June Favourites!

Hello and Happy Sunday!

When I first started this blog, I explicitly said that THIS IS NOT A BEAUTY BLOG, yet here I sit writing a post so commonly associated with that genre. Truth is, I love these types of posts (and youtube videos) and for the first time this I've been able to gather enough things to do one of my own.

Without further ado, let's kick this thing off shall we?

First off is this notebook I was given for my birthday last September. As soon as I opened it I was so excited to use it but I had no idea what for. I didn't want to waste its beautiful clean plain pages. It's been sitting on my shelf for the last 6 months until I dusted it off and started using it to plan my blog posts! I keep it in my bag for those moments an idea for a new post pops into my head. It's become my best friend and I'll never forget an idea again! And it's so cute! IT HAS A FELT COVER.

Despite having bought it almost 3 months ago, last week I finally finished The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this but it is so addictive. The prologue takes place after everything else in the book and I loved working my way through and piecing everything together. There's twists all over the place - so much so I found myself having to put the book down and regather my thoughts before reading the aftermath. It's so so brilliantly gripping I can't recommend it more.

In terms of TV shows there are two oldies I've really gotten into in the last month.

After hearing so much about it for as long as I can remember, I finally gave in and started watching the US version of The Office. I'm at the end of season 6 now and I've been working on a solid season-a-week. I know so many things that are still to come but I have no intention of slowing down. I've never become so attached to characters so quickly. I'm about 96% sure Jim Halpert is the love of my life.

Secondly, I've started watching Sex and The City. I did this in the complete wrong order and I've already seen both of the movies so I know how it ends but do I care? My housemates and I worked our way through seasons one and two in two days. Yikes. It's incredibly easy to watch and I love it so much. However, it's not on Netflix and I'm about 25 miles away from the box set. Really feeling some withdrawal here.

Speaking of housemates - seamless segue Tilly, well done - I've recently moved into my house for the next two years whilst I finish my degree. All of our rooms were bare canvases and we've spent the last two weeks (and a lot of money) on making them feel at home. We visited IKEA the other day and I picked up this rug. We had one just like this when I was growing up and as soon as I saw it I wanted it. It makes me feel a lot me comfortable and homey with it there. And its super super soft I could lie on it all day. AND it was only £10. A
steal!

We're gonna actually slip into some beauty favourites now. Who am I?

First up is my treasured Zoeva Nude Palette. I've had this almost a year now but I've become stuck on using the same 3 colours day in, day out. In the last few weeks I've started venturing away from the beiges and browns and into purples! I've found a new wave of adoration for this palette and its an absolute staple in my everyday make up routine. It's made up of 28 different nude shades, both matte and shimmer and they're an absolute dream to work with. It only cost me around £20-£25 but it doesn't appear to be available on their website anymore which is such a shame! I've found two smaller palettes (Cocoa Blend and Naturally Yours) which contain most of the same colours, if you're interested!

The first photo is what it looked like when it arrived, the second is it now. As you can see it's been very well-loved. No points for those who can spot my go-to colours....

Next is matte nails. This is something I've been desperate to try and on a whim I picked up this Pure Colour Matte Top Coat at the tills at New Look. It's only £2.99 and it works perfectly. No need to splash out on a £10 Essie topcoat (no offense, Essie, you do a great job. My student budget just can't handle it)! I'm currently wearing it over the top of Barry M's Speedy  polish in the colour Pit Stop. I love pairing pastel colours with a matte topcoat - perfect for summer in my opinion.

Finally I have a favourite place. Is that a thing the beauty bloggers do as well?
My housemates sister came to stay last week and since we were all on a budget, we booked (for free!) to go up to the Sky Garden in Fenchurch Street. It's right on top of the Walkie Talkie building and it's amazing. You have 360 degree views of the city all whilst surrounded by an indoor tropical rainforest. I discovered up there that I really like The Shard. Yes, it looks unfinished at the top, but you've got to admit it's impressive.

Whilst being free to get in, the prices at the Brasserie are quite high - £4 for a Diet Coke?! I think not! Maybe bring a packed lunch if you want to eat with a view...

Well that's it. My first ever monthly favourites! I hope you enjoyed this little insight into my brain - a free pass to be nosey, if you will!

Thank you so much for reading. Leave a comment with book suggestions (I'm always lost after I finish one) or TV suggestions or anything you've loved this month. Or don't; up to you. Free country and that.

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**Apologies for the poor-quality photos. All I have is my iPhone. Eek.**