National Lipstick Day on July 29th encourages you to wear your best color. For some, lipstick is the only makeup requirement. Whether sheer and light, dark or bright, July 29th calls for all kinds of lipstick.
Throughout the ages, controversy surrounded lipstick. British Parliament banned it in 1770 calling it a devilish attempt to trick men into marriage. In some circles, lipstick was associated with witchcraft. Occasionally, lipstick contained poisonous materials.
It is said Sarah Bernhardt created a scandal by applying “lip rouge” in public. Surprisingly, George Washington supposedly wore lipstick. While Queen Victoria considered wearing lipstick impolite, one of her statesmen had a different opinion. During World War II, Winston Churchill thought the lip color boosted morale in an excellent way.
Of course, versatility is lipstick’s brand. It changes with a mood or with the scenery. Whether lipstick defines your attitude or channels your inner spirit, wear it on July 29th. No matter your style, lipstick adds a subtle accent or a bold statement. Let your lips speak. However, punctuate it with your lipstick.
NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY HISTORY
In prior years, National Lipstick Day celebrations occurred on an annual basis with no declaration. As of 2016, beauty blogger, entrepreneur and International Businesswoman, Huda Kattan was named the modern-day founder. Follow Huda on Instagram for expert beauty tips and use #nationalipstickday.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLipstickDay
While you flaunt your favorite lip color, pucker up. Take a photo. Give us your best tips and tricks. What’s your favorite color or brand? Share what you love about lipstick on social media using #NationalLipstickDay.
The ruby, July’s birthstone, has symbolized passion, protection, and power for millennia. Valued for its vivid red hues and remarkable durability, the ruby remains a timeless choice for romantic gifts and heirloom jewelry.
What Is a Ruby?
Ruby is a red variety of corundum prized for its deep crimson tones, high brilliance, and a 9 Mohs hardness that makes it ideal for everyday jewelry. The finest rubies—often called “pigeon’s blood”—come from historic mining regions and command premium prices for their color and clarity.
Symbolism and Meaning of the Ruby
Across cultures, rubies have represented life, vitality, courage, and protection. In ancient India rubies were called “ratnaraj” (king of gems) and were believed to ensure safety and wisdom. The stone’s red color naturally links it to blood and fire, making it a powerful symbol of strength and endurance.
Ruby and Romance — Why Rubies Are a Romantic Gift
Red is the universal color of love and desire, so rubies have long been used as tokens of devotion. From royal betrothals to modern engagement rings and anniversary gifts, rubies communicate passion, fidelity, and emotional warmth—perfect for July birthdays and milestone celebrations.
Historical Legends and Famous Rubies
Rubies have shaped myths and royal histories worldwide. Sourced historically from Myanmar and other notable regions, famous rubies often traveled along trade routes into Europe and Asia, becoming royal heirlooms and objects of legend tied to status, protection, and romantic lore.
Buying and Gifting Tips
When choosing a ruby, prioritize color and clarity—rich, vivid red hues are most valuable—along with cut and carat for balance. Consider certified stones for large purchases. Rubies make meaningful gifts for anniversaries, engagements, and July birthdays; pair them with simple settings to highlight the stone’s color and meaning.
As July’s birthstone, the ruby blends beauty with layered symbolism: passion, protection, and enduring love. Whether set in a ring, pendant, or heirloom piece, a ruby remains a romantic, meaningful choice that speaks across generations.
Show off an heirloom or purchase a new piece to celebrate your birth month. They are also a popular gift for Valentine’s Day. Rubies are also the gem of choice when celebrating a 40 year anniversary. Shae your favorite on social media with #JulyBirthstone and #Rubyjewelry.
National Anti-Boredom Month during July encourages us to identify what makes us bored and find ways to combat it!
July was selected, according to the founder Alan Caruba, because after July 4th, there’s not much going on and it’s the hotter part of the summer break from school. That’s no excuse to experience boredom during July, though.
When fending off boredom, it’s important to know what the symptoms are and why we get bored. We often associate being bored with having nothing to do, but that’s not always the case. Many times, we have plenty to do or are even doing it, but the task at hand does not stimulate our minds. It may be repetitive or not challenging enough.
When this happens, we can become irritable, tired, or begin to not care about how well we do a task. We may also seek out stimulation to relieve the boredom. Depending on what we seek, it may be good or bad for us; We can form good habits or bad addictions.
Play – A great approach to beat boredom is to play board games. Get active – Exercise not only stimulates the mind, but it also helps to transform the environment and enhances health. Visit a museum, read a book, or enroll in a class to learn. Clean – Cleaning up a crowded closet, cabinet, or even garage gives you a little sense of satisfaction. Cooking provides us two ways to feel pleased since we can make it in our own kitchens using foods we like. Be creative — Even if you don’t often produce, attempting can help break the cycle of boredom. Volunteer – Sometimes we have to reevaluate why we were bored in the first place after helping someone who needs something more than we do. Visit a friend or neighbor to be sociable. That includes you, kids! cousins, aunts, or uncles
HISTORY
In the late 1980s, Alan Caruba created National Anti-Boredom Month as part of his on-going boredom themed efforts.
Finding creative and healthy ways to beat boredom will improve our everyday lives. Once we’ve identified our causes, approach boredom with a set of positive challenges or stimuli to keep it at bay.
Try these and ideas and more to beat boredom. Share your best approaches by using #AntiBoredomMonth and follow on social media.
July arrives in a blaze of sunshine, backyard gatherings, and patriotic pride. As the heart of summer, this vibrant month invites us outdoors to enjoy long days, warm evenings, family vacations, and community celebrations. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to beach trips, barbecues, and festivals, July captures the spirit of adventure and togetherness that makes summer unforgettable.
This year, July carries special significance as Americans continue commemorating the historic America 250 celebration, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Communities across the nation are hosting special events, educational programs, concerts, historical exhibits, and patriotic gatherings leading up to and surrounding Independence Day on July 4. The milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor those who shaped it, and celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy.
July’s birthstone is the radiant ruby, a gemstone long associated with passion, courage, and prosperity. The month’s birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily, both symbols of positivity, grace, and joyful living. Those born from July 1 through July 22 belong to the nurturing and intuitive sign of Cancer, while birthdays from July 23 onward fall under the confident and charismatic sign of Leo. Famous July birthdays include author and activist Helen Keller (June? Actually June 27—not July, avoid), astronaut Neil Armstrong (August), so use: author Ernest Hemingway (July 21), artist Frida Kahlo (July 6), actor Tom Hanks (July 9), inventor Nikola Tesla (July 10), and former President Gerald Ford (July 14).
Summer fun reaches its peak in July. Families flock to beaches, lakes, and parks while communities host outdoor concerts, farmers markets, county fairs, and sporting events. It is the perfect month for camping under the stars, watching fireworks, enjoying fresh seasonal produce, and creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re exploring a new destination or simply relaxing in your own backyard, July offers countless opportunities to embrace the season.
As the nation celebrates independence, honors history through America 250, and enjoys the pleasures of summer, July reminds us to appreciate both our heritage and the simple joys of the present moment. So grab your sunglasses, gather your family and friends, and make the most of every sun-filled day. Here’s to a jubilant July filled with celebration, discovery, and unforgettable summer memories.
If you need some fun activities here’s a page out of my book….
World Watercolor Month is observed annually in July.
Watercolor (watercolour, aquarelle) is a beautiful medium that has captivated people around the globe for centuries. Today, artists are producing amazing paintings each day, and sketchers have popularized the medium as a wonderful way to add life and color to drawings of the world around them.
World Watercolor Month is a celebration to inspire people to paint with watercolor while raising awareness for the importance of art and creativity in the world. Anyone can join the celebration from master watercolorists to people just starting out! Simply tag your watercolor art with #WorldWatercolorMonth and share it for the world to see! This celebration is also a benefit for The Dreaming Zebra Foundation! You can also join in celebrating by donating watercolor supplies to support underprivileged young artists worldwide! With your help, we can provide much-needed support for kids in need. Visit www.worldwatercolor.com to learn more!
Charlie O’Shields, the creator of Doodlewash®, is the founder of World Watercolor Month. His own love of the medium led to the creation of a blog and social artist movement dedicated to promoting and connecting the vast community of watercolor artists all over the world. The blog has featured hundreds of artists sketching and painting with watercolor on all seven continents. According to Charlie, “There’s something magical about watercolor, and it’s my passion to bring all types of watercolor artists together to celebrate each other’s work and the medium we all love!”
Take the Ultimate Challenge: Make 31 Watercolor Paintings in 31 Days!
Haven’t tried watercolor before? Give it try for the first time this month!
It’s even more fun to paint with friends, so plan a picnic or sketch walk in your local city and paint outside together.
Have your kids try watercolor painting (and paint with them, of course!)
Support a watercolor artist you enjoy by purchasing one of their beautiful pieces or products for your home.
Share the watercolor work of other artists you love.
Commit to making a watercolor painting or sketch each day during the month (or whenever you can join), and share your work with #WorldWatercolorMonth when posting your art! (and use the hashtag to view the work of other watercolor artists around the world!)
