I have to admit this might have been the most daunting and biggest task I've taken on since cannoli cheesecake. But I really wanted to give it a shot. I'm still really undecided about it but rather than overthink, here it is. At the beginning of the summer, I was inspired by seeing other people create an editorial or I guess magazine all about the season ahead. I instantly wanted to give it a try.

I'm revamping my usual month-end post. It's been called many things over the years but I'm thinking Monthly Edit covers it far more. It's still a curated collection of interesting things from around the internet mixed with fun things I'm loving right now. It still includes everything from style to design and definitely food. It's just getting a new name. A new identity. Well, well, well. Today is the last day of July and I really don't know what to think. 

Time is just flying by. I can't even believe it. I feel like I'm constantly saying that too. When I originally set out to start the What I'm Listening To series of playlists, it was really just to create a playlist that was true to my listening habits. A playlist that really spanned genres. A playlist where I wasn't adding unnecessary pressure on myself with regards to sound or a theme. Don't get me wrong, I love the Monthly Mixes and themes, but a lot of work has to go into those. With What I'm Listening To I can just create a massive collection of songs and narrow them down with which ones I'm not absolutely sick of by the end of the month.

I went back and forth about ever covering this on my blog, but ultimately I decided I'm incredibly proud of how it turned out so I really have no reason not to share. Why am I so proud you may ask? This is the very first cheesecake I have ever made on my own. That might be hard to believe for someone who bakes constantly, but it's true. It just always seemed like an overwhelming task to take on. But, this cheesecake was written in the stars. My dad loves cannolis. Every Christmas we nearly end up with the local Italian deli's whole inventory. 

I love a good list. They let me brainstorm all the things I need to do, want to do, or just things I need to remember. But there is one list I really love in particular: bucket lists. Bucket Lists always seem to be the one thing I set out to make with only the best intentions only to forget about it down the road. This happens a lot especially when it comes to summer. I quickly set to making a list of things I can't wait to do during the warmer months and then, just as quickly, work consumes my life. This is a different type of bucket list. 

A couple weeks ago I shared a post dreaming about having a proper home office. While I have yet to actually create a home office or even begin thinking about implementing a real one, there is one thing I know it has to have. Well, really something my apartment needs in general...a gallery wall. I'm truly obsessed with them which is a little strange for someone who has OCD and prefers everything is neat and orderly. The best gallery walls have a rhyme and reason but you can't see it. What I mean is there was clearly thought put into the exact layout and where each piece of art would go, but you can't tell on the surface. I suppose its really the perfect combination of organized chaos.

I have pretty lukewarm feelings about summer. Mainly because it's always way too hot to function and sometimes breathing in walls of dust isn't exactly fun. But one thing I do enjoy are summer mixes. There is just a different vibe to them compared to any other mixes made through the year. Sometimes they can be fun and upbeat and other times they can be chilled out and relaxed. This one is more chilled out and relaxed. Mix no. 17 was inspired by long, dreamy summer days. The days where nothing sounds better than relaxing in the pool with a cold beverage. Sadly that's not plausible every day, but still, I wanted this mix to have that feel.

Being from the desert, I love a good sandal. Whether it's a cringe flip-flop (hey, sometimes you just need to run things out to the trash!) or a sleek slide, sandals are almost always my go-to shoe. Since the temperatures are fairly nice year round they become a closet staple almost. Really the only time they aren't worn is during the chilly winter temperatures (which really only happen two times a day). 

Growing up a trip to Target was a treat. Today it's more like a wonderland that makes money fly right out of my wallet as soon as those doors slide open. If I can stick to the list of things I intentionally went to buy, I'm shocked. Truth be told, my list goes right out the window if I go NEAR the Hearth & Hand by Magnolia section. But now there's Made By Design. Made By Design offers simple, well-designed items at an affordable price tag. We're talking 750 brilliant items to channel minimalistic style without breaking the bank.