if we were having coffee… | july updates and favorites

if we were having coffee, here’s what I’d tell you.

I’m doing really well, actually. I’ve found a good rhythm for my day: get up, eat breakfast, create content for a couple of hours, work in the afternoon, and settle in to write or watch a movie before bed. I’ve been getting up earlier, which I’m enjoying. I like listening to the birds in the morning.

I got an iPad, and it’s ignited my creativity. If you’ve noticed some fancy new graphics on my blog posts lately, that’s all thanks to my iPad and Apple Pencil. I normally hesitate to make big purchases (pretty much anything over $40 haha), but this felt right. I made an investment into my creativity and, as a result, I have a fun new medium to play around with.

I’ve fallen in love with Trader Joe’s. Ok let me be clear: I always knew that Trader Joe’s existed, but I’ve recently tried so many of their products and I can’t get enough. Let me know if you want a complete round-up of all my favorite products because I have SO much to say.

I haven’t read much lately. My creativity definitely has seasons because, when I’m passionate about something, I tend to pour all my energy into that outlet. While I haven’t picked up many books lately, I’m being productive in so many other ways. All it’ll take is one really good book and then I’ll fall back into a good rhythm. This is also because I spend so much time on Tiktok #yikes.

I’m training to hike the Inca Trail in March (hopefully). Through a program at my university, a group of students and I are going to hike the Inca Trail in 4 days and then complete a shorter 2-day hike through the Rainbow Mountains. The trip is scheduled for our spring break in March and I’m praying that I get to go. My training plan is super loose right now, but I’ve dusted off my hiking boots and an hopping back on the trail this week. Next time you see me, I’ll have quads of steel.

I’m SO CLOSE to finishing my second novel. This book has been a labor of love and I’m beyond excited to finish out the story. My goal is to finish it by the end of July and I’m so close to making that happen; I’ve got 5,000 words to go before I hit my minimum count of 50,000.

I’ve already lined up what project I want to write next. Like normal, I won’t share many details on this platform until the first draft is entirely written, but there will be art thieves and Mediterranean vibes and a found-family ensemble cast. Think Heist Society but morally gray. It’s gonna be fun.

july favorites

Writing letters. In a moment in time where we’re pretty disconnected from each other, I’ve been writing letters to friends and family around the country. My favorite cards are blank stationary sets from Target because they come in cute colors and are sold in packs of, like, 200.

Maggie Rogers radio on Spotify. The perfect mix for easygoing but upbeat vibes. Her music is so atmospheric and Spotify always curates an awesome balance of similar artists without being predictable.

The Vampire Diaries. Why yes, I am twelve years old and living in 2010. I started watching this series because I wanted to watch The Originals, but felt like I needed to watch the original series before watching its spin-off. But alas, I’m hooked.

Passport. “Passport” is a weekly podcast that focuses on one destination each week. It’s an awesome way to satisfy your wanderlust craving without ever leaving your quarantine bubble. My favorite episodes are the ones where they talk about the monster stories of Greenland and how the residents of Palermo use culinary culture to fight the mafia.

Sitting outside at night. This may be an obvious thing to do, but with the recent humidity in NC, sitting outside during the day is like breathing in soup. I’ve been hanging out on our back patio after the sun goes down and enjoying the warm air.

my favorite blog posts…

The princess reading list, in which I talk about all the royal reads that will make you want to don a puffy dress and run down a long, well-decorated hallway toward your star-crossed true love.

All about my Patreon page, in which I talk about what Patreon is and how you can access exclusive content while helping me keep producing online content.

The ultimate 2020 beach reads, in which I highlight fluffy romances that are best read when there’s sand between your toes.

Five easy ways to be more sustainable, in which I talk about my favorite sustainable products and discuss why less is sometimes more.

How’s your month been? What would you share if we were having coffee?

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This post is inspired by Pamela @ Starring Pamela!

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