AUGUST 2025: An Elegant Month in Review
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!AUGUST — As summer comes to a close, we made the most of the final weeks of vacation before celebrating the beginning of a new school year. Conor is entering his final year of elementary school (how does the time go so fast?) and Alice is thrilled to be back in class with her friends.
In this journey to craft a more elegant life, I’ve found that it’s helpful to plan out out different activities, events and hobbies I want to try or experience. I strive to plan something that will bring beauty, joy, art and connection — whether that’s a nature walk with my family, meeting a friend for lunch, traveling, or taking a class. So while our days may be busy with growing children, there’s still (a little) time for me to connect, create and continue to build a life I’m proud of.
If the idea of crafting a more elegant life sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to revisit this space often. You may also be intrigued by my annual Elevate Your Everyday Challenge. What is that? It’s my signature 31 day new year challenge focused on creating a vision for your most elegant year yet.
I am fortunate to share this time with wonderful likeminded women from around the world — it’s a special time I look forward to each year. Together, we define our personal values, set smart goals toward accomplishing our dreams and identify small, ingenious habits we can add to our day to create what we all strive for: a more elegant life.
If that sounds interesting to you, send me a quick note to join the waitlist for next year.
I want to take you on my journey to create my most elegant year yet, and I hope the things I share inspire you to create an elegant life you love!
Join me and take a moment to reflect on AUGUST: An Elegant Month in Review.
Building on the foundation that was set during the Elevate Your Everyday Challenge, August brought the opportunity to continuing practicing good habits while striving to embrace new experiences and make progress toward my personal and professional goals.
August is a month of new beginnings. While we strive to soak in the final weeks of summer vacation, soccer tournaments are heating up and new activities are introduced. Conor and Alice finished up swim lessons, while Conor began his fall soccer season in earnest and Alice began piano lessons. Henry has loved all the time outside, especially playing at the splash park and taking boat rides with his grandpa and great uncle.
The highlight of the month was enjoying our garden in full bloom!
Taking advantage of our tomatoes, peppers and flowers, we invited our friends over for a garden inspired dinner al fresco on our deck.
I made stuffed sweet peppers for an appetizer and Ina Garten’s summer pasta featuring our cherry tomatoes and basil. My husband grilled chicken and we served a crisp white wine. There was a burst of summer in every bite!
A wonderful dinner and conversation with friends that lingers into the beautiful evening is the apogee of summer — moments we cherish and look forward to with joy.
Do you have questions about hosting and hospitality? Drop your questions in the comments below and check back for more entertaining etiquette advice!
August began as we wrapped up our family vacation in South Haven. Once we arrived home, it was time to begin organizing fall schedules and gathering school supplies while trying our best to get to the pool as often as possible!
We enjoyed more time with my brother who was home from France, spending time with family and planning for our trip to visit him this fall. The children love playing with their adventurous uncle!
With summer vacations wrapping up, we were able to catch up with a few other friends visiting from out of town. We celebrated a dear friend’s 40th birthday at a steakhouse with a retro feel and had the sweet occasion to celebrate longtime friends who are new “moms to be”! Lifelong friends are such a blessing and being able to be there to support and celebrate each one throughout life’s milestones is something I never take for granted.
As August came to a close, we said our sweet goodbyes to summer and turned our eyes towards new routines, new experiences and new challenges as we all adjust to the new school year.
As for books and hobbies, I continued with my theme of Jane Austen and read Northanger Abbey. I don’t think there is a Jane Austen book that I don’t love, and Northanger Abbey was just what I needed. A quick read full of adventure and Jane Austen’s signature charm and wit.
APOGEE (adj.) : the highest point in the development of something
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APOGEE (adj.) : the highest point in the development of something |
After a summer break for myself, I was back teaching etiquette to families and students, helping them to prepare for the new year by encouraging their skills in good manners and etiquette.
I’m so fortunate to have a job that I love, one that inspires me to be my best and one that builds a foundation of kindness and confidence in others.
As you look toward the year ahead, remember that elegance is a state of mind; a simple and ingenious approach to a charmed life. If you desire it, you can create a life filled with beauty, elegance and connection. It simply requires a bit of intention, effort and a willingness to try something new.
Take time to plan out a few things just for you to enjoy next month. Maybe lunch at a new restaurant, meeting a friend for coffee, or trying a new hobby. Whatever it may be, an elegant life is yours to create!
What was the highlight of your month? Did you experience something new? I’d love to know!
Leave a comment and share your most memorable moments of August.
