Muddled Millennial – The Beginning

Nov 28, 20182 Comments

As I write this, I am sitting in Cookie Monster Pyjamas, with a doughnut pillow behind my head and an existential crisis brewing in my head. Welcome to my ongoing mid-twenties crisis. Take a seat.

I’d been toying around with writing a few blogs about being a millennial, because everyone seems to think we’re terrible and um, I think we’re kinda okay. Maybe not all of us, but for the most part. I kept putting off writing it because, well, I was procrastinating. It’s as simple as that.

The logical part of my brain is telling me I need to calm down, it will all be fine I am not the only one. Plus, when I googled quarter life crisis there was a HELL of a lot of people feeling the same. So I thought I’d do what any self-respecting millennial with a blog would do, write about it. Standard.

So, you know the crushing panic that comes with being in your mid-twenties? You do? Awesome we’re on the same page. I’m in this weird part of my life where my friends think I have my shit together, I think they do but really we’re all muddling along.

I’m watching my feeds fill up with ‘I said yes!’, baby posts, new jobs, amazing holidays and here I sit, in my pyjamas. The thing is I don’t have a bad life, in fact, I’m fortunate. I have a wonderful partner, a nice home, family and I’m working for myself – so why do I feel so stressed?

When we were kids we thought we’d have everything sorted by 25. I thought I’d have a mortgage, be married with a kid. Have I done any of these things? Nope, not one. I have done cool things – but sometimes even that feels like it’s not enough.

So, this is a kind of muddled, messy introduction to my latest series where I’m going to spill the tea about being a millennial and hopefully get some of you to as well!

Are you also a muddled millennial? Let me know in the comments below!

Six The Musical!

Nov 26, 20181 Comment

Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.

Most, if not all of us, have heard the rhyme about the six wives of Henry VIII, but if they could tell their stories then what would they say. Thankfully we no longer need to imagine thanks to the new hit musical, Six.

I have to admit going into this that growing up I was a bit of a geek when it came to the Tudors. I read everything I could about all six women because I found it so fascinating – although Henry I wasn’t that fussed by – my child’s mind he seemed mean, as an adult I could definitely use stronger language.

So when I happened to see a clip about the musical I messaged my friend saying it seemed cool and thank the universe it was on in Southampton which is a 40-minute train journey from us – result!

Catherine of Aarrgon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleaves, Kathrine Howard and Katherine Parr. No doubt you’ve heard their names in a history lesson. While they’re known as the six wives of Henry VIII but what were their stories.

This is a punchy, feminist story of six women taking back control. In a musical that feels more like a gig, each queen sings her heart out in a talent show style format (that I was not expecting!).

I saw the show over a week ago and have had the soundtrack on repeat. Their stories have been bought into the modern age with the laughs too! The fun of this musical is key.

At 1 hour and 5 minutes, it’s the shortest musical I’ve seen but this fit perfectly, I think any longer would have dragged. My personal favourites were Ex-Wives, Don’t Lose Your Head, Haus of Holbein, All You Wanna Do and Six.

The only adjustments I’d make (if any) are that I’d like to have seen more of Anne Boleyn’s intelligence. She’s portrayed as a little bit ditzy and was actually fiercely clever. That said, she was still my favourite in the musical!

I am really hoping I can get tickets to go and see Six again during their London run. This was an absolutely stunning musical with humour and heart. I’ll be avidly following what happens next! If you haven’t seen it or want to see it again the website is here AND, as I found out, you can listen to the cast recording via streaming or buying a copy. I’ve also popped a teaser below!

Paying for a good time – Spoonie Life

Nov 20, 20182 Comments

Like most 20 somethings I want to have adventures, memories I can look back on when life slows down a bit and say ‘that was a damn good time’. Unlike most of the people I know, they don’t have to barter with their health. If you’re a fellow Spoonie, you’re probably nodding in agreement.

Back in September, I was lucky enough to go to Disneyland with my Mum and sister. I mean, DISNEYLAND! We were taking a trip to Paris and I was ready for it, matching t-shirts and ears were essentials. From the moment we booked I also had a niggling feeling, a voice in the back fo my mind you’re going to pay for it later. And, boy did I. Even though we rented a wheelchair, got fast passes so, and had rest stops in the hotel (on more than one occasion I had to take emergency naps so that I could watch the fireworks or make it through dinner. I thought I’d handled the trip reasonably well it wasn’t until the last day I realised… I was in minus numbers, the spoons were scattered all over the floor.

The thought that we have to ‘pay’ or reserve our spoons when we know we’re going to have to do something that will make us tired is hard. When I was first diagnosed, I rebelled against it – a lot. I got incredibly depressed and tried to prove to myself I could still do everything – I wasn’t ready to accept I needed to modify things. Now, I am better, I’ll try and plan a rest day here and there or not set my alarm and just let myself sleep. Little things that make life easier.

I joke that a big night out or day of big plans has me making deals with the devil, but really it’s made me appreciate them even more. As soon as I acknowledged that this was my life now, I started appreciating the things I do, because I have to choose them carefully. That doesn’t mean I can’t be spontaneous and have a trip on the beach – but I just have to rest a little more, maybe get a train rather than drive.

I refused to give up every fun part of my life to this illness – and I know I am truly lucky to do so.

I’m Up For A UK Blog Award!

Nov 18, 20183 Comments

I can’t quite believe that I’m writing this but my little old blog is up for an award at the UK Blog Awards this year! As most of my regular readers know, I’ve been writing this blog since just before I started Uni, *cough* five years ago *cough*.

I’ve never been up for an award like this before and I’m so grateful. I know it’s something people say all the time but just to make it to the second stage has floored me. There are some absolutely fantastic people in every category!

Voting is now open and if you do like what I do and would like to vote for me you can do so here.

Thank you so much to each and every single person who has read my blog! You’re the best!

Book Review: New Erotica For Feminists – Caitlin Kunkel, Carrie Wittmer, Brooke Preston and Fiona Taylor

Nov 15, 20186 Comments

Well, things are about to get steamy in here! New Erotica for Feminists takes our wildest fantasies from equal pay to a reimagining of some of our favourite films in a feminist way and makes them a reality. An excellent mix of humour and satire this is going to get you talking, one way or another.

Ok, ok, this isn’t exactly the next 50 Shades, but it should be a bestseller. This is a collection that takes the worn out tropes of erotica and porn and turns them on their heads. Born from a conversation between friends joking about a perfect feminist world – and so New Erotica was born.

‘Imagine a world where erotica was written by feminists: Their daydreams include equal pay, a gender-balanced Congress, and Tom Hardy arriving at their doorstep to deliver a fresh case of LaCroix every week.’

I read this in a flash and was laughing out loud the whole way through. So much so, I got a few odd looks from my partner and so I had to explain what I was reading – I’m pretty sure it confused him even more. That’s the perfect thing about the collection, it doesn’t try and take itself seriously, it doesn’t attack anyone or anything. This makes a point because it makes you laugh at the same time. It doesn’t take away from the issues – but makes them more relatable.

This doesn’t take away for what we’re fighting for, instead, it injects a little fun and silliness. I can imagine if you’ve had a day of patriarchy fuelled BS this is the perfect book to come home too. Is it a literary masterpiece that will change the tides of modern feminism? Probably not but I think it will give the lift that we need in the current climate.

Of course, I gave this 5 stars! I was completely hooked and even though as of writing, I have just finished – I want to pick it up and read all over again. This is going to make an excellent Christmas present after I’ve bought my own copy of course!

A huge thank you to the authors, publishers and Netgalley for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.

What I Read In October

Nov 13, 20181 Comment

October was a BUSY month (if you’re wondering why, check out my favourites here). With that in mind, I didn’t read as much as I would have liked! I did, however, read some absolute crackers, so let’s jump in.

I Hope My Voice Doesn’t Skip by Alicia Cook is a collection of poetry with heart and a love for music. I really enjoyed the collection because of the honesty through the writing – I gave this one 4 stars.

Next up is the new collection of poetry and prose by Nikita Gill, Fierce Fairytales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul. A collection of Feminist inspired retellings and poetry with a beautiful cover? Umm yes please! One of my best friends fell in love with it and eagerly waited for me to finish. The idea of this and the execution was incredibly well done and I look forward to rereading this – 4 stars!

Following the excitement at YALC this year The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M Danforth was also on the TBR pile in October. I enjoyed this novel, there were some issues that I will cover in my review, but on the whole, I think it’s an important read dealing with sexuality, religion and family. I gave it 4 stars.

Next is my favourite book of the month, so much so that once you are done reading this blog you NEED to go buy it. Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (And Other Lies) is an incredible collection of essays from a variety of women on various topics to do with being a woman and a Feminist. My personal favourite was from Kiera Knightley. Full review to come but, of course, I gave this 5 stars.

Finally, we have a Manga, new territory for me! My Lesbian Experience of Loneliness by Kabi Nagata was a birthday gift and it was a brilliant story. Following a woman in her 20s as she tries to live with depression as well as figuring out her sexuality this was a great start – I can’t wait to read the second part when it comes out. I gave this 4 stars.

And that’s it! That’s all the books I read in October – we’re creeping closer to the 100 book mark! What did you read in October? I’d love to know in the comments below!

How Blogging Helped Me Get Jobs

Nov 12, 2018Leave a comment

I’ve been blogging for a long time. I started my first blog at 17, it was just for book reviews and an excuse to keep all of the books I had accumulating in my bedroom. I never dreamed at that age that blogging would help me get jobs. I don’t think I’ve ever had an interview where blogging hasn’t been bought up – in a good way!

People will look you up on the internet before a job interview, that’s just the way of the world now. How much they ~~stalk~~ find out varies from person to person – which is worth keeping in mind if there’s stuff on a blog you’d rather people didn’t know in a professional sense.

It shows you can write

A big part of blogging is writing. No matter what you choose to write about from beauty to books and beyond, you’re writing. You’ll also develop your own style and opinions.

Almost all jobs require writing at some point. It might be emails, it could be proposals or reports. Even if you have an outside adventurous job you’ll probably need to be able to write.

It showcases so many other skills too

I’ve learnt so many skills blogging. I create graphics, I’ve learnt about SEO, marketing. I probably wouldn’t have the job I have now if I hadn’t started blogging. You can really show these off in a blog.

It shows you have a good understanding of digital

Digital is the future. People can try and deny it but it’s true. This kind of follows on from what I was saying about showcasing skills. You also understand the pace of online vs other media. Always a good thing.

It shows a little bit of you as a person!

No matter what you blog about, this shows insight into who you are. Are you into books, movies, politics? This gives a flavour and a lot of companies value getting to know the person they are going to hire. After all, you can spend more time with your colleagues than your family!

So, that’s my list, I’d love to know what you would add! Let me know in the comments below!

October 2018 Favourites!

Nov 6, 20185 Comments

I hate to alarm you but we are now officially in Christmas countdown mode, ok well I am at least. We’re into November and October already feels like a distant dream. So, let’s jump into some October favourites.

Books

My reading may have slowed down a little, but it doesn’t mean that I haven’t read some excellent books. I got my hands on the fantastic Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies – I will be writing a full review but this is one of the best non-fictions of the year. I also got to My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness, a manga memoir about mental illness, loneliness and sexuality. I’ve also picked Saga up again and I please go into this incredible series knowing you will feel all the feels.

Rip It Up

My boyfriend has been away on tour for the past 2 months and so I got to go and see the show he’s been working on – Rip It Up The 60s. I went to both Reading (where I spent the day before with him too) and then Guildford. He also got us tickets to meet this year’s stars! My sister may have been a little star struck to meet Aston…

Heathers (Again)

I already professed my love for Heathers The Musical before but I went to see it again, this time in the West End! As always it was perfect and this time I got to go with one of my oldest friends, Lucy, and fellow godmother to the munchkins Tori.

London

I’ve been going into London more and more recently. Mostly it’s for events like Heathers, where I managed to meet Joe after for a catch-up and a late Primark visit. I also went up with my Mum for a book event (more on that later) and a mooch around Oxford Street on the coldest day so far!

Lego

Yep, more lego. Ali got me the Great Hall for my birthday. It is amazing and I now have my eye on the Hogwarts castle…problem is it’s £300 and I don’t think that’s on the cards just yet.

New Hair!

Oh heeey didn’t recognise you there 🙈. Yep, I took the plunge and decided to change up my hair with two shades of red. My hairdresser Millie is AMAZING, you can find her on Instagram here.

Jodi Picoult

I got to meet the lovely Jodi Picoult again! Jodi is an incredible writer and I’ve reviewed her latest novel here. Not only is she a boss author she’s also not afraid to speak her mind. She also liked my jumper.

Top Posts

Twenties – A Poem.

Book Review: Vox – Christina Dalcher

Where I’m At – World Mental Health Day 2018

Fibromyalgia and Me

On Loneliness

What were your October favourites? Let me know in the comments below!

Cold Weather Essentials For Spoonies!

Nov 5, 2018Leave a comment

Brr, it’s chilly!

Very few people love the freezing cold, but when you’re a Spoonie (a name for someone who has a chronic illness) it can be a bit of a nightmare. For me, personally, the bold really makes my joints ache so it’s easy to feel a bit miserable and grumpy. So, it got me thinking, what are my essentials for the cold weather as a Spoonie?

A Good Coat

Ok, I’m going to sound like your Mum. I was young and cool once and wanted to just wear a hoodie and no coat. Those days are OVER. Spending money on a warm coat is a good idea because staying warm is key (you’ll see a theme through this post). I’ve had coats from Superdry for the past few years and can highly recommend them.

Hat and Scarf

I have a really cosy Gryffindor scarf that I absolutely love and top it off with a matching red hat (go, go Gryffindor). These can make all the difference for keeping yourself warm and you can get some really cute ones too! Also when I was leaving the house and it was -5 outside they were essential.

Gloves

I lose gloves all the time. Every single year. Which is why I try not to buy ones that are really expensive. As nice as keeping your fingers toasty is, for me it’s much more important that the thicker material on my wrists keeps them nice and toasty as my wrists can get very sore when it gets to the minus numbers.

Hot Water Bottle

I’ve been known to take a hot water bottle to work. I have absolutely no shame in that. They are an amazing invention. Cold at night? Hot Water Bottle. Achy joints? Hot Water Bottle. Period Cramps? Hot Water Bottle. They rule all! You can also get them really cheap on Amazon or in Primark etc. Mine was under £5 a few years ago.

Blankets

I have a thing about blankets. Pro tip, Primark have amazingly snuggly blankets. I’ve got probably 7 or 8 blankets, most of them are Disney. I love them and you can find me every night snuggled up with a blanket.

Fluffy Socks

Do I really need to explain these? Good for keeping your feet warm, they’re fun and you can slide across the floor.

Warm Drinks

All the tea for me!

What do you think is essential for getting through the winter months? Let me know in the comments below!

Books To Get You In The Mood For Halloween But Won’t Scare You Silly!

Oct 22, 20184 Comments

It’s almost that time of year again! With a few days to go, it’s time to get to those Halloween reads! That said, I’m not into scary books. As of right now, I’ve never read a horror and it’s not something I want to read.

That said, I do love some supernatural, a little different and maybe spooky. I know I’m not the only one! Here are some novels to get you in the mood without scaring you silly!

The Graces – Laure Eve

One word. Witches. I was lucky enough to meet Laure Eve at YALC this year and I may have freaked out because I loved this book so much. This caused chills, we’re talking a modern-day witchy thriller. Make sure to read it before the second novel is released in January!

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

I debated putting the Chamber of Secrets on here BUT you have to start at the beginning! Of course, Harry Potter was going to be on here. Pumpkin Pasties, a Halloween fest, magical creatures! This just screams Autumn and Halloween.

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë

Yep, throwing a classic out there. There are some chilling moments in Jane Eyre and supernatural elements as well as the beautiful description. I wouldn’t say this is overly Halloween but it’s a nod to the vibe.

Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier

I read this while at uni and this is a twisty, quite dark thriller. It has similar vibes to Jane Eyre but I definitely think it has more of a mystery element and ghosts. Can’t forget the ghosts!

Toil and Trouble – Edited by Jessica Spotswood & Tess Sharpe

The newest on this list! An anthology about Woman and Witchcraft and I am loving it! There’s a mix of modern and older tales and a lot of diversity. I’m getting more into anthologies and this was an absolutely amazing addition to my shelves as something I can pick up read a few stories and come back to.

That’s a few of the reads I’d suggest! Is there anything I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!

Chloe Metzger