Completely inspired by the YouTubers I so admire I am writing up a list of my favourites from the previous month at the beginning of each month. I love to watch or read about what other people recommend so, if you do too, then this post is for you.
Leuchtturm 1917 Dotted Notebook
I get so frustrated with myself. I've so many notebooks and lists on the go that when it comes to finding something, or wanting to know what my plans are for the week, I waste so much time trying to find the relevant notebook and information.
Then I watched some YouTubers talk about Bullet Journaling. Oh my goodness there are so many creative journals out there. At first I thought this isn't for me. It would just add to my workload rather than streamline it.
But then I thought about what I wanted my journal to do. I wanted something that had my month at a glance, held useful information such as grocery shopping staples, and a packing list I could turn to again and again. But mainly it is to store my ideas for blog posts, YouTube videos, products I wanted to try, books I wanted to read, bloggers I wanted to share - along with keeping track of Instagram and blog stats.
So I bought myself a Leuchtturm 1917 and haven't looked back. I've tried online organisational tools (as well as my numerous notebooks) but there's something so satisfying about having just one journal next to me on the sofa, or by my bed, or on my desk, that I can consult and add to again and again in an organised way.
I've wrapped an old leather cover from a previous Aspinal notebook around mine.
Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound
Anyone else get overwhelmed when it comes to beauty and make-up?
I have no idea what products are good as I've been out the loop for so long. (Was I ever in the loop? Hmm...) But I saw this one recommended by either Zoella or Tanya Burr and, in a sea of lipsticks, it stood out - so I decided to give it a go. And I love it. In fact, I may be a little obsessed. As the name suggests it glides on and stays put. The colour is fab for me as it gives me the fresh faced look rather than overly made-up (and I'm finding I need to work on that 'fresh faced' look more and more as I get older!) . Perfect for day wear.
Botanical Candle Co - Tinder Box Scented
I've got a bit of a thing for candles in amber jars. This one from the Botanical Candle Co was recommended on Instagram so, seduced by the packaging, I gave it a go. At first I was a bit, hmm, I'm not sure. But it's a real grower. Now I love it and have it close to me on my desk. Even though it's not currently lit I have the musky fragrance wafting towards me as I type.
It contains sandalwood, black pepper and tobacco leaf. It isn't too overpowering - it just adds a subtle layer of scent to your home.
I've spoken about this mug's larger brother in my September Desk Essentials post. The larger one I love for my hot chocolate (so it can fit in the squirty aerosol cream) and the smaller one is perfect for my morning coffee(s).
A new-ish magazine along the same lines as The Simple Things, I saw the September issue - which is number 3 - in the supermarket a few weeks ago. At £5.99 it isn't cheap for a magazine BUT there is lots of thought and time gone into it. The numerous articles are calming with beautiful photography and there are inspiring recipes and ideas. You can find their website at calmmoment.com. Well worth the £.
I've been using my Canon Powershot G7X Mark II a lot more recently for my YouTube films. And this little tripod from Manfrotto has been brilliant. You can use it to hold the camera in your hand by putting the legs together or using it as a tripod.
There used to be one author I'd always buy the hardback of as soon as it was released and that was Maeve Binchy. Now Maeve has sadly gone I'm delighted for Marian to take on my 'always buy the hardback when first released' mantle.
Like Maeve, Marian has that wonderful way of writing that just pulls you into the warmth of the book. The scenes play in your head as you read, the voices strong, the characters real. I thoroughly recommend The Break. Her writing just gets better and better.
Funnily enough I went to see Marian talk at the Althorp Literary Festival two years ago when her previous novel, The Woman Who Stole My Life, was released. She talked about the next book she was writing, which was this one, The Break. At the time it was going to be another story about Clare Walsh from her first novel, Watermelon, and was going to be called Time Off for Good Behaviour. Then Marian said later in a video that this was making her too sad to write. The Break, I'm guessing, is this same idea but with different characters. I'm glad she didn't use Clare Walsh, too.
Wool Blend Diamond Geo Rug from Next
We have a lot of floor tiles in our house. Great for summer, cold underfoot for winter. In our new bathroom we put down yet more tiles. But this rug, from Next, is absolutely lovely next to the bath. I'm obsessed with anything grey.
None of this is sponsored (although some of the links I've provided are affiliate links which means I will earn a few pennies if you click on it at NO expense to you) it's just me sharing what I've enjoyed.
