Category: lifestyle

Top 10 Books I Read in Winter

Top 10 Books I Read in Winter

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It’s not a secret that Winter isn’t my fave, once Christmas is done I’m pretty much over it. BUT I did get through some cracking books in the dark winter months and I thought I’d share with you my personal top 10 from the previous season and hopefully give you some inspiration!

 

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The Exact Opposite of Okay – Laura Steven

A sneak peek of an upcoming review but I LOVED this novel so much. The main character made me laugh so much, I thought she was incredible and what we need more of in YA. This surrounds a young woman and a sex scandal. It’s not been out long but you’re going to want to pick this up.

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This is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay

I feel like this should be required reading for anyone who wants to make cuts to the NHS. Adams account had me both laughing and crying because it was a whirlwind. This is incredibly honest and so well written. Amazing.

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Misogynation – Laura Bates 

It’s no secret that I think Laura is an excellent writer and fierce female. This is her latest collection and I absolutely LOVED it. Every time I read one of these I just feel better?

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Only Child – Rhiannon Navin 

This novel will break your heart. I was lucky enough to get an early copy and be a part of the blog tour after talking about how much I loved it! My review is here, this was a stunning debut.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas

This series has been all over the book blogs and Booktube for ages and I finally picked it up…and then it sat on my TBR pile for 2 months. Why didn’t I start this magnificent series earlier! I am in love with Maas’s writing and my review of the first novel here.

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Love, Hate & Other Filters – Samira Ahmed 

This is one of the first books I read in 2018 and I’m so glad I did! This is a novel about growing up, facing racism and following your passion. I absolutely loved it and if it doesn’t win prizes in YA something is wrong with the world. You can read my full review here.

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Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls 2

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know I loved the first Goodnight Stories book (review here) and then there was a second and it was as equally badass as the first. You’re not going to want to miss it.

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Nobody Told Me – Hollie McNish 

I’m not a parent but that didn’t stop me falling in love with Hollie’s collection of diary entries and poetry as a first time Mum. We’re taken from Hollie finding out she’s pregnant (on the way to Glastonbury no less) to her daughter at 3 years old. A wonderful and unique book.

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Brave – Rose McGowan 

 Rose was the first to blow the Weinstein scandal wide open with her accusation of rape. I hate writing that because I 100% believe her. This chronicles Rose’s turbulent life and the movement that she started. She’s one to watch.

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Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton

Dolly tells it how it is, your twenties are confusing and this is a great insight. It certainly made me feel less anxious. You can read my review here.

 

What have your top reads been this Winter and what are you looking forward to in the Spring? Let me know in the comments below!

Why Do You Blog?

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I’ve been thinking a lot recently about why people blog after seeing conversations on Twitter about it. There have been some questions about entitlement (which, let’s be honest, there always are) but I think it goes deeper than that. I’ve seen quite new bloggers constantly tweeting and asking about how to make money and get things for free. This really irritated me. Hear me out.

I’ve been writing on this blog for 5 years this summer, I had another one for 2 years before that. I do not make money from my blog. Do I wish I did? Of course, but that’s not the reason that I blog. I blog because I love writing content, connecting with people and just having space on the internet to share my own thoughts and opinions.

This doesn’t mean I haven’t worked with brands or companies. I regularly work with publishers and some small businesses in exchange for gifts. I also know there is a problem with big name brands refusing to pay bloggers for their time, which is ridiculous.

Now as you may know I have a small button on the side of my blog ‘buy me a coffee’, I agonised over putting this in. I didn’t want it to seem that I was demanding this of my readers and I think this is the first time I’ve mentioned it because of that reason.  I thought it would be ok because I’m happy to do it for other bloggers when I have the money to do so.

I’ll put it out there I would love to work with brands, publishers etc and make money from doing this, who wouldn’t? This isn’t a post against that, not at all. I just don’t believe bloggers should go in thinking yep I’m going to write a few bits and make loads of money. You need to love what you do, which most of the blogging community do.

I’m not writing this to rant or blame anyone, it’s just something that hasn’t been sitting well with me recently.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

My Myers Briggs Test Results!

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Recently, I retook the Myers Briggs personality test. I’d taken it before when I was at university but knew that some people changed over time, however, I’m still the same, an INFJ. This test is by far the most detailed and correct personality test I’ve ever taken you can take it here.

So, what’s INFJ and how does it relate to me?

INFJ stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging. This is also known as a rare personality type. Most people who know me will be surprised to know I’m an introvert but I definitely am. I love staying at home at the weekend and being with a small group of people rather than a huge party! I also trust my gut in situations, showing intuition. Additionally, in terms of feeling, I am known to feel deeply and care, even more, this can make some situations tricky. Judging, according to others, refers to wanting order and structure which…I might be partial to.

You really agree with this?

Now I get it, can these things really work? I’ve taken this so many times since uni and it sticks. I was surprised because it’s really like me in a specific way, so yeah, I think it can work. Only if you’re honest though.

What jobs do INFJs normally go into? 

The general consensus is that we fit best into creative jobs or those that can help people. Some that have been mentioned are Writer *cough*, Counsellor, Professor,  Designer or Scientist. We are dreamers, which definitely helps.

Who else has this personality? 

Now I can’t say I’ve tracked down these people and made them take the test but people seem to agree that the following are, or have been, INFJs.

  • Carrie Fisher (long live our Princess)
  • Oprah
  • Nicole Kidman
  • Lady Gaga
  • Adam Sandler
  • Martin Luther King
  • Prince

 

What do you think about this personality test? Have you taken it? Let me know if you have and what you are in the comments below! All of the full information is here from the website where I took my test!

 

 

 

 

Taking a Break!

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Hello, hello, hello!

This week I’m doing something that I rarely do and I’m not sure if I’ll achieve…I’m taking a break?! Not from blogging but I’ve booked a week off work to just have some downtime. I’ve only got one day planned and that’s it which feels super weird and that’s not like me.

I’m calling a nerd alert right here but I’m terrible at taking breaks. Even when I was at uni I’d fill up my holidays so that I was doing something all the time whether that was working or doing extra reading etc. I’m a definitely a workaholic and it’s both a blessing and curse. That said, I want to be strict this time and actually give myself time to chill out.

So, I’ve got a stack of books that I’m looking forward to choosing from, my comfy clothes are washed and I have a few empty notebooks that I might see if I feel like writing in. Best of all though, I have Ali at home for the week so we can actually spend some time together.

As a personal thing, I think it’s always been in my mind that I want to feel useful at all times. I want to make sure I’m trying to do my very best and getting ahead of the game. So actually switching off and not stressing and worrying about what’s going on is hard for me.

For tomorrow though, I’m out in Portsmouth taking a wander around the shops with some sea air my Mum, Sister and Grandparents…it slightly helps that there’s a Cadbury shop which is completely my weakness. Fun fact, the HMV at Gunwharf Quays is also the place where I bought Mean Girls for the first time and we all know how that obsession went.

Anyway, I guess this is a rambling post but, why not? Let’s see if I actually stick to chilling out this week!

 

Fantastic Feminist Authors

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On the 8th March it’s International Women’s Day, so what better time to share some kick ass authors for you to get into. In a recent Twitter poll you guys said you wanted to see more bookish content on the blog which is fine with me, so let’s get started!

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Holly Bourne – YA Queen

From the first few pages of The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting, I fell in love and knew that Holly was one to watch. Her novels speak to young adults in a way I haven’t seen before. She talks about Feminism, without making you feel like she’s preaching. A fantastic author and you can read my review of Am I Normal Yet here.

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Laura Bates – Conquering Everyday Sexism

Laura created the Everyday Sexism project, started to show that sexism is very real and giving a platform to share it. She has just released her third book Misogynation, after Everyday Sexism and Girl Up. She’s factual as well as standing up for women’s rights. A must-read author.

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Caitlin Moran – The Reason I’m a Feminist

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, How To Be A Woman changed my life and perspective and, ultimately, made me a feminist. Caitlin says what she wants and has no time for bullshit. I’ve read all her non-fiction works as well as her novel How To Build A Girl, which is also a cracker. Great for getting the information with a great laugh at the same time.

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Holly Baxter and Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett – Taking on the Magazines

Holly and Lucy run their own blog of the same name but I found the book first. This is different to any I’ve read before, particularly as neither are that much older than me. This examines the way we take in magazines and the media industry. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Here’s my review to wet your appetite.

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Rupi Kaur – Bringing Poetry Back

She’s become amazingly popular and for good reason. I haven’t seen poetry get this popular, well, ever. Rupi talks about the female experience in her poetry and it’s absolutely beautiful as well as thought-provoking. You can read my review of her second collection The Sun and Her Flowers here.

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Louise O’Neill – Tackling Taboo

For incredible, thought-provoking fiction Lousie O’Neill is the one to go to. Her novel Only Ever Yours freaked me out but I couldn’t stop thinking about it and later novel Asking For It has been raved about since its release. She’s not afraid of writing about taboo subjects and feminism, what more do you want? Review of Only Ever Yours here.

 

Who would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

 

5 Things You Should Know About Living With Chronic Pain

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Recently I asked on Twitter if people would be interested in some posts about living with pain. I get asked all the time how it feels, what I do, how I still do so much so here are a few posts about it starting with things you should know.

Chronic pain (although apparently it’s now being relabeled as persistent pain) is classed as being in pain for more than 3 months. It can happen for a variety of reasons and impacts everyone differently. For me, mine was triggered by a horse riding accident when I was 20, in which, I broke part of my spine and damaged the surrounding area. I’ve been living and dealing with this for three years and there are some things I’d love people to know.

We can still do a lot, so ask us! 

Things change and it’s hard to know how what and how your friend or family member can do but you should still ask! Even if we can’t go, being asked is still important. There might even be a way around it!

It’s a case of good and day days 

As with most things, there are good pain days and bad pain days. It’s all about taking it one day at a time and seeing how things pan out. Sometimes we might be a bit quieter or sharper, it might not happen very often but it’s worthwhile keeping this in mind.

We’re still the people we were! 

Chronic pain might change a few things but not the person themselves. They’re still the person you know and love. Their humour wasn’t taken away, nor was their personality! No one wants to be treated differently for something they can’t control.

Being in pain is exhausting so don’t feel like your friends don’t want to see you. 

Honestly, on a bad pain day, it can completely wear you out. I work full time so if I am aching the last thing I want to do is have to go out after work. All I really need is a bath, some comfy PJs and an early night, it’s nothing personal!

There’s a lot of guilt and loss 

For some chronic pain is permanent there can be feelings of loss, for the things you may have had to give up (for me it was riding) and guilt for the things you might not be able to do or things you might not be able to go to! I can’t go out dancing all night like I used to, for example, not a life or death situation but it sucks all the same.

 

Is there anything you wish people knew about chronic pain or do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Snowmageddon 2018!

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Snowmageddon 2018

If you live in the UK you may have noticed that there’s been a slight disruption in the last few days and by that I mean everyone’s royally screwed. Yep the snow has hit and I have not seen snow like this in my life and that is no exaggeration. It’s been pretty weird.

So I’ve spent the past two days stuck in my flat unable to use my car or get to work. Yesterday a friend who lives in the same town as me  works in the same office was stuck in her car trying to do our 40-minute journey for just under 6 hours. So I’ve spent two days working, watching snow, going on small walks to our local park and supermarket and throwing food out for the birds that come to my garden.

Our town has pretty much come to a standstill, if you manage to get about 20 minutes up the M3 it’s like a different world, I’ve been told. Going out on the roads though is horrible, I’ve watched cars just spin all over the place, almost crash and of course, there have been some horrendous accidents, including a death nearby.

I think, no matter how beautiful, this kind of weather can be quite isolating for a lot of people. Winter (even though we’re supposed to nearly be done with it) is a tough season for mental health and add in isolation because you can’t get anywhere that’s also difficult. There are some wonderful chats going on on Twitter so if you are feeling a little lonely, they may help or call a friend, a family member.

On that note seeing as I’m stuck I plan on spending some quality time with Ali and doing A LOT of reading. I have a ridiculous amount of books that are on my TBR pile so that’s going to be my weekend I think!

How’re you finding the snow and what are you doing? Let me know in the comments!

monthly favourites lifestyle blogger

Monthly Favourites – February

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Books

 

I read a lot of books this month once again (a mix of paperback, ebook and audiobook) but these three really stood out! After starting the A Court of Thorns and Roses series last month I couldn’t wait to read the rest of the season. I finished these very early on in the month and I already want to read them again…I’m serious. For non-fiction in February, I listened to Brave by Rose McGowan, I had no idea who she was from films just that Rose had started a movement. It’s not an easy read but it’s important and will blow you away. You can read about all the books I read this month here.

Fashion

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Only one fashion favourite this month and it’s this adorable dress from Primark! My grandparents picked this up for me and it is SO flattering. I love a dress where I can easily throw extra layers underneath!

Home

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I finally, finally, finally went to IKEA at the beginning of the month and got a second bookcase! Although it doesn’t look too full here there might still be a few books at my parent’s house that I need to bring over…oops! This is one of the slim Billy Bookcases and I looooove it!

Life 

 

This month it was Valentine’s Day and I was given a giant dragon, which has been named Puff after Ali drove all around the local towns looking for a Unicorn he wanted to get me, they’d sold out! I’ve also had some quality time with Wickett as well as my lovely Godkids Lexi and Ollie and finally, I managed to pick up some new Pop Vinyl’s! Don’t you think Ron and Ginny look fab?!

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Growing Up With Young Parents 

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Book Review: Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton 

7 Things I Wish I’d Known As A New Graduate 

World Book Day 2018 My Favourite Children's Books

My 10 Favourite Children’s Books for World Book Day!

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Happy World Book Day to you all! When I was younger, it was just starting to become a big thing with dressing up and all the fun and games that little ones have today! So it got me thinking about some of the books I loved as a child. Keep in mind I could have just listed all the Jaqueline Wilson books because I was always obsessed with every single one that came out.

Double Act – Jacquline Wilson 

This is a book I remember really loving, it focuses on twin girls Ruby and Garnet and looks at their relationship as sisters as well as growing up and finding themselves when they were so different. I read it repeatedly and even went to see the play on stage (thanks, Mum!).

The Harry Potter Series – J.K Rowling 

I started reading in 1999 so, of course, Harry Potter is on this list. I don’t remember when I fell hard for the series but I remember picking it up when I was about 6 and starting there and…I never stopped.

The Worst Witch  – Jill Murphey 

Another magic based book but one that was also hilarious. I loved Mildred and I related to her. I was clumsy and a bit silly and I loved the idea of this school where girls all went to learn magic and didn’t always get it quite right.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl 

 I remember having a special edition that I got from WH Smiths and cherishing it, this was a special edition of a book no one else could read it. I read it over and over as well as loving the original film.

Secrets – Jaqueline Wilson 

When this came out I was learning about the Second World War and Anne Frank, something that is a focus in this novel. I loved both of the protagonists and couldn’t put it down. Jacqueline Wilson is an incredible author.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Micheal Rosen 

If you don’t remember chanting this as a small child and driving everyone mad then what was your life? This was a staple of my first few years at school and it’s even become a tv programme in the last few years. I still remember parts of it in my 20s.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle 

Another classic when I started school. I don’t know what was so entertaining about it, I just remember finding it hilarious.

Malory Towers Series – Enid Blyton 

I remember thinking that Enid Blyton wasn’t cool when I was younger and then, by chance, I saw the Mallory Towers books with all new covers and they looked interesting. I loved these stories about girls making friends and having a wonderful time at boarding school.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit – Judith Kerr 

I was really interested in and had huge empathy for children in the Second World War so I started reading Kerr’s first book in her trilogy about growing up in these times. It made it understandable for a child to read.

You Wait Till I’m Older Than You – Micheal Rosen 

My love for poetry started young and I picked this up signed at a car boot sale and loved it. I don’t remember specifics but I read it endless amounts.

 

What were your favourites as a child? Let me know in the comments below!

 

February Book Wrap Up

February Wrap Up!

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Here we are again with another month worth of reading! Just like January, I managed to get a good number of books in…9! So here’s my monthly round up for you all!

Brave – Rose McGowan

Almost everyone has heard the name Rose McGowan in the past few months. This is the story of her life and the ‘cult of Hollywood’ as she describes it. The first woman to speak out against Harvey Weinstein after he raped her and started a movement. I gave this 5 stars, a tough but much-needed read.

A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J Maas

Last month I couldn’t help but rave about the amazing A Court of Thorns and Roses last month (review to come) I had to read the next one as soon as possible. This was the biggest one in the trilogy and I loved it, I’m 100% a fan of the series. This one also got 5 stars.

Clean – Juno Dawson

I used to like Juno Dawson’s books but this one just wasn’t good in my opinion. It made me incredibly angry and I don’t want to say anymore because there’s no point in being mean but nope, would not recommend. This got 2 stars.

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body – Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay looks at the body in this non-fiction book, specifically hers and what our impressions are of ‘fat’ bodies. She talks about how being raped impacted her and how she now feels about her body. I gave it 3 stars.

Time Bomb – Joelle Charbonneau

This was an advance reader copy I received on Netgalley. The story focuses on a range of different characters and their perspectives of being inside their high school when a bomb goes off. They all need to work together while trying to protect themselves. This was an ok book, I read it quite quickly but I didn’t think it was that memorable!  This one got 3 stars.

But You Did Not Come Back – Marceline Loridan-Ivens

This was heartbreaking, really, really heartbreaking. This is a letter from Marceline to her father who was murdered in Auschwitz after they were separated. The things she would have told him in response to a letter he managed to get smuggled to her in the camp. I picked this up in passing and I’m so glad I did, it’s something that needs to be read. I gave this 5 stars.

Why Have Kids? – Jessica Valenti

I’ve read Valenti’s work before in Sex Object but this was different. I don’t have children but found this interesting from both sides. This would be a very controversial read but I still enjoyed it. That could change later on in my life. I gave it 3 stars.

A Court of Wings and Ruin – Sarah J Maas

The final piece of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This didn’t go exactly how I thought it would but it was still brilliant. I couldn’t wait to get through and see what happened at the end. I’m glad there’s a 4th book coming soon!

This is Really Happening – Erin Chack

Buzzfeed writer Erin Chack wrote a collection of essays about her working life, having Cancer at the age of 19 and meeting her partner whilst still a teenager. I listened to this and I enjoyed it but at times it felt a little all over the place, which is why I gave it 3 stars.

Mysogynation – Laura Bates 

I’m still reading this at the time of writing this post BUT once again Laura Bates has written brilliantly. The book is a collection of pieces she has written and published. So far, so good!

Don’t forget if you want to keep up with what I’m reading we can connect on Goodreads! What are you reading at the moment? Let me know in the comments below!