June 30 is special for a few reasons. Scratch that, only one reason…it’s my half-birthday. Go ahead and laugh. Yes, it’s very self-indulgent and silly but you gotta do what you gotta do when your birthday is in between Christmas and New Year’s. I wrote about why my family celebrates half birthdays here. Say what you want, but who would pass up a (made-up) day to treat themselves extra kindly? Answer: No one.
Moving on…time to recap some of my favorite things from the month of June. I try to post items/topics that I haven’t shared on social media or in earlier posts, but a few might reappear (hint: puppy).
June Favorites
Archie
Also known as ‘Archibald’ when he’s in trouble. Did we name him after Nate Archibald from Gossip Girl? I’ll never tell.
If I had to sum up the month of June it would be “Archie.” My dog Rocco is 8 years old so I had forgotten how much attention and care a puppy needs. Obviously he’s not just MY dog (I have three other people helping me) but we still have to coordinate work schedules and activities. It’s been a team effort. Archie is (knock on wood) a really good puppy! He doesn’t hate is crate when we do leave him (sometimes he goes into it on his own), he likes cuddling with soft toys, playing in the grass and stepping in his water bowl and then walking all over the kitchen.
Rocco is warming up to him, although I have a feeling it will take a few more months. Archie has brought so much youthful energy into our house.
Podcasts
I’m on a podcast kick at the moment. I go through phases of LOVE and ehhh but right now I’m in the former. I’ve been listening to them while running, driving, blogging and even job application-ing (go with it). Two newish podcasts worth noting:
“I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein.” Lindsey is a runner/blogger and I’ve followed her on social media for about year. Her guests are fellow runners, bloggers, women and/or friends and Lindsey starts genuine conversation with each person. Topics ranges from running and health to life, kids and The Bachelorette. I’ve listened to probably 10 out of the 16 episodes so far and have enjoyed them all.
“Millennial.” After my post last week Amanda suggested I listen to this podcast. Best. suggestion. ever. It’s all about navigating your 20’s and feeling lost and overwhelmed along the way. The episodes are shorter (about 20 minutes) but very entertaining and reassuring. My situation isn’t identical to what Megan (the podcast host) goes/went through, but it’s similar enough to be a comfort.
As for other podcast favorites…I still love Balanced Bites, Happiness Hour and Blissful Bites. The titles all sound alike, right? The topics are actually pretty different (health, happiness and business, respectively). Each is worth a listen!
Meeting Blog + Instagram Friends
Last weekend, 12 bloggers and Instagrammers met for brunch at Piquant in Tampa. Community is one of the main reasons I blog so meeting these inspiring and supportive women (in real life) was such a treat. Hopefully we can get together again soon! Next time maybe I’ll I get the “wear blue or white” memo.
Favorite Posts from the month
I forgot to mention that I was published on Elite Daily again! Check out my article titled “4 Ways You Can Stick To Your Wellness Routine on Summer Vacation.”
From my blog:
Avocado + Dijon Turkey Burgers
Even When You Do Everything Right
From other blogs/websites:
Balance, The Double-Edge Sword– In It For the Long Run
The Glorification of Busy– Foodiecology
A Letter From Your Token Celiac– Southern in Law
10 Women on Success As They Know It– via Man Repeller
Favorite Tweets/Graphics/Funny Things I Just Had To Share
Yes, please. Source
This is me as a mother. Source
I’m always ready to go home. Source
Dream life. Source
Click To Tweet
I hope you have a great 4th of July weekend! Crazy to think that last year I was in NYC and going to the hot dog eating contest on the 4th.
I’ll be back on Tuesday (no Monday post!) with a marathon training recap and, later next week, a (long) update on the state of my gut health…quite possibly as complicated as the state of the union.
HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY! I am all about celebrating my half birthday (I always have to remind my family since they never seem to remember haha) so I hope you enjoy your day of celebrating. Definitely checking out some of those podcasts — I’ve been listening to Lindsey’s podcast a ton lately, but need to check out the Millennial podcast. Oh, and I love that picture from your blogger meet up — I love seeing bloggers meet up IRL!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Behind the Scenes of Lean, Clean, & Brie
YES to going home and Dalmatians, and it sounds like I need to check out Millennial. :) Sorry about your complicated gut, but you know I can relate. I was about to post an update and then things took a turn for the complicated. It is what it is. Happy half birthday and enjoy your day and the holiday weekend!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #54
Happy half-birthday! :D June 30 is my dad and stepmom’s anniversary so it’s a special day over here too! Your dogs are SO. CUTE. I can’t even stand it. How big is Archie going to be?
We’re going to be in Canada for the 4th of July, so no big celebrations, haha. Probably we’ll grill out and spend some time at the beach! I hope you have a great holiday weekend, Emily! :)
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: A Normal Summer Workday
Hey I love the concept of half birthdays Em, because it’s especially hard when your birthday falls close to two holidays. We actually JUST did a secret gift drop for a guy from church whose birthday is on December 28th. His mom told us that they always celebrated his birthday the most specially on June 28th, so we dropped off a huge thing of gifts at his house. It was fun! :) So HAPPY half birthday! And I love podcasts so much. Nicole Culver got me hooked.
I totally agree that the best part of blogging is the community. :) I wouldn’t do it if there was no community. :)
Emily recently posted…TOLT: Why Food Helped My Recovery
Happy Fourth of July and half birthday Emily! It’s so great to be able to meet up with other bloggers and get advice from them on things like podcasts to enjoy, etc because you’re right – it’s the community that makes it most worth it.
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…June Monthly Recap
Half birthdays are awesome! Happy half birthday ;) I only listened to Serial but need to try to find some Podcasts that I like. I can’t exactly run to them but they are good for commuting.
Kaitlin @ CA Enless Summer recently posted…Celebrating Pride, Ice Cream, and One Hot Half
Happy half birthday! Those memes at the end cracked me up. Especially the “she’s so lucky, she’s a star.” I definitely started singing it in my head. Archie is so cute! I forget Chloe is 8 years old now because she still acts like a puppy (which is good and bad). When they’re really little though they are a lot of work! Happy 4th of July :)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…TOL: Stadium Goals and Getting Around Boston
Happy half birthday! And I’m sooo happy you love Millennial! The day I get all caught up is going to be a sad day haha. I just subscribed to I’ll Have Another but haven’t listened to any episodes yet. I also am on a super strong podcast kick and love it. Also. I’m loling at that Britney Spears meme hahah that’s awesome. And I cannot stop staring at your puppy.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Currently: June
ARCHIE IS SO CUTE. I love puppies.
Lauren recently posted…Baltimore Wedding Gift Guide {featuring Uncommon Goods}
Happy half birthday! :)
Archie is soooooo cute! I want to snuggle him.
Also, I’m loving podcasts at work lately, and I’m so glad I have 3 new ones to add to my list now!
Thanks for including my post <3
Catherine recently posted…10 Things That Are Better Than A Bikini Body
Archie is so cute <3
Ah! I need to check out millennial. I have podcasts playing 24/7….SOOOO many! I have too many to even give suggestions :P
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…The Greatest Grilled Chicken…EVER!