I’m very good at making lists. And in the month of August I’ve accumulated a good collection of things that I did, watched, ate, and enjoyed this month. Here are the things that I enjoyed in the month of August. If you take my advice to consume and experience them as I did, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. ~ Bella

To Do:

Blow Bubbles- Working as a camp counselor over the summer I realized one very important thing. There is no wrong time or place for bubbles. The instant joy that appeared on my campers faces when I took out my tube of bubbles was infectious. It’s cheap entertainment for people of all ages and never fails to produce smiles.

Go to a Farmers Market- Farmers markets are good for the soul. Go, walk around in the sunshine, talk to the farmers, purchase some organic fruits or veggies, and support your local produce farms. It’s a much more personal and organic way to buy fresh fruits and veggies (and a lot of times it’s cheaper!).

Shop at a thrift store- Recently I was searching online for a school backpack to bring with me to school in Florence next year. I was set on purchasing an $80 Fjalraven Kanken backpack that I was going to order that afternoon. By coincidence, I decided to go check out my local thrift shop. I ended up finding an adorable sunflower yellow Fjalraven Kanken backpack in perfect condition for a whopping $15! Sometimes the world looks out for you in strange ways.

Write a letter- Letter writing is an important past time that is slowly dying with the advancement of technology. I have always stayed true to my belief that a hand written letter is one of the nicest gestures you can do for someone, especially this day in age. Write a letter to your friend who’s going away to college, your sibling for their birthday, or your mom just to say how much you appreciate all she does. Everone deserved to be appreciated even for the smallest things. Like the fact that they told a funny joke that kept you laughing for days, or wore a great outfit that inspired you to make your own bold fashion choice. It doesn’t have to be long or poetic or even for a special occasion. Spread the love and you will receive it.

Paint something- You don’t have to be Picasso or have a giant canvas or a $100 paint brush. You just need to grab some paint, something to paint on, and something to paint with (use your fingers if you want!). Turn on some good tunes and let your creativity flow. It’s, therapeutic, fun, and you just might create something beautiful.

Start a gratitude journal- Every day write down one thing you’re thankful for. It can be a person, a place, an object, a moment, anything. Do it at the start or end of your day and make it a ritual. A little gratitude goes a long way.

To Wear:

Boho Bandou- If you don’t have one already, do yourself a favor and buy one at https://www.naturallife.com/accessories/hair-accessories/boho-bandeaus.html?icid=LP_Accessories_BohoBandeaus

Demin- Jackets, Skirts, Pants. I have been riding the denim wave lately. Jeans have outlasted the fashion test of time and remain an absolute wardrobe staple today. They go with everything and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. I recently ran across a pair of dark wash bell bottoms with buttons running along the pocket lining in the back of my moms closet. What’s old is new!

All-Star Converse- Also a timeless classic. I recently invested in a pair of low- rise Navy blue All Star Converse myself. They go with almost anything are adorable paired with my ripped jean skirt and flowy yellow top.

Patterned pants- An absolute staple in my closet. From blue and orange flowery patterns to geometric rainbow crisscross lines. Flowy patterned pants are perfect paired with any solid or graphic top. As if you need any more convincing, here’s a list of the benefits of owning flowy patterned pants: so comfortable, can be dressed up or down, can be worn in cold or hot weather, perfect daytime outfit, perfect night-time outfit, makes your butt look great.

Fun Sunglasses- get your self a pair of cheap fun sunglasses. They put a funky twist on any outfit and are like a conversation piece you wear on your face.

Pacifica Nail Polish- Adorably packaged vegan nail polish! (bet you didn’t know that most nail polishes are not vegan). Super cool colors and 100% cruelty-free.

To Follow:

@purezzauk –Vegan pizza shop in Brighton, England!

@brinkleydavies –Australian, vegan Surfer who does work to conserve wildlife.

@robinnyc – My favorite Peloton instructor who is one bad ass lady athlete (and happens to be vegan).

@beyondsushinyc – Vegan Sushi!!!

@thepoodlegang – An account following a gang of 7 toy poodles. They’ll make you smile every time.

@riflepaperco – An amazing paper and stationery shop started in my home town!

@talkingwallflowers – Cause duh

 

To Listen:

Women of the Hour- Lena Dunham’s feminist podcast covers topics of friendships, love, body, and more. With conversations and clips from female celebrities.

The Rich Roll Podcast- Vegan Ultra athlete Rich Roll interviews successful and interesting professionals from all across the board.

Girlboss Radio- A podcast with host Sophia Amoruso (founder of Girlboss media and Nastygal) interviews successful girl bosses.

Harry Styles new album-

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KImCVD70vtIoJWnq6nGn3

Women of Pop playlist-

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX3WvGXE8FqYX

Fleetwood Mac (Rumors album)-

 https://open.spotify.com/album/0BwWUstDMUbgq2NYONRqlu

Rock Out Playlist- 

https://open.spotify.com/user/bellabogle/playlist/3tgTHQOQVpEcAxLmBKIAyd

To Watch:

Chelsea- Chelsea Handler’s Netflix talk show “Chelsea” has become a weekly ritual. Chelsea is one of my all time favorite comedians. Her sarcastic dry humor and bad ass attitude make her so entertaining to watch. Her confidence and ability to not give a @#$%  will ignite your inner bad ass woman. If you haven’t ever seen it before, grab some popcorn and start binging.

What the Health- ATTENTION ALL PEOPLE. You NEED to see this incredibly informative and educational documentary on Netflix. Made by the same guys as was the documentary “Cowspiracy” (which you should also watch), What the Health uncovers the shocking truth behind large American food businesses that we trust to tell us how to eat.

The 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s- I found these great docuseries’s on Netflix called: The Sixties, The Seventies, and The Eighties. Each one has around 10 episodes dedicated to different aspects and prominent topics of those decades. Very interesting and nostalgic.

Eliza Shlesinger Freezing Hot- The best of many stand up comedy specials I’ve seen on Netflix. Eliza is so entertaining and hilarious. 10/10 would recommend for a movie night at home with friends.

Mona Lisa Smile- A lesser-known film that I think everyone should see. This movie is seriously incredible. So enlightening and empowering; your inner feminist will be inspired.

Girl Boss- I can’t say enough good things about this show. It’s based on a true story of Sophia Amoruso, founder of NastyGal online clothing store. If you are a woman, a feminist, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with the ability to see and hear, you should watch this show. You will be inspired to find your own personal style and work hard at what makes you passionate.

To Eat:

Banana Nice Cream- Peel and freeze as many ripe bananas as you want. Blend with a dash of almond milk till it’s creamy and smooth. It’s delicious plain, but for a twist add any combo of: dates, cinnamon, vanilla extract, peanut butter, or cacao powder to make it chocolate. yum!!

Dark Chocolate- Good for your blood, your heart, and your soul. Indulge without regret. It’s delicious and you deserve it.

Hummus- Eat with carrot and celery sticks, pita bread, or just a spoon. I won’t judge;)

Popcorn- Instead of opting for buttery microwave popcorn, try buying some organic popcorn kernels and some small paper bags. Put a half cup or so of kernels in the bag, fold to seal and microwave for 3 minutes. You can add your own vegan toppings like pink salt, cayenne pepper, nutritional yeast for cheesy popcorn, or even some Earth Balance vegan melted butter.