August Favourites

Hello September! I can’t believe how fast this year is going; we are now reaching the end of summer and getting closer and closer to Christmas - one of my favourite times of year, by the way - it’s crazy to think that twelve months ago, I was heading back to Southampton for my final year at university and now I am an BA (Hons) Advertising graduate (sorry, I had to throw that in there) IT’S SCARY! How time flies though…

August has been a month filled with celebrations and adventures; however some of my favourite moments have to be between:

   1. Being offered my first full-time job since finishing university.

   2. Turning the big 21! I am now officially seen as an adult in every country in the world.

   3. Although, this wasn’t an achievement as such, the reality of graduating set in when I ordered my cap and gown for the big day in November.

All in all, August has been a hectic month but don’t worry, I’ve managed to come up with a few things that I have absolutely loved this month of August:

1. Our Own Candle Company “Country Pancakes and Syrup” Candle

Seriously, this is amazing – my parents aren’t so keen though. This was none other than a birthday present; however it is now a keen favourite and takes pride of place in my bedroom. Initially, I thought this would be quite a sickly scent; oh boy how wrong I was! I definitely think it is more of a Autumn/Winter scent than an a Summer scent but that’s just my opinion. Imagine a  fresh winter’s morning, where you have a thin layer of ice on your car windows and it's so cold, you can see your breath; well this candle would be perfect to burn... The warm smell of fresh pancakes, drizzled with hot syrup (I’m getting rather hungry right now) is perfect for those cold Wintery days.

2. Urban Decay “Naked 2” Eye Shadow Palette

I’ve never found any really good pigmented eye shadows; normally I end up getting something that loses its colour the second that I put it on my eye lids. However, this palette is amazing, it has a range of different colours, some light and others dark but most importantly, it has a colour to suit every occasion; from everyday work looks to night-time outings and shopping sessions with friends. Although, this palette isn’t the cheapest; it was definitely worth every penny I spend on it.

3. Netflix {Pretty Little Liars}

The month of August held the answer to the question; every Pretty Little Liars addict has been waiting for… “Who the hell was A?” After five years of waiting and wondering, it was revealed - SPOILERS ALERT! - that CeCe Drake was A and in fact, was part of the Dilaurentis family all along. *cue the dramatic and shocked faces*

{Pretty Little Liars Post - Check out my previous ramblings here!}

4. Rimmel London Feel Good Glows “01 Notting Hill”

IMPULSE BUY! After spending the last three months trying to put blusher on right, I decided to give up until I came across this… The Rimmel Feel Good Glow “Notting Hill.” Some blusher works as a highlighter at the tops of your cheek bones, others just add a little bit of colour to your cheeks; however this is a shimmer that can work along side bronzer (or not!) to add a natural sheen and grimmer to your cheek bones, so when the light catches your cheeks it gives you a natural looking complexion and it is super easy to apply. 

5. Micheal Kors Watch

B-E-A-U-T-I-FUL! I can’t say anymore than that; other than, this was a 21^st Birthday presents from my beloved parents and it will always been one of my most treasured and favourite possessions. Thank you Mumma and Poppa Bear!

6. L – Cushion

After a few years, your cushion become flat and are never as comfy as when you first bought them; it also doesn’t help when your dog sits or chews them every other day. Anyway, this was an impulse buy and added that little something extra to my bedroom; although you’d think that a cushion doesn’t make much difference, it just adds a little something extra and I love things with my initials on!

7. Barry M "Elderberry" Gelly Nail Varnish 
This is an old favourite, which I have been reunited with and loving throughout August. In the past, I've found the Barry M Gelly nail varnishes to be pretty good; they don't tend to chip and the colour doesn't fade and look horrible. Everytime, I paint my nails I have the same problem question… "What colour?" I have so many to choose from and sometimes, I have no idea which one to choose and it is even harder, if I have an occasion to attend as well because I have to make sure it matches my outfit. Anyway, this colour goes with absolutely everything and is a colour that can be worn all year round. If you haven't already I would definitely reccommend trying the Barry M Gelly Nail Varnishes. 

8. Herbal Essence Bee Strong Hair Mask “Apricot and Honey”

If your someone like me, who loves to try a new shampoo and conditioner every three months – you will love this next favourite!? This Herbal Essence ‘Bee Strong’ Hair Mask is a new find for me this month; my hair has been feeling a bit dry and damaged the last few weeks (it doesn’t help with the horrible wet, windy and wild weather we’ve been having) and I wanted something that was going to help repair and strengthen my hair. After a month of using this, you would not believe the results – I love it; I use it once a week and I find my hair smells beautiful from the ‘Apricot and Honey’ scent and my hair feels so soft and silky. All you have to do, is wet your hair and put it on, working it into your roots through your hair and down to your ends; leave it on for half an hours and rinse. Your hair will be soft, silky and smell glorious for ends – this is one product I would definitely recommend!

With August over and September just beginning, in no time at all it will be Christmas – is it too early to start Christmas shopping now? Or can it just be seen being super-organized? Anyway, here’s to September, a month where I can hope to start my new adventures and begin life after university; although I will miss all the wonderful memories and favourites that the summer months have held {Thank you, Heart Angels!} here is to the rest of 2015!

- Lauren xo