Birthday Traditions & Summer Delights | July ’25 Delights

How was your July? Mine had gladiolas, strawberry cream cake, vegan ice creams, a birthday queen crown, a fun GPS gadget, and so much more fun.

July is my birthday month, so naturally, it comes with a few traditions. Gladiolas, strawberry cake, a birthday crown, and little presents to myself all made an appearance this year. Add in plenty of summer fruit, vegan ice cream, a few fun discoveries, and July turned out to be a very delightful month.

Here are my July '25 delights. See all Monthly Delights →

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1. BLOOMS: Gladiolas - My Birthday Flowers

July means gladiolas. Always has, always will. They're my birthday flowers - knockout red, every single year. This year I also followed my new tradition: placing a single gladiola in my room from the start of July. A daily reminder that my birthday was near. Pure anticipation.

2. CAKE: Vegan Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

Strawberries and birthdays just belong together for me. Maybe it's their color? Either way, I've decided my birthday cake will always involve strawberries.

This year I baked a smaller version of Bianca Zapatka's lemon strawberry layer cake. It turned out phenomenal. And yes, I decorated it with gladiolas.

3. BIRTHDAY: Queen Crown & Traditions

Another new tradition joined the list. Along with my beloved banner, blooms, and cake, I now have a birthday crown - a headband that says "birthday queen." A little over the top? Maybe. But it made me feel so special on my day.

Add to that incense coordinated with my zodiac sign (the packaging alone was gorgeous), and the whole thing felt downright royal.

4. GADGET: GPS Smart Watch for Running

Birthday presents from myself to myself? Always.

I'd been looking for a smartwatch that could track running routes well, let me program interval training, and even store music so I don't have to bring my phone. I treated myself to the Amazfit Balance and couldn't be happier. A little chunky on my wrist, but otherwise perfection.

5. FRUIT: Summer Fruit Rainbow & Mango Season

July was overflowing with fruit, and I ate as much as I could. Cherries too - they didn't make the photo, but their stems did (I dried them for tea).

I also played around with infused water recipes and found some new favorite flavor combinations.

End of June and early July brought the Kent mango variety back in season, and I dried the skins once again for later use.

6. BEAUTY: Frozen Cucumber Hack for Glowing Skin

One of the best hacks I've tried: freeze half a cucumber. Take it out for a few minutes, then rub the cut side over your face. Instantly refreshing and de-puffing. You can slice off a little piece now and then when the surface gets dull. The cucumber lasts for weeks. The cheapest, chicest beauty tool ever.

7. ICE CREAMS: Organic Vegan Ice Cream Finds

With the big July heatwave, I craved more ice cream than usual. Luckily, there were plenty of new varieties to try.

All pictured are organic (from Denns) and highly recommended. The NaschNatur ones are sugar-free but still taste amazing (with a light date flavor). The cones were a happy surprise too - Italian gelato will always be my favorite, but now I have an organic option I enjoy.

8. COOL: Neck Cooling Tube Review (Heatwave Essential)

Speaking of heat: this funny budget-friendly gadget saved me. You wear it around your neck or under a hat, and it instantly chills. Lightweight, cheap, and now my summer travel essential.

Neck Cooling Tube, Reusable, Wearable Gel Cooling for Summer Heat, Hot Flashes, Freezer Below 64.4℉

by XINHOME

List Price: $ 7.99 You Save: $ 0.40 (-5%)  Price: $ 7.59 ($ 7.59 / Count) VIEW ON AMAZON →

9. SWEETS: Vegan Caramels & Pistacchio Chocolate

The vegan caramel candies were… fine. Sweet but not very caramel-y, and not nearly sticky enough for my liking (bought at Rewe).

But the Ombar pistachio bar was heaven. Dark, creamy, pistachio-rich perfection (found at Denns).

10. BOOK: Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Review)

If you haven't read this yet, take this as your sign. I picked it up again after years and was reminded how good it is. Bronnie Ware's life is fascinating, and the wisdom she collected from hospice care is deeply moving. Motivating. Life-affirming. Exactly the kind of book that lingers.

And that was July. August, let's see what you've got.

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If you're in the mood to chat: What was special about your July?

Enjoy,
Ramona

♥

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