Not only did August go by in a rush but I also stumbled across and watched August Rush on TV. Such a great film, guaranteed to make me cry, no matter how many times I watch it. And of course it stars the late, great Robin Williams. A wonderful man and a truly talented actor.

This month I started to prepare for a charity Christmas bazaar, making things to sell. I promised to show you what I made with all the buttons in my button drawer and here they are. I nicked the idea from Inspired by Pinterest, they're ridiculously simple - I made a dozen of each in no time at all.

Having bought some eyelet curtains ages ago I was left with a number of curtain rings that I wanted to find a use for. It took me ages to figure out what now seems like the most obvious thing ever! Mini wreaths. Sewing on the beads becomes hypnotic after a while.

I simply wrapped with wool, secured the ends and decorated with beads and bells. I wouldn't be surprised if a few buttons and sequins don't make their way onto a few of these at some point soon.

This month's Birchbox was a triumph. I normally like a few of the items sent but this time I love each and every single one. This only further fuels my current beauty obsession, but I'm not complaining (even if my bank balance is).

Wild About Beauty Crème Eyeshadow
I got the shade Olivia which is a neutral creamy shade. It's so pretty! It can be worn alone for a subtle sheen or over eyeshadow. It blends nicely and stays put. 

Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Oil
I love this. It's the first time I have tried a facial oil and this totally won me over. The sample lasted a week, using morning and night and left my face feeling soft and hydrated. It is a little expensive so I won't be repurchasing but it has opened my eyes to the benefits of a facial oil. I'm now using B. Replenish Oil, available in Superdrug, and it seems every bit as good for a much smaller price tag.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
This is a lovely alternative to my current face scrub. It leaves my skin feeling really soft, looking plump and hydrated. Seriously, my skin must think all it's birthdays have come at once with all these new treats. To be honest it was about time that I had a re-think when it came to my skincare routine so this Birchbox was perfectly timed.

Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream
I received the light / medium shade which looked a bit scary for some one as pale as me but I tried it anyway and it blended with my skin really nicely. It has a broad spectrum SPF of 35 which I love and covers blemishes and marks without looking (or feeling) too heavy. This is going to give my normal Oil of Olay Total Effects a run for it's money.

Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect
A great hair treat. The ends of my hair are dry so I've been spritzing this on after washing and it helps to keep the ends frizz free and detangled. It by no means solves the problem entirely but it helps and it smells lovely.


I can't wait for September's Birchbox to arrive. And I might have ordered the new My Little Box too, the latest of the beauty-in-your-letterbox offerings, although this one contains fashion and lifestyle items too. No doubt I'll tell you all about that one soon enough.

Just one last beauty item and then I'll move on. This is my first The Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint. It lasts for ages and is glossy even without a top coat, goes on well and only needs two coats. Highly recommended for the quality and a really good price - £3.99.

The other exciting occurrence during August was the start of a fireplace renovation. We needed to make the fireplace bigger in order to put in a woodburner. This is a 'during' shot. I can't wait to show you the result, but I need to decorate first.

I hope August was good for you, what did you get up to?

Love