Turning 24, getting promoted, and some June favourites

June was a pretty epic month if I'm honest, and I can't imagine having ended the first half of 2018 in a better way. The month got kickstarted with having my dad's family over for a birthday barbecue in the new house. It's the first time I've hosted something like this, and it was hella stressful but also made for some incredible memories.

I celebrated my 24th birthday on 4th June, and it was made 100 times better by my sister coming up as a total surprise. We spent the day with my mum eating all my favourite foods, aka dreamy. I felt truly special on my birthday, even more so because my boyfriend had arranged a special weekend away just afterwards. I didn't know where we were going right up until we almost got there, but the surprise was four days away to visit my sister! I really miss her now that we live a few hours apart, and he knows that I do, so I honestly cannot even think of a more thoughtful gift. 

Next up I ran my first ever real 5K raise for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and I'm so happy to say that I've raised almost £900! I've got a whole post on it here, chatting about my fundraising efforts and what else I want to do to support this amazing cause.
And finally, on the same day a couple of weeks ago I got promoted and insured on my boyfriend's car. I'm now an Assistant Editor at the publishing company I work for and to say that I'm over the moon would be an understatement. I celebrated with my first (nerve-wracking) drive post-test. I feel so lucky to have had both these opportunities, and I'm hoping that as I work on both throughout July I'll feel more secure and ready to tackle the world.

It's time to quickly go over all the things that I've been absolutely loving this month, kicking things off with beauty:
LUSH's tea tree toner water has been an absolute life saver in this heat. I spritz it on after taking my makeup off before I get into bed and it's just the most refreshing thing in the world. It also helps that this takes down any redness in my spots, so when I wake up in the morning things are looking a little more manageable.
Also on the topic of this lengthy-ass heatwave, I've been using the Sleepy Head balm by Cooper's Apothecary. Filled with lavender oil, frankincense, hemp oil and shea butter, you rub this on your pressure points (temples and wrists) to help you get to sleep a little easier. I find the act of doing this such a great piece of self-care for just before bed time.
And finally, we have the heat-resistant (thank god) Supercat liner from Soap & Glory. I've got a whole post on why this (and a few other S&G makeup bits) is so great, but in effect, this pen liner is easy to use, doesn't smudge, creates a good dark black line and doesn't sweat off in this heat. Perf. 

And then let's crack on to lifestyle. First up are a few pieces just in the photo at the top. My pink fluffy sliders from Primark are something that I always thought I'd hate but they've changed my life. We all need a pair to slip on to pad around the house in and for a couple of pounds these were cute and just great for a summertime alternative to slippers.
I've been trying to make our new house a bit more of a home recently. From doing ten times more chores than I've ever done before, to keeping an eye out for cute homeware, I've been all over it. I picked up the cutest little plant from Next for £10 and I've actually managed not to kill it so far. It's quite large as succulents go, but just adds so much to my little office room. It's (hopefully) the first of many that I'm going to scatter around the house as time goes on.
I've loved chatting about books and TV more in my recent favourites posts. If you've been following me on Twitter, you'll know that Love Island is something I've been totally absorbed by every evening. For books, Must Try Harder by Paula McGuire has been my favourite read of the month. It's all about one woman's successful battle against her anxiety and I've got a full review of it here. As well as this, I've been really enjoying dipping in and out of Rupi Kaur's 'The Sun and Her Flowers'; I'm always amazed how she can squash so much feeling into just a few words.
What were you loving throughout June?
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