Being close to the water was a must, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine as well.

I read a few books this month that I loved. And curated my morning routine to be more soft.

Here are the highlights of the month and the small things that made it special

Morning rituals.

Starting my morning with a short walk outside has become one of my favorite habits. For years, I was guilty of reaching for my coffee the moment I woke up, but turning 30 this year has made me more intentional about my wellness and daily routines. Instead, I’ve started taking advantage of the quiet, crisp mornings and going on a 20-minute walk, not for exercise, but to gently wake up my body, get some sunlight, and start my day feeling grounded. When I come back, enjoy a glass of water, and finally have my cup of coffee, it feels like I’ve already done something good for myself.

I wear SPF every single day, I can not stress this enough. It’s one of the most important things you can do for healthy skin, especially to prevent premature signs of aging. These sunscreens are the best that don’t break me out and don’t leave a white cast. These are a few that I love and have repurchased. Centella SPF 50 and Beauty of Joseon.

At night, I’ve been using a red light mask every other day, and I’ve noticed a difference when I stay consistent with it. It’s become one of my favorite ways to slow down and unwind.

I read some really great books this month, including a few that had been sitting on my shelf for a while. While I love reading classics and historical fiction, during the summer I find myself gravitating toward lighter, easy-to-read novels that feel like a warm hug. These books were the perfect escape and exactly what I was in the mood for.

Tom Lake, Ann Patchett - I didn’t know what to expect. It follows an ordinary family spending a summer together as the daughters become curious about their mother’s past as an actress and her relationship with a famous actor from her younger years. What unfolds is a beautiful story about family, memories, love, and the lives we choose.

The Five Star Weekend, Elin Hilderbrand- A great summer read. If you’re looking for something fun, engaging, and full of friendship, family drama, and a little romance this is perfect.

The Correspondent, Virginia Evans - I’d seen this all over the place last year, and was a bit skeptical until I gave it a try. I simply loved it. It is a heartwarming read that reminds you of the power of connection. Told through letters, it’s full of wisdom that make you reflect on life, relationships, and the people who shape us. Highly recommend. Plus, a movie with Jane Fonda in the works!

Favorite finds

I’ve been living in this set from amazon, love the stripes and it’s very comfortable. An easy everyday favorite.

This face cream is a dream, leaves my skin so smooth and hydrated.

With travel coming up next month, these set of packing cubes are a must! They also have an extra zipper for compression.

I hope you enjoyed this curated collection of my monthly favorites. These are the little things made it more special. I’d love to hear what’s been making your month better too, what have you been reading and loving? 💛

With love,

A long coffee before anyone else wakes up. Salty skin after a morning swim. A novel that somehow only makes sense in July. The ritual of an afternoon aperitivo.

The best summer destinations aren't necessarily the ones with the longest lists of attractions. They're the ones that give you permission to slow down.

Here are a few places I'd return to again and again, each offering its own version of an unhurried summer.

East Coast: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod has mastered the art of quiet luxury without trying too hard.

The mornings belong to cyclists, fishermen, and people carrying still-warm pastries back to beach cottages. Afternoons drift between dunes, bookstores, and long stretches of Atlantic coastline where reading feels like the only reasonable activity.

Order an iced coffee before wandering through local shops, spend hours on the beach with a paperback, and finish the day with oysters and a crisp glass of white wine as sailboats disappear into the harbor.

It's a place where every day follows roughly the same rhythm and somehow that's exactly the point.

Ideal for: slow beach days, bookstores, seafood, coastal walks, and endless reading.

West Coast: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

At the top of my bucket list! Always recommended by friends who have already visited. I think this is a hidden gem that landed on the California coast.

There are no giant hotel towers or flashy nightlife. Instead you'll find winding streets, hidden courtyards, art galleries, cafés, and beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

Begin with coffee and a fresh pastry before walking the shoreline. Spend the afternoon exploring galleries or driving stretches of Highway 1, then settle into an outdoor terrace for an aperitivo while the marine layer rolls in.

Everything feels intentionally small-scale and charming.

Perfect for: coastal drives, cafés, galleries, sunsets, and quiet luxury.

Mountains & Lakes: Lake Tahoe

For those who believe summer belongs in the mountains and want to escape the summer heat.

Lake Tahoe offers alpine mornings, clear water, pine forests, and afternoons that invite you to alternate between swimming, hiking, and doing absolutely nothing.

Bring a book to the lakeshore, find a café overlooking the water, and let the day unfold without much planning. The evenings are cool enough for a sweater and a glass of wine outside.

There’s something about the mountain air that has a way of slowing your thoughts.

Ideal for: hiking, swimming, mountain cafés, lakeside reading, and cool evenings.

Italy: Ischia 

Italy in summer can be wonderfully chaotic—but Ischia still knows how to be gentle.

Beyond the famous villages are quiet seaside towns where mornings begin with espresso standing at the bar, afternoons disappear beneath striped umbrellas, and evenings revolve around the simple ritual of an aperitivo overlooking the sea.

Order a spritz. Share focaccia still warm from the bakery. Read until the light changes.

There is very little urgency here, and that's exactly what makes it unforgettable.

A perfect day requires almost nothing: coffee, saltwater, a good novel, fresh pasta, and enough time to watch boats return to the harbor.

Ideal for: seaside villages, espresso culture, swimming, long lunches, and golden-hour aperitivos.

The destinations we remember most rarely have the busiest itineraries.

They become memorable because they give us space to return to ourselves.

Maybe it's simply to find a café where the coffee is excellent, the view asks nothing of you, and the afternoon stretches just a little longer than expected.

Bring the book you've been meaning to finish.

Order another spritz.

Stay until sunset.

Would love to hear what are other destinations you would include?

Thanks for reading,

Catalina

Carry-on - no matter how long the trip, I stick to a carry-on. Even for weeks away. I used to overpack, bringing tons of clothes I never wore and ended up lugging around dead weight. Now I pack smart, light, and intentionally. Traveling with just a carry-on makes your trip more efficient by saving time at baggage claim and reducing the risk of lost luggage. Plus, there’s that peace of mind that your luggage is with you at all times and you can leave the airport as soon as you land. (post on packing hacks coming soon).

Tech pouch - All my chargers, adapters, and airpods go into one organized pouch.

Compression socks- This one is life changing! Why didn’t anyone tell me about these sooner? They’ve seriously changed how I feel post-flight, less tired legs, less knee pain and I feel way less tired when I arrive at my destination, there’s something about the keeping blood flowing that helps with all of this.

A big tote bag - I swear by Longchamp’s totes. Roomy, lightweight, folds up easily, and fits so much. I’ve recently upgraded to this newer version that’s a bit larger in case I want to bring back more things from the trip and it’s also perfect for weekend getaways.

Lip balm - Say what you will, but nothing beats classic Vaseline. It’s so simple and always effective even for when my lips get crazy dry. I haven’t gone back to regular chapstick.

Sleeping mask - A must for long flights. I recently started using one and it’s helped me a ton to beat jet lag by letting me sleep more on flights whenever I can. I used to not be able to sleep in public spaces but I soon learned the huge difference sleeping can make while traveling so that you land refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Snacks - Self-explanatory. Never depend solely on airplane food. A few of your favorite bites go a long way. I usually pack protein bars, a trail mix and something sweet.

A light scarf or soft cashmere for winter - Planes tend to have blasting a/c. I always bring a cozy scarf to stay warm, comfy, and to avoid catching a cold. Bonus: it doubles as a pillow or blanket in a pinch and you can wear it on your trip at night if it gets chilly.

Kindle / Book - I’m always reading something. I always bring a book or preferably my kindle which I love! Another game-changer, it holds plenty of books without compromising storage and it’s a great distraction while waiting on airports or just to enjoy a good read while traveling.

Advil - because you never know, I’d much rather travel with them than needing them in a different country and not knowing where to buy them.

Compact mirror with LED light- Hotel lighting isn’t always ideal. This little mirror is perfect for touch-ups or full glam, especially before events or a night out.

Makeup bag-   I keep it very simple and just use the necessary to look fresh after long hours of travel. Concealer for under eyes love this one, I use it on itself on a daily basis and works wonders, a little bit of bronzer and cream blush and a bit of eyeliner and you’re good to go.

These are the things I’ve found myself reaching for again and again, whether it’s a short flight or a long one. They make the journey a little easier, a little more comfortable and they help me settle in wherever I’m headed.

Hope you enjoyed this little peek into my travel routine. These things have made a big difference for me. What do you never fly without?

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I’ve gathered five places that don’t just promise escape. They offer a sense of peace, wonder, and gentle return to self.

Here are my top 5 destinations for this summer. Each with its own unique vibe, ready to meet whatever your heart is seeking. Whether you want to bask in serene coastal beauty, dive into vibrant culture, or find quiet in nature’s embrace, these places promise more than just a getaway. They offer an experience to remember.

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

There’s a timeless rhythm to the Amalfi Coast.
Pastel villages cling to cliff sides, citrus trees perfume the breeze, and the sea sparkles like a jewel.
Here, you can slow down. Eat slowly. Breathe deeply.
Wander Positano’s stairs, sip espresso in Amalfi, or simply sit and let the Mediterranean lull you back into peace.

Perfect for: Dreamy couples, slow travelers, and lovers of sun-drenched elegance.

2. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is more than a destination it’s a feeling.
A temple bell in the distance. A rice paddy shimmering in morning light. A smile offered freely.
In Ubud, the soul stirs quietly. In Uluwatu, waves crash with purpose. In every part of the island, the divine feels close.

Perfect for: Those seeking spiritual quiet, lush nature, and warmth in climate and in people.

3. Banff, Canada

Sometimes beauty isn’t loud, it’s vast.
In Banff, the mountains stretch high and still, as if guarding something ancient.
Lake Louise mirrors the sky in turquoise. Trails wind through pine forests where time doesn’t rush.
Even silence feels like company here.

Perfect for: Nature lovers, introspective souls, and anyone needing to remember just how grand the world can be.

4. Santorini, Greece

Santorini feels like a dream someone painted in blues and whites.
Sunsets here don’t just set, they melt into the sky.
Dinner by the caldera with local wine, toes in warm sand, bells echoing across the island’s quiet it feels like summer holding your hand.

Perfect for: Romantics, photographers, and seekers of slow, stunning evenings.

5. Tokyo, Japan

At first glance, Tokyo pulses with energy, lights, trains, people, sound.
But beneath the neon is something softer: a bowl of ramen at 2am. A quiet shrine in a hidden alley. A hydrangea garden blooming in the middle of it all.
Tokyo shows you that peace and excitement can live in the same breath.

Perfect for: Curious minds, solo wanderers, and those who find joy in contrast.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed these summer destination ideas. Soon I’ll be sharing more destinations, itineraries and travel tips that have helped me travel with ease and comfort.

Where are you planning to go? I’d love to hear!

Happy travels!