Sunshine, Family Time And House Updates – August 2026 Overview

I can’t believe quite how insanely hot the last month has been. I like a bit of sunshine and not having to wear a jacket, but this has been a little too much. Thankfully as I write this in the final days of August 2026 it’s definitely cooled down a bit. For both me and Scarlett I am thankful.

August has been a pretty good month. I’m fully 100% into my new working mum routine and I’m loving the balance.

Things I’ve been up to

At the very start of the month we had a family wedding to go to which was lovely. We got to have a nice evening away, an excuse to dress up and a chance to catch up with some of Luke’s family.

Over the month I’ve seen some friends and family which has been lovely, including finally getting round to see a friends new house even though he moved last year. We had a few family meals out and it’s been lovely seeing Scarlett eat more in proper restaurants.

We headed to Whipsnade zoo with Scarlett for the first time, although we probably picked a day that was a bit too hot. We ended up upgrading to annual passes so I can’t wait to head there over the next year with Scarlett and see her get more and more engaged with the animals.

Then in the middle of the month I got a new tattoo done which is an ode to My Chemical Romance. I stumbled across this incredible artist in London and got booked in straight away and I’m so happy with how it looks.

Things I watched and read in August 2026

I’ve not watched a huge amount on TV over the month although we have started both the final season of The Boys and the latest season of Taskmaster. I finished walking the few episodes of Full Swing, and although I don’t love golf I do find it an interesting watch.

I managed to get to the theatre once during August 2026 to see the newly released Beetlejuice which was incredible. The songs are great, the transfer from movie to stage is great, and the actor who plays Beetlejuice is hilarious. I’d definitely recommend and I’m hoping to see it again at some point.

The best books I read

I’ve read some really good books this months with the top ones being:

• The correspondent by Virgina Evans. If this wasn’t a buddy read book I wouldn’t have picked it up, but I’m so glad I did. The main character was severely flawed but that’s what made her feel real and loveable.
• Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. This is book two in the Aurora Cycle trilogy and I loved the characters progression. I’m so excited to see how the trilogy ends
• Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage. There’s something comforting about cowboy romances, and I love the rebel blue ranch series.

House updates

At the start of the month we had an architect come out to discuss our extension plans. We’ve now booked in for him to come back and do a full house survey with measurements, and then get the technical drawings done. This means we can then get quotes from builders and apply for planning permission which is super exciting.

In the middle of the month we got our final two windows changed and they look so good. Our bedroom ones have integrated blinds and it has made a huge difference for me. Over bank holiday weekend Luke spent it doing a mini bedroom renovation. He ripped out some fitted wardrobes, moved some furniture around and built some new bits. I won’t talk about it too much as I’ll do a whole post. But I love the new orientation of our bedroom.

What did you get up to in August 2026?