I’ve had a particularly rough time this week with unexpected sadness and shocks. It has meant that I didn’t always put my own self-care as I should if I’m honest I haven’t been for a little while. Now I’ve had some time to think and self-care is what I need, so here are seven self-care tips.
Warm drinks
Walks 
A Good Box Set
A Good Book
A Bubble Bath
Time With Friends
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Today saw women of the UK marching in London ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday. When I was younger I wrongly believed the rhetoric that women had it better, what was the fuss about today, on the other hand, I’ve been I’ve been wearing a jumper that proudly proclaims I’m a feminist ‘Feminism – The Radical Notion That Women Are People. So why did women need and want to march? Here’s just 7 reasons.
Because women are not equally represented in parliment.
Because around the world women still don’t have access to reproductive healthcare.
Because women are taught that we should be trying to prevent sexual assault, rather than talking about the real problem, and it’s not the length of our skirts.
Because gender expectation and stereotypes hurt both women and men. I 100% believe that the high rates of men’s suicide are down to outdated gender stereotypes.
Because women are taxed for Towels and Tampons, but if we didn’t wear them we’d be judged and ridiculed.
Because women face judgement whether they become mothers or not about their choices.
Because we deserve to be heard.
I cannot control my excitement that it’s finally pancake day this week! I absolutely LOVE pancakes, they’re easy to make, delicious and there’s a whole day to celebrate them. Here’s some ideas for toppings this week!
Have a sweet side? Ice Cream, Double Cream and syrup might hit the spot.
Feeling the American way? Maple Syrup on pancakes is on every breakfast menu in the US, you might want to embrace the syrupy goodness.
If you’re a fan of the savoury over the sweet then throw in some bacon, because who doesn’t love bacon?
Now I’m not against a plain pancake, they’re actually one of my favourites. Throw ’em my way.
Nutella and Bananna has become HUGE. Personally, I’d rather just have the Nutella but if you want some healthy and unhealthy in one mix then this would be one for you.
Sugar, simple and sweet.
Lemon, another classic but this time to give your tastebuds a kick.
What will you be having on your pancakes this week? Let me know in the comments below!
This week, I wanted to share with you seven books that are currently on my TBR pile. I actually have stacks of books that I haven’t read yet and can’t wait to, so picking seven is pretty tough. Here are just some of the books I own that are working their way up to to be read pile.
Schindler’s Ark
I’ve meant to get around to this for a long time. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book and its portrayal of the Nazi’s terror in occupied Poland and an unlikely hero.
Dreadnought
After hearing about this from Cici on her Booktube channel I had to get hold of a copy and was ecstatic about receiving a review copy. Superheroes, LGBTQIA characters and humor. Sign me up!
Something In Between
When immigration is such a talked about topic in both the UK and the US right now, I need to read this. A novel about a high achieving and for all the outside, a perfect student, who has a secret past as an illegal immigrant meaning she can’t get ant financial help to go to college.
All About Mia
I LOVED The Art of Being Normal , so when I found out that Williamson was releasing a second novel I snapped it up in my local Waterstones. A novel about being the middle child, growing up and always being the source of trouble, I can’t wait to read it.
Girls Will Be Girls
I picked this up on a trip into London, I want to read a lot more feminist literature and this seemed like a good addition to the list.
Soulmates
Now, this isn’t something I’d normally pick up but seeing as I loved Holly Bourne’s other books so much I need to read through her first.
The Zookeepers Wife
I really want to see the film of this when it comes out but can’t stand going to see the film without reading the book first if I can help it. I need to get a move on!
What’s on your TBR pile? Let me know in the comments below!
Yesterday millions marched across the world against the 45th president of the United States and his hatred and misogyny. While unfortunately, I couldn’t be marching with them, I was supporting them. I wanted to use today’s post to share some of the brilliant pictures I’ve seen across the internet in the last 24 hours.
This is one of the first the caught my eye, because it’s true.
I loved this because to me, he is like a fictional villain, and that’s worrying in itself.
Men supporting women is important and it’s important to note that there were men supporting the marches too, they’re using their voices too, which is needed.
Do I need to say more about why this is such a strong image?
A strong statement on so many levels.
Princess Leia was one of the first characters to be a strong female. It’s only right that she was there too.
It’s important to remember that this march was about so much more than women, it was about anyone who has felt marginalised and like they need to raise their voices.
For today’s Sunday Seven I wanted to share with you some of my favourite pictures I’ve taken myself. If you like these, don’t forget you can follow me on Instagram on chloemetz_.
A new year means new book releases and I am so excited. I have had a little nose around at what’s going to be coming up this year and there are definitely some crackers to get excited about! So let’s get stuck in.
This Is How It Always Is – Laurie Frankel
‘When he grows up, Claude says, he wants to be a girl. Rosie and Penn want Claude to be whoever Claude wants to be. They’re just not sure they’re ready to share that with the world. Soon the entire family is keeping Claude’s secret. Until one day it explodes.’
I’m intrigued by the fact that hiding their child’s true self ‘explodes’ and what this means, I really hope this is a novel that shows what it means to be a family in this situation.
Full blurb on Goodreads.
This is how it happened – Paula Stokes
When Genevieve Grace wakes up from a coma, she can’t remember the car crash that injured her and killed her boyfriend Dallas, a YouTube star who had just released his first album. Genevieve knows she was there, and that there was another driver, a man named Brad Freeman, who everyone assumes is guilty. But as she slowly pieces together the night of the accident, Genevieve is hit with a sickening sense of dread—that maybe she had something to do with what happened.
I’m really interested in this novel because it looks at the idea of hero worship of Youtube stars, guilt and a mystery. Sign me up.
Full blurb on Goodreads.
The Art of Feeling – Laura Tims
Since the car accident, Samantha Herring has been in pain, not only from her leg injury, but also from her mother’s death, which has devastated her family. After pushing away her friends, Sam has receded into a fog of depression. But then Sam meets Eliot, a reckless loner with an attitude and an amazing secret—he can’t feel any pain.
I know what it’s like to live with chronic pain after my own injury so the premise of this is really interesting. It’ll be interesting to pick it up and see what the authors interpretation of living with chronic pain is,
Full blurb on Goodreads.
Happy – Fearne Cotton
“This book is a way to release what’s going on inside your head and to keep heading towards the good stuff. The simple stuff. The stuff that’s going to really hit up that happiness on a deep and nourishing level. Whether you dip into these pages every now and then when you feel you need it, or use it daily as a positive exercise, I hope it brings you much relief, joy and calm. Amen to the pen.” – Fearne Cotton
I was told this is a book for over-thinkers, sign me up right now.
A Quiet Kind of Thunder – Sara Barnard
Steffi has been a selective mute for most of her life – she’s been silent for so long that she feels completely invisible. But Rhys, the new boy at school, sees her. He’s deaf, and her knowledge of basic sign language means that she’s assigned to look after him. To Rhys, it doesn’t matter that Steffi doesn’t talk, and as they find ways to communicate, Steffi finds that she does have a voice, and that she’s falling in love with the one person who makes her feel brave enough to use it.
I want to read a lot more diverse books this year and the premise of this book fills me with happiness at the blurb. I need to get me hands on this one.
Find it on Goodreads.
Difficult Women – Roxane Gay
The women in these stories live lives of privilege and of poverty, are in marriages both loving and haunted by past crimes or emotional blackmail.
I haven’t read too many collections of short stories, but I’d like to try and read a few more. I absolutely loved Roxane Gay’s Ted Talk when I watched it in uni, Bad Feminist has been on my TBR forever, so it only makes sense to add Difficult Women to my list. That and I think we need more ‘difficult women’ in the world.
Full blurb on Goodreads.
Sour Hearts – Jenny Zhang
Centered on a community of immigrants who have traded their endangered lives as artists in China and Taiwan for the constant struggle of life at the poverty line in 1990s New York City, Zhang’s exhilarating collection examines the many ways that family and history can weigh us down and also lift us up.
This is the first novel from Lena Dunham’s publishing company. While I have mixed feelings about Lena and the comments she makes, she’s really struck gold by the looks of it. This is another novel I want to read that shows diversity and the struggles of others in regards to immigration. I feel like this is also needed when we’re facing the leader of the free world being so anti-immigration.
Full blurb on Goodreads.
CHRISTMAS IS A WEEK AWAY PEOPLE, A WEEK AWAY. So, for this week’s Sunday Seven I wanted to share with you some of my Christmas traditions, some are new, some are old but they’re always important to me.
Paris Baubles
There are some Baubles that my Mum bought all the way back in 1998 from Disneyland Paris. These now live at the top of the tree so the cat doesn’t get them. I love seeing these and that they’ve lasted so long.
Christmas Eve PJs
My sister and I always get matching PJs on Christmas Eve, here are some beauties that we got back in 2014.
Christmas Stockings
I LOVE getting a stocking each year with little bits and pieces, usually including underwear, chocolate and socks.
Bacon Sandwiches and Tea
Christmas morning Dad always makes us bacon sandwiches and we have a cup of tea, a good way to start a busy day.
Family Visit
We always see family on Christmas Eve and Christmas day and do the rounds seeing Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Having the Queen’s Speech on after eating
I’m not that bothered by the Queen’s speech personally, I think she’s sweet but don’t that’s about it.
Boxing Day Sales
I’ve always gone to the sales with my Mum, Sister and Nanna, although now I can drive I can go in a little later, specifically for the 50% off Lush sale of whatever is left over of Christmas stock.
What are you guys up to at Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!
I can’t believe that as I write this I’ve been at my new job over a month. I didn’t think when I graduated that I would get to Christmas and would have had two jobs, two new starts but that’s just the way life has gone. For this week I wanted to share 7 tips from my first month in a new job!
Rush hour can be avoided
I hate traffic, really, really hate it. So I asked to adjust my hours and now work 8-4, it is harder sometimes to get up when it’s cold and dark but I save money in petrol and don’t feel stressed when I get to work.
Tea is for bonding
There’s nothing better for bonding at work than a cup of tea or coffee. I’ve had many an interesting chat in the kitchen.
Believing in yourself is key
I was so nervous when I started and full of self-doubt but I realised I had good ideas and I would learn things I didn’t know. Believe in yourself because the people who hired you must!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
I’ve never worked in lighting, there was a lot I had no idea about so I find myself asking a lot of questions. It hasn’t done any harm, it’s better that you ask and get it right rather than struggling in silence.
Get as involved as possible
This month we’ve had a surprise lunch, Christmas party and there’s going to be a Secret Santa this week. I’ve been out to shows, up to Birmingham to go and meet customers and am making plans for next year!
The past is the past
I worried a lot about things I’d gotten wrong before I started this job, but worrying about them didn’t help me. The past is the past for a reason.
Don’t be scared to share your ideas!
You’re there for a reason, as a new person you’ll see things differently because you have a new perspective, use it. It doesn’t matter if your ideas aren’t what they’re looking for the fact that you’ve got a voice and you’ll use it!
Chloe Metzger 