I’ve found that pictures and links speak quite effectively on their own when I present my list of favorite “little things” from the previous month, so that’s what I bring to you on this first day of August: a quick and dirty list of favorites for July with little in the way of text. As always, take my favs as recommendations if you’re so inclined, and with the idea that what works for me may not work for you, whether it’s entertainment, food, or products.

Enjoy, and Happy Friday Eve!

 

1). The Art of Self-Defense (film)

 

 

When your bad day at work becomes a bad night after work, and the realization that your whole life follows this script prompts you to take action.

 

2). Midsommar (film)

 

 

When your relationship is fragile and your co-dependency leads you to take a summer trip overseas. (Take note: horror)

 

3). The Lion King (film)

 

 

When you’re a talking animal whose life plays out like a Shakespearean tragedy, except not everyone dies at the end. (Take note: not a cartoon)

 

4). La Casa De Papel Part 3 (Money Heist S3) (Netflix series)

 

 

When the capture of a beloved family member gives you an excuse to ride your dormant adrenaline waves, and those waves turn into a tsunami.

 

5). Fleabag (Amazon Prime Original series)

 

 

When you’re a sex addict struggling with grief. (Take note: this comedy series is outstanding and hilarious, but it’s NOT “family-friendly.”)

 

6). Eating Evolved Primal Chocolate Signature Dark (72% Cacao). (Organic, vegan, paleo, and soy-free.)

 

 

A taste of dark chocolate was in order, so I thought I’d go for something new. It’d been so long since I’ve had chocolate that there was a lot of “new” to explore! I ventured to try this dark chocolate bar because it’s sweetened with organic coconut sugar, and sugar was a concern. I’d say that this is the least bitter and crumbly of the 72% + dark chocolate bars I’ve tried in my life. I highly recommend it if you’re wanting a healthier dark chocolate that’s creamy and not overly bitter.

 

7). e.l.f. Jelly Pop Face & Eye Gloss in Icy Pop. (Vegan and cruelty-free.)

 

 

When e.l.f. cosmetics offered free shipping for a period of time in July, I felt I should order something in addition to the lip product I wanted to try. I looked at their newly released products, and this face and eye gloss caught my attention. I’m actually surprised by how much I like it and its glowing effect! On days I don’t wear make-up, I take just a dab the size of a pinhead and tap it lightly onto my cheekbones and eyelids. I don’t wear it to the gym, so I can’t say how well it’d hold up through a work-out, but it lasts all day when I’m just home or out and about running errands.

 

8). e.l.f. Radiant Gel Lip Stain in Dewy Nude. (Vegan and cruelty-free.)

 

 

This is the e.l.f. lip product I wanted to try, and I’m happy to say that it works for me. It’s a simple lip stain that does what I want it to do: it adds just a hint of lip color, it wears well, and it doesn’t make my lips feel dry. I put my regular lip balm over it, and I can’t even tell that I’m wearing a lip stain.

 

9). Pacifica Mineral SPF 50 Body Butter Pineapple Flower. (Vegan and cruelty-free.)

 

 

I’m always on the look-out for a body lotion with a strong SPF that doesn’t feel and/or smell unpleasant. This one by Pacifica is a game-changer!

 

10). Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant. (Vegan and cruelty-free.)

 

 

I’ve also found it challenging to find effective vegan and cruelty-free deodorants. For me, Schmidt’s deodorant works better than standard ones. It doesn’t behave or feel like regular aluminum deodorants in how it applies, though; it took some getting used to. I press it firmly into my armpit and hold it for a good ten-Mississippi count, and then it’s soft enough to apply. Other qualities that may be down-sides: it’s a little grainy in texture, and it’s white (not invisible), so it will leave marks on your dark clothes if you’re not careful. But it really works! That’s a big enough up-side for me.

And that’s it for July!

(La Fin)