August Favourites ’20

It is finally my favourite month of the year and I can already feel autumn slowly making its way to us… I AM SO EXCITED!

August was such a strange month for me, but not in a bad way. I decided to go on a spending ban, venture out a little more since lock down in March and wait patiently for exciting purchases. August went by in the blink of an eye for sure and I’m glad we are finally into September now.

September is the month where I like to venture out into the countryside with Dane for walks, lunch in cafes and more. However, that will be very different this year and instead of going into cafes for lunch, we’ll pack a picnic and eat as and when. We did it yesterday for bank holiday Monday and it was amazing. We’ve already researched where we can venture to in the future and explore. I’m already really excited for our autumn adventures. Would you guys like to see where we venture to? Would you want to see here, or over on Instagram? Make sure to let me know in the comments.

Image taken from The Latest Kate Twitter

For now though, it’s monthly favourites time!

• Childs Farm Hand Wash Grapefruit & Organic Tea Tree Oil.

I’ve mentioned this brand on my blog time and time again and it’s all because they deserve it. Their baby body lotion really helps my eczema on my hands so I thought I would give their hand wash a go as well, to see if that could help my hands even more. I definitely feel like I’ve noticed my skin not flaring up as much and cracking! This hand wash has such a light, uplifting scent to it, which I really love. It lathers up easily and doesn’t leave my hands feeling dry and sore afterwards. I’ve since bought another three of these, with the bottle used for the above image being my second bottle. The only issue I have with Child’s Farm is that it isn’t cheap, so I have to stockpile it up when it’s on offer to feel like I’m getting my “moneys worth”.

• Collection Velvet Kiss Lip in shade Cream Cotton.

This is a lip product I have had in my makeup bag for years, at least 8 years now. This is a new tube however, don’t panic! It’s just one of those that I think I’ll always repurchase until it’s discontinued and I can’t buy anymore. I ventured out a few times throughout August and wanted to wear a pretty colour, but didn’t fancy wearing a lip tint, or a lipstick, so I went for this. It’s a pretty candy pink colour which is really comfortable to wear and lasts for ages! It’s definitely been one I’ve reached for loads in August and I can see me reaching for it throughout September too.

• Sanctuary Spa Cloudberry & Lychee Blossom Body Mist.

This was an item I received in a gift set for Christmas last year and I’m surprised I still have any of this body mist left! When we had the hotter weather in August I was using this daily to try and refresh my skin a little, as I was very sweaty and wanted to make sure I was fresh throughout the working day… Even if I was just at home. Alongside that, I’ve used it on my skin before getting dressed and popping out for the day, as well as spritzing all over to add some more scent. It’s definitely a body mist I enjoy using and I’ll be a little sad when it’s finished, as this isn’t something you can find very easily. The scent lasts on the skin for ages and if you CAN find this, definitely pick one up!

• Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.

I have mentioned this cuticle cream time and time again on my blog this year and I’m here mentioning it again, because like Child’s Farm, it’s an amazing brand. Not only have I been using this loads on my cuticles but the reason I’m mentioning this product again this month is due to my eczema. My hand has been so dry and sore due to some potential dermatitis issues I have on my hand, which the cuticle cream has been helping with on and off throughout August. As the cuticle cream is so thick and buttery, a little goes a long way. I apply some to the sore part of my hand after washing my hands and it really does help to soften and help. I’m getting close to the end of the tin and I’ll be glad to get a new one… I swear though, when I bought this tin originally it was between £7-£9, but not this costs less than £5!

• Happy Place Cosmetics Buffday Cake Bath & Shower Whip.

This is one of the first Happy Place Cosmetics items I picked up and this is actually one I bought through someone on Depop. It was brand new and not used at all, which is awesome. I’ve been using this loads in August to as bubble bath, to wash with in the shower and as a shaving foam/cream too! It smells just like Lush’s Rock Star scent and is so damn yummy smelling. It smells of creamy vanilla and reminds me of back in the day when I first discovered Lush. I personally prefer to use Buffday Cake as a shave foam/cream and bubble bath, rather than to wash with. The bath and shower whips from Happy Place Cosmetics are AMAZING for shaving with and they’re by far some of my favourite products to use when in the bath and shower now. If you love Rock Star soap from Lush and want something multi purpose with the same scent, definitely check out Happy Place Cosmetics. Check them out anyway as they’re an amazing indie shower and bath brand!

So now my beauty favourites are done, time to talk about the miscellaneous favourites of the month!

Favourite TV Show – Pose.

I’ve had Pose saved on my Netflix watch list for ages now and finally decided to watch it. I fell in LOVE and was fast trying to find the second season on the internet, only to discover it was on BBC iPlayer the whole time. So, I binged both seasons and loved them both the same. Pose is set in New York in the late 80’s, early 90’s and is about African-American and Latino LGBTQ Houses that compete in competitions in an underground club. Alongside this you watch as characters grow in things they hope to do in the future and see how the aids virus affects various characters too. It’s a powerful TV show and one I cannot recommend highly enough for people to watch!

Favourite Movie – Angela’s Ashes.

I didn’t watch many films throughout August and to be honest, I feel like I hardly watch any newer ones lately… Maybe it’s due to binge watching TV shows? For years I’ve always been interested in watching Angela’s Ashes but never got around to watching it, until a few weeks ago. The film is based off of a memoir, which is set during the 1930’s and 1940’s and is about an Irish family who moved to America for a better life, only to be forced to move back to Ireland due to money issues. It tells the story of Frank McCourt and his family. It’s definitely worth a watch if you’ve never seen and fancy something different.

Image taken from GIPHY

Favourite Book – Erm…

I’ve fallen off of the book reading bandwagon again… Oh dear… I’ve just felt like I’ve been so busy this month and every time I’ve wanted to continue reading my manga series, I’ve just… Not. I am going to try to read more, but at the same time I feel like if I work through all the remaining/current volumes I have for series, I’ll NEED to buy more and I’m trying to not buy manga for a while. Urgh, vicious cycle is vicious. 😛

Favourite Music – Ellie Goulding – “Lights” and I Prevail “Every Time You Leave”.

I feel like recently I discovered some golden oldies that I adore, as well as some newer songs. “Lights” by Ellie Goulding is one of my favourite songs and I cannot for the life of me tell you why… I just adore the lyrics, the tune itself and I especially love the bass line on the song. Fun fact, this is the first song I learnt on my bass and it was semi self taught too! I’ve listened to it almost daily since mid August and I have zero regrets.

I’ve also added I Prevail on here as whilst I discovered them last year and bought their album Trauma, I’ve not listened to it as much as I wish I could say… However, I recently rediscovered it and forgot how much I love “Every Time You Leave”, so much so after listening to it a few times during and after work, I had a dream about me and Dane singing it to one another!

Image taken from GIPHY

Favourite Game – Aggretsuko: The Short Timer Strikes Back.

Yes this has returned to my favourites for another month and it’s because it’s an amazing bloody game and I have quickly fallen in love with it! I feel bad that lately I’ve played this more than Animal Crossing: New Horizons but… I kinda have because it’s just easy to pick up and play, I suppose? You basically have to match up certain icons to remove blocks, etc etc. I’m currently borderline level 200 and I’ve loving it! This has become an app I play throughout the day as my hearts come back and I just love it. I also love how the more you play, you begin to unlock the original Aggretsuko mini episodes, which I love watching.

So there you have it guys, my monthly favourites for August!

I feel like August flew by, but in all honesty I also felt like I hardly posted in August and same for July too… I know I said at the start of 2020 though that I wouldn’t be writing on my blog as much as I once did, as my blog was becoming less fun and it’s so true.

I’m so much happier just writing once a week and I feel like I look forward to writing and getting that post out, you know? I’m also wary that I only get 3-4 posts out a month, when last year I was doing that in a week! It’s just strange, but I am so much happier.

Are you guys happier seeing one post a week? Make sure to let me know in the comments.

Of course, also let me know what your favourites are from August, as well as what you think of mine, add comments!

Until next time all, take care, stay safe and see you soon!

What I Got For Christmas 2014

I first of all I would like to say that I am in no way shape or form showing off what I received for Christmas. I just thought readers may want to read and see what I received for Christmas this year. I did a post last year about this too and whilst I had no issues, I just wanted to say what I just did.

I really was spoilt this Christmas and I want to say thank you to my friends, family and my boyfriend for what I was given, I loved everything I was bought.

I still have a couple of presents to add to this post, as one of my friends has sent her over to me, and another I haven’t got a picture of so as and when I can get pictures I will update this post.

As you can see, there were lot’s of presents! Due to this, this post will be image heavy.

I’ll start off by talking about what my friend Poppy bought me.

My friend Poppy went over to America before Christmas and each time she’s gone over the pond she’s asked me if I’ve wanted anything brought back. Apart from the perfume and the lip balm, I asked her for all these goodies from Bath & Body Works. I LOVE their Pocketbac’s, as regular readers of my blog will know so the fact she picked these up for me and gave them me for Christmas was really sweet of her! As well as that she gave me a Chloe perfume sample, which I’ve grown to love, and a Burt’s Bee’s lip balm in Pink Grapefruit, which is really nice. I’ve been using this around the house and it’s lovely to use. I’ve never tried the foaming hand wash before but I have been converted and already eying some up to buy from eBay when I get back from my holiday. Thank you Poppy, I love my presents!

Next is a present from my cousin.

I wasn’t expecting anything from my cousin and when I saw her Christmas Eve she didn’t mention that she had bought me anything either. So Christmas Day when I saw the tag on this say “Saw this and thought of you.” I was really touched when I opened this and saw it was fox related. Everyone knows someone who loves foxes, or owls, or butterflies and will always pick them something up with that animal on it. Of course mine is foxes. I tried one of these out before I headed to my boyfriends for the weekend and they’re lovely! These will be perfect for my walks to uni and into work when it’s chilly.

Onto my nephews and sister in law.

They picked me up this lovely Sanctuary Spa wash bag with little wash sets inside too. I’m actually excited to try the hand cream! I’ll probably have these for my boyfriends house, as little bottles like this come in handy! I could also take some on holiday with me too, but I shall see. It makes me laugh how I picked up a Sanctuary Spa gift set for her too!

My boyfriend’s parents bought me some lovely presents this year too.

This is a Nintendo 2DS holder and one that my boyfriend had been trying to get me to buy for quite a while. He has a black and blue version and now I have the red one! This is a hard shell case which keeps your DS nice and safe. Inside it also comes with a USB charger, an in car charger, and a pen stylus. This is really nice and will definitely come in handy when travelling and definitely for our holiday!

My boyfriend’s parents were also lovely enough to pick me up a Lush Christmas gift box that I had been lusting after, as well as some Santa’s Lip Scrub which I had also been thinking about picking up in the sales! Before I even upwrapped this present I could smell it was Lush. For ages my boyfriend had told me that I hadn’t been bought anything from Lush, what a good liar huh? This box set contains some lovely little pieces and I’ll be making sure to enjoy some of those for my birthday in the New Year. I still have my Santa’s Lip Tint (review here), which will go perfectly with the scrub. They also both bought me a bottle of Black Tower wine, but that’s probably been drunk now. Hic!

I knew what I was getting from my Mom for Christmas as I went and picked them up with some money she gave me. Apparently she does have a few surprises for me, but they haven’t arrived in the post yet.

I’ve decided I want to start using Clinique’s 3 Step system again so I picked up the facial wash, the clarifying lotion and the moisturising gel. I’ve really missed using it, so I’m glad to have them back in my daily routine! As well as that I decided to pick myself up a new face powder. I’ve been using this one the past few days and it’s REALLY good! I need to get a little powder mitt for it, as whilst I thought you automatically got one with the powder, you actually don’t… Which I thought was bad. I’ll pick one up when I’m near a MAC counter next. I’ll be reviewing this at some point after my holiday, it’s amazing!

My Dad on the other hand got me some surprises, which I really loved! I knew I would be getting Pandora, but I didn’t know that he wasn’t picking something out for me that he liked, he usually just gets a list of charms I like and picks from those.

This one is definitely picture heavy and I did realise after taking the pictures that they aren’t the best of quality either… I will be doing an updated Pandora bracelet post soon mind so I can show them off properly then! My Dad got me this cute little angel and telephone box charms and explained the meaning behind them. The telephone box has such lovely detailing on it, such as the little Pandora logo about Telephone, as well as the red Union Jack print on the top and “Call me” on the bottom. They’re the most thoughtful charms on my bracelet to date and for that these are probably two of my favourite charms on my bracelet right now, I love them so much.

Finally I have the presents my boyfriend bought me. There’s loads!

My boyfriend spotted the Gorjuss range ages ago and asked if I liked it, which I admitted I had for years. So what did he do? He bought me some, some fox themed stuff at that. He knows I love my notebooks and he didn’t buy me one, he bought me two! These are both really high quality and I know already that I’ll be taking the larger of the two away with me on holiday so that I can do some creative and blog writing whilst I’m away. I love these so much, so nice that he picked them up for me.

I knew I had the stickers, badges and the little Pokemon charms as my boyfriend picked these up for me when we went to Comic Con in November, however I didn’t know I had the cute little box and it really did make me tear up when I opened it. As you can see the box says “Smile you are beautiful” which is a really nice message and one my boyfriend says to me quite often. He didn’t make the box himself, but the thought is still there. I’m not sure what I’m going to use it for yet, but I’m sure I’ll find some use for it soon. The charms that he bought me are official and from Pokemon Center in Japan! I love the Eeveelutions, (which also explains the stickers) and to have these cute little charms makes me smile. I don’t know what to use them for yet, but I would love to get a charm bracelet for them so I can collect more.

These were a cute little surprise, but I knew I had something from Sugar Bunny Shop as my boyfriend told me but it was a surprise as to what I would be receiving. These stickers are so cute that I can’t see me using them, it has however made me want to buy some more Doki fox items from the store as I’ve always loved this little guy, but never bought anything before.

 I had my eye on this coin purse for ages, and I should have known that my boyfriend would pick it up for me. One thing I have to say about this is that it is MASSIVE! I wasn’t expecting it to be like a mini clutch bag, but it really is. This isn’t a bad thing mind, as I wanted this for my holiday. It’ll be perfect for taking out in the daytime if I just want to pop down the road to the shops, as not only will this fit my money in, but my iPhone also fits in here really nicely. Can’t wait to start using this, especially as it goes with my wallet!

This is another present that I knew I was getting, as we both bought each other little alcohol gift sets. I bought him a Jack Daniels Honey set and he bought me Bailey’s. As soon as I opened this I ate the chocolates, which were amazing! I love Bailey’s and sadly didn’t have any this Christmas as we didn’t have any to enjoy. My little bottle is being saved for my birthday and the glass in this set is gorgeous and is going to be my wine glass.

 I love Nana and only decided to read the manga after watching the anime but for ages I couldn’t find books 8, 9, and 10 and when I did find them online to buy they were costing me a fortune! How my boyfriend picked these up for cheap, I don’t even know! Sadly I have book 7, which he sadly hadn’t noticed at the time but I was so happy to see that I had Nana as Christmas presents. I have been tempted to take these on holiday to read instead, but I would get through them in no time, which isn’t what I want really. I can’t wait to carry on reading this though as I’ve had it on hold for months though.

Another present my boyfriend knew I wanted, and I had a hunch that he had picked up for me. I saw this in Paperchase months ago and fell in love. I nearly bought it too, but I knew it would be a good Christmas present to receive from someone. This is a gorgeous organiser and I’ll be keeping it with me whenever I go out, as I’m terrible when it comes to trying to make sure I don’t “double book” things and know what shifts at work may clash with classes at uni! So this will come in handy and because Paperchase do their insert able yearly pages, I can use this year after year. The print is the best thing about this, as it’s a gorgeous woodland print, which of course includes foxes. I just love the colour scheme too, as I love a bit of blue.

Another present I knew I would be getting. Please excuse the use of presents to hold this down, but it worked! My boyfriend bought this for me at Comic Con and I’m now hooked on the artist who drew it! I don’t know what I’ll be doing with this picture, but I’d love to frame it in the future to put in my kitchen when I move out… But I do not know when that will be right now. But back to the picture, how cute is it, really? Little Pokemon characters eating rice balls and such? Adorable. Couldn’t say no to this picture. It’s by an artist called Ry-Spirit, whose work you can check out here.

This was a bit of a jokey present from my boyfriend, but a very apt one. Whenever I’m at his house I’ll constantly ask for a cup of coffee and this bell says, “Ring for coffee” on it. We’ve actually left it at my house as the bell is really quite loud, but when we move out I’ll be ringing this for ages. I can eventually see him burning this or throwing it away mind. 😛

This was a must! I’ve used the Simon’s Cat calender since it first came out in 2011, that’s 4 years of Simon’s Cat every month, how crazy is that?! I do really like these calendars though and I also pick up the diary to go with it… Although I don’t know whether to or not this year… I can see me picking it up though. Either way, amazing present.

I KNEW I had this present. I text my boyfriend the day I saw it saying how much I wanted it, so when he asked me what shop it was and such, I knew he was off to buy it. However this being said when I went to open said present I wondered what he had bought, as it weighed a ton! Was a lovely surprise considering I’d forgotten all about it. These smell divine though and I have had my eye on Candy Cane Lane for ages. I can’t wait to start burning this next week when I’m back home. As for Sugared Apple I’ve always wanted it, but never bought it. It smells delicious and I know I’m going to enjoy using it during the summer too.

I knew I was getting a Pop Vinyl from my boyfriend as we had eyed them up a lot at Comic Con and both made a huge list of ones we wanted. I had a feeling he had bought me Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy and my suspicions were correct. He’s an awesome little character and my favourite from the film, but what makes this figure even better is that he’s a bobble head! The detail of him is really nice and he just looks so cute as well. I’m going to be keeping him in the box until me and my boyfriend move out together, as I want to have him displayed nicely. If I didn’t care I would keep him in my car, but he would get stained by the sun and ruined. He’s so awesome though, nice little character to start my Pop Vinyl collection with.

This was definitely the best present out of all the presents my boyfriend bought me. He had hinted he had a big present for me and when he showed me the present all wrapped up and such, it did look pretty big. I saved it until last to open and I had been guessing on and off that it was either a huge Totoro plushie or a huge Pokemon plushie. At one point I guess it was a huge Lady from Lady and The Tramp plushie but I was right with my first guess. He’s a very big teddy as you can see my the picture of me holding him, but he’s also very sturdy too which is really nice. We have been debating whether or not he’s real… We’re unsure at the moment but either way I don’t care as he’s bloody amazing! This was such a great present and I really love him. I nearly picked up a Totoro plushie when we went to Bristol for our anniversary in the summer but I left it. Glad I did in a way as I may not have this guy now.

So those are all my Christmas presents. I was really spoilt by my boyfriend this year and I feel so lucky because of it, but I would like to add, I spoilt him too. 😛

Thank you to everyone who bought me something, my friends, family and especially my boyfriend. I love you all!

What did everyone get for Christmas? I would love to hear what you got nice, so please feel free to do so in the comments down below.

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and although I will say it a little closer to the time, I hope everyone has an amazing New Year too.

Until next time, take care all and enjoy your weekend.