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August Favorites: ASOS, Ariana Grande, and Billy Bob Thorton

August Favorites: ASOS, Ariana Grande, and Billy Bob Thorton

The last days of summer are behind us, but our August favorites aren’t. Last month, our staff celebrated the onboarding of several new clients with good music, good drinks, and yes, a minor online shopping spree. We’ll have to face fall soon, but for now, let’s make the sunny season last a little longer. 

1. Sweetener…Ariana Grande’s most delicious (and uplifting) release yet.

“My monthly favorite HAS to be Sweetener, Ariana Grande’s new album,” content strategist Hanna Lustig raved. “It’s a burst of sunshine, filled with messages of optimism and female empowerment. But it’s also punctuated by moments of honesty about the personal and professional challenges she’s faced over the last year. My favorite song is the record’s closing track, ‘Get Well Soon.’ It’s an anthem about working through – and eventually overcoming – the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety.”

2. ASOS…a one-stop online shopping obsession.

ASOS is my latest shopping addiction,” said designer Katie Truppo. “I love online shopping, but I can get nervous about how the clothes will fit, which is why ASOS lets you enter the measurements and sizes you wear in common brands. Then, it recommends what size you would need for each piece of clothing they sell. Did I mention that you can pay $20 and get free two-day shipping for a year? It’s like Amazon for clothes and I’m hooked.”

3. An Iced Caramel Macchiato…the best way to start your morning.

Web developer Lindsay Loveday has been obsessed with her daily dose of iced coffee. “Last month, I ordered an iced caramel macchiato almost every day, either before work or after,” she admitted. “My favorite place to pick one up is Awaken Coffee, which is down the street from our office. Here’s a tip: If you want a little more kick, get an extra shot of espresso.”

4. Bai Antioxidant Water…a refreshing beverage with no artificial sweeteners.

“I can’t stop drinking Bai, especially the Brasilia Blueberry flavor,” said marketing intern Nicole Maestri. “I normally try to stick to drinking to water, but when I am in need of a little extra energy, these antioxidant-infused, flavored waters are the perfect pick-me-ups. They are infused with electrolytes and contain no artificial sweeteners, which make them only 5 calories a serving. That way, I don’t feel guilty about drinking the whole bottle.”

5. The Boxmasters…a rock-n-roll band with a familiar front man.

After getting hooked on Goliath, the Amazon original series starring Billy Bob Thorton, principal Chuck Morris started listening to his band, The Boxmasters. Now, he can’t stop. Last month, Chuck got to meet Billy Bob Thorton and his bandmates at their show in World’s Fair Park, which was part of the Music Feeds concert series benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.

So, what were your August #monthlyfaves? Tweet and comment your top picks. You might just see them featured in next month’s round-up!