So with the arrival of summer, even though I’m working more than 45 hours a week, I’m attempting to capture the brief moments of summer that I can. Aside from a Spoons after work, a girlie brunch here and there and fitting in time for the fam, life’s become pretty much work, work, work.
However, among daily life there’s lots of things happening this summer.
So what’s taken over British summertime already? The one and only Love Island! This reality TV show is a British summer staple and takes over most TVs in Britain. This year has been full of drama, opinions are flying but at least we can all agree that Ovie is a ledge! This year’s drama has been insane with Amy’s sad departure that had us all reaching for the tissues, the shock Amber and Michael post-Casa Amor fiasco (Team Amber forever) and Tommy and Molly-Mae’s adorable romance as well. We cannot wait to find out who’s going to win and who lasts or not after the series ends.
Another programme that has raised anticipation is Birmingham-based Peaky Blinders. This incredible series is back for a fifth season. Heart-throb Tommy will be back on our screens after the 19 July premiere (and I couldn’t be more grateful!) If you need to catch the first four series they are all on BBC iPlayer and I’d suggest catching up before all the new drama of the Shelby family.
Next up is the much anticipated Disney live action version of The Lion King. This is coming out at the cinema on 19 July and because I’m an absolute child, I have already bought my ticket for Friday evening when it comes out as I’ve been waiting since the very first trailer came out a year ago. The premiere in London’s Leicester Square already happened this week, with the star-studded cast including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, James Earl Jones and more. Also in attendance was Prince Harry and Megan as well as original movie songwriter Elton John. I can’t wait to see this movie and see if it lives up to the classic Disney original.
Onto social media – as I’m in and out of work on the train, I’m casually scrolling through Instagram in Grand Central trying to satisfy some wanderlust. Here are some of my favourite accounts to follow if you’re in Brum this summer dreaming of exotic destinations.
One of my favourite accounts is @niomismart, a fashion, fitness, food and beauty guru. Niomi travels so much and her stories and posts make me want to jump on a plane to Marbella. Another of my favourite accounts is @anoushkalila, who gives so much outfit inspiration while travelling the world.
Onto probably my favourite Londoner, @hellomissjordan. Her feed is a girly girl’s dream, with dresses, flowers and bows galore. Some of my favourites of her pictures are her travel shots abroad which are amazing!
Another thing a bit more local to home happening over the next week is the Brindleyplace Film Festival, an open air cinema with lots of amazing movies like Moulin Rouge (which I will be attending), Bohemian Rhapsody and The Greatest Showman. I’ve been to the open air cinema quite a few times there and there’s always a really great vibe. You can grab a bean bag and some popcorn and relax.
This summer with Wireless and MADE, festival fashion is back and more outrageous than ever. (Check out one of my posts about where to get all the best summer looks at a good price.) For summer it’s all about the swimwear and as we’re watching Love Island the neon bikini trend has been going off, as well as the fruity bikini trend being seen on resorts across Europe (need to get me a watermelon bikini).
So for food, Rudy’s is a brand new pizzeria opening 22 July in Birmingham. The menu looks great with vegetarian, vegan and meat lovers options as well. I am living for their cocktail menu which is right up my street with a Hugo Spritz and a basil and strawberry Rossini (imagine that with the pizza – yum!) and I can’t wait to get here for a drink and cheeky pizza!
So I hope you’re having a great summer, guys, and stay tuned to all the @ucbloggers posts on Twitter and Instagram as well.
R.B