June wrapped: 9 books I read and 6 recs for you!

Pressure-tested summer reads, BBQ recipes you need, the best summer candle, and a personal proclamation.

Finally. I feel like summer is finally here, we can begin to reliably wear shorts, beach days and lobster no longer feel like something for the distant future— always just out of reach— and instead fully realizable possibilities. Last month was HARD!

It’s still hard, but I’m in sort of a denial-as-self-preservation mood these days. I can’t go backwards to the muddier mental waters of weeks past, I have to stay busy, stay in my body, stay as alive and vibrant as humanly possible. In July I want to get outside a lot, socialize more, and I’m looking forward to some time off work for the long weekend— plus a girl’s trip to Nantucket at the end of the month! I’m also finding some joy in the creative parts of wedding planning.

One big goal for July and the rest of the year: I want to consistently work on the draft for my first book (I said it!!!) every morning before work. I don’t have firm goals around when I want the first draft done, but I’m thinking I should probably make some so that…