Hello everyone!

Wow, it's almost the end of yet another month! Is anyone else kind of like 'where is my year going??'

However, I suppose the good thing about us nearing the end of another month is that it's time for my Monthly Favourites (yay)! I love reading "favourites" posts probably as much as I love writing them. Personally, July has been a full-on month for me. There's been times this month where the stresses of my life have almost gotten through and it really makes me feel relaxed when I can go through my cupboard/makeup drawer and just think, "What have I been loving this month?" and then sit down at my computer with a hot cup of tea and write away. Pure bliss.

MAKEUP
1. Skin Illuminator Shimmer - The Base by Lara Bingle
I love, love, LOVE this stuff! If you have never heard of The Base before, it's an Australian brand founded back in 2013. It originally began as a collection of the ultimate bronzing and tanning products to help achieve a natural, safe and healthy golden glow. Recently, they've branched out into highlights/illuminators and I have to say, I'm very impressed. Use along the tops of your cheekbones or browbones - anywhere you feel as though the light would hit you naturally! Otherwise mix with your foundation for an all-over glow. This was lucky enough to have been gifted to me along with the Instant Tan Mousse from the same collection. They're both definately winners in my book!

2. Persian Rose Lipstick - Coral Colours
For my second makeup favourite this month, I've been loving the Coral Colours lipstick in Persian Rose. It's such a beautiful peachy colour with just a hint of shimmer throughout. Once again, it's an Australian brand and since it's winter down under at the moment, this has been my go-to everyday winter colour. I wouldn't go too far as to say it's a 'natural' shade but it is very pigmented and gives a really nourishing, moisturising finish. Here's a swatch for you all to enjoy~



Do I need to say more?

BODY
3. Chocolate Body Butter - The Body Shop
Chocolate. Body. Butter. Do I need to divulge further? Unfortunately this was part of a limited edition collection, I think around Christmas time last year? Now while I do love myself a good body butter in the summer, I often felt as though the chocolate scent was a little too heavy for summer...but boom! Welcome to winter, and the immaculate joy of this glorious scent. Not only is it important to keep your skin hydrated throughout winter, it's also very important to keep cravings at bay (trust me)!

PERFUME
4. Daisy Dream - Marc Jacobs
This is a new scent that I've added to my collection throughout the month of July and I honestly have fallen in love. Now I'm totally horrible at describing scents but to me, I would say it's quite floral - definitely not a fruity scent. Perfumes tend to give me a headache if they're too strong, and I often can't stop sneezing. I really like this perfume because it's an Eau de Toilette, which means it's not as heavy as a parfum - If you're ever in the perfume aisle at the department store, I'd definatly recommend giving it a sniff. 

SHOES
5. Jonnie Boots - City Beach Australia
It appears that after looking and looking, I cannot find these boots anywhere in shops - it appears the collection isn't in stock anymore (sad face). I did however, find a very similar pair, also from City Beach called the "Forever Boots". They are designed by the brand Jonnie and stocked in all City Beach stores across Australia. I'm not kidding when I say these are the comfiest shoes EVER! I bought them at the beginning of winter because I wanted a really classic, nice pair of boots. I was not disappointed. Not only have I worn them almost every day this season, but I haven't gotten any blisters. Not a single one. How's that for a favourite?

BOOKS
6. Eleanor and Park - by Rainbow Rowell
Oh my goodness. If you're stuck on something to read at the moment, go and check out Eleanor and Park. It's a book about family, romance, and misfits. Without giving too much of anything away, it is one of those novels that sticks in the back of your mind when you read them; it's utterly wonderful. But enough from me, read the blurb yourself~

"Set over one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try."

Let me know on Twitter (@hartofwriting) or in the comments below if you'd like me to do a full review on this book! Thanks Rainbow Rowell for many restless nights. So worth it.

That's it. Another month over and done with. What shall the month of August bring?

It's such a wonderful feeling to know that while this month may have been a tough one, there's still things you've been loving, and maybe things you've been hating. It's not often that you can take the time to appreciate all the things that you have in your life, and all the things that you can look forward to in the future.

What have you been loving this month?

Until next time,
Gina xx