The Best Thing...
Things that feel like June, a newsletter
I’ve always struggled to choose a favorite month, but June holds a special place in my heart for one life-changing reason—it’s the month I became a mother. It’s not just about Ollie’s arrival (how is he already six?!), but about the feeling June brings. The slow, lazy drift into summer. Hazy, humid sunsets that linger just a little longer. The sticky warmth of skin after a full day outdoors. Late-night ice cream runs because the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon until 8 p.m. Sitting on the porch, watching thunderstorms roll in with their electric energy. June is pure magic.
Below you will find what I am reading, wearing, and cooking lately.
A Book That Feels Like June…
I’ve read this book countless times, and with each reading, I uncover something new. Ann Patchett is an author you’ll either deeply connect with or struggle to engage with, but for me, her work feels like a private diary come to life. Her writing invites you into the minds of her characters with an intimacy rarely achieved in literature, offering a perspective that feels personal and profoundly human.
The Dress…
This DRESS! I wore this to Ollie’s birthday party, and let me tell you—she’s not cheap. But here’s the thing: as I approach 40, I’ve made a commitment to invest in timeless pieces that will stay in my closet for years to come (God willing, and as long as the creek doesn’t rise—or my waistline expand). This dress is one of those pieces.
The stitching alone exudes quality, and don’t even get me started on the fabric. It feels handmade, luxurious, and when you spin, it gives you that magical sensation of being a princess twirling through a meadow of wildflowers. And let’s be real—no matter how old we are, every woman deserves to feel that way every now and then.
Find the frock here. I am wearing a size XS. (5’6”, 125lb, B bust).
Simple BBQ
The BBQ from Ollie's birthday was a total hit, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. It’s become my go-to this time of year when I need a quick meal (we’re talking under 20 minutes) and want to avoid turning on my stove—aka "The Blue Lady" (yes, I named my stove, but that’s a story for another time).
Here’s the secret: parboil your chicken. Fill a large pot with water (leave some room at the top) and generously salt it. Boil your chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the water, let it cool, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Now, drain the pot, toss the chopped chicken back in, and smother it with your favorite BBQ sauce (I’m partial to the classic Sticky Fingers BBQ). Serve it on a soft Hawaiian roll with a dollop of coleslaw for that perfect crunch. Pair it with some corn on the cob, and voilà—dinner is served! Simple, quick, and everyone will love it.
New Found Obsession
When were yall going to let me in on the fact that there’s a zero-sugar water out there that, if you close your eyes tightly while sipping, you can almost convince yourself it’s a mixed cocktail? I’m obsessed with the subtle, refreshing flavors and have been drinking them nonstop. Plus, they look adorable and very "summery" in this kitchen.
*Side note: I get asked pretty frequently about my weight, figure, and exercise routine, and a big part of that is limiting my alcohol intake. I will have a few glasses of champagne once in a blue moon, but outside of that, I rely on fun mocktails. I’ve been mixing in fruit with these, which gives me something fun to sip on and satisfies my need for bubbles.
BUT IN OTHER NEWS: Champagne is also good for us?! Chris’ mom sent me this article the other week, so sip on ladies…sip on.
Because Everybody Needs A Little Puddin’
On days when I need the ultimate comfort, I turn to this banana pudding dessert. It's simple to make, no-bake, and everyone will love it—including yourself. And when it comes to these summer months, when the kids are out of school and in your hair, just know it's perfectly acceptable to steal said pudding from the fridge, escape to a closet or the bathroom, plop down on the cool tile floor, and eat it by the heaping spoonful before reentering society. You'll be better for it. I promise.
Find The Recipe Here, or over at JuliaCurated.com
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
5 oz package instant vanilla pudding
3 cups cold milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 oz cool whip, thawed
4 medium bananas, sliced
Vanilla Wafers
Directions
In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or using a handheld mixer, beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla pudding mix, and three cups of milk on medium for 2 minutes until well combined. If the mixture is lumpy, the cream cheese was too cold. To fix this, step away and let it warm up naturally for a few minutes. Stir in vanilla extract and half of the cool whip container. Gently fold the cool whip into the pudding mixture using a spatula.
If you're new to folding, check out this excellent tutorial. Folding involves gently incorporating ingredients, but there's a technique to it.
In a 9 x 9 casserole or trifle dish, start by layering a level of vanilla wafers, followed by bananas, and then the pudding mix. Repeat the layering with wafers, bananas, and pudding mix. Once at the desired level, top with the second half of the cool whip. Crush some vanilla wafers and sprinkle on top. Enjoy immediately, refrigerate leftovers - it's a fantastic make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day!
This dish is incredibly versatile for presentation. You can create single servings in mason jars to share at gatherings. I also enjoy topping it with fresh fruit and sprigs of mint, especially for Summer celebrations.
What I am up to this weekend…
Adventuring with Ollie and decorating for July 4th. If you are in the market for a beautiful frock for the 4th, I am IN LOVE with this one. Linked here.
Have a lovely weekend, remember to enjoy life. Sip champagne slowly while rocking on the front porch with a good book. Bake yourself a good pie, make love if you can, and drink plenty of water.
Warmly, Julia.
Link Round Up
Dear Julia - I grew up in Staunton, and although it was a great place to be as a child I didn’t always think of it as stylish. I love reading about the panache, charm, and whimsy you bring to your life there. Kathy