I’m reflecting on some of the things I’ve enjoyed over the last few months. I’ve highlighted my top three for each category in order to keep this post as short and simple as possible.

Favourite Summer Reads

Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa

This is hands down my favourite read of 2020 so far! This historical fiction is a deeply moving story about Nahr, a Palestinian woman who has been imprisoned in Israel. As she sits in solitary confinement, she reflects on her life and tries to pinpoint the events, people and choices that eventually led her to where she is now. This is a bittersweet tale about family and love but most of all this is a captivating portrayal of rebellion and challenging the status quo.

Slay by Brittney Morris

Morris beautifully portrays the diversity, complexity and individuality of blackness in this YA fiction. Kiera, a highschool senior, is an A+ student, a video game lover and one of the only black people at her school. After experiencing many incidents of racial harassment during online gaming sessions and feeling like a fish out of water amongst the white sea of students at school; Kiera secretly creates a virtual reality game called SLAY. So secret that while the game grows to have a following of almost half a million users, her family, friends and boyfriend have no idea that she is the creator of this game. The SLAY game is designed as a safe space for black gamers around the world: the design & characters are all beautifully rooted in black history and black culture.

On the Come Up (OTCU) by Angie Thomas

OTCU is about sixteen year old Bri whose dream is to be a rapper. Bri’s family is barely getting by: her dad was murdered when she was little, her mom recently lost her job, and her brother, Trey had to drop out of college to help with the bills. More than anything, Bri wants to make it big as a rapper so that she can help her family. Like I’ve said before, Angie Thomas is an absolute goddess when it comes to writing the most captivating and moving Young Adult stories and if you want to read my full review of this book, you can do so here.

Favourite Tv Shows

The Boys – Streaming on Prime Video

I binge watched season one of this show in two days at the end of August and just in time to be caught up before the release of season two this month. If you know me, you know that I absolutely love anything Superhero related, and this dark take on Superheroism as a business has taken over my life.

Trinkets – Streaming on Netflix

I also binged this in about two days, just before season two dropped. I was so sad to learn that the second season was the final season because I’m going to miss these characters so much. Trinkets follows an unlikely friendship between three girls that bond over their addiction for shoplifting and go on to help each other through various highschool and life problems.

Crash Landing on You – Streaming on Netflix

Where to start?? This Korean drama follows a South Korean billionaire woman who finds herself in North Korea after a paragliding accident. This show is everything. Cute, funny, heartwarming, sad, brilliant – fucking brilliant (excuse my language). I’m not even done watching it yet but I just had to add it to my favourites.

Favourite Youtubers

Rahel Bhrane: There’s just something about Rahel’s energy and spirit that I love. It’s impossible to watch any of her videos without a smile on your face. If you want to enjoy a care free black girl doing DIY projects, make up tutorials, fashion hauls, skin care and more, then check her out.

The Wholesome Project: The ultimate self care Youtuber. Mercedes’s videos always leave me feeling calm and inspired. She shares tips on how to improve yourself, your habits, your relationships and much more.

PrettyxBookish: One of the most entertaining and enlightening bookstagrammers I follow! So when she created a BookTube, I was ecstatic. If you want unfiltered thoughts and opinions on the latest reads, she’s your gal!

Favourite Products

Edge Naturale: I’ve only been using this follicle enhancer for two weeks and have already seen a noticeable difference in my edges. My edges now appear fuller and richer. I was initially only applying the product to my hair once a day during my morning routine, but incorporated it into my night routine as well after a week. I love that its made from natural ingredients; I love the peppermint scent that smells and feels so refreshing; and I love that it’s long lasting! Like I mentioned, I’ve been using this for over two weeks and I’m barely halfway through the 2oz container.

Thanks to the team over at Edge Naturale for gifting me their amazing Follicle Enhancer. You can check out the enhancer along with their other products over at edgenaturale.com.

Sluxke water bottle: “Drink more water” – isn’t that everyone’s goal? I purchased this one from amazon at the recommendation of a friend in an attempt to drink more water. I love it because I fill it up when I wake up in the morning and don’t need to refill it until the next day! The time stamps and prompts on the bottle also do a great job of motivating me to reach my goal. This baby has me drinking a gallon of water a day – the only con is that it’s so big, so you can’t take it on the go with you!

E-tronic waist pack: This summer I really missed having easy access to the gym! With the shut down of gyms over the summer (thanks to Covid), I started running outside more often. This waist pack (also from amazon) is light, stretchy and easily holds the necessities: keys, phone, hand sanitizer. It’s definitely come in handy for my outdoor workouts!

Well, that’s it for my Summer favourites! I’m already excited thinking about all the books, tv shows and activities I’ll engage in this Fall. I’ll be sure to share those with you as well 🙂