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It’s true what Taylor Swift says about August, it really does slip away like a moment in time. Hot Strike Summer marches into Hot Strike Fall, and as a member of SAG, I still can’t weigh in here with tv and movie recs (hey AMPTP, want to come back to the table and give us a fair deal already?) In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite things from the past month that I can talk about without crossing a picket line…
Reading Lately
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Our August Book Club pick! I found myself unable to put down this twisty, dark novel. At our book club meeting last week, we had rich discussions about our unreliable narrator, June Hayward, her friend (frenemy?) Athena Liu, and who has the right to tell what stories. If you read along with us, let me know your thoughts! And get excited for our September pick, which will formally be announced in a few days.
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman
Spooky and unsettling, this thriller kept me hooked from start to finish. Very reminiscent of the film Ready Or Not. A perfect book to add to your fall reading list.
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Friends to lovers with some very fun spicy scenes, I’ll forgive this book the one twist at the end I wasn’t a fan of (no spoilers, though if you’ve read it and know what I’m talking about, shoot me a message please!) I continue to be a huge fan of the writing duo that is Christina Lauren.
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Reading this truly felt like a hug in book form. So wholesome and sweet — though I wouldn’t have minded a bit more spice — Katherine Center writes books perfect for curling up under a blanket with a cozy warm beverage. Another great one for your fall reading list.
Products Lately
Tavi Active — one of my favorite athletic wear brands is on sale for Labor Day, and you can use my code SAMANTHA30 for an extra discount
Olive & June Fall Box — my go-to for all things nails just dropped polish and press-ons for fall
The Five Minute Journal — this journal makes the list yet again because it really is my favorite way to start and end the day
Skincare Essentials
VITAL C Hydrating Facial Cleanser — currently on sale, my favorite face wash (I will be taking advantage of the sale because TSA at Dulles threw my bottle out last weekend)
Discovery-size IMAGE MD® Restoring Power-C Serum (on sale)
Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF 50 (on sale)
Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
If there are every specific things you are looking for a recommendation on, let me know!
Listening Lately
Music I’ve had on repeat this last month (and yes, I know this mostly just looks like Apple’s A-List Pop Playlist)
bad idea right? by Olivia Rodrigo
Used To Be Young by Miley Cyrus
I Remember Everything by Zach Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves) as well as the rest of his self-titled album
Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell
Psychedelic Switch by Carly Rae Jepsen
Maggie Rogers’ entire discography — I saw her at the Hollywood Bowl a few weeks ago and she changes up her setlist nightly, so I had to cover all my bases
That compilation video of Beyoncé at Renaissance Tour saying “look around everybody on mute” and the crowd getting increasingly better at following instructions
As previously discussed, every song Taylor Swift has ever breathed on ahead of the two Eras Tour shows I saw in August