look in the lost and found

Where is your [          ]?  The blank can be filled with sweatshirt, backpack, lunch box, hat, kendama.  You name it, my kids have lost it.   When our elementary school career started four years ago, I was not the picture of calm when Big W would bound out of the school doors missing an essential item. Honestly, there was usually a freak out on my part and tears for him.   As a Kindergartner it would often be the largest thing he carried to school everyday, his backpack!  [That we could usually find in the classroom.]  Everything else had to be searched for in the lost and found.   Have you ever dared to peek at an elementary school's lost and found?  Good gracious!  It is not for the faint of heart.  The sheer volume is staggering.  We could clothe a small village of children from our lost and found alone.

With two boys at school to loose their stuff,  it seems I am there multiple times a week this year.  Gone are my freak outs!  I calmly march them inside to sort through the piles of sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, and hats.  [While quietly biting my lip so I won't mutter, "How is it possible that you lost your sweatshirt again?"] Somehow we have found every item lost this year.  I am sure many have not been so lucky.  Or the poor mothers don't even know it is missing.  Time is ticking and before you know it the school doors will be closed and those precious items will be gone forever.  Double check your house for items you haven't seen around in a while and then tell them, "You better find your stuff!"

[folded lost and found items.  sweatshirts and coats three or four deep on two long tables]

layered bracelets

layered bracelets by juneheartsfashion

Summer tanks and maxi dresses are calling out to be accessorized.  There is nothing better than wearing simple earrings and a stacked wrist!  I love that you can layer many kinds of bracelets together.  Mix and match.  The more the better.  Scrounge around in your drawers and jewelry boxes and find bracelets that you haven't worn in a long time.  Play with different combinations until you find one you like.  The stack can change with your mood or your outfit.  It is all about having fun.  Go for it.

Feeling inspired?  Snap a pic and Instagram your stacked wrist.  [Tag me. @seattlejune]

edgy stack from Target
feminine stack from Biscuit
boho stack [Pura Vida] from Metropark
statement stack is [one fabulous, over-the-top piece] the Hermes Alchimie Bracelet 

beauty basics: prep

beauty basics: prep by juneheartsfashion

As I creep up on forty, my skin needs a little more assistance to look its best.  I have never been one to buy into a system of facial products and actually stick to it.  My interest wanes and then I have a ton of products [sometimes expensive] under the sink that never see the light of day.   Has this ever happened to you?  

In my quest to keep it simple, but also have great looking skin, I have found four products that I use every day that actually work for me.  

1.  metrogel 1%

This is by prescription only from a dermatologist.  I battle adult acne [Nothing better than wrinkles and zits, right?].  This antibiotic gel, in combination with oral antibiotics,  has it under control.  It is light, weightless and non-drying.

2.  Murad Oil-Control Matifier spf 15

I have found my skin much oilier in the past few years.  Without this lotion, my face would be a shiny mess! I use it on my forehead, nose, and chin.  It helps keep shine at bay and helps my make up last into the afternoon. 

3.  Garnier Skin Renew/BB Cream

This is a new addition, but an absolute keeper!  With just a small amount of this cream, my skin tone is even and dewy.  Who doesn't love that?

4.  Garnier Skin Renew/Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller

This is my most favorite prep item!  Thanks to my Italian heritage, the circles under my eyes are dramatic!  This silky cream goes on easy.  Two quick swipes under each eye and I begin to look like a live human again. 

With these four products, and a quick eyelash curl, and I can go about my day and not be startled when I look into the mirror.  

What are your go-to beauty prep products?  

in the kitchen-a weekly plan

Why is it so hard to get dinner on the table the last few weeks of the school year?  I managed to get my act together last week! I hope these meal ideas and my notes help you with at least one dinner this week. 

Meal 1::
Best-Ever Barbecued Ribs and Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

I have posted about these ribs before, but this time we were able to throw them on the grill.  Seriously, the BEST ever [the title does not lie!].  The macaroni salad was excellent as the side.  Great for cookouts or potlucks. 

Meal 2::
PF Changs "healthier" Lettuce Wraps

I used San-J Gluten Free Thai Peanut Marinade and Dipping sauce instead of the Hoisin and Bragg Liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce. [Two easy swaps and this is gluten free.]  I doubled the sauce portion of the recipe but didn't mix it in with the turkey.  I simply put it in a bowl so we could put a little sauce on each wrap.  These wraps are packed with flavor-you won't miss any of the fat!

Meal 3::
Spicy Fish and Potato Soup

A light and easy to make soup.  Don't skip the celery leaves, chives and bacon on top.  They make the soup go from good to fantastic!

Meal 4::
Chipotle Short Ribs and Tangy Cabbage Slaw

My grocery story did not have boneless short ribs.  The butcher suggested flat iron steak cut into 2-inch pieces instead.  He did not steer me wrong!  Throw this in the slow cooker and dinner is ready when you are.  Full of flavor, and great when paired with the tang of the slaw. 

{Images 1 and 2 by Where is June?}
{Images 3 and 4 by Raymond Hom for Real Simple}

ten things about me.

A few years back everyone on Facebook was sharing 25 things about themselves.  I played along.   Some of my "things" don't fit anymore.  I hated diapers and thought Diet Coke had the perfect amount of carbonation.  Both of my kids have, fortunately, been potty trained and I gave up Diet Coke a couple of years ago.  While life has changed [and kids have grown], much of my list is still as true today as it was when I wrote it four years ago.

10 things about me.

1. I am a curly haired girl who spent much of her 20's fighting it, but have now found a way to embrace it.

2. I regret not backpacking through Europe after college. I was TOO determined to get a job...because that is what you were "supposed to do". Always doing what you are supposed to do is totally overrated!


3. Although it is RIDICULOUS how much designer jeans cost, from a cost per wear comparison it makes MUCH more sense to spend $100+ on jeans that you wear all them time [Can you say mom uniform?] than it does to spend the same amount on a special occasion dress that you wear once! Thus, I have my rational for spending WAY TOO much on jeans. 

4. Motherhood is hard. Period. 

5. I want to learn how to surf and actually look good doing it! 

6.  I wish women would be easier on each other. We spend too much time judging, comparing, being envious, and sometimes being simply cruel to other women...those we know and those we "think" we know just by looking at her.

7. I think of clothes as a way to paint your personality.  Your clothes tell a story of who you are...are you daring, sophisticated, practical, sporty, tired, fun!? Don't underestimate the power of visual communication!

8.   I would be one happy girl if I could work out every day.

9.   I dream of traveling to Italy with my husband. I hope sooner than later!

10. I think about a cold Thursday night 17 years ago, at a dingy bar called Dantes, a heart broken girl saw a boy and had the guts to talk to him! How could she know she was about to have her first conversation with the man who would someday be her best friend and husband and the father to her children? She just knew she had to try again because she was certain there was someone in the world she could love and who would love her back! He proved her right!
(Plus, she needed a cigarette and was too cheap to buy a pack of her own.) 

Have a GREAT holiday weekend.   

{Photo by Elise Liptack}

mom uniform :: road trip

road trip by juneheartsfashion 

Road tripping this weekend?  Me too!  Comfort is key, but you need to look presentable once you arrive at your destination.  Easy, cozy pieces [like yogo studio pants and a tissue tee] are essential for comfort.  Throw on a few accessories and a jean jacket and you are good to go!  Classic Chuck Taylors are casual cool and practical. 

Team Thomas is headed to the Canadian Gulf Islands.  I can't wait!  [Look for out and about posts next week.]

Where are you headed for the long weekend? 

guys read

We are entering the gray area of the school year.  Not yet over, but motivation is diminishing [on all fronts.].  We have to keep them reading!  Finding a book they are excited about is key.  I wanted to share with you the titles of two series that are huge hits in our house!

little guys read: Elephant and Piggie

Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems are some of Little Man's favorites.  They are great for new readers.  The text is simple and predictable.  The story lines are easy for kids to relate to and the characters are hilarious!  The newest title, A Big Guy Took My Ball, arrived on our doorstep this week.  We highly recommend these books for kids of all ages. 

big guys read: Wings of Fire

Wings of Fire [Books 1 & 2 so far....] is series about five dragonettes, baby dragons, with a destiny to save their world.  Big W, almost 9, was hooked from the first page.  He devoured the first two books and has been anxiously awaiting the release of the the third installment, due out in June.  My oldest is a reluctant reader, so if he is jazzed about this series I can only imagine that many others would be too.

What books do your kids love to read?

Remember, Guys Read, is a great resource to find books boys [and girls] will love to read.
[Read about other favorites in hour house here and here.]

hawaiian macaroni salad

The long weekend is just days away!  Is there a barbeque in your future?  This Hawaiian macaroni salad is the perfect side for ribs, burgers, and other grilled fare.  Simple ingredients and a bit of tang. 

Hawaiian-Style Macaroni Salad [recipe via Spoon Fork Bacon]
Serves 3 to 5
Ingredients
1/2 lb. elbow macaroni
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 rib celery, cleaned and diced
1/4 red onion, diced (about 1/3 cup)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1- 1 1/2 teaspoons bonito flakes (2 1/2 tablespoons canned tuna, drained)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
salt and pepper to taste

1. Fill a large pot with water, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt and the macaroni and stir.
2. Boil macaroni for about 12-15 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
3. Place mayonnaise, bonito flakes, vinegar, and mustard (if using) in a small bowl and stir together. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fold carrots, celery, onions, and mayonnaise mixture into the bowl of macaroni and stir together until completely combined.
5. Place mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour and adjust seasoning before serving.

We served macaroni salad with these ribs over the weekend.  Delicious.

{photo by Where is June?}

dont's for husbands: general habits

My Dear Sir,
You are neither as bad nor as good a fellow as you imagine yourself to be.

1.- General Habits

Don't take it out on your poor wife every time you have a headache or a cold.  It isn't her fault, and she has enough to do in nursing you, without having to put up with ill-humour in the bargain.

Blanche Ebbutt.  1913

{image via}

cooperative subjects.

I am smack dab in the middle of a fairly intensive photography course.  My mind is swimming with new vocabulary, settings, and functions.  I have weekly assignments, which I submit for critique, that ask for me to find cooperative subjects.

I thought it might be comical to share with you a few outtakes of my "cooperative" subjects.  Taking pictures of my boys is a full contact sport.   

[Just a note.  These are straight of my camera with no editing. Also, the colors may seem odd because my assignment included experimenting with picture style.]

This is the picture I submitted for critique.

I am learning.  Let them be as nuts as they want to be and just keep clicking.  Every once in awhile you catch a great moment.

[And on the flip side, I love the outtake shots!  Gotta love them for who they are, right?]

watch your mouth!

"Watch your mouth or I will wash it out with soap!" Bring back any memories?  Let's call it throw-back mothering.  And, yep, I have shouted that a time or two in the last few months.  It seems my boys [9 and 6 years old] know all the major swear words.  Super!!  My sweet little babes have the knowledge to swear like a trucker. 

Is there a more effective tool than a bar of soap?  I think not.  I use good old Dove soap to wash my face, so I had a bar available when I needed it.  [Luckily it appears that my boys are quick learners.  Once was enough, thank you very much!]  However, most modern day moms only have liquid soap around the house.  So what is a mother to do?  A friend recently shared her swabbing technique when a bar of soap is not handy.  Simply squeeze a small line of Dawn dish washing soap on your index finger and swab the inside of their mouth.  [An alternative would be to rub the soap on their front teeth.]  I could not stop giggling as she described her method!  If only our kids knew the enjoyment we get from discussing their demise.  Evil I tell you, pure evil. 

What techniques do you use to dissuade your children from swearing?

Old school methods are effective, including throw back snack service.  Why fix it if it isn't broke?


image via

what's for dinner?

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken.

This was gobbled up last night in no time flat!  My husband was thrilled because Chinese food is one cuisine that is not gluten-free friendly!  [It just so happened this recipe was gluten free.]  My kids loved it too. 

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
 

The chicken coating:
3-4 boneless chicken breasts
salt + pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

The sweet and sour sauce:
3/4 cup sugar
4 tbs ketchup
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp garlic salt

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. Rinse your chicken breasts in water and then cut into cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken into the cornstarch to coat then dip into the eggs. Heat your 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet and cook your chicken until browned but not cooked through. Place the chicken in a 9x13 greased baking dish. Mix all of your sweet and sour sauce ingredients in a bowl with a whisk and then pour evenly over the chicken. Bake for one hour and during the baking process you will need to turn the chicken every 15 minutes.

high five, bro

I fear I have two young boys that might try a few of these things at some point in their lives.  [I pray I am no where in the area when they do!]

haPpY Wednesdsay....

Where is June? meets Oh Joy!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Joy Cho, from Oh Joy! I read her blog every day and I am blown away by her creativity and talent.  Not surprisingly, she was warm, kind, and damn right cute!  Her blog represents her perfectly.  

Joy was hosting an event at the Seattle [Downtown] Anthropologie to celebrate the opening of their one and only, brick-and-mortar Petites Shop.  Petite sections are usually miniscule.  Anthropologie went all out.  Jeans, dresses, tops, jackets!  The choices are endless.  [This girl has found her home away from home!]  Champagne cocktails, shopping, and treats from Ballard's Hot Cakes made for a great night out. 

PS.  Petite girls can rule the world!

I didn't pack along my big girl camera, so the three images above were snapped with my iPhone.  The beautiful images below were taken by Phil Chester Photography.

 

a weekly plan-top meals

It has been so great to be able to share my weekly dinner plans with you!  The feedback I have received has been so postitive!  We are all so, so busy and having a plan for dinner makes it easier to eat well and stay sane!  Last week was unusual.  The amazing weather kept us busy [in a GREAT way!] all weekend, so I fell short on making my own plan for the week.  With out-of-the-ordinary sunshine, multiple evening events, practice schedules, and my husband out of town on business....I barely pieced together our meals.  So, I decided to share recipes that were reader favorites and one of my own.  [I have had kale, avocado & egg toast multiple times since posting about it!]

Have a great week!  If you haven't tried these recipes they are all delicious and worth putting on your menu.  

Potsticker Burgers

Asian Fried Quinoa

Shrimp Tacos

Skillet-Poached Hueovos Rancheros

Pancake Muffins

Kale, egg, avocado toast
 

[images via recipe sources.  all links included]

they made me a mom.

 [these monkeys make me a mama]

Oh yes! They are completely crazy, but they are mine. They made me a mom.  Nothing has been the same since I held my little men in my arms.  Instant love.  Nothing has ever made me so happy.   I know you feel the same. 

My hope is that you are celebrated in every way this weekend!  Celebrated for making lunches, signing permission slips, reading books at bedtime, planning birthday parties, playing chauffeur, doing the laundry, finding a lost toy, calling the furnace repairman, going on field trips, cheering at games, working extremely hard at your "other" job in the outside world, burning the candle on both ends, worrying you are doing right.   Celebrated for being kind, graceful, loving, loyal, committed, fierce, beautiful and real.  Happy Mother's Day to all of you!  xoxo
{P.S.  I love you Mom!}

And the text from my very first blog post in 2009.  I was just a mom trying to survive. And so [Where is June?] was born. 

Ever think you are the only one?

Why blog? Because the cool kids do it? No, I want to write as a form of free therapy! Often times at the end of the day, I wonder if I am the only one that needed to send a child to his room 8 times for not listening and talking back. Or if any other mother had to add a lock to the door into the garage so that her toddler wouldn't sneak out to sit in "daddy's car"! Or if am the ONLY ONE who feels like the hostess, waitress, cook, bus boy, and the dishwasher. And no one ever seems to leave a tip!

If you would like to "listen" in....I am happy to share! Any advice? I would be happy to take it!

playing dress up.

Many of you saw these pictures posted on Facebook earlier this week and I wanted to give you all the back story.  I am passionately working to launch [Where is June?] in an all new space, with a brand new look.   Part of my vision was to have a few professional pictures on the blog.  Pictures that reflect who I am and my love of life. The self-portraits with my iPhone weren't working for me anymore.  I asked Elise Liptack {elisemariephotos.com} to take the photographs, but I honestly had no idea how amazing the entire experience would be for me.

First of all-I love clothes, shoes and accessories.  Elise suggested I bring more than I would need and I went for it.  Choosing my favorite pieces from my closet, I tried many combinations until I found four outfits I loved.  I placed them all on my bed with shoes and jewelry...it truly was like playing dress up!

The session started at Swink Style Bar in downtown Seattle.  Isabella worked some serious magic with my makeup.  I asked for her to keep it natural.  The shading, lashes, and overall glow was just what I wanted!  I am a naturally curly girl.  Knowing that I wanted my hair down, I requested that Isabella just polish up my curls.  Seriously, my hair has never looked that good.  My Tuesday was off to a great start!

Elise took pictures for over an hour, but it felt like a matter of minutes.  She made me feel comfortable and beautiful right away.  After the first few shots, I instantly felt more alive.  Witnessing her creativity and the love of her craft was inspiring.  She gave me a sneak peek of a few pictures on her LCD screen.  I was overwhelmed with appreciation for the time I had with her.  

I honestly believe that everyone woman should do this for herself.  It was the most affirming and lovely morning I have had in a long, long time.  If you are like me, every time you see a snap shot of yourself all you do is find all the things wrong with how you look.  Now is the time for you to see the beautiful woman everyone else sees when they look at you.  While I realize most of you will not plan an individual photo shoot, consider some alternatives. The next time you have family pictures taken, have your hair and make up done and ask for a few shots by yourself.  Or ask a trusted friend, who is great with a camera, to take photographs of you.  I know you will not regret it.  At least promise you will think about it.

{I was moved by the outpouring of kindness from my family, friends, and even strangers.  Thank you to all who sent me an email, a text, or commented and liked the sneak peek that Elise posted.  xoxo}

what's for dinner?

Roast Chicken-Chipotle Nachos!

I have posted about these nachos before and I stand firm.  Hands down, these are my all-time favorite!

They are a breeze to make [ready in less than 20 minutes] and a family favorite.  Last night I didn't have sour cream on hand, so I simply topped with Wholly Guacamole and it was perfect.  A plate of these and a mid-week margarita.  Dinner is served!

nailed it: nude + gold

nailed it: nude + gold by juneheartsfashion

 I splurged for a manicure yesterday.  A picture from Pinterest was my inspiration.  However my nail beds proved to be very short.  [That is a really nice way of saying I have stubby fingers.]  The ombre glitter look just wasn't working.  So, through collaboration with the manicurist we decided upon a nude color (OPI/Bubble Bath) and gold sparkle tips.  The Art Club nail brush was extremely fine. It seemed easy enough to paint a very thin line just on the tips.  I am loving my spring inspired nude + gold manicure.  Hoping it lasts for more than a day.

[Inspiration photo via]

PS.  It is near impossible to take a decent photo of your own nails. 

a hangover cure.

Summer is so near you can almost taste it!  With summer brings long, hot days of sipping many [and in some cases, one TOO many] cocktails.  A friend of mine recently shared with me a fool proof hangover cure.  {She is a pharmacist- so I am fully trusting her on this one!}

Take these three things before you go to sleep:
1. Tall glass of water
2. 1000mcg of vitamin B12
3. Advil/ibuprofen  {Never Tylenol!}

She kindly answered a few questions I had about the remedy:

Why take vitamin B12?
Alcohol can deplete your b vitamins which are known as your "stress" vitamins. 

Why take Advil instead of Tylenol?  
Alcohol is processed by the liver, as is Tylenol.   Advil (ibuprofen) is processed by the kidneys.  You never want to make your liver work too hard, so the more alcohol you drink, the worse the interaction.

How much Advil should a person take?
The amount of ibuprofen is really individualistic as each person responds differently.  If 2 Advil alleviate your pain normally,  than 2 would work in this instance.   You never want to take more than 4, as it can hurt your kidneys.

It's worth a try, right?  Have a great week. 

in the kitchen-a weekly plan

Oh, the weather outside is LOVELY...but we all still need to eat.  This is when a plan for the week is crucial.  No one wants to think about what to make for dinner when the sun is shining!  No need to think, just find a meal from our week's worth of meals.  You are bound to find at least one.  [I highly recommend the kale, egg, & avocado toast.  delicious!]

Meal 1::  Chicken and Cashews

Meal 2::  Coconut-Curry Beef

The flavors of this slow-cooker beef was great.  However, the recipe calls for 4 hours on low.  When using chuck roast, you will need to cook it more like 7 hours on low for the beef to be tender.  But since it is in the slow cooker it is no big deal.  We had this on a baseball night.  We arrived home after the game and dinner was ready!

Meal 3::  kale, egg & avocado toast

My favorite meal of the week. Clean, simple and so incredibly delicious.  Kind of like breakfast for dinner, but savory for sure!

Meal 4::  Skillet cornbread  [gluten free] and Chili
I used mixes for both.
Cornbread:  Pamela's Cornbread and Muffin Mix
Chili:  Bear Creek Country Kitchens "Darn Good Chili" Mix

I followed the directions for skillet cornbread on the packaging and it turned out perfect.  [A tablespoon of butter in the hot pan may have had something to do with it.]  I have used the chili mix many times before.  It is ready in 25 minutes.  You simply add water and tomato paste. 

PS.   We had takeout for meal 5.  I live in the real world too!

{Photo credit: 1. Randy Mayor  2. Kate Sears  3. love & lemons}

find [the sun] this weekend

photo challenge: 4.0/happiness
Happiness is spending the day with this little guy.  He he was hit by a stomach bug on Wednesday night, but thankfully bounced back in record time.  No school- meant the whole day together.  "Just like old times." So glad he was feeling good enough to hit the park.  I have missed being at the park mid-day. 
next week:  shoes

The weather is supposed to remain amazing all weekend.  I don't know about you, but I will be chasing the sun until it sets each evening! 

A few quick links just for fun:

Display your kids' art easily!

They really like us!  Seattle- most liked city in U.S.

A new home decor site.

I am tempted to try cross stitching with these kits.

What cocktail should disappear forever?  [bartenders have some strong opinions.]

Thinking of recovering a vintage chair? 

25% off at J.Crew.  purchase code springbest.
 
A post you may have missed this week:
A quick switch.