Monthly Must Haves: What I've Been Loving in September 2020
Hey, friends.
It’s been a while since I posted a “What I’ve Been Loving” type blog post! Love, love, love reading these blog posts from my favorite bloggers. I thought about posting a separate reading round-up of what I read in September, but it’s been a light, light reading month. Like, as I write this, I have to finish my second book that I read this month.
So, I thought about just doing “what I’ve been loving” post! These things have been taking my attention from books, so I’ll just write about them instead.
BOOKS:
“Majesty” by Katherine McGee
The book that I read this month is “Majesty” by Katherine McGee! I finished this and so. many. thoughts. As the sequel to “American Royals,” the setting is if George Washington was king of America, instead of the first president. The monarchy follows all the way to Beatrice, Samantha, and Jefferson. Princess Beatrice becomes the most powerful woman in the country, otherwise now known as Queen Beatrice. In “Majesty,” Beatrice adjusts to her new role as Queen after a tragedy falls on the kingdom of America and she struggles with the stifling high expectations set before her—and the new power that the crown beholds. Beside Queen Beatrice, comes her younger siblings, twins Princess Samantha and Prince Jefferson. Samantha continues to live up to her name, party princess, in the sequel yet again. But does she meet the party prince? Jefferson, on the other hand, had two girls chasing after him, including longtime close friend/commoner Nina Gonzalez, but their relationship seemed on the rocks because of crown-chaser Daphne Deighton. Nina tries hard to distance herself from the spotlight, but finds herself back with the royal family. Perhaps in another relationship?
Read if: you loved American Royals, The Crown, The Royal We, The royal wedding (both of them!), Crazy Rich Asians.
“Party of Two” by Jasmine Guillory
I absolutely adore anything by Jasmine Guillory. “Party of Two” is the latest installment in her series that includes “The Wedding Date” and “The Proposal.” I think—no, I know that the main character in this latest one, Olivia, is in my top two characters written by Jasmine, right next to Nicole in “The Proposal.” Olivia Monroe has just moved back to LA to start her own firm with her best friend, Ellie. One of the first few weeks of arriving, she meets a mystery man in a bar and immediately starts flirting with him. But then she realizes (after he leaves the bar) that he’s none other than California Senator Max Powell. Of course, Olivia is busy with her firm so she doesn’t want to date anyone—but could she change her mind after she finds that Max is sweet, charming, attractive, and sends her cake?
Synopsis: A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns into a whirlwind affair that gets everyone talking.
TV SHOWS:
“The West Wing”
I’m almost to season four as I write this! I highly, highly recommend watching this show, especially on the eve of a very important presidential election. This show has made me cry more than any other show. I think I’ve told anyone and everyone that cares that Josh Lyman and CJ Cregg and of course, President Bartlet are my heroes. Each episode, being 40 minutes, runs FAST. And when I say fast, I mean they literally move fast. In almost every scene, somebody is walking hurriedly through a room while having a conversation—an important conversation, I might add. Again, I highly recommend.
Watch if: you love political dramas, have interest in working in politics, or just want to become politically involved/educated before the upcoming presidential election.
“Gilmore Girls”
This is a classic. A fall-favorite, it’s a show that I pretty much grew up watching (i.e. it came on right before Full House on ABC Family way back when, and now I’m hooked). If you’re looking for a feel-good show to watch in the midst of these crazy times, there’s no better choice than “Gilmore Girls.”
“Schitt’s Creek”
I cannot believe I took this long to watch this Canadian classic. Eugene and Dan Levy are comedic gold, but I can’t leave out Annie Murphy (ewwww, David!) and the legendary Catherine O’Hara. They practically swept at the Emmy’s, which inspired me to pick the show back up, and let me tell ya, that was not a bad decision. Maybe expect a couple of inspired posts that relate to Schitt’s Creek? Anyhow, if you’re looking for a quick sitcom but will also capture your hearts and funny bone, then I highly recommend this show.
“Dancing with the Stars”
Oh my goodness, I have so many thoughts on this one. First of all, as I’m writing this (SPOILER), Carole Baskin has been voted off DWTS. Finally. Set aside the entire Tiger King drama, she was just not a ballroom dancer. Granted, celebrities aren’t supposed to have tons (really, none) of experience, but even the judges said that she lacked rhythm and consistently gave her low scores. I tend to feel bad whenever a celeb gets low scores, but now we can focus on the better dancers as the competition heats up! My favorites are Nev, Vernon Davis, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Jesse Metcalfe. But, BUT—my all-time favorite is Justina Machado, which really surprised me. I only watched her on “Jane the Virgin,” playing Rogelio’s ex-wife and mother of his second child. But Justina gave an electrifying performance and I really think that she can win—beating experienced dancers and an Olympian figure skater. No shade to any of them, but I truly believe in this show that it’s the people who aren’t totally experienced in ballroom dancing but really shine on the dance floor and learn the steps who truly “win” the season. Go, Justina!
MOVIES:
“Hamilton”
I watched “Hamilton” this month, for the third time this year. And the more I watch it, the more things that stick out for me! It’s like I missed certain scenes here and there the first time I watched it. For example, every time I watch it, I get a deeper understanding of Aaron Burr, played by the amazing Leslie Odom Jr. After watching the presidential debate on Tuesday night (9/29), I flashed back to the rap Cabinet battles, and I thought to myself, “why can’t all debates be like the Cabinet rap battle?” Lol. But no seriously, if you’re looking for a movie to entertain yourself on a chill Saturday night, you can’t go wrong with “Hamilton.”
listens:
Justin Bieber just released “Holy” a week ago and it’s already played on loop while in my car. But, if you don’t typically listen to either rap or Christian music, I created a playlist entitled “Christian hype music” on Spotify. Enjoy.
Also, I recommend Morgan Wallen if you are a fan of Luke Combs or Eric Church, or really any other country artist. I just recently discovered him, and boy, his songs have been on repeat.
CLOTHES:
What have I been wearing? Honestly, a lot of sweatpants. I broke out my jeans and the rest of my fall wardrobe, and I’ve been trying to mix and match and act like I’m a fashion stylist. I also broke out my leather leggings I bought at the beginning of quarantine, and finally had the chance to wear them in public. I paired them with a sweater I thrifted from a new Goodwill I found, and a pair of old Vans. My new dog (news!!) chewed up my Birks, so I had to shop around for some new shoes. (Love ya, Shay!)
EATS/DRINKS:
I was just about to finish this post, when I forgot about food and drinks! I’ve been regularly and exclusively shopping at Trader Joe’s lately, and they have been KILLING it with their new fall products. As I’m not the biggest fan of pumpkin (a little too much spice for me), their products impress me.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Move over Starbucks, Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice K cups are the new reigning champion. Okay, maybe I’m still a fan of Starbucks’s pumpkin cream cold brew, but it’s not only more efficient and cheaper to brew my own pumpkin spice coffee right in my very own Keurig. The Pumpkin Spice K cups are a must buy for anyone who loves pumpkin! Add a splash of vanilla creamer and a dash of pumpkin spice on top, and you are the epitome of autumn.
Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies
Oh my goodness—these are so good! Not too addicting, these are the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can’t go wrong with these. They’re like Oreos, but fall-related and definitely a Trader Joe’s product. Next time you swing by your local TJ’s, I highly recommend picking some of these up.
Trader Joe’s Olive Oil Popcorn
You didn’t think that the next product wasn’t going to be a TJ’s product? I’ve been wanting to do a TJ’s haul forever, but haven’t gotten around to it! I absolutely love this popcorn—it’s the perfect snack for when I need to pig out on something but it’s light enough to be considered “healthy.” Their other flavors/types of popcorn are good, but this bag outranks them by far—at least in this loyal customer’s book.
WHAT I’VE READ LATELY:
Lastly, I thought I’d do a round-up of all the interesting, fun, educating articles that I’ve read lately; I love opening my phone/computer every morning with a cup of coffee (disclaimer: not the first thing I do in the morning) to read a couple of blogs, news outlets, publications, etc.
This cute fall bucket list from The Everygirl.
I got my first Supergoop product (am I an influencer yet??) and it is life-changing. Read this blogger’s stellar review; she is kinda a skincare expert.
The best things bloggers and content creators can do to get their brand off the ground by one of my favorite bloggers Adelia Lauren!
A list of recipes you can make using Trader Joe’s ingredients.
From Relevant Magazine: what millennials can learn from Gen Z, what Christians need to stop doing on social media, and the life-changing power of simple prayers.
From NPR, a look at Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s Supreme Court pick for the nomination.
