June 2025 Favorites

June was such a beautiful month it took me 16 days in July to process it. All shitty jokes aside, it was really great and this summer has been busy busy busy, but as always so so fun. Let’s get into some June thoughts. 

Little slice of heaven aka my mom’s room

What are you reading?

I stopped by Perpetual Books, a new used bookstore on Division that’s full of amazing amazing reads and it’s cheap! Bonus points. But seriously, if you’re in Chicago this shop is great. It's well organized and the staff is so kind and helpful. 

When I was in there I was on the hunt for The Nightingale (more on that later), but instead I switched directions and picked up Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights. 

I finished Frankenstein while in Nebraska. It was a great, solid read. Maya (one of my sisters) got me The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, so I started reading that too. Boy, that book is incredible, but I didn’t finish it in June so more on that later this month. 

In general, I spent a lot of time in Hastings, Nebraska on the porch reading in a hammock. Pure bliss. Those are some of my happiest, most peaceful moments. Cherry on top is a glass of sauvignon blanc and the cats next to me too.

Me and the cats

What are you watching?

I watched Adults in June. Super cute. The scene where Anton’s friends are going through his phone and yelling at him for being a “friend slut…” I was audibly laughing. That is Sici. 

I also enjoyed the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader show and watched a lottt of Ru Paul’s Drag Race with Willa (youngest sister). We really love watching that show together. Hearing her little giggles and commentary is the best. 

Willa trying on my clothes #crazymoment

Where’d you get that?

Brooke Callahan blue skirt. Been utterly obsessed with this adorable piece. It’s so summery, so light, and makes me feel so chic. 

Going home also means I get to look through and steal my moms clothes, so I picked up a cute skirt from her too. Also she came to visit me and got me a matching leather jacket, revealed at Middlebrow, which was so perfect and I can’t wait to wear it when it gets chillier. 

Killer skirt, ahh so cute

Mom and I outside with our matching jackets

What are you listening to?

HAIM ALBUM HAIM ALBUM. I really like it. “The Farm” is one of my favorites (obviously). But, this record is different for them. It's brutally honest, feels more raw and free flowing. I’ve heard some complaints here and there from different publications, but let’s be real, is there ever going to be a “bad” HAIM album. My answer is no.

Smerz “You got time and I got money.” A perfect dancing in your room alone song. Day dreamy and sparkly. 

I had a Radiator Hospital day and listened to their whole discography. That was great. They have a really tongue in cheek vibe that can range from beautiful love songs to fuck off ones. Their lyrics are simple, yet scratch at you.

Went to two really amazing shows at the Metro in June. First was Sleigh Bells. Oh my god. Pure energy, it was bouncing off the ceiling. Hearing “Crown On The Ground” live…life changing. And, I’m not being dramatic, you just had to be there. Then I saw Blondshell with Sici and Alanna. She did great. I loved hearing her new album live, and it was so much fun to sing along with the grrrls. 

Sleigh Bells absolutley killing it—cmon now

Nebraska.

I spent a week at home soaking in some much needed rest and relaxation. Daniela always tells me there comes a point in the year where I have to go back home. My body starts shutting down in weird different ways. This time strep. Something about the Nebraska air heals me. She claims homesickness. I might agree. 

But, while I was there doing not much because…well there’s not much to do there, I spent a lot of time thinking. I’m from a smallish city. 25,000 people. And Nebraska is weird and definitely a funky place to spend some time growing up. People usually get confused when I say I’m from there and then I explain also living in Denver and DC and they go “oohh.” That part makes me laugh. 

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Nebraska. As I feel everyone does that grew up there. But, I’m quick to come to its defense. This year, it was love. Next year we’ll see. 

Nebraska gets written off a lot. Mostly because people only drive through it, which means they’re only seeing I-80. That I can agree is not pretty. But, when you’re driving on highway 6 to the Nebraska Art Museum with your sister reading a book in the passenger seat, and you’re listening to songs you were obsessed with in high school, things look a lot prettier. 

We also have a “farm” outside of town. That is one of the most beautiful places in Nebraska (biased). As I’ve gotten older I love being out there. It’s quiet, the stars are bright. And if you close your eyes hard enough the wind in the grass sounds like the waves brushing up against the shore. 

Nebraska is a very if you know you know place. I think that’s what makes it hard to pin down or relate to. There’s so many things that make up this state. 

When I’m there time moves slowly. I don’t rush. I always say Nebraska seems frozen and takes about ten years to thaw. Getting a Dunkin Donuts was a town controversy. I’m not kidding.

I stayed in my moms room which is my favorite room in the world. It feels like a deep breath. It's simple and scattered with art and trinkets. She has this amazing altar filled with little momentos, shells, and school projects. I have an altar in my room too. I’m always trying to make my room feel a little more like hers. 

Spending time with my sisters and at home was much needed. I love watching them grow up in their own way. All from the same tree with a couple different branches. 

Me at the farm with my mom’s skirt

What are yall doing?
Started the month with a birthday of course. It was Lauren’s birthday and was “under the sea”  themed. There was a crab boil and messy hands everywhere. But, bellies were full and laughs were had. 

OMG. Went to the coolest little house party in the world in the coolest apartment I’ve ever been to in Chicago. The architecture was crazy, they had a wine tasting, and the theme was monochromatic (my favorite). Everyone there was so kind too. 

Sici and I had a little day and took a walk to Tempesta (one of my favorites in the city). Their chicken and dumpling soup is pure heaven. On our way we looked at all the cute houses, said hi to some pugs, and stopped into a furniture store that was way above our price range, but because of that it was so fun to look at and imagine where we would put some pieces.  

My mom and I had a few nights together that were just so great. It’s nice to catch up with her over glasses of wine and amazing food. We hit Mott Street, Ada Street, and Webster’s Wine Bar. Still dreaming of Ada Street’s gnocchi. We giggled and giggled and of course talked about the current political climate. 

Then came Gracie’s block party. It was so cuteeeee. DJ Jolie killed it, Liska killed it. We had lots of hot dogs and Modelos. Plus a minor water balloon fight, volleyball, and the reunion of so many friends. It was an amazing homecoming. 

Went to a free Thee Sacred Souls concert at Millennium Park. My dad would always drag me to these things as a kid…I get it now. We all brought blankets, snacks, and drinks. I got to dance with a baby so that was amazing. Annnndd Thee Sacred Souls did such a beautiful job. 

Summer is moving so quickly, but I’ve been trying to soak in every second. So many things swirling and swirling around, my room is hot, I’m sweaty, but life is so good.