July 2018 Favorites + Happenings

I feel like every time I sit down to write one of these I start by saying what an awesome month it was for me… I hate to sound redundant but July was just that. I suppose that’s a good thing to be repetitive about; 2018 has been an incredible year so far!

These posts are so therapeutic for me to write so I’m super excited to be sharing my July favorites and happenings with you this morning. I’m rambling on for your own entertainment but also for my own self-reflection; I hope that’s alright with you 😉

Style

I’ve come to really love summer fashion. Although I spent a majority of my days this month in a bikini, there were many looks I shot for the blog featuring clothes that were sent to me that I loved. This gingham bikini was by far one of my favorite swimsuits to wear this month and my yellow platforms were on repeat constantly.

I was a huge fan of statement earrings once again and found myself reaching for jewelry to complete my look rather than a statement clothing item. My day to day fashion was rather casual as it tends to be in the summer but overall I found myself enjoying the contrast between getting dressed in fancy dresses and casual tees.

Beauty

It makes me giggle thinking there was a time where I wanted to be a beauty guru. It’s rare nowadays that I talk about makeup on the blog, in fact, lately, it’s been rare that I wear any at all. I think I wore makeup maybe three days in the month of July. I’m tan and it’s summer and I’m letting my skin breath. It’s not often I feel so confident in my own skin so this month I’m taking advantage of it and enjoying time with my fresh face.

I do however have a few beauty favorites. The first being the Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray. I used so much of this while I was at the beach. It smells amazing and adds so much texture to my natural hair while adding volume and a few beachy curls. My sun-kissed hair definitely appreciated this product this month. I also used Aloe like it was my job. I’m not one to get sunburnt thanks to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen that I used throughout my whole vacation but I still like to keep my skin moisturized after a full beach day. I put my aloe in the fridge to make it cold when applying – it feels incredible and keeps my tan from peeling in certain areas.

Faith

It’s been a while since I’ve opened my Bible up; I’m not going to lie. However this month I have taken each Sunday to focus on something with a little more meaning. While at Sunday service I’ve taken notes and written down tidbits from the homely and mass in general.

Throughout this time to reflect I have realized that so often we pray for answers rather than asking questions. Why is that? I’ve tried to alter my thinking and start asking God questions, asking about his plans and his timing, rather than asking God for my desires. Because more often than not, we feel God isn’t answering our prayers simply because we did not receive the answer we had hoped for when praying. Does this make sense?! I hope so because it has been something weighing heavy on my heart lately that I have wanted to share.

Anyway, each Sunday I’ve been trying to sit down and think about the things I am praying for and my expectations. I’ve been taking time to reflect on questions I have asked and the possible answers I may have received simply without noticing. It has been so valuable to me and I have appreciated my Sunday scripture time more than ever.

Entertainment

I’ve been enjoying the good ole entertainment of the outdoors this month… hardly any TV has been watched due to me being away and enjoying the presence of those around me. Although, I did just see Mamma Mia 2 and loved it. Between the songs, choreography, scenery, and costumes I cannot say enough good things about it! Seriously so so good.

As far as music goes I’ve been loving anything country and have been reading up a storm; Patricia Cornwell has been my favorite but I read a little bit of Nicholas Sparks too.

Looking Ahead/Goals

I cannot even begin to explain how empowering the month of July was for me and my brand. I began the month knowing that I would be out of the state for twenty days and yet my desire to blog every. single. day. throughout the month of July remained so strong! Towards the end of June, I began doing lots of planning and decided that there was no time like the present to face my goals head on.

I’m not going to sugar coat it; July was a lot of work. It took a lot of planning, preparation, and pride to maintain a schedule that allowed me to enjoy my time away from home while still keeping up with the blog. Although my month of blogging brought many successes – yes, I did, in fact, see a spike in my stats, engagement, etc., the most rewarding part of it all was working towards a goal and completing it. There were a few days where I felt lazy but my motivation got the best of me and I made it through the month of July with thirty new blog posts.

I feel refreshed, excited, and so pleased with myself. I am more than thrilled to see what my month of blogging will bring in August. I blogged every day in August last year and had an amazing month as well so I have high hopes for this one. I hope to follow through with this schedule and will be working hard to make a few changes on my site that will make things just a bit more user-friendly.

I also have a laundry list of to-dos of little things here and there that I would like to get done before the school year rolls around. I am so fortunate for this summer freedom that allows me to dive full force into blogging but the reality is, my free time is limited and I have to establish habits now in order to maintain consistency once senior year arrives. I feel so grateful to have this time to build my brand – chasing after my passion has felt so rewarding this month.

Life Lately

July was incredible to me; it really was. Connor came home from Europe in early July so we spent a few days hanging with one another and celebrating the Fourth of July. I hopped on a plane with Madison a few days later and we headed to Wisconsin. My grandparents live up in the northern woods and we were able to spend nine days with them relaxing, adventuring, and enjoying time to ourselves. I was home for a few days before leaving for the beach with Connor and his family. We had so much fun and then switched over to my own family’s summer vacation. A week in North Carolina with all my favorite people was much-needed. McKenz thrives off of ‘me’ time, sunshine, and sitting in a bikini – needless to say, I am feeling more relaxed, content, and happy as ever before.

August always feels like a month I need to prepare for. Cheer starts in just a few days, I apply to colleges this week, blogging will begin taking over, Connor leaves for college in a few weeks, senior year responsibilities are beginning to roll around, and the summertime is slowly slipping away. However, I’m really excited about this new season of life but I am also trying my best to take it all in and enjoy every second while I can.

Ya know?! If you’re my age, are you feeling the same way about August? If you’re older, do you remember those good old days of summer as a teenager; what were they like for you? I want to hear all of it below along with any other questions, comments, or requests you may have for me. Cheers to the most amazing month and here’s to an even better August!

With love, McKenz

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