You know that feeling when you should be doing all the things, but your brain just doesn’t have it in you? That’s been me with marketing this summer. June was packed with photoshoots, work travel, and trying to keep up with regular work while also managing a more active home life.

Honestly, all I really wanted to do was dig around in my garden.

Things like recaps and social posts took a back seat, and that’s okay. It’s mid-July now, and with a slower week, I can finally catch my breath, take stock, and remind y’all I exist before the late summer and fall rush come barreling back in.

June was a lot, but in the best way. I photographed so many new faces and places and felt proud of the work I did. It was full of variety and the kind of candid, personality-rich images I love creating when people give me their trust.

Not everything was perfect. Some projects were purely practical. But even those reminded me how grateful I am to do this work. And maybe more than anything, June was another reminder to cut myself some slack. I can’t do it all at once, and I don’t need to. That’s been a big theme this year.

So here I am, breathing deep, enjoying the pause, and still trying to keep the tomatoes alive.

June’s Plant of the Month: Ethel

Meet Ethel, June’s plant of the month and a Chinese Money Plant with some attitude. I got her as a tiny starter from a client a few years ago and she has had her share of ups and downs. Crispy leaves, droopy moments, and one forgotten windowsill nearly did her in. But she has bounced back and is finally thriving. You could say she’s well rounded and growing like crazy.

Stuff I can’t Stop Thinking About

Derry Girls

I fell completely in love with Derry Girls. My husband, daughter, and I watched it together, and it had us all laughing out loud. It takes place in Northern Ireland in the 90s, and the girls are basically my age. I would have been in high school at the same time. Watching it with my daughter, who’s that age now, felt surreal and oddly emotional. Also, why do the parents seem so old? They're supposed to be the same age as me. Anyway, it's hilarious, sharp, and full of heart. I’m sorry I missed it when it first came out, but so glad I finally caught up. It’s on Netflix if you haven’t seen it.

Trader Joe’s Sunscreen

The Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen (you know, the one in the orangey tube) has been my go-to this summer. It’s super lightweight, goes on smooth, and feels kind of matte once it’s on. Total dupe for Supergoop but way cheaper. No weird smell. Absolutely not greasy. Just solid. Sad part? We still don’t have a Trader Joe’s in Fargo. Guess I’ll just have to add it to the must-pick-up list next time I’m in MSP.

Rice Bowls

Our family has been obsessed with rice bowls this summer. I usually make sticky sushi rice, load it up with raw veggies, add some kind of cooked protein (usually marinated chicken thighs), and top it all with sauce. Lately I can't get enough of the eel sauce and spicy mayo combo, though Korean BBQ sauce is a close second. It’s basically a poke bowl without the raw fish. One of these days I’ll work up the nerve to try that part at home.

10 Snaps From June

1: Simple Studio Headshots of Sophia. 2: The lovely Elle’s annual birthday session. 3. Victoria Gray, the first to get CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease, tours Aldevron to see how her therapy’s gene-editing materials are made. 4: Grad photos of Avery. 5. The awesomely gorgeous McDougall family 6: UnStuffy content for The City Of Grafton. 7. New Headshots for Widmer Roel and their Fargo Office 8. UnStuffy Content for WRT, a rural telecommunications company in Hazen, ND 9. ChatGPT said:

UnStuffy content for Nufarm featuring their rep showing the inside pollinator parts of the camelina plant. 10. UnStuffy Content at Caribou Highlands Resort (at Lutsen) for Odyssey Resorts

10 Snaps From June

1: Simple Studio Headshots of Sophia. 2: The lovely Elle’s annual birthday session. 3. Victoria Gray, the first to get CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease, tours Aldevron to see how her therapy’s gene-editing materials are made. 4: Grad photos of Avery. 5. The awesomely gorgeous McDougall family 6: UnStuffy content for The City Of Grafton. 7. New Headshots for Widmer Roel and their Fargo Office 8. UnStuffy Content for WRT, a rural telecommunications company in Hazen, ND 9. ChatGPT said:

UnStuffy content for Nufarm featuring their rep showing the inside pollinator parts of the camelina plant. 10. UnStuffy Content at Caribou Highlands Resort (at Lutsen) for Odyssey Resorts