Now that summer is over (meteorologically, anyway), I’m looking back at things I loved in August: BBC comedies, beautiful Japanese words, money-saving tips for weddings and more!
Oh and where the blog post title is concerned: I know August is now last month but I’m on such a roll with my blogging schedule after The Unplanned Hiatus that posting it on the 31st would have just messed things up. I like Wednesdays and Saturdays so I think that’s what imma gonna try to stick to from now on.
Famous last words, Catherine, famous last words…
Anyway – this is the second installment in my monthly Things I’m Loving This Month posts (formerly known as the Best of the Blogosphere). It’s nice being able to share anything and everything, whether that be great blog posts (which I’ll always include), things I’ve bought or seen, stuff I’ve watched or dog videos I’ve loved.
Hard as it was, I refrained from the dogs this month but I’m sure there are loads of other things that you’ll love too.
Happy Saturday, have a great weekend, and I’ll see you on the other side (AKA next week)!
[Reading time: 2 mins – excluding time reading links]
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P.S. I was wrong about the dogs. There IS a dog video. OF COURSE there’s a dog video…
This month I’m loving…
1. Detectorists on Netflix (a BBC series). I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS HIGHLY ENOUGH. Do not be put off by the fact that it’s about metal detecting, of all things. We haven’t watched anything funnier, more character-driven, more beautifully filmed, more binge-worthy or as well-written in ages. My one-sentence review would be “A charming, subtly hilarious ode to the English countryside and the characters in it”.
2. I’d heard good things about Wonderskin One Step Lip Stain but had NO idea it would be as good as it was. Loads of colour choice, lasts half the day.
3. I’ve recently discovered Non Silicone Wood Silk Furniture Polish and my Cinderella life is now complete (well, the Cinders version at least). My vintage teak furniture and wooden frames and ornaments have never looked better.
4. The brilliant Dr Louise Newton (AKA @menopause_doctor) has posted a video with Professor Isaac Manyonda talking about how women are largely protected from many diseases that men suffer from… till menopause. So much to ponder on.
5. Jenny has come up with 5 Reasons Why Slow Progress Is Good Progress and I’m all over no.4.
6. I’ve just subscribed to the online magazine Ageist which is “dedicated to championing the vitality, influence and contributions of the modern 50-plus demographic”. So far I’m loving it.
7. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson may know everything about the cosmos but he also knows why a dog’s exuberant spirit can inspire us to cherish every moment we have. Oh, my heart ♥️
8. New-to-blogging (but seasoned Instagram influencer) Sandie has discussed Reinventing Life and Embracing Disability. It’s so good for everyone to read, not just for those with a disability.
9. I’ve just learnt another beautiful Japanese word: komorebi, meaning “Sunlight leaking through trees, the beauty and wonder of light rays dappling through overhead leaves”. These and more words are beautifully illustrated in Iris’s wonderous nature-driven Instagram account.
10. I’ve followed Anna on Instagram for ages for her thrifty lifestyle and not-buying-new ethos, so I got excited when I discovered she has a blog. Like my own frugal wedding 17 years ago, she’s written about how to have the perfect low-cost wedding. They’re often the most enjoyable.
And a few Not Dressed As Lamb posts you might like:
6 Fantasy Jobs I Would Be Really, Really Good At,
My Travel and Summer Beauty Essentials from Boots and
Pandemic-Related Life Struggles and Why I Neglected the Blog
What caught your eye/are you now loving too? Comment below…!
Thank you for reading,
Linking up to… Monday: Stylish Monday (second Monday of the month), Inspire Me Monday, My Glittery Heart, On Mondays We Link Up || Tuesday: Style With a Smile, Trend Spin/Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Turning Heads Tuesday, Spread the Kindness, Confident Twosday, Happy Now Blog Link Up || Wednesday: WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish, Ageless Style Linkup (third Thursday of the month), || Friday: Neverending Style, Fancy Friday, On the Edge, Fabulous Friday’s Link Up
I am going to have to watch that show, it sounds right up my street!
The Reluctant Blogger | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Author
It’s so wonderful Danielle – honestly we could have literally watched all three seasons in one sitting if life and sleep didn’t get in the way…!!
Oh, I love Detectorists so much – I have it as a quaint old DVD box set The best comfort viewing. Some really interesting links here – and don’t you just love the scent of that wood furniture polish too? Sooo satisfying…
Author
Going by your beautiful writing I can imagine that Dectorists would be right up your street, Lizzie – if YOU wrote a show or a book I’d be the first to watch/read!!! Thank you 🙂
Thank you, Catherine, that’s so kind of you :))
Author
Pleasure, Lizzie… just get writing that book you have no plans for [that I’m aware of], I’ll preorder even before you’ve decided to write one! 😉
A great collection, especially #5. As I have been telling my husband since his heart attack a year and a half ago – “slow and steady wins the race”.
It’s wonderful to have your regular blog posts again. The past three years have been a slog for so many and you have put my exact feelings in to words. It’s helped me feel better about how I have been feeling. Thank you!
Also love your Instagram!
Author
Oh gosh Christine I hope your husband is okay… sending him my very best wishes!
I’m so glad you’re pleased the blog is “back”… it never really went away, the time between posts just ran away with me and before I knew it months had passed! Plus that’s lovely to hear about you enjoying what I wrote about returning and my struggles in between, it seems it’s very much the same for many people – thank you xx
Some wonderful things to read here, Catherine! I particularly enjoyed reading Jenny’s and Sandie’s posts.
Unfortunately the lip stain you recommended isn’t currently available. I shall have to keep checking the link!
Have a fab weekend!
Suzy xx
Author
Thanks Suzy – though that’s odd about the lip stain, it’s available here so maybe I assume it’s Amazon Portugal that’s not got it…? Hope it becomes available for you to try as it’s SO good! x
Great round up, Catherine.
Just downloaded Detectorists … sounds like our sort of thing.
I’ve subscribed to Ageist for quite some time … it’s good isn’t it? A mine of information.
Sharon xo
Author
Thanks Sharon – let me know what you think of it when you’ve watched it!!
And I think I briefly saw Ageist a while ago but forgot about it… I’m sure it was your post that reminded me to look it up again!
Oh, that video about dogs – how beautiful. They are such wonderful, loving creatures, and a joy to have. Companionship, affection, humour, and that love of life as well. But maybe I’m just biased. 🙂
Komorebi – such a beautiful thing when walking in the woods. To look up while the greyhounds are sniffing “dog twitter”, there’s that gentle rolling of colours. So beautiful.
Hmm. Things I’m loving this month? Cooler weather and a chance to change wardrobes.
Author
The dog video REALLY made me stop and think, Lynn – it’s funny how we know that about them but it was a real “Just stop and THINK…”, wasn’t it? So beautiful as you said 🙂
Unfortunately the end of summer makes me sad… especially when we had such a rubbish one like this year. Unlike you I don’t want cooler weather, but the weather report for this week looks good so yay for an Indian Summer for me! x