Broaden your horizons this August with a confidence-building read, an app to help you get creative in the kitchen, and the UK’s biggest celebration of drag culture
1. Page-turners
365 Ways to Be Confident: Inspiration and Motivation for Every Day
A welcome addition to Summerdale’s 365 Ways to series, this collection of self-care ideas, practical tips, and motivational activities is designed to boost your mood and build your confidence. Out 8 August, Summerdale, £6.99
2. Get going
Superhero Series, Superhero Tri
Head to Windsor for the UK’s only disability sports series, where disabled people can take part in challenges without worrying about cut-off times or restrictions on their equipment. Enter solo or with friends and family, and complete a swim, bike, or run stage, all three stages, or a mixture of two! 17 August, visit superheroseries.co.uk for more
3. Treat yourself
Pillows made from recycled plastic bottles
With plastic pollution at the front of a lot of our minds, the Eco Comfort pillow from Silentnight is another way that you can make sure that the things in your home aren’t harming the planet. Made from 100% recycled materials, the pillows offer all the comfort of standard pillows, but with an eco-conscious bonus. £30, visit silentnight.co.uk to browse the range
4. Out and about
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience
You’ve read the book and listened to the score, now it’s time to jump into the cutting-edge immersive journey through the story of The War of The Worlds. With a combination of theatre, virtual reality, and holograms, travel through Victorian London and survive the Martian invasion. Tickets from £49.50, dates throughout August. Visit dotdot.london to book your place
5. Tech tip-offs
Magic Fridge
If you want to cut back on food waste at home, this handy app will help you on your way. Simply add the ingredients you have left over in your fridge, freezer and cupboards, and the app will suggest delicious, simple recipes that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less. Free from the Google Play Store & App Store
6. Square eyes
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
In what’s already been called a ‘masterpiece’ from writer and director Quentin Tarantino, a struggling TV actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) set their eyes on big-screen fame and glory. In this celebration of unlikely friendships and the golden age of Hollywood, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is right on track to become a modern classic. In cinemas 14 August
7.The conversation
Playday
Treat your inner-child, or spend time with the children in your life, as Playday 2019 celebrates the power of play, and encourages children and their families across the UK to get involved in community events. This year, the theme ‘Play Builds Children’ encourages us to look at how integral play is to children’s development. 7 August, find events near you at playday.org.uk
8. Lend us your ears
Duvet Days
Broadcaster Abby Hollick gets into bed with musicians and artists, including friends of Happiful Emeli Sandé and Jordan Stephens, to have frank chats about everything from burnout to activism. Available to listen to on BBC Sounds
9. Put on a show
DragWorld London 2019
Celebrate the artistry, talent, and glamour of drag at the UK’s biggest convention – this year partnering with mental health charity Mind. Browse stores, attend Q&As and tutorials, and witness fierce lip-sync battles. 17–18 August, tickets start at £35, Olympia London, visit dragworld.co.uk for more
10.Plugged-in
Alexandra Elle
Be uplifted by the words of poet and host of the ‘Hey Girl’ Podcast Alexandra Elle, as she shares snippets of her work and snaps from her life, along with reflective captions that will inspire you to celebrate and prioritise yourself. Follow Alexandra on Instagram @alexelle
