What I loved this month: July 2020 edition

I’m really excited to start this series, and this is the inaugural post! Each month I’ll be sharing a reflection on what I loved – what I’m reading or doing, my favorite finds, and everything in between. Enjoy!

This silk face mask

I post about this mask a lot, but honestly it’s one of the best I’ve found. Silk is SO much better for your skin, and the adjustable ribbons make it really comfortable to wear. Lots of places require masks now, but it’s also perfect if you’re traveling. Plus I like supporting a small business owner on Etsy. She’s based in London but ships globally.

This Asos broderie ruffle shoulder dress

I’ve been on the hunt for an orange dress to wear in Santorini – I love the contrast with the blue domes & white buildings. The bright orange I was looking for isn’t in style right now, but this more subdued burnt orange color is. It also has ruffles (one of my favorite summer trends). Here is a link for the US, and here is a link for NL or EU shoppers.

Form protein powder

Also recently posted about this on my story, but if you’re in the EU check out this protein powder. I’m not vegan, but a lot of whey protein powders have fake sugars or additives which can actually cause bloat or weight gain. If you’re interested in a discount code, this link will give you £5 off at checkout (and their prices are already really reasonable). My favorite flavors are the chocolate salted caramel superblend and the tiramisu powerblend.

Further hand soap

I recently wrote about all of my favorite affordable beauty products from Amazon, but this hand soap deserves another mention (partially because I’m starting to run out of the ones I brought from the US). Not kidding when I say the scent rivals expensive luxury brands like Byredo or Le Labo – it’s even worth the shipping to the EU (no extra duties or customs!). Their lotion and candle are lovely too.

A Darker Shade of Magic series

I’m secretly (maybe not so secretly?) a huge YA fan, but I also love dark books about mystery and magic (aka Anne Rice). I wasn’t able to focus on reading much during lockdown, but this series held my attention. I even bought a copy for my mom! I finally got to the third book recently and I can’t wait to see how it ends – here’s the first book (NL link here).

Alternatively, check out The Magicians (NL link) if you’re looking for something less YA. I would equate it to a grown-up version of Harry Potter. It’s also a trilogy, as well as great show on SyFy (available on Netflix in the US).

Anything and everything lavender

I just got back from visiting Provence, and while I was there I checked off my bucket list item of seeing the lavender fields in bloom. The smell of lavender reminds me of growing up with my grandparents in Ojai, so it’s always been really nostalgic. Lately before bed I’ve been using a lavender oil pillow spray and it’s really relaxing. I purchased mine at a shop in France but I recommend trying this one from Amazon if you’re in the US, or this one if you’re in the EU.