July has been so hot! The humidity in Illinois decided to show itself this month, making it both hot and muggy. It's definitely not something I'm loving this month.

I am, however, loving some other things this July.

CandyCrush

This month, I remembered just how much I love this game. It's relaxing and requires just as much strategy as it does luck.

Tell me: what are you loving this month?

In three weeks, I'm making the move from the suburbs to the city! When I accepted my job offer back in March, I also made the decision to move. I knew that as soon as I had a full time offer, I would move back out of my parents' house, I just wasn't sure where. After much consideration, I decided on Chicago.

Happy National Tequila Day! In honor of the day, I decided to create the most traditional tequila drink - the margarita. I wanted to put a sweet twist on it, so included two of my favorite things: raspberries and lemonade.

Happy Introduction Friday! There have been a lot of new readers these past couple months, so I thought it'd be fun to re-introduce myself. I've always loved the Cosmo quizzes that the magazine does for its cover stars, so that's exactly what I'm doing today!

Last weekend, I traveled to Portland to celebrate one of my best friend's bachelorette parties. I met Kristina in our global studies class our freshmen year of high school. I remember my birthday sophomore year - Kristina wrote me a card and called me her best friend. I was so relieved she said it first. ;) Since high school, we continued to stay close and build our friendship. She went to university in Oregon, where she met her now fiancé. I remember her telling me about him over Christmas break and the incredible date they had. Right then, I knew he was a keeper.

COMING UP THIS MONTH

June 30-July 1: move out of my Urbana apartment

July 4: celebrate the Fourth with friends

July 5-9: celebrate Kristina's Bachelorette Party in Portland

July 9-11: head to headquarters for Diageo's Induction

July 14: go to Chicago to tour my new home
July 21: move a friend into his new apartment
July 28: celebrate a friend's birthday in the city

Along with the above, I have a couple of items on my to-do list:

1. Get back in the routine of reading a devotional before going to sleep.
2. Start packing up my things to move to Chicago.

Bathing suits have stepped their game up this season! Different necklines have emerged, like the off-the-shoulder look - a personal favorite. It gives a little more coverage, while still having that bikini-vibe. The other style that's rocking my world is the one-piece comeback. There's something sexy and underrated about a one-piece. In honor of National Bikini Day, I'm sharing all of my favorite necklines and patterns this season. 

Last year for the Fourth of July, I made berry sangria popsicles. Let me tell you - they were delicious! This year, I'm making the real deal - a very tasty red, white, and berry sangria. Some friends are coming over for a BBQ and I can't wait to serve this for a refreshing pre-fireworks drink.