monthly favorites: july edition

the products, reads, and buys I savored this month

Hi! Happy (almost) August. Summer has flown by in a haze of sweat and sun. This month has been full of new discoveries—food, fashion, and more. Wanted to round them up for everyone’s enjoyment!

But first…an important ice cream announcement. 1-900-ICE-CREAM is the best ice cream I’ve ever had—and they have a national shipping drop available now. Based in Philly, I used to go multiple times a week when I lived there. $95 for six pints—but so, so worth it.

A must if you like mix-ins. Take this Lemon Jesus flavor—Italian butter cookie ice cream, chunks of lemon bar, and vanilla-almond cookie crunchies. Divine.

I don’t get anything from this rec (just high blood sugar). Simply supporting one of my favorite small businesses. I highly recommend following 1-900 on Instagram—the founder shares all kinds of ice cream BTS.

P.S. A roundup of the best desserts I’ve ever had (and yes, 1-900 is on the list).

P.P.S. If you’re new around here, welcome! I’m Julia, a brand strategist and content creator based in NYC. I partner with clients to tell standout stories—whether they’re an executive changing careers or a CPG brand looking to reach a new audience across platforms. You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @smarterinasec, learn more about me / my services on my website, and of course, right here on Substack.

Let’s dive in!

Best book

My favorite books typically fall into two categories. Deep non-fiction reads and thrillers about wealthy families. This pick is definitely the latter.

Written by Emma Rosenblum (Bustle’s Chief Content Officer by day), it’s about a tight-knit community in Shelter Island—and their high-stakes drama that unfolds throughout the summer. Super fast-paced and great character development. Soared through this one. Highly recommend!

P.S. Other recent books I’ve loved: the thriller about an anonymous forum for NYC moms that becomes unmasked, the non-fiction book about a frat drug ring at the College of Charleston, the memoir by a maître d' at NYC’s top restaurants, and the memoir by a personal assistant to a private equity magnate.

Best fashion buy

The downside of having a Gen Z sister (she’s 22) is being the butt of endless jabs. But the benefits are even better. Unfettered access to meme culture and fashion recs.

My sister recommended these silky beach pants, and I love them. $30, but look and feel way more expensive. The white colorway is a bit sheer, but they come in a rainbow of other colors. I’m eyeing a navy pair next!

Best beauty product

Blown away by this body butter. This body butter was actually gifted to me a few weeks ago. I turn down 99% of gifting requests. Vitamin gummies? No. Booty-enhancing shorts? No. Healthy snacks that taste like dust? No.

But a body butter from a female-founded, Bali-inspired brand? Yes.

I’m not someone who is super religious about applying body creams post-shower. This product has transformed my routine, though! I chose the lychee & dragonfruit whipped body cream…and wow. The scent lasts for multiple hours, and is delicious. Two fancy-looking Upper East Side moms said I “smelled good” in an elevator the other day. If this product gets a pass from perhaps the snobbiest group on the planet—that means it’s damn good.

Highly recommend! It would be the perfect gift for a new mom OR a tween in the heart of their Sephora era. You can use the code SMARTER15 for 15% off any product on the Coco & Eve site.

Best new Substack

I am a content consumption machine. My brother calls me a “grown-up iPad kid.” Fearful for how I’ll set screen time limits when I’m a parent. ANYWAY, that means I’m always on the hunt for new content creators who make me smarter.

Brandiose

fits the bill, and you should absolutely subscribe. Written by

Sabena

—a brand advisor and co-founder of e-commerce gifting company Boxfox—it offers sharp, weekly takes on consumer & cultural trends. No matter what industry you’re in, you will find a ton of value in

Brandiose

. I only discovered the newsletter yesterday, and have already binged all twelve editions.

Best snack

In my 20s, taste was the driving force behind my snack choices. Who cares if something didn’t have nutritional value?! I just wanted it to taste freakin’ good.

In my 30s, protein is the new buzzword. Will a snack energize me and keep me full for a few hours? Or make me want to take a nap?

These roasted edamame beans are the perfect compromise. 11 grams of protein per bag and so delicious. I particularly love the sriracha flavor. Yes, I will always be loyal to the best protein bars ever created (which really do taste like a candy bar). However, these are an excellent option if you want something more savory.

P.S. A roundup of my seven favorite protein-packed snacks. All deliver on nutrition and taste!

What are your July favorites?!

I’m always looking to discover new products—what did you love this month? Alternately, what did you buy and feel wasn’t worth the hype?

In case you missed it

• Five rights women didn’t have until very recently (that will shock you)

• Five rights women didn’t have until very recently (part two)

• Nine articles that will change the way you think about friendship

• Nine money-saving tips you’ll immediately swear by

• A dating tip to cut through the BS

• Five women who got fired and went on to forge incredible careers

• Nine articles that will change the way you approach your job

Liked what you read?

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***The fine print: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I use, love, and can’t live without.