July’s been a mixed bag, weather-wise, in the UK. Despite the sun playing hide-and-seek, I’ve been soaking up a few things that have brought a little joy into my life. From clever little design ideas to poignant conversations about mental health and the ups and downs of midlife, I’ve gathered some of my latest obsessions.
Let’s dive into the things that have been brightening up my week—and hopefully, they’ll inspire you too.
1. Wes Anderson‑Inspired Wisdom Videos
I’ve recently been watching JB Copeland’s simple yet impactful videos, each one offering a bit of wisdom straight to the camera. Think Wes Anderson vibes—minimalist, with a touch of quirk. These little nuggets of insight have been a perfect way to recharge my thinking.
2. The New Way to Layer Necklaces
Layering necklaces isn’t exactly new, but I’ve been loving the current trend of stacking a few contrasting pieces. Shell necklaces, surfer beads, and baroque pearls—these are my favorites right now. And the best part? I’ve been hunting down quirky, old-fashioned beads from charity shops to mix them up. There’s something magical about blending old with new.
3. Veronica’s Florida Beach Photoshoot
Veronica’s beach photoshoot at sunset in Florida, dressed in a simple white linen dress with her kids—just wow. It’s so serene, and there’s something about her effortless, “done but undone” style that I can’t get enough of. Pure perfection.
4. Ryan Reynolds on Anxiety
Ryan Reynolds recently shared his thoughts on anxiety in a way that resonated deeply. He mentioned how society often celebrates “wins” but how important it is for our kids to see that it’s okay to lose too. That honesty—about mental health struggles—is so necessary in this world of filtered perfection.
5. Perimenopause Confessions
This article was hilarious, though painfully accurate. A woman shares her experience navigating perimenopause, complete with “super-flasher” moments and other relatable struggles. It’s a great reminder of how far we’ve come in talking about things that were once kept in the shadows.
6. The Cutest Instagram Account: @itslennie
If you haven’t discovered @itslennie, prepare to have your heart melt. This adorable cartoon blob offers a perfect mix of cheer and wisdom, giving little boosts of encouragement every day. “Do not let them dim the glow, baby!”—couldn’t have said it better myself.
7. A Fun Family Game: “Monkey Tail”
The “Monkey Tail” game has been popping up all over TikTok, and I can see why—it looks like so much fun! I think my great nieces and nephews (ages 6, 8, and 12) would get a kick out of it. And I might just play along with them.
8. Fantasy Name Generator
For anyone who’s ever been stuck brainstorming character names—this tool is a lifesaver. Whether you’re writing a book or just looking for a creative twist on a name, this generator has everything: fantasy names, historical ones, even “Game of Thrones” inspired. It’s helped me find the perfect names for my book-in-progress.
9. Keiko and Courtney: Sports Edition
Keiko and Courtney’s retro tennis outfits are everything. I love how they mix fun with style, and watching them do anything together—whether it’s sports, fashion, or just hanging out—is always a wholesome treat.
10. Steel Rain Drum for Your Garden
I know, I know. Not exactly the sexiest item on the list, but hear me out. This outdoor steel rain drum would make a gorgeous gift for anyone who loves their garden. Plus, it creates a calming sound when it rains—perfect for a bit of zen, even if the sun refuses to show itself.
Plus, a Few Blog & Substack Posts You Might Like
- My Birthday & 13th Blogiversary: A Look Back at a Journey of Change
- Midlife: It’s All a Bit Shit, Isn’t It?
- Love in the Time of One Dollar
- Finally Feeling Like I’m a Local in My Hometown
So that’s what I’ve been loving lately. I hope something here has sparked your interest! If you’re feeling inspired, let me know what’s been catching your eye this month. And as always, thanks for reading!
