“Discover my current favourites – from delicious eats and places visited; to must-see entertainment – in my monthly roundup.”
Another mixed bag of a month, the two highlights in August were catching up with an old friend whom I had not seen in five years; it was an emotional reunion, to say the least, though the timing was just right and much needed.
And the second was going to my first-ever write-together focus group, which was totally out of my comfort zone; Going to any social event on my own is like awkwardness on steroids; as it turned out, I got to meet some interesting people, the shitty part was falling sick a few days later…
A week of sickness is what I get when I’m out here trying to do the most and ignoring all the signs that my body is telling me to slow down.
How about you, how has your month been? An exciting summer travel, overcoming a fear, or simply resting… which is what I need to learn to do more of?
Here is my August Round-Up!
Arts & Culture
Exploring Local Art at The Gardens Mall
“Preserving culture and heritage through miniatures” by Artist Pui Wan Lim.
I have always been fascinated with miniature models, and this being so familiar to me, living here in Asia and regularly visiting local food stalls, the artist has truly captured the essence of those places; the ‘detail’ is astonishing!
On until 17 September at The Gardens Mall Ground Floor.
For the Foodies
An Asian fusion café bar in the heart of Kampung Attap. The area has become a hub for some incredible homegrown brands and eateries, well worth the visit for good food, coffee and a mooch around.
We tried their Beef rice bowl and Char Keow Teow. For preference, I would go back for the Char Keow Teow and try something else from their menu.
Anyone who knows me knows I have a massive sweet tooth!
I discovered this place on my IG feed (like most foodie places) and have been desperate to go ever since; I can confirm it did not disappoint.
Beauty & Hair
“A daily anti-aging essener”
This has been part of my daily skincare routine for a little over a month now. Although it adds moisture to my skin and works well with my other skincare, I haven’t seen any noticeable improvements.
Have you tried this product or any others from the brand?
I will share a full review soon on this product x
What I’ve Watched
Hijack
“A tense thriller (told in real time) that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, while authorities on the ground scramble for answers” – INDb
I love an action/thriller film, and this one has many twists and turns, an easy, at times, on-the-edge-of-your-seat watch.
Painkiller
“The causes and consequences of America’s opioid epidemic unfold in this drama following its perpetrators, victims and an investigator seeking the truth.” – INDb
I enjoyed how this series was shot, leaping between past and present, building a picture of the family who created this painkiller, the marketing of it and the ones who fall victim to it.
For me, this was an insight into the big business of pharma, an entertaining series with sad and scary truths.
Depp v Heard
“Showing both testimonies side-by-side for the first time, this series explores the trial that set Hollywood ablaze and the online fallout that ensued.” – INDb
I was unashamedly one of those people who got caught up in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trials, which made sense for me to watch this docu-series. It does emphasise how social media had a monumental part and could have influenced the verdict of this case.
It did leave me questioning our society, how information is absorbed and the consequences of that.
Podcast
It is not the first time I’ve shared this podcast on my blog before, and for good reason. The hosts, Candice and Sarel, receive confessions from their audience and essentially give their advice, but the responses to the confessions have me in stitches every time; their wittiness and laughter are contagious, and I always look forward to their episodes.
I pick and choose episodes from this podcast as she tends to have interesting guests; I’m always intrigued to listen to other’s stories, how they got to where they are and what they’ve learned along the way, especially when it comes to women who work in spaces where you don’t see yourself in, like this episode with Author and journalist Anita Bhagwandas, who is Beauty Director at Condé Nast Traveller and Columnist at the Guardian, amongst other things.
An insightful episode to better understand and raise awareness of what women are going through at this phase of their lives, from the symptoms we may have to the effects our lifestyle has on us. Highly recommend!
What’s up on Socials
There is one post I have been on and off working on, “about being in my forties”, for over a month now; I’m toiling to piece the words together and how to structure it in a way that makes sense to the reader and me …the struggles of endeavouring to convey what is bubbling in my head is a process, I can’t be the only one?!
What I did this month was open a Substack account and share my blog posts there; if you are on Substack, you can easily subscribe to my newsletter 😉
Spotlight
I have been following the Writer and Author of “Carefree Black Girls”, Zeba Blay, for a few years; I’ve even shared her work on the blog. She is an inspiration of mine; her weekly newsletter on Substack ‘Sunday energy’ and Instagram posts on ‘I hope this is what your Sunday is giving ‘ motivated me to get back into writing/blogging again.
“This newsletter is an extension of my book project. It’s also a place for me to think out loud, messily, honestly, candidly. If you sign up for my newsletter, you will get periodic essays from me – musings on life, love, mental health, Black womanhood, and the goings on in pop culture” – Zeba Blay substack
You can find her:
& That is my August round-up, on to September!
Till Next Time
xx