Happy July!
I stopped by a store to do a return on July 1, and felt overwhelmed to see shelves lined with backpacks and school supplies!
I love school supplies, but we’re still in full-on summer mode over here — swimming, playing outside, eating grilled foods outside, and not doing much of anything in particular.
We did enjoy another visit from my friend Laura of HowToGYST. In addition to keeping me company for a few days and doing some thrift store shopping, she crocheted all the kids a dill pickle stuffy — so cute!
I’m sharing several of my summertime favorites below… enjoy!
Favorite Moment = 19 Years
We “celebrated” our 19th anniversary earlier this week… but I use quotes because we honestly didn’t do much to celebrate. 🤷♀️
The plan was to go out to eat as a family, but that didn’t happen… so a normal day at home with various errands, chores, to-dos, and swimming worked out just fine.
We did get a picture for our friend’s 40th birthday party (2 days before our anniversary) that has to count for something!
Favorite Routine = Drinking Water
I’ve been on a “drink more water” kick for well over a decade now, and I’m still preaching to those who will listen.
Drinking water (any water – nothing fancy) is one of the best ways to regulate your hunger, your weight, your mood, your sleep, your skin, and so much more (it even helps with my restless legs).
Water is sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, dye-free, and vegan… so I know you’re not allergic. 😂 Plus, it’s actually free (no cost) and readily available almost everywhere.
I’m not trained in health or wellness… but just the other day, I was rereading a book about body movement and the author (who is highly trained in health and wellness) said the very first simple step she’d recommend for anyone trying to improve their health and wellbeing is to commit to only drinking water for 30 days (no change to your diet).
So I’m here to encourage you to make drinking water your summer routine this year.
If you work out and sweat a lot, add some pink salt to your water for the electrolytes. If you need a little flavor, add lemon or cucumber slices. And if you want fiz, try unflavored sparkling water or make your own water kefir (I’m loving it!)
Drinking water is not as difficult as you might think, and I’m confident you’ll notice a difference!
RELATED READING: How to drink more water every day.
Past Favorite = Personalized Note Cards
I’ve shared these before, but I’m a huge fan of making my own personalized note cards, thank you cards, etc., through Vista Print, Shutterfly, PicMonkey, or Canva.
It’s easy to find a pre-made design you like, or you can customize your own (they don’t need to be fancy).
Whenever I get a discount code for free cards (usually just 5 or 10), I order a few more thank-you cards, or “a note from Andrea” cards.
It’s fun to have a little stash of personalized cards to give out whenever I think of it — and it’s even better when I can get them free (or almost free).
Favorite Gadget = Olive Oil Sprayer
My sister recently split a 2-pack of these olive oil sprayers with me… and they instantly became one of my favorite things!
I’ve considered purchasing one for years, but for whatever reason, I never actually bought one. Now, I’m kicking myself for waiting so long!
These allow you to pour the oil, spray a fine mist, or spray a more concentrated stream — perfect for mixing up homemade salad dressings, spraying on roasted vegetables, or spritzing your baking pans.
They even work well for cooking with cast iron and my favorite USA Pans, as you can use olive oil spray, but not something like “Pam” (it gets the pans gunky).
RELATED READING: How to Cook With Cast Iron
Favorite Book = The Choice
I recently read The Choice in 3 days, sitting out by the pool… it was so good, I couldn’t put it down.
It follows a pregnant teenage girl in the 70’s as she makes “the choice” to have an abortion or give her baby up for adoption… then how this choice affects her throughout her life, and comes back full-circle later in life when she’s able to help others in a similar situation.
My only “complaint” with this book is that it left lots of suspense until the very last chapter and then quickly wrapped everything up. It almost felt like the author got tired of writing, so he abruptly ended it and moved on.
Overall, the book was very well written and easy to read.
READ THE BOOK: The Choice by Robert Whitlow
Favorite Seasonal Treat = Great Lakes Chips
If you’ve never had the opportunity to try Great Lakes Potato Chips, you are missing out!
They have the best flavors, and their chips are super thick with the skins still on — very rustic looking. Their chips are always available at Meijer, and sometimes at Costco (in really big bags like I have below).
My summertime favorite is the Michigan Cherry BBQ flavor — absolute perfection!
Favorite Craft = Kid’s Chalk Paint
Our asphalt driveway is perfect for sidewalk chalk, but when the kids get tired of chalk, we’ve enjoyed making chalk paint with cornstarch, water, and a bunch of food coloring.
It’s quick and simple to mix up, and a fun alternative to sidewalk chalk.
TRY IT YOURSELF: How to Make DIY Chalk Paint
Favorite Recipe = Blueberry Muffins
July in Michigan means lots of fresh blueberries… and these blueberry muffins are one of our family’s favorite ways to enjoy this yummy summer treat.
I freeze gallon-size bags of fresh blueberries to use throughout the year in muffins, pancakes, jam, smoothies, and yogurt parfaits.
We can never have too many blueberries!
TRY THE RECIPE: Easy Blueberry Muffins
Favorite Quote
Not really a quote, but I thought this image was funny… and I can sometimes relate!
Favorite Archived Post
In honor of our anniversary, I’m resharing my reflections on why we waited a full week to go on our honeymoon (and why we were so happy we did!)
The week between our wedding and honeymoon was so relaxed, so productive, and so needed. We’d highly recommend it if you can swing any extra time with your vacation schedule.
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Tamara Flick-Parker says
Wow! That photo of the kids blew me away! Especially Nora! How old are they now? Happy Anniversary to you and Dave. Look at what you’ve created in all of that time. So awesome.
Andrea says
I know — they just keep growing 🙂
They are 13, 11, 10, and almost 8. Crazy how time flies!
Tamara Flick-Parker says
It really is. I think I started following you when Nora was around 4 years old!
Andrea says
wow! thanks for your long-time readership!
Cindy says
I have 2 of the oil sprayers, one for olive oil and one for avocado oil, and I also love them and use them frequently. The only thing that I would have done differently would be to purchase ones with green glass, as I’ve read that this protects the oil from light which can alter the flavor. I store mine in a cabinet, but just an FYI for someone looking to purchase.
Andrea says
ok good to know, Cindy! I’m thinking about getting another one for other oils, and maybe I’ll look into a darker bottle (although I also keep mine in a cabinet)
Danielle says
I just got an oil sprayer 2 days ago for $6. I love it so much, I’ve mostly been using it out on the grill. I can’t believe I waited so long to get one!
Andrea says
oh, that’s a great idea for the grill — I might need to buy another one for outside!
Monica Good says
Fingers crossed that the olive oil sprayer will be on Prime Days. No time like the present to begin Christmas shopping. I’ll be buying several!
Your pool side read sounds good. Thanks!
Andrea says
The books was really good — and yes, I was thinking about Prime Day coming up, hopefully the things you’re planning to buy will be on sale!!