Distractions for September: read, watch, listen, eat 📖 📺 🎧 🍽️
Distractions for September: read, watch, listen, eat 📖 📺 🎧 🍽️
Need some distractions in September? We got you!
Need a new distraction this month? We’ve got you covered with things to read, watch, listen, and eat! 📖 📺 🎧 🍽️
❓TRIVIA: 3 Trivia Questions for September
(scroll to the bottom of this email for the answers!)
Who was the first Disney princess?
What is frozen to make dry ice?
What is Charlie’s last name in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
📖 READ: 3 books to read in September
Fiction: But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson
Charlotte Thorne, a burned-out bisexual, reluctantly returns to her college for a five-year reunion and faces unresolved issues with her chosen family and a past romance. Dreading the weekend, Charlotte is forced back to campus due to her boss's commencement address and is soon overwhelmed by memories and regrets. As she navigates the reunion, she grapples with old friends, a stalled career, and the painful reason she left Reece Krueger behind. Read But How Are You, Really and head back to campus this September to dive into a heartfelt and humorous journey of self-discovery and confronting the past.
Non-fiction: Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price Ph.D.
Laziness Does Not Exist by Dr. Devon Price is a groundbreaking examination of the “laziness lie” that equates self-worth with endless productivity. Price, a former overachiever, reveals the psychological and historical roots of this belief and its detrimental effects on our well-being. Through engaging research and practical advice, the book challenges societal pressures and offers strategies for achieving a more balanced and fulfilling life. Read Laziness Does Not Exist this September to uncover the truth about productivity and reclaim your time and happiness.
COMING SOON: HOLLOW by Taylor Grothe
HOLLOW, coming in Fall 2025, is a YA horror novel set in the eerie mountains of Upstate New York. When Cassie Davis returns to Deep Glen to reconnect with her old friends after an unwelcome autism diagnosis, unresolved tensions and old hurts resurface during a hike to Hollow Ridge. After a storm and a mysterious encounter at an artists' colony, Cassie must confront her past and summon the courage of her favorite heroes to save herself and her friends. Add HOLLOW to your Goodreads if you love chilling stories about friendship, trust, and the terrifying unknown.
Learn more about HOLLOW in this interview with author Taylor Grothe:
In a few words, what was the inspiration for Hollow?
Hollow came out of a desire to write for little me. I was diagnosed with autism as an adult, but of course had struggled my whole life with fitting in among a more neurotypical crowd. This is a love letter to the child I was, but instead of pretending like those struggles didn’t happen, I turned them into the plot of Hollow.
What music would pair best with reading Hollow?
In fact, I have a whole playlist! But think lots of Hozier, Phoebe Bridgers, and Marika Hackman.
What food would you eat while reading Hollow?
I love this question because food is an integral part of Hollow! Morel mushrooms, honeysuckle nectar, roast rabbit…and a whole pot of tea.
What types of people would like reading Hollow?
I hope any reader will get something out of this story, and think it’ll appeal to readers of Ava Reid, Erin A. Graig, and Claire Legrand. But most of all, this book was written for teens and tweens who feel alone, whether that’s because of their neurodivergence or gender or sexuality. This is me reaching out to them specifically to say, ‘it gets better. Keep going. You can get through the horror and even triumph.'
Make sure to add HOLLOW to your GoodReads!
📺 WATCH: put this on and zone out
MOVIE: Defending Your Life
Looking for a romantic-comedy with a twist? Self-absorbed ad man Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) dies and finds himself on trial in the afterlife. In this quirky purgatory, his life is reviewed to see if he's lived fully enough to move on. As his past unfolds, a heartwarming romance blossoms with Julia (Meryl Streep), another soul on trial. Defending Your Life blends humor with a touch of introspection, making it perfect for lazy September nights.
TV SHOW: Celebrity Jeopardy(Hulu)
Craving a fun and unpredictable game show to distract yourself? Look no further than Celebrity Jeopardy! This primetime spin on the classic quiz show features stars from all walks of fame, from actors and athletes to musicians and comedians, all battling it out for bragging rights and charity. Expect hilarious misfires alongside impressive knowledge displays, making it a perfect blend of entertainment and lighthearted competition.
🎧 LISTEN: tune in and zone out
New tune 🎵 We’re huge fans of the soundtrack to the Broadway musical Suffs! If you are a Broadway and history fan, we know you’ll love the music and storyline as much as we do. Plus, it’s the perfect season to listen to it! 😉 Listen HERE!
Podcast 🎙️ Speaking of musicals, check out Olivia & Jenny talk about their undying love for Bye Bye Birdie on the Fine Beats & Cheeses podcast. Listen HERE!
🍽️ EAT: you deserve delicious food
Currently snackin’ on: Olivia’s been devouring these Stacy's Cinnamon Sugar Flavored Pita Chips by the bag full; they’re the perfect late night treat: crunchy, a little sweet and a little salty.
💜 Loving: some extra stuff we’re into this month
Don’t forget to pick up some Fresh Starts Merch! Who doesn’t need a Cries Often hat? Or a tired mug? And, we’re pretty sure everyone needs a Cycle Breaker Beanie for Fall!
Check out these Canvas Growth Chart Rulers from our friend Lauren at White Loft.
Treat YOURSELF this September with a curated skincare box from Page Aesthetics Skincare, founded by Fresh Starts Expert Page Buldini.
Ready to spruce up your wardrobe for Fall? We are too. We’re loving Democracy Clothing for jeans, tops, jackets, and more that are perfect for work, life, Zoom calls, date night, friend night, and afternoon with the pup. Democracy Clothing is all about empowering women to feel their best, and is woman-founded. Olivia just picked up THIS sweater for Fall - which is super soft and would look great on Zoom calls or weekend errands with leggings and boots. Receive 10% off your order with code Olivia10 at checkout.
OH! And one more thing: make sure you’re registered to VOTE! You can check your registration HERE, and if you’re not yet - you can register HERE! 🇺🇸
See you tomorrow morning - happy distracting!
xox
Jenny & Olivia
Are you enjoying A Fresh Start to the Day?
Here’s what you can do to continue supporting Fresh Starts!
✉️ forward this newsletter to someone who would love it!
📱 follow Fresh Starts on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
📸 Screenshot your favorite part of this email and share it on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @freshstartsregistry so that we can share!
Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, Fresh Starts Registry earns a commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for always supporting Fresh Starts so that we can support people making brave decisions!
❓ Trivia answers:
Snow White
Carbon Dioxide
Bucket