What I Loved July, Summer Beach Reads + Weekend Sales

July, for my family, means spending weeks up at Lake Tahoe and taking the time to visit our beautiful California beaches. With long summer days, and limited Wi-Fi – it’s the perfect place to lose myself in a great book. I always have a long list of “want to reads” lined up on GoodReads – selecting just one, is the most difficult part!

Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins and The Husband’s Secret, by Liane Moriaty were perfect beach reads. I’m currently reading The Primates of Park Avenue, by Wednesday Martin; which is proving to be very clever, and full of good laughs.

Next up, on my summer short list:

Eight Hundred Grapes, by Laura Dave and The Royal We, by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. Both of these reads were recommended by my friend Jennifer Lundberg, author of Finding Fruit, blogspot. Jen has been my go-to over the years, for great book recommendations – she’s yet to pick one that I don’t throughly enjoy. Thanks Jen! xx

This week, fellow blogger Freya Hooper, author of One Great Book, just threw another book, onto my must-read list;

Happily Ali After, by Ali Wentworth.

In Freya’s own words; “This book is Ali’s musings on parenting, marriage and wellness for a mom over 40. From a family trip to Iceland, a “negotiation” with her husband over who will pick up their daughter at camp, to a first attempt at Botox, Ali does not hold back on the real stuff we deal with every day. She and her husband (George Stephanopoulos) may be famous, but they are not immune to the real life ups and downs of relationships with each other and their kids. A great look at everyday life … only a lot funnier!”

“If you are 49, own a dog, have kids and a husband, well you just found your summer read. Lighthearted fun.”

Freya’s full review of Happily Ali After can be found over at One Great Book, HERE.  Jennifer told me Happily Ali After was on her list of books to read as well –  I’m thinking it’s a winner!

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Next up, I read an incredibly touching post this past week, by Melissa Menzies of YummoMummo.com.

Don’t you love her already, lounging in her fabulous high-waisted, retro bikini, while vacationing in Hawaii this summer?

You may recognize Melissa from past posts on AskSuzanneBell; Get the Look for Less and Let’s Go Shopping. Melissa, a Global Ambassador for the Body Image Movement (BIM), published a heartfelt, incredibly honest post this past week; “Why I Said Bye-Bye to My Scales” – hoping to inspire women and girls to change the things you can, and to accept the things you cannot. She talks about how, in this past year, she has learned to celebrate herself, have fun with herself and highlight what she loves about her body – to celebrate her delicious pear shape.

To read Melissa’s  full post and learn more about the BIM, click HERE

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On Wednesday, I shared AskSuzanneBell’s fab drugstore beauty buys.  If you missed the post, click HERE

After reading the post, an AskSuzanneBell reader, Rita, wrote in with a list of her favorite drugstore buys to share, here ya go!

Love to hear about other’s drug store favorites, here are some of my favorites:
Jordana lip liners ( great colors; and great price point).
Cera V hydrating cleanser cleanser in moisture deep (best cleanser of my skin type, old / combo)
Nivea in Shower (excellent moisturizer)
Sweet Almond Oil (dark circles)
Topix Pharm Glycolix Elite Facial Cream (excellent glycolic acid cream)
Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream (excellent moisturizer)

Thanks Rita!

My #1 must have drugstore buy for July is:

I heard from many readers, how much they love this product!

One reader asked if it tightens the skin. For me, not really. I would compare it more to a line/pore filler – like a makeup primer, but more! I wear it alone or with makeup, and it acts like an Instagram photo filter.

Here I am, up close, wearing only sunscreen and Revitalift Miracle Blur.

I usually don’t post #nomakeup shots, but I really like this product – there ya go!

I had planned to post 30 Days of Outfit Inspiration July for today, but with all the sale happenings going on this weekend, I didn’t want you all to miss out! Be sure to pop back Wednesday for AskSuzanneBell Instagram Outfit Ideas: July Favorites

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Next Up!

Weekend Sales!

Whohoo!

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, retailers are dumping summer merchandise to clear out, for new fall arrivals. Lucky for us Californians, we still have months of hot weather ahead – now is a great time to shop!

Living in an area that actually gets four seasons? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still on, with prices going up on 8/3.

My favorites from the Anniversary Sale are:

Kendra Scott pieces including the Rayne Pendant ( I bought the turquoise)

I love all the Gorjana pieces, especially the short Tanner necklace, shown here with the long pendant from Gorjana, also now on sale.

Current Elliott frayed bottom cropped jeans (I am thinking we will see more of the frayed bottom looks, this coming fall).

DVF leopard print long cardigan – a statement piece for work and play!

TopShop hooded cardigan in grey.

Charles David kitten heel pumps, also available in black.

Ivanka Trump tie pump, love the grey and black – more colors available.

You can find all my Anniversary Sale picks and links, in my shopping post HERE

Nordstrom Rack Clear the Rack Event is on now, in stores and online.

Take an extra 25% off already way reduced redlined, clearance items throughout, the store.

My daughter and I found boatloads of shoes to choose from, for Back to School – done!

More big sales on now:

I love Calypso, and now take an additional 30% off newly added sale styles

Anthropologie continues to markdown and clear out! Loads of markdowns online and in stores!

I picked up this maxi and turquoise necklace for a steal during the Anthropologie Tag Sale earlier this month. I’ve already worn this dress on multiple occasions, I love the colors!

and this Corey Lynn Calter skirt for under $30.00

Whatever you may have planned, wherever you may be,

I hope you enjoy this weekend, to it’s fullest!

Cheers!

XOXO

Suzanne

A Quick Note on www.AskSuzanneBell.com

Looking for a past post on beauty reviews, stuff for tweens, everyday style or dressing room reviews? Find these, plus my Instagram slide show of daily outfits, current pins on Pinterest, sales events and happenings all on the AskSuzanneBell.com website home page HERE.

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