🇺🇸 Happy July, and happy 250th birthday to the United States!

These long summer days feel so precious, don't they? I'm trying to soak in every moment, eat all the summer foods, and do all the Summer Things like picnics and hikes and farmer's markets and nights on the patio.

At the same time, can you believe we're already halfway through 2026?

It doesn't seem so long ago that we were making a few New Year's Resolutions, and now it's July.

This mid-year marker feels like an opportunity to check in with myself and consider whether I'm spending my days on what matters most.

If you want to join me, here are 4 questions I'm pondering this week:

1. What's bringing me the most joy right now?

Since we moved across town last August to be closer to family, I've been able to spend much more time with loved ones. Moving after 20 years in one house was challenging, but the payoff has been huge!

2. What has been taking too much of my time or energy?

I don't have to think long about this. Honestly, I'm embarrassed by the amount of time I waste online reading meaningless social media posts and news articles that make me feel upset. This is a struggle right now, and I know it's unhealthy.

3. Is there a big goal I still want to accomplish before the end of the year?

I'm writing a new cookbook (about special brownies, blondies, and bar cookies!), and my goal is to finish it on time, with excellence.

4. What can I simplify to make more time and space for what matters?

If I can stop wasting precious time online, I'll have at least 7 to 10 hours more each week to spend on far more meaningful activities. I'm working on this, and welcome your strategies!

How About You?

What would you like to have more of, and less of, in the second half of this year?

What has been bringing you joy, and what do you want to simplify?
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I'd love to hear your thoughts, so hit "reply" and let me know about your hopes and plans.

Until then, here's to filling the second half of 2026 with good things and moments to treasure.

Warmly,

P.S. You might also enjoy "Do You Have a Look Forward List?"

Eliza Cross Owner, Happy Simple Living ​Read my story​

THE HAPPY LIST 🌻

Fun finds, helpful tips, and small joys

🍨 Sweet Treat: Nigella's no-churn Salted Caramel Bourbon Ice Cream is the ultimate summer indulgence.

✈️ Travel Dreams: Check out the 19 most beautiful libraries in the world.

🦭 Meet Chonkers, the giant sea lion who has been drawing crowds at a San Francisco pier.

💚 Instagram crush: MustLoveHerbs is Lauren May's love letter to the wild flowers and plants of rural Appalachia. You'll love her whimsical cakes and cookies, and her lovely home and gardens.

🙃 Laugh lines: This spoof commercial for "The Guide Cat" is classic British humor!

🍓 The new Dirty Dozen list is out. Read it before you shop for fruits and veggies!

☮️ Experts say this enjoyable 20-minute ritual lowers stress and activates your brain's reward center.

✅ Quotable: "It's never too late to be what you might have been." - George Eliot

The BEST Homemade Iced Coffee

Make a batch of our easy Cold-brew Coffee Concentrate, and you can keep it in the fridge for the best iced coffee whenever a craving hits!

Got Bindweed?

Bindweed, shown above, almost looks pretty as it climbs and twists around plants and chokes the life out of them.

If this pesky, persistent weed is winding its way into your garden, read these tips for 7 natural ways to get rid of bindweed.

🌱 Bonus: You'll never look at bindweed quite the same way after you read about the one incredibly positive use this weed has in modern medicine!

Preserve the Sweet Flavor of Summer Peaches

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This was incredible! Super easy and so delicious!" ~ Martha G.

Capture summer in a jar with these Easy Peach Preserves, bursting with the naturally sweet flavor of ripe peaches.

This quick-cooking recipe uses less sugar than traditional peach jam, so the fresh fruit flavor really shines.

Berry Delicious Raspberry Crumble Cookies

These yummy Raspberry Crumble Cookies are one of our most-downloaded recipes this month!

You'll love the buttery flavor and raspberry jam centers of these sweet, chewy cookies.

It's National Pickle Month! Let's Snack on Bacon-Wrapped Pickles!

If you haven't tried pickles wrapped in bacon, you're in for a treat!

From our site for bacon lovers, you'll love this recipe that combines tasty, savory bacon with crispy, zingy pickles. Dill ranch dip takes the flavor over the top.

These appetizers always disappear fast at a party. Try 'em and see!