We made so many memories this month while traveling around Iceland. I am posting about our trip in parts. If you’d like to catch up you can read part 1 and part 2. Here is the rest of our life lately for July 2025.
Books I’ve Read
We read/listened to all of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix this month so I didn’t have time to read much else.
- The Secret Daughter by Forest Sounds– This podcast follows adoptee Nikki Carlson’s emotional quest to uncover her biological roots, transforming her from a childhood in rural Minnesota into a journey through New York high society and into Italian aristocracy, uncovering a high‑stakes inheritance along the way. This was a fascinating true story. I hope she finds peace and resolution. 4/5
- The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden– Seventh grader Zoey cares for her younger siblings in a struggling household. She ultimately discovers her voice and courage through debate as she confronts family hardship, poverty, and injustice. I loved Flight of the Puffin by the same author and appreciate the real-life struggles and uplifting message.
Recipes I’ve Made
- Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken– I had this on the menu before our Iceland trip and never got the chance to make it. I finally had a chance to make it. It’s very easy and quite tasty. Avie has been asking for it again and again!
- Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers– Give me all the pickle flavors! I’m loving all of the dill pickle recipes and foods in stores. It’s a great flavor our entire family enjoys. This was a fun one that we liked.
- Thai Sloppy Joe Sliders– These are a fun twist on sloppy joes. They are so good!
- Lemon Brownies– I think the only thing I would change is to double the recipe next time. It makes a square pan and my family gobbled them up in a few days.
- Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Skillet– This was an easy skillet to whip up and even add in some extra veggies. Quite tasty!
- Prosciutto and Burrata Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam– It’s been so hot I liked this as a dinner option that was more elevated than a simple sandwich. The flavors were so delicious!
Products I’ve Tried
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Feltman Brothers Clothing-
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- I have gotten a few different dresses for my girls from Feltman Brothers throughout the years, and they never disappoint. Their pieces are beautifully made with heirloom-quality craftsmanship—think delicate lace edging, cloth-covered buttons, and fully lined designs that feel as good as they look. I love that the dresses wash well (a must when you have a little one who’s a stain magnet) and fit true to size, making online ordering stress-free.
Beyond their classic dresses, Feltman Brothers also offers coordinating sibling outfits, rompers, cardigans, and accessories that make family photos or special occasions even more memorable. Their styles have a timeless, vintage-inspired charm that’s hard to find in today’s children’s clothing.
Aveline recently wore the Olivia dress from Feltman Brothers, and I just had to take a few photos because she looked so sweet in it! If you’re looking for special occasion outfits, holiday looks, or even everyday pieces that you can pass down from one child to the next, Feltman Brothers is a brand worth checking out.
- I have gotten a few different dresses for my girls from Feltman Brothers throughout the years, and they never disappoint. Their pieces are beautifully made with heirloom-quality craftsmanship—think delicate lace edging, cloth-covered buttons, and fully lined designs that feel as good as they look. I love that the dresses wash well (a must when you have a little one who’s a stain magnet) and fit true to size, making online ordering stress-free.
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Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA
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I’ve been using the Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA for about two weeks now, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the results. The lotion absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, which makes it easy to apply after a shower. I noticed that the skin on my legs and arms feels noticeably smoother, especially on areas that tend to get rough or dry.
While the changes aren’t dramatic, there’s a definite improvement in texture and overall softness. Some small bumps I usually have on my upper arms seem to be fading, and my skin looks a bit more even-toned. I’m looking forward to seeing how it continues to improve with regular use, but so far it’s been a great addition to my routine. I will warn you, because of the high % of glycolic acid, it can sting a bit if you apply after shaving, but that feeling goes away after a few minutes.
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Manta Sleep mask-
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- We brought the Manta sleep mask with us on our trip to Iceland, and it turned out to be one of the best travel items we packed. With the midnight sun, blocking out light was essential, and this mask did the job perfectly. It truly creates a 100% blackout effect, which made it so much easier to fall asleep and stay asleep even when it was bright outside. The material is incredibly soft and breathable, and the adjustable design meant it fit both me, my husband, and oldest daughter comfortably without any pressure on our eyes.
The real test came during our flights. My husband has never been able to sleep on a plane, no matter how tired he is, but with this mask, he was able to doze off for the first time. That alone makes it worth every penny! It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and even machine washable, which is a huge plus. After using it, we both agree it’s a travel essential we won’t leave home without.
- We brought the Manta sleep mask with us on our trip to Iceland, and it turned out to be one of the best travel items we packed. With the midnight sun, blocking out light was essential, and this mask did the job perfectly. It truly creates a 100% blackout effect, which made it so much easier to fall asleep and stay asleep even when it was bright outside. The material is incredibly soft and breathable, and the adjustable design meant it fit both me, my husband, and oldest daughter comfortably without any pressure on our eyes.
Currently
- Loving- I’m loving the phenomenal end to the summer and club swim seasons for my kids! I am blown away that Claire took over 3 seconds off her 50 yard backstroke and over 2 seconds off her 50 yard breaststroke!
- Savoring- As we wrap up our last few weeks of summer break, we are trying to savor it and have some extra fun!
- Celebrating- We will be celebrating my hubby’s and my birthday this month. I’m excited it’s on a weekend so no working!
- Remembering- Recently I was thinking back to when my kids would have a nap time. Those 2 uninterrupted hours in the afternoon were so glorious!
- Trying- After so many good meals in Iceland, we tried our hand at making an Icelandic hot dog at home. It was a hit! I made a homemade remoulade and boiled the hot dogs in beer. We toasted the buns and had raw onions, friend onions, sweet mustard, the remoulade, and ketchup. Yum!
- Family Update
- Claire- Claire just got 10 inches of hair cut off and donated. She also had incredible swims at the City Meet (championship of summer swim team) and took a lot of time off her breaststroke and backstroke finishing in the top 20 for both.
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- Avie- Avie swam in a different championship meet and placed well, too. She is excited that some of her friends tried out for the club swim team she is on and made it! She also loved a short cheerleading camp with the local high school this month.
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- Me- I am just trying to get everything set before going back to work in mid-August. I’m very much looking forward to a Blonde Squad trip tomorrow! Hurray for girl time!
- Matt– Matt has been so busy with a lot happening at work. He volunteers as a swim judge for the summer swim team and our club swim team. This month he has probably clocked over 30 hours officiating!
July Goals Recap
Since we were gone about half the month, I only focused on 2 goals.
- Girl Scout finance reports– Done!
- 10 CEUs– Done! I actually finished a few extra.
August Goals
- Plan a Cadette Girl Scout meeting- I have some fun ideas for the Cadettes and want to plan a meeting.
- Order and plant a tree in our backyard– We had 2 that died this spring/summer and replaced one. I need to replace the other.
- Order a cake– It’s my hubby’s and my bday month so it would be celebrate with a cake we both like.
- Have a date night– There has been a lot of family time this summer and no US time. I would absolutely love a date night!
Favorite July Posts
P.S. Are you following me on LTK? I post a lot of my daily looks that don’t make it onto the blog. I hope you enjoyed my Life Lately July 2025 update!
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
