Wednesday 10 August 2016

Accidental Book Haul - Summer 2016

Way back in May I got a load of books as a result of an internship I did with Cornerstone. At that point I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anymore books until I had read at least half of the ones I got given. So far I have read five out of the twenty books I was given. So not quite half by anyone's standards and yet, here we are!

I did buy Animal by Sara Pascoe earlier in the summer, but since I have already posted my review of that book I won't be talking about it here.

The Burried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro


Set just after the reign of King Arthur, this story follows Axl and Beatrice - two elderly Britons on a quest to find their sun. All is not quite as it seems, however, and across the land people are slowly loosing their most valuable memories. They meet Wistan, a knight on a mission to slay a dragon, and Edwin, a young boy who was recused from ogres, as we as a whole host of other unusual characters on their journey.

I'm already 3/4 of the way through this book and really enjoying it for the most part!

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff


Like The Burried Giant this is also a story of marital love and the secrets held in relationships. The blurb reveals very little but it looks like it'll be a fascinating read.

The Tidal Zone by Sarah Moss


Staying in the same themes as the previous two, this is a story of family love and relationships. Adam, a stay at home dad, is called urgently to school when his daughter stops breathing and her heart stops beating. His daughter is fine but the family has to cope with the mystery of her illness.

Jen Campbell has raved about this and I can't wait to read it!

Have you read any of these? What did you think of them?

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Two Cruelty Free Summer Beauty Favourites

am a creature of habit. I wake up the same time each day, perform the same routines, and go to sleep around the same time each night. That being said, there are somethings I like to change up, one of which being my daily makeup. Always with the attempt to look 'natural' I like to play around with the combinations of products on my face. Recently, however, I've found myself constantly turning to the same two products - out of far more than just habit!

1) B. Bronzer


This bronzer has been a god send on those days when I miss my summer glow! I ran very quickly but I fade quickly too and a 9-5 office job in England isn't the best way to preserve a tan. Luckily this bronzer gives me the emotional boost I need and I love the way it sits on my skin.

2) The Balm Mary Lou-manizer


This product more than did the rounds on the beauty blogger circuit so I might be a little late to the party! Ever since I bought this three (or four) months ago I've hardly gone a makeup day without it - I love it.


I apply the bronzer on the outer edges of my forehead, the hollows of my cheeks, and my jawline (in the classic 3 shape). I then apply highlighter to the tops of my cheek bones, arching up under my brow, and in the corners of my eyes. If I want the super glowy look I'll also apply it  to the centre of my forehead, down my nose, in my Cupid's bow, and the top of my chin.


What are your summer beauty essentials?