I don’t remember much of July. It was too hot, and I had to keep putting on deodorant, so yeah, it was a blur. I realize with the start of August - and schools back in session - it should feel like we are sprinting towards the fall, but WE ARE NOT. Rather, we are crawling towards an air conditioner and asking someone to please, for the love of God, turn the temperature down!!
One of the things I thought I would try and do at the beginning of each month is to give you a month in review for the previous month. Presenting you with some of my favorites I have been watching, listening to, and reading during the past month.
Doesn’t that sound fun? I hope it does, and I hope you enjoy it, because there is a very good chance I do it this month and then never ever remember to do it again. That is what it is like living with Melissa Radke. Every day is a new one!
So, without further ado, here are the things that kept me going in the midst of the 118 degree July heat:
What I Read…
When David and I went to Cancun, I was one of 100+ women who were lying around the pool reading the book, The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave. If you don’t want to purchase it, just wait. One of your friends will finish up with it any day now, and maybe you can borrow it from her, because we are alllll reading it this summer. And I can see why!
I loved the book. It kept my attention, there were lots of great references to Texas (yee-haw!), and each chapter was a quick and easy read. I am not a fan of chapters that are 17 pages long as I never have time for them. But Laura Dave writes her chapters in quick little spurts, never filling up pages with flowery words that mean nothing. You can read this book in the pool chair, in the cabana, or in the bathroom. Take your pick! I did all three. And I regret nothing. The story is intriguing, and it’s a perfect summer read. You can find it here.
What I Saw…
Go ahead and laugh. I care not! I am about to recommend a movie that y’all are going to roast me for, but look, I did not do a lot of movie watching in July. I was busy, okay? What, with my nap schedule and the beginning of the Olympics. But also, I shouldn’t have to make excuses for the types of movies I watch.
Look, I like a good Bridget Jones just like the next girly-girl. And if Sandra Bullock is in it, I will be there on opening night. But just as much as I love those – I love a good action. I like gunfire, blood, cars that flip over and catch on fire, and I love Jason Statham and The Rock. When we went to Los Angeles, the only two wax figures I wanted my picture with were Betty White and Vin Diesel.
So, for all of the girls out there who like a good action flick, allow me to introduce Wrath of Man. Beware! Guy Ritchie is the director here, and if you are familiar with his movies then you know that he has zero problems with foul language. In fact, he prefers it. So, you’ve been warned. But there is no sex and no drugs, just lots of gunfire and a really angry father who wants to exact vengeance. And that is something I can always get behind!
What I Listened To…
Are you not fascinated by how multi-dimensional I am? On one hand I am recommending a Jason Statham movie, and on the other hand I am rocking out to bubble-gum pop. But y’all, this song is my summer jam. I know every word, and I can harmonize to it (much to the chagrin of my family).
It is so catchy and happy, and if you listen to it and don’t like it, then I beg you: Please don’t tell me. I’d hate to have to remove you from this email list. But if you do want to roll your windows down and blast some summer feel-good tunes, then check out this Marshmallow & Jonas Brothers hit, “Leave Before You Love Me,” right here.
What I Used…
I ran out of my Moroccan Oil. I would rather run out of clean underwear than run out of my Moroccan Oil. But I did! I ran out of it right as we were headed to the beach, and you know what salt water does to hair. In fact, if there was ever a time you need to OIL UP, it’s during the summer. Chlorine, salt water, sun, and humidity – they all do a number on our hair.
Imagine my surprise when someone recommended this nourishing oil to me, and I ended up falling in love with it. On days when I had been in the ocean, I would come back to my room, shampoo and condition my hair, and then put two squirts of this all through my hair. My hair would be back to normal within hours. It is the perfect remedy for all your summertime dry hair probs. Check it out!
As always, I’d love to know your favorites! Leave them in the comments so we all know what to read, watch, listen to, or use next!
Mel
You were spot on with the song. I love it!
Will watch the movie as I am like you when it comes to what I like on the big screen.
And I was recently introduced to Brazilian Blowout oil spray. My sister lives in Pensacola so she was constantly looking for a good frizzy hair product. Very affordable, smells wonderful, and does the trick. Just FYI.