chapter four: june things...
2025 is flying by...
Hi friends!
Big news: I actually finished my new draft! 🎉 The past month has felt like such a slog, and it's taken forever to buckle down and just finish the thing, but I think I'm finally there... at least for this round of edits.
Of course, life has been absolutely life-ing lately (and yes, I know that's totally an excuse), but I'm also currently in full nesting mode setting up our nursery. The baby countdown is officially ON and I'm equal parts thrilled and terrified! EEEEEK!
I know the manuscript still needs some trimming, but I'm hoping I'll have some professional help along the way, which brings me to my second exciting update...
I think I've chosen my publisher and publishing route!
Now, I'm a total type-A overthinker, but I'm really trying not to spiral about this decision. Normally I would analyze every single detail and possible outcome until I've driven myself (and everyone around me) completely insane. But this time? I'm actually attempting to be more go-with-the-flow.
(Easier said than done, obviously, but hey – at least I'm trying!)
Maybe it's because this week was the Day of Miracles (June 24th) and Jupiter just moved into Cancer (yes, I know that sounds super woo-woo, but I'm leaning into it!), but I'm genuinely embracing the path that lets me create, put my work out into the world, and – here's the big one – actually try to let go of my perfectionism.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still doing all my research and due diligence. But for once, I actually feel confident that I've picked the right path forward.
For those who might be new to the publishing world, there are basically three paths you can take:
Traditional publishing
Self-publishing
Hybrid publishing
Each route has its own pros and cons, and I'd love to break them all down in a future post, plus share exactly why I'm going the route I've chosen for my picture book. It feels a little vulnerable putting all this out there, but honestly? I love how Substack keeps me accountable, and I'm genuinely excited (and slightly terrified) to take this next big leap.
Thanks for following along on this wild journey with me! More updates coming soon... 💕
What I watched/read/listened to…
This month has been media heavy and I’ve overindulged in both TV and books so I’m only going to name a few things I’ve watched and read…
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Netflix): I'm absolutely fascinated by docuseries about athletes (and yes, these women are absolutely athletes, despite what some people might say). Honestly, I'll choose a sports documentary over almost anything else on my watchlist... well, except Bravo obviously! 😉 There's something incredibly compelling about watching people who have that level of dedication, commitment, and pure love for what they do. Take these women, for example. They don't get health insurance. They need second jobs just to pay their bills. Most of them will need major hip replacement surgery by the time they "retire" at 25 years old. Twenty-five! And yet they still show up, day after day, because they love what they do. That kind of commitment? It's genuinely inspirational. While I don't think this season quite hit the same heights as the previous one, I still found myself binge-watching the entire thing over a weekend. And honestly? I was thrilled to see these women fight for better wages and actually WIN. That 400% pay increase at the end of the season felt like such a victory. Long overdue, but a victory nonetheless!
Love Island USA (Peacock): How have I been sleeping on this delicious eye candy?!
I know it might come as a shock that I'd never watched Love Island until now, but it's absolutely true. This season though? I finally decided to commit. (I think that's what happens when you're deep in your third trimester with zero energy to leave the house – reality TV becomes your best friend!) All I can say is... WOW. I'm officially obsessed! The cast is incredible, the chemistry is off the charts, and the production? Chef's kiss. Just when you think you've figured out what's going to happen next, the producers completely flip everything on its head and I'm left staring at my TV absolutely gobsmacked. The only thing that's left a really sour taste for me is seeing viewers troll Huda and her family online. Look, was it obvious that she and Jeremiah were completely wrong for each other? Absolutely. Did she handle the situation perfectly? Definitely not. But there's absolutely no room for the kind of hate she's been getting. As a single mother, she deserves to find love AND find ways to support her daughter. If going on this show helps her achieve both of those goals? Good for her. The internet can be so unnecessarily cruel sometimes, and it really takes the shine off an otherwise fantastic season.
The Kamagawa Food Detectives: When I first picked up Kamagawa Food Detective for my book club this month, I expected typical mystery fare—perhaps some culinary whodunit with recipes thrown in for good measure. Instead, I discovered something far more nuanced and emotionally satisfying. This isn't really a mystery series in the traditional sense. Rather, it's a tender exploration of how food carries our deepest memories and connections. The father-daughter detective duo at the heart of these interconnected short stories don't solve crimes—they solve mysteries of the hearts. Each case brings them a patron seeking not just a dish, but the emotions and memories that dish once held for them. The one downside is that it’s very repetitive. Each story follows the same structure and rhythm and it can get a little tiresome. However, if you want a quick read with heart, I would still check it out.
Bringing Up Bebe: As someone in the final weeks of my first pregnancy, I've been devouring parenting books, and Bringing Up Bebe was particularly enlightening. The author's exploration of American versus French parenting philosophies really resonated with me—I was particularly drawn to the French approach of providing clear structure while still allowing children the freedom to explore and develop independence within those boundaries. There's something appealing about their emphasis on teaching patience, self-control, and respect without being overly restrictive or helicopter-ish. That said, I'm self-aware enough to know that my very American, results-focused personality will probably surface regularly, so I'm expecting to end up with some kind of Franco-American hybrid parenting style. The book offers a fascinating lens on how cultural expectations shape our approach to raising children, and it's given me plenty to think about as I prepare for this new adventure. EEK!
Special shoutout to: The Buccaneers and The Gilded Age. I’m so happy they’re back! What can I say, I love a good historical soap opera and these two fit the bill…
What I’m coveting…
Ugh, I'm officially in that dreaded home stretch where absolutely nothing feels good or looks right on my body. Nothing fits properly anymore, and honestly, it's getting a little depressing. My current uniform has become black stretchy dresses on rotation or the classic bike shorts paired with oversized shirts—basically anything that doesn't make me feel like a stuffed sausage! That said,
Chloe Ruffled Lace Top: Ugh, I'm officially in that dreaded home stretch where absolutely nothing feels good or looks right on my body. Nothing fits properly anymore, and honestly, it's getting a little depressing. My current uniform has become black stretchy dresses on rotation or the classic bike shorts paired with oversized shirts—basically anything that doesn't make me feel like a stuffed sausage! That said, I've been trying to keep things interesting with my usual layering tricks, throwing jackets or cardigans over everything to add some semblance of style... but then I spotted THIS top and suddenly I'm convinced I absolutely MUST have it. There's something about it that feels like the perfect solution—it's chic enough to make me feel put-together, works as the perfect coverup for all my current wardrobe struggles, AND it's definitely something I can wear long after baby arrives (hello, nursing-friendly!). Plus, can we talk about lace and ruffles? Who doesn't love a little romantic detail to brighten up these final uncomfortable weeks? Sometimes you just need that one piece that makes you feel like yourself again, even when your body feels completely foreign. This might just be my saving grace! P.S. I’m LOVING those shorts they paired the top with so maybe I’ll get them for post-pregnancy… we’ll see…
What does my upcoming week look like?…
Thank goodness next week ends with a holiday weekend—I'm crossing my fingers it'll be nice and quiet! I've been in full go-go-go mode lately, and this third trimester is seriously kicking my butt. I'm tired constantly and just don't have the energy to be as social as I used to be. But of course, knowing I'll be housebound soon enough, I'm trying to squeeze in everything and see everyone while I still can!
Here's what's on my plate:
Friends' birthday parties and brunches: Because apparently I can't say no to cake and ice cream , even when I'm running on fumes!
The new F1 movie: I'm SO excited for this one. Here's the funny thing—I know absolutely nothing about cars, but I'm completely obsessed with Formula 1, so obviously I need to see this on the biggest screen possible. Meanwhile, my husband (who actually loves cars) couldn't care less about F1 and was totally meh about the movie... until he found out it's from the Top Gun: Maverick director. Now suddenly he's interested! Fingers crossed it lives up to all the hype.
Nursery setup: Ugh, this feels like the world's most adorable but never-ending project. Every time I think we're done, there's another thing to organize or baby-proof!
SLEEP: Honestly, this might be the most important item on the list. I desperately need to catch up on rest while I still can. Anyone else remember this exhausting stretch of pregnancy? It's like my body is preparing me for newborn life by making sure I'm already running on empty!
What’s everyone else doing this upcoming week? Any fun plans? Stay cool out there and don’t forget your SPF! Does anyone else think it’s crazy that LA is currently cooler than most of the US? That being said, I’m happy for some warmer weather as I’m definitely enjoying my (almost) daily dose of Salt and Straw ice cream.
Until next month…