It really feels like summer is drawing to a close doesn’t it? I can’t believe the difference between those glorious, steaming hot days at the beginning of August to the shorter, unseasonably cooler days we’ve been experiencing this week.

Before we get all maudlin about not being ready for winter boots and long sleeves, let’s look back on August. It’s been one to remember, that’s for sure.

Here are some of the things I’ve been loving this month…

Read

red magazine in garden

Aside from my usual monthly Red magazine treat, I rely on my annual summer holiday to catch up on all the books that have been littering my bedside table of late. We went on a cruise this year which was amazing but so, so busy. I therefore didn’t manage to finish as many books as usual.

The first book I finished was ‘The Break’ by Marian Keyes which based on what I saw on social media, was THE summer read of 2018. Have you read it? It really was perfect sun-lounger fodder – an easy read and highly entertaining.

Next up, was ‘This is Going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay. I actually bought this book for my eldest daughter for Christmas but as she hasn’t managed to even open the cover as yet, I decided to find out what all the fuss was about.

This is going to hurt

If you haven’t read it yet you must, I devoured it in a matter of hours. It’s a brilliantly written, no holds-barred account of what it’s like to work as a junior doctor in the NHS – a real eye-opener that’s for sure!

Heard

I’m still a massive fan of podcasts and have continued to enjoy Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Conversations over the last month. I particularly loved her episode with Pastor Wintley Phipps who she describes as her ‘mentor’. She’s interviewed some really insightful people so well worth checking it out. If you’re looking for some new podcasts, Morgana wrote a great blog post this month on all her favourites.

As far as music is concerned, one of my favourite Christian artists is Lauren Daigle – I’ve shared some of her music here before but she’s recorded a new song just recently and I’ve been listening to it on repeat.

Another favourite from the charts is Happier by Marshmallow and Bastille.

Watched

We watched some incredible shows on our cruise. We were on Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Symphony of the Seas and the evening entertainment was of such a high quality and perfect for families.

Symphony of the Seas, Hairspray

Hairspray was probably our favourite musical but the ice skating show was equally amazing – we all loved it.

Symphony of the Seas Ice Skating Show

But August has been a long month and it wasn’t all about our cruise. There’s also been some pretty fantastic drama series on TV hasn’t there? We’ve just finished watching ‘Hidden’ which was so good and we are almost at the end of ‘Unforgotten’. My husband can’t cope with watching two series at a time so I have to space them out – you’re probably totally over both of these by now!

Any other ‘This is Us’ fans out there? I’ve just downloaded series 2 on Amazon and have finally found out how the dad died. I would really recommend this series to anyone who hasn’t caught it yet. I absolutely loved series 1 and fear that series 2 has a lot to live up to.

Wore

bare feet

Shorts, denim skirts, bikinis and bare feet, on repeat! I still can’t get over what a scorcher August has been this year. We’ve been totally spoilt haven’t we? I heard today that we might also be set for an Indian summer here in the UK, so perhaps I shouldn’t put the flip flops and razor away just yet…

I’ve kind of taken my eye off the blogging ball this summer and therefore have very few outfit shots to share with you – apologies if you come here for fashion inspiration! I did manage to get my Mango pink denim jacket back out of the cupboard this week – there are some perks to slightly cooler days.

pink denim jacket mango

Made

Will pancakes do? I’ve not made anything of note this month guys – the summer holidays has a lot to answer for.

I have however, made plenty of trips up long, steep hills and seen some incredible scenery. On our cruise we visited Palma, Marseille, Naples, Rome and Capri – told you we’d been busy! I think Capri was probably my favourite destination, just look at this view…

View from the top of Capri island

Such a pretty island, if a little expensive – 40 euros for 2 coffees and 3 soft drinks ?. Marseille was another unexpected beauty…

Marseille France

And Lastly

With my two girls both being off school/full-time work since the middle of May (one on study leave and one with a broken finger) it’s felt like the longest summer on record!

It’s definitely been a summer to remember; a summer of sun-bathing in the garden, midweek barbecues, outdoor cinema evenings and perfecting our table tennis skills, but I’m now craving routine and dare I say it…a little space.

Did I tell you that my girl smashed her GCSEs? I’m so proud of her. New and exciting adventures starting for everyone this September. I hope whatever you’ve been up to, August has been a good one for you.

Little Loves Coffee Work Sleep Repeat

10 COMMENTS

Sarah MumofThree World
6 years ago

What a month you’ve had! Your cruise looked amazing. Very well done to your girl for her GCSEs. I read The Break recently and I’ve got This is Going to Hurt lined up to read next. We loved Unforgotten and have just watched the first episode of Hidden, but I’m worried the second episode is going to disappear of iPlayer before we get round to watching it!

Anna-Marie
6 years ago

Your cruise look amazing! Definitely something I would love to do. My mum recently went on her first one and she loved it. Marseille looks beautiful! I have the This Is Going To Hurt Book on my to read list! Have a wonderful September. Popping over from the Little Loves link up xx

Morgana
6 years ago

Wow Suzanne, what a summer you’ve had! It looks and sounds incredible.
I’ve heard such good things about This Is Going To Hurt. I’m in line waiting to borrow it from a friend.
xx

Mum Reinvented
6 years ago

Your cruise looks and sounds wonderful. This is Going to Hurt is firmly only my to read list, it sounds brilliant. I loved The Break, such a fab book. Well done again to your daughter on smashing her GCSEs and good luck to her for what comes next. Have a great week ahead x

- Suzanne W
  6 years ago AUTHOR
  
  It’s all change isn’t it? I hope your daughter has settled in well to 6th form too 🙂 xx
  
Joanna Bayford
6 years ago

Sounds like you have had a fabulous month! The cruise sounds wonderful and this is going to hurt looks like a good tread!

Gail
6 years ago

What a fantastic summer you’ve had Suzanne, your cruise sounds amazing. What wonderful places to visit, and the entertainment on board sounds top notch 🙂 . I have This is Going to Hurt on my library reservations list, I’m looking forward to it. Probably need to look up The Break now too! xx

- Suzanne W
  6 years ago AUTHOR
  
  I’ve made a note of some of your holiday reads too, Gail. I need to get another book on the go now that these two are finished 🙂 xx
  
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker
6 years ago

Congratulations to your daughter on her GCSE results! Brilliant news 🙂 Your cruise sounded wonderful – I’m not keen on the idea of a cruise I have to be honest but having visited some of the places you went to (I loved Capri too!) it’s made me want to travel to them all over again. I haven’t watched any of This Is Us yet – the husband refuses even though I’m desperate to – so I think I’ll have to just watch it on my own when he’s on a night shift at work. I’ve heard so many good things about it! Hope September has got off to a good start for you x

Sarah
6 years ago

It sounds like you had a fabulous August. I would love to go on a cruise – the entertainment always looks amazing! I’m so tempted to buy series 2 of This is Us – I only watched Series 1 recently and somehow didn’t manage to record the new ones off Channel 4, I don’t know if I can wait for it to come on Prime 🙂 #LittleLoves