August is that month that makes you desperately wish for fall. The trash is ripe on the curb, Summer Fridays are coming to an end, and you still haven’t managed to get a tan. BUT there are some ~exciting~ things this month. From Netflix adding more binge-worthy seasons, to new recipes, there’s plenty to be happy about even in summer’s arm pit.
On Netflix: Workin’ Moms
I never expected to enjoy a show about motherhood until I came across Workin’ Moms on Netflix. Its honest, modern approach to family dynamics is intermixed with lighthearted moments. There’s a scene between Anne and her preteen daughter in Season 2 that encapsulates the show’s theme of balanced parenting. After Anne’s suspicions of Alice come to a boiling point, she offers to respect Alice’s privacy in return for transparency and honesty. The show also tackles the #MeToo movement in a manner that empowers victims and avoids any sort of mockery (probably the product of a writer with a woman’s perspective). Go ahead and binge the first two seasons, the next one is coming August 29th.
Man Up Podcast
Toxic masculinity gets a bad rap in mainstream media (although that’s a conversation for another time). Host Aymann Ismail guides nuanced conversations centered around male experiences and in the process breaks past the ideas of controlled emotions and stoicism that espouse traditional masculinity. It’s a must listen for all genders.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
I realize I’m a little late to the game on this one. When Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch came out in 2013 I was just a wee babe, fresh out of high school. The nearly 800 page literary behemoth was the last thing on my mind as I entered my first year of college. After watching the trailer for the upcoming film and getting goosebumps (potentially from the office A/C but it’s undetermined), I realized that I needed to experience the print version before indulging in the feature picture. I highly recommend the novel, it’s been a while since I’ve found a book that moves me to tears. Be forewarned, Tartt moves through the pages with the urgency of a turtle but it’s a bookshelf necessity.
Microneedling
I’ve dealt with hormonal acne for my entire adult life (lucky me!) and as a result, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to improve my skin. Enter microneedling. The real deal is expensive and intense, so I’ve opted for the at-home version until I can build up the bank account and the nerves. I went with this derma roller from Cosmedica and let me tell ya, this stuff WORKS. I use mine about 2x a week before bed and layer on The Ordinary’s Retinol after. My skin is definitely less enflamed in the morning and it just looks overall much calmer (i.e., less red and my pimples are smaller). Supposedly, it helps with acne scars over time but I haven’t used it long enough to be able to testify to that. Here’s hoping!
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
I’ve had some serious cravings for spicy food lately and this spicy shrimp pasta recipe satisfied not only my spice deficiency but also my FOMO for summer seafood. It’s rich and creamy and oh-so-good. I’d recommend upping all of the spice quantities for a more flavorful experience, but it’s all a matter of preference.
em, as always 
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