A Look Back at August 2024

August Behind the Scenes: Our Personal Faves

Wendy’s August Favorites:

- I love sharing my favorite reads every month and my August list is below, but I couldn't help but say a bit more about Sandwich by Catherine Newman, which is now one of my top-10 favorites of all time. I laughed out loud over and over at the hilarious stories, then cried and felt deep sorrow as well. Catherine Newman's ability to translate the thoughts I know so many of us women have, but are afraid to say out loud is unparalleled. She is a master story teller! If you haven't already been through menopause or are going through it now, then some of her stories may not be quite as funny, but I'm just so grateful for this book and I couldn't pass up the chance to share it with you as well.

- In the Kitchen: I'm sure I've shared this recipe before but it's one of our family's most-loved recipes. I was really sick for a week in August, so the extra dose of chicken, ginger, and garlic was perfect to boost my immune system - 30 Minute Chinese Egg Drop Chicken Rice Soup with Garlicky Chile Oil

- Watching: We finally finished all 6 seasons of White Collar on Netflix. It's an older series, but so entertaining with lots of fun characters.

- Grateful for: We celebrated my hubby's birthday on August 14th and it was a joy to have both girls and their boyfriends with us for the night. I'm so grateful for every minute we get to spend with family.

Madison’s August Favorites:

- Traveling and Weddings: August was a big month of traveling and weddings - one trip to Philly for a wedding, one trip to New York City for a concert and engagement party, and a second trip to New York City for another wedding. If you are in need of a wedding guest dress that doesn't break the bank and you get plenty of options to choose from check out both Meshki and Billy J. I got a dress from each of these brands for the weddings I went to and they were comfortable, flattering, and not too expensive.

- During my few trips to New York City I had eaten so many things I cannot stop thinking about. Here are my top suggestions if you are in the city:

• Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap at Milano Market in New York City - I personally am a huge caesar salad lover, so after seeing this chicken caesar wrap all over my tik tok feed for months I finally had the opportunity to try it while in New York. Overall, this was a solid chicken caesar salad wrap.
• Lil Sweet Treat in the West Village - In the beginning of August I came across this woman named Elly who was opening up a new candy shop in New York City. I was eagerly following along her journey for weeks and while I was in New York to my surprise they had their soft opening. I made it my mission to go visit the store while there and it was well worth it. They have an assortment of sweet and sour gummy Swedish candy, which you can pick and choose how much of each you want to add in your bag. I picked probably 20 different kinds because I wanted to try everything!
• Apollo Bagel in the West Village - What I loved about this place was there limited menu of bagel and topping options. I ended up getting their everything bagel with cream cheese, lox, and a bunch of toppings. and loved everything about it. The only downside was this bagel being extremely overpriced (which that is New York for you) and waiting in a line for about 30 minutes but it was well worth the wait. This apparently was a brand new location hence the reason for such a long line.
• Hanger Steak at Altair in New York City - This was one of the dishes served at a rehearsal dinner for the New York City wedding I attended and it was phenomenal, probably one of the best steak dishes I have had in a very long time. At the time I had no idea what they put on the steak, but I looked it up soon after on their menu and to my surprise it had jalapeno chimichurri, pistachio romesco, and onion jus on top. I will be dreaming about this steak and hopefully get the chance to go back sometime in the future!

- Room 808 Comedy Club in DC - If you enjoy stand up comedy and are in the DC area looking for a fun evening activity check out Room 808. This is an intimate comedy club which seats around maximum 40-50 people, you can bring your own drinks (alcohol or not), you get the opportunity to hear sets from a range of comedians, and some shows are free or very cheap (around $10). If you are into the comedy club scene or stand up comedy and are in the area this place is for you!

- Cold Plunge Experience - While in New York City for a wedding the bride and groom planned a wellness activity during their wedding weekend which included a hot sauna and cold plunge experience. After being in the hot sauna for about 20 minutes we then did the cold plunge, which was 34 degree water we dipped and sat our body in for 30 second increments. This was the first time I had ever done a true cold plunge and I managed to do the cold plunge three times, which in the moment your mind really tricks you into thinking you can't do it but I promise you can! In the moment it felt intense but afterwards my body felt incredible.

- Grateful for: Getting the chance to celebrate Brian's (my dad) birthday as a close family and celebrating the love of friends at their weddings.

What We're Currently Loving:

- Looking forward to watching the next seasons of two favorite shows - The Bear and Only Murders in the Building

- Can't wait for our 3rd annual Charliemadison Retreat next month - our chance to escape to our favorite mountain hideaway, focus on all things Charliemadison, plan for next year, and soak in all the mountain air and stunning views. Madison and I are thrilled that Charlotte will be joining us this time!

- Looking forward to having more downtime after a big month of traveling and to celebrate my anniversary with my boyfriend (Madison)

"Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come." - Mario Quintana