July was actually supposed to be a really chill and relaxed month for me, as I was unemployed in between two jobs. But I think it is safe to say that it was anything but relaxed. With moving house and traveling, there was so much to be done, organized, and packed. I’m not here to complain though – after all, traveling and starting a new job are good things! Instead, let me tell you about my July favorites! I actually didn’t think I had anything new to tell you about, given the hectic of the past few weeks, but once again, I was proven wrong…
July Favorites: Beauty
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne
How to describe a perfume? I really don’t know, other than “this smells amazing”. But thankfully there are people that do know what they are talking about. On the Jo Malone website, this scent is described as “daring sensuality, encapsulated in scent. Ruby-rich juices of exotic pomegranate, sparked with pink pepper and Casablanca lily. Warmed by temptingly-smoky guaiacwood and patchouli.” And that does sum it up pretty well! It’s not your standard very sweet perfume, but rather one that stands out in a crowd. One that people will ask you about, because I don’t think a lot of people are familiar with it.
I came across Pomegranate Noir in London and immediately fell in love with it. Basically I have not stopped wearing it. And so far, it has been lasting me really well, because you don’t need a lot of it. Love it!
Uncorrupted Beauty Hydro-Gel Moisture Cream
Next up in my July favorites is the daily moisturizer by Uncorrupted Beauty. I not sure I have talked about this brand before; so let me quickly introduce you. Uncorrupted Beauty is a membership service that sells luxury products at a heavily reduced price. What they do is basically buy the exact same product as luxury skincare companies, but cut out the middle man and a lot of the costs that come with that. Same goes for the costs of branding, marketing, etc. So what you’re paying is actually just the product.
Anyway, I got my membership a couple of months ago and have been using a few of their products. One of which being this moisturizer, and I’ve got to say, it works great. Really nice and light texture, not sticky, sinks into the skin immediately. I’m currently using it day and night & my skin feels really nice and hydrated. Highly recommend!
July Favorites: Fashion & Accessories
Holland Cooper Knit
Oh, what a weird July it has been! In last months favorites I talked about lovely summer dressed… but the weather really wasn’t playing ball this year, was it? I actually missed out on the heat wave Germany supposedly had, because I was in the UK. And let me tell you – there was not a lot of heat there! Quite the contrary… And then I get back, enjoy a couple of days of warmth, only to then be forced to wear thick knits and long trousers. In July! The audacity! Anyway, this Holland Cooper Crew Neck I got when I was in the UK was a godsend! It fits like a glove and the material is sooo soft and cozy. Perfect for a fall day (in July) if you ask me! It also comes in tan and in white, and I am rather tempted to get both of those as well… I actually tried on the tan one in the store, but (thankfully) they didn’t have my size. Would have probably walked away with both if they had it.
Astrid & Miyu Twilight Star Necklace
Next in my July favorites is this pendant necklace from Astrid & Miyu. I conveniently broke all my “everyday-necklaces” over the past few weeks, so I was practically forced to buy a new one. And I told you in my Cotswolds blog post that it rained a lot during our stay – so there was nothing else to do than seek shelter in the John Lewis in Oxford. Which is where I stumbled across this gorgeous necklace, that I have not taken off since I got it. And since it’s 18k gold plated sterling silver, I can wear it in the shower or while working out without worrying it might fade or get dull. Very convenient for me, because I always forget to put my jewelry back on after taking it off. And then I feel naked all day. Who agrees?
July Favorites: Books & Podcasts
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
With everything going on this month, I didn’t have a lot of time to read. Or rather, I didn’t make time to do it. So I think I only finished two books this month, and only one was good enough to make it into my July favorites. It is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. The book is about a young woman – Alicia – that supposedly killed her husband and stopped talking since. Because of that she had been admitted to a psych ward, and a new therapist – Theo – is trying to get her to talk. To find out, what really happened, if she really killed her husband and why.
It is a bit slow for like the first 3/4, and all the while I was reading it I thought “is there actually something going to happen?”. The side story seems absolutely irrelevant, and I kept wondering why the author told it. But OMG, let me tell you, the ending is just one big single plot twist! I couldn’t believe it. If you’re into thrillers, I highly recommend making this your next read!
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
I know I’m late to the show, but I only just now discovered The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling on Spotify this month. I’m currently 2 chapters deep and really like it so far.
Following a few tweet Rowling made a while ago, she was accused of discriminating transgender and queer people, putting their lives at risk. This podcast shines a light on these accusations. Not only did the host do a tonne of research, but she also went to Rowlings home in Scotland to interview her.
I find this podcast truly interesting, because you also get a lot of insights into Rowlings personal life, as well as into the Harry Potter world. And as you know if you’ve read my London blog post, I am a huge Potterhead!
July Favorites: Everything Else
As I said in the beginning of this post, July was a crazy busy month for me. In a really good way! So many great memories were made, and as always I would like to share them with you…
- I finally ticked traveling to the UK off my bucket list! You might know that I absolutely love the UK, England in particular, and traveling around there was one of the best trips ever! Going back there for sure, as there is so much more to do and see.
- Visiting the Harry Potter studios in London. I’m not going to repeat myself, I love Harry Potter, I loved visiting the studios. So much so, that I shed a few tears of joy. Or a lot. Who knows?
- Moving to our new (& improved!) flat close to my home town. Not only do we have sooo much more space now (more than double!), but I am also so much closer to my family. I have actually seen at least one family member every day since I’m here, which is probably more than in the entire last year. So so happy about that!
- Speaking of moving, I have been absolutely loving shopping for furniture, decor, etc. Let me know if you would be interested in a blog post all about my favorite interior shops etc!
Lots of Love,
Lena
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored.