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As soon as September 1st hits, I go headfirst into Fall Mode and nobody can stop me. I don’t care when the official first day of fall is- summer’s over as far as I’m concerned! I have a great variety of things to tell you about this month, so I hope you guys find this article enjoyable and informative.

Health & Beauty | Method Body

Now that I’ve used up the last of my Lush Rockstar soap, it was time to invest in something new for the shower. I noticed one of my housemates had a Method body wash in our shower, which is what sparked my interest into trying out the brand. I decided to go with the “pure peace” scent, which has notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt. I love traditionally soft and “feminine” scents, and this body wash is just absolutely delightful. Not only am I obsessed with the scent, but I also love the ethics behind the company. There’s nothing bad or damaging in this formula, so not only does shower time smell like a luxurious spa- I can feel good about my choices, too!

Home & Decor | Apple Pumpkin Candle by DW Home

I don’t need to remind y’all that I shop for fall candles year-round, and when I first smelled this candle, I knew I had found my new favorite. The scent is pretty strong, so if you’re sensitive to candles, you may not love this one. However, I LOVE the overpowering apple smell and I probably burned it for at least two hours a day this month. Unfortunately, I’ve now run out after burning it so much, but the good news is, I’ve got plenty of other fall candles lined up. 

Lifestyle | Pumpkin Anything

This past month, I have been cooking (and drinking) so many pumpkin items, it’s a wonder I’m not sick of it yet. For one thing, pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin cream cold brews from Starbucks are my EVERYTHING right now (god, I sound so white.) And, as someone who works at Starbucks, I’ve seen a lot of other folks jump on the pumpkin drink bandwagon as well. I’ve also been incorporating pumpkin into my baking lately, such as with my pumpkin bread that I made last week. I’m sure I’ll be sick of pumpkin by November, but for now, I’m a huge fan.

Health & Beauty | POPBeauty

I’m a strong believer that one should switch up their skincare routine every few months to keep things fresh and updated. Particularly with the seasons changing and the weather getting colder, I wanted to pick out some new products that would really focus on hydration and renewal. I decided to go with POPBeauty because their line was very affordable, vegan, and none of the items looked too intense for my sensitive skin. Right now, I’m using the Fizz Jelly Cleanser, the Extra Aqua Shot serum, the Zero Shine Hydrator, and the ZZZ Mask before bed. I also bought the Makeup Magnet Mist, which I’ve been loving as well. Like I said, these products are super clean and gentle on the skin, and I also really enjoy the bright aesthetic of this brand. I’m super excited to continue adding to my collection! 

Food | Candy Corn Boom Chicka Pop

I have to make a confession, I bought this popcorn at Star Market and I literally ate the entire bag in one day. In my defense, it was a medium-sized bag and not a huge one, but still. This stuff is VASTLY addicting. I’m actually not a big fan of candy corn itself (it gives me a sore throat?), but this stuff was straight-up delicious and perfect as a sweet fall snack. I’ll definitely be buying this again on my next trip to the grocery store.

Entertainment | The Michelle Obama Podcast

I think Michelle Obama is simply just a lovely person. She seems like she really has her life together, and her wisdom shines through for so many admirers. I was really excited when she announced that she was starting a podcast; I felt like it was a really human thing for her to do, to open up about her life experiences in a very personal way with her guests and her audiences. Not only have I learned a lot about Michelle from the podcast, but I also feel like I have learned a lot about womanhood and what I can expect as I continue to navigate through the world and develop into my own strong woman. 

Fashion | Oversized Sweaters

I’m basic, I know, but there is nothing I love more on this planet than a huge, cozy, neutral sweater. It definitely does not help that I live down the street from a TJ Maxx and I can go shopping for sweaters whenever I want. I’ve been really into neutrals lately (when am I not into neutrals?), which will account for why most of my oversized sweaters are an array of beiges, whites, and grays. I’m particularly loving this gray zip-up sweater I picked up the other day; I’ve been wearing it almost every day since I bought it. 

That’s everything I’ve been loving so far in September! What have you guys been enjoying so far this fall? Let me know in the comments. 

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I look forward to writing these Monthly Favorite articles every month, and I love to read other bloggers’ favorite things as well! It’s a great way to find some new hobbies, interests, and inspirations. Here’s everything I’ve been loving so far this summer. 

Lifestyle | Tie-Dying Literally Everything 

I talked about tie dye in my June Monthly Favorites, and guess what? I’m still obsessed with it. For one thing, doing your own tie-dye crafts is so easy and fun. A few weeks ago, I went totally nuts and essentially tie-dyed every white thing in my room, including two shirts and two pillowcases. I love the semi-pastel hues that they turned out, and considering I’d never actually tie-dyed before, I think the pattern came out decently as well. In regards to other tie-dye clothes I’m wearing, I also really love this dress I ordered online. Great for both sleeping and dragging myself to Starbucks in 90 degree weather for a midday coffee!

TV & Movies | 100% Hotter

5 Star returns to 100% Hotter - News - Naked

There’s nothing I love more than watching absolute trash on TV when I get home from work. The last few months, my comfort fix has been 100% Hotter, a cheesy makeunder show that you can find on Netflix. I think that transformation reality shows are an iffy concept in general, because why should someone change the way they look if it makes them happy, but this show is especially cringe and cookie-cutter. The best part is, 80% of the time, the contestants look better before their makeover rather than after. The makeup part of the makeover is usually pretty good, but the hair and the clothing styling is always SO hit or miss. Anyway, I highly recommend watching this show if you need some new entertainment. 

Fashion | Biker Shorts

If I had a larger disposable income, I just need you to know that I would buy dozens of pairs of biker shorts. I simply just love them enormously and find them so functional, comfortable, and stylish for the warmer months. Do you want to get a workout done and still feel comfortable while you run errands later, all at the same time? Buy yourself a pair of biker shorts. I currently only have one pair in black, but like I said, I would really love to expand my collection. They’re also really easy to find both online and in stores like Target, Old Navy, etc!

Entertainment | Bailey Sarian

🌙 Getting Scammed... again - GRWM + Mauve Makeup Pageant Girl ...

I was scrolling through Facebook one fine morning when a clip of Bailey Sarian appeared in my feed, and since then, I’ve just been totally hooked on her content. She makes beauty/makeup content on YouTube (thus making her a beautuber, of course,) but her spin on it is that she also talks about a true crime story while she does it. It’s a fun time, it’s interesting, and you get to learn about makeup all at the same time. I love putting on her videos and listening along while I do my own makeup; it feels like Bailey is my friend and we’re sitting down together to have gal time while we get ready. I recently found out that my mom and stepdad also watch Bailey, which I think is absolutely adorable. 

Health & Beauty | Wigs

While I’m waiting for my extremely damaged and gross-colored hair to grow out, I’ve been having a ton of fun playing around with wigs this summer! Right now I currently own two wigs, a curly ombre one and a straight black one, but I’d love to purchase a dusty pink one as well. It’s just such an easy way to switch up your look without worrying about damaging your own hair, and the possibilities for styling them are endless. The only thing I’m struggling with is learning how to keep them untangled and clean, so if you guys have any suggestions, drop them down below!

Music | Grimes

TEST SPIN | Grimes — 'Miss Anthropocene' | The Cornell Daily Sun

Okay, I know Grimes is “socially problematic” and a lot of people hate her. You don’t have to remind me. But there’s just something about her that I find so endearing and refreshing. She reminds me a lot of myself, for example, with her simultaneously deep-thinking ways and cute, quirky external personality. Every time I watch a video of Grimes talking about her life and her thoughts, I think to myself, “Wow, this human is literally me.” I really love her music as well, of course, including some of the tracks off her newest album, Miss Anthropocene. In particular, my go-to song right now is “IDORU;” it’s so fresh, light, and full of sweet emotions. And no, I am not a fan of Elon Musk in any way, but I like to dissociate him from Grimes’ art and music and try to appreciate her singularly for what (and who) she is. 

Anyway, those are all my monthly favorites for July! Sorry this was a bit behind, I’m going to schedule it so that the date appears on the day it was supposed to be published. Let me know if we share any favorites this month!

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Summer is here, and so are my monthly favorites for June! I haven’t been really leaving my house much this month, because I sadly don’t have a job *yet,* so most of these favorites are things I’ve been using to improve my lifestyle at home. I hope you guys find this list helpful and interesting!

Health & Beauty | Love Beauty and Planet

Coconut Water Sulfate-Free Shampoo| Love Beauty and Planet

As some of you have probably noticed, I recently dyed my hair a very intense, dark red. I really love the way red looks on me, but the only downside is that red washes out so easily and quickly! That being said, it’s really important to me that I use a shampoo that is gentle and safe for color-treated hair. I’ve been really loving this shampoo because it is both of those things, and it’s also vegan and cruelty-free! I came across this bottle at Star Market on sale for about six dollars, so of course, I knew it was a no-brainer to give it a try. It smells absolutely delicious, and like I said, it’s not too strenuous or damaging on my hair color. I’ll definitely be buying this brand again in the future.

Apps | Boston T

Boston T Map - MBTA subway map | App Price Drops

It’s amazing to me that I’ve been riding the T for almost four years, and I had no idea that this app even existed. Because I don’t have a car, I have to rely on public transportation to get everywhere, and that can be really stressful when you’re a woman living on your own. I like this app because it helps me to have a better understanding of where the T is at all times, and that makes me feel so much safer when I’m traveling on my own. I imagine that every major city with a public light rail probably has a version of this app, so if you live near the city, I think having a public transit app is extremely useful and worth the space on your phone.

TV & Movies | Lenox Hill

Lenox Hill (TV Series 2020) - IMDb

I actually don’t really lean towards medical shows or movies, but when my housemate put this on in our living room, I actually got immediately sucked into it and heavily invested in it. Lenox Hill is an extremely popular hospital in New York City, and this particular docu-series focuses on three departments of the hospital: neurosurgery, emergency medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology. It was so emotional and intimate at times- following the lives of select patients and doctors- and it was also extremely interesting from a scientific standpoint. If you’re looking for a new show to devour on Netflix, I really loved watching Lenox Hill and I was so sad when it ended. I hope they decide to produce a second season!

TV & Movies | Queer Eye

Queer Eye - Rotten Tomatoes

Speaking of shows to devour on Netflix, who else has been tearing through the newest season of Queer Eye? I love feel-good movies and television, so Queer Eye has been my go-to for the past few weeks. I like to watch this show while I’m working on my journal making process- it makes the tedious book binding go by so much faster when I have something to watch while I do it. My favorite episode thus far is when the Fab Five visits Marcos, the kind-hearted, hard-working Mexican immigrant who’s trying to launch his seafood restaurant. I seriously cried like a baby after his daughter came back to help him open the restaurant- anyone else?

Style | Tie-dye

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Like many of the other young folks right now, I’ve been really into the tie dye design and style right now. I recently bought a gnarly Grateful Dead-themed tie dye at my favorite thrift store, which I’ve talked about before, but I’ve also been really into bleach tie-dying clothes myself. In the summertime, it’s more important for me to stay comfortable than it is to stay stylish, so most days, I’ll just throw on a tie-dye t-shirt and be done with it. I’d also love to invest in some other tie-dye things, such as pajama sets, tank tops, etc. 

Health & Beauty | Butter Bronzer

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer | Ulta ...

Considering I’m such a heavily-invested makeup lover, it might come as a surprise to many of you that I’ve never tried the famous Butter Bronzer before now. I think part of the reason why is because I always loved to look as pale as possible when I got into makeup- particularly when I was going through my weird goth phase. However, even though I still do enjoy looking pale, I’ve found that bronzer does help to sculpt out my face a bit and make me look somewhat more alive and beachy in the summertime. It also smells absolutely amazing, as I’m sure most of you already know! I can’t get enough of this bronzer, and I’ve started recommending it to everybody.

I hope you guys enjoyed this article and found some inspiration from my monthly favorites! Have you been trying out any of these trends? Let me know in the comments.

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Since moving into my new apartment, I’ve been spending a lot of time discovering new hobbies, recipes, and tv shows while in quarantine. I’ve certainly had a lot of time on my hands, and I’m so excited to share everything I’ve been loving this month with you!

Music | Grateful Dead

Grateful Dead on Amazon Music

First of all, let me preface by saying that Nathaniel is the biggest Grateful Dead stan on planet earth, so it’s impossible for me not to like them. In the past three months, I’ve probably listened to about 100 hours of the Grateful Dead, and I’ve genuinely grown to love the band dearly. It’s definitely an acquired taste for some, but there are a handful of songs that I always have stuck in my head. Usually, I cycle through the same six songs when I’m making my dinner every night, starting with “Sugar Magnolias” and ending with “Touch of Grey.” I think my favorite Dead song right now is “Hell in a Bucket,” but I honestly can’t pick a favorite.

TV & Movies | American Horror Story

Pepper in AHS: Asylum - YouTube
Honestly, Pepper is an icon

Considering how much I enjoy watching dark, twisted television, it was a shock to even me that I never really got into American Horror Story before now. If you read my Apartment Tour article, then you know that Erin and I have been watching the show almost every single night. I just finished watching Asylum last week, and while it was absolutely gripping and outstanding, I’ve also been joking that I think it “damaged my psyche.” If you’ve watched the season yourself, then I’m sure you can agree with what I’m saying. I think I’m going to watch 1984 next, though I’m open to other suggestions. 

Food | Overnight Oats

How to Make Overnight Oats - 4 Ways | Eating Bird Food

I’m pretty sure my friends and family are sick to death of me talking about overnight oats. I’m sorry that oats make me so happy, but the possibilities with this recipe are endless. You can customize them with tons of produce, from frozen fruits to ripe bananas, or you can make dessert-like flavors using yogurt cups and dry toppings. My personal favorite overnight oat recipes are strawberries + creme, mint chocolate chip, and s’mores. Tune into my meal prep article next week to learn how I make them! It’s quick, it’s fun, and it’s easy to prepare an entire week’s worth of oats in just a few minutes.

Health & Beauty | Eylure ProMagnetic Liner + Lashes

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After I saw Jenna Marbles use magnetic eyelashes in her “Get Ready with Me to go Nowhere” video, I knew I had found my new holy grail makeup product. I love wearing false eyelashes, but I hate all the gluing and mess that comes along with it. Then, when I went to Target a couple of weeks ago with my boyfriend’s mom and his sister, I knew I had to pick up a pair while I was there. I mean, they were only about $15, and considering you get an entire tube of liquid liner as well, I thought it was a pretty great deal! They work relatively well for only 15 bucks, and I’ve been wearing them almost every day since I bought them. Definitely a worthy purchase.

Hobbies | Painting

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Like I said, I’ve needed to get back into a few hobbies now that Boston is in quarantine and I don’t have a job at the moment. I’ve always loved painting, but a few weeks ago, I had the idea to paint a jean jacket and I haven’t looked back since. I LOVE painting clothes! After I painted the jacket, I also went ahead and painted a button-up (which is on my Etsy shop, by the way,) and this secondhand suede jacket. It’s a great way to individualize your clothing, especially secondhand items, and I’ve really loved the way everything has turned out!

Food | Fruity Salads

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I think I’ve officially reached peak suburban mom energy: first the overnight oats, and now this. I wasn’t really a huge salad lover until recently, but now that I’ve realized you can put fruit in your salad, I’ve been preparing them every single week. For a while I was mimicking the Panera strawberry poppyseed salad (blueberries, oranges, pineapple, and strawberries,) but for the last couple of weeks I’ve been really enjoying an autumn-themed salad (apples, craisins, kale, and pecans.) Probably not very interesting to people who aren’t foodies, but for me, I really love coming up with new salad recipes and meal-prepping for the entire week.

Anywho, that’s going to be my monthly favorites for the month of May! I hope you guys found some inspiration from my list. Stay safe during these strange times!

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This is such a great month for favorites, hands down. I’ve certainly had a lot of time on my hands and I’ve needed new things to keep me busy, and this is everything I’ve been loving so far in the month of April! I hope you guys enjoy. 🙂 

Health & Beauty | Soap & Glory

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You may have remembered me trying out the Differin skincare line for a few months, and though I had high hopes, I ultimately didn’t see results fast enough. In fact, I think the intensity of these products actually made my skin worse, bumpier, and drier! So my mom very graciously gave me some new products to try, and I am having much better luck with Soap & Glory. For one thing, these products are so much gentler on the face, they hardly give me any redness or irritation after application. The packaging is also absolutely adorable, which has nothing to do with the performance of the products, but it’s still a nice touch. I honestly think the fact that the products are so cute and *aesthetic* makes me want to use them more, so I’ve become really adamant about washing my face every day. I honestly can’t figure out if this brand is cruelty-free or not, because even though they say they are, they are not leaping bunny certified. I’ll see if I can do some more research and find a more definite answer! Overall, though, such a cute line of products that make my face look fabulous. 

Apps | Think Dirty

Think Dirty – Shop Clean on the App Store

Recently, I came across this app after watching a YouTube video about hair care. Essentially, the app has a database of millions of beauty/skincare/haircare products, and rates them on a scale of 1-10 of how ‘clean’ they are. Not only does the app give each item a score, it also tells you why the ingredients may be harmful, what the long-term effects can be, and what better products you can use in place of a low-grade item. Sadly, Soap & Glory does not score very high on Think Dirty, mostly due to the excessive use of artificial coloring and fragrance, but I’m going to keep using it as long as it works for my skin. I love this app because it’s so addictive to go through all my products and see which ones are actually not great for my skin and my long-term health. I think this app is going to be extremely useful in helping me pick out clean products in the future. Also, it’s free!

Health & Beauty | Carli Bybel palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills Carli Bybel Palette at BEAUTY BAY

For my birthday, my boyfriend actually surprised me with this palette because he knew I had my eye on it (see what I did there? Eye on it?) Needless to say, he’s wonderful, and I was so grateful that he bought it for me. I’ve been really into warm-toned pastel colors for the past few months, and I’m also in love with bright. shimmery shades on my lid. Clearly, this palette has both of those things, and I’ve been totally loving using it these past few days. My favorite colors are ‘Cindy’, the coral orange color, and ‘Boli’, the light shimmer shade. I like that even though the colors are very cohesive, there are so many different looks you can create with this palette. 10/10 for me.

TV & Movies | Tiger King

Tiger King Memes Inspired by James Garretson's Jet Ski Scene ...

Yes, I finally hopped on the Tiger King bandwagon. In fact, Nathaniel and I watched it in about a two-day span, with very few interruptions in-between. God, what a bizarre journey! I honestly don’t know what to think about anybody in this show, but I think that’s kind of the point- they want you to be conflicted about the morals of the characters. Joe Exotic is, after all, a mastermind manipulator with a wicked evil streak, but he tends to mask it well with his charisma. I think my favorite characters were Saff, Rick Kirkham, and the zookeeper with the long hair, whose name I cannot remember. I absolutely hated that Doc guy with the blonde ponytail; he’s definitely running some sort of sketchy sex cult on his property. I’m super eager to see how the story continues to play out, and I have no doubt new episodes will be out in the future. 

Fashion | Scrunchies

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Like many young ladies and gents, I have been on such a scrunchie kick lately, I literally cannot get enough of them. I mean, come on, they’re so functional! You can pop it in your hair, pop it on your wrist, or even use it as a decoration. I used a bit of my birthday money to buy a pack of twenty scrunchies on Amazon (for $8.99, I might add,) and I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a purchase in my life. Particularly since my hair is at such an awkward length, throwing in a scrunchie can really make my hair look so much cuter and much more interesting. Also, here’s the link to the twenty pack of scrunchies if anyone is interested. 

Apps | Pinterest

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For the longest time, I could not get into Pinterest, but that all changed about a week ago. I’m not sure why I suddenly fell in love with it, but I literally just woke up one day and…I got it. And from that point on, I have been a suburban mom. My current boards include vegetarian meal prep, indoors crafts, aesthetics, and outfit ideas. Particularly since I’m moving into my first apartment in a couple of weeks, I’ve been really into pinning decoration ideas and easy crafts I can do to make my space feel more homey. I’m also not very proficient in cooking, so Pinterest is helping me quite a bit with that as well. My Pinterest name is diplomatsdigest for anyone who wants to check out my boards! I have to say, I’m quite proud of them and their pastel, soft cohesion. 

Music | Doja Cat

Who is Doja Cat? The rise of the US singer and rapper

Last but not least, I’ve had my queen Doja Cat on repeat these past few months. Obviously she’s extremely talented as a musician, but I also adore her aesthetic, her outfits, and her personality in general. She seems so unapologetically herself, and I really respect that. ‘Tia Tamera’ was my favorite bop for a while, but now I have ‘Rules’ and ‘Say So’ on repeat nonstop. I’m also really inspired by her makeup, particularly the sharp brows and the excessive pink blush. It’s so cute and feminine, and I think it looks quite flattering on me as well. I’ve tried out some not-so flattering looks in the past, so it’s nice to find one that sticks.

Anywho, those are all my monthly favorites for April! Do you guys share any of these current obsessions? Let me know in the comments below. Stay safe and don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to have my posts directly sent to your email! 

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March has been a weird month. Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of hubbub about the coronavirus and how it is affecting the everyday life of people around the world, including students such as myself. 

With that being said, I am spending a lot of time cozied up indoors. All of my classes are online for the rest of the semester, I’ve moved out of my dorm, and my spring break is extended by an extra week. This is the ultimate list of everything I’ve been loving, using, watching, and listening to in the month of March. 

The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico - Amazon ...

Music | The Velvet Underground

My music tastes have been really expanding lately, and one band in particular that I’m really loving is The Velvet Underground, particularly the album The Velvet Underground & Nico. I absolutely love the experimental style of the album, and the different themes that present themselves in each individual song. They’re definitely game-changers in the music scene, and I really appreciate their controversial lyrics as well. My favorite songs off the album are ‘Sunday Morning,’ ‘Venus in Furs,’ ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror,’ and ‘The Black Angel’s Death Song.’

bath and body works | 2019-20 Coronavirus Outbreak | Know Your Meme

Health and Beauty | Hand Sanitizer

Remember all those little Bath and Body Works scented hand sanitizers? I’m feeling pretty good knowing I have about seven of them in my makeup collection right now. Obviously, with the pandemic sweeping across the world, washing your hands and using hand sanitizer has never been more important. I don’t leave the house very often these days, but when I do, I always make sure to drop a little hand sanitizer bottle into my bag. I’m not sure if hand sanitizer is totally sold out by now or not, but if you can manage to find it, I highly recommend picking some up!

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Health and Beauty | glow highlight & contour palette | tarte

If you read my Fab Fit Fun spring box review, you probably recognize this goodie! I’ve been super into shiny, shimmery, glowy makeup lately, and the highlights in this palette look absolutely stunning on top of my blush. The palette also has some darker, bronzier shades and a cream contour shade, which I’ve actually been using to fill into my eyebrows! I’ve also been using the darker, matte powder to paint on fake freckles. In a nutshell, I’m really getting a good use out of all the shades! I also really love the sweet, sugarly smell of the palette; it’s a nice little bonus. 

Chic & Tonic Set of 4 Silicone Straws + Brush Cleaner & Case ...

Home and Decor | Silicone Straws | Chic & Tonic

This was yet another lovely surprise I received in the Fab Fit Fun box, and I’m so happy to receive yet another sustainable, low-waste product to incorporate into my daily life. It’s hard not to love these silicone straws- they’re colorful, funky, and practical! I also appreciate that the kit comes with a brush cleaner and a carrying case, so I can hygienically bring the straws out on the go with me (like I said, it’s not like I’m really going anywhere anyway.) 

Mind Field (TV Series 2017– ) - IMDb

TV | Mindfield | Vsauce/Michael Stevens

I’ve been a huge Vsauce fan for years now, and now that I have essentially nothing to do and the hours are stretching out before me, I’ve certainly been watching a ton of Mindfield to pass time. There’s something relaxing about the episodes and the way they are presented that even helps me to nod off at night! The Mindfield series was previously a part of the YouTube Red subscription, but if I am correct, all of the episodes are actually free right now. If you’re bored out of your mind and you need some new shows to watch, consider tuning into Mindfield and join me in my obsession of knowledge. 

Movie Night at Urban Roots: Rushmore presented by Urban Roots ...

Movies | Rushmore | Wes Anderson

As some of you may know, I am on a quest to watch every single movie with Bill Murray in it by the end of 2020. Yes, it is my New Years resolution, and yes, I am 1000% serious about it. The most recent Murray movie I watched was Rushmore, directed by the fantastic and wonderful Wes Anderson. The movie is sweet, extremely quirky, sad at times, soft most of the time, and almost ethereal and unreal in the way it makes you feel. I really don’t know how to describe it. After I watched this movie, I basically just cried and cried because it was so perfectly executed and bittersweet. After you finish binge-watching Mindfield, don’t forget to put Rushmore on your list!

Nathaniel

Because he’s always my monthly obsession 😉

Thanks for reading! Remember to subscribe to my email list if you’re interested in being notified every time I post. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

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Spring is almost here, which means it’s time for me to wrap up all of my monthly favorites. I don’t have as much down time as usual now that I’m back in classes, but nonetheless, this is everything I’ve been loving this month!

Health & Beauty | Sweet Talk Eyeshadow Palette | Colourpop

Image result for colourpop you're pretty

If you read my Christmas gift blog, you probably remember that this palette was a gift from my lovely neighbor, JoAnn. Since I received it, I have quite literally been using this palette on the daily. I absolutely love the warm-toned peaches, of course, and I’m also really digging that loose glitter named ‘prima drama.’ Maybe I’ve just been feeling more adventurous lately, but I really love putting glitter all over my cheekbones, inner corner, and sometimes even on my hairline. I guess I’m just really channeling my inner 2008 Kesha, but honestly, I have no complaints. This is also the first Colourpop product I have ever used, so I’m really looking forward to trying more of their products in the future!

Health & Beauty | E-Girl Blush

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I suppose this kind of relates to the Sweet Talk palette, because that’s the product I use to apply my blush (sadly, my Tarte amazonian clay blush finally cracked and broke apart.) Ever since watching Jenna Marbles’ e-girl makeover on YouTube, I’ve been really obsessed with putting my blush high up on my face. I think it looks really youthful, but it also makes me look (and feel) more alive, awake, and beautiful. I prefer to mix the shades ‘meadow’ and ‘dream maker,’ and together, they form a gorgeous, richly pigmented pink blush. I have to say, Colourpop really stole the show this month. 

Food | Raw Broccoli

green broccoli on white textile
Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels.com

God, I have been so obsessed with eating raw broccoli lately (really, I’ve been obsessed with all finger food lately.) Maybe it’s because my internship has broccoli in the cafeteria, but I think I’ve eaten raw broccoli almost every day this month. It’s crunchy, it’s delicious, and it’s loaded with protein, so us vegetarians can feel good about what we’re putting in our bodies. It’s also a great staple food to go in a variety of dishes: pasta, rice, salads, the list goes on. I’ll probably be sick of it by next week, but for now, finger foods like broccoli, bell peppers, and baby carrots have been my go-to snack.

Home & Decor | Papier

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Okay, so I haven’t actually bought anything from Papier before, but they recently popped up on my Instagram feed and I have now decided I’m in love with this company. As I like to self-proclaim, I am ‘a whore for stationary’, and anything that has to do with calendars, notebooks, or organization really gets me excited. First of all, these notebooks are adorable and affordable, and secondly, you can get your name/initials monogrammed onto them?? I’m sold. Down the road, when I have more money to spare, I definitely want to buy one of these journals. I’ve been thinking about getting into junk journaling anyway, so this could be the perfect opportunity for me. 

TV | The Office

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I’ve actually been watching The Office for years now, but this month in particular, I’ve been really cracking down and watching it constantly. Maybe it’s because NBC is taking it off Netflix in less than a year, I don’t know, but I’ve been watching it almost every night before I go to bed. I’m sure a lot of people would also agree with me that The Office almost has an ASMR-like quality to it, and watching it before bed makes me feel extremely calm and sleepy. Right now, I’m about halfway through season seven, which means things are going to change pretty drastically soon. (Side note: what are you guys’ thoughts about the changes to the show after season seven? Did you like Robert California and Nelly? Personally, I think they’re both hilarious, albeit a bit out of place.)

Anyway, that’s going to be it for today! I know my favorites this month are super random and all over the place, but this is genuinely what I’ve been feeling lately. Do we share any favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

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I’m so excited to be introducing a new monthly series: My Monthly Obsessions! These articles will incorporate all different kinds of goodies: music, products, clothes, tv shows, recipes, and much more. I love sharing my thoughts and interests with all of you, and if I can be a source of inspiration for your obsessions, then all the better. 🙂 Let’s get into it!

TV: The Bachelor

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You know, it’s not my proudest obsession, but I’ve definitely been very into watching The Bachelor with my mom every Monday night. We previously poured ourselves into The Bachelorette, which was filled to the BRIM with piping-hot tea. Let me just say that I definitely watch this show ironically- I think the storyline and the morals are very dodgy, and I definitely don’t think it’s a good representation of healthy dating. But damn, is it entertaining to watch! Sometimes, you just need to take a break from the stress and strife of life, especially with the harsh political climate dominating television. I certainly enjoy cuddling up with my Unhide blanket (hint) and my Vanilla Birch candle (hint hint) every Monday night to watch The Bachelor before bed. What’s your favorite television show at the moment?

Health/Beauty: Differin Skincare

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This line of skincare was actually a gift to my from my mother, so mom, if you’re reading this, thank you! I have tried a plethora of skincare regimens over the years, as I struggle with sensitivity, cystic acne, and redness. Stress and periods are usually a pretty severe factor for me as well, so I always try to take the best care of my skin possible. The thing that’s different about Differin (ha, see what I did there?) is that your skin will go through a “purging” period during the first few weeks. A skin purge basically means all the gunk and oil and deep zits will rise to your face and essentially get flushed out; so yes, my skin did look terrible for the first few weeks of using this. But then, all of a sudden, it began to magically clean up after the purge was finished! Needless to say, I’m now obsessed with this skincare line and I’m looking forward to further improving my skin this winter. 

Health/Beauty: Juvia’s Place

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I’ve been a big, big fan of Juvia’s Place eyeshadow palettes for years now, so naturally, I knew I had to try their “I Am Magic” foundation. My skin is extremely red and oily, so every time a new matte full-coverage foundation comes out, I immediately want to try it. I love this foundation because it’s extremely inexpensive at only $20, and a little goes such a long way. Seriously, just a few tiny drops covers my entire face seamlessly. I also pair this foundation with the Dermablend Jelly Primer, and I swear, it’s a match made in heaven. I also picked up the “I Am Magic” mini palette while I was at Ulta, because I love the warm-toned colors and the gorgeous shimmers. As you can see, Juvia’s Place has been on my mind quite a bit this month, and I’m so happy I decided to give these products a try!

TV: Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath

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Unrelated, but this woman is aging like fine wine.

I didn’t know much about scientology before watching this show, but now that I’m fully immersed in it, (1) I’m terrified of this corporate cult and (2) I have so much admiration for Leah Remini’s strength and character. This show is set up like a docu-series and analyzes the corrupt, problematic nature of the Church of Scientology. It’s absolutely mesmerizing, and even though the series has been out for a while, I knew I had to incorporate it into my January Favorites. I’m only one season in, and I have no idea how this debacle is going to end, so I’m really looking forward to crawling into bed and binge-watching the show this weekend. 

Music: Ethel Cain

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I discovered Ethel Cain after coming across a Buzzfeed article about queer woman artists, and I immediately fell in love. I already listen to a lot of indie/alternative queer music, so Ethel Cain’s soft, electric music fit perfectly into my aesthetic. In a way, her use of electronics and audio-distortion reminds me a little bit of Enya, which gives it a peaceful vibe. My favorite song by Ethel Cain at the moment is “Casings.” It’s one of those songs that is just so ethereal, and so beautiful, but it’s also so sad that it fills you with the desire to cry. Ultimately, I think Ethel Cain is extremely underrated, and even though I usually always cry after I listen to her music, it’s 10/10 worth it.

Home/Decor: Vanilla Birch by White Barn

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This was actually a candle that I bought for my mom, but she ended up not loving it since candles tend to trigger headaches for her. Anyway, she ended up gifting it back to me, and I have no complaints so far! I love wintery, warm-smelling candles, and Vanilla Birch by White Barn is exactly that. I also love the container that the candle comes in; I know its irrelevant to the actual candle itself, but it’s so elegant and pretty, and it looks so nice in my room. I’ve been burning this candle every day for the past couple of weeks, and it really reminds me of Christmastime and the warm fuzzies I associate with that period. It’s not as wonderful as Alpine Frost by Wolf + Lamb, but trust me, it’s a close second. 

Home/Decor: Unhide blanket

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This was yet another goodie courtesy of my Fab Fit Fun box, retailing normally at $65. Funny story about this blanket, I was originally intending on giving it to my friend as a Christmas gift, but the blanket was SO SOFT, I ended up keeping it for myself and buying her something else (sorry, Lily!). Here are the quick facts: these faux fur blankets are 100% vegan, and a portion of all proceeds go to The Humane Society. Aaaand, it’s co-founded by Ellen DeGeneres! Need I say more? In a nutshell, I’ve been really loving this blanket, and my mom has been loving hers too. In fact, I think I’ve even convinced her to sign up for Fab Fit Fun.  If you’re looking for a new, minimalist blanket, I highly recommend this one. 

I hope you guys are enjoying this new feature on my blog! I’m looking forward to jotting down my monthly favorites from here on out, so let me know if you have any product/tv show recommendations for me!