Books & Looks (August)

 

August Wrap-Up: Makeup, Magic & Books

Hey Y'all, Amanda here, your Craftin' Wife- August is always such a funny month—it feels like summer is still in full swing, but at the same time I start noticing little hints of fall sneaking in. The evenings get a touch cooler, pumpkin-flavored everything starts popping up, and I find myself reaching for richer makeup colors and cozier books. It’s a month of transition, and I love leaning into both sides of it.

(I'm doing something new with the blog this month, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!)

✨ Makeup Moments
This month, I really had fun experimenting with new looks. Some days were all about bold, playful color—bright eyeshadows, shimmer that caught the light just right, and lip shades that demanded attention. Other days, I went for softer neutrals and subtle glam, the kind of looks that feel polished without being over the top. Makeup has always been one of my favorite creative outlets, and August gave me the chance to play.

I’ll be adding in photos of the looks I wore so you can see the variety—everything from summery brights to the first hints of fall tones. Each one felt like a little piece of art I got to carry with me, and I’m excited to hear which ones are your favorites. 

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📚 Books I Read in August
Of course, no month is complete without a good stack of books. August was a cozy reading month for me, and I loved mixing it up—romance, a little Christmas magic, and even some suspense. Here’s what I read:

• Unforgettable Cowboy by Debra Clopton – Sweet and heartfelt, this was the perfect cowboy romance to sink into. I loved the small-town charm and the way the story balanced family, love, and second chances.

• Hitched in Hawaii by Dhara Shah – A fun, lighthearted read that totally gave me tropical vibes. The destination wedding setting was adorable, and it was such a breezy book for summer.

• Melody’s Christmas by ID Johnson – Yes, I read a Christmas book in August, and I don’t regret it one bit! It was wholesome and cozy, with just enough festive cheer to make me excited for the holidays.

• The Billionaire’s Marriage Pact by Melody Archer – This one hit all the billionaire romance notes—sweet tension, drama, and a promise that made me want to keep turning the pages. Definitely a fun escape read.

• Counting on Cole by Cynthia Eden – A totally different vibe from the rest of my list, this one leaned into suspense and danger. It was a page-turner and gave me the perfect change of pace when I wanted something a little darker.

Reading in late summer has its own magic. Maybe it’s the heavy air, maybe it’s the feeling that the season is slipping away, but I always find myself lingering in stories a little longer. A few of these surprised me in the best ways, and all of them made August a little brighter. 

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1) I've already read, and mentioned this one in the early stages, but all versions of Dead Roads, Chris Outland are now available!!

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🍂 Looking Ahead
Now I’m turning my eyes toward September, and honestly, I can’t wait. Fall is my favorite time for creativity. Makeup looks shift into deeper colors, cozy reading nooks start calling my name, and crafting season really starts to sparkle. I have so many ideas swirling in my head right now—projects, palettes, and piles of books—and I’m excited to bring you along for all of it.

August gave me inspiration, but September feels like it’s ready to light a creative fire. Here’s to savoring the last glow of summer and stepping into the magic of fall together. 💕

Read on, and sparkle bright,

Amanda| Craftin' Wife's Creations