Hi, hello, it's July in Maine. Roadside stands are bursting with gorgeous flowers.

Currently July 3: My Favorite Primer is on Sale

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Hello! Happy almost Fourth of July! 

I'm going to age myself.

44 years ago, the July of 1976, our nation's bicentennial, I played Betsy Ross in the school play. I was six and I thought it such great fun.

Betsy allegedly sewed the first American Flag.

We were living on the Williams Air Force Base in Arizona at the time so you know what a big deal the celebration was.

I had a period costume, including a little bonnet, thanks to my mom and a rocking chair to sit in on stage and a "flag" and thread and needle that I pretended to sew with while I was on stage. 

Anyway, I share that story I'm not sure why. 

But, whether you're dressing up as Betsy Ross or just trying to put out the fires your teenager starts while setting off firecrackers or you're working, I hope you have a wonderful Fourth! 

Shopping

My favorite face primer is on a big sale at Sephora this weekend.

I'm thrilled because I was totally out and it makes me look ten years younger and brighter.

Just use one pump either alone or under your foundation or tinted moisturizer. 

A one-ounce jar usually lasts me about six months. 

You can sometimes find it on Amazon where it's usually cheaper even with a Sephora sale.

If you see it for less $30, snag it. Check the price.

Speaking of Sephora, the one nearest me still isn't open! And when it does, sampling products and swiping colors  on my paws probably won't be allowed because of the pandemic. 

So, to assuage my need for beauty, I've signed up for an Allure subscription box. 

I was really impressed with my June Allure Box.

I plan to write a thorough review.

In the meantime, get your own Allure Beauty Box here.

Sharing

I just made up a batch of homemade salsa and put a jar together for my mom, who dropped off a jar of her really great kale salad dressing.

If you'd like either recipe for the salsa or the salad dressing, shoot me an email. 

I think I did a post on the homemade salsa but the photos are really old and bad and I don't want to share it until I update the images.

Listening

I'm still listening to The Big Leap, a sort of heavy on story-telling book that's supposed to help you get out of your comfort zone. 

So far, it's a little too storyish for me but I listen to about 20 minutes a day while I'm walking then I switch over to music or a podcast. 

Speaking of podcasts, I'm about to share a list of great podcasts to my email list. I've got a good start but tell me what you're enjoying. 

Cooking

We're having Make Ahead Salmon Escabeche for dinner, which is a perfect summer dish.

You prepare it ahead, let it sit for hours and eat it at room temperature whenever you're ready.

I'm thinking about baking these scones. I love treacle (molasses).

There are two new cookie posts on the blog.

You might like the Best Chewy Toffee Cookies.

Or perhaps Easy Chocolate Toffee Cookies are more your style.

Harvesting

It's July in Maine, which means sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are starting to bloom.

I found a slug on one of my sweet peas while I was cutting blooms! I meant to sprinkle a little slug begone in the pots this morning but got distracted.

I'm also harvesting lettuce. We are lousy with lettuce. It's a good problem to have.

What's going on in your world?