Hi Reader,

It's Sharon from Simply Home, back with a new edition of the Simple Things Digest.

This is my birthday month, so I want to spend today, and the rest of August, talking about something fun...Style!

We're going to explore everything from fashion & beauty to home and garden.

On a Personal Note

The other day, I looked outside my breakfast room window to see several blooms on my knock out roses. They were in my front yard, planted there by the previous homeowners. However, the spot they were planted in is too shady and the roses rarely bloomed.

This past Spring, I transplanted them into containers and put them in a sunny spot in my backyard. I’m so delighted to see them thriving!

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The experience reminded me of the season of life I find myself in, where I’ve been uprooted:

• I had an endoscopy and learned that my esophagus is very inflamed. So inflamed that food was sometimes getting stuck when I ate. It was scary!
• I felt called to stop putting off household maintenance and start scheduling repairs.
• I had to face the fact that my car needed replacing.
• I made a decision to pivot away from organizing services. With that decision, I gave up hiding behind a title.
• Everyone in my household is working on shifting away from a lack mindset around money.
• And, if you read the last newsletter, you know I also let go of lingering issues around self-worth.

Then, given a chance to bloom.

• I’m being more mindful when I eat, and I’m working on giving up my lifelong Coke habit.
• Taking care of home maintenance issues has freed my mind to enjoy decorating again.
• I got a new car and I’m really enjoying it.
• I’m focused on my writing; spending more time working on my memoir, submitting personal essays to magazines and journals, and planning to add more lifestyle content to my blog.
• I’m learning to trust that I have everything I need
• I don’t feel like an imposter anymore, and I feel lighter in my soul.

Simple living isn't only about uprooting, editing, and letting go. It's also about curating what comes into your life. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite fashion and beauty finds so far this Summer.

Girl Talk: 5 Fashion & Beauty Favorites

Megababe Thigh Rescue - I’ve long considered trying a chafing cream but kept putting it off. One night of walking in the wrong type of shorts motivated me to take the leap. So, I grabbed what I could find at Target which was Megababe Thigh Rescue. It definitely works. Be sure to rub it in so that it's not greasy.

Nippies - I wanted something to provide a certain type of coverage so I could skip the confines of a bra (which gets so sweaty this time of year.) The Nippies do the job, can be washed with gentle soap and water and worn many times. I do wish they provided a little more lift. I’m a full C cup, so someone with a smaller cup may get more lift.

Drmtlgy under eye corrector - I kept seeing Instagram ads for this product, and in my search to hide my under eye circles, currently made darker by a lack of sleep, I decided to give it a try. It just arrived yesterday, and I have only used it once.

So far, I can say it’s got great coverage and corrected better than anything I’ve ever used. Combined with a dab of concealer, I was pleased with the results. My circles weren’t invisible, but I felt like my under eyes were brightened and that my circles wouldn’t be the first thing someone noticed about me.

Linen blend, drawstring shorts from J. Crew Factory - I noticed I prefer looser, lighter weight shorts over denim options. So, I decided to take advantage of Summer clearance sales and add a couple pairs to my Summer wardrobe. They are a great length (not too short, not too long), very comfortable, so lightweight, and a great Summer closet staple.

Glycolic acid pads - I don’t use these on my face. Instead, I use them on my underarms. They seem to help remove build up from deodorant and who knows what else and leave my under arm area looking lighter.

What's one of your fashion & beauty must-haves?

Hit reply and share your recommendation.

Features

Home Tour: A Ralph Lauren Inspired Home Take a look inside this classic and timeless home, courtesy of Homeworthy, for a great example of personal style. Watch video

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe Get my best tips for curating a wardrobe you'll actually wear and feel good in. Read article

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Coming Soon

In July, I intended on sharing my home tour, publishing an article on simple living, and I promised a little something special, but hurricane Beryl threw off the whole month. (I only just now feel like I’m getting back on track.)

So, on Monday, be sure to check your inbox for that something special. And I’ll share a home tour before the end of August. The article will probably have to wait until September. We’ll see how it goes.

Thank you for joining me today. It's my pleasure to walk alongside you in your 'simply home' journey.

Wishing you simplicity and ease,