#67. 15 things I consumed in June
espresso martinis, a very smutty book, and enough steak to feed a small village.
June passed in a blink of an eye, and we’re officially well into the summer season. I’m sitting on the Coho ferry writing this intro, not realizing that I picked one of the busiest long weekends in the US to go down and visit my friend Kelsey in Portland. Regardless, I’m jazzed for it all - for the early morning ferry crossing, for the 4.5 hour solo drive, for loading up at Target and Trader Joes, for being in the presence of an earth angel! I received some podcast series recommendations for my drive and have a couple downloaded (Escaping Nxvim and Sweet Bobby). But that’s July - and we are here to talk about June!
June was filled with many moments of connection and quality time. I was back in Ontario for almost two weeks visiting family, attending a wedding and spending the long weekend at a cottage. I also went to Tofino earlier in the month, hosted a long table dinner party and ate a lot of good food. Read all about it and more below! Just a reminder that this full post, which consists of 15 things that happened that month, 10 things on my wishlist, and 5 fun links is for paid subscribers only, but I’ve got a sweet summer deal for you to take advantage of: 25% a whole year! That’s just $3.75 a month :) I appreciate every single one of you that opens up this little newsletter and gives it a read.
📚 READ - I finished two books last month: All Fours, which was on last month’s Wishlist because I had heard such good things, and The Rachel Incident, which my SIL leant me. I liked both a lot, though now that it’s been a few weeks since reading The Rachel Incident, I am realizing that though enjoyable, it was not a super memorable read. All Fours on the other hand, will stick with me for a long time. Easily some of the wildest, most eccentric, and erotic stuff I’ve read, this book is about a woman who is approaching menopause and having some sort of deep reawakening with her sexuality. It delves into themes of marriage and monogamy, body autonomy, and the second half of life. Some of the scenes made me feel very self conscious that I was reading this book at my parents house, lol. If you liked, Animal by Lisa Taddeo, you’ll like this too.
two great reviews from Goodreads. 🎬 WATCH - The only movie I watched (in theatres and at home) in June was Furiosa: a Mad Max Saga. Chris and I have this embarrassing reputation of getting places way too early, so I’m glad I brought my eye mask with me (pro tip - go to the movies with a washed and glazed face that way you can go straight to bed when you get home) because we had about 20 minutes before even the trailers began. The movie itself was exactly what I expected it would be: an absolute spectacle chalk full of absurd non-stop action, which is most definitely NOT my usual jam; I typically like movies like Before Sunset and Blue Valentine. But against all odds, I loved Fury Road, and I really liked this movie too. It’s not just pure action - it's atmospheric and fun and preposterous. There is a compelling storyline. And though Anya Taylor Joy is no Charlize Theron, she's still pretty damn cool in this film.
🎧 LISTEN - Chris and I spent a rainy Saturday cleaning out our office, which quickly became that room that you end of shoving all your random stuff you don't know where to put into. While decluttering, we found an old iPod that we ended up charging and listening through. What a trip! Some great songs I totally forgot all about: So light is her footfall by Air, Daylight by Matt & Kim, We’re going to be friends by The White Stripes, the whole Happy to You Miike Snow album, the whole self titled The XX album… I could go on. This got me thinking it would be funny to do a themed strength class at Annex called, “Bangers from my 2008 iPod” and play it straight from the source instead of Spotify. July 24th and 26th - be there!
🍽️ EAT - it’s summer salad season, and this is one I return to time and time again. It’s Sarah Britton’s Best Lentil Salad Ever. It’s truly a classic recipe for me at this point, and one I tend to build on since it’s very minimal on ingredients (apart from the dressing). I made this at my parents house last weekend for my brother’s birthday. We couldn’t find French “Du Puy” lentils anywhere, but trust me, they are WORTH it and really elevate the salad. But these regular green lentils actually held up quite well. I added feta, toasted walnuts, and cranberries in additional to the capers and red onion. This salad keeps really well, so it’s a great recipe to make ahead.
a perfect picnic salad. 👗 WEAR - I shop second hand a lot. If it’s not second hand, it’s likely on sale. Rarely do I buy things full price. This month was no different. Everything I bought and wore, was either second-hand or discounted. Here’s a recap of all the clothes I bought last month:
The pink dress wedding - I eyed this Toit Voilant dress up at Still Life for weeks but decided given the amount of weddings I have this year, it was unwise to purchase it… until I saw it on Garmentory for about $100 off.
LOF swim suit - I teach private strength training classes to their staff and thus get a cheeky discount on these amazing suits. I got the tubular top and hi hi bottom, but eyeing up a one piece too!
Plasticana clogs - a freakishly lucky marketplace find. I wanted to buy a pair from Open House but they didn’t have my size. Lo and behalf, a pair pops up on MP for $30 cheaper and were a perfect fit.
Salomon XT-6 shoes - another cheeky discount from a sweet friend that works at Arc Teryx. Our Tuesday evening walks together just got that much better (and cuter now that we’re matching).
Sumter & Co blouse - my SIL is part of a sustainable clothing group from which she bought this adorable baby doll shirt, that didn’t end up fitting right. I gladly bought it off her! Thanks Duckie.
Iona wool sweater - just when I told myself I am cutting myself off for the month, Olann Handmade goes and has a 50% OFF sample sale on her incredible wool sweaters. She only had 4 to sell and they all went within a minute. Feeling lucky to have snagged one!
I hadn't been to Tofino since November 2022, so when I saw there were a few camp spots still available for the first weekend of June, I
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