Hello, Adventures in Polishland readers! I am back with another monthly newsletter to share with you. In case you missed it, last month I debuted this new series on the blog in which I recap everything I’ve been up to over the course of the month by sharing my highlights, adventures, and mini product reviews. It is fun to reconnect with all of you all while going back to my blogging roots. I hope you are enjoying stepping into Polishland with me!
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I honestly can’t believe that September is over already! The month went by very quickly for me, mainly due to being very busy at work. Things started off incredibly well when we found out that my dad is currently cancer free after being diagnosed last year. He still has a long journey ahead of him in terms of treatment and management, but it was such a relief and a wonderful feeling to get that news from his radiation oncologist. If you’re interested, I shared a little more about what we’ve been through over the past year over on my Instagram. We got to celebrate this news, along with birthdays for my Dad, niece, and grandma (who turned 99!) throughout the month. Fall is my favorite time of year, and I definitely think it got started on the right foot with so many celebratory events!
In addition to spending quality time with my parents on the weekends, I was able to spend a day in Boston seeing the Boston Ballet Fall Experience. This performance featured a beautiful orchestral piece, along with two contemporary dance numbers. This is my fourth time going to see the Boston Ballet, and it certainly won’t be the last. The dancers and orchestra are just so talented, and I think it’s extremely important to support the arts any time you are able. While I was in the city, I got to peruse one of my favorite used bookstores Commonwealth Books, as well as grab some vegan treats from Union Square Donuts and Q’s Nuts at Boston Public Market. I used to work in this area of Boston, so I like to visit my old food spots whenever I can!
Another highlight for me this month has been the weather. Although it has rained a lot and we had our first Nor’Easter of the season, I’ve really been enjoying the cooler temperatures. It has been so nice to go for walks outside, and put on my favorite cozy pajamas inside. With September also comes the start of football season! My team is already off to a rough start, but I do like having the excuse to sit on the couch every Sunday with a cup of decaf chai tea and my book while yelling at the TV. Hopefully the Patriots (and their owner…) will get their act together over the course of the season!
The last exciting moment of the month was my brother being able to visit briefly from California when he came to the East Coast for his friend’s wedding. I unfortunately had work obligations for his full day at home, but I did get to participate in a fun round of Settlers of Catan and Rummy 500. Plus, I know my parents were very happy to spend some time with him, so that means a lot to me. What a full month of family and adventuring!
FLOPS AND FAVORITES
👎 Flops
- Thankfully, I do not have many flops this month! The only beauty flop for me is the IGK Class of ’93 Curl Perfecting Whipped Cream. I’ve been trying to embrace my naturally wavy/curly hair, and hoped this cream would provide some soft and frizz-free definition. Unfortunately, I can’t figure out how to avoid crispy ramen-noodle hair with this product! Any recommendations are appreciated!
- My least favorite read of the month was Mister Magic by Kiersten White. This is one of those books that has an incredible premise, but the execution fell flat for me. It was still entertaining, but the ending felt quite convoluted.
- I love going to yard sales, so I was excited when a nearby town hosted a town-wide yard sale day. We stopped by quite a few of them, and I found absolutely nothing! That was definitely a flop for me.
👍 Favorites
- I didn’t have any five-star reads this month, but I really enjoyed both The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver and Ordinary People by Judith Guest. These books were both published decades ago, but have themes that are still relevant today.
- A home product I began using a few months ago is Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent Sheets. Now that I’ve tested them for I while I can confidently say I will be buying more! I love that they are a cruelty free, vegan, and plastic free. I purchased the unscented variety.
- Another item I’ve been testing for a few months is the Rare Beauty Aways An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist. I’ve been on the hunt for a new favorite setting spray for quite a while now. While this one doesn’t measure up to my holy grail from The Body Shop (that no longer exists!), it is very close, and I will likely be repurchasing another bottle when this one is empty.
- A tried and true favorite for me came in handy this month! Luckily, I don’t need to use it often, but whenever I need the Derma E Sulfur Spot Treatment, I know I can count on it to clear up any acne. It’s one of those products that I feel like is doing some sort of magic!
- As for a sweet treat, I bought Abe’s Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes from the grocery store, and they were so good! I love that they are small and stay fresh for a few days. Great for sharing (or not!).
- Finally, my favorite nail polish of the month is Zoya Nail Polish Zora from the Sonnet Collection, which was sent to me for review. It is a stunning top coat with color-shifting flakes. I’m wearing it in this post if you’d like to see it in action!
That wraps up Volume 2 of my monthly newsletter! Thank you for stopping by to read my recap of my September in Polishland. I would love to know how your September was. Please share one of your favorites in the comments! I look forward to enjoying the autumn season, and look forward to sharing more with you in next month’s post.