Category: lifestyle

IBS Awareness Month 2017

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The month of April is for IBS awareness. IBS means Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the NHS website states that:

‘Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system. It can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.’

So, it’s not the more pleasant thing to talk about it can be incredibly painful and frustrating waiting for a diagnosis. I had problems with my stomach for a large chunk of my childhood and teenage years. It got to the point that my Mum always had some of the medicine in the cupboard for a rough night. I dealt with it and got on with it.

Later, whilst I was in university I kept getting sick. I had weeks where I couldn’t eat and was weak. It was like a recurrent stomach bug but it always came back. After a lot of tests, scans and a hospital admission  I finally received my diagnoses of IBS.

It is from this I received advice from my doctor about my diet and, surprisingly, a lot of friends stepped forward to offer their stories, their diagnoses. With the help of some medications, I began to live with any ups and downs I have a normal life. I go to work, see friends and deal with it. I’m quite lucky in the fact that I can often get a sense that a flare-up is coming on a good day. If course there are days where I am in pain or bloated, where I curse my own body.

You get to learn about what your body and cannot take, what will make your bowels angry for me it’s alcohol, rich foods or a lot of fast food. I know that I can’t have too much of these things or sometimes any at all. I know that I need to have some clothes to wear that are loose fitting incase I am bloated.

It is possible to live life with IBS. Yes there are hiccups, I know to be careful whenever I got away and am not used to the food but as with any condition you live and learn.

 

Book Review: Zenn Diagram – Wendy Brant

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If one touch could tell you everything about a person, the good and the bad, what would you do?

As a high school math genius, Eva is used to not being the most popular, but this suits her just fine. While the rest of the school thinks she’s simply a germophobe, Eva is protecting herself from their deepest secrets, their joys and fears, all from a single touch. It isn’t until Eva meets Zac that her gift haunts her more than ever.

It’s been a long time since I picked up a YA novel that I knew was going to involve a love plot. I requested this via Netgalley and was approved by the publishers to give a fair and honest review. I won’t lie, I wasn’t expecting to love this novel as much as I did. If you’re looking for a novel with love and a twist then you’re in the right place.

I connected with the character of Eva almost immediately, while I initially was thrown by her gift and what it meant for the novel. I’ll admit that it did take a while for me to get used to it, but the choice of gift itself was well put together. The fact that Eva has her own life and struggles made her more relatable. While I was initially sceptical about the introduction of Zenn and what this would mean for Eva’s smart and focused character, it actually added a great deal to her and the plot itself.

I think one of the best parts about the novel, however, is that it also have strong comedic value. Eva is not only funny, she is also fiercely intelligent, something that we definitely need more of. As the novel went on I liked both her, and the character of Zen more. I didn’t roll my eyes, nor did I get frustrated because she felt real to me. This was a character that I could see myself in, someone who struggles with what it means to be a ‘good girl’ but also know sadness.

I gave this novel 4 stars. It’s definitely an uplifting book and while it does tackle some issues, there is enough appropriate humour and intelligence to make it an uplifting read. Brant has a true talent for writing fantastic novels with relatable and intelligent protagonists. I would highly recommend this novel to all who need something a little different in the YA market.

March Favourites!

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How we’ve quite gotten to April I have no idea. This month has been super busy for me, I feel like I haven’t stopped. While this might not be my most detailed monthly post, it certainly is packed!

 

Outfits

I’ve really gotten into putting outfits together this month, as well as finding some absolute steals on Ebay. It also helps with the slightly warmer weather and not having to hide under as thick a jumper I can find! L-R Jack Wills dress & Next boots, Next Dungarees, River Island Jumper & Doc Marten boots, Meela Loves London Dress and finally Lipsy jacket, Next boots & New Look Boots. For more OOTD, make sure to follow me on Instagram.

 

Treats 

I have had a few lovely treats this month. A few trips to London have also meant trips to Lola’s at Waterloo, I made some homemade cookies for Red Nose Day at work & I made that post about pizza, read it here.

 

Events 

I’ve been lucky enough to have some great evenings out this month firstly to see Russell Howard in a hilarious and thought-provoking show. Next up was a great evening out with Abbie with a lot of cocktails and finally a night with my Mum and Sister to see Olly Murs to end the month.

 

Sunshine and new specs! 

 

Books 

I’ve been in quite a reading slump this month and really struggling. I did manage to read a few though focusing on strong women including the compilation, Nasty Women, Orli Auslander’s ‘I Feel Bad’ and prosecutor Marcia Clarke’s Memoir ‘Without a Doubt’.

 

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My Little Ray of Sunshine 

As always Hamski is a favourite.

Sunday Seven: The businesses you don’t know about, but should

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Today I attended Dolly’s Easter Fair in Old Basing, Hampshire.  During the fair I met some wonderful small business owners and wanted to share them with you all, each include a link to find out more about their products and where to buy them. I wasn’t asked by any of these to host on the blog, however, I feel they deserve it!

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Whiskey and Ginger Candles 

These are gorgeous smelling soy candles. Each candle comes in a brilliant size that is sure to burn for hours, they have also got rave reviews online.

My New Fave

I am in LOVE with the jewellery from My New Fave. Necklaces, Rings, Cufflinks and more are all here. They are beautifully crafted and at a good price.

Dolly’s Beauty Parlour 

Not only am I impressed by the wonderful style, Dolly’s Parlour creates the 50s look of your dreams! She uses cruelty-free beauty products and a lip stain with some of the best colour I’ve seen, available from Le Keux Cosmetics. Worth a look for weddings, parties or just for fun!

 

Juliet Andrews Candles

Now, these WERE a treat! I picked up a chocolate orange smelling candle today but could have easily bought one in every scent. Just some that I remember were Popcorn, Strawberries and Cream, Gingerbread, Baby Powder the list goes on!

Bunny Hop Crochet 

These were absolutely adorable and looked brilliant. There was even one about Unicorn Farts, on the cuter side there was also family portraits and other adorable creatures.

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Siobhan Louise Textiles 

This is an absolutely stunning hand painted box from Siobhan Louise, the detail on this is incredible. She also makes cushions, mugs & more.

 

 

Buttercups & Beautiful Butterflies 

And finally my wonderful Mumma’s business. Papercrafts, wedding decorations, flower wands, cards and earrings. There is no limit to what my Mum can make with card, pop along to her Facebook page!

 

To find out more click on the links below each picture! What are some of your favourite small businesses? Let me know in the comments below!

Sunday Seven: Things a Mum does that you might not recognise

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Here in the UK it’s mothers day! Now I’ve been incredibly lucky and won the luck or the draw with my Mum. She’s been absolutely incredible throughout every up and down in my life. I know I’ve probably added a few grey hairs to her head (sorry Mum!). There are a lot of things that Mum’s do for most of us don’t really think about. Here’s to all the Mum’s and everything you do for us.

They have literally wiped our butts. 

Yup, before we could do anything our Mum’s had to be there for absolutely everything, including keeping us clean.

They’ve cleaned up after us. 

Speaking of cleaning, our Mum’s have cleaned up after us. I know mine did! Even when we probably should have known better, they still cleaned up after us.

They taught us right from wrong. 

Someone tells you you’re polite? Someone compliments you? Chances are it has something to do with what your mumma taught you.

They didn’t give up on us. 

I know that I’ve been in places where I’ve given up on myself , but my Mum never did.

They also told us when we were wrong. 

My Mum definitely isn’t afraid to tell me when I’m wrong or when I’m being stupid, it’s definitely needed.

They fed us and kept us alive. 

And I’m not just talking about when we’re babies, Mum’s frozen dinners really made a difference when I was at uni.

They loved us unconditionally. 

Even when we were little monsters, they loved us, all day, every day.

Happy Mother’s Day ❤

Success?

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A while ago, I was speaking to a friend when he surprised me, he told me I was successful. It stopped me in my tracks, because I haven’t classed myself as that in quite some time, in fact, since graduating I’ve felt more ordinary than I ever have in my life! At times, I’ve even felt like a failure.

Part of this is the struggles I’ve had with my confidence (it took a large dip after breaking my spine) and the other part, who knows? On paper, and to many people I know, they do believe I’m a successful 22 year old. I have a job, a degree, a home and a stable relationship.It ticks all the boxes, doesn’t it? Which I why I feel so bad whenever I say the words out loud, I’m not doign well enough.

I’ve always had a problem where I both want and need to be one of the best. I was talented both musically and academically growing up, apart from driving I found a way to make things appear as if they came easily (they didn’t). Despite my struggles I didn’t want people to feel sorry for me, for the things I’d gone through, so I worked as hard as I possibly could. I won awards, competitions etc. I felt like I was going places.

After graduating, for the first time in your life, your achievements aren’t given prizes or certificates, you’re not given feedback and a grade on things you spend hours on. So I guess in that respect, it isn’t unusual for someone to feel that they’re not doing as well, because you have to jugde it for yourself (particularly hard when you are an anxious person).

So I sit here and I try and see that I am successful, I might not be where I want to be at the end but it doesn’t mean I’m not. I think for many of us, that may be it. We confuse success with where we want to end up. I can only speak for myself, but that’s where I think I’ve been going wrong. I don’t have a house, a book and my life sorted out. Who the hell does in their 20s?

Maybe this is where I say something cliche like ‘success is a state of mind’, maybe it is. All I know is that it means so many things, to so many people. I’m flattered to think that my friend think I’m successful, I hope that someday soon I feel that way too!

What does success mean to you? Do you feel successful?   Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @chloemetzger

Hey, Life Is Hard Sometimes.

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Hey, Life Is Hard Sometimes

There’s no doubt that life is tough. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you are, everyone has their own challenges day to day. For the last few weeks I’ve felt incredibly stressed, tired and have been in a fair amount of pain from my old injury. I’ve gotten to the point on more than one occasion where I’ve just wanted to walk away from everything and shout I’M DONE WITH THIS. Everyone has those moments, but that’s hard to remember when you’re in the middle of it.

I’ve found it really hard to focus, write blogs, read or just create things, honestly, I’ve just felt a bit run down, a bit exhausted. I know it sounds like I’m just writing this to complain, I’m not. I realised that sharing how I feel and my struggles are partly why people connect with this blog. I’ve found myself wistful for my days at uni, even though I know I had tough times there too and that going back wouldn’t be easy but I think having rose tinted glasses about the past is all too common. Of course, I don’t look back and look at the sleepless nights with deadline stress, the frustration of trying again and again to get an assignment right or choosing what to do when you leave.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there are always troubles in each part of our lives. You never really know what a person is going through, what they’re thinking about. I try as hard as I can not to let what bothers me show to most people around me, with the fear of people thinking badly of me. It’s ridiculous and I wouldn’t suggest that to a friend. Most of it, I know, comes from me being one of the ‘high achievers’ my whole academic life, now I’m not in that environment anymore I find it hard to know when I’m doing well, to have a clear goal, because let’s face it getting 70 in an easy is a clear goal, sorting out your whole life and future in your 20s isn’t that straight forward.

I know this is a bit of a ramble, that it might not make sense. I just wanted to try and explain to you all how I was feeling, that in the words of Paramore ’22 is like the worst idea that I have ever had, it’s too much pain, too much freedom, what should I do with this?’ I have no idea what to do and I still feel like I’m finding my feet. I wonder every single damn day if I’m doing things right, what I should be doing next and if I’ll ever feel truly successful. Everything is hammering at my brain and it’s a little exhausting.

Things are going to happen as they happen I’ll keep plodding along, maybe one day it might even make sense!!

I Am A Woman – International Women’s Day Poem 2017

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I am a Woman,

It’s something I’ve grown into, although I didn’t have a choice.

although I didn’t have a choice.

Sometimes I look at the world, through youthful eyes

and they burn in anger.

I look at my sisters around the world and they suffer,

damn it they suffer, for the simplest things.

And all because they have a vagina.

Yes I said the word! The one that makes some flinch

VAGINA! VAGINA! VAGINA!

A part of the body that equals discrimination and a lack of equality.

There’s pressure all around,

to look a certain way.

Although that’s not entirely on the men, we have a part to play.

Why waste our time with waistlines and cellulite,

when our sisters can’t even go to school?

But that won’t get printed in a glossy, on reality TV.

Hell, we rarely talk about inequality!

About mother’s rights and the pay gap.

About sexism all around us, violence and threats.

We can’t rely on leaders, have you seen who’s been voted in?

And so we’ll march, for those who can’t, for ourselves.

We’ll be told to ‘calm down’, that we’re winning the game

but while you control our bodies I don’t think that’s the same.

Say what you want, about my voice so loud.

You cannot keep us quiet, lock us all up.

We’ll carry on resisting, just you wait and see.

We don’t want to control you, just equality.

I am a woman, and I will fight.

I am a woman, and I am strong.

I am a woman, hear me and my sisters roar.

My Love Affair With Live Music

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In 1999 I attended my first concert, it was at Earls Court to see the Spice Girl’s winter tour. I made a sign and held it up to the stage, Victoria Beckham (the Addams) smiled and waved at me. The thrill of the live music, the crowd and the dancing started a life long love affair with live music.

Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to experience so many concerts, gigs and festivals from that moment in 1999, just some of them include:

  • Take That (blame my Mum)
  • Paramore (multiple times)
  • Mallory Knox
  • Postmodern Jukebox
  • Youmeatsix
  • Reading Festival
  • Butserfest
  • Basingstoke Live
  • PVRIS
  • Tonight Alive
  • Don Broco
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Little Mix
  • The Vamps
  • Fall Out Boy
  • We Are The In Crowd
  • Taylor Swift

There are so many more (a lot more cringe-worthy). This doesn’t include all of the gigs and shows I’ve been lucky enough to play with other musicians who blow me away. The combination of watching and playing live has fuelled my passion and love for live music.

There’s something about being in a venue with people, singing along to songs and watching the talented people you admire on stage. Sometimes they’ll even look at you and even though they’re just another person it can make you feel incredible. Live music is more than just a good night out, it’s a feeling. Even now, when I can’t be at the front on the barriers and I can’t stand and dance it still brings me alive.

Do you love live music? What’s your favourite event you’ve been to? Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

Illumicrate review and unboxing

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It’s my first Illumicrate of the year! Once again it has been absolutely incredible. As always this post will be a full review of the box and its contents so if you don’t want to know what’s inside look way now!!

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Inside the box were the normal paper goodies which I loved! This included a postcard for Gilded Cage, bookmark for upcoming novel Following Ophelia and two magnets with V E Schwabb quotes on, although I’ve never read her books they’re exactly the kind of quote I want to surround myself with.  My favourite though was the adorable New Scamander bookmark with my favourite quote from the film, this was designed by Jane’s Tiny Things and an exclusive to Illumicrate.

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Exclusive early copy of Red Sister by Mark Lawrence 

Now this is a big book, an absolute corker. The blurb talks about a young girl being trained to kill while living in a convent…sign me up.

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Hand Stitched Jungle Book Pouch 

This pouch is absolutely adorable. I’ve been a huge Jungle Book fan since I can remember (although I only mean the original Disney movie, I’m not a fan of remakes in most cases) this is another exclusive for the box itself.

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Magic and Mischief Lip Balm 

A funny thing is that I really needed a lip balm and was going to buy one but opened the box first. This is an absolutely incredible at healing cracked and dry lips. I’ll definitely be using this every day until it runs out and it smells gorgeous!

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Wintersong – S. Jae-Jones 

I’d never heard of this novel but has seen it’s cover. It’s another large book which includes a Goblin King. It’s not something I’d personally pick up at the bookshop but I look forward to giving it a go.

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FLame in the Mist Sample 

I really like getting samples, it’ll give me an idea of whether this is something I want to get invested in. Can we take time to appreciate the beautiful artwork on the cover too?

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There may not look like a lot is in this box but I’m a firm believer in Quality over quantity. I loved everything in this box and thought they really out done themselves with the exclusives within it. I’m 100% happy with my box and can’t wait until 2 months time when I get my next!