TO DO
Go through your closet.
There’s something so great about cleaning out your closet. Before fall starts, take a chance to look at every piece in your closet and decide if it’s worth keeping. I looked at my things and there were plenty of things I thought I might wear again from years ago, but honestly I decided that it was time to say goodbye to most of them. I kept all of the classic simple pieces and items I need for workwear, but the rest was piled into donation bags. Also, since Jake doesn’t fit into any of his old clothes it was nice to clear out some room!
TO SEE
American Idol Live
Okay, so I haven't watched much TV or movies this month so I'm listing something I'm looking forward to seeing next month (as long as I'm not scheduled in the emergency room :) !) . The top seven finalists will be performing at the Orpheum and I'm so excited because I loved them all. They are all so incredibly talented and full of personality, it's sure to be a great show. Mom and Anna are going to come watch it too so it'll be a fun night. You can get tickets online still I believe if you want to join us!
TO TRY
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and extremely hard for skincare companies to keep stable. Antioxidants prevent damage from the sun, from infrared lights, from the atmosphere, and by doing this it prevents wrinkles. So, especially if you don't have wrinkles yet, you'll want antioxidants as a daily part of your life. Vitamin C has been proven to promote collagen production, protects skin from damage, enhances your sunscreen power, and reduces discoloration. I've spent a long time researching products that actually keep Vitamin C at the optimal pH (otherwise it's not as effective) and this product is good. There's a more expensive product that patented a specific pH range, and this Paula's Choice product is the only one I found that is still effective but I'm sure there are others out there (but be careful buying something that just says "Vitamin C" because it could be in the product but not in a stable pH. This serum will expire in 3-4 months, so use it generously on your face and neck daily because it probably won't run out in that time. I put mine on in the morning, but you can do it twice in both morning and night.
TO READ
I read so many books in June (post about them here) and none in July besides my ICU book. This one is one of my favorites of the summer about a couple who goes on their honeymoon and finds something in the water that changes their lives. I felt like the narrator was telling me the story firsthand on the phone or something, and that made it so enjoyable to read.
TO MAKE
Everything in this book. Seriously, Gaby is the best chef I’ve stumbled upon and all of her recipes are excellent and easy. I bought this book for Jake to use to cook for me while I’m working unspeakable hours in the ICU and every dish is amazing. Her blog (here) is where we usually get new recipes to try, but the book is so well done and the photos are drool worthy.
TO TASTE
Caprese Salad
While you still can, go try out a fresh caprese salad. While, I’ve never had one better than in Italy, I shared my favorite Caprese salad tips in this post. The freshest and highest quality ingredients make all of the difference and this salad is so refreshing in these hot months. The Alessi basalmic reduction (photo here) at your grocery store isn't bad to top off your salad with!
Check out other monthly favorites: June // April and May // March // February // January