable: she has a prominent, wealthy husband, an opulent mansion full of obedient staff, and spends her days doing (almost) anything she pleases. But Gloria's life is lived on a leash and lacks true happiness outside of her young daughter. Then, she meets Patricio.

Thanks to his charming people skills, Patricio quickly moves up the ranks of the El Encanto, going from a cannonball (runner) to supervisor. Patricio and Gloria develop a relationship that they hide behind their interactions at the store but are rarely ever alone thanks to Gloria's ever-present sister-in-law/chaperone.

Patricio has interactions with several celebrities, including Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra. His interaction with Sinatra is the most notable. The singer comes to El Encanto for a new suit to wear for his performance at the Calypso, Cesar's nightclub. When one of Patricio's underlings maliciously stains Sinatra's custom-made shoes, Patricio promises to have them cleaned and hand-delivered before the show. He delivers on his promise, then lands in a dangerous situation involving Cesar and two of his club workers.

Shortly after, Gloria's sister-in-law threatens to tell Cesar about her affair with Patricio. In order to keep him safe, Gloria cuts ties with Patricio who eventually marries one of his El Encanto coworkers (who has been in love with him forever) and moves them to Spain. Years later, after his wife is arrested for anti-Franco activity, he moves them back to Cuba and returns to work at El Encanto where he is reunited with Gloria and learns she has had his son.

Eventually, Cesar finds out and conspires to blow up El Encanto with Patricio trapped inside. Gloria manages to escape and save Patricio, and in a twist of fate, Cesar is killed by his own daughter. Believing Gloria to be dead, Patricio takes the blame for Cesar's death and goes on the run. He eventually ends up in Miami, where he spends most of the rest of his life.

At the end of his life, Patricio has moved back to Spain where a chance encounter with a perfect stranger finally has him in the right place at the right time. The book ends with Patricio reunited with Gloria, who did not die in the El Encanto fire like he believed, as well as his son and grandchildren. It took a lifetime, but they finally get their happy ending.

***End Spoilers***

Star-crossed lovers, indeed. This book was a whole lot of "wrong place, wrong time" where Gloria and Patricio were concerned. As I mentioned at the start of this post, I was beginning to doubt there would be a happy ending for these two characters...and if I'm being honest, the "happy ending" is pretty bittersweet.

While Patricio and Gloria were the focus of this book, I enjoyed all the side characters woven into the plot, particularly Patricio's two friends. I was delighted when the author wrapped up their storylines, as well as Gloria's sister-in-law's, instead of leaving me to wonder what had happened with them.

This book is packed with so much history, and just like I did with my Fawkes review earlier this year, I did a bit of research to determine what was fact, what was fiction, and what fell somewhere in the middle. Here's what I discovered.

While the book does feature real mafia members, most notably Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano, Gloria's husband, Cesar Valdez, is fictional. It's possible that Cesar was based on another mobster (Santo Trafficante maybe?), but I could find nothing to support that theory. His nightclub, the Calypso, was also fictional, but the Tropicana Club still exists today.

The El Encanto department store was real. Built in 1888 by to Asturians (the country from whence Patricio emigrated), it was the largest department store in Cuba. In 1961, two bombs were set off near the main entrance by Carlos Gonzalez. He got the C4 from a CIA agent who had infiltrated the country. The store did burn down, and a female employee died of smoke inhalation. Just like in the book, the former site of the store was turned into a park named after her. In the book, the bombs were set off by one of Patricio's coworkers and his son, both of whom are envious of Patricio's status with the store.

I found myself most fascinated by Patricio's encounters with Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra, both of whom frequently visited Cuba before and after they were married. He helps Gardner pick out a lipstick, who in turn invites Patricio to her hotel room. Patricio, loyal to Gloria, enlists El Grescas to go instead. It's unclear if this specific trip actually happened, but I did find information about Gardner having a row with Castro's mistress and Castro setting her up with one of his aides. Sinatra's ties to the mob were well known; his trip was likely based on the singer's real visit to Cuba in 1947 when he delivered a suitcase full of money to Luciano.

Despite inspiring me to learn more about the subjects broached within, I'm not yet sure if The Price of Paradise will be on my best books of the year list. There was a lot of historical filler, which was certainly interesting but didn't feel relevant to the main plot other than to fill in the gaps when Gloria and Patricio were not together. There were several points throughout the book in which I felt frustrated because the story didn't feel as if it were moving forward so much as stagnating. Yet, I will admit that that stagnation was on par with the development of the characters, or lack thereof, during those moments.

As I was reading, I felt like the focus was supposed to be on Patricio and Gloria's doomed romance, but so much of the book was not about their relationship at all but rather the things that were happening outside of it. That said, the revolution didn't feel as prominent as I would have expected it to be; it was almost as if it wasn't happening at all - just background noise. I'm not sure if the author made an assumption that her readers would already have the background knowledge needed to inherently understand the history being made, or if it was intentionally made to fade into the background because of how profound Patricio and Gloria's love was supposed to be. Either way, the near non-presence of the revolution missed the mark for me.

This review is confusing even for me! Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Would I recommend it to others? I'm not sure. Maybe. It got me thinking and exploring and generating my own questions, so I can't deny it was worth the read.

It's not too late to join my book club! Check out the monthly schedule here.

What I Wore in Mid-July

It's time for another Real Outfit Roundup. It feels like these come around twice as fast in the summer.

Life over the last two weeks has been...well, it's been. Some things have happened that have had a huge impact on my family, but we won't be talking about them here. Even though things haven't been great, life definitely hasn't stopped, and I've been trying very hard to keep things normal for Alexis.

Looking back, we haven't done much over the last two weeks. In fact, we're going to start with a day that I don't remember what we did at all. We must have done something, though, since I actually put together an outfit.

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and weigh about 140 lbs. I usually wear size 6 or s/m in clothes and size 7 in shoes.

Shirt | Shorts (similar) | Belt | Sandals (similar) | Earrings

I got this t-shirt at the beginning of summer and just haven't worn it. I remember that I had originally paired it with a skirt that I decided no longer fit the way I wanted it to (I added it to my donation pile). Since it's cropped, which on my shorter torso isn't all that noticeable, I decided to pair it with my high-waisted denim shorts. This exact pair is no longer available, but Levi's has a ton of similar options on their site. I added the belt because it felt like something was missing. I wish I had worn my plain brown sandals to match the belt. These neutral-colored espadrilles just feel off with the rest of the outfit.

Dress | Belt | Sandals (similar) | Necklace

On Saturday, we got up and went to breakfast as a family. Then it was just Alexis and me for the day. We got ice cream at Sonic, went to the grocery store, and she helped me cook dinner. I can't believe this dress is still available; I've had it for what feels like forever! It's definitely a favorite, and I'm always looking for new ways to style it. This go 'round, I kept it simple. The only thing I added was a neutral-colored belt.

Dress (similar) | Belt | Sandals (similar) | Necklace

Flash forward to Monday. I don't remember much about this day outside of making spaghetti for supper -- I burnt my garlic bread 😢. I wanted to make this old dress feel fresh, so I added a belt, which I matched to my sandals. I liked the look, but I ended up ditching the belt later for comfort.

Tank | Shorts (sold out) | Sandals (similar) | Necklace

Tuesday was a mixed bag. The day started off good. We got Italian ice and tried a new slow cooker recipe for dinner. After that, well, everything went downhill pretty fast, but that's all I'll say about it.

Anyway, these flounce shorts from Old Navy went viral this summer. I bought mine back in the spring and had no idea they were going to blow up like they did. These were the gateway to my love for flowy shorts. This time, I decided to keep the outfit simple and paired a pale pink, ribbed tank top to match the stripe around the bottom hem of the shorts. These tanks are awesome. I own it in five colors.

Dress | Sandals (similar) | Necklace

Skip to Thursday. My mom had a doctor's appointment, so afterward I met her for a little bit of shopping and lunch. When I got home, I went through all my shoes and added a bunch to my donation pile.

I picked up this dress earlier in the week (either Monday or Tuesday; I can't actually remember). It's a really pretty floral pattern and has a dropped waist. I thought about adding something to it, but it was really hot, so I decided to let it be a one-and-done dress for the day. I pulled out these old but classic brown sandals and added a simple, layered, gold necklace.

Dress (similar) | Sandals

On Friday, I spent some time going through and organizing some stuff in my office, then cleaned out my jewelry cabinet (it was long overdue). I got dressed for lunch, and I think Chris and I might have walked through a store or two. I don't really remember. That week was kind of a blur after Tuesday.

This dress is a few years old, but it's so good. It's a great material, a nice classic cut, and I always feel good wearing it. Sadly, it's not available any longer, but I found something kind of similar for you. My sandals are still available, surprisingly. Size up half -- the straps are really snug.

T-shirt | Shorts | Sandals (similar)

Skipping ahead to Sunday... We got all my donate clothing and shoes together to drop off. After eating lunch, we went to the school to pick up something I needed, then stopped by to see my parents for the afternoon. We ended up going to eat seafood with them and my aunt and uncle for supper at a local restaurant that my husband has never gotten to try.

I was pretty comfy this day. I love these striped shorts so much I got them in blue as well. I paired them with this oversized beach t-shirt that is so dang soft. I considered turning it into a sleep shirt it's so comfy. I kept my shoes simple with my almost-worn-out Birk knock-offs that I really need to replace.

T-shirt | Shorts | Sandals (similar) | Bag

I got dressed on Monday, but I have no idea what we did. That evening we met Chris for dinner after he got off work, but before that is all a blank in my mind.

These shorts are still a favorite and still available in most sizes online. I went up to a large because this brand tends to be small, and these shorts are very short. As you can see, the ties are super long -- I need to trim them honestly; I just keep forgetting. I've been wearing these with solid colored tops, but this day I decided to pair them with my relax graphic tee.

T-shirt | Pants (similar) | Shoes (similar)

Alexis started tennis camp on Tuesday, but I forgot to take a picture of my outfit, so jump ahead to Wednesday. I did not wear this to watch her at camp, but that afternoon we went to see Superman with my in-laws, and I changed into this. It was kind of an overcast, rainy day, and I didn't want to be cold in the theater.

These pants aren't that old, but they're not available where I got them from anymore, so I linked to some that are similar in style and honestly might be better quality. I picked up this coffee club graphic tee at the same time I got the drop-waist dress I wore shopping with my mom. I really like the brown tones of this outfit. It's something I would wear to teach in.

T-shirt | Shorts | Sandals

Thursday was the last day of Alexis's tennis camp, and yes, I did wear this to watch. We also did a few things around town.

I really like these linen shorts and wish I had them in more colors. Surprisingly, they're still fully stocked online. My t-shirt is just a basic striped v-neck tee. I got it in a medium but probably could have worn the small. It's long on me, but I like how roomy the fit is through my shoulders and hips. It's 100% cotton so will probably shrink some in the wash. My sandals are still available in some but not all sizes.

Top 8: My Most-Used Beauty Products

Who remembers the Myspace Top 8? I thought it would be fun to do that on the blog, except instead of ranking friends, I'm ranking my favorite products. Today, I'm looking at the beauty products that I use over-and-over again, including the three makeup products I rarely leave the house without wearing, the only lotion I use without consequences on my sensitive skin, and my favorite between-washes hair refreshers. The best part about this list? With the exception of two products, most everything can be found at your favorite drug store.

Il Makiage Foundation - I've been using this foundation since 2022 and have no plans to change anytime soon. One bottle lasts forever, or about 6-ish months for me. I wear shade 20, but I definitely recommend completing the quiz for your best match. You can read my full review here.

e.l.f. Monochrome Stick - This is the product that I didn't know I needed until I tried it. Who knew cream blush was so much better than powder? Certainly not me. I've got this in two different colors, but right now my go-to is the glistening peach. It gives me a nice sun-kissed glow without being too dark.

Maybelline Express Brow in Auburn - Do you know how hard it is to find brow products to match my hair color? They're always either too dark or too blonde. For years I used a powder that was only available online. After running out and not replacing, I went au natural for awhile...until my students took notice. Then I discovered this one by Maybelline. It's a good match for my hair color, available in stores, and costs less than what I was using. Win-win!

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream & Hydrating Facial Cleanser- I paired these together because I typically use them together. These work well with my crazy sensitive skin. I use the lotion everywhere, even my face.

Suave Clarifying Shampoo - This is hands-down my favorite cleansing shampoo. I use it up to once a week to remove build up from the other products I use. It makes my scalp feel nice, and my other shampoo and conditioner works so much better after using it. Also, it only costs about $2.

Not Your Mother's Curl Refresh Foam & Texturizing Beach Babe Dry Shampoo - I use these two hair refreshing products interchangeably depending on what's going on with my hair. I do use the foam the most (1-2 times a week), but the dry shampoo has a solid place in my refresh routine, especially the further I get from wash day. The foam helps to add volume and bounce back to my curls and waves, while the dry shampoo helps with my roots. Both smell amazing and neither irritates my scalp.

Wavytalk Pencil Flat Iron - This has been a wonderful addition to my hair routine now that I've chopped it off and decided to maintain this length for awhile. The thinner plates are a better size for shorter strands than my one-inch styler.

Dr. Teal's Foaming Bath - I use this almost daily. My go-to formula is the eucalyptus and spearmint (relax & relief) because it's the most easily found in my local stores. I also like the rose (calm & serenity) when I can find it. The limited edition honey blossom is a current favorite; it smells so good, and I'll be sad when it's no longer available.

What's New on My TBR: 10 Books I Want to Read

It's been awhile since I did one of these posts (it's been almost a year!), but I've recently added some titles to my TBR list that I'm quite excited about and that you won't see on any of my recent reading lists.

Speaking of my reading lists, I just crossed Lessons in Chemistry off my Summer Reading List, bringing the read total from that particular list to three out of fifteen. So far this summer (a.k.a. since I posted my spring reading roundup), I've read five books, two of which are featured in my best books of 2025 so far.

Now, let's talk about the books that have recently caught my attention. I've been getting back into historical fiction reads lately as well as mystery, and I've noticed that my choices have started to get a bit deeper in terms of plot and theme.

Forever, Interrupted

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

I've been waiting on this library hold for what feels like forever! Elsie and Ben's whirlwind romance ends in tragedy when nine days after they elope (only five months after they met), he's killed in a freak accident. Now, Elsie is face-to-face with Ben's mother, whom she's never met and who doesn't know anything about Elsie.

The Housewarming

Author: Kristin Offilier

One of the perks of being an Amazon Prime member is getting to choose a new release title each month to read for free, and this month (July), I got to choose two. This is one of them. Four estranged friends agree to reunite on the five-year anniversary of their friend Zoe’s death. The goal is to come together again, memorialize their friend, and put the past to rest — but a true crime podcaster who made a name for herself off this mystery is back, as well.

The Women of Arlington Hall

Author: Jane Healey

This is the second first read I chose for the month. I've always been fascinated by the women who helped shape our history, especially those involved in wartime efforts. Set in 1947, this book revolves around a female codebreaker, Cat, and her role in helping to root out Soviet spies who infiltrated the U.S.

Manslaughter Park

Author: Tirzah Price

This is a retelling of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Fanny is an aspiring artist living with her uncle's family. When he dies in a tragic accident, Fanny discovers that he was murdered and is determined to find his killer. I really enjoyed the first two books in Tirzah Price's Jane Austen murder mystery collection, Pride and Premeditation and Sense and Second-Degree Murder, and reviews say this third installment is even better. I can't wait!

Mirror of Malice

Author: Tee Harlowe

This is an intertwined fairytale retelling that's part of a larger world but can be read as a standalone. Liliath is being kept a prisoner in her own castle by her stepmother. Instead of her true love coming to her rescue, the king of thieves, Penn, kidnaps her when he comes to steal her stepmother's magic mirror.

By Any Other Name

Author: Jodi Picoult

In 1581, Emilia Bassano was trying to make a name for herself in the male-dominated theater profession. Determined to see a play of her own on the stage, Emilia forms an alliance with William Shakespeare. Now, Melina Greene wants to tell Emilia's story on stage, but all these years later, the playing field still isn't level. Melina knows the chances of her work making it to the stage are slim. Then, her friend submits the play to a festival under a male pseudonym.

One Italian Summer

Author: Rebecca Serle

After her mother's death, Carol doesn't cancel their planned trip to Positano, Italy. While there, her mother appears as a healthy, 30-year-old version of herself, giving Carol the opportunity to get to know her not as her mother but as the woman before.

The Examiner

Author: Janice Hallett

Gela is over a new multimedia art course and has to find six students to participate in her new master's program before the university cuts her funding. The students Gela recruits are nothing but trouble from day one. Then the examiner she hired to grade their final work insists that someone is in danger or already dead. I read and loved The Appeal. It was such a unique way to present a book, and this book promises the same. Instead of being told in prose, the case is laid out in emails, text messages, and essays.

Confessions of a Grammar Queen

Author: Eliza Knight

How could this book not be on my TBR? It's about a woman who wants to become the first female CEO in publishing. The first step? Getting a promotion, but Bernadette's boss is standing in the way. Looking for support, she joins a feminist book club and soon inspires the members to challenge sexism and pursue their dreams.

The Glassmaker

Author: Tracy Chevalier

This historical romance follows the Rosso family, Venetian glassmakers, from the height of the Renaissance to present day. In 148, women are not meant to work with glass, but when Orsola's father dies, she teaches herself to make glass beads in secret to support her family. The story follows Orsola and her family through triumph and loss, from plague to war.

What to Wear Back-to-School Teacher Edition

I feel like I say this every year, but how is it back to school time already?! Didn't summer just start last week? There's no way I have less than a month before I have to head back to my classroom.

Last year, our start date got pushed back quite a bit when our district decided to shorten the school year to a more traditional 160 days. The change came without sacrificing any of our normal breaks and adding in a new, week-long winter break we've never gotten before; however, teachers had to report earlier and stay later, and we lost a month of instructional time. This year, they pushed our start back back by about a week...at the request of teachers.

So, as much as I hate that the end-of-summer countdown has begun, it really has. Starting with back-to-school shopping. Every year, my state does a school sales tax free holiday weekend (it's this weekend, fyi - July 18-20), so I've been browsing my favorite sites getting ready for that.

Truth be told, I don't need much this year, even after doing a pretty thorough closet clean-out this summer, but I do have my eye on a few things at Old Navy, JCPenney, Kohl's, and (of course) Amazon, which I'm sharing in today's post.

P.S. I'm also sharing some of my most-used basic pieces at the bottom of this post.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Top Row

• White Wide-Leg Jeans (in my cart) - I tossed my old white, skinny jeans at the end of this year for a couple of reasons. First, they were getting a bit grungy -- I'm pretty sure I got expo marker dust on them. Second, skinny jeans aren't really in style anymore and have never really been my preferred style. 
• Stevie Straight Ankle Pants (in my cart) - I wear the heck out of my skinny Stevie pants in the winter. They're like wearing leggings but with the structure of pants. These straight leg ones feel even more practical. They also come in a dark brown and navy blue.
• Black Linen Pants (in my cart) - Linen pants are perfect for teaching, especially in the south where summer holds on until almost Thanksgiving some years.
• Wide Leg Pants (in my cart)- I really like this style of pants (and this brand). I have a pair of linen pants in a similar color that I frequently wear, so I think I would get a lot of use out of these more structured pants. The color is Canyon Dust, by the way. They also come in a navy blue, light blue, and light pink.
• Patch Pocket Pants - These feel a bit more casual than the above pair. Maybe because of the material? I'm not sure, but I am digging the Hawaii Rose colored ones.
• Cropped White Pants - Worthington has always been a go-to professional brand for me, and these cropped pants are really nice.
• Soft Drape Wide Leg Jeans (in my cart) - How pretty are these? I want them real bad. They also come in an olive green that's nice, but I have a bunch of green pants already.

Middle Row

• Pink Overalls (in my cart) - Yes, these are the same overalls that I have in three other colors. They're just that good, y'all. Expect to see me rocking these pink ones all year long.
• Belted Shirt Dress - I really like this dress.
• Brown Plaid Swing Dress (in my cart) - This is one of those dresses that's perfect for fall but also won't cause you to overheat when it still feels like summer.
• Overall Dress - I've had my eye on this one for awhile. The price point is what always keeps me from adding it to my cart, but man it's so cute.
• Sleeveless Black Sweater Dress (in my cart) - This is made out of Old Navy's SoSoft sweater material which is amazing.
• Green Floral Maxi Dress (in my cart) - I like wearing longer dresses to school, and this one is just so pretty.

Bottom Row

• Striped Yellow Sleeveless Sweater - I like that this can be worn on its own (with a cami underneath obviously) or layered over something when the weather cools off.
• SoSoft Cropped Cardigan - This comes in a ton of colors. I'm in love with the Buttercup.
• Jacquard Button-Down Top - These blouses are an easy way to dress up a skirt or pair of pants.
• Green Striped Short-Sleeve Sweater - Short-sleeved sweaters are my go-to for fall when I want to dress for the season, but the season isn't seasoning.
• Button-Front Sweater Vest (in my cart)- This is another top that can be worn on its own or layered over something for cooler weather. It comes in three colors, but I like the navy blue.

• Red Polka Dot Skirt (in my cart) - I've been wanting a bright red skirt, and this one is just so pretty.
• Floral Print Skirt (in my cart) - This is technically the same skirt as the red one, but I love the big flowers on it. It feels very me.
• Oversized Graphic Sweatshirts (New York & Unsubscribe) - I love a good graphic sweatshirt for casual Fridays or those rare weeks when we get to wear jeans because it's actually cold.
• Brown Loafers  - Don't sleep on Old Navy's shoes, y'all. Several of my favorite pairs are from there...and you can't go wrong with a pair of brown loafers. They go with everything.
• Mesh Black Flats (in my cart) - I bought a pair of square-toed Mary Janes last year and didn't love them as much as I hoped. It's the toe shape -- square is not my jam. These ones, though, I think I would actually wear.
  
  

BONUS

The following items are things I already own and highly recommend.

• Ribbed Tank Tops - These are great for layering but can also be worn on their own thanks to the wider straps. I have it in five colors.
• Lace Undershirts - These are another great layering option. I have three different colors in short-sleeve and a white long-sleeve (I plan on adding at least a black long-sleeve as well). I layer these under dresses mostly. They're great for covering my shoulders without adding a lot of bulk.
• Long-Sleeve Layering Tees - Trust me. You need these for winter. They're soft and stretchy and really comfortable.
• Solid-Colored Eyelet Tops - These are what I call an elevated basic. They're somewhere between a t-shirt and a blouse. They add interest to your outfits without being loud and can be casual or dressed up.
• Denim Maxi Skirt - This is a recent purchase, but I already know I'm going to get a lot of use out of it. I sized up to 8 and am glad I did. My usual size 6 would have been snug.
• Stretchy Wide Woven Belts - These are good for cinching the waist of a dress or creating definition between a top and skirt.
• Faux Leather Belts - These are my go-to belts for pants, jeans, anything with belt loops really.

My 2025-26 Classroom Must Haves

I can't believe summer is halfway over! Back-to-school displays and sections are already appearing in stores, and much as I want to just ignore it all and keep basking in the laziness of summer, now is the time to buy if you want to get the best deals.

I haven't bought much for the upcoming year just yet. I got a couple of new bulletin board borders (from Target and from Michael's) since those tend to sell out quickly, and I bought myself a stool (from Walmart) to go with my podium. However, there are some things that I definitely need for the upcoming school year, and I thought I would share the top 10 with you.

You can see my full Amazon Wish List here.

*Items marked with an asterisk were purchased during Amazon Prime Day.

*Clever Fox Teacher Planner - I absolutely love this planner! It's the best one I've found so far. I like that it is not pre-dated; I had a lot of fun last year getting it all set up with the stickers, etc. I really appreciate that it's set up specifically for teachers, a.k.a. not 12 months. That combined with the fact that you put in your own dates means that there's not a bunch of unused pages -- I simply skip putting in dates for week-long breaks. It's also got places for long-term and/or unit planning, important dates, attendance/grade tracker, communication logs, etc. It's also much more durable than other planners since it's bound like an actual book. However, if you prefer one that's more like a notebook, they have those, too!

*Smart Board Clicker - I need a new one after dropping the one I had one too many times last year. It was surprisingly durable, but that last time was just too much for it, and, like Humpty Dumpty, it couldn't be put back together again. I can survive without one, but it sure does make life easier when I can control my slides from anywhere in the room.

*Pencil Sharpener - I went through two pencil sharpeners last year! The first one got accidentally knocked off by a student (he offered to buy me a new one, bless him), so who knows if it would have  actually made it to the end of the year. Then the replacement burned out (I had twice the number of students using it as in previous years, so it got a lot of use). I asked around, and this robot one was highly recommended. I like that it controls the pencil, not the user, so maybe that will help protect the motor. It comes in a few colors, but I ordered the blue because our school colors are blue.

Pencil Holders - I want to try a pencil check-out system I saw online this year because last year's "I need a pencil" epidemic was ridiculous. I'm going to create a place on my white board, a pencil parking garage if you will, and I will supply the first pencils. After that, it will be up to the students to return them or replace them. I will put pencils I pick up off the floor in them, and I will replace them if/when the original pencils run out, but that's it. Who knows if it will work, but it's worth a shot. Now I just need to decide if I want to use golf pencils (students are less likely to steal those) or regular sized ones.

Pencil Top Erasers - These were surprisingly popular this past year, so I want to make sure I've got a good supply for this year.

Hall Passes - The ones I had last year did not make it to the end of the year. They just did not hold up at all. I'm thinking wooden ones this year. I like these ones shaped like pencils.

Cursive Alphabet Border - Okay, so I don't technically need this one, but I would like to put this above my white/smart board. Cursive has finally been added back into our elementary standards, so I want to make sure that I've got something to help reinforce that in my room. Also, I had so many students asking for cursive writing lessons last year; sadly, I didn't have time to add it in, but I'm exploring ways to incorporate it this year.

Desk Mat - The one I've been using has seen better days, and I'd like to replace it. In fact, I'm fairly certain I threw that one away when I was packing up my room...Anyway, these help to keep my desk a little bit neater and cleaner. I like this particular one because it comes with the wrist prop things and a cup holder.

Pen/Pencil Holder - I really don't like the one I have. It works, but it's really not big enough and one section is stupidly deep. Last year, I ended up using a coffee mug instead, but I don't really want to do that this year. I've been looking at this one for awhile. I like it's little feet and that it spins.

5-Tier Paper Tray - I have a solid turn-in routine that absolutely works, even with five classes. Now, I need a better way of keeping my grading on track. What I tried last year worked but was not organized at all. I'm hoping this will help me stay sorted and maybe on track of things.

An Early July Outfit Roundup

Welcome back for another edition of Real Outfit Roundup, where every two weeks or so I share the outfits I wore in real life along with brief explanations and links to shop the same or similar items.

Summer is typically my least favorite season to get dressed in. Where I live is just so hot. In fact, I just got an alert about the upcoming heat...as if it hasn't already been unbearably hot. And humid. Can't forget about that part.

By now y'all know that my typical everyday outfit is shorts and a t-shirt, but I did actually try to make more of an effort in styling some of my outfits over the last couple of weeks without sacrificing comfort.

Just a quick reminder that I share my outfits daily (or pretty close to it) in my LTK shop. That's the best place to keep up with that I'm wearing as I'm wearing it instead of waiting every two weeks for these roundup posts. I also do semi-regular outfit posts with links on my Instagram and Facebook pages, but I am trying to be more intentional with how I share things on those platforms.

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and weigh about 140 lbs. I typically wear size 6 or s/m in clothes and size 7 in shoes.

Top | Skirt | Belt | Sandals

I didn't wear this for very long at all. Maybe two hours? At the most. Alexis was spending the night with grandparents, and Chris worked all day, so I didn't really have any reason to get dressed beyond shorts and a tank top, which I did not get a picture of. I decided late in the day that I wanted to put together a real outfit for dinner, even if we didn't go anywhere particularly fancy. We didn't, but I still approve of my efforts.

This tank top is cropped, but I was still able to tuck it into my skirt. I got it in a medium, and it's loose without being oversized. It's also very soft. My skirt is several years old, but I still love it. It's fully lined and has an elastic waist and pockets. I felt like I needed some separation between the top and skirt, so I added this woven belt. I love the little bit of print mixing it creates. I finished the look with these simple black sandals from Old Navy.

Dress | Sandals | Earrings

This dress is one of my recent favorites. It's easy to dress up, but it also works nicely on its own like I wore it here; it was too hot to add any layers. I did add some tassel earrings though, which are honestly my go-to when I feel like I need something extra. I have nine pairs, so I usually can find something to match. This pair is a perfect match for this dress. I finished the look with my white sandals.

T-shirt | Shorts | Sandals (similar)

All-neutral looks aren't really my preference, but I don't hate this one. I picked up these shorts on a clearance rack at my local Walmart, but they're still available in all sizes online and only $10. It's hard to tell from this picture, as well as the product picture on the website, but these are a beige color with a thin white stripe. I'm pretty sure I got them in a large because that's all that was available, but I'm not unhappy with the fit. The legs are nice and loose and the waist is adjustable.

My t-shirt is also beige (or apricot, maybe) with a faded flower print to give some muted color. I kept my shoes neutral.

Tank | Shorts | Sandals (similar)

These shorts have been a fun addition to my summer wardrobe. Unfortunately, they are starting to sell out. I'm not sure how I would classify this print since it's pretty eclectic. There's fruit but also vegetables and what I'm fairly certain are oysters. They've got lots of colors to match, too. This go 'round I decided to go with blue.

This tank top is a great basic. It's so soft and stretchy, a.k.a. comfy as heck. It is fitted but not skin-tight. It's ribbed but doesn't remind me of a little boy's undershirt. I like that the shoulder straps are a bit wider, too; I can wear it to work without layering something on top of it. I took a chance on these and ordered it in five colors, and I'm really glad that I did!

Tank (old from Old Navy) | Shorts (similar) | Sandals (similar)

I've been wearing the same 4th of July outfit for years, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. For whatever reason, Old Navy did not do flag tanks this year, and I refuse to link to anything other than the exact. I feel like it would be unpatriotic. My shorts are also no longer available, but I found a really similar pair elsewhere. My sandals are so old they're almost worn out, but I still keep reaching for them on casual days. I haven't found a pair that I just love to replace them with, but I'm going to keep looking.

T-shirt | Shorts | Belt | Sneakers

This shirt made me laugh and was only $8, so I had to buy it...and I don't even eat corn. I got a medium, and it's the perfect amount of loose. I wore it with my a-line shorts and decided to do it like the kids do by tucking the t-shirt in, which instantly made me feel more put together. I added the belt because I always feel like you need a belt if you fully tuck your shirt. I didn't feel like wearing sandals for some reason (I can't remember why), so I finished the look with my Adidas sneakers. I got them out of the kids section (size 5) for a good bit cheaper than I would have in the adult section.

Tank | Skirt | Sandals | Belt | Bag | Necklace

This skirt is the same as the very first outfit in this post, except purple. I actually hemmed a slight tear in it before wearing it this day. One of the tiers in the upper part of the skirt had started to separate, but it was a quick and easy fix, and you can't even tell it was there now. This is definitely one of my most-worn skirts of all time, and I may have gotten this specific color tank because of it. I'll wear it with other things, too, but I was absolutely thinking that I wanted a school-appropriate, sleeveless top to wear with it. I added a solid black belt to give my waist a bit more definition and finished the look with my black sandals, which you can't see in the picture.

T-shirt | Shorts (similar)

Here is one of my typical, not-really-styled, summer outfits...complete with no shoes because I didn't leave the house this particular day. I did tuck the shirt for the picture at least...

I really wish these exact same shorts were still available. I didn't know just how much I would love wearing them when I bought them on a whim, but they are a huge part of my summer wardrobe. They're so bright and can be paired with so many colors to create fun, sometimes unexpected, outfits.

This go 'round, I decided to top them with my new tomato print t-shirt. I'm a bit disappointed in this shirt, sadly. The t-shirt material itself is really soft and comfortable, but the print is one of those crinkly, crunchy ones. It's not awful but definitely not my favorite. Also, I dropped honey mustard dressing on it, so it may be ruined after one wear. Bummer.

T-shirt | Shorts

And here's another typical shorts-and-a-t-shirt outfit, also with no shoes since I once again did not leave my house. I shared the pink version of these shorts in my last outfit roundup. I think I might like the blue stripes even more, especially paired with this bright pink t-shirt.

This shirt is supposed to have an oversized fit, but I think I would have had to order a large or even an extra-large to get it to look like the model. It's got a cute picnic print on it, but just like the tomato shirt above, the print is one of those crunchy ones. I ordered two different versions of this shirt, and the other one is not, so that's disappointing. Anyway, it was a complete coincidence, but I like how there are some blue-and-white stripes in the shirt's print to match the shorts. I didn't notice until later in the day.

Dress | Sandals (similar) | Necklace | Bracelets

This is one of my favorite dresses, and I've been wearing it for five years! It's still available in this exact print, as well as many others. I wear this dress in a lot of different ways, but this go 'round I decided to keep it simple, other than knotting it at the bottom. I used my large size Twist-Tee Knot to accomplish that. I've got a small one, too. These little tools create perfect knots that don't come untied throughout the day. The only other embellishments I made were to add a necklace and some bangle bracelets. I'm trying to get better at wearing jewelry, but don't hold your breath.

Dress | Sandals (similar) | Earrings | Necklace | Bracelet (similar)

I cannot believe this dress is still available. I got it way back in March! I usually wear a small in this particular brand, but I got this in the medium so that the buttons would not pull. The one complaint I have about this dress is how easily it wrinkles. If you sit for any length of time, there will be creases. In keeping with my attempt to wear more jewelry, I added my blue tassel earrings and simple, layered necklace. I also wore a bracelet, but I'm pretty sure it was a gift; at any rate, I have no idea where it came from. I kept my shoes neutral, and I like how these sandals look with the dress overall.