Elizabeth's Best: Best Ever You Things Worth Sharing | August 2026

Each month, I share a few of the books, movies, songs, products, places, and experiences that are bringing a little extra inspiration, joy, comfort, and meaning to my life. Think of this as a peek into what I'm currently reading, watching, listening to, using, loving, and exploring.

I hope you'll discover something new, revisit an old favorite, or find a little inspiration along the way.

📚 Reading: The Book of Joy

Some books arrive at exactly the right time. This month, I'm reading The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their conversations about joy, compassion, gratitude, resilience, and finding peace in everyday life are thoughtful, uplifting, and deeply inspiring. It's one of those books I'm reading slowly because I don't want to miss a single insight.

Why I Love It: It reminds me that joy isn't something we find someday—it's something we choose to cultivate every day.

🎬 Watching: The Bear

I'm finally catching up on The Bear, and I completely understand why so many people love it. Beyond the fast-paced restaurant world, it's really a story about family, leadership, healing, purpose, and learning how to move forward after life's hardest moments. It's beautifully written, brilliantly acted, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Why I Love It: It reminds us that growth often happens in the middle of chaos—and that caring deeply is both our greatest challenge and our greatest strength.

🎬 Now Listening: Kacey Musgraves (Golden Hour)

If you love the grounded, poetic comfort of classic singer-songwriters but want a sound that feels entirely modern and elevated, this is the album you need to experience. Golden Hour is a literal breath of fresh air—a rare masterpiece that bridges the gap between timeless acoustic storytelling and breathtaking, high-end production.

Why I Love It: It takes the simple, ordinary beauty of daily life and turns it into something cinematic. It features shimmering acoustic guitars, warm pedal steel, and delicate modern textures that completely slow down the world around you. It is sophisticated, deeply soothing, and utterly stunning from start to finish.

The Standout Track: Stop what you are doing and listen to "Oh, What a World." It balances a futuristic vocal intro with a gorgeous, earth-bound acoustic rhythm that forces you to pause, breathe, and appreciate the wonder of just being here.

💄 Using: Laura Geller Line Smoother

Every once in a while, I discover a product that quietly earns a permanent place in my daily routine. This month, it's Laura Geller Line Smoother. It glides on effortlessly, helps create a smoother-looking complexion, and provides a beautiful base for makeup without feeling heavy. Sometimes it's the little things that help us feel a bit more confident and put together.

Why I Love It: It helps me look a little more rested and refreshed while still looking like me. I'm all for products that enhance our natural beauty rather than trying to change who we are.

💙 Current Obsession: The Blueberry Collection by Sheepscot River Pottery

There is something incredibly special about filling your home with functional art. This month, I am absolutely in love with the hand-painted Blueberry Collection from Sheepscot River Pottery, crafted right on the coast of Maine.

Each piece features vibrant, hand-brushed wild blueberries and deep green vines against a crisp white glaze, making every single item completely unique. They bring that cozy, coastal cottagecore vibe straight to your everyday routine.

Why I Love It: Beyond being stunning to look at, these ceramics are heavy, durable, and fully made for daily living. They are completely safe for the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. It is the ultimate luxury when high-end art is tough enough for everyday use. They instantly bring the warmth and charm of coastal Maine into everyday life.

🌿 Exploring: Maine Wild Blueberry Season

Nothing says August in New England quite like peak wild blueberry season. Unlike ordinary cultivated blueberries, Maine's wild varieties are smaller, packed with intense flavor, and completely native to the rocky, glacial soil. It is the perfect time to get outside, explore local barrens, and taste the true flavor of the state. For me, blueberry season isn't just about the fruit—it's about celebrating one of Maine's most iconic traditions.

Why I Love It: It is a brief, beautiful window that connects us directly to the land. Whether you are combing through a pick-your-own patch or visiting a roadside farm stand, it forces you to slow down, look closer, and enjoy the sweetness of summer.

The Best Ways to Experience It Now:

• Pick-Your-Own Farms: Spend a quiet morning at local spots like Crabtree's Blueberries in Sebago or Giles Family Farm in Alfred to fill a bucket straight from the bushes.

• The Wild Blueberry Weekend: Plan a road trip for the annual statewide celebration on August 8–9, 2026, where dozens of wild blueberry farms open their gates for free tours, tastings, and fresh pies.

As we move through this month, I hope you take a moment to slow down, look around, and find the quiet joy hidden in your own daily routines. Whether that means getting lost in a beautiful book, listening to a song that makes you breathe a little deeper, or simply enjoying your morning coffee from a favorite mug, remember that a beautiful life is built from these exact ordinary moments.

Thank you so much for reading and being part of this community. I would love to hear from you—what is bringing you comfort, inspiration, or a bit of extra joy lately? Drop a comment below and share your current favorites with us!

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino