I wasn’t going to write an August Favorites blog because I published my Summer Favorites not too long ago. Here I am writing, however, because I have an obsession.

I am captivated.

I am entranced, fully absorbed, and powerfully hooked in every way possible with Magdalena Bay’s newest album, Imaginal Disk.

It’s phenomenal, showstopping, and unparalleled.

I’ve tried listening to other music, but each day I find myself turning back to Imaginal Disk.

During my first listen, I thought the album was pretty good, but with each listen, I soon grew more and more in love. Each lyric, beat, and tune speaks to me. My inner dialogue has turned into Imaginal Disk lyrics and my inner thoughts crave more answers about the album’s story.

I could talk about this album for eons—the visuals, the beat changes, the 70s influences—but alas! We must continue with the remainder of the list.

Please listen to it in order since, like most Mag Bay music, it tells a story from beginning to end. My current favorites are “She Looked Like Me!” "Image,” “Love is Everywhere,” and “Cry for Me” (I haven’t been able to listen to "Cry for Me” without tearing up a little, yet—it’s beautiful).

Makeup Remover Washcloths

I have wanted to try makeup-removing cloths for ages, but I finally took the leap and purchased these from Target. I didn’t realize how well they remove makeup with just water! It’s amazing! I love how soft they are too; they remind me of a soft stuffed animal lol. The only drawback is that I bought a pair in black, so it’s hard to tell when they’re dirty and it’s time to wash them. I try to wash them once a week, though, whenever I wash my regular laundry.

Glossier Boy Brow Arch

I recently realized I might’ve been using the wrong eyebrow pomade color for my eyebrows for years. Oops. I decided to ditch the product and start over. I tried out the new Glossier Boy Brow Arch in Black—a pomade pencil with a spoolie and a pencil with a 2-in-1 custom tip shape. It works so well in creating natural, hair-like strokes that blend in naturally with my eyebrows. It also fills in the spots that need a bit more coverage. I’m definitely buying this again after I run out.

Sephora Collection Fluff & Fix 12HR Brow Wax

My eyebrows are a bit stubborn in that they like to lay in their natural shape, even with the strongest eyebrow wax, however, I like a slightly-fluffy brow with the hairs sticking up and out a bit. The Sephora Collection Brow Wax works so well to keep my brows in place! I especially love that it’s budget-friendly and has a little more product than other brow waxes on the market.

A hastily taken photograph once I realized the sun was setting.

Dot’s Original Homestyle Pretzels

I tried these at a party once and omg I was hooked. These pretzels have such a unique flavoring to them and go well on their own or paired with hummus, cheese (Boursin garlic and herb cheese is yummy), and fruit. They’ve become my go-to snack in a pinch.

I couldn't take a picture with a full bag; I ate them too fast.

Italian Salad

Thank you, Pinterest, for introducing me to my new favorite salad ever. And I am a lover of many salads. I’m a different person because of this recipe. This salad has everything, from dry salami to radicchio, garbanzo beans, and mozzarella cheese. They all blend to create a harmonious, savory dish. It tastes just like an Italian sub! Even the salad dressing is delicious and flavorful. Here is the recipe from the food blog Damn Delicious.

Hey now, this is what dreams are made of.

A little commotion for the zoom-in, please.

Note: I excluded red onions, pepperoncini, and black olives from the recipe simply because I am not a fan of these ingredients.

Enjoy a video of me drizzling the olive oil dressing on the salad:

Mini Charcuterie Plates

When I had leftover ingredients from the Italian Chopped Salad, I combined them with Dot’s Pretzels to create mini charcuterie plates! I love how easy and filling these snacks are, especially for those busy days. They’re also easy to pack as a snack at work. I’m definitely making more charcuterie plates in the future.

I think it’s clear why this blog had to be written. There was so much to love this month and so much room for love, I simply had to share with you all.

Now the only question remains, what are you trying first?

Until next time, dearest friends!