Monthly Catch Up - August

my end of summer catch up all things non books

Over the next few months I would love to do a round up of all things non bookish things that I’ve been enjoying.

August is always an extremely busy month. It is both mine and my mums birthday so I always end up with lots of family commitments. I always end up cramming in a last of summer plans with friends as well as try to book something fun for the last bank holiday of summer.

Here is a round up of my month.

What I watched… Iron claw - prime. I desperately wanted to see this at the theatre but missed my chance. I was so happy when I saw that it had made its way onto Prime. It had to be paused a few times as I rushed upstairs to feed the baby back to sleep. So not quiet the theatre experience. I was semi aware of the plot. But not like aware aware. Not to be dramatic but it broke me. Zac Efron’s performance crawled under my skin and made me feel such profound sadness. I ended up reading more on the family once the movie had finished.

Young Woman and the Sea - Disney. I want to preface this by saying this is not my usual movie choice. I selected this tired wanting an easy movie to switch off to. It really surpassed expectations. I routed and cheered for Trudy. I might have even shed a tear at the end.

Emily in Paris - Netflix. I’m not even going to pretend as if I don’t love Emily in Paris. As someone who studied fashion I genuinely thought this would be what my wardrobe would look like when I started my career. Plot twist. It does not. If you can get over the fact that Emily is a bit annoying and her outfits gauche then just enjoy the ride. Can’t wait for the second half of the season next month.

This months audible was Long Island by Colm Tóibín. I chose this book because I’d seen it everywhere. I’d seen Brooklyn the movie and not read the book. The sequel I think is an easy stand alone book but naturally you get more from it if you’ve read the first one.

It was fine, well written a good plot. Things happen there is a will they/won’t they romance. For me, however there just felt like there was something small missing. Loved Jessie Buckley’s narration.

I’ve been really into doing the New Yorker crossword, limited to the weeks where they post ones for beginners. The level of achievement I feel when my husband and I complete it is unmatched. Then the following week I am lulled into a false sense of confidence on the moderate one and fail miserably.

What I saw at the cinema…Twisters. I have a local baby cinema and I’m trying my best to pop along when they’re showing something I’m interested in. Those who work there are just beyond lovely and they have a cute little concession stand with popcorn/drinks. Baby cinema is a revelation, the lights are dimmed but light enough you can see when you’re feeding or changing babies nappies. Volume is turned down slightly and it is subtitled so when your baby is fussing you can still follow what’s going on. There is something comforting about a handful of mums and dads swaying and soothing babies in unison whilst watching Daisy and Glen be all Hollywood. Is it just me or is Glen Powell in everything playing the same character? Is he the next generation of Matthew McConaughey?

Anyway the movie was fun, everything you expect if you’ve seen the original Twister. It’s dramatic and hollywood, don’t take it too serious, the soundtrack bangs. I heavily recommend finding your nearest cinema and seeing if they have a baby screening (if you’re a parent) that focuses on showing films that are for the parents not the babies.

What I ate….If you’ve ever breastfed you will know calories don’t count and that you’re hungry all the time. I could actually write a whole post of all my favourite things I’ve been eating. But my highlights this month has been Polpo’s Duck gnocchi. This is the first thing that I’ve ever made from the cookbook. I say I and I definitely mean my husband.

I try and bake each week with my daughter. It’s chaos but lovely. We’ve been enjoying making Oat and raisin cookies obviously we add chocolate chips too. This is the recipe we’ve been using.

What I drank…I’m in my Virgin Bloody Mary era. And I’ve been cultivating my preferences, a little spicy with olives over celery. I don’t like it when it’s missing the pickle juice. Also don’t bother serving me a pre-made in a can version and charge £9 for it!

What I bought…My Vinted obsession continues. I bought a handful of games for us to play as a family with my 2 year old daughter. Including a Bluey memory game.

For my birthday I was gifted money so I could finally update some of my knitwear I’m still waiting for the autumn collections in store but I’ve got my eye on cos and sezane (Side note I think I might write a small piece about postpartum practical fashion. It’s mulling in my notes app)

That is the last month neatly rounded up!