JULY FAVORITES: MUSIC, TACO COZY, ITALIAN SILK, UNSCENTED SKIN CARE, JOURNAL, WIG

July was mostly a down month since I spent most of it in the hospital and then recovering from my surgery. However, there were still a few highs worth mentioning, like my brother's visit from Canada the week of July 4th. It was the best visit ever! My husband and I finally finished decorating the downstairs in time for my brother's arrival. Even the coffee table from Pottery Barn got delivered on time. It's gorgeous down there, and I can't wait for our next guests to enjoy it.

We also had a big birthday celebration at our favorite restaurant in town in honor of birthdays, including mine, my husband's and my brother's. And, of course, every year, we love watching the Tour de France, and this year didn't disappoint. Oh, the gorgeous scenery. Oh, the stamina those riders have, and oh my, can you believe just how crazy some of the fans can get?

Here are a few more things worth noting from the month of July. As I was making my list, I was surprised at how many wonderful finds I was introduced to last month.

Dress Rehearsal wig by Raquel Welch in Shaded Cappuccino

I decided to go back to my roots a bit this month and try out some darker brunette wigs instead of my beloved blondes. Now, I love my blondes, but the brunettes remind me of my youth (and natural color), especially this Dress Rehearsal wig that was the hair I had always dreamed of when I was younger. The fibers are so soft and it has a light, realistic density. And the length. Is it too long to wear at 54? I think not. The beauty of wigs is that we can wear any style, length, or color that we're in the mood for with no commitment. Just a beautiful wig that is sophisticated and modern and lends to lots of styles, including messy buns, ponytails, or even a cute headband. This wig can be purchased here at Frannie's Hair.

Taco Holder from Amazon

These taco holders, which I affectionately call taco cozies, were a game-changer for me this month. Since tacos are in my top five all-time foods, needless to say, I make, and we eat a lot of tacos around here. Fish tacos, pork tenderloin sweet potato tacos, and your basic ground beef tacos with cheese and lettuce. Don't forget to fry your own taco shells, it's so worth it. Pretty much any type of taco is 100% enjoyable and 100% messy until now, thanks to this awesome taco holder.

I prefer this option to a stainless steel one as it is easier to clean and it is so pretty on your plate. It is also adjustable to hold either two or three tacos, depending on which side faces up. Talk about an upgrade to Taco Tuesday! To purchase these, click here.

Miss Potter Soundtrack

I've always had a love for Beatrix Potter, and especially Peter Rabbit, so the moment the movie Miss Potter came out back in 2006, I was in. But, I didn't realize just how great the soundtrack was for this movie until it was recommended in a book that was showcased in a previous month's favorite, Teatime Discipleship by Sally Clarkson. Sally recommended this soundtrack as the perfect background music and I agree.

I've used it now for my ladies brunch and I especially enjoy it while I'm cooking just about every day. The songs are magical, adding a child-like appeal that matches the fanciful world that Miss. Potter created through her drawings and stories. Currently, I only found this CD available to be shipped from the UK, so one can purchase it digitally on Amazon Music. Or it can be streamed for free if you have Amazon Prime as well as found on other streaming services like Spotify.

Ruth Chou Scripture Journal New Testament Notebooks

I'm a sucker for a beautiful design, and when I saw this set of scripture journaling notebooks, I couldn't resist. I have them displayed in my porch and they bring me much joy as I pull out each notebook. On one side of the page is the scripture typed out, and the other is lined for journaling. The notebooks inside make the most beautiful peach and green ombre designs as well. They are just gorgeous! These notebooks are a perfect set for yourself or a special gift for a friend. They can be purchased here.

Reflect Light Company Skin Care Products

A dear friend of mine sent me a gift including the most beautiful skin care products, but when I opened it, my heart sank as I am ultra-sensitive to every skincare product I've ever tried, and I was worried that she would have wasted her money on this beautiful gift. She enclosed a card explaining that a family member had created these products due to her own skin sensitivities and the unscented options enclosed might be just what I'm looking for to pamper myself during my cancer treatment.

She was right! For the first time, I could use the body butter, chapstick, and soap with no itching, puffiness, asthma (they are completely scent-free), and no generally bad feeling in my body. Instead, amazing products that truly work. I use the body butter on my face, as the main side-effect of my immunotherapy is incredibly dry skin, and it works wonders. You can even see in the photo above in my Dress Rehearsal wig the diminished lines on my forehead and under my eyes (I used this one). No Photoshop is needed here, just Reflect Light skin care.

I love the products so much that I ordered more of the body butter, soaps, and chapsticks, plus I added some face masks and bath bombs. I can't wait to take a bath now (instead of a shower) since my ostomy bag reversal. Once I'm all healed up from my stomach surgery, those bath bombs will be used and loved, I'm sure!

These are the perfect option for anyone going through cancer treatment, as they are gentle, natural, and fragrance-free. They can be purchased here.

Cobblestone Living- Cassandra Silk Top and Madelyn Silk Pants

A local boutique here in town carries a few Cobblestone Living handbags, which led me to check out their company website. I was enamored with this Italian silk set, which seemed so luxurious to me, so I ordered it. I am so glad I did. I was hesitant as they are one size fits most because I'm 5'9" with a short waist and long legs and I'm in between a size small and medium, more so medium when it comes to pants due to my long legs and height. But they fit perfectly, and I can say that this is one of the most beautiful outfits I've ever owned.

I purchased the set in black, along with a beautiful necklace and a crossbody taupe purse that matches just about all my summer outfits. I'm very impressed with the elegant stylings this company offers, and I have a few more things on order from them that I hope to showcase in a future favorites post. They are the epitome of Italian chic.

Fjorn Scandinavian- Table Runners and Tea Towels

The same store that carries the Cobblestone Living handbags in town also has a wide array of table runners and tea towels from a Scandinavian company, and I was happy to find their website to see even more options. My mother bought these for years, and I didn't realize just how amazing they were until I pulled one out of a drawer last month to use on our dining room table. The fabric is a substantial weight and lasts forever. The designs range from traditional Swedish designs, such as dala horses, to elegant florals and just about everything in between. There is something for everyone and every design style.

My grandparents were from Sweden, and I've always been drawn to Scandinavian stylings. The simplicity, the joyfulness, and the quiet design make for a beautiful lived-in home. The table runners are a favorite, but I also love the tea towels. I don't use them as towels, but as covers for wood furniture, such as bedside tables for when guests come, so one doesn't have to worry about coasters and rings from drinking glasses. I also have one on a beautiful piece of wood furniture out on the porch to protect it from the sun from our skylights in the heat of summer.

Beautiful and elegant pieces that can be passed down through the generations, especially their Christmas designs.