Hello, July.

They say you aren’t supposed to make excuses when you take an unexpected blogging break… so this is me, quietly slipping in the side door— Hi.

At Hopewriters, we say that “we write meaningful words without sacrificing our meaningful lives” and friend, I have to be honest and say that in this season of life– I often have to chose writing far less words in favor of my meaningful life– namely my people.

I will always be here intermittently– but when I’m not, know that I am cheering you on– in your own meaningful life. In the interim, I am still writing, still working on a project that (really I mean it this time,) is almost ready and of course, still popping in over here almost daily. Hope-filled things are always on the way– and I treasure being able to pop in and share them with you. Today, we are smack dab in the middle of a sweltering Georgia summer and I have a short list of things I’m enjoying that I’d like to share with you.

loving lately:

Finishing a good book as a family. This week we are finishing Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets in this fun edition and I can hardly wait to watch the movie as a family. The entire read-aloud experience with this book has been so long and satisfying, though the girls would say it’s been agony because we make them wait so long between books. Ha!

Making small changes for good. I recently realized that I wasn’t taking very good care of my face. When I listened to this podcast episode, I was 110% overwhelmed with Jamie Golden’s skincare routine but she gifted me with several good tips. The top 2 things I’ve begun– I wish I would have started sooner. But they’re simple… and bonus, from the drugstore.

1. An excellent (budget-friendly) night cream. Five weeks, I can absolutely feel a difference in my face texture.

2. A mineral facial sunscreen that doesn’t flake, dry out, or affect my makeup in any way. Score.

You might already be using these two simple steps because you are an actual grown-up, unlike myself– but I think I lost track of my facial regimen somewhere in the baby having years and am just trying to find it again. (But you know, it’s the only face we have and all that jazz.)

Making Iced Lattes at Home. My current Starbucks order is summer in a plastic cup with a green straw and all, thankyouverymuch Bri Mckoy — but I really, really need the life skill that is making a killer copycat in the comfort of my sunny kitchen. And sometimes we just *need* iced lattes to accompany this Hawaiian Banana Bread.

So here’s my super simple take on an iced latte. 2 shots of chilled espresso (I might even make it 2.5) in a 16 oz. mason jar 3/4 full of ice. Add a splash of half and half and then add milk until it’s the color you like. (so scientific!) Put the lid on and shake it. optional- add simple syrup. My #1 key is this stove-top espresso pot. We’ve had it for years and it’s completely dependable.

A summertime ‘less is more’ wardrobe. Do you have certain outfit staples that you adore? I have a pair of white jeans that I have worn about 3-4 times a week since April. It’s so easy to throw on some sandals and a top and go when I have to get dressed up. My friend Michele owns a boutique in Florida and sent me the cutest kimono to pair with my white jeans. I love these happy colors! Her shop also has some adorable linen pants in stock right now. See something fun? Save 15% off with the code, HAPPYGOSHOP

On the BlueHouse Bookshelves:

• The House at Riverton, Kate Morton. (This is the last of Kate Morton’s books that I have yet to read and it has a definite Downton Abbey/ upstairs-downstairs feel to it.)
• A Fatal Grace, Louise Penny. (My 2nd Inspector Gamache novel)
• Placemaker, Christie Purifoy.
• Kitchen Yarns, Ann Hood. (Thanks, Kristin for this rec!)

I also just picked up We Were Lucky Ones this weekend and am hoping for a somewhat happy ending in spite of the wartime story line. Have you read it?

What are you reading these days? Cooking? Loving?

As always, I only ever share things with you that I’m enjoying myself. You may often find an affiliate link or two, which only serves to keep the lights lit and the coffee pouring. Thank you for joining me here in this space.