One of my favorite things about staying with Troy at his apartment in Orange County, other than spending quality time with him (obviously!) is that there are so many pristine common areas in his building where I can stretch out, relax, and either catch some sun or get some work and writing done. As I’m typing this, I’m overlooking his pool/patio from the comfort of the Juice Bar before we embark on a drive to Las Vegas after he finishes some meetings at work.
So it seems like the perfect time to talk about some of my favorite things from this past August – many of which have made my current cross-country journey so much more easy and organized this time around! Of course, there’s a few other things like movies/television shows I’ve been enjoying throughout this month, as well – but I’ll get to those near the end of this post.
First, let’s take a look at the things I was able to snap some photos of (from the comfort of the aforementioned Juice Bar! I love California living!)
As much as I have loved and adored my long-time carry-on bag over many, many years – it’s beginning to show the noticeable signs of wear and tear after so many instances of being crammed into overhead bins or shoved under the seat in front of me on flights. I knew I needed something a little more durable (and with a little more storage space!) for my current trip since I’m going to so many different places over the next couple of weeks.
I picked up this cream colored weekender bag from ETRONIK before my trip. Not only does it have a ton of pockets to store the necessities that I don’t want to check with my regular luggage, but it has a built-in shoe compartment and a USB port so I can charge my devices while they’re stored. It definitely came in handy when my layover got delayed this past Monday and I had no other way to keep my phone alive while we waited on the runway for a couple of hours!
Best of all, it’s dimensions meet TSA requirements – so you can load it up with as much stuff as you need to keep your regular suitcase from being too heavy!
Much like my carry-on bag, my toiletries bag has taken a beating over the years, and I figured that I may as well replace it, as well, in keeping up with my ongoing efforts to remain organized when traveling. When I saw this set of corduroy, varsity jacket-inspired bags from Pinkunn, in very lovely Fall-esque colors, I scooped them up!
Although my photo only shows three bags, there’s four total – all labeled accordingly with FACE, SKIN, HAIR and STUFF. The bags are super roomy and durable, and I have been able to assort my items, including my skincare, hair products, makeup and things like deodorant, my toothbrush and water flosser, with so much ease!
Also, if the neutral tones aren’t for you, these come in a wide variety of different shades/color combinations, too!
I am beyond thrilled that big, chunky headphones are making a comeback. Not only are they entirely more comfortable than earbuds, but they’re nearly impossible to lose/misplace and the sound quality is infinitely better. I had last owned a pair way back in the early 00s, and only gave into the smaller ear piece trend when the bigger ones became nearly impossible to both find and afford.
These rose gold Blue Tooth headphones from Zihnic are inexpensive, can be charged via USB, and provide great surround sound-style audio and longevity. They also come with a couple of cords so they can be plugged into various devices and a matching carrying case that they are folded into for easy storage and transport.
And if rose gold isn’t your style – these also come in a variety of different colors to better suit your needs!
And finally, as ready as I am for all things Fall – it’s still August and still technically the Summertime – so I decided to keep the current season alive and well in my wardrobe with these super soft, super comfy two-piece pajamas from Cuddl Duds while I’m away from home.
This boy short and t-shirt set has a bunch of pool-inspired images printed onto them, like little lifesavers, sunglasses, sandals and sunbathing puppies. They’re over-the-top cute and ridiculous, so naturally I’m bringing them along with me to Vegas!
I also grabbed another similar set in a brightly colored floral pattern, but I think these ones are my favorite by far!
And that just about does it for my photogenic favorites. There’s still a couple more things that made the list this month, though!
– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –
Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4 – I am an ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ addict, and I have really loved the installments that Netflix has produced over the past couple of years. The most recent collection, released at the very end of this past July, delivers a good dose of both true crime and supernatural cases – some more memorable and gripping than others.
My only problem with this current season (other than it not being long enough! Why are the seasons so short?!) is that they essentially wasted an episode on ‘Jack The Ripper’ where they provided no new or compelling information or evidence. It was stuff we’ve already known for ages, and I feel like there’s so many more recent cases that could have been showcased/highlighted for the public’s consideration.
‘Alien: Romulus’ – I had been counting down the days to see this latest installment in one of my favorite (and scariest) franchises of all time, and it did not disappoint. It has the right amount/balance of storytelling, scary moments, and gore – given that chestbursters are still going strong in these movies! – and was a great way to spend a Summer afternoon at my local movie theater.
Nothing will ever top the original, of course – but this one was significantly better than previous installments/sequels I’d seen!
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And there we have it, another collection of favorites to close out the Summer 2024 season. This one was a fun and effective assortment of items that have made my current adventures and travel plans a whole lot smoother!
I’m sure by the end of September, my “Favorite Things” are going to have much more Fall and Halloween-stuff included, so be prepared for that one. The best season of them all is swiftly approaching!
See you all soon!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 