Savoring July: Little Ways to Make the Most of Summer

July just has a happy feeling, doesn’t it? It's the heart of summertime when the days are longer, the sun is warmer, and there’s something about this time of year that makes you want to soak it all in. 

If you’re looking for fun ways to do just that, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up a mix of easy, feel-good ideas to help you enjoy July.  Let’s make this month one to really savor!

Check in with your goals or intentions for 2026. We’re halfway through the year. Now is a good time to reflect on how things are going and reevaluate if needed.

Visit your local ice cream shop for a cooling treat in honor of National Ice Cream Month.

Or, make ice cream floats. Get some vanilla ice cream, top it off with your favorite soda, and enjoy with a straw. Root beer and orange soda are popular choices, but feel free to get creative!

It's also National Watermelon Month. So, enjoy some fresh watermelon!

In fact, July is a big month for fresh fruit, especially blueberries. It's National Blueberry Month.  In addition to that, July 9th is National Blueberry Day, July 10th is Pick Blueberries Day, and July 11th is National Blueberry Muffins Day. Load up on those antioxidants and eat some blueberries!

Have a Sunrise Picnic. Wake up before dawn and take your morning coffee and a pastry outside to watch the sunrise and listen to the birds singing their morning songs 

Embrace Your Geekness on July 13th (Embrace Your Geekness Day). Settle in for a binge-watch of your favorite movie or cult-classic TV series. Add a new piece to your favorite collectibles. Re-read that book or graphic novel.  Dust off your favorite tabletop or card game. 

Go to an outdoor concert.  Yes, tickets for music festivals and concerts can be extremely expensive, but many communities offer free concerts in the local park. 

Spend a day at the zoo or aquarium. Visiting a zoo always makes me feel like a kid again. I get so excited about seeing the big cats and giraffes. When it's too hot or rainy, heading inside to the aquarium can be a fun way to spend a summer afternoon.

July 15th is National Give Something Away Day. Do some decluttering and give away some of your unused things to someone who needs or will use them.

Visit a National Park. Some of the most beautiful sites in the US are found in our national parks.  With 63 national parks located in 30 states, there's a good chance there's one within driving distance.  There are also over 400 monuments, historical sites, and battlefields overseen by the National Park Service.

Sit around a campfire.  There's just something soothing to the soul about sitting under the stars and watching the dancing flames on a summer evening. Bonus points if you roast some marshmallows while you're at it.

Judge a book by its cover. Buy a book, or pick one up at your local library, just because you love the cover. 

As you work your way through July, don’t forget that it’s the small, everyday moments that really make the season special. Whether it’s enjoying a simple summertime treat, getting outside to enjoy the sunrise, or retreating inside with a movie to escape the heat, find your own ways to make the most of July. 

However you choose to spend it, I hope this month brings you a little more sunshine, a little more laughter, and plenty of moments that make you smile long after July is gone.

July Wrap-Up

July was not the month I was hoping or expecting it to be.  

I was thinking of a month filled with a few hikes, some long walks with the dogs, and a cookout or two. What I got was thunderstorms, trips to the urgent care, doctor appointments, and more doctor appointments.

The month started off well enough.   Our 4th of July "celebration" was small, quiet, and low-key.  Just us, the kids, and grandkids.  The Man of the House grilled some ribs. (Delicious!) And we indulged in some s'mores.  It was lovely.

I got to spend a few days each week with the oldest grandson.  And we celebrated our daughter's birthday this month with her family.  Those are some bright points in the month since any day spend with my kids and/or grandkids is a good day in my book! 

Then things got complicated.   I was already scheduled for my long-awaited endoscopy this month.  But before I could even get to that appointment I had an entirely new medical situation occur.

One morning after playing a little indoor fetch with the doggos, as I stood up and turned to walk into the other room - I felt a "pop" in my knee.  And as I continued to (try to) walk into the dining room, I realized something was definitely wrong.  I couldn't walk without excruciating pain in my right knee.  In tears, I told the Man of the House that I couldn't walk and probably needed to go to urgent care.  While getting dressed and waiting for the office to open, I felt another, smaller popping sensation and at that point the worst of the pain subsided.  Throughout the pmorning, the knee continued to ache with regular flares of pain that lit up the knee.  A trip to urgent care left me with a knee brace and a referral to orthopedics.  That appointment was scheduled quickly and the doctor suspects a torn meniscus. I have an appointment for an MRI in August.

The endoscopy went well. No complications or surprises.  They saw no areas of major concern. They took a few biopsies to check things out, but everything came back clear so far.  It's good to know there's anything too scary going on in there.

And that's July in a nutshell.  How was your month?

Simplify

My One Word for 2023 is Explore. In the spirit of exploration, I made the decision not to stop at one word this year - but to also have a word for each month.

During July, I am exploring the word Simplify.

Life is complicated. And we can make it even more complicated with our endless busyness.  All the endless activities, the mental and emotional stimulation, the multitasking, and the "stuff" that we cram into our to do lists, our days, our brains, and our home.

Simplify started stirring in my brain as I was listening to an episode of the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast with Ruthie Gray. She was talking about learning to say no and prioritise. Suddenly, it was as if something clicked in my brain and I thought to myself, "I try to do too much at once." 

My main focus for the month is to simplify my monthly and weekly goals as well as my to-do list. I'm simplifying my monthly goals by limiting the number of goals I set myself. Staying focused on a a few top priorities. I will be setting my weekly goals based on the smaller steps I need to taken in order to reach those monthly goals. 

My daily to-do lists will be created by breaking those weekly goals down to even smaller steps. And I'll be keeping them simple by trying not to add a dozen other items each day - just the absolute basics and priorities. Less multitasking. Fewer distractions.

I started simplifying my eating habits last month when my word was Healthy, and I'll be keeping that up for this month. Simple, unprocessed foods: lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. That doesn't mean boring - I'll be trying some new recipes and making some favorites we discovered last month. It just means keeping ingredients to their simplest form - unprocessed, less added sugars, etc. I have to admit - it's been a struggle for me.  But I am slowly making progress.

We'll be going to California for a week later this summer, and I would really like to simplify what and how I pack. I have been thinking about this since our trip to Ireland and the UK last fall, after dragging all my luggage around airports and train stations. It would be nice to stop over packing and simplify what I take on trips. My ideal situation would be carry on only. 

What other areas of life can benefit from being simplified?

Hello, July

Here we go y'all! It's officially July. If there was ever a single month that called out for cook outs, days by the water, road trips, and vacations - it was this one. I hope you have at least something planned from that list. I certainly do!

This month is when America celebrates it's freedom from the British and our formation as an independent nation.  Even after almost 250 years, we still have some work to do - but I believe that with the right attitude, kind hearts and open minds we can continue to become a better country.

July is the month when my husband and I first became parents, oh-so-many years ago.  We will definitely pause to celebrate our daughter's birthday in the middle of this month. The years have certainly flown by! And my sweet youngest niece also has a birthday in July.

I didn't make a reading list for last month. Instead, I chose to read just whatever fit my mood and a couple of holds that came available at the library.  This month, I plan to read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros,  Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, and By A Thread also by Lucy Score. I'm also still slowly working my way through The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter.

I have been evaluating and rethinking how I set and manage my monthly goals.  I'm scaling back for July - breaking goals into smaller steps and focusing on only one or two steps per week.  I will see how this works for the month and decide what (if any) other changes I need to make.

My goals for July are:

• File 2nd quarter sales tax
• Go through stock of cotton bath puffs and make sure all are currently listed in Etsy shop
• Create a schedule and start prep to begin Frugal Friday posts in August
• Journal everyday

What are your plans for July?

Currently... July 2022

 Maybe you noticed that the blog wasn't very active in June.  

I haven't felt much like writing recently.  Not here.  Not in my personal journal.  Even my Instagram captions have been sort of... meh.  I've been in a bit of a creative slump for the past few weeks.  Call it a case of writer's burn-out. Or something like that.  

Its not just my writing, though. My Etsy shop is also stuck in the doldrums. Sales have been in a huge slump for the past couple of months. I've actually found myself wondering if I should just shut it down. 😳

Hopefully, July brings the energy levels back up and my creativity back on track!

Working On: I have been trying to take advantage of this quiet time in my Etsy shop to create some readymade items for new listings. I also made a blanket to gift our neighbors who are expecting. And this week I am going to start crocheting a top for myself.

Celebrating:  July is always a big month for celebrations in our family. There's the fourth, which means a nice long weekend and the Man of the House cooking something yummy on the grill.  My youngest niece turns 18 this month.  And my "baby" girl also has a big birthday at mid month. 

Wanting/Needing: Clearly, I need a little something to help me get my creative mojo back! (In the case of my yarn work, would that be "cro-jo"?)

Eating: I'm still on a produce kick. Berries, watermelon,and stone fruits. Plates of raw veggies with hummus or another dip for lunches. Salads or a plate of vegetables for dinner. Little to no cooking is a bonus!

Loving:  The grandkid is on summer break and that means we get to spend several days together each week. I try do do some kind of baking with him each week. And every day after lunch we sit down and read a book together. 

Goals for July:

• Write 3 blog posts per week
• List at least 5 new items to Etsy shop
• Read 3 books
• Clean up office/craft room
• Crochet top for myself
• Max: check up at Vet

What's on your list for July?

Currently... July 2021

Happy July!  Time for some cookouts, ball games, vacations, and fireworks!  Whether you have all, only some, or none of these things planned for this month - I hope you are going to have a wonderful July.  

June just felt a little "off" to me, if that makes any sense.  I was about 50/50 on goals.  Except for a few little details, the office is finally cleaned out and mostly organized.  I'm not done with my crochet top, but all I have left is joining the pieces and washing/blocking.  I did update my Etsy about page and a few listings. And I cleaned out the pantry.  I didn't do 15 minutes of physical activity a day, because... well - I'm lazy.

What's my July looking like?  Well, since you asked...

Working On: I've been creating new items to list in my Etsy shop.  It's been a while since I had time to work on anything other than made-to-order requests.  I reduced the number of the "pick your color" listings that were made to order and now I am working on some new soap savers, dishcloth, and washcloth sets.  Soon I'll start some gift sets to have available for the holiday season.

Celebrating: July is one of those somewhat busy months for our family.  We've got the 4th of July this weekend.  My youngest niece has a birthday and then 6 days later is our daughter's birthday.  

Wanting/Needing: A better plan for becoming more physically active.  I said I was going to do daily physical activity last month but it didn't happen.  I believe I need to be more specific than just "some physical activity"  I need an actual activity or exercise and a schedule.

Eating:  The summer fruit frenzy continues.  I don't know what the difference is, but the watermelons this year have been so good! I am also starting to try eating more salads for lunch.  One that I especially enjoy is a simple salad of greens, grape tomatoes, cucumber, garbanzo beans, and feta with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Loving: Baking with the grandkid.  We made some cookies with shark sprinkles before he went to the beach.  This week we made some 4th of July cupcakes. He likes baking, especially when I let him crack the eggs.  I like that it is an activity he enjoys other than watching tv or playing video games. 

Thinking About:  Over the past couple of weeks, I've been thinking a lot about prayer.  More specifically, my own prayer life.  How I pray, when I pray, how I can strengthen and improve my prayer life, etc. 

Goals for July: 

• Walk 30 minutes a day for 30 days
• Finish crochet top
• Add at least 15 new listings to the Etsy shop
• Preschedule Sunday Inspiration posts for the rest of the year
• Create Thankful Thursday posts for the rest of the year that will just need to be completed weekly

How are things looking for you as we move into July?

Currently... July 2019

Is anyone else finding themselves singing that old song from 1987 by Buster Poindexter?  🎶 "Feelin' hot, hot, hot" 🎶

Well, that's me!  I know some people love the summer heat, but this gal does not deal well once the temps get over 80 degrees.  As July rolls in, looking to be at least as hot as June was - you'll find me doing a lot of hiding inside with a glass of water and the a/c running!

Reading:  I just finished The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, and it was fabulous!  The true story of the girls (most in their late teens, some as young as 14), who worked painting luminous dials in the early part of the 1900's with radium based paint - and suffered the horrific side effects.  After that, though, I needed something a little lighter - so I am reading American Duchess by Karen Harper.  It is a fictional novel based on the life of Consuelo Vanderbilt.  Also coming up on my "to read" this for this month are The Five by Hallie Rubenhold and The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty. 

Celebrating:  July is a month for celebrating!  We have the 4th of July later this week.  Later this month, my niece and the Female Offspring have birthdays only 6 days apart.  

Working On:  Getting my office straightened up.  I've been doing a little bit of work almost every day to get it cleaned and reorganized.  I've made so much progress, but there's still a lot of work to be done!  

Enjoying:  Spending time with the grand kid.  It's so nice in the summer when I get to have him over a few days a week while his parents work.  I adore that little boy, and he has me completely wrapped around his finger. 

Wanting:  Y'all, I never in a million years thought I would say this - but I think I want to join Weight Watchers.  I am really struggling to lose my extra weight on my own. I've sort of followed the plan on my own with some success in the past. And I that joining the online program might be the support and structure I am wanting to help me meet this goal.  

Needing:  A little motivation in general  The summer time and all this heat have me just wanting to be a big lazy blob!

Making:  The grand kid told me he wants to learn to cook.  We went to the library to check out several kid's cook books.  He sat down with them to make a list of recipes he wants to cook.  From that list, we are making one thing together each week. 

Feeling:  We arrived home Saturday evening from a week away at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.  So, right now I am feeling a little post vacation hangover/blues.  It was a lovely vacation.  And as happy as I am to be home, I already miss being ocean side.  Not to mention having all that laundry that now has to be done.

Anticipating:  Having my guys home for a long four day weekend this week.  Doing some more cooking with the grand kid.  

What are you up to as we start the month of July?

Currently... July 2018

Happy July y'all!  Do you have fun celebrations planned for the 4th today?  I'm the big party pooper whose plans include avoiding the heat and the crowds.  It might seem lame to you, but I guess I'm just a home body.

Reading: I received a copy of A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  It's a historical fiction novel based on the life of Alva Smith Vanderbilt. I just started it last night, so I don't have an opinion to share about it yet. I'm also reading  More: Find Your Personal Calling and Live Life to the Fullest Measure by Todd Wilson, which is so good!

Enjoying:  Spending a couple of afternoons a week with the grand kid.  He is such a funny, interesting little boy.  We've enjoyed watching cartoons, sharing snacks, and playing Legos together. 

Working On:  Some ideas for new Christmas themed items for my Etsy shop.  Even though it's only July, it's time to start planning ahead for the busy holiday season and get busy crocheting

Anticipating:  Our vacation later this summer!  It will be here before we know it.  I am really looking forward to taking the grand kid to Disney World.  And spending time with my baby sister and her family while we're there.

Wanting: A good source for simple, but effective, exercises and healthy meal ideas that isn't too complicated and doesn't cost an arm and a leg

Needing:  A cute and comfortable pair of casual shoes with some good support for all the walking we'll be doing on vacation.  Suggestions welcome!

Feeling:  As if I want to pluck my eyes out!  My allergies haven't bothered my eyes this much in several years.  I don't know what the difference might be - but this year I am an itchy, red, watery mess.  The circles under my eyes are so dark and puffy that some mornings I look as if I have been in a fight. So, if you should see me and I look as if I am crying or abused - it is just allergies. 

What about you?  What are you reading, enjoying, anticipating, wanting, needing and/or feeling at the beginning of July? 

Currently... July 2017.

Welcome to July!  The month many of us celebrate America's birthday with cookouts, fireworks, and vacations.  You can count me in that number.  I'm looking forward to ALL those things!

Reading:  I have a HUGE stack of books I am hoping to get through this month. Mainly, I want to finally finish up that stack of Louise Penny books I've been slowly working through.  But, right now I'm reading Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory.  I've also had two books ( Isaac's Storm by Erik Larsen and A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead) which had to be returned before I could finish them, so now I am having to wait while my name works its way back up the top of the wait list so I can finish reading them.  

Eating:  SO much junk food.  Between cookouts, birthday cakes, and trips to the ball park - I have been loading up on not-very-healthy foods.  Unfortunately my weight is showing the side effects of my current eating habits.  

Working On:  Washcloths.  Yes...  STILL! 

Enjoying:  Out of doors entertainment.  I love the open air concerts, ball games, cookouts and such that happen during the summer.  Even things as simple as sitting outside and crocheting while the grand baby plays with sidewalk chalk and bubbles.

Anticipating:  See above! 

Feeling:  Hot.  Anything above 80 degrees and I just don't get along very well.  I'm just trying to power through until fall.  

What is your little corner of the world looking like as we start into July?

Currently... A Birthday

24 years ago today, after 30+ hours of labor, we welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our family.  Our lives changed forever that day.  And we never could have imagined where they would bring us today.  So, Happy Birthday beautiful!!

Reading:  I am still trying to trudge through Serving Victoria.  And finding it more than a bit tedious.  I my have to set it aside for awhile to read The Nightingale and see about coming back to it later.

Eating:  Eclair cake.  Because that's what my girl wanted as her birthday cake this year.

Making:  Finishing up the rainbow baby blanket I've been working on between filling orders for Queen B's Busy Work.

Enjoying:  Catching people playing Pokémon Go  everywhere!   The park, the ice cream aisle at the grocery store, in my living room (don't worry... that last one is just my own offspring).

Anticipating:  Some evening walks with the Man of the House this week.

Feeling:  Worn down by the constant stream of violence and hatred which seems to be happening.  Just when it seems as if maybe... just maybe.., we can catch our breath - another senseless act knocks us down again.  Praying so hard for our country and our world.

July Intention and Goals

June went pretty well when it came to goals.  There's room for improvement, but with the exception of tackling that pesky yarn stash I can feel good about the progress I made.

My intention for July is Better Health.  The Man of the House and I have plans to get back into a healthier eating routine, starting with a good old fashioned detox.  Eliminating most (all?) processed foods, no added sugars, no gluten, little to no dairy.  We've also been trying to get out for a good walk a few evenings a week.  I've been better about drinking more water recently, but I could do better.

My goals for July are:

Read 3 Books:  I'm a little behind on my personal reading goal for the year.  Time to kick it into gear!  I also have about 3 holds at the library which are all about to become available at the same time.  So... yeh.

Organize Yarn Stash:  Because I am going to get that mess under control before this summer is over!

Make New Throw Pillows for Living Room:  This has been on my To Do list for what seems like forever.  I'm tired of it haunting me.  I need to stop procrastinating and take care of it once and for all.

Walk 2 to 3 Times Per Week:  See above re: monthly intention!

What are your goals for the month of July?

Currently... July

I'm still nursing the last symptoms of my July 4th stomach bug, but after yesterday morning, any improvement is vastly better. So, Yah! for that.

Is there any month more summery than July?  June is fine and all... but for a good part of it you're still nursing a bit of a school year hangover.  August has you start thinking toward Labor Day and the autumn months.  But July... July is pure summer.

Who's ready to pause after the holiday weekend and take a look at where we are?

Reading:  Finished The Princes in the Tower and took a day to read Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (cause sometimes I'm  way behind the trends like that...) because I really needed a light, easy, funny read. Now continuing my Anglophile tendencies with Serving Victoria by Kate Hubbard.

Eating:  Not much of anything right now.  I did manage a bowl of chicken soup and a couple of crackers last night.

Making:  Finished the first of two baby blankets (or lapghans) and started on the second, which is a rainbow inspired design.  Can't wait to get them listed in the shop!

Enjoying:  Lower prices on cherries - while it lasts

Anticipating:  Getting back into a healthier eating routine.  Eliminating most processed foods, added sugars, gluten and dairy.  More fruits and veggies.

Feeling:  A little tired.  A little achy.  But much better than I did 24 hours ago!


How are you "Currently" doing?

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!!

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." ~ The Declaration of Independence

photo:   publicdomainpictures.net

"Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Currently July

On this first Wednesday in July (really?? July already??)  I find myself again linking up with Jenna at Dearest Love and Anne at in residence to let you know that in July, I am currently...

Wishing: I could go spend a day or two just sitting on a beach somewhere doing nothing but sinking my toes in the sand and reading a good book or two.

Celebrating: My daughters 22nd birthday later this month.  And my niece's 10th birthday!  (gulp!!) Where does the time go??

Wearing: I'm still rocking the skirts and dresses. I'm not much of a shorts wearer and it's just so easy and comfortable to toss on a maxi skirt or a cute dress and a few accessories.

Cooking: A lot of crockpot meals!  It's been so hot, I don't want to turn on the oven at all, and the stove only as much as I absolutely must.

Planning: A few "day-cations" and mini-cations with the family during the remainder of the summer.  And I'm going solo as I head out to Oklahoma to visit my sister and her family soon!

You can also find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups:

Juana Mickels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls

WholeHearted Home: Wholehearted Wednesdays Linkup
We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesdays
Woman to Woman: Word-filled Wednesday
A Little R & R: A Little R&R Wednesdays
Joy Dare Blog: Capture Your Journey Link Up 
My Daily Walk in His Grace: Winsome Wednesday

A New Week, A New List

Weekly Goals for July 15 - 20:

• Write Everyday
• Catch Up On Laundry
• Finish Reading 2 Books Before Wednesday
• Go To Library
• Bake Cake for Princess's Birthday

Jumping Into July

July is here.  And baby, it's HOT outside!  Which leaves plenty of time for inside activities and making lists of things I want to get accomplished.  Along that line of thought, let me share with you my

Goals for July:

1. Get out on to the back deck in the mornings to enjoy some coffee, reading, and fresh air - before the day gets too hot.
2. Take at least one hour of time for myself each week.  Give myself a pedi, take a bubble bath, etc.
3. Continue feeding the family healthier, less processed foods.
4. Start creating a list of back to school/autumn type items for Queen B's Busy Work
5. Complete "About" page for Queen B's Busy Work
6. Do some writing. Not blog stuff - fiction or poetry.
7. Make time for a Date Night with the man of the house.  (or even better - an entire date day!)
8. Start some canning and/or freezing!
9. Take at least one photograph per day.
10. Get back on track with household chores.

And Now For Something Completely Different

It's July!  JULY! 

How in the world is it July already? And where exactly did June disappear to?  How is one entire half of this year past and gone already?  Hmm.  Well, I must be having fun; because time certainly is flying!

Trying a few new things for July...

Goals:  Listed here on the blog.  Maybe weekly, definitely for the month  With a followup post at the end of the month (week) telling how I did meeting those goals. 

The Week In Pictures:  I'm going to try to snap a picture or two every day and on Fridays share them in a "The Week in Pictures" post.

Counting My Blessings:  A weekly post listing at least 3 blessing I'm thankful for that week.  And it can't always just be the same old "I'm thankful for my husband and my kids".  Everyone knows I am thankful for the man of the house and our offspring.  It has to be more specific than that!

I still can't believe it's already July... man.. It's going to be Christmas before we know it!