Summertime greetings!
Here's to making it closer to the height of summer, and I hope you've had plenty of lovely sunny days to enjoy thus far! Whilst we were disappointed (although not entirely surprised) to see our freedom date pushed back, the Q+A team has been making the most of their time with a blend of outdoor and indoor activities. You might even recognise a few new names amongst the bunch this month!
What have we been watching?
Binge-watching under three blankets has never been this tempting...
Ragnarok
Not to be confused with the Marvel film, Aleks' pick is this Norwegian TV show set in present day but bringing Norse mythology back to life
Cruella
Isabella headed to the cinema in June to watch this highly anticipated Disney film, a live action re-imagination slash prequel slash reboot of 101 Dalmatians
Time
Tim and Wendy both tuned into this British crime show starring Sean Bean, following the life Mark Cobden after he was sentenced to jail after an accidental murder
The Handmaid's Tale
The last few episodes of the fourth season aired mid-June, and Paige was tuned in!
The Great British Photography Challenge
Lucy made the most of being off ill this month by watching this show following amateur photographers as they build their portfolios and impress renowned photographer Rankin
Mare of Easttown
Julia's pick this month stars Kate Winslet as a detective challenged not only by the murder of a local teenage mother, but her own personal issues as her family tears apart
What are we reading?
We've got a blend of informative to imaginative...
Counselling for Toads - Robert De Board
Both educational and entertaining, Nicola's June choice sets off after the events of The Wind in the Willows, when Rat, Mole and Badger encourage Toad to go to counselling.
Ross Poldark - Winston Graham
Probably best known for the TV adaption, Ola's pick is the first in a series of historical novels set in the wake of the American Revolutionary War following the titular Poldark as he returns to his home.
The Rain Heron - Robbie Arnott
My read for June was a speculative fiction novel full of magical realism, myth and dystopia.
Quirkology - Robert Wiseman
New to the Q+A team this month, David kept himself intellectually amused with this delve into the quirky psychology and science of everyday life.
What have we been listening to?
The Q+A playlist is shaping up!
ABC - Jackson 5
Alexander
Superheated - New Order
Faye
Take Back The Track - Magic Gang
Lucy
Hold In, Hold On - Kid Bloom
Amy
Red Light Spells Danger - Billy Ocean
Nic
Till It's Gone - Yelawolf
Tim
Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Marta
good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo
Rose
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
Aleks
What else have we been up to?
New skills and favourite hobbies, these side projects are keeping us entertained
Golfing
Chris, in his words, smacked balls down the driving range this month. Hopefully it's a good stress reliever!
Paddle Boarding
Isabella was out on the water, enjoying the warmer weather, paddle boarding, and even had her vizsla, Elvis, along for the ride
Watching the Euros
Tim and Jamie were the only two to point out their football watching, but I suspect plenty of the team were tuning in to watch England's successes thus far!
Gardening
There's always someone making improvements to their garden, and this month it's one of our fresh faces, Marta! Hopefully we'll get some pics in the months to come
Playing with a new Puppy
Jamie made a new furry friend this month, and although we haven't got a picture to gush over yet... we may have a new Q+A mascot?
Spending time with family
Wendy had some time off to visit family this month, focusing her energy on mastering Mario Kart with her young cousins. Win or lose, it's lovely to be reconnecting with loved ones again!
Dog Fields
Aleks invested in a pass to a private dog field, giving Luna and Marou here plenty of space to run and play
Which Q+A products have we been reaching for?
As our range expands, it becomes hard for Team Q+A to agree on a favourite...
Just like gorgeous Millie to the right, Paige and Chloe were loving their Niacinamide Daily Toners, with Chloe calling it an absolute essential for invisible pores! Faye can't deviate from her usual favourite, Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel, for being such a great exfoliator for her skin, and Isabella still loves her Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser for being so versatile whether she's wearing makeup or not.
Ola gave a shoutout to Grapefruit Cleansing Balm for amazing makeup removal, and Aleks is keeping her stressed skin happy with Zinc PCA Facial Serum. But if one has to take the cake, it's got to be the Vitamin A.C.E. Warming Gel Mask! Rose said that it's soothing, rejuvenating and leaves skin really glowy, and Tim's review was that it's ace! How can you say no to a glowing review that's also a pun?
June is complete! Thanks for reading along, and I hope you've been inspired to keep your July packed with new media and fun activities, whether you're out and about, or staying close to home.
Let's continue to enjoy the sunny days in July!
Amy Robson
Aspiring author, craft addict, and Q+A's eCommerce Coordinator
