This July has been quietly filled as the time seems to slowly pass.

I turned 20, went to the outer banks of North Carolina (beautiful), ate and drank with people I care about (even better), and celebrated slow living.

Here are 7 things I've been carrying with me during the heart of summer:

1. Alexandra Bowman's Art

I've been loving her blue illustrations with the focus on women and their lives. I just got "Party Part II" in bag form for my birthday.

Don't miss her on Society6: https://society6.com/alexandrabowman

2. Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook

Salma Hage, from North Lebanon, includes Lebanese home recipes in a way that is easy to follow. The ingredient lists all have things easily found in America, or it lists spices you can combine to get a similar taste. She has officially gotten me hooked on homemade salad dressings. Big fan of the Ginger Strawberry Mint Lemonade too.

3. Melodrama

Lorde is as candid as ever. Her voice in haughtily honest. Be ready for: The Louvre, Hard Feelings/ Loveless, and Supercut.

4. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller

This story of two women and their father, years after their mother disappeared became a lot smarter than I gave it credit for. A heartbreaking story, with some really beautiful moments.

5. Child's Pose

I usually read a lot during the summer, and my back has been needing some relief. Sometimes the best medicine is a timeless pose to just sit and breathe in.

Art by Mindful Jen: http://www.mindfuljen.com/yoga-art/

6. Photograph of "Cherry Blossoms on Shingashi River" in Kawagoe, Japan

7. And what could potentially be the coolest compliment:

What have you been getting into this month?

Hope everyone's July has been filled with love!