This August ♡ 2023

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What I Watched
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – Disney+
Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own – a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.

After a slew of disappointing Marvel content, I can positively say that I enjoyed the third volume of Guardians of the Galaxy! This film focused on Rocket”s character because he is one of my favorites in Guardians of the Galaxy and I didn’t know anything about his background, it’s so sad! I was also glad to see a badass Gamora! I’m not a fan of the new Guardians of the Galaxy team but I’m hoping that they’ll change the line-up in the future.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie – Peacock
A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.

This was a cute film. The animation was amazing but the entire time I was like, where’s Yoshi? Yoshi is a crucial Super Mario character! I also thought the songs they picked (besides Peaches) were unoriginal. I didn’t think this movie needed music to begin with and that they could’ve easily just added music from the games and remixed it or done something clever but instead, they chose songs that have been used too much. I watched another film this month that used the same I Need A Hero song! I think music in movies can be done right (like in the Guardians of the Galaxy films) but when the same songs are played in different movies over and over again I think it’s time to pick new songs.

Heartstopper (season 2) – Netflix
Teens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age series.

I adored the first season of Heartstopper! I watched it twice! However, I feel like this season dragged a little and it was too lovely-dovely for me. I was also confused as to why they chose not to discuss the deeper topics. I’ve read the graphic novels and know how things turn out so I’m hoping they properly discuss these topics in the next season. I know this show is aimed at teens but I think it’s important to explain deeper topics (especially for teens) rather than say that being in love can solve all your problems because it can’t.

Summer Camp Island (season -7) – Cartoon Network
Two best friends go to a magic sleep-away camp where nothing is what it seems.

I watched the final season of Summer Camp Island and it was beautiful! I wasn’t sure how this last season would turn out but I was blown away! They resolved everything beautifully whilst still keeping the magic aspect from the previous seasons. I’ve talked about this show so much that you all are probably sick and tired of hearing about this show but this series means so much to me. I discovered this show when I went on a family trip to Florida and had such bad summer depression that I stayed in the hotel most days. That same week Cartoon Network was airing a Summer Camp Island marathon for hours so it holds a special place in my heart. You can watch all the seasons of Summer Camp Island on the Cartoon Network app.

Shazam: Fury of the Gods – HBO
The film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam

I enjoyed the first Shazam movie and I would say that I enjoyed the second film as well! I know that DC is a mess right now so I’m not sure if they’re going to continue making movies for the Shazam character or if they’re going to replace him entirely. I guess, we’ll just have to see what happens. In the meantime, if you haven’t seen the Shazam movies yet I highly encourage you to do so because they’re pretty good and surprisingly dark.

Reinfield – Peacock
Renfield, Dracula’s henchman and inmate at the lunatic asylum for decades, longs for a life away from the Count, his various demands, and all of the bloodshed that comes with them.

This film was cute. I’m not sure that’s what you want to hear from a comedy/fantasy/horror film but it’s one of those films that’s kind of outlandish that you can’t take seriously. I think everyone played their part well. Initially, I watched this because of Nicolas Cage but it was Nicholas Hoult who stole the show! His character was adorable! With that said, this film is kind of gross because it has a lot of gore. There are a lot of stupid deaths and fake blood, I’m someone who can’t stand watching gore in horror films and even I could watch this but be prepared to see a lot of blood and guts if you choose to watch Reinfield.

What I Listened
V – Love Me Again
xikers – HOMEBODY
NCT DREAM – Poison
NELL – Wanderer
DPR IAN – Peanut Butter & Tears
INFINITE – New Emotions
BBGIRLS – ONE MORE TIME
ITZY – BET ON ME
JIHYO – Killin’ Me Good
EVERGLOW – SLAY
IKON – PANORAMA
TAN – Artificial Heart
NCT 2023 – Golden Age
NCT U – Baggy Jeans
RIIZE – Memories
The Rose – You’re Beautiful

Things I Did
Went to California
We went to California, specifically in the Anaheim area, for vacation and to visit family. We were only there for a week and we had so many things we wanted to do so every day was jam-packed! We went to Disneyland and California Adventure (in one day!), Downtown Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, Santa Monica, and a couple of other places. I’ll talk about what I did each day specifically in a photo diary post but overall it was a fun trip. I was tired every day and I enjoyed the weather and the vibe, California just gives off this laidback relaxed vibe that I enjoyed. Stay tuned for a Cali photo diary coming soon!

What I Read
The Easy Life in Kamusari by Shion Miura
Yuki Hirano is just out of high school when his parents enroll him, against his will, in a forestry training program in the remote mountain village of Kamusari. No phone, no internet, no shopping. Just a small, inviting community where the most common expression is “take it easy.”

In this warm and lively coming-of-age story, Miura transports us from the trappings of city life to the trials, mysteries, and delights of a mythical mountain forest.

I did not know what I was expecting when I started reading this. All I knew was that it took place in rural Japan and after reading The Lonesome Bodybuilder I wanted to continue reading some more Japanese fiction. It was alright, kind of boring in some parts but I don’t have anything to complain about.

Aquicorn Cove by Kay O’Neill
When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she’s missed the ocean—and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahorse-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured Aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she’s willing to admit. But when a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her.

I discussed these four graphic novels in my post about graphic novels I recently read so go read that post if you want to hear more about the next four books. I didn’t have much time to read this month so I went with something quick to read, graphic novels! Specifically, graphic novels by Kay O’Neill. I read all of the books in the Tea Dragon series and Aquicorn Cove.

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill
Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.

I’m so happy that I finally read this series. It’s everything I could’ve imagined! The Tea Dragon Society involves a wholesome story about friendship involving tea, cute dragons, beautiful characters, and stunning illustrations! If you’ve been debating or putting this series on hold for some reason, drop everything and just go read it now! It will only take you a few minutes to read and you won’t be sorry!

The Tea Dragon Festival by Kay O’Neill
Rinn has grown up with the Tea Dragons that inhabit their village, but stumbling across a real dragon turns out to be a different matter entirely! Aedhan is a young dragon who was appointed to protect the village, but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the aid of Rinn’s adventuring uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of his enchanted sleep… but Rinn’s real challenge is to help Aedhan come to terms with feeling that he cannot get back the time he has lost.

This follows a new story involving a new duo but is still as beautifully told as the rest of Kay O’Neill’s graphic novels. You don’t have to read the first novel to read this one, you can start with this one if you like but I recommended reading all of the Tea Dragon series in order because that’s how I enjoyed them! haha

The Tea Dragon Tapestry by Kay O’Neill
Over a year since being entrusted with Ginseng’s care, Greta still can’t chase away the cloud of mourning that hangs over the timid Tea Dragon. As she struggles to create something spectacular enough to impress a master blacksmith in search of an apprentice, she questions the true meaning of crafting, and the true meaning of caring for someone in grief. Meanwhile, Minette receives a surprise package from the monastery where she was once training to be a prophetess. Thrown into confusion about her path in life, the shy and reserved Minette finds that the more she opens her heart to others, the more clearly she can see what was always inside.
if I had to pick a favorite of the three books, this would be it. The colors and illustrations just looked amazing in this

There’s not much more to say about this graphic novel series that I haven’t already said yet. The artwork is stunning yet cute and the story is heartwarming. The Tea Dragon Tapestry was a beautiful ending to a beautiful book series. I highly recommend The Tea Dragon series!

Things I Love
Disney Inspired Fairy Tales Tarot
I received the Disney Inspired Fairy Tales Tarot deck for my birthday. This tarot deck is inspired by Disney characters. The artwork is cute and each card has three words at the bottom of the card that best represent the said card. It has its flaws but I have been using it every day since I was gifted this deck and I’m very happy to have this deck in my collection.

Dasique Juicy Dewy Tint – 03 Pink Guava & 04 Plum Dew
I’ve been loving the Dasique Juicy Dewy Lip Tints! I mentioned in my beauty haul that I bought two and I’ve been using them all summer! They feel so nice on the lips, they’re hydrating and not sticky or too wet, it’s the perfect formula! The color does stay on for a long time and fades nicely. Both of the shades I got work lovely on my cool skin tone. If I had to recommend one of the two colors I have I recommend Plum Dew because it’s vibrant and looks beautiful on the lips. Pink Guava is also pretty but slightly less bright and a more true pink.

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
I took the CeraVe Cleanser Balm with me when I was traveling in August, it’s the perfect size for travel! It quickly got my makeup off, even waterproof mascara in one go! Sometimes I find it difficult to remove all my makeup with just a makeup remover but this balm easily warmed up in my hands and dissolved all the makeup gunk without me having to do another wash. I do follow up with a cleanser afterward.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10%
Since using The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid, I have noticed less redness on my face and I’ve only been using this product for a few weeks! I do not like the texture of this cream because it’s thick and doesn’t spread well which always makes me want to use more of the product without realizing it. I’m almost done using a tube and it hasn’t even been a month yet! But it’s not too expensive compared to other azelaic acid so I will most likely repurchase it. haha

PURITO Centella Green Level Buffet Serum
The other product that I’ve been using along with The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid is this Centella serum by PURITO. I’ve used this product before (my purchase history says I’ve repurchased this product twice already). This serum is supposed to help calm redness and firm your skin. It contains 49% Centella extract, niacinamide, Panthenol, and peptide. The consistently is lightweight and dissolves into the skin easily. I thought I would include this serum in my favorites because I think it’s the combination of using this serum and the azelaic acid that’s helped my rosacea tremendously! I still have rosacea but the redness isn’t as bad as before and I have only these two products to thank for it! They also have an unscented version of this serum.

Favorite Blog Posts
15 Skincare Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner
Learning to Knit: Peach Fizz Cardigan
All of My Nail Art Inspo So Far
2023 mid-year book freak out tag
Why I Chose Freelance Over Full-Time
The Big Issues For Bloggers Are Right Here
On Risk-Taking
Homemade Greens Powder
How to make a Mocha

Posts From The Month
This July ♡ 2023
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 31
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 32
MAGICAL MOMENTS #20
The Threes | Minor Arcana ♥ Tarot 101
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 33
Makeup & Beauty Haul ♥ Summer 2023
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 34
Graphic Novels I Recently Read

What were some of your favorites from the month?