So now that September is done and dusted, I thought I'd note down my top 10 things from the month. There was quite a lot to choose from in September so the following items should feel privileged that they're in my top 10!!
1. Baby Lips
Oh, Baby Lips how do I love thee, let me count the ways. This cult lip balm from Maybelline has FINALLY made it to the UK and it absolutely lives up to the hype. They come in beautiful flavours and the packaging is really cute. I have the pink one which is called Pink Punch. It's a very light, blue toned pink and smells delicious. They are super-nourishing and go really well under lipstick. I suffer from terribly chapped lips, to the point where I sometimes can't wear bright lipstick because it highlights the dryness, but since wearing Baby Lips I've found that my lips are in better condition and are instantly smoothed enough to wear lipstick on top. A MUST if you want an every day lip care product. I can't see me ever going back to Blistex.
2. Filofax
I have a black personal Filofax Finsbury. I bought it last year in an attempt to revolutionise my life, after forgetting a very good friend's birthday due to my ridiculously unreliable organisation system (also known as my memory!). I made pretty little pink dividers for it. I organised all of the sections to cover everything from tracking my workouts to listing the books I wanted to read. I added pictures to make it a bit more interesting to look at. ...And then I used it for about 3 weeks!! If you've read my post on why I'm writing a blog, this will sound very familiar to you!!
It has sat in a drawer ever since, but I've decided to give it another go because I really needed something to keep me organised. I cannot tell you how hopeless I am at remembering things, and work has been so busy lately that there's really not been room in my head for any other information. So far so good! I've decided to keep it simple this time. I still have pretty dividers, and pictures (there's NO incentive to read it if the inside is boring), but the contents just covers what I really need - a diary to record key dates, post-its for reminders, a section for notes and a section for lists (to do, shopping etc).
I have a bit of an obsession with Vloggers so have watched quite a few diary organisational videos on YouTube (sounds boring but check them out - if you like stationary, you'll be hooked). They've really inspired me to make this work in the way I need it to. That's what I've done this time around, and I'm LOVING it! I check it every night before I go to sleep, and then put anything important into my phone so I don't forget.
3. L'Oreal Paris Collection Privée Nudes
Another lip range I've been obsessed with in September is Collection Privée from L'Oreal Paris. This range of creamy lipsticks has been designed around their spokespeople and each one suits a different skin tone. The thing that drew me to these lipsticks initially was the advert. It's so glam! It features Frieda Pinto, Eva Longoria, Julianne Moore and Doutzen Kroes all in one ad - amazing!
I was really sold however, when I wore one on a photo shoot at work. As part of my 'natural' look, the make-up artist applied the Doutzen and I fell in love with it. The colour is really pale, so probably wouldn't work on extremely pigmented lips, but it's sheer and long lasting for those of us with a paler complexion. The colour is actually similar to MAC Creme Cup, although the formula isn't as bold or glossy.
The packaging is very slick - matte black with gold writing and a gold metal band around the centre. It reminds me a little of Tom Ford in its design.
I was so obsessed with this range that my friend decided to give me her lipstick - the Julianne. Now if I thought the Doutzen was nice, it's nothing on the Julianne. This slightly more coral nude is the perfect colour for me. It's bold enough to stand out, but still looks really natural. It complements my skin tone perfectly and smells pretty good too!
Enough with the gushing, because I'm getting carried away! But if you're looking for a reasonably priced nude, this collection is definitely worth a look.
4. Smash
Something you need to know about me is that I love musicals. I used to dance as a child and have been in countless shows. Nowadays my musical theatre activity is reserved for the occasional shower session (I do love a good sing-along in the shower), but I still love to watch musicals, either in the theatre or on TV.
When a friend of mine, who lives in America, told me about Smash I knew I'd adore it. The cast is fantastic - Deborah Messing, Angelica Houston and Jack Davenport (yum!).
The premise is that a famous writing duo stumble onto the idea of creating a musical about Marilyn Monroe, and as the series unfolds you learn how the musical comes into fruition by following the writers, cast, Producer and Director.
Jack Davenport is fab as the hot, cocky Director, and Deborah Messing's character has the nicest life! However, the star of the show for me is the guy that plays Tom (one of the co-writers). He's brilliant in it, and he sings one of my favourite songs of the first series - 'Don't Say Yes Until I've Finished Talking'.
Season 2 isn't out on DVD until November, but until then I've got S1 and the Bombshell soundtrack to keep me going!!
5. Harry Potter
Oh my, how I LOVE Harry Potter. I was always so adamant as a teenager that I would never read it. My Harry-loving friends and I would have lengthy debates on the way to school about it, and I maintained that I would never read "a kids book!!!"
Then I won a book voucher at school when I was 15 and my friend Kelly dragged me into W.H. Smith and forced me to buy books one and two. I remember calling her after reading the first chapter and ranting about how reading it had taken up 10 minutes of my life that I would never get back. But she assured me it got better, so I carried on, and by George I'm glad I did!
A few years on and I cannot get enough of it. I've read the first 4 about 25 times. No joke! The fifth one is my favourite (which is probably controversial as not many people I know like it). The sixth is my least favourite; I just can't stand the Ron-Lavender love scenes and when Malfoy breaks Harry's nose it literally makes me feel sick. Every. Single. Time!
Anyway, I digress! The reason Harry Potter is in my top 10 for September is because I'm re-reading them, and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Every so often, when life is a bit chaotic, I find myself drawn back into Harry's world. It's like a literary security blanket. No matter what's going on in my life I can lose myself in these fantastic pages for an hour or so a day, which is really comforting. I also find that I discover something new in the stories every time I read them.
I started book 5 this morning. Exciting!!
6. Statement necklaces
I never thought I was a statement necklace kind of girl. I was always a big earrings or long chain lover. But I have to say that I am a little bit addicted to statement necklaces at the moment. Zara, Dorothy Perkins and Primark all have amazing pieces, and my collection is now thriving.
My favourites include a tarnished silver gladiator style, slim gold bar style, African style and orange spiked style. I've been pairing mine with jeggings, a simple t-shirt, converse, natural make-up and a super high ponytail.
7. Butterfingers
Oh. My. God. My friend Esen has absolutely changed my life with this product. If you've not heard of it, Butterfinger is a US confectionary from Nestle. It has a peanut brittle style centre, and is covered in thick chocolate.
I don't like peanut butter. I actually don't like nuts at all (very weird texture!!), but recently I've been enjoying peanut butter flavoured things - Reese's Pieces, KitKat Peanut Butter, peanut butter M&Ms...
This all started with Butterfinger. Let me explain...
Esen had her hen party in August. We had a BBQ in the day and then went out that evening. At the end of the BBQ Esen gave everyone party bags, grown-up styli! They contained a 'grow your own boyfriend' toy, and a Butterfinger. As the hen party was in Bournemouth and we got the coach back to London (never again), I decided to eat mine on the way home as I was peckish. I wasn't convinced I'd like it but it was all I had.
Well, it changed my life! Literally! The only way I can describe the flavour is to say salted caramel peanuts. They are really crumbly and sweet, but also salty and smooth. I'm kind of drooling thinking about them!
I thought the only place I'd be able to get them is a US sweet shop or online, but I went into the corner shop near my office a couple of weeks ago, and they were just sat there. I couldn't believe it! So now I have a regular fix as and when I need it. Joy!
8. Peppermint Tea
I've always loved mint, and peppermint tea has been a regular staple in my diet, but recently I've been ending the day with one. Every night I get into my PJs, take off my make-up, go through the cleanse-tone-moisturise routine and then make a steaming hot peppermint tea, light a candle and read my book. It's such a nice way to de-stress after a long day, and it's making me sleep much better. Maybe that's just wishful thinking, but I really feel that it's helping me.
Who'd have thought something so simple could make you feel so relaxed!
9. Etsy
Etsy is the CUTEST shopping site. I am addicted to it. I stumbled across it in the summer when I was looking for gifts for my friends' weddings, and now I visit at least 4 times a week. They have the most unusual and pretty little things.
Current favourites include stacking bracelets from dAnnon, like the one below. They are extremely intricate and I'm completely in love.
http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/159868556/minty-matters-bow-bracelet-stack?ref=shop_home_active
10. Cetaphil
I have pretty bad skin and often break out. I'm at that depressing stage in my life where I'm starting to see fine lines crop up, but am still suffering from spots. Ideal!
I'm a real beauty junkie so have lots of products in my bathroom cabinet, but sometimes I feel like I need to take my skincare routine back to basics.
Over the past few weeks my skin has felt tight, and in need of some TLC. I've struggled to eat a balanced diet because I've been working a lot, and I've not been drinking enough water. It's really taken a toll on my face!
My housemate had a friend from Australia staying and I discussed my skin concerns with her one night. She suggested that I try her cleanser, so the next day I reached for the giant white tub in my shower, rather than my normal Trilogy. I am an absolute convert, and don't think I'll ever use anything else again!
Cetaphil is recommended by dermatologists because it is pH balanced so it's really gentle. It doesn't sting my eyes which is great and means I don't have to worry about applying it carefully. I can just slap it on in the morning and evening, and then wash it off.
Since using Cetaphil I've noticed a real improvement in the state of my skin. I'm really impressed!
So there you have my September top 10. What did you love last month?
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