Howdy friends! It’s safe to say July was the quickest month ever! I swear I say that every month but July especially always seems to go by with a blink. In June I shared a very long monthly recap, sharing my feelings as I navigated this chaotic yet thrilling summer. Well, things haven’t slowed up but I’m loving life more than I could imagine.
It’s time to sit down and recap all of this month’s travels, fashion favorites, and feelings. Can you believe next month I’ll be writing you from Ohio?! It’s true what they say, time flies when you’re having fun.
I was on the move again this month, with three trips out of state meaning I was living out of my suitcase for a good half of the month. The other half I was soaking up every second of it in tennis skirts and loungewear! Typically this time of year I’m wearing a romper, dress, or matching set every day but I’ve found that this year I’ve been wearing a lot of denim shorts.
Something about a simple outfit that’s easy to move in has been speaking to me. I’ve got a few favorite pairs from Express and Windsor that have been getting me through the summer. However, the long boyfriend-style are from Princess Polly and they’ve been scoring me all kinds of love from you. I’ve also found an odd newfound love for baseball caps. Anything to keep my third-day hair concealed, lol!
At the beginning of the month, I headed to Miami Swim Week to watch the hottest designers’ collections live from the runway. With that came the perfect excuse to break out my crazy pieces. I had quite a few dresses and sets piled up and was thrilled to put them to use. Everything I wore throughout the trip was from Fashion Nova. They seriously have the best stuff for vacations. I’m so happy I was able to break out of my shell and was even happier to receive such a positive response on this content from you. Almost 70% of you said my Miami content was your favorite of the summer! Woohoo! Perhaps another Florida trip is in the cards for me soon.
This month I’ve been loving all things Hero Cosmetics. Last month I talked about their hydrating serum stick and I’m still using it daily! This is so user-friendly with an easy application and a hydrating formula that’s perfect for lazy skincare gals like me. This month I discovered their sunscreen and wore it throughout my entire Outer Banks trip. It’s got a lightweight formula that’s nongreasy—meaning for once I’ve found something that doesn’t clog my pores. Oh, and it has a pump applicator making things mess-free on the beach. Double win!
I finally squeezed in a little tv! I started, but have yet to finish season three of Virgin River. It’s one of my favorite shows but I just haven’t sat down to get through the last two episodes (no spoilers please!!).
I also befriended a handful of Texas boys that we’ll talk about later who hooked me up with all kinds of new summer jams. Leaving my Spotify playlist linked here as per usual in cases you want to listen 🤠
This Month’s Top 5: Starlight by Jon Pardi // Kiss Me In The Dark by Randy Rogers Band // That’s What I Love About Sunday by Craig Morgan // Every Little Honky Tonk Bar by George Straight // Love by Koe Wetzel
Last month I was feeling a little discouraged after feeling a world of growth within my content and feelings towards creating and yet seeing none across my platforms. Admittedly I’ve had another slow month on YouTube but have still been pushing through- uploading all kinds of back-to-school content and more travel vlogs that I’m truly so proud of. And yet although slow, I did hit 55K and am getting closer to reaching that end-of-year goal of 60,000 woohoo! Tik Tok and Instagram skyrocketed for me this month and I have had a lot of fun switching up my content.
I’ve felt everything but burnt out and have been negotiating all kinds of brand deals with companies I’ve used and loved for years. More on that coming very soon… yippee! Oh, and I was able to travel and spend time with family and soak up every ounce of summer. So, I’d say it was a successful month all around.
I feel as though I say every month is the “busiest of the year” but it’s because I can’t seem to slow down…. like ever. I’ve got two family trips planned in August plus a move back to Kent to start my junior year of college. It’s going to be a chaotic month, to say the least, which is why I’m a little stuck on setting goals for myself.
I would love to continue growing across my platforms but the reality is views are down in August as everyone else is also entering this busy season of life. My goal for this month is to capture it all—the real raw emotions of packing up and moving, the excitement of seeing friends again, and everything in between. Back to school content has always been some of my favorite to create and my goal more than anything this month is to find a system that works for me as I adjust back to work/school/life balance again! As of right now I have no intention of changing my posting schedule but will keep you posted if anything changes.
I started the beginning of July in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina enjoying the Fourth of July weekend with my parents in one of my favorite places. Although our beach trip was just a short four days, it felt so good to soak up the sun and I realized a few days away from the screen was exactly what I needed!
I was home for twenty-four hours before leaving for Miami for another work trip. This time around I was not partnering with a hotel or Airbnb, I was simply there for Miami Swim Week. I went with two internet friends Sam and Jules whom I’d never met besides Instagram DMs prior. They were the kind of friends I’ve dreamed of having- funny, passionate, and easy-going. After five days with them, I left feeling like we’d known each other our whole lives.
In fact, Sam and I quickly planned another trip with one another and I came home feeling like I’d met my friend soulmate. I can’t wait to be reunited soon! I’ll admit, Miami as a city wasn’t my favorite but we had the best time seeing the top designers and pretending we were important.
I was home for a good week where I spent a lot of time recapping my previous travels and prepping back to school content. I made my way to the Gaithersburg Giants field and made friends this time! A handful of sweet Texas boys befriended me and we spent a few nights singing karaoke, listening to music, and getting to know each other. There’s nothing better than a long-distance baseball friend and I’m so grateful for a few new faces!
We got the whole fam together and headed to Wisconsin to visit our grandparents for ten days. We did all sorts of things: fishing, golfing, lots of eating, and golf cart riding. Every time I go back I’m reminded how much I love the slow living. We got to see the family farm for a few days and despite not being able to shower, we couldn’t have asked for a better trip! I hope one day I’m able to take all of my college friends up there to see the pocket of “home” that brings me so much peace.
AIt’s August first as I type this (just a day later than I like to get them up) and we’re driving back home to Maryland. Ready for one more week at home and a last-minute trip to the Outer Banks before all the craziness of school begins again. I’ve got a good feeling about you August, but first, let’s kick the last of summers a$$! Out with a bang, partners.
With love, McKenz