July has been so much kinder weather-wise than June was, so I can’t say I’m sad to see the over terrible temperatures disappearing in favor of rain showers. BYE JUNE. With June gone that also means that we are in serious Disneyland countdown mode. Like, 3 months. PLUS that means that our 5k is only 3 months away as well (and as of the holiday, less than that…eek). However now that I’m not as sick as I was for the end of June, we’ve started training for it for reals. Aww. yiss. Now that the complainin’/countdowns are out of the way, let’s look at what made June pretty flipping awesome (over 100 temperatures aside).
The Month
→ It was our 3 year dating anniversary!! Andrew surprised me with a trip to New Bern the weekend before and then on our actual anniversary we went dancing and had a delish dinner at Brasa. I’m still dreaming of that grilled pineapple. Just a few days after our anniversary, Andrew started his new job since receiving a promotion at work. He had to look extra sharp that day, so obviously we chose a cute happy shark tie to complete his ensemble.
→ Andrew’s taste in flowers has significantly improved over the years! This is the arrangement he surprised me with on our anni!
→ I tried my hand at making some homemade jam and it was AMAZING. I made a chia seed strawberry jam that was sweetened with just a little maple syrup and it was a SO much easier than I thought it would be. According to Andrew I am now required to have the fridge stocked in it.
→ As always, some prettiness that I encountered in June.
→ Technically this will actually be happening in July as of the last few days of June I found myself itching to try and make a skirt. Eventually I’d really like to make some that are semi-similar to those at Pinup Girl Clothing but at way less cost. However while browsing Hancock’s for skirt fabric, we found the fabric above and then the pattern above and then I was going to make a full dress. I’m kind of an “all or nothing” person. My mom was a seamstress for a time and has made the majority of my Halloween costumes, so I plan on enlisting her help to make this a reality. Per her, “For your first big project, it’s better to have supervision.” What this really means is: “Shantelle, you can sew by hand but I can’t leave you alone with my machine or you’ll manage to break both the expensive fabric + my machine.” We’ll see how it goes!
PS – can anyone help with styling skirts? I suck at it/think I’m just a dress girl.
The Articles
• Do you like adorable animation from overseas studios? Then read and watch this for the cutest thing you’ll see today (other than you).
• I grew up wanting to be a flight attendant and this article only encourages it.
• I am SO PUMPED for Disney Springs to be complete! It seems like with each new detail announced my excitement grows (because it does).
• A little clickbait for you! An entire town is for sale and it looks pretty awesome. Find out even more info on it at the town’s site.
• Need help trying to exercise in a better place (rather than just because you hate what you feel/look/whatever like)? This article is kind of perfect. It’s a hard road, but it’s better than not going down it at all!
• More on body image: Melissa McCarthy is amazing and I want to meet her and give her a hug.
• Lastly, CUTEST OCTOPUS EVER IT HAS FLOPPY EARS:
Well, after walking 6 miles in the last two days (send help) I’m going to go nap. Haha jk I wish, I’m actually going to do more homework and sit in the AC for as long as I can.
How was your June? 
Wishing you adorable octopi and sub-100 temperatures,
Shantelle
PS – I hope y’all enjoyed your holiday weekend!
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