Dear July
Summertime faves, an online photobooth, rhubarb birthday cake, and an interview with yours truly!
“July came in with a golden promise,
and I kept it in my pocket all month long.”
— Louisa May Alcott
Hi hi!
It feels like it’s been a while. Summer is rolling right along, and somehow we’re already heading into August. It’s been one of those wonderfully full months made up of lots of little things: lake swims, picnics, the World Cup final (paired with Argentinian enchiladas), side-by-side birthday pedicures, and evenings reading on the patio. Nothing too wild, just a smooth rhythm of quality moments.
I’ve been taking advantage of the local markets and abundance of fresh produce we have in our area. Our kitchen has been brimming with cherries, tomatoes, peaches, herbs, and rhubarb—which feels like a small summer victory. I’ve also been collecting a few things worth sharing and keeping busy with some creative projects. As usual, you'll find books, art, music, recipes, and a handful of great finds in this month's edition.
But before we dive in...
The lovely Karolina Cook from à la carte recently interviewed me for her popular series, All Eyes On. It’s been one of my favourite interview series for quite some time, so I was genuinely honoured to be a part of it. We chatted about everything from morning routines to guilty pleasures, and I shared a few recent photos from our home.
I’d love for you to have a read through the 39 (mostly) rapid-fire questions! And leave a ❤️ while you’re there.
Movie nights have been good lately!
We went to see The Odyssey last weekend—have you seen it? How good is the score by Ludwig Göransson? But really, how good is everything? If I had co-workers, they’d hate how often I’m humming the creepy little flute theme at my desk. Honestly, I think I need to see it once more before it leaves the theatre.
Our weekly episode of Silo Season 3 has become my favourite Friday night treat. We often make homemade pizzas or something fun for the viewing and then sit and hypothesize the plot afterwards.
I took myself on a solo date to see The Invite. It was uncomfortable and cringe, but also made me laugh out loud several times before crying on the drive home. Probably not one I’d rewatch, but definitely thought it was well done.
Eating in Season
Made myself another rhubarb almond flour birthday cake this year and served it with hazelnut gelato. I could eat this every day.
Trying this carrot ribbon salad on the weekend…
I’ve been really into cold soba noodle salads this summer—with edamame, fresh cucumbers, and a sesame ponzu chili dressing.
Would love someone to make me this Summer Tomato and Pecorino Crostata. Maybe I’ll try my hand at it in August.
Loving lots of simple salads. I use this olive oil with a bit of champagne vinegar, salt, pepper, and grated parm.
Recent Reads
Famesick by Lena Dunham (2026). Like many, I was a big fan of Girls, so this memoir was a no-brainer. I listened to the audiobook version, which felt even more special—listening to Lena herself tell the story. I’d forgotten just how refreshingly unfiltered she is—sharp, funny, self-deprecating, and brilliant. Loved it.
The Wilderness by Ayşegül Savaş (2024). With several close friends in the newborn stage of life (and after my own experiences with miscarriage), I was drawn to this novella about the first forty days of motherhood. While I admired its exploration of postpartum mythology and tradition, I was hoping for something a little more intimate and grounded.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (2020). Oh boy, was I ever excited to return to Giliad again. If you’ve read this series, that might sound alarming, but there’s something about the world Atwood created that has me endlessly fascinated. Set fifteen years after The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments follows the voices of Aunt Lydia and two young women whose lives become deeply intertwined. Absolutely loved.
Lauren’s List Vol. 33
Living in this seersucker button down.
Same with this bra tank (love the shade Cold Brew).
Having too much fun with this online photobooth.
A herbal infusion electrolyte masterpiece.
Fun read: Secret History of the Colour Pink
A library of paint brushes.
Didn’t love the book but stoked for the movie.
Limestone has my attention right now.
Birkenstock pony hair sandals are chic.
Don’t usually share skincare, but this one is real good.
I could scroll English countryside gardens all day.
Speaking of, King Charles recently designed this garden, inspired by the shape that Venus makes as it orbits the moon.
Post Holiday
Since returning from Scandinavia, we’ve been craving a little slice of the Nordics. It was time to finally book in at the Nordic Spa by our place and our only regret was not doing it sooner! Their prices are very affordable—I have a feeling we’ll be buying punch cards once autumn arrives.
And on that note, I was delighted to find a source for proper Swedish cardamom buns at the Moss Street Market! If you’re in town on Saturdays, don’t miss out on these.
Art I’ve Been Loving
I hope you’ve had a golden July.
Here’s to soaking up every last drop of summer over the coming weeks as the days slowly begin to shift. Thank you so much for being here. I never take it for granted that you spend a little part of your day with me. Enjoy your weekend and as always, I’d love to hear from you! Tell me…
What’s your favourite birthday cake?
Do you ever watch movies in the theatre more than once?
x Lauren
Love going out to the theater for repeat screenings! My best friends and I have made it a habit with bigger summer movies since we were in college. We already went to see The Odyssey a second time, Oppenheimer we saw a couple times to see different formats (we made a day out of driving a couple hours to see an IMAX 70mm show), and I cannot even remember how many times we saw Top Gun Maverick just as a way to stay out of the heat that summer. I've always been partial to a fruity cake for birthdays. My mom made a blueberry buttermilk bundt cake I loved growing up :)
We finally saw The Odyssey this past weekend and it surprised me how much I enjoyed it! I honestly went in expecting to be a little bored, but it really did pull me. And how fun is that photo booth?! Thanks for sharing ◡̈