Category: lifestyle

monthly favourites lifestyle blogger

May Favourites!

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May and all of it’s wonderful Bank Holiday goodness has gone but that means it’s time for my monthly favourites! I’m gonna get started because this is going to be a big one.

Books

This month the books I’ve picked up have been emotional reads and I have no idea why, it just kind of happened? My top non-fiction book this month is Unbroken by Martine Wright who lost both her legs in the 7/7 attack. I listened to the audiobook for this and found it to be incredible, a great read. I also read Dear Martin inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement in the USA, racial profiling and youth. Full review to come! The next in the ACOTAR series came out, a novella set after A Court of Wings and Ruin and I loved it so much, this novel felt like coming home. I also read debut Orphan Monster Spy and oh wow, I didn’t know if it was for me but I loved this and I can’t wait for the sequel. And finally, I’ve been carrying on my journey through the Saga universe too!

Watching

This month I have to give a huge shout out to comedy. On Netflix I watched Ali Wong’s second Netflix special Hard Knock Wife and it was just as, if not funnier than the first. I also went to see Deadpool 2 as I loved the first one so much. I felt like this tugged at the heartstrings a little more but I still loved it and would definitely see it again.

Hair, Beauty and Fashion 

Umm, new hair who dis? Ok, sorry, that’s my attempt at being cool. I had a hair transformation with a new fringe and beautiful colour thanks to Grace at LK Hair. There have been some changes in my life so I changed my hair, because could I be more stereotypical? Also, I’m loving one of Next’s own fragrances it’s sweet, it has coconut and reminds me of holiday. I also picked up a Stitch t-shirt for only £6 in Primark and some nail varnish in a summery colour. I also picked up this really cute skirt from New Look it’s denim, high waisted and something a little different for me. I’ve also got a new Kimono but no pictures to share so far, sad times.

Life

Well, I couldn’t forget to mention the sunshine which lead to some Cocktails…maybe too many cocktails. I was also treated by my parents to some lovely treats such as Flip Flops, Sharpies, a new Notebook AND amazing lipsticks and nail varnish that was discounted, hence why there is so much. I also got to see my bestie Joe and have another trip to London this month (sorry bank balance) for a pub trip and comic book fun. I have to mention how happy I am that Ireland voted yes in May to legalising abortion, a great step for women’s rights.

 

Blog Posts

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

I Have, I Am – Talking About Mental Illness 

How Am I Doing Right Now? 

Clothes Sizes are BS 

 

The Sugar Tax Screwed Me Over

The Sugar Tax Screwed Me Over!

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Ok, ok that might seem a little dramatic but hear me out. The new sugar tax introduced in the UK in April got a lot of kickback, some accused it of targeting lower-income households, others saw it as a side step from bigger issues that the government should be dealing with. But there was one thing that I didn’t see mentioned and it’s about poop…stay with me here.

So I’ve had IBS for years now as part of Fibromyalgia and it’s fine, I know what makes my stomach freak out (goodbye American Cheese) and I don’t eat it. I know how to manage cramps and most of the time I know my body and the signals well enough to try and help myself before it gets too bad. I’ve been living well and not had too much trouble for the past 2 years. But what does this have to do with the Sugar Tax?

When the tax came in it meant that in particular sugary drinks were put at a higher rate to curb obesity. Sounds good? Not really. Because of this a lot of places switched out to diet or sugar-free substitutes. These substitutes contain Aspartame. Back when I initially got diagnosed with IBS and was cutting out foods that made me ill diet drinks were the first thing to go. Now, because of the sugar tax,  whenever I want to go out with friends I have to be careful that full fat isn’t substituted.

Is it the biggest problem in the world? No, but it can ruin a good time. Not only do I have to check, I’m also paying more for a reason I can’t help. A recent example I found was when ordering Cocktails. As a money saving tactic pubs and bars have been using sugar-free alternatives and not making it clear. I absolutely dread having to try and explain to them why I do need full fat and can definitely tell when someone thinks I’m lying!

I completely understand what the logic behind the tax was, even though I do agree with critics that it will only impact those on a lower income, but that’s a whole different blog post. This is just something I’ve noticed and partially serves as a warning to those of you who might have more sensitive stomachs.

Do you have IBS, has the Sugar Tax been a pain for you too? Let me know in the comments below!

You're Doing Better Than You Think Mental Health Lifestyle Blog

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

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Hey you,

Yes you, reading this for whatever reason. I’m going to tell you something that you need to hear right now. You’re doing better than you think you are. Hear me out. I’ve had shitty times in the past few years where I’ve felt like a giant failure, hey, at the time of writing this there are parts of my life I feel like I’m not where I thought I would be. BUT you are your biggest critic, I am mine and that’s not a terrible thing.

We do have a word with ourselves but think about what you’ve said to yourself. Would you say that to a friend about their lives? That they were a huge fuck up and things weren’t going to get better because they don’t deserve them. I know you’ve had those thoughts because I have to.

Sometimes the voices in our own heads take over our thoughts. They shout so loud with comparisons look what they’re doing, why aren’t you doing that? or perhaps you just think what am I doing? Am I doing what I’m meant to right now?

Last month I was in a funk, I was really struggling with myself. Well, I thought I was doing terribly, I’m not close to buying a house (are any 23-year-olds with student debt?), I’m not getting married and the books I’ve been working on for the past few years still aren’t finished. My mind was full of anxiety and self-doubt and just struggling, even though I was reminded by various people I’d been doing great and am still doing great in different areas of my life.

I didn’t write this to tell you how much better I feel. In fact, the opposite. This post doesn’t end with bragging about how wonderful I’m doing because that my lovely readers would be a big fat lie. I still have thoughts and days where I think I’m doing terribly. This was written to let you know that we all feel like that and chances are you’re not giving yourself enough credit.

You’re doing better than you think, you’ve got this.

Self-Care Update

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Recently I wrote about my own self-care slip and you guys were amazing! I know that I’m a workaholic, I love to get things done and achieve as much as a possibly can…so relaxing takes a back seat. BUT, I have a great update for you all, there’s definitely been a change.

In the past week, I’ve started tracking what I’m eating to make sure I’m not over or under eating in line with my emotions. I’ve been filling up with a lot more protein when I can and trying not to binge on chocolate…that’s something I’m working on. I also haven’t weighed myself because I don’t want to get in a negative cycle. I will do it eventually but right now it’s not a priority.

I’ve also started doing Yoga every night! I know, hold fire. I was sceptical at first it’s just stretching, right? Wrong. So, so wrong. I can feel my muscles working and I’ve seen a difference in my stress levels. I look forward to that 20 or so minutes every night where I switch off and try to only focus on Yoga. I still get distracted and fall down at times but it’s a healthy start!

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And, finally, I went and got my hair done after much thought I just want and booked. This time I went to LK Hair in Newbury after wanting to since I started my job as I work with one of the owners. It was amazing. Not only are excellent at their jobs but they’re also the best in the UK, I have no chill.

In short, I hope this lasts. I hope I can be a little kinder to myself and make sure no matter how busy I get I make some time. There’s no doubt I’ll have slip ups but I’m trying and it’s definitely a start.

What do you do for self-care? Let me know in the comments below!

 

monthly favourites lifestyle blogger

April Favourites!

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My April favourites are late! I know, I know, I know! Things have been a little mad and on the go but it’s finally time for me to share what I was loving in April!

 

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All the Chocolate 

I’m not religious but I love Easter. My family goes a little mad during any holiday and I finally won the egg hunt…I never win. Sadly it is now all gone and it went pretty fast. The Lindor one was absolutely amazing.

Books 

It was such a good month in terms of reading, I managed 8 books. My highlights were starting Saga (incredible), following up with Amanda Lovelace’s second poetry collection. I also got political with Red Clocks and Everywoman. You can read all about what I read this month here.

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London Book Fair!

I went to the London Book Fair for the first time! Interested? I wrote a whole post about it.

Sunshine

Umm that huge yellow thing in the sky appeared. I’m so excited that the sun is shining so I made the most of it with a trip to London to see my friend Joe. I also had a cocktail date with Abbie and there might have been a few Ice Creams…

 

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Movies

You need to go and watch Infinity War, right now. I’m still broken. Here are my non-spoiler thoughts.

General 

There were some lovely bits and pieces this month too! I picked up a few Harry Potter bits in London and I also had the BEST Unicorn cupcake from Selfridges. I actually ended up in London 3 times in April, another occasion was taking my sister and cousin to see The Vamps with my Mum where I also picked up an adorable Harley Quinn. Oh and that little Micheal Kors bag from my grandparents!

Blog Posts 

Talking about Death

Dealing with Anxiety Attacks

Carrying On

I’m in a Funk 

 

What have your favourites been? Let me know in the comments below!

Clothes sizes are BS

Clothes Sizes are BS.

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Ok, girls and guys, we need to talk about clothes sizes.

I can’t even count the number of times that I’ve stood in a shop changing room hating my body. Firstly, hello to everyone who designs them can we change the lighting situation no one looks good in them. Secondly, I have body hang-ups, I have done since I was a young teenager even though I look at my 16-year-old self now and want to shout at her you fool, you look amazing! Wear whatever you like! There is just one more thing, in every shop the clothes sizes differ.

I like to try a variety of shops on the high street I have H&M, Next, New Look, Primark (so much Primark) and even a little Topshop in my wardrobe. Labels don’t mean that much to me when it comes to clothes because it’s so hard to find something that’s flattering. I digress. In my wardrobe, I have clothes that range from a size 8 – a size 14. That’s 4 different dress sizes that all fit me. Confused? Me too.

Now the whole idea of these dress sizes is to have a universal marker, but this is so rare. Sometimes it even stretches to the same shop. Once I tried a size 10 dress on in H&M, it fit. I then went on to try a pair of trousers on and I couldn’t even get a size 16 done up. Because that is logical.

So why am I rambling on about my clothes and changing rooms? The summer season is fast approaching, as is the bullshit of ‘beach body ready’. I have a body, if I put it on a beach it’s ready. There’s also a lot of stress in buying new clothes for the summer and the little number stitched into them.

I’m not claiming I don’t do this. I get panicky when I go up a dress size, even when I know that it’s ridiculous. The thing is I definitely think it’s something that is constantly forced down our throats that there should be a ‘perfect size’. That a number correlates to your worth and then after that they don’t match up anyway. What is this madness?!

This might be a little out there but it’s something that I wanted to get off my chest and see what you guys think. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

What I Read in April!

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Another month, another stack of books I’ve devoured. This month I wanted things I could get through because I was struggling to concentrate but I still managed 8 books and almost all of them were incredible.

First up was Red Clocks which I have been waiting to read forever and it was so worth it. This is set in a future USA, abortion is banned, IVF is banned and so is single parenthood. We follow four women as their lives are impacted by these laws. It was a 4.5 star read and review to come soon. #MeToo is a collection of poetry that just felt so real to me, these were incredible poems and got 4 stars from me. And another collection of poetry the second from Amanda Lovelace, the witch doesn’t burn in this one. This is the second in a serious about the magic of women, a 4 star read, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first but it’s still a brilliant read.

 

Next up I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell this was a strange but brilliant non-fiction book look at the 17 brushes with death, it’s absolutely fascinating and got a well earned 4 stars. The next one I’d seen spoken about on Youtube and it had such a huge impact on me, Everywoman is about feminism, UK politics and is a rallying cry which means it got 5 stars from me. I also read my advance copy of Holly Bourne’s new adult novel How Do You Like Me Now which, in total honesty disappointed me and only got 3 stars.

 

 

And finally, Saga. I could have picked this up years ago and I’m kicking myself. This series is amazing we have some brilliant characters and interesting plot and beautiful art. So far, so amazing and 5 stars for volume 1 and volume 2.

What were you reading in April? Let me know in the comments below!

Re-embracing my Feminism with Paola Diana – Blog Tour

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Reclaiming my Feminism

There are times when a book falls into your lap at the right time. I’d been struggling with my own feminism. It felt like a constant fight whenever I mentioned it, multiple times people used it as a reason to argue with me about something completely unrelated, so I’d kept my mouth shut. Then I got an email offering me the chance to read Paola Diana’s book Saving The World, Women: The Twenty-First Century’s Factor for Change as part of a blog tour and I thought why not?

Earlier in the month, I’d picked up Jess Phillip’s Every Woman which made me proud of feminism again. Paola’s book was a perfect follow up to keep the fire burning. Looking at politics, religion, economy and society Paola doesn’t shy away from addressing the how powerful women really are and will be in this century.

This is not an opinion based book, followed up by facts and her very own activism it got me excited. If there is a time for equality it is now. In no other period in history have women been so educated, aware and able to voice their opinions. Although, of course, we still have a long way to go around the world. Now we just have to make it happen. The combination of intelligent research, looking at the wider picture and optimism is a welcome addition to my bookcase.

Feminism itself is complex. The basic premise of wanting equality of the sexes can be forgotten at times. I know I’ve felt overwhelmed trying to defend my reasons for being so open as a feminist. I’ve felt that there is so much fighting over what feminism is and should be. So I took a step back, I still carried on with my life but I was quiet about it which I hated. This isn’t me. I guess sometimes life does beat you down but, personally, I’m back and ready to reclaim my feminism and continue to educate others with this book by my side.

Sound good? I’m also running a giveaway on my Twitter so head over here, follow and retweet for your chance to win! UK only.

Thank you so much to Midas PR for sending me this book, Paola and the publishers for this opportunity!

Avengers Infinity War (NO SPOILERS)

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There are very few movies I will go an see on the day of release, currently, only Star Wars and certain Marvel are regulars on my, need to watch as soon as I can, list. So I saw Avengers Infinity War on the day of release and it was AMAZING. Of course, this isn’t a spoiler post because I’m not a total Asshat.

This film, wow, what an emotional rollercoaster. I’m not going to try and list all of the characters in this movie but, honestly, I was a little nervous as to how this was going to work. I really wanted this to be good but what it too ambitious? In short, no. The writers of this movie need all of the awards, every single one. This was a masterpiece.

One of the things I love the most about Marvel is the humor injected throughout. I laughed so hard and the groups that the superheroes were put in to follow their stories. These egos put together and having to deal with this other superhero muscling in on their turf. The results were brilliant and so well put together.

By the end I had felt every emotion you could feel, I’d laughed, I’d cried, I’d gasped. These were characters I’d grown to love, I’m not a super fan of Marvel films, not the early ones but I still loved the majority of these characters so much. And I cried, I cried so much during but not in a silly way, the film wasn’t cheesy.

So, do I even need to tell you to go see this film? GO AND BOOK TICKETS NOW! The day after I was ready to see it again and, money permitting, I will. I’m already impatient for the next Avengers movie after the ending that completely shocked me. What are you waiting for? Go now!

Seen it already? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

3 Years Later.

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I don’t know why every year I’m surprised at how long it has been since my accident. That day changed my life completely and I didn’t even know it at the time. Long story short for those of you who are new here, when I was at uni I had a horse riding accident. It was what seemed like a simple fall which lead to me think I was fine, despite an ambulance trip. After 2 weeks,  a doctors visit, another visit and then an emergency hospital visit I was told I had damaged four vertebrae in my spine. And, so it began.

I’m not going to write a whole post on the past 3 years and everything that happened since, instead, I want to focus on now. As I write this I’m in a job I’ve been wanting to be in since I was at university, I have a flat, friends and a wonderful partner. That’s all well and good but it is still a struggle. I have been in pain since the accident and I will continue to be in some form for the rest of my life because of the damage that was done.

There are days when I’m depressed, where I think why did his happen to me? When I want to pack everything in and lay in bed. I don’t I carry on, I lean on the wonderful people around me when I need to. I take pride in my job, my blog and the things I have and continue to achieve. Of course, I do get upset that I can’t easily go and do things that others my age can. Going out and being on my feet all night? Nope, not happening. Taking part in a sport or intense exercise? Not a pretty ending. I miss riding, I miss standing at the front of gigs but I try not to focus too much.

Mostly, I’m using what happened as something to remind me how far I’ve come and how much more I can, and will do. I’m working on a new idea, which relates to what happened (and that’s all I’m saying for now). I’m trying to forgive myself when I do struggle and need to ask for help. I’m getting through, each day as it comes, I’m accepting the fact that I have to do things a little differently.

I’m fully aware that this post is probably a brain dump, it’s also not my most eloquent post but that’s what it’s like. I don’t want sympathy, it is what it is and I’m here, I can still walk and I’m still going. That’s all that matters.

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