The July Edit

Mobile saunas, an ode to tomatoes, domestic robots, and film photos—happy Leo season!

The Monthly Edits are a casual curation of my consumptions from the past few weeks including: books I read, delicious eats, fun finds, and personal experiences. Buon appetito!

tomatoes, shot a roll of film, and read three more amazing books! July has been a real treat. It is my birthday month after all—the most wonderful time of the year (cue Christmas music). Any other Leos out there? We’re island hopping over to Salt Spring this weekend to visit with friends, jump in lakes, and eat the delicious local fare. I’ll be living in my jelly shoes and bikini tops because the weather is supposed to stay spicy.

On that note, the a/c in our car doesn’t work so driving has become a new experience—similar to that of visiting a nordic spa, but without the refreshing cold elements…sigh. It’s safe to say we won’t be taking our mobile sauna on any road trips this summer. Hah! Here’s how the month went:

• I’ve been enjoying the new Rashida Jones show, Sunny. Have you watched any of it yet? Set in Japan and super stylish, it follows an American woman who recently lost her husband and son in a mysterious plane crash. She’s given a domestic robot and slowly starts to discover more about her husband than she ever did when he was alive (or maybe he still is…?).

• Claire Cottrill’s new album Charm is lovely, feel-good, and perfect for slow summer days. Song two is my fave so far:

Tennis greens looking good on film.

• I had the best popsicle ever! A dream collab between Kid Sister Ice Cream & Plena Plena. Scott and I toured Rockrose flower farm when they opened their gorgeous property to the public a few weeks back and the beauties behind these brands were serving up refreshing treats on-site. “Juicy local strawberries dance with the mellow tartness of flowering red currant and a trace of lime.” For any Victoria dwellers, I recommend.

Film is so dreamy! I love how this one of Scott turned out. 📸

A lovely use for fresh lemon balm.
This transformed ice-cream factory is my new dream home.
Heck yes Kamala Harris!
Your phone is why you don’t feel sexy.
An exhibit for my husband—and one for me.
This precious feel-good hobby.
I will be first in line at this premier.
Love a little art remix.
Hôtel Arvor + Nina Koltchitskaia = dreamy bed murals.
Cute earrings, a dramatic sun hat, this fish platter, yellow shorts, and one for my fellow list lovers.

This month in reading:

• All Fours by Miranda July. This book has got the internet talking—and for good reason. A semi-famous artist approaching menopause experiences a dramatic reawakening and takes us along for the (very wild) ride as she pursues sexual and creative freedom. A truly unique story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, whether you like it or not. It’s erotic, shocking, absurd, provocative, and tender. July’s unabashed curiosity has readers leaving comments like: “her work makes me feel like I’m allowed to exist” as well as: “the writing is incredible but I hated this book”. Although I may not recommend this to everyone, it was a truly brilliant read. *And just in case you were looking to throw a party themed after of this book, here’s a fun guide.

• You’re Safe Here by Leslie Stephens (of Morning Person)! It’s 2060 and wellness technology has reached peek optimization. When a new retreat welcomes passengers on a solo 6-week journey in a personal pod (floating in the Pacific Ocean), questions start to rise on how safe the technology really is. I enjoyed the futurist sci-fi world Stephens has built and the lovely descriptive language she uses throughout. Not to mention the thrilling twists and turns this story takes. An enjoyable read that kept me hooked till the very last page! *I’ll be attending her book club meeting next Tuesday online, see you there?

• Last Summer in the City by Gianfranco Calligarich. It was the cover of this Italian classic that caught my eye in the bookstore. Originally written in 1970 but only recently translated to English, it’s said to have a similar (more European) stature to “The Great Gatsby”. Set in the sun drenched city of Rome, I found myself underlining the sparkling prose of this dazzling little novel about a young man drifting through life. Unfortunately, the ending turned out to be a real bummer so I left feeling blasé about it.

Cruel (not really) Summer Vibes

• I updated my mood board a couple weeks ago to reflect the juicy summer vibes of July and August. I’m so proud of making this—I still admire it everyday when I’m in my office. If you haven’t already, check out my DIY canvas-wrapped moodboard guide (with lots of tips on where to source great images, pins, etc.). I flipped it horizontal this time around to shake things up and I really like it. What do you think?

Oh tomato season, last forever will you?

• Is it just me, or are the tomatoes exceptionally good this year? I’m not kidding when I say people are lining up by the dozens to get the famous yellow heirlooms from our local market. These babies are talk of the town! I’m all for the craze and have been making some form of sunshine toast most days of the week. In honour of tomato season in all its glory, I found a lovely poem that I wanted to share with you:

Tomatoes

I waited so long for love
and suddenly, here it is
standing in the garden, hands full
of heirlooms hot from the sun.

Soon we’ll make a supper of them.
Salted slabs between bread.
Your beard silvers. My hips ripen.
The mail piles up.

Phone calls go unanswered. Forgive us.
Our mouths are full of tomatoes.
We are so busy
being small and hungry and alive.

- Joy Sullivan

Gonzales Bay at sunset has been our go-to spot lately.

I’ll be away next Friday—lounging and lizarding in the backyard. I have the next week off work for some summer holidays and a few little birthday events (starting my next trip around the sun tomorrow-yeehaw!). Looking forward to unplugging for a bit and then catching up with you all in a couple weeks.

I hope your July has been a real treat. Thank you so much for reading and as always, I would love to hear from you!

• Do you have any birthday traditions?

• What’s your favourite way to stay cool during hot days?

Ciao for now,

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