Soaking up the Last of Summer

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Hello friend,

The days are a little shorter. Wasps buzz around flowers in the garden that are starting to wilt and retreat. Back-to-school is on the horizon. Yet we want to hold onto as much summer as we can. So I’ve curated five brands that say summer to me, in very different ways. I hope you enjoy them.

The unofficial end of summer comes with the energy of September. If you’re in need of a reset, a way to transition from the slow, sleepy days of July and August to the quickened pace of September, the Fall Discovery Box may be the perfect tool. There’s just one week left to order. Get yours today!

Thank you to this week’s sponsor, Simple. As always, I’m appreciative of the support. As you explore my latest finds, I hope you will experience them in a new context. As you may know, US tariffs of 50% are now in force across many product types that women entrepreneurs sell. Each of the categories I write about: fashion, beauty, wellness, food & drink, art & home, were hit with new 50% tariffs in one way or another. As always, I encourage you to shop the products I write about to support the women who bring them to life. It’s never been more meaningful to do so.

Thank you!

 This beauty of a dress is perfect for the hottest months of the year. Throw a blazer over your shoulders, and it can carry you right through to October.

It’s 3pm. You’re sitting at your desk. You’ve been running back and forth to meetings in the heat all day. You casually raise an arm to do a sniff test. Gasp! The good news is, there’s something new to make you feel shower fresh, without the shower.

There are few things more satisfying on a hot summer day than sparkling water on ice. Have you ever considered how far the water in that bottle or can has travelled to quench your thirst?

Indigenous plants like wild rose petals and rosehip are the foundation of this skincare line, created to do more than soothe the skin. It also calms the heart.

Country roads. Flocks of sheep. Open fields. Sunny skies dotted with fluffy clouds. These scenes of pastoral bliss captured on tiny canvases speak to a trend toward simple living. We love it.

Time is running out to order your Fall Discovery Box. It’s a treasure trove of items from some of the exceptional woman-owned brands I’ve written about in the newsletter.

There are six beautiful items. The total value is $350. Subscribe to receive the quarterly box, and you get nearly 50% off the items inside.

Why offer these items to you at such great value? Because I want you to try them. I sincerely hope you find new favourites and continue to shop from the women who work tirelessly to bring incredible products to life.

The Fall Discovery Box is inspired by Bridget. Can you relate?

Watch this space for five quick things to make your life a little richer.

You don’t have to be a teen to appreciate the latest YA series on Prime. Sterling Point, is set in Muskoka and captures its essence in so many ways.

Donna Dooher from Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is just the loveliest person. When I stumbled on her recipe for Peach Galette made with her “five-star pastry,” it made my day. I hope it makes yours too.

The promises of GLP-1s can be compelling. But what about the side effects?

Want the fresh flavours of summer to last through the seasons? Make herb bombs!

Harry and Meghan are moving back to the UK. Can you imagine how the British press will respond?

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Last week the newsletter was about things simple and fancy. I featured a pearl-focussed jewellery brand called More Varied; a solid dish soap from Make Nice Company; wine from Niagara’s Tawse Winery featuring a woman winemaker; three-step skincare from Somerset Moss; and puzzles featuring Canadian women artists from Villager. Get the Simple + Fancy issue here.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we start to look at Fall fashion, beauty trends, home decor, and food, all befitting of my favourite season.