With July wrapping up and August kicking off this coming weekend- it’s hard to imagine that there’s only a few weeks left in Summer 2020- and what an unprecedented Summer it’s been. While many of my favorite seasonal activities like music festivals and BBQs/cookouts with friends and family weren’t possible this year given the current pandemic- other things I *was* able to do while social distancing, like beach days or visiting my favorite seaside shops and restaurants- looked drastically different than what I’ve been used to over the years.
I know we’ve been at this since March, but it’s still an adjustment- especially when it comes to navigating through the ever-changing landscape as different things gradually open back up (or in some states- shutter closed again.) I still avoid crowds. I always have a mask on- and I’m trying to make the best of it and take it day by day. I had mentioned back in June that I had found a quarantine-friendly and customizable “Summer Bucket List” via Pinterest which has been fun and helpful on those hot and hazy days where I might be feeling a little more stir crazy than usual. While June was challenging- as it always is- I did manage to make up for it by having a lot of fun out in the world and on my own in July.
I spent a lot of time in New Hampshire in July, from visiting my favorite surf shop to stopping by the best street taco stand in the entire state. If it wasn’t tacos and lemonade- it was pizza when I swung by Mystic, Connecticut earlier this month for a day of shopping and sightseeing with my mom when she needed to get out of the house for a while.
I shared my super minimal Summer makeup routine this month, but I also took some time to get personal, too. First when I spoke about past struggles with my body and my journey to a healthier lifestyle and a beach body I’m happy with. And then, more recently- when I discussed how COVID-19 had been affecting my mental health, as well. It felt good to own up to my struggles and past failures- and celebrate my progress and successes, too.
And, of course- I had my share of recipe and OOTD posts, as always.
So what do I have up my sleeve for August? Well, I’m both excited and a little terrified to be traveling out of state next week when I head out to Nevada and California for an overdue visit with Kelsey’s family. The trip, originally planned for March following her passing- had to be postponed amid mass closures and early travel bans, and although it was rescheduled for the Fall- COVID-19 cases are predicted to spike again that time of year.
The only option to guarantee I’d be able to see her kids, her husband and her mom before the end of the year was to go now- so I’m going to take every precaution to keep them and myself safe during my journey. Everything has been meticulously considered and planned.
Massachusetts has implemented a mandatory two week quarantine for anyone returning from out-of-state travel- so a good chunk of August will be spent in isolation after my return- but it’ll give me time to do some cleaning, share some recipes, and catch up on my Netflix queue. Once my 14 days are up- I’m hoping to get back to the beach a couple more times before we head into September.
But I don’t even want to start thinking about the Fall. Not just yet. I want to enjoy these last weeks of Summer as much as I can, first.
And I hope you’re all able to, as well.
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 