PERSONALIZED MEMORY GAME

November 19th, 2015

Pinhole Press Personalized Memory Game Details | Where is June?

I am just a little bit excited about our Christmas gift for our two year old nephew. Ok, a LOT excited!  You might remember Brecken and his little darling face!  I made him a book for his birthday with the faces and names of our family!  I thought it would be a great way for him to stay connected with his cousins and his aunts and uncles.  San Diego is far too far.

We want him to think of Seattle and the PNW as his second home.  For his Christmas gift, I created a Personalized Memory Game with a little help from Pinhole Press.  The game has 24 cards {12 matching pairs}.  I used pictures from my Instagram account, choosing quintessential Northwest images.  The Space Needle, the Seattle Great Wheel, apples, a ferry boat, Safeco Field, snowy mountains, an island beach, Husky Stadium, the Blue Angels, the Pike Street Market sign, the old Boeing barn, and the Seattle skyline.

Pinhole Press Memory Game | Where is June?

I love the robots on the back and it only took a few minutes to create this one-of-a-kind gift.  The game can grow with him.  Starting out with a smaller amount of matches to find and building up to all 24 cards.  My boys are looking forward to playing with him.

Memory game and game tray | Where is June?

The game comes packaged in a darling box.  Perfect for a game shelf or a tray so it is easy to grab and play.

Pinhole Press is pretty fantastic.  I also love: the Ice Cream Social Gift Box & the Magnetic Weekly Notepad

{Memory Game c/o Pinhole Press.  I sincerely love their brand and products!}

 

EARLY GIFT IDEAS: HOLIDAY 2015

November 16th, 2015

2015 early gift giving | Where is June?

Every year I vow to shop early and reduce the stress during the month of December.  In year’s past, Thanksgiving arrives and I have done nothing.  Somehow, this year, I am well on my way and already have a few gifts tucked away in hiding.  I am sharing the love today.  How about a few items that are probable to be total winners?!

LADIES//

On-the-go power & the cutest pom-pom hat around.

GENTS//

A puffy blanket & a carry-on cocktail.

KIDS//

A darling Bluetooth speaker, an interactive map, thumbprint art set, and a drone copter.

 

IN THE DETAILS- NO. 17

November 13th, 2015

In the Details No 17 | Where is June?

I feel it.  The anticipation that begins to build as the holidays approach.  In the last couple of years I have dreaded the season {which is extremely unlike me}, but this year I feel energized by the thought of spending time with family and friends, building memories with my boys, and the festivities that come between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  In the weeks to come I hope to share that excitement with you!

Things that inspire and interest me this week, heavily influenced by Buenos Aires:

1.  A simple fall place setting.

2.  The most amazing butterfly chairs at the most amazing shop in Palermo.  I wanted to bring this baby home!

3.  How beautiful is this little spot?

4.  This holiday wreath belongs on my front door!

5.  I fell in love with this chalkboard wall.  The lettering, the design, all of it.  Plus, it was the store front of a speak easy in Buenos Aires.  Well, done.

6.  A Caipirinha in the mid-afternoon sun is perfection!

7.  Ummm, this outfit is on point!

 

HELLO, NOVEMBER

November 10th, 2015

Hello November |Where is June?

We just arrived home from Argentina yesterday.  It is spring time in South America.  Warm and sunny.  Quite a contrast to the November we have in the Northwest.  Regardless, of the weather, it is time to embrace deep autumn and prepare for the upcoming holiday season.  Here a just a few fall themed ideas to get you in spirit!

Hello, November.

Monochromatic tablescape with pumpkins and antlers.

An outdoor dinner. {Risky but gorgeous!}

The ultimate fall cheese plate.

Place cards for dinner.

 

IN THE DETAILS- NO. 16

October 30th, 2015

in the details no 16 | Where is June?

I am so, SO excited for the weekend.  I love to watch my boys prep for Halloween night.  The night is really not my favorite, but they are totally into it and seeing them happy is always a good thing.  I had not allowed mini-sized candy into my house until this week.  And for good reason!  Who can resist a Snickers bar?  Not me, obviously.  Sunday afternoon we are Buenos Aires bound.  {Whaa?}  One whole week of exploring the South American city, eating steak, drinking Malbec, and maybe a little hiking and dancing the Tango thrown in for good measure.  I won’t be posting here on the blog next week, but please follow my trip and adventure on Instagram.  {@seattlejune}

Haircut follow up:  You know when you go on a blind date and the minute you meet him you instantly know he is “the one”?!  Yep, pretty much the same thing with my new stylist.

A round-up of things that inspire and interest me this week:

1. Anyone been to Buenos Aires?  We would love any recommendations.

2.  To know me is to know I am obsessed with cross-body bags.  The fringe on this bag is everything!

3.  Do you follow Garance?  We would be best friends if I lived in NYC.  Her new book is out this week.

4.  To travel is to live.

5.  First item to go on my holiday wish list:  these gloves.

6.  Peanut Butter Crispy Bars.  That’s all.

7.  A large graphic print fills a room with interest.

 

DILEMMA: CHECK OR CARRY ON?

October 28th, 2015

check or carry on luggage | Where is June?

We leave for Buenos Aires in just four days.  {Pinch me!}  One of my dear friends, who we are traveling with, has issued a challenge.  Carry on luggage only.  My husband has wholeheartedly accepted the challenge for me after lugging my enormous suitcase around Italy for two weeks.  I will admit that I packed too much on our trip to Europe.  We were gone for fifteen days and I had no idea what to take with me.  Now I have a better idea of what I like to wear in a large, international city.  It also helps that it is spring time in South America, so I won’t need big bulky clothing.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not going to be easy to do.  I am beginning to formulate a plan.  I think dresses will be my saving grace. However, what do I do about shoes?  Or outerwear?  Or beauty products?  The beauty products alone are nightmare.  Damn 3 oz. rule!  {I strongly believe that rule is discriminatory toward women.}

So I have to ask:

Do you carry on or check your luggage?  If you carry on, what are your tricks?! 

 

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE JARS

October 27th, 2015

Cookie jar | Where is June?

I wrote a guest blog post last week featuring a yummy dessert.  I thought I would share it here as well.  These little jars make great individual treats.  Give them as a gift and your friends will think you are the best!


 

I don’t know about you, but I fall victim to anything sweet.  I love desserts that look amazing, taste delicious, but are are simple and easy to make.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Jars, simply a chocolate chip cookie baked in a jar and served ooey and gooey, are perfect in any season.  However, they are particularly awesome this time of year.  There is nothing better than a little something sweet after a delicious fall meal.  Plan to serve them with a big Sunday dinner or make them mid-week for a special treat!

Here is a quick break down:

1. Start with your favorite chocolate chip recipe.  In a pinch, I use the Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. {Trust me!  No one will know it is a mix.}

basic cookie dough | Where is June?

2.  Fill 4oz jelly jars approximately 1/2 full with prepared cookie dough.  You don’t need to grease the jars.  Just spoon in the dough.

cookie in a jar prep | Where is June?

3.  Place jars on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.   You want the just the edges to be golden brown.  Don’t over bake!  The centers will collapse a bit as the cookies cool.  Don’t worry!  This creates a perfect spot for that scoop of ice cream!

baked chocolate chip cookie jars | Where is June?

If you plan to bake and eat them right way, give the jars 20-30 minutes to cool down.  You don’t want to try to hold the jar when they are hot!  A scoop of salted caramel gelato puts these babies over the top, but vanilla works too.   These are also great to bake ahead of time.   Just remember to microwave them for a 10-15 seconds before eating.  It is just too sad not to eat them warm!

 

FITNESS GOALS: JOIN A TEAM

October 26th, 2015

join a team | Where is June?

Typically I tumble into a fitness rut in the fall.  I launch the kids into a new school year and then begin to hibernate.  Last year I found it near impossible to pull myself out of it come spring, so I knew I needed to do something different.  I think age has a lot to do with and I have learned I can’t really take “time off”.   There is no bouncing back anymore, so my commitment to fitness must be steady.

In an attempt to break my nasty fall habit, I joined a TRX Team in early September.  The team ran for six consecutive weeks, meeting 3 days a week for an hour.  Our final class was last Friday.  Our fearless coach asked us to send her a testimonial regarding the team and our experience.


 

My testimonial:

I joined the TRX team in hopes that my historical fall slump could be avoided.

I have found that the commitment has been exceptional for me in many ways.

1. I had noticed that my focus on cardio exercise, namely running, had left me with little to no arm and core strength.  I began to see definition return within the first two weeks of the class.  I can only imagine how strong I will be by the end of six weeks.

2.  I have structured my days around the Team workout and have found I am extremely productive.  All areas of my life have benefited from a structure and schedule.

3.  I don’t weigh myself, so I can’t measure my progress in pounds.  I can measure it in energy.  I feel great all day long, including the afternoon when typically I slump.  I have been sleeping great and my clothes are fitting quite comfortably.


 

I am stronger, much stronger, six weeks later.  Additionally, the team increased my productivity and my energy.  For me the real work begins today.  Without the structure of a team I will need to be self-motivated.  My plan is to create my own weekly schedule, so that I have an allocated time and activity for each day.  Wish me luck!

In the end, accountability to my coach and fellow teammates was great motivation.  While we didn’t all have the same goals, the support and encouragement from the other women on the team was just what I needed to keep showing up.  Do you have fitness goals?  Whether big or small, I strongly suggest finding a team.  Find an established team or form your own.  Heck, form a team of two.  Just you and your bestie training for a 5K or taking 30 yoga classes together.  In the end you will be strong, happy, and connected.

 

IN THE DETAILS- NO. 15

October 23rd, 2015

In the Details No 15 | Where is June?

What do you have planned for the weekend?  I am looking forward to taking the kids to get pumpkins.  Our beloved farm is open again and so we are making the trek for pumpkins, mini doughnuts and cider!  I couldn’t be happier!  Little Man wants to make cut-out sugar cookies, so I will dig up the fall cookie cutters and whip up the dough today.  I love baking with the boys.

A collection of things that inspire and interest me this week:

1. This room screams cozy and comfortable.  Those woven IKEA poufs are pretty awesome and totally affordable.

2.  Stacks of baskets.  Wouldn’t these be great for blankets?  Or possibly a smaller one to hold TP in the bathroom?

3.  If you have tape and spray paint, you can start and complete this pumpkin DIY in no time!

4.  OMFG!  I am still obsessed with having a neon light somewhere in my house.

5.  A Dia de los Muertos inspired skull candy bowl is spot-on!  {And only $12}

6.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Jars.  They are perfect!

7.  Hoping this little white jacket fits perfectly.

PS//  I had to reschedule my hair appointment.  Getting it cut this week.  I will update accordingly.  xoxo

 

GUEST BLOG POST: CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE JARS

October 22nd, 2015

Cookie jar | Where is June?

I wrote a guest blog post today for a fellow Seattle area blogger.  Brenda, creator of From Me With Love, just had a baby and needed a little time off. I was happy to help her enjoy a little extra time with her baby.

I shared a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Jars.  Pop on over and read the entire post.  {They are the absolute perfect dessert!}

 

Where is June?

 

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