july recap
brat girl, library-core open, water swimming summer
Supposedly, it’s summer here in England.
I can’t say it’s felt that way. Alongside working in a cafe, I’ve been spending most of the season inside, waiting for the clouds to clear.
On the few occasions that the sun’s peaked its way through the thick cloud, I’ve embraced mother nature with bracing open water swims and enjoying how lusciously green Devon is this time of year.
Here’s a brief overview of everything I’ve been doing, reading, listening to and buying in July —
doing 🚲
learning to drive - After my break up and consequential move to my home town, I made the promise to myself that I would utilise whatever time I got back here by doing everything I couldn’t in the city.
Namely, finally learning to drive.
When I was 17 I took quite a few lessons, but in classic me style, I never booked my theory test and therefore never took my practical. Things are different now: I’m almost ten years older, I’m paying for lessons out of my pocket (they ain’t cheap) and I’ve already booked test number one for next month (eek!)
So far I’ve remembered how to start the car, indicate and stop. A strong start. Now let’s see if I can pass before my provisional expires.
visiting the library - In my mission to alleviate my depression and reduce screen time, I’ve reconnected with activities I enjoyed in childhood. On school holidays I used to read endlessly — renewing my library card seemed like a logical thing to do.
People of substack, bookworms, literature graduates, I’m speaking directly to you now! Go. Get. A. Library. Card.
Consumerism has rotted our brains — I see TikTok after TikTok about the latest trending novels and spending insane amounts on lattes and hardbacks from indie bookstores, but never romantic videos bigging up small-town public libraries. It’s free and each book haul gives me an unparalleled dopamine rush.
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outdoor swimming - Whenever the rain has subsided, I’ve made a concerted effort to get myself into bodies of water. I live on a river which acts as the community hub during the hotter months.
As teenagers my friends and I would drink local cheap cider and spend hours sunbathing, smoking and cooling off in its murky waters. Those days are some of my fondest, nostalgic memories.
My mum revealed to me recently that she’s never swam in it despite being a born and bred Totnesian. So I dragged her down and to my surprise, she had a nice time (!)
writing on substack - As you might be able to tell by the number of posts already live on by the way — I’ve been feverishly writing almost daily since I realised I could. Ideas for posts, round-ups, travel guides and opinion pieces have been flowing from my brain straight into my drafts section. I can’t believe that there’s over 100 of you (!!!!!) who have already subscribed. I’ve now firmly committed to making the most out of this project, wherever it may end up.
spending 💸
charity shopping - As I’m working part-time as a barista at the moment, money is a bit on the tight side. I’m not buying anything new and only picking up key pieces which are missing in my wardrobe (such as trainers — I treated myself last month to the pair of New Balance 530’s which I’ve wanted for years) However I have treated myself to three charity shop steals: A white cotton shirt, a small blue handbag and a silk midi skirt. I’m not 100% convinced about the turquoise blue of the skirt, however, if I’m still not feeling it at the end of the season I’ll likely just dye it navy as the fit is perfect.
lucy & yak - Earlier this year I invested in the Lucy & Yak Ragan denim jumpsuit, an item that feels quintessentially me. I’ve worn it to death already, and I clocked that I was getting daily compliments on it from customers at work, meaning, it probably also suits me! Long story short, I bought the black version. No regrets. It’s casual, comfy, cross seasonal and if I manage to get an office job again, I’d be able to wear it to work.
clear aligners - Alongside driving, my other big project while I’m living at home is finally straightening my teeth. One of my major regrets was not getting braces when I was 18 and my dentist first noted my teeth had moved.
Growing up I’d been blessed with literally perfect teeth (I miss them so much). So all of the money I saved from the first half of this year has been spent on clear aligners. I’m on my first set at the moment and the first week was rough I’m not going to lie. My head was aching, it felt as though I had a gum shield in my mouth, and I was speaking with a lisp.
But I’m a drama queen and all of these issues subsided within a matter of days.
listening 🎧
it’s brat girl summer - When Charli XCX’s album first dropped I was struggling with depression pretty badly and did NOT want to listen to upbeat party anthems about girlhood and nights out on the city. Since then my fomo has fucked off and I’ve been able to fall in love with these songs. Before this, my favourite Charli album had been her pandemic drop, how i’m feeling now, namely i finally understand and party 4 u. I don’t want to speak too soon but Brat might have dethroned it. I love I think about it all the time so much.
guardian’s today in focus podcast - As I mentioned earlier, I’ve axed my screen time this month. I’ve set a block set up for a maximum of 30 minutes on TikTok using Opal. So naturally, I have to look elsewhere for my news. The Guarian’s daily 30-minute podcast is perfect for dipping into current affairs without sending me into a wormhole.
reading 📚
You can see the full breakdown of everything I’ve read this month next week, but I’ll shout out I am a fan, which I read in nearly one sitting and firmly reminded me why I no longer plan to date men. Here on Substack, I’ve been loving no one asked by jordan santos, MindHoliday and Ten Dollar Latte.
That’s pretty much all — I’m going on my first holiday of the year at the start of August and will no doubt have lots to say about the destination (both a new country and continent for me!) See you soon!
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hi becca, so many great takeaways here. i relate to so many of the girlies on here that want to exist without doom scrolling for hours! running to get a library card (once i settle in my new city) and download the opal app :)
Good luck with the driving! Did you know you can also borrow audiobooks from the library for free? So brilliant!