August 2024 Favorites
Pink Floyd. Cyndi Lauper. Hootie & The Blowfish. Semisonic. The cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show.
All of these incredible artists sang the one thing I think we all fear: time. Every month around the same time, I tell at least one person, “I can’t believe insert whatever month it is” is almost over!” If I’m lucky, I can talk to an entire group based on our shared feelings of time passing by.
I created monthly lists of things I enjoy to slow down and appreciate what I do with my time. It hasn’t stopped time from slowing down. But it has helped me connect more with my community and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone more.
I challenge you all to do the same! Find things you enjoy each month and document them on your blog, your gratitude journal, or your notes app on your iPhone that you’re reading this on (probably). Until then, here’s what I enjoyed for August.
Media
Each month I make a playlist that features my favorite songs during that time. The songs aren’t always the latest releases, sometimes they’re songs that I have returned to after not listening to for a while. Some highlights from this month’s playlist include Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion, Charlie XCX and Post Malone.
Post Malone released his country-inspired album featuring some of the top names in country music: Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., and Jelly Roll. The album has a great feel to it and brings a good balance of pop and country. Much like other country albums, there are some songs about heartbreak, having a good time with friends and getting screwed over by somebody.
Of course, we can’t not talk about Charlie XCX. With her new album brat, there are plenty of tracks to get you through the work day, work out or going out. One song not on the album that I, among other queer women enjoyed, was guess featuring Billie Ellish. The two dance it out together in the accompanying music video and a majority of the garments featured in the video were donated to domestic violence survivors.
Megan Thee Stallion’s new album was also a journey. The music videos and collaborations are incredible, focusing on the narrative of women as snakes featuring references to shedding skin, growing into a new person, and (one of my favorite MTS mottos) taking no shit.
Spotify playlist of the month
Top tracks (in no particular order):
Lucky by Halsey
Mamushi by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Yuki Chiba
Guess by Charlie XCX ft billie ellish
My latest binges on streaming
Netflix: Bojack Horseman and Good Girls Guide to Murder
Why the long face, Mr. Horseman? BoJack Horseman has made its way into my rotation yet again. The show focuses on addiction, trauma and the life of Hollywood stars. Some of the storylines for me are personal. But it should be noted, if you’re relating to anyone in the series you should probably reconsider what you’re doing. I enjoy the humor and the tragedy in each episode.
Based on the book series A Good Girls Guide to Murder topped the charts on Netflix. The thriller-mystery for young adults focuses on Pip, a senior, who plans to solve a local missing persons and murder case that has plagued the community for the past five years. With plenty of twists and turns, this series touches on sexual assault
Max: Taken Together
This series focused on a story that happened not too far from my hometown in Iowa. Two local girls went missing on a summer day while biking. That was the majority of the case known to the public until the girls were located. The series uses a great editing style, using footage from all interviews as the case developed.
Bookworm
August was a great month for reading for me! Check out my reviews of each book on my Storygraph. The title of the book links to where you can buy it locally in the DMV, and ship throughout the U.S. But your local library is probably calling your name.
Tomboy Land by Melissa
Other Russias by Victoria Lomasko
We Unleashed the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Burn Book by Kara Swisher
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
What’s Cooking?
CAVA dupe bowls! Sometimes you just want a plate of vegetables covered in sauces. That is the beauty of CAVA dupe bowls! In our apartment, we use leafy greens, couscous, bell pepper, and whatever other veggies to throw into the bowl.
Add in some hummus, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and some hot sauce and viola! A delicious homemade-to-order CAVA dupe. If you need a little more guidance on how to make this Mediterranean inspired fast-casual recipe, check out this one from One Balanced Life.
