This post is coming to you hot! 🔥 So hot that I literally just finished writing this the moment before it went live. Basically, I almost skipped writing an August favorites post until I realized that August has 31 days! Huzzah! That extra day gave me the time I needed to coagulate all of my favorite things from food, entertainment, and more! What have I been so busy with that I couldn’t write my favorites down? I can’t tell you all quite yet! Call me superstitious but I just like to get my ducks in a line before I make any announcements.
Also, I hope to get blog posts back on a regular schedule. I try to put out two a week but content and timing varies. I’ve got ideas for my next few posts but I just need to actually WRITE them. They are coming soon. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be sure to get the latest and greatest there first! Anyway, let’s get on with my August Wrap-Up!
What I’ve Been Reading
How to End the Game of Catching Up
I am constantly seeking ways to improve myself. One of the most common thoughts that come to my head is: as soon as I get caught up with this, then I’ll have more time to do what I want. The mistake here is in putting off doing what I want in favor of things that are always going to be there. “How to End the Endless Game of Catching Up” over on Be More With Less describes exactly that.
Apparently, I’m a Highly Sensitive Person.
Who knew? Okay, I kind of always had a feeling growing up that I was extremely sensitive. I’m sensitive to a sales associate at a clothing store asking me if I need help the way others seem to be sensitive about the Game of Thrones halfway season finale. Both are startling (so I hear. I don’t watch GOT) but I will elicit a strong reaction to even the most miniscule of circumstances. So, I try to stay away from labels but I can’t help but relate and feel less alone when reading articles that seem to describe my life. I might cry over spilled milk but knowing there are other HSPs out there doing the same thing is comforting. Oh, and there’s a quiz here if you’re wondering if you could also be highly sensitive.
A Positive Spin on Bad Habits
On a funnier note, I often refer back to this Man Repeller post just to make me feel like less of a screw-up. I mean, I may be incapable of making a decision about ANYTHING but that makes me open-minded to possibilities and I can live with that. Sort of. What’s your bad trait?
Movie and TV Favorites
Atomic Blonde
I am a sucker for a female-led film and this one delivers. Charlize Theron plays a spy on a mission to recover a list of names during 1980s Germany, at a time when there is much instability surrounding the Berlin Wall. It’s spy against spy in this thriller/action film because it is hard to know who can be trusted. The dark and punk setting adds much to the overall vibe and theatrics of the film which leads like a wicked graphic novel as it switches from scene to scene. Plus, Theron can throw and take some serious sucker punches all while strutting around in uber-cool outfits. There is no other way to describe Atomic Blonde except: badass. As a disclaimer, the film isn’t very kid-friendly due to sex, language, and violence.
Orphan Black
On the smaller screen, I’ve recently started watching the series Orphan Black thanks to my Direct TV On Demand. (We recently switched satellite providers and I’ve finally got access to On Demand! Yay!) It is about a young woman who is trying to clean up her act to regain custody of her daughter but instead figures out that there’s a whole lot more to her origins. She engages in some duplicitous behavior and discovers she is one of many clones that look exactly like she does. It’s got drama, suspense, a super-cute gay friend that I wish was mine, and a story line that keeps twisting and turning. It’s Canadian entertainment at its finest. Earlier this year the show wrapped but I’m just getting around to seeing it and I’m hooked! Also, I’m only on season 2 right now so, please, keep the spoilers to yourself.
Food Favorites
Cookie and Kate’s Cookbook + White Bean Pesto (Dip)
You guys know I’m obsessed with the Cookie and Kate Love Real Food Cookbook. If you don’t, you must be new here. Hey, happy to have you here, new friends! 👋 Anyway, I’ve been cooking up different things from the cookbook like the Colorful Weeknight Burrito Bowls and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Green Rice. The recipes are so substitute-friendly for allergies, vegetarian/vegan, and, most-importantly, they are all majorly delicious!
Plus, I tested out a wicked White Bean Pesto from the Crostini recipe in her cookbook and OMG, it is SO GOOD. Honestly, I like dips but most of them just make me want to eat pita chips or crackers. The white bean pesto spread actually works as a delicious dip for veggies! As you can see, I was so hooked on these roasted veggie bowls with white bean pesto dip.
Half Baked Harvest’s Mean Green Detox Salad
I try to cycle sync my food but powerhouse ingredients found in this salad, like kale, broccoli, chickpeas, and avocado, are good anytime! Y’all know I don’t often repeat meals but I can tell you I’ve been very hooked on this one! I’ve switched up the fruit, too, and you can’t go wrong! Oh, and you’ll want to double the lemon tahini dressing because it’s so freaking tasty!
I’ve yet to post the recipe for this one. Is it mean of me to include it in my favorites? If so, I’m sorry for being a tease but, the recipe is coming soon! I’ve been trying to creatively pair WomanCode approved foods for my cycle and this smoothie is loaded with multiple luteal phase appropriate goods. Stay tuned!
What I’m Listening To
The Balanced Blonde’s Soul on Fire Podcast
Have you ever spoken to someone and they mention feelings or ideas that you have but you’ve never said out loud? That’s how I feel listening to the Soul on Fire Podcast. Jordan and her guests have all been through some miraculous and difficult experiences on their route to finding their passions. I truly find inspiration in each episode and that just motivates me more to find my path. I’ve been mentioning how I want to change some things in my life and this podcast is honestly a big part of that reason. I’ve been flip-flopping around through episodes but some of my favorites so far are the episodes with: Jonathan Albrecht, Jeannette Ogden, and Emma Mildon.
Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast
I had heard of Jessica Murnane when she released her cookbook but it wasn’t until I listened to her episode on The Balanced Blonde’s Podcast that I decided to check her out. Jessica’s One Part Podcast is similar to Soul on Fire but more concentrated on specific topics with each guest. I’d say OPP is educational but not in a boring way! Here are some episodes I’ve found fascinating so far: The Hidden Dangers in Healthy Food and Doing Your Dharma.
Magical Moment of August
I’m going to be a bit vague here for the sake of privacy. A friend of mine has been going through some wild things the past few years. He tried any drug he could get his hands on and abused all the substances, most notably alcohol. Of course, he was as vibrant and as could be when he would talk to me because he did not want to let on how much of a mess he felt like. I could see what he was doing to himself but we’re all adults here so you can’t force anyone to change their ways. They have to want that for themselves. Finally, he did.
I was talking to him on the phone just recently and he had a different zest about him. Over the years, he has left out key details about his life. In fact, he almost wasn’t going to tell me what had happened to lead up to his present, newfound passion for life. He said it was bad and he tries to just tell me the good things. That really struck me and, frustrated, I said:
You can’t just tell me about the good things that happen to you. Everyone has good and bad experiences that happen to them but you can’t learn from them if you’re only hearing the good part.
You know, or something like that. It made me think about how on social media is largely comprised of accomplishments, flattering pictures, and best case scenarios. Why? Well, people (myself included) like to share the GOOD things. That’s understandable but, if you ever have the chance, asks someone how they got to where they are. I bet you’ll find out the “bad” or less glamorous experiences that make up their story are a hell of a lot more worthwhile.
If you’re a regular reader, you may notice that my monthly wrap-up posts change depending on what favorites I have. Like, for August, there are no product favorites! What? I know. I’ve kind of been a shut-in this past month because summertime is like the equivalent of walking into an oven broiler where I live. No joke. That’s why I’ve been busting out so many smoothie recipes—‘cause that is all I want to eat! Anyway, I hope to have good news (and stories to go with them) to share with you all soon.
The official start of summer wasn’t until June 21st but I’ve been living it up in the blazin’ hundred degree weather since the start of the month. The hot weather leads me to have simple days of chill tea dates with friends or just spend a bit more time indoors, discovering new favorites 😉 I’m really excited to share what I loved in books, TV, food, music, and more this month so, if you’re interested, keep reading!
What I’ve Been Reading
WomanCode by Alisa Vitti
Women who have period, fertility, or libido issues are the ones who can most benefit from WomanCode. Though, those problems may exist without you being fully aware. A while back, I heard about the book from Lee from America and hoped it could help with my personal health concerns. The self-help book illuminates the areas in which lifestyle factors may be working against naturally-fluctuating hormone levels. I touched on how reading the book pertains to my health and fitness journey but this won’t be the last I talk about it. I feel positively influenced by the WomanCode Protocol so I hope to share equally positive results regarding my cycle and hormone regulation in coming months. I’m also planning to follow this up in the future with blog posts about how I’m incorporating the recommendations in the book to perfect my cycle.
KP-ingitsimple’s Fit Fuel Series
Over the past year, I’ve become more and more interested in nutrition. I think it’s a natural progression after beginning to prioritize personal health and fitness. I’m avidly seeking out new information about what nutrients are best going to fuel my body and how. Fellow TIU sister and peanut butter lover, Kelly or KP, already shares enlightening health posts on her blog in topics such as water weight and bloating, and now her Fit Fuel Series has me hooked! It addresses exactly that you would want to know as far as how to effectively fuel your body for workouts. The sort of information she provides can be hard to find online so I find it to be such a great resource!
Favorite Eats
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin knows no single season at my house. It screams fall but it also makes the perfect batter for baked treats all year long. I am pretty proud of myself for baking up a super-tasty and lightly-sweetened cookie with good-for-you ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin, and coconut oil. They are even versatile enough that you can add a scoop or your favorite protein powder to them without sacrificing the cookie-taste. See the post and recipe here.
Halfway through the month, I began incorporating WomanCode protocols and eating with my cycle. During my luteal phase, I was all about sautéed greens and hearty veggies. This skillet dish was one of my favorite meals. I loaded up on dark leafy greens, sweet potato, brown rice, onions, and garlic—all rich in vitamins and minerals—to help with fluid retention and progesterone production pre-menstruation phase. The interesting thing about this time of month is how sugar cravings kick up a notch so roasting and sautéing vegetables helps bring out natural sweetness in food. I am so satisfied after meals like this, and don’t feel the desire to reach for a candy bar to satisfy my sweet tooth.
What I’ve Been Watching
(Surprisingly, all of the shows I’ve loved this month are series finales or just short-run programs)
I simply adore Mary Queen of Scots and her consistent motivation to do better for her people. Yet, I’m baffled by the ending of Reign and disappointed with how history unfortunately played out for Mary. Her long, tumultuous battle for a throne and respect as a queen is one worth watching. I won’t spoil it for you if you haven’t seen it but the entire show is on Netflix if you want to catch up with the 16th century queen.
Pretty Little Liars
I know the series finale just happened so I won’t give away any spoilers in case you have yet to catch up. Admittedly, the show dragged out the A/AD storyline far too long but I’m glad I didn’t give up on it. Freeform aired the second part of the final season which over the past two months and I’ve been hooked. Friendships and relationships were tested but we also got a taste for possible AD suspects up til the finale episode. I seriously didn’t see the ending coming!
This one is an HBO exclusive starring boss babes: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley. Upon moving to Monterey, Woodley’s character and her son become targets in a finger-pointing scandal. It starts in the children’s elementary school but the parents quickly make it a personal with one another. The show skips back and forth between present investigations about a murder and the past events leading up to it. Viewers watch the past events unfold to get to know the main suspects and piece together who among them gets murdered. It showcases an interesting look at how there is so much more happening in each person’s life than the face that they put forth to others. Also, unlike the next show I’m about to mention, Big Little Lies has a bittersweet but satisfying end.
GirlBoss
Last TV show, I promise! The story of NastyGal founder Sophia Amoruso is one you won’t exactly want to cheer for but it is awe-inspiring. Britt Robertson, who I love from Life Unexpected and The Secret Circle, plays Amoruso with a wild steadfast drive and independence. The NastyGal founder isn’t the most admirable female role model, especially when you see what she had to do to get her business started. Still, I couldn’t help but have hope for the anti-hero. Unfortunately, Netflix probably didn’t want to pursue the series since real-life Amoruso filed for bankruptcy last year, so one season is all GirlBoss is getting.
What I’ve Been Listening To
Paramore’s After Laughter
Long after punk-rock and teen angst phase has passed, Paramore is still relevant! I’ve been growing up with their music over the past few years and their latest release, After Laughter, is no different. It’s expressive of struggles of changes with life and growing up but with a new fresh sound. Expect groovy, pop-y tunes, and Hayley Williams’ soaring, fiery vocals. Some favorites from the album include songs like Fake Happy, Told You So, and Grudges:
Product Favorites
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is under controversy recently but, like all oils, it should be used in moderation. I’m not needlessly swallowing down coconut oil in coffee drinks but the unrefined variety is my go-to choice for baking (see below). A little bit of this oil adds decadence that only butter may come close to providing. Though, the jury is still out on health benefits of coconut oil, I’m keeping the unrefined, virgin, expeller-pressed variety around in my kitchen. I like Spectrum and Nutiva.
Avocado Oil
Two favorite oils, Melanie? Yes! I’m not deep-frying up a storm over at my house but oil is still important to have on hand. I have a collection of quality cooking oils that I use for different purposes. Avocado oil is perfect for roasting veggies or pan-frying. Its high heat temperature won’t smoke on the stovetop like extra virgin olive oil or other vegetable oils. Plus, I notice it imparts a slight richness to food without messing with the flavor of your dish. I’ve tried Chosen Foods and Primal Kitchen. Both are great!
pHresh Deodorant Cream
I’d been searching for a natural deodorant that is not only aluminum-free but organic. As I mentioned above, I’m making adjustments to my lifestyle to help out my hormones. A step towards doing that involves ridding my environment of toxic chemicals that may be endocrine disruptors. Our armpits are such a sensitive area and an important one for excreting toxins (which happens when you sweat). I do need to apply the cream 1-2 times a day but, for a softening and protective cream deodorant like pHresh, it is worth it! I’m not smothering my sweat glands with antiperspirant anymore, plus, my armpits have never been softer! The Deodorant Cream deserves to be amongst my monthly favorites and you can read more about how I use it in my Shower Routine and Essentials post.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
This lip product was all the rage a few years back but it never struck me as a big deal. I had all but abandoned my Bite Beauty lip mask until I pulled it out again in the springtime. I’ve been using it ever since as my nighttime lip protectant. It is thick and made with food-grade quality ingredients. It is something I feel safe to put around my mouth and the moisturization benefits last for hours!
Notable moments of the month
Friends from Instagram will remember that my pet rabbit, Twix, was always at the top of my favorites list. So, I want to touch on what exactly happened to lead to this moment. He had been slowly losing weight since April but we figured it was because of his age. His hind legs were also giving out a bit more. He no longer was able to hop onto our couch like he used to and he would slip when walking. The signs pointed to age.
Though, in the month of June he got dramatically skinny almost overnight. Twix wasn’t eating his food or hopping around like he used. Or even going to the bathroom in his potty dish. If you knew Twix, you’d know that’s a big deal because he was particular about his preferred “peeing spots”. Unfortunately, his condition just escalated so quickly.
Even if I fed him all the veggies and leafy greens, those were not going to be enough to put weight on him. He felt frail and I think he himself noticed that his body wasn’t cooperating with him anymore. It pained my family and I to watch our furry baby’s deterioration so we had to say goodbye to him after nearly 6 years. I miss him every day but love is not limited to life or death. I’ll always care very much about Twix and treasure the memories I have with him.
On another note, an old friend from school was here for the month in between graduation and the start of his doctorate program. It was so fun to reconnect and hang out multiple times this month. Nothing beats having a good catch-up and enjoying fun activities with friends.
Thank you for taking an interest in my favorites from the month of June!
I only share products that I’ve been using for a while and can vouch for their effectiveness. As for other favorites, like TV shows and interesting reads, those are ever-rotating. Have you encountered some favorites in the past month? If so, definitely drop me a line and tell me what they are! I love hearing you guys’ ideas and suggestions.
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I am a sucker for a female-led film and this one delivers. Charlize Theron plays a spy on a mission to recover a list of names during 1980s Germany, at a time when there is much instability surrounding the Berlin Wall. It’s spy against spy in this thriller/action film because it is hard to know who can be trusted. The dark and punk setting adds much to the overall vibe and theatrics of the film which leads like a wicked graphic novel as it switches from scene to scene. Plus, Theron can throw and take some serious sucker punches all while strutting around in uber-cool outfits. There is no other way to describe Atomic Blonde except: badass. As a disclaimer, the film isn’t very kid-friendly due to sex, language, and violence.
