July has been all about finding some kind of rhythm with the boys. It’s been a chaotic summer, and I haven’t had much time for myself—but honestly, some seasons are just like that. We’re making the most of it in our own messy, imperfect way.

This month’s list is a mix of things I’m loving and things that are helping me manage the reality of being on full-time kid duty. A few little joys, a few hacks that make life easier, and a few core memory moments I’ll be holding onto for a long time.

1. Ali Hazelwood Books

I’ve read just about every Ali Hazelwood book out there, and I love them so much. She’s one of my favorite go-tos for contemporary romance and rom-coms—and more recently, she’s even branched out into fantasy with Bride, which was a fun departure from her usual vibe.

This weekend, I tore through Problematic Summer Romance (book 2 in the Not in Love series) and could not put it down. I adored both main characters and felt totally pulled into their dynamic. That’s the thing about Hazelwood—her books are just smart. The writing, the characters, the dialogue… everything clicks. Her FMCs are always brilliant, usually in STEM, and it makes the stories feel fresh and fun without being fluffy.

If you’re new to her books, I’d start with The Love Hypothesis—especially since it’s being made into a movie (!!!). I’m actually planning to reread it soon because it’s been a few years and it’s just that good.

2. Be Amazing Canned Green Drinks

It’s no secret that I’ve developed quite the Diet Coke habit. If I don’t get my daily can, I start to get a little jittery—not from the caffeine, but from missing the ritual. I look forward to it.

But I also know it’s not doing my hormone or gut health any favors, so I’ve been on the hunt for fun alternatives that still feel like a treat, use different sweeteners, and maybe even offer a tiny health boost. Enter the Greens drinks from Be Amazing.

I like to mix half a can with sparkling water to make a fun little mocktail while I’m making dinner. It scratches the “fun drink” itch without the crappy ingredients. That said—don’t get swept up in all the health claims on the website. Yes, there are greens in it, but no, this doesn’t replace actual vegetables. It’s a nice bonus, not a shortcut.

3. Bamboo Sheets from Quince

Okay, y’all—Instagram ads finally wore me down. After seeing them nonstop, I gave in and bought the Bamboo Sheets from Quince that I’d been eyeing forever. The whole “temperature regulating” promise totally hooked me—I run hot, Mike runs cold, and finding bedding we both like is usually a struggle.

When they arrived, I was so happy. They’re unbelievably soft—like, I-want-to-roll-around-in-them-all-day soft. I know that sounds dramatic, but seriously, they’re that good.

I’m already planning to buy sets for the boys’ beds and our guest room because… yeah. I think I might be obsessed.

4. Vacation Phones

This one isn’t necessarily something you need to buy—but it has been a total game changer for our family. As many of you know, our oldest has an emotional disability, and unlike most neurotypical kids, screens can actually help regulate him—especially in environments with a lot of sensory input (think Disney World or water parks).

So here’s what we did: Mike and I took a couple of old iPhones we had lying around, wiped them completely clean, and removed cellular service. Then Mike spent some serious time researching calm, non-frustrating games—nothing with confusing mechanics or trick levels that would cause more stress than relief.

We landed on a few puzzle-based apps that James can do for hours without getting overwhelmed. Two current favorites:

• Stitch
• Puffies

We only bring these out for trips or overstimulating outings, so we call them “vacation phones”. They’ve been such a helpful tool when we need something portable and quiet that helps him feel safe and grounded.

Of course, we had to get one set up for Griffin too—because fairness, always—but this little system has made a huge difference for us. No internet. No distractions. Just simple, engaging games that work with James’s nervous system, not against it.

5. Yes Days

I’ve heard of those “yes days” where you spend 24 hours saying yes to everything your kids ask for—and honestly, I used to roll my eyes at the idea. It always sounded chaotic and not at all like something I’d willingly sign up for.

But when Mike was going to be out of town for four days (including a weekend), I decided to give it a shot. I booked a night at a local resort with a water park, packed up the kids, and committed to saying yes to whatever they wanted to do.

And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

We ate ice cream four different times. We hit every claw machine in the arcade (and even won a prize, which never happens on those). We ordered room service twice. We swam, we went to a Pokémon convention, and we laughed so much. It felt like one of those rare, purely joyful pockets of time that I’ll hold onto forever. Core memory unlocked.

Yes, I spent more than I normally would. But I don’t regret a single bit of it. If you’ve ever thought about doing a yes day with your kids…do it. It was magic.

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That’s it for this month’s little things. Nothing groundbreaking, but all of it has made life feel a little lighter, a little more manageable, and sometimes even a little magical.

If you’re in a season that feels a bit stretched or full (like I am), I hope you’re finding your own little wins and soft spots to land. And if any of these things help make your days easier or more joyful—then I’m so glad I shared.