Hey, everyone! Happy almost September! September will forever be my favorite month because not only is it the start of the best season (hello fall recipes, tailgating, fall decorations & fun holidays!), it’s also my birthday month!

As exciting as the start of September is, I can’t help but reflect and wonder how this year has flown by so fast. It feels like just yesterday when Casey got down on one knee in February, or when we were exploring Isla Mujeres, Mexico in June, or even just writing my favorites for July!

I guess they say time flies when you’re having fun? And this year has definitely been nothing short of fun, adventurous, and rewarding.

Now to reflect on this past month, here are some of my August highlights:

Blakely turned 20 months (she’ll be two December 4th! Where did the time go??)
Had a wonderful 5 day vacation at Lake Lanier with Caseys’ moms side of the family!
Picked up my wedding veil ahhh!!
Took our engagement photos to use for our save the dates (see sneak peak below)
Visited my family for the weekend in Lexington, SC
Had a details meeting with my wedding planner
Visited Fernbank Museum in ATL for the first time with Blakely
Stayed consistent with my workouts on the Madeline Moves app

August 2022 Favorites

READING…

The Other Woman – I gave this one 3.5/5 stars! Being Jones’ debut novel, I found it to be really entertaining and fast-paced. Though it wasn’t as riveting a thriller as I expected, it’s still full of twists, betrayal, and drama that will keep you hooked until the end.

Every Summer After – Finally got to read this one and LOVED!!! 5 out of 5 stars for me! It was exactly what I wanted in a romance novel. Crush on the boy next door trope, the nostalgia of childhood & lakeside summers, and second chances. It gives The Summer I Turned Pretty vibes, but make it lake & more adult.

Things We Never Got Over – This. Book. Is. So. Good. And I’m not even done yet!! I’m a little over halfway through and am loving every second. In all honesty, I was hesitant to read it solely because it is SO LONG! But I am devouring it all! I will say the spice level is very high in this one so I’d say this is for ages 18+.

First Impressions (Matt James Biography) – I listened to this one on Audible which I highly recommend if you’re interested in reading because Matt narrates it himself. After watching his season of The Bachelor, I was curious to know more about him and his past which he so honest & vulnerably opens the door into his life and what has made him the man he is today.

WATCHING…

Selling the OC on Netflix – There’s only 8 episodes in this spin off from Selling Sunset, but I binged this in 2 days!!! I am a sucker for anything real estate and mix that with luxury and drama and I’m so here for it.

Dopestick on Hulu – Casey and I watched this together and really enjoyed it! It’s a mostly true story about the company that created the opioid addiction crisis and stories of the small towns that it affected.

13 Lives on Amazon Prime – A heart-racing, phenomenal movie of the true story of the 13 boys that were trapped in a cave in Thailand and the “greatest rescue mission” that took place to get them out.

LISTENING TO…

Creating More Than You Consume With Half Baked Harvest on the Blonde Files Podcast – Tieghan Gerard is the face behind Half Baked Harvest where she shares all things food and recipes in a unique and creative way. I loved this episode & felt like I got a better look into how Tieghan has become so successful. They discuss what she does to set boundaries, create content, balance work/life, and how she has built such a large & connected following.

A 101 Guide On Becoming A Morning Person, Creating A Morning Routine & Using Journaling For Manifestation on ILYSM Podcast – This is a conversation with the co-founder of Arrae, Siffat Haider, and I highly recommend if you are wanting to create a more peaceful & wholesome morning routine. They also touch on the importance of journaling and how it has changed their life.

Up Early Podcast – new podcast alert!!! One of my Insta friends @HealthyWaysForDays just created a podcast and released her first episode! This is the perfect way to get to know the face behind the Instagram account if you are also a follower of her Instagram. And if you’re not… WYD!? She shares the story about how she accidentally became an “influencer,” her relationship with food and exercise, mixed with how she balances it all + achieves personal growth. Can’t wait for more episodes!

Nicole Lapin On How To Master Your Personal Finances & Establish Financial Independence Early on The Skinny Confidential Podcast – Have you listened to this one? I have it saved in my episodes on Spotify and can’t wait to listen to it! I’m always up to learn more about how to manage my finances and think that this episode could benefit anyone, especially post grad people!

CURRENT FAVORITE THINGS

Quay Sunglasses Dupes – these came recommended to me after losing my sunglasses to the lake on the 4th of July. I was in search for a cheaper pair that I could wear everyday and not worry about losing – and these are so cute!!

Happiness Runs Crop – one of my favorite tops to workout in, and will be perfect for layering once it gets colder.

Melissa Wood Health Guided Meditations – meditation is so so powerful and it is something I want to get more consistent with. I use Melissa’s app (only $10/month) which has so many meditation options that are constantly being updated, but I linked an old one from her YouTube for free!

Fall Heeled Boots – being 5’2 I always love something with a heel, and these Free People boots are everything and more!!

Woven Basket – with cozy season approaching, this woven storage basket is the perfect living room staple to fill to the brim with blankets.

Simple Mills Crackers – not only am I impressed with how simple the ingredients are when it comes to this brand, but the taste of their products are so good!!! Blakely and I are most currently obsessed with their honey cinnamon sweet thins (basically a graham cracker!).

Faux Plant – adding plants to my apartment instantly brings it to life, even if they’re not real. I found one at Homegoods last year that I just brought back out to put on my bar cart, but I love this one I found on Amazon.

RECIPES

We really stuck to the basics in August and didn’t try too many new recipes, but I’m so excited to incorporate more fall and pumpkin flavors into our meals in September!! The salami salad has my heart and I’ve been making a variation of it for lunch everyday but with deli turkey instead!

Crispy Chicken Cutlets

At Home Taco Seasoning

I made a variation of this for a taco night at home using this recipe for guidance. Making your own taco seasoning is so easy and so much better for you. I realized how much added nonsense is added to ones you can buy at the grocery store, when it tastes the same, if not better, to make it yourself!

Salami Salad

AUGUST BLOG POSTS

& that’s a wrap on the August updates + faves! Check back in at the end of September for more favorites!!

QUESTION: let me know in the comments what you’re reading, watching, and listening to! Always up for good book, movie, show or podcast recs! I hope you all have a wonderful September and start of fall!!