August 2024: Thank You, Summer

approx. 5 minute read

Though summer officially ends in September, I consider this time a transitional period, a time where my being shifts from hot and carefree to cozy and intentional.

I’ve been reflecting and scrolling through my camera roll to accurately capture my favorites of the month. With this reflection, I’m reminded that my summer was amazing thanks to me choosing to make it that way, despite it being rough at the start. That being said, I’m excited to share my monthly favorites of August 2024!

Food & Drink

Goat Roti from LC’s Roti Shop

I’ve been preparing to travel to Miami for my friend’s birthday since winter and I knew I wanted to eat Caribbean cuisine, especially Trinidadian food. Since my flight arrived earlier than the birthday girl’s, I headed straight to LC’s Roti Shop with a friend I traveled with. Being hungry and fatigued, we were ready to sit down and eat some delicious food.

I ordered the goat roti and my friend ordered a veggie roti with pholourie to share. After setting down our baggage, I noticed the woman separating the roti dough and spreading it with her hands. I immediately got excited. From that point on I knew we chose the perfect place to eat.

The menu items were inexpensive compared to the great quality of food we received. Our meal was given to us hot, the roti freshly made and shimmering with butter. The curry was perfect, the goat and potatoes tender, and the roti chewy and soft. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food and the warm welcome from the owner. She asked us about our travels and if we would be back to eat again. We did return the next day to order roti and doubles to-go.

Waffle from Waffle House

On the second day of the Miami trip, my period came and though I was prepared, it still took the life out of me. My friend noticed a Waffle House location when walking from the roti shop the previous day. She said it’s so good and every location is the same. But how good could a waffle be?

I requested grits, scrambled eggs with cheese, toast, and a plain waffle. Realizing this was a lot of food when it arrived, I decided to save the waffle for later. The platter was delicious and hit the spot considering I was menstruating. I decided to dig into the waffle not expecting much, but with the first bite, I was in awe. I don’t know what Waffle House puts in their batter, but it makes the waffle so delicious. And it was so soft, the texture was perfect. When I’m in the south I must stop at Waffle House again!

Apple Crisp from Dock’s Oyster House

I planned a last-minute overnight stay in Atlantic City after thoroughly missing the beach and craving alone time away. After spending a few hours in the sand, I cleaned up for my reservation at Dock’s Oyster House. I filled up on bread, seafood, and wine and still craved dessert. Of course, I asked my server what she recommended and I ended up ordering the apple crisp with vanilla gelato.

I don’t think I’ve had an apple crisp like this before. It was almost cake-like, very soft and moist. And the gelato brought everything together. I drunkenly savored this dessert and left no crumbs.

Health & Beauty

Siama Body Glaze by Canvas Beauty

I first got into Body Glaze scents last year when they went viral on TikTok. This past season, Canvas Beauty released $12 travel sizes that were on sale for $9, so I used that opportunity to blind buy a smaller-sized scent to try. When my Siama Body Glaze arrived, I was impressed by its scent and preferred it over the scents I had purchased before.

This month I’ve been out and about and my travel-size Body Glaze went everywhere with me. It’s organic, moisturizing, makes your skin glow, and has a long-lasting scent that isn’t offensive. And I know this from the amount of compliments I receive when I wear it. I would walk by and seconds later be complimented forgetting that I even put it on. This product adds to your confidence by giving you good-smelling, healthy-looking skin. I must buy the full-size Siama soon!

Places

Talula’s Garden

After the Miami trip, I spent a lot of time inside trying to recover from the hectic weekend. When Friday came around I had the strong urge to get cute and go outside again. So when my friend said she was in the mood to go outside as, we made our way downtown. We ended up going to Talula’s Garden on her recommendation.

It was my first time dining at Talula’s and I was thoroughly impressed. The restaurant is all about farm-to-table meals incorporating local ingredients in a menu that is updated monthly! I asked our server what she recommended and she said the chicken and gnocchi. She also told us that she’s only been in the city for a month and decided to work at Talula’s after dining here when visiting. So the experience felt special with fresh food, fresh menus, and even fresher employees!

Miami

I had a great time in Miami! It’s always nice to get away and experience a city with a different culture. Though it was my second time visiting, I was in awe of the tropical environment. The sidewalks had towering coconut trees that tiny geckos would scurry around. We went on boat rides, enjoyed the nightlife, and did activities that I would have never done if I were back at home. I was surprised to see a large iguana sunbathing by the docks. As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel, experience new things, and spend time with my friends at beautiful destinations.