June has honestly been filled with sunshine, blooms, and lots of smiles. I started off the month being a little nervous since I hadn't gotten the veggie garden done yet, but I had the perfect little helper (helpers- Thank You, Patrick) and was able to get everything planted! 
    It's been really hot here lately, so we've been spending a lot of time by the pool or lakeside to cool off- even baby has loved splashing in the water! Because of all the heat and rain we have gotten, my father's gardens are absolutely STUNNING (proof in the photographs). I've been loving filling the house with fresh cut flowers- that really gets the happy hormones bouncing around.
    I've been having a lot of fun letting my inner child out- thanks to my daughter Piper. We've been crafting a ton; painting, making "summer snowflakes", jewelry, and all kinds of structures outside with rocks and sticks. I love seeing her creativity flow but can't help but get some inspiration out of it. The lack of perfectionism, the pure joy in just creating- I love being in that moment with her but also seeing her explore in that moment. She reminds me that there is intention in everything I create if it's something that brings me joy- she also tends to be my biggest hype girl and is always cheering me on. 
    We ended off June with a family camp trip, which was very much needed. I will say, there is something so great about no cellphone reception... Loved this month, the memories created, and love my little family - feeling so grateful for life. 
Cheers!
-Jac

     The number of seeds I planted may have been a bit overkill (more than 150) BUT I truly didn't think they would do as well as they did. Especially since I purchased some of the seeds from places that don't have the best reputation for plant related items, like the dollar store. 
    At this point I was starting to get a little nervous because the seedlings were almost doing 'too well'. They were growing so fast and most of the pods had sprouts, so I was about to have my hands full with a lot of babies and I still hadn't made a space to sow them. I was stressing... 
    Finally, I kicked myself in the booty and determination won; I grabbed my shovel and started digging. It took about 4 days (a few hours each day). My boyfriend ended up helping me at the end for the home run and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. After getting the garden bed prepared, it took a lot of my anxiety away. 
    I had noticed while digging up the lawn that the soil isn't the best quality, but this is our first year at our home and for this garden so I will build it up along the way and as my pockets allow; but for now, we are making do with what we have! 

    Now for my favorite part; getting all the plant babies safely into their new homes! It was a bit rocky at first due to the quality of the soil and the extreme sun/heat we've been getting in my area in Maine. It left leaves looking a bit yellow and had some screaming for more water. I'm still finding ways to improve the soil but I've found a few things that helped get my plants to finally take off: 

- getting them on a regular fertilizing schedule (best to do at night/when the sun is going down 

- using things like coffee grounds for bug deterrent and epsom salt to help my tomatoes and peppers 

- learning that even though the surface may look damp, check the soil at least an inch down because it's likely dry and your babies are thirsty! 

Beginning progress photos: 

Current progress photos: 

That's all for today- I'll let the plant babies continue soaking up those sweet rays! Thanks for coming along with me. :)