30 Things To Do This Autumn

25 Sept 2020 United Kingdom

Autumn has to be my favourite season. The shorter days, colder weather, all the cosy vibes that it brings with it. If, like me, you love Autumn then why not create your own Autumn Bucket list! Tick off as many of these seasonal projects, trips and activities as you can to create the most autumny-Autumn you ever did have!

To bake

1. Make your own granola. This spiced granola looks perfect for autumn.
2. Bake gingerbread or gingerbread men and decorate with all your fave toppings.
3. Bake a sweet pie, like this blueberry pie recipe.
4. Or, go savoury! Check out some great vegetarian pie recipes here.
5. Make the most cinnamon, cinnamon rolls. This is the recipe I use.
6. Try making bread. Focaccia is a great place to start.

7. Cookies! I'm missing Ben's cookies in my life but this recipe replicates them perfectly! A brown butter cookie is definitely the way to go.

To make

8. Learn to knit! Hats are always fun to make this time of year. I'm about to make a cable knit headband for the first time!
9. Paint pumpkins.
10. Decorate your house in mustards, rusts and maroons.
11. Make the best hot chocolate you have ever made - marshmallows, cream, sprinkles, the works!
12. Create a cosy den to spend the day watching your fave cosy films and festive picks.
13. Autumn wreaths is another fun project to try.

Places to go

14. Explore a nearby forest.
15. Enjoy the fall drinks at all your favourite coffee spots.
16. Go to a pumpkin patch.
17. Paint at a pottery studio.
18. Visit a farmers market or a Christmas market.
19. Brave the cold and meet friends in a park for a long walk.

20. Go apple picking.

More things to do

21. Have a little bonfire, roast marshmallows, watch films outside.
22. Host a fake Christmas day. Enjoy all the perks months earlier!
23. Make fall-inspired cocktails. Did I hear you say Bailey's hot chocolate or spiced cider?
24. FIREWORKS!
25. Watch that scary film you've always said "nope, too scary". No one says you can't watch it in the middle of the day!
26. Get prepped for the festive period - buy your presents early, get your decorations down and your ugly sweaters outs.
27. Make a care package for a friend.
28. Re-read your favourite books that remind you of fall.
29. Create a super cosy playlist on Spotify.
30. Treat yourself to a new candle. Bring the fab smells of autumn into your home!

31. Wake up early to see the sunrise and enjoy the crisp morning!

Hope you're doing great,

Sarah x

My Summer Favourites

18 Sept 2020 United Kingdom

*This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own!*

From books to new wardrobe basics, as it's already starting to get darker earlier, I'm already reaching for the hot chocolate and my Christmas pyjamas, I thought I'd share a few of my new favourites over Summer that I think are worth shouting about!

Books

Beach Read by Emily Henry

I recommended this book in my 2020 summer book recommendations and I'm so glad I did! While it's not actually set in Summer, it was still the perfect romance book and such an easy read to enjoy on a sunny day in the garden or at the beach! I definitely recommend checking this one out if you're in a reading rut and want an easy read to pick up and devour in a day or two.

When the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

It seems like ages ago I picked up this book but I still remember how much I enjoyed it! Such a unique story of Kya Clark, known as "Marsh Girl" - suspected of murdering Chase Andrews. A beautifully written story of Kya's unusual childhood and exploring family differences. I could definitely see this becoming a firm favourite for years to come!

Fashion

I've definitely made a conscious effort over the past year to cut down my spending on fast fashion and focussing on picking up more timeless pieces to streamline my wardrobe.

ASOS Denim Jumpsuit

This has been a firm wardrobe staple since the start of the year that I always love wearing - every time it's washed, I'm wearing it right away! It's such a fun jumpsuit to style and I know even as the weather cools, I'll be layering it up with jumpers, turtle necks and a whole lotta mustard (colours)!

Veja Trainers - V-12

These were definitely my lockdown-made-me-do-it purchase. I absolutely love these! Veja trainers are made from vegan leather and are a great everyday staple. I went for the classic V-12s and I've been wearing them whenever I can. While I can confirm that they are not the best for long days out, they are still great to throw on daily and they go with almost everything. I also know that these will be lasting me, hopefully, a good few years!

Hundred Club tee

I've been eyeing up the Hundred Club tees for ages and when I saw they were sending out a batch last month, it felt like the perfect payday treat! Hundred club is a great company that minimise waste from fast fashion by only printing 100 of each t-shirt or jumper. It makes it such a fun concept and avoids any leftover tees going to waste. The t-shirt quality is insane! It is more expensive than larger retailers but it really is worth it.

Mini Twist Hoop Earrings by Laura Emily

I instantly fell in love with these earrings when I saw them on my feed. I was in real need of a new pair of everyday earrings and these were perfect. The quality is amazing and I love the twister element. They are a small hoop as well which makes them great for every day. I absolutely adore these and definitely recommend checking out Laura's other pieces on Etsy!

Music

My music hasn't changed much over the past few months, I've been preferring to just select a random playlist on Spotify and listen to whatever they've thrown on there. But, there are still a few standouts to me.

This Band Camino

This band has been getting me through working from home - a great soundtrack to enjoy throughout the day. If you haven't checked them out, I recommend doing so.

Novo Amor

For something slower, or if you like listening to music while you read, Novo Amor's new EP "If We're Being Honest" is the perfect listen to welcome in the autumn. I mean, they have a song called "Halloween" - what's more autumn/winter welcoming than that?! I love having this on in the evenings to wind down.

Hope you enjoyed this little favourites post and I hope you're doing great,

Sarah x

Minimalist Makeup Daily Staples + Glossier Product Reviews

11 Sept 2020 United Kingdom

Every year, my daily makeup seems to get even more minimal. While over the past few months I’ve only worn makeup a handful of times and my skin has been thanking me for that, there are a few new staples that I’ve been reaching for when I want to add a little makeup when I’m going out. Glossier is known for its minimalist nature and simple, basic makeup products and I definitely agree - I’ve been loving some products I’ve picked up recently, so I thought I would share my opinions in case you’re looking to delve into the world of Glossier yourself.

You may also like: How + Why I Streamlined My Life

Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer

I think every makeup post I’ve shared over the past 4+ years has referenced this concealer and there’s definitely a reason for that. It’s such a great daily staple to cover small blemishes, even out my skin tone and aid in helping me look a little less tired. It’s a medium-coverage concealer so is definitely good for both full coverage looks or, like me, a daily look without the need for a foundation as well.

Revolution Pro Brow Powder

I’m not too fussy when it comes to brows these days - I’m definitely going for a more natural look and not the concrete-feeling full brows that I once went for. A simple brow powder like this is a great staple just to fill in any sparse areas in my brows. There's nothing really special about this but definitely does the job!

Natural Collection Bronzer

Another one that won’t be a stranger to those who've seen my previous makeup posts. A simple bronzer that isn’t orange, adding a flush of bronze and an extra addition to any everyday look but not always needed. For just £2 you can’t go wrong with this bronzer for a subtle bit of colour in your face and also a nice touch to add to your eyelids if you'd like.

Glossier “The Make Up Set” review

This little trio is a great minimalist staple for those looking to add more low-coverage, simplistic products to their collection or for someone a bit younger, looking to get started in makeup. 3 products that you could easily rock alone or gives you a basis to create your starting make up routine.

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara

I’ve already featured this in a previous favourites post - I already had a tube of the Glossier mascara and I already knew it was a fave. With quite hooded eyelids, mascara can cause me real issues with transfer but as this is a more natural-looking mascara with less clumping and focussing on adding length, I haven’t had any issues with this one - lasting until I take it off at the end of the day! If you’re looking for a simple, no-nonsense mascara to give your lashes some definition but not crazy volume, this a great option. It sticks to the basics and does it well!

Glossier Boy Brow in Brown

While I wish that I was lucky enough to have fuller brows and could just apply a bit of this brow gel and be done, my sparse eyebrows aren’t made for that - it needs the extra help of brow powder. Applying the boy brow after my powder really finishes off my brows - still looking natural but gives them added shape and seals them into place without feeling like a cemented brick wall.

Annoyingly, there is only 3 shades and a clear option of the gel and so the brown is a little dark and the blonde, when I tried it in-store previously, is a too light which I could imagine is a problem for others too - finding the options too light and too dark. Extending the range I think would be great! It’s a little tube which is the perfect size for this product but I do wonder if it really is worth it for the amount of product you get for the price. Either way, I’m still loving using it and think it will be a daily staple until it runs out.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

One of the most coveted Glossier products and I can see why! It’s a little tube of a delight that has reintroduced me to the world of blush. I personally am very happy I picked up Dusk - I already am naturally quite pink so this brings a bronzer flush to my cheeks. Definitely, one to be careful not to overdo - it’s easily done with the application and does take a little getting used to using but I am really loving this both on my cheeks but also as a liquid eye shadow. Also, for the amount you use and the amount in the tube, I for sure think it’s worth the money - it will be lasting me for ages!

I am loving the minimal makeup life - it creates a great base that passes the test of time and can allow me to go about my day without having to think about touching up my makeup and it’s definitely better now with the added Glossier products!

Have you tried any of these products?

Hope you’re doing great,

Sarah x

What I Read in August 2020

4 Sept 2020 United Kingdom

*This post contains affiliate links*

August turned out to be one great reading month for me! It’s been a while since I managed to squeeze 4 books into one month and yet here we are. To celebrate my small success, I thought I’d go old-school “Sarah Eliza” with a Recently Read - a short review of each of the books I’ve read this last month!

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

If you haven’t seen this book popping up over the internet, it details the lives of 12 different characters. This was a real thought-provoking book that explored different perspectives of people across the UK mostly women, black and British - many perspectives I hadn’t read books before. Such highs and lows to each of their stories that felt so real and personal as we gained a look into them, their families and their relationships with others. It did take me a while to get through this book but I still really enjoyed it and felt I took something away from it, which doesn’t happen all the time when reading. It’s one I will definitely be recommending to others and is a great book club pick, for sure!

4.5/5 ★

The Truants by Kate Weinberg

I picked this one up on a whim after seeing it advertised on Waterstones and it had been a while since I picked up a mystery, suspenseful read. We follow Jess who heads off to university, who falls in love with Alec - a journalist studying at the university - and Lorna - her charismatic literature professor. As Jess navigates through the year, there are twists and turns that she faces that lead to a death.

I flew through this book but, nevertheless, it wasn’t what I was expecting from the synopsis nor did it really pack the mystery I was expecting to read. It was a good story that had me hooked but parts were lacking clarity for me - rushing the plot where they shouldn’t and drawing out moments I didn’t care for. I loved the university setting of the book and the landscape the story built but, it was lacking something. Still a good read but not one I wouldn't rush out and buy.

3/5 ★

Beach Read by Emily Henry

January Andrews is a bestselling romance writer and Augustus Everett is a literary fiction author. When they end up as neighbours at their beach houses, both struck with writer’s block, they strike a deal - January will write a literary novel and Augustus will try his hand at romance writing. They spend their summer, researching and writing while, in turn, learning more and more about each other.

This was the romantic-comedy I really needed! A simple yet lovely plot to get lost in and devour. This let my mind wander in all the good ways while still being gripped by the characters. It had me smiling from ear to ear and close to laughing out loud in parts. I love the sarcastic nature of Augustus’ character especially which really helped the plot develop into something great! Unfortunately, the ending did let it down slightly and it became somewhat unmemorable but, I thoroughly enjoyed Beach Read and recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read!

4/5 ★

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

I feel I may be one of the last people to pick this up but I thought I would share my thoughts anyway. Columnist and writer Dolly Alderton shares her memoir surrounding the highs and lows of falling in love; navigating your twenties and becoming an adult. She shares anecdotes of bad dates, stories of friendship and a truthful recap of her twenties. She doesn’t sugar coat anything in this book and I liked that. While I found some parts to be drawn out and, dare I say, a little pretentious, I did enjoy this read. It was almost like hearing relationship advice from a much older, wiser sister. I definitely took some key points from this book and it became a great discussion topic among me and my friends - just like any good book does!

3.5/5 ★

Let me know if you enjoy these monthly reading wrap-ups and I might try and do more in the future. What have you been reading recently? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Hope you’re doing great,

Sarah x

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25 Sept 2020 United Kingdom

To bake

To make

Places to go

More things to do