So many of my favourite shows are back or airing, whilst a number of new features had me sitting on the edge of my seat too in August! Honestly, it was the month that really kept on giving when it came to TV and films! Here is what I really loved watching over the past month that I really think you should see!
A new months brings with it a whole new selection of books on my display at Hertford Library! From mysteries to romance, there is something for everyone to enjoy on it! Whether that be by the pool or whilst cooling down under a shady tree! Get those bookmarks at the ready for these wonders that will transport you to a whole new world!
August was a really funny old month! There was a lot of traumatic moments, yet, I carried on going and strived to find some new foods to try amongst all the madness! Seeking a lot of wholesome delights, these are now a firm bunch of new kitchen favourites. Here is what I discovered during those tough days, which I enjoyed quite a lot!
Christmas is going to be here in less than four months, which means it is truly time to up the pace when it comes to planning! Whether it be starting to plan meals, get gifts or plan your decorating schemes this year, you can never be too early! Find out what I did in August to prepare for the big festive filled day!
August wasn’t the best month for me, yet, these little delights made it possible to smile during the sadder times! From funny videos to soothing sweets, every one of these top five features made for a better August than I thought. For that reason, they had to make it onto my favourites list! Find out what made it on to it right here!
August was a bit of a washout month in lots of ways. Things were funny with my family. The weather didn’t know what to do. Plus, it was a bit of an emotional one, as I found my inner autumn mode getting ready to burst out a lot of the time!
As we prepare to head into September, the month I considered to have the actually new year date within it, I’m excited. I am ready to decorate for Halloween and Christmas. I’m ready to embrace the new diary I’ve brought. I’m looking forward to making plans for the festive occasions. I’m about to be reborn people!
However, before all of that, I wanted to share my favourite things from the month of August. These all helped me a lot to get through what was a wet and wild time…
My Favourite Book - Talking at Night by Claire Daverley: I got this book for my birthday, after being intrigued by the cover. Inside the pages was a beautiful love story that will give you all the feels. Definitely enjoy it with a bowl of cereal like on the cover.
My Favourite TV Show - The Bear: After Love Island finished, I found myself with more time in the evenings to settle down and catch up on all the TV I had missed. The Bear is hands down one of my favourite shows. The second series was equally and better than the first with beautiful shots, scripts and casting throughout.
My Favourite Movie - Barbie: Okay, so it came out in July, but it is still the best film I have seen in ages. The Kenergy is strong within me. Honestly, I didn’t think I could love Ryan Gosling anymore than I do right now.
My Favourite Food Find - Twister Ice Lollies: I have tried to keep the magic of summer alive in my life. Whilst I often run 100% cold most of the time, I will not let bad circulation and cold weather stop me from having these. I adore the red ones best! Are you a green or a red Twister fan?
My Favourite Beauty Item - Sanctuary Spa Signature Collection Wet Skin Miracle Moisturiser: Ages ago I used to use the Nivea in shower moisturiser. Yet, oddly I can’t find it anywhere now. Thankfully, the gods at Sanctuary have answered my prayers with this creation. Simply placed onto skin, before you dry, it soaks in beautifully to leave super smooth skin.
My Favourite Podcast - The Katie Price Show: Growing up in the 00s everyone was obsessed with Katie Price and Peter Andre. I will admit that the love did go away as I grew up, but Katie’s new podcast with her sister Sophie is fantastic. I love how down to earth and normal both of them appear. From chats about roast dinners to their mum’s health, I binged the first six episodes in two days! I am hooked!
My Favourite August Experience - Meeting New People: Most of the time I really struggle to make connections with people. I worry that they or I may say something that will upset my conditions. However, from the start of August, I have begun working on meeting new people. From a fellow book lover at the library to online connections within my therapy group, I have been branching out more. Making new friends and connections has warmed my soul this month.
What were your favourite things about the month of August? Let me know!
Joey X
Where has the hot weather gone? It seems like summer came and went in a flash. I have struggled therefore to make a lot of changes to my meals, as I really don’t know what temperature to be eating for. Yet, I did discover some new brands and foods, which I wanted to share with you all.
Hopefully next month there will be more, but for now, these are my top five from August…
Twister Mini Ice Lollies: Okay, so the British weather may not be perfect, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy an ice lolly! After trying Rocket ones at my brother’s in July, I have branched out and found an old faithful. I’ve always loved a Twister and I’m so pleased with myself that I haven’t let me ED win and had these again. They are the perfect afternoon snack.
Tesco 0% Fat Greek Yogurt: Usually I like to buy the pots of Activia type yogurts from Aldi. In fact, I do still get them. Yet, I was speaking to my mum about how much I loved natural and Greek yogurts before my ED. Therefore, we had a look around and found this one. I’ve had it a few times now with some fruit, as a snack, and it is really creamy without being too sweet. I think it would also be great on cereals, however, I haven’t been brave enough to try that yet.
Golden Nuggets Cereal: I have been a fan of Golden Nuggets since I was little. My mum used to have to buy our family loads of boxes, as me and my brother Gio could eat them all day. I had gotten scared of them again though, meaning I stopped eating them. A few weeks ago, I poured them in a bowl though and enjoyed them for the first time in ages. You simply can’t beat a classic! Also, it was a huge fuck you to my ED!
Purple Sprouting Broccoli: For a long time I was having asparagus. However, I found myself struggling with it, due to me getting bored of it but not knowing what to change it up with. Seeing this in Aldi, I decided to try and bring it into one of my meals and really enjoyed it when I did. Perfect with sweet potato, it really does brighten up a meal.
Red Cabbage: Steamed or raw, I simply adore red cabbage. After becoming scared of the vegetable again, I have been having it with some sauce and courgetti on a Sunday night and I really love it. Although, I have to admit, I don’t love how much it dyes your hands aha!
New Food Brand I’ve Found: Dawtona Reduced Sugar and Salt Ketchup: I don’t really like the taste of ketchups that are super sweet. Yet, this one in Aldi is perfect! It has a gorgeous fresh tomato taste and is perfect on top of all sorts, especially the shepherds pie my mum makes me. Plus, it doesn’t come out to runny like over reduced ketchups do. I pick this one up in Aldi lovelies.
What new foods or brands have you discovered this month lovelies?
Joey X
July brings the start of summer, yet it is August that really gets us all in the holiday mood! Therefore, my selection of books, which are on display in Hertford Library are perfect for lounging around the pool with. Each book is different. Many of them are gripping thrillers, yet, they also bring in some special sunshine too. Here is my top ten selection for the month of August…
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney: Inspired by the world of Agatha Christie, this killer novel is one that will keep you glued to your sunlounger this August. When the Darker family are left stranded on an island in Cornwall, they find that one of the family is a killer. But who is it? You won’t be able to put it down, turning pages again and again, until you reach the end.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Wimbledon may now be over, but the joy of tennis doesn’t have to be. Especially in this book by the hit author Reid, who manages to get us all trapped into how a tennis star's comeback makes an impact not only on them, but on the sport as a whole.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace: Take to the ice and explore the world of ice hockey and cheerleading in this TikTok sensation. It will be able to cool you down one minute, before spicing up your life the next.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller: Trapped in two relationships, one with her husband, the other a long lost love, Elle Bishop finds that her past may be causing problems for her future. On a trip to her family holiday home, the revelations behind each one start to be spilled and soon everything is tested. Find out why as you turn each page.
Book Readers by Emily Henry: When an author and an editor are put to the test to try to relax but also enjoy the pages that they possess, the words start to flow off the page, as they fall for each other. However, it isn’t all smooth sailing, making for a funny and hooking book.
The Maid by Nita Prose: Do you ever wonder about the lives of those who help you day to day? Leading lady Molly is a maid in a very fancy hotel. Keeping her head focused on her work, she doesn’t let anything bother her. Until she finds a very regal figure dead in his bed. Soon she is searching the hotel to find the clues she needs to solve the crime. Even if it puts her in danger too.
The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer: Known more for being a comedian than an author, Mortimer is showing readers all over the world that he can really put pen to paper and make something incredible. Following a hard working man, who finds himself searching for his best friend, the story sees him discover the love of her life, even though he doesn’t know her name. Yet, she isn’t truly being open and when his best friend goes missing, he soon has to find her to help him uncover what happened to him. Twist after twist is ensured in this read.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman: Back for a second season on Prime Video, this book is a little inside into what to expect as the devilish and angelic characters come back. If you have already seen the show than you will enjoy this even more, due to being able to discover more about their story before you have seen it.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: The hit film was inspired by this summer filled adventure that will have you laughing your way through the wedding season this August. When a couple are put to the test by friends and family, whilst exploring the local cultures surrounding them, they discover that money can’t really buy happiness. Just super big fancy weddings!
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard: If you like fantasy books mixed with teen angst then this is one for you. Now a full series, this is the first in the collection. Giving off Hunger Games and Game of Thrones inspired content, you will fully embrace the world of the Reds and Silvers, as they battle it out, from the first page.
TOP BOOK OF THE MONTH - Talking at Night by Claire Daverley: After meeting as teenagers, Will and Rosie discover that they are complete opposites. However, this is exactly what makes them work. Spending years together falling for each other, their relationship is soon tested when tragedy strikes and they are forced apart. Yet, as the years go on, they always find a way back to each other. Sad, romantic and gripping, this is the book you have to read this month!
What are you currently borrowing from your local library? Will you be heading to Hertford Library to see the new selection? Let me know!
Joey X
July was my birthday month and kindly I was gifted by my mum the brilliant book, Talking at Night by Claire Daverley, which was on the top of my must-read list. I could not get over the beautiful orange cover upon seeing it in the shops and I have to say from that moment on I was hooked.
Telling the romantic story of how two people came to fall in love and the tragedies that they face along the way, I was worried that the book was going to be like One Day. However, it was completely different. Light and heavy at different points, the novel knew how to hook audiences in from start to finish.
You seek to find out if they will end up together. You seek to know if they can get over the sad moments that they have had to handle. You want to know if the novel’s cover has any reflection of the story at all. You simply want to keep turning each page as you go along.
As Will and Rosie seek to find a way back to each other, they bring the readers on an emotional journey that will leave you reeling when you turn the last page.
Seeing the characters being unable to let go of their first loves is raw and as a debut novel it has ensured that Daverley is going nowhere fast. In fact, I am already excited to see what she brings out next.
Talking at Night isn’t an easy read but it is a fun, emotional and gripping story that is perfect for days around the pool or lounging in the garden. Heartwrenching but loving, the book will be devoured in no time once you start!
Joey X