August Favorites 2026

Trying new hobbies post-grad, preparing for Halloween, and a new way to change my hair 

What makes you happy:

• Wearing a French braid

• Tires on Netflix, but the third season

• Roller skating at my local roller rink

• Planning my Halloween costumes

• Madelyn Cline

  
  

Just started playing Taylor Swift's "August" for the whole month, over and over, just to feel something. Specific lyrics justify why that specific month means something to so many people. 

Throughout August, I had a lot on my mind, and I wished I were going back to school, waiting for the fall, and using any excuse to go up north for the weekend. 

Through many summer activities, the most effortless way I wore my hair was in a simple French braid. Maybe because I also think it is a flex that I can braid my hair without a mirror. Maybe because my frontal lobe has been developing slowly, the slicked-back hairstyle was never for me and never will be. 

Male comedians certainly get the spotlight, so when Shane Gillis created Tires, I was skeptical because I do think men are hilarious, but I didn't want to listen to some nonsense about women suck. But I do love a Midwestern man and some silly humor. I watched the first two seasons of Tires and didn't think much of it, other than that it was pretty accurate to what I know a tire repair shop to be like. Yet, as the third season came out, it had a different feel. Probably because women writers were hired.

My next favorite thing this month was probably my favorite idea I've ever had with my friend Caela. Everyone, after they graduate from college, joins running clubs or gets an engagement ring. 

So both of those things are definitely things I'd rather stay away from.

Going to the local roller rink and skating to 70s music was one of my favorite things to do.  And I am actually good at it, but it did take a lot to get there, and some amazing falls along the way. 

One noted in the Hall of Fame was when I fell in my cheetah-print pants, which split right down the butt crack. Had to scoot off behind someone's big T-shirt and grab a sweatshirt from the lost and found. Sometimes after those moments, I realize that the universe gives these challenges to its toughest warriors. A bunch of grandparents and my best friend got to see a show on a Wednesday night. 

After that moment, I had two choices: never return and be too embarrassed to show my face again, or realize it was actually super funny and get back on the roller skates. In the end, it's a really funny story, and I am a writer. 

My next August favorite has been a favorite of mine since I was little. Planning my Halloween costumes sooner rather than later has been an art I have practiced and perfected. 

Will I be reveling in my costumes? No. 

Will I tell you to start thinking about it too now? Yes. 

Lastly, the misjudged icon I've discovered would be my best friend if we met. My last favorite thing this month is the Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline. I have known of the celebrity for a while now and haven't thought much of her, but after seeing her recently in an interview for the last season of Outer Banks, I feel like she has the best personality, and her friendship with Lukas Gage is adorable. It just made me like her even more.