I decided to keep it to just ten (plus one bonus favourite), otherwise we’d be here all day.
Also, I don’t want to go on this journey alone! Whenever I share my monthly favourites, I’d love for you to share yours in the comments too. Tell me what you’ve been buying, loving or discovering recently. You never know, you might just influence my next purchase. If you know me in real life, you’ll know I’m a little buyer!
So, without further ado, here are my July favourites.
I know… bread? Really?
But hear me out.
This baguette from M&S has been my go-to lunch throughout July.
I fill it with homemade shredded barbecue chicken, add plenty of Nando’s Peri-Peri Mayo, and honestly, it’s been one of my favourite meals this month.
The real seal of approval? Oliver tried it with his hot dog and completely understood why I’ve been obsessed with it. Safe to say, it’s now a family favourite.
Technically, this one is for Oliver, but I’ve loved watching him work through it.
As he’s moving into Year 4, I’m focusing heavily on building his vocabulary, improving his spelling and helping him recognise words more quickly. Word searches are brilliant for all of that.
Whenever he comes across a word he doesn’t know, I encourage him to look it up in the dictionary. It’s such a simple way of expanding his vocabulary during the summer holidays.
If you’re looking for an educational activity that doesn’t feel like hard work, I’d definitely recommend giving this a go.
3.
I’ve been taking Zooki Collagen alongside their Vitamin C, and while I can’t scientifically say they’re responsible for everything I’ve noticed, there has definitely been a difference.
Normally, during my period, I experience breakouts.
This month? Nothing.
I’ve also noticed a difference in my energy levels, and my skin has been looking healthier too.
As I’m getting older, I’m becoming much more intentional about looking after myself, my skin, my body and my overall wellbeing.
Yes, it’s expensive.
But sometimes you realise certain things are worth prioritising.
If it means buying one less unnecessary item each month, then that’s a trade I’m happy to make.
4. M&S Chocolate-Coated Custard Creams
Forget the chocolate biscuits.
The Chocolate-Coated Custard Creams are the real winners.
Zach absolutely loved these too and has already asked me to buy another packet.
They’re dangerously good!
5. Dior Lipstick
You may remember me telling you that I couldn’t find my favourite MAC red lipstick.
Since there’s no MAC store nearby, I popped into Dior instead.
There’s a lovely lady who works there and every single time I visit, she somehow convinces me to buy more than I planned!
This time I stood my ground.
Foundation.
Lipstick.
That’s it.
Although she still managed to send me away with another complimentary 10ml perfume which now joins the growing collection living permanently in my car.
No complaints though!
6. Camera Lens Mug
Do I actually need another mug?
Absolutely not.
Do I desperately want this camera lens mug?
Absolutely yes.
Now that I’m spending more time creating content again, it just feels appropriate.
I’m resisting the temptation for now because I already have a mug I genuinely love, but the moment I need another one…
I’m buying it.
7. Save the Bees Growing Kit
This one is less about the product itself and more about the experience.
This summer, my nieces are staying with us, so instead of two children, I currently have four!
We’ve got a proper routine going:
* Wake up at 7:00 am
* Breakfast
* Learning activities
* Brunch
* Snacks
* Lunch
* Dinner
My mum has been absolutely amazing helping with the children, and I wanted activities we could all enjoy together.
The Save the Bees Growing Kit felt like the perfect way to teach them about nature while spending quality time together.
8. Byredo Bal d’Afrique Hand Wash
This was a gift from my cousin.
If you know her, you’ll know she’s always been incredibly feminine and intentional about self-care even when we were children.
Meanwhile…
I was the tomboy.
Safe to say, that version of me has officially retired!
The scent of this hand wash is absolutely divine.
In fact, I’ve completely replaced my White Company hand wash with this one.
That’s how much I love it.
9. Tallow + Ash Laundry Shampoo & Conditioner (Aurora)
If your laundry smells incredible, everything feels just that little bit more luxurious.
The Aurora laundry shampoo and conditioner from Tallow + Ash has been one of my absolute favourite discoveries this month.
The scent lasts beautifully, and I genuinely look forward to wearing freshly washed clothes.
They’re also currently running a sale, so if you’ve been thinking about trying them, now might be the perfect time.
10. Prioritising My Health
This isn’t a product.
It’s a decision.
Every time my mum visits the UK, I book her in for a comprehensive health check.
This year, I suddenly asked myself:
Why am I not doing the same for myself?
I’m fortunate that the NHS carries out regular checks for me every year, but there are still additional screenings available privately that give a much more complete picture of your health.
So I’ve booked myself in too.
Years ago, I probably would have convinced myself that if I didn’t know about a problem, I wouldn’t worry about it.
I’ve completely changed my mindset.
Your health really is your wealth.
If you’re in your mid-30s or beyond, I’d genuinely encourage you to make your health a priority.
We spend hundreds of pounds on handbags, perfume, clothes and so many other things that eventually wear out.
Investing in your health is one purchase you’ll never regret.
Bonus Favourite
My biggest favourite this month hasn’t been something I’ve bought.
It’s the mindset shift.
Choosing myself.
Choosing my health.
Choosing routines that make me feel good.
Choosing products that genuinely improve my day-to-day life rather than buying for the sake of buying.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that self-care isn’t just skincare or nice perfumes.
It’s looking after your body, your health, your peace of mind and creating a life that feels good from the inside out.
Now it’s your turn…
What have you been loving this month?
I’d genuinely love to hear your July favourites, whether it’s a product, a book, a food discovery or simply a habit that’s made your life better.
Let me know in the comments, you might just influence my August shopping list!
With Love,
Ayo
⸻
If this post resonated with you, share it with one person stepping into something new this month. We have a 10k goal. Let’s make it happen.
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