“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.” 
― Sylvia Plath

August was supposed to be a quiet month for me, a relatively more relaxed pace at work, other people on holiday, a chance to catch up and get things done, possibly more blogging…

Nope. Hilariously nope. This month has been ridiculous and stressful in the extreme. A few projects at work exploded spectacularly and took over my and my team’s lives, there has been some silly personal drama in the background, and I still don’t feel as if we’ve recovered our flow after our weeks of houseguests this summer (which were not at all a burden, but did a number on the schedules and habits which help keep me balanced). That being said, I’m still urging both X and Katarina to come visit before the year is out because both would obviously be necessary to my happiness

However, we got there in the end. The projects have been righted and we’ve even had a few a few major victories, I’ve got some interesting side hustle opportunities that I’m exploring, and we’re finally going to have some time off next week. Everything’s coming up Milhouse! To celebrate, here is the list of things I loved this month and helped get me through.

It’s My Cushion Compact Case
I saw this product on YouTube and immediately thought it was a genius invention. I was searching for ways to apply sunscreen throughout the day (something I and my pale skin take seriously but still haven’t perfected after years of research) and came across this DIY option that riveted me. One short Amazon.com scouring later and I’ve embraced the tutorial in its entirety and my sunscreen cushion is now a tool I use daily–just before I leave work and head home. This same YouTuber also has another tutorial on how to create your own cushion foundation using the compact which I might be trying next.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
I had a bad week when, in the midst of the work shenanigans, my favorite red lip product went missing. Turns out it had been having a vacation in a coat pocket, and I may have danced a little jig when I found it again. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: for me, lipstick is armor; when mine goes missing I feel less able to kick ass and take names. I have a plethora of lipstick, but this one reigns supreme in the red category and it was nice to rediscover my love for it, even if it was under emotional distress.

The Art of the English Murder, by Lucy Worsley
This is not a new book by my academic girl crush, but for someone who loves a good murder, it was a great read. Pretty sure I’ll be getting this for my father-in-law (who shares my love of Poirot) for Christmas!

“A Conversation With a Former White Nationalist,” by The Daily
The Daily, the podcast of the New York Times has been a great news podcast for my commutes, but this particular episode with a former white nationalist who had to unmake his own racism was exceptionally good. More importantly, he explains the vision of white supremacy he was raised with, how the movement has changed in recent years in an attempt to rebrand itself, and how members of the movement view the current political moment. It’s complex, challenging, disheartening, and hopeful all at the same time.

Lisa Macario sweatshirt
I purchased this sucker way back in May and (due to overwhelming demand for this and her other work) only got it this month. It was worth the wait. When she’s finally caught up on her workload–and I wish her all the success–I fully intend to buy something else for myself.