Today, I share June loves, what I read, and 3 things I’m looking forward to in July.
I would love to hear your thoughts on June happenings and what’s new with you!
June Loves
Playing with my puppy
I love being at home pretty much every day with my puppy. She’s super playful and reminds me to spend time off my computer (aka. with her). There’s no ignoring a 40-pound puppy with her chest and front legs sprawled over your keyboard as she shakes a toy in your face 😂
Spending an afternoon reading
I love curling up on the couch with a good book knowing that I have all afternoon to read ♡
Also, I strained my back picking up my (very big) puppy the wrong way, and the doctor informed me that I wouldn’t be running anytime soon. So while I miss my daily exercise, I do love the extra time to read.
Essential oils (again!)
I’ve been diffusing a Citrus / Peppermint for energy while I work, and it’s been fantastic. My puppy loves it too!
I also added seven drops of Young Living’s PanAway blend to 2 Tbs. of coconut oil to use on the inflamed area of my back. It’s like Icy Hot but all natural.
What I Read
I finished sixteen books in June! Have you read any of these?
⇉ You may like my list of 33 books to read after TCP / while waiting on TWK
- Sandry’s Book by Tamora Pierce
- Tris’s Book by Tamora Pierce
- The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
- Daja’s Book by Tamora Pierce
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- Shatterglass by Tamora Pierce
- Wires and Nerve: Vol. 2 Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer
- Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis
- The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
- Wild Blue Wonder by Carlie Sorosiak
- City of Lies by Sam Hawke
- Confessions of a High School Disaster: Chloe Snow’s Diary by Emma Chastain
3 Things I’m Looking Forward to this July 2018
Reading more awesome books
I have so many good books sitting on my shelf and Kindle waiting to be read. While shopping at Costco last week, I found the three Ember in the Ashes books in hardback for $11.99 each and purchased them. I was a bit hesitant to buy them all without having read the first book, but I’d heard great things about them and it was a bargain! I finished the first one and loved it. I just started the second book.
Some other books I’m looking forward to reading: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman, The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson, These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch.
Camp NaNoWriMo
I haven’t participated in NaNo before since November has always been a bad time of year for me. (50k in the middle of exam prep season? I admire every student whose done that!) This year I found out about the camp version and am excited to participate in it. I’ve loved storytelling ever since I was a child creating imaginary worlds to adventure in.
Learning new recipes
I made the switch to a plant-based diet last semester. As a full-time grad student, I didn’t have much time to learn new recipes. Now that I’m on summer break, I’m looking forward to researching and trying out new recipes!
Question of the Month
What is on your summer reading list?
I’d also love to hear how June has been for you! 🙂
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Angie Elle says
I have read half of Winter (it was a DNF for me) and The Cruel Prince on your list. I enjoyed The Cruel Prince and am looking forward to The Winter King.
Since I quit fast food, I have been trying so many new recipes lately. It’s been more fun than I expected making most of my meals at home! LOL
Here’s to a great July! 🙂
Crystal says
Home cooking is the best. I hope you have a wonderful July, Angie!
Sam @ Sharing Inspired Kreations says
Good luck with NaNoWriMo and trying new recipes! Plant-based dieting sounds awesome, but difficult! Haha.
Crystal says
Thanks, Sam! The hardest part about going plant based is being the only herbivore in the house. My brother teases me a lot, but overall, my family (aforementioned brother included) has been cool about working with me.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
That puppy does sound difficult to ignore lol. Sorry you hurt your back, but it sounds like you’ve found the silver lining of more reading time. I’ve been wanting to try diffusing essential oils for a long time now, but I just never get around to buying a diffuser. Is it a lot of work using a diffuser, keeping it clean, etc.? Good luck with CampNano and your new recipes!
Crystal says
Thanks, Kristen!
My diffuser is pretty easy to care for. I purchased one made of a more durable plastic from Young Living with one of their starter kits. I wipe it down after each use. Sometimes, I diffuse a cleaning blend as well. Young Living does have a more expensive one made of wood and glass; the glass dome can be taken out and washed in the dishwasher.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
Since I am sick I’ve been rubbing peppermint oil on my head. It helps with the awful headache. No grandbabies today, so I plan to rest, drink plenty of fluid and read on the sofa.
Crystal says
Love peppermint for headaches! I hope you got good rest and reading in today, Kimberly! 🙂
Kimberly @ Book Swoon says
Ooh, good luck with CAMP NANOWRIMO!! Big puppies are the best—enjoy your time with yours. Hopw you have a great reading time in July and find some new and inspiring recipes.
Crystal says
Thanks, Kimberly!
Christy LoveOfBooks says
Awww puppy time is always the best! They definitely take up time when they’re young. Hope you’re July is great and full of awesome recipes! 🙂
Crystal says
Puppies are so much fun! I hope you have a wonderful July as well, Christy!
Sophia Rose says
I’ve only read Winter from your list I loved it. I still want to read the spin-off graphic novels.
Oh fun! I love your June activities with puppy and reading. Neat that you’re trying new recipes in July and doing Camp NaNoWriMo. I do the November one, but I don’t think I would have tried it if I had still been in school (shudders). Cheering you on with your story!
Have a great July, Crystal!
Crystal says
The graphic novels are so much fun, especially if you loved Iko’s voice!
Thanks, Sophia. I appreciate the support. I hope you have a wonderful July as well 🙂