September favourites

Hello internet users,

Long time. So many changes have happened in my life, in fact as I am typing this right now there is still more to go before I can actually take a breather.

Anyway, through my time away from blogging I have been able to find some things that have become my favourite things (cue Julie Andrews). So here are my September favourite's;

1. Cetaphil Gentile skin cleanser.

During the winter months, the one thing my skin constantly feels is dry. I needed to find more skin care products that can help keep it hydrated. So, like every millennial and Gen Z, where do I go…the internet. Specifically, Tik tok and behold the Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser.

When speaking about anything skin care related, it's really just trial and error.

What has helped me is knowing my skin type and reading everything about the product. It makes it easier to find products for your skin.

E.g. If you have dry skin, look for more oil based products. If you have sensitive skin, find products that specifically cater to sensitive skin or all skin types. But if you can, speak to a dermatologist.

During the cold weather, my skin felt very moisturized once I used the cleanser. When applying, it is not as foaming as most cleansers and what I am used to, so I used it as a second cleanser at night to help lock in the moisture. .

Where can I find it?

You can find it at any chemist or pharmacy like Clicks or Dischem. It’s also available on Takealot.

2. Now that I have found you by Kristina Forest

I have always been a bookworm, I’ve read the cool stories that either stay classic books or were turned into films. The thing is I never could see myself as any of the characters because majority of the time they were described as having pale skin with straight, long hair that blew with the wind. I, who is melanated with kinky short 4C hair, couldn’t always relate to the characters and pretty much used my imagination and made them black.

Since hearing of new book releases that are written by black authors telling stories with black characters (shout out to book tok and bookstagram) , I immediately started reading and one of those books is “Now that I’ve found you” by Kristina Forest.

A great introduction to a love story where the girl has short kinky hair and wears wigs and her love interest has dreadlocks. Never in my life have I ever read about a black character who was not being oppressed but just having everyday human problems and in the end have the happily ever after.

It’s a rom-com that is honestly cute and brings in all the good aspects for readers like pausing while reading and speaking to your imaginary cameraman because the character in the book did something you know they are not supposed to do.

This book made me feel honoured (as weird as it sounds) just being recognized in a genre that I love and the world can see that black people go through things too. We go through career disappointments, struggling to find our identity or simply just being nervous to talk to a crush. Currently I am reading more books and will share some of my favourites soon.

Until then, I highly recommend this one.

3. Mr. George in Melrose Arche

I literally save names of restaurants and café’s that I find online on a list, thinking one day I will go and experience it. This one was not it and I honestly have no regrets.

I got to go to Mr. George for my birthday (13 June, yes I share a birthday with Chris Evans) this year to have lunch with some friends and to this day, I can’t stop thinking about it. The food, the vibes, the interior design is Instagram worthy. So not only do you get to have a good time with some good food and company, you can take pictures and videos to your hearts content.

Not going to lie the prices, are pretty steep but if you and few friends dress up, it is a perfect opportunity to be boujee.

To this day, I’m still thinking about the pasta I had.

4. World’s most amazing vacation rentals

You know that travel list you have been making since...ever? Well watch this show and you will be adding more to your list. I am not joking.

At first what got me into watching this was Megan Batoon (my favourite Content Creator/Interior designer) but after the first episode I got hooked.

This show brings 3 people Megan, Jo and Louis together and they travel the world showing us, as the title says, amazing vacation rentals. Now how they do it helps any type of traveler looking for a specific experience. Megan shows the spaces that are budget friendly, Jo shows the unique places and Louis shows the luxury spots.

This show has made me see traveling in a different light. Traveling is not just only about going to see the tourist attractions and staying in hotels. It shows how you can get and create a new and fun experience for you when traveling. It makes me feel ready than EVER to just pack my bags and go. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

5. Aaliyah’s catalogue being released

As someone who lives on a daily bases listening to 90s RnB, this made me so happy. Aaliyah’s music played a HUGE part with the evolution of RnB. She brought in new sounds mixed with her angelic voice and made magic.

To those who didn’t know after Aaliyah’s death back in 2001, there were disagreements with her estate in putting out her music. There are many videos and articles that explain properly as to why but the fact that her music is finally being released 20 years after her death, makes you want to celebrate.

I was only 4 years old when she died but my parents had her CDs. I would listen to them constantly. Then you have music channels like channel O and MTV play her on repeat, I learnt a lot about her and her influence on music. Especially for introducing the world to Timberland and Missy Elliot.

Personally, what gets me excited about this is that the younger generation will be introduced to her entire catalogue. To keep her legacy alive and these youths will know where artists like Drake and Normani get their inspiration from.

Her music is now available on all music streaming platforms.