Wow - isn't this one big game of catch up! I had a summary post for June in my drafts and it seemed pointless to even consider sharing that post individually now we're at the beginning of September. However, as it was part-complete I thought, why not make a combo post?  

So, what have I been up to in June & July?

The main feature event in June was starting my new job. It now feels like forever ago that I started, but in reality I'm only three months down the line. It felt good to start a new challenge and move up within the company, and with my career progression on the go, my boyfriend was also facing some potential career changes. He had one massive exam to pass in June which would either lead to him qualifying as a Pharmacist, or failing, leaving him only two more chances to become qualified. It was a busy month in the working world for the both of us. 

As June felt like a time for change, I decided my hair-do could follow suit. I've been considering Balayage highlights for about two years, but I was 1. Scared they'd look horrendous and 2. Scared that I'd have to sell a kidney to afford it. However, with a pay rise on the horizon, I thought why not! I've absolutely loved having a bit of blonde in my hair!

I also went for my usual wonders around the countryside with Michael. We live in an area close to a local park and the River Trent, so it's always a nice place to go for an evening stroll.

Finally, whilst not remotely life changing, I made pretzels for the first time with the help of The Hungry Healthy Student Cook Book. I received this book to review back in June, and I decided to hold it back for a time when I could actually cook more of the recipes in there. Living with my boyfriend's family isn't a cost affective way of trying out new recipes, and there really isn't enough space for me to get to work. So, keep your eyes pealed as I will be sharing my review soon!

Now moving on...

July was my boyfriend and I's month of travelling about and exploring new places. He had some time off between finishing his exams and finding out his results, so I took the opportunity to book a little time off too and make the most of our time together before he began to locum all over the county. As part of his post-exam celebrations (though we didn't yet know if he had passed or not) I booked us a room at The Rowton Hall Hotel & Spa in Cheshire. It was only a quick weekend getaway, but we packed quite a bit in. 

But, before I get to that...

Photo 1 & 2 capture my first visit to the races! I went with my friend from work, Sally, and a group of her friends. We drank lots of prosecco, placed, lost and won a few bets, ate ice cream at 3am (well, that was just me) and went to work the next day feeling fairly horrendous, but at least it was a Friday.

MissIsGoode