July Roundup!

mid-summer favorites.

Aug 01, 2023

Happy August! July is the the awkward part of Appalachian summers where it's too hot and humid to do just about anything except be in a river. Unless it involves air conditioning or being on/near a body of water, nobody's super interested. I equate it to summer’s own version of winter, a brief respite before the late-summer/early-fall…and I love it. It's the perfect time to reflect and get clear on what I’d like the rest of the year to look like.

That being said, my July was calm, colorful, and clarifying. I worked hard on editing/designing my life in order to take action toward a future that feels personally authentic and exciting. I spent a lot of time harvesting flowers to dry, press, and craft with. I swam, walked, stretched, cooked, baked, created, and caught my breath. The entire month was spent quietly setting intentions, seeking out peace in times of impatience, and prioritizing deeper connections on every level. July was just the pause I needed to make sense of the year thus far, so that I can press play with confidence and curiosity as I take an active role in watching the rest of it unfold.

Here's some of my favorite things that encouraged, inspired, and lit me up all month long!

Books!

Nowhere for Very Long by Brianna Madia

9/10. A beautifully written memoir about a young woman traveling across western America. In a van…with her husband and two dogs. I could tell all of the details were felt deeply, and that an unconventional life spent exploring has much to do with taking on the outside world, but a whole lot more to do with developing self-awareness and relying on faith.

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs

10/10. This is a nonfiction book about urban planning, sociology, what constitutes a neighborhood/community, and the roles they serve within a city at large. Why some flourish and others decline into crime, violence, and poverty. If you’re into creating a world that works for everybody, give this one a read.

A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver

9/10. Yes, I know I almost always include one of Mary’s books, but they rock. The poems in this collection beautifully explore how the smallest moments make up our lives. This one was a personal favorite.

Media!

On Being

*chef’s kiss* this episode! All about spiritual searching and belonging in the world. Told by Barbara Brown Taylor—a female diplomat, theologian, and priest—who explores heavy topics through the lens of lightness, seeing our entire human experience as one giant altar.

The Kindred Life

I met Sarah Gilliam during my time in Tennessee, and her embodiment of community instantly inspired me to create and better my own. She’s a photographer, mother, homesteader, flower farmer, bee keeper, homemaker, community advocate, and artist. I spent a few nights gathering with friends in her home, and it set the standard for what I want mine to feel like—simple, beautiful, full of love, with the door always open. Sarah is such a light in the world, and a community CHAMPION. She drops endless golden nuggets of wisdom about creating a better world in this conversation…soak up every valuable word of hers!

Almost 30

I looooved this episode diving into living in alignment and true spirituality. They discuss self-compassion and how it inevitably means getting honest with yourself, tackling what’s in your control, accepting that life happens in seasons. How selfishness leads to a victim mentality and anger, and often just means we need to take a break. I appreciated the practical, ‘real-worldness’ of this one!

Creativity!

Recipe Testing + Brand Photography

First of all, shoutout to Kelly of Balsam Business Photography who took every single one of these stunning photos! She’s an incredible photographer friend of mine who offered to shoot my kitchen creations in order to develop her own food & beverage branding style…and it’s WERKIN’! There’s few things I enjoy more than experimenting with local + seasonal flavors, produce, ingredients, and products…and working with Kelly to showcase them in a beautiful and unique way has made it so much more fun! Hmmm…cookbook, anyone?

Movement!

I’m still a sucker for long walks, yoga, pilates, dancing, gardening, and hiking…all of which I try to do on the daily. But I tried something new this month.

Somatic Exercises

My body and I have been through/survived some serious freak accidents and hefty traumas—and at some point, I just sort of accepted/assumed that some aches would linger on-and-off forever. But the pain in my shoulders, neck, lower back, and hips started to hinder my ability to do activities I love when I came across somatic exercises—gentle, therapeutic movements that connect your brain/neurons, physical body, and emotional body. They allow for the treatment of physical manifestations of pain, as well as addressing the trauma, anxiety, and stresses that tend to cause it in the first place.

I seriously cannot even begin to explain how much better I feel, because I’m still coming to terms with it. I sleep better, don’t wake up achy, and can sit for 5 minutes without my SI joints screaming at me. I’ve had emotional and physical releases that lead to so much peace and clarity and…if you’re at all interested, just try it. The exercises take anywhere from 5-12 minutes daily, can be done in your bed, and are accessible to everyone. Here’s the program I use!

Moments!

Connection

Quality time in nature + with people I love. Florals for a dinner hosted by my friends at Old North Farm. Shared meals + wine, chill hangs with friends and their fur-babies! That’s what’s good.