Welcome to the Monthly Top 10 series! I thought it would be fun to document the 10 things, places, and experiences I enjoyed each month. Here are my faves from August!
p.s. Some of these items may be sold out, so I linked some similar options below :)
1. Pistachio
Pistachio candles, pizza, and perfume — pistachio is the moment for this season. It all started when I picked up Trader Joe’s Salted Caramel and Pistachio candle to warm up my living room. Pistachio’s scent is vanilla’s cooler, older sister. I’m not into gourmand scents BUT for pistachio, I’ll make an exception!
Pistachio Perfume D.S. & Durga (210)
Salted Caramel + Pistachio Candle Trader Joes (4)
2. Bala Bangles
I started using wrist and ankle weights at my barre studio but didn’t like how the Velcro on them would come loose and didn’t stay on during the workout. I decided to try out Balas since they’re magnetic and ngl I was victim to the cute packaging and colors — I’m a sucker for anything in an icy blue. These are a GAME CHANGER for my Pilates and Barre girls. Plus, they come in a handy case that makes them perfectly portable.
3. Pickleball
I’m a little late to this summer obsession, but pickleball is so much fun! There’s almost no barrier to entry (I view this as a more accessible alternative to tennis), and the game is perfect for weekend mornings. 10/10 recommend playing pickleball.
4. Uncanny Valley by Anna Weiner
I picked this book up in the sale section of a local bookstore in Marin with no expectations. The blurb made the book sound funny and seemed somewhat relatable as Anna is a woman in tech as well. I loved every page of this book. Her memoir is so funny, and descriptive, and has a great balance of seriousness and fun. Anna talks about the idealism in Silicon Valley, the ups and downs of the startup world, and touches on her experiences from being a newbie to a veteran in the industry.
5. Vests
Vests are not going anywhere. I love the versatility of them— cue outfit math:
vest + crisp trousers + loafers = corporate look
vest + mini skirt + sneakers = city daytime look
vest + jeans + heels = city nighttime look
vest + long sleeve + jeans + boots = cafe look
vest + t-shirt + jeans + flats = shopping look
I’ve worn all of the above equations and always receive compliments — vests are IT.
Reformation Aspen Linen Top (148)
6. On Clouds Sneakers
These were a total impulse purchase. I really did not need another pair of sneakers but I found a great deal for them so I bit the bullet and I am so glad I did! These shoes actually feel like you are walking on clouds — LOL. The model I got is slip-on, so it’s essentially the easiest running shoe I own. These have quickly become a staple in my everyday footwear collection.
7. Olipop Sparkling Tonic
I’ve tried a good amount of prebiotic, probiotic, wellness-ish sodas recently to incorporate ✨ gut-health-friendly ✨ elements into my meals. Most of them did not do much for me but Olipop was different. Olipop made me feel the best after meals and has the best flavor range I’ve seen. My go-to flavors are Vintage Cola and Cherry Cola.
8. Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
Add this to damp hair before styling. Hair smells amazing and frizz is gone. That’s all.
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner (30)
9. Veep
Oh my god — this show is so funny. After Succession, I was looking for a show that had a sharp tongue, and witty, dry humor, and Veep was commonly cited as a similar show. I binged it. I loved it. I will be rewatching it.
Selina Meyer 2024 anyone?
10. Light Pink Lilies
I’ve been gravitating towards light pink lilies for small floral arrangements for my dining table. These are so bright, take up volume, and last for 1.5 weeks. Lillies were loved in August.