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A Magical Unboxing!

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With Halloween mere weeks away it was time for a magical unboxing! As many of my regular readers know I love a good unboxing and I’ve used Lootcrate in the past. So I finally caved and ordered their Wizarding World crate as a little treat for myself! This crate comes twice a month, making it a little more affordable for us Brits. This crates theme is ‘Magical Must Haves’ Let’s dive in!

 

House Scarf 

One of the great things about the Wizarding World crate is that they ask for your Hogwarts House, I’ve always felt and known in my heart I’m a Gryffindor. This is such a well-made scarf, it’s really thick and has me wishing for chilly mornings so that I can show my house pride. Go, go, Gryffindor!

 

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Honeydukes Sweet Shaped Rubbers

Now, I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed that these weren’t sweet treats initially, because who doesn’t love a Honeydukes treat?! That said these are incredible, they are so well made and well crafted. The Chocolate Frog, Jelly Slug, Sugar Candy Skull and Cauldron Cake. They’re so lovely I almost don’t want to use them and keep them on my bookcase.

 

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Harry Potter’s Wand Pen 

I’m so in love with this pen! I think after the Scarf this is my favourite thing in the crate. It’s well weighted and so well crafted. I’m absolutely in love with it.

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MACUSA Desk Supply Set 

The good thing about the Wizarding World crate is that it includes both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merch. This is a desk set including a list pad, sticky notes, clips and a folder. It was absolutely huge too! Good shout Lootcrate team!

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Horcrux  Locket Pin 

These are now a collection and I’m so sad I’ve missed previous crates! This is really beautiful and of good quality.

 

That’s it! If you’re interested in ordering your own crate the link is here. This post is not sponsored (I wish!) I just really wanted to share with you this new subscription I’ve become a part of!

 

 

Using food as a crutch

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Hello there lovely readers,

If any of you follow me on Twitter (it’s @chloemetzger if you don’t) you will know that recently I’ve been devouring Melanie Murphey’s Fully Functioning Human (Almost). Melanie is a Youtuber and has recently become an author, I absolutely love her videos and just generally her positivity as well as honesty. I bought the book because I thought it would be good, I didn’t guess it would make me confront myself about my eating habits.

Recently, I found out I have a B12 deficiency, although it’s not through diet it did make me think about how I can increase the vitamin to supplement my treatment. So food was already on my mind. The chapter I was reading happened to come at the right time. I’d had a tough day at work, Ali was away in rehearsals, I’d had injections and I was just down and a bit lonely, I went and got a McDonalds including McFlurry on the way home. You guessed it, I’m an emotional eater.

I’ve never addressed my eating habits on this blog, how my mental health and eating are connected. I’ve had it in the back of my mind for a while that my emotions are a big part of what I eat. To put it simply, food makes me feel better. I know that if I’m having a bad day popping into my local supermarket and buying a big bar of chocolate will cheer me up. That said, I overcame these feelings before I graduated! I picked up on what I was doing and cut down.

It’s so easy to make a small treat turn into something really unhealthy. For example, I LOVE Chocolate Eclairs, they’re one of my favourite cakes. When you go to the supermarket a pack of 4 can be as little as £1, whereas buying one from the counter is £1.50. The same goes for sweets, a ‘share pack’ is £1 whereas and individual bag is 70p. So we convince ourselves we’re getting a better deal, then we eat it. It makes it so much harder when you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

I’m about to face a challenge in my life as Ali goes away for 2 months. I also know that in the past year I’ve neglected myself and let unhealthy habits creep back into my day to day as a way of coping with any lows or loneliness. So that I don’t feel down on a Friday night and order a Pizza and Garlic Bread just for myself and then feel gross afterwards. I don’t want to go and buy up all the offers on sweets or biscuits or crisps to fill any sadness.

So, I’m going back to basics like I did when I was first recovering from my broken spine. I’m cutting back and not buying foods I know I will eat in one go but I’m not cutting anything out completely. I’m going back to the gym and trying to get up to two or three times a week. And finally, when I feel the urge to go and stuff my face, I’m going to try and distract myself. I’m going to write or read or call a friend. I’m determined to do this.

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This is me last week, let’s see where we are in 2 months.

Have you ever struggled with using food as a crutch? Let me know in the comments below!

Book Review: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls – Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

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It’s well known that there are a lot of kick ass ladies in history who aren’t taught about or who are looked over. It’s also well known that little girls need people to look up to. So, let me introduce you to a book that covers both of these things. A book that has been raved about online, and I completely understand why.

I just need to say I absolutely adore this book and want to give it to every little girl I know and plan to always have a copy in my home.  Although this is aimed at children I learned so much from it about women I’d never even heard of and I feel like I should have.  There is also great diversity in this book women from across the world with many different achievements, backgrounds, and goals are included.

I did see some complaints online that there wasn’t enough to the stories or they didn’t give that much info but we need to remember that some of these stories didn’t play out so well and this is aimed at children. To me, this was more of a snapshot, I imagine if a little girl, or boy, found someone really cool from this book they might look into them more or ask questions. That’s one of the most beautiful things about this book, it invites thinking and questions and intelligence.

Each woman chosen has their own unique portrait alongside the piece about them and they are stunning. Illustrated in different styles and colours no two looks the same. Additionally, there is a quote from every woman within the illustration to really sum them up as a person, which was a really nice touch.

If you haven’t guessed already, I gave this five stars. I’m in love with it, I would recommend it to absolutely EVERYONE because I honestly think there’s something for everyone to learn from it. There are all these amazing women from all over the world who have done incredible things for humanity, it’s about time they are all celebrated and that’s exactly what this book does.

 

Illumicrate August 2017 Unboxing!

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I absolutely love getting my Illumicrate every 2 months. I’ve been counting down until my next one came, something told me it would be a good one! I wasn’t wrong. As always, this is going to be an unboxing so if you don’t want to know what’s in this months box pop back later!

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Wonder Woman Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo and exclusive pin 

Our first book is an exclusive edition of a new YA novel surrounding Wonder Woman back when she was simply Diana, wanting to ‘prove herself to her warrior sister’. The copy has exclusive red edges and a pin. I’m really intrested to read this one!

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Nyxia by Scott Reintgen 

I picked this up and I cannot stop. This is an exclusive proof copy of a new YA Sci-fi novel. I’m calling it now that this is going to be HUGE. Think of a kind of Sci-fi Hunger Games vibe. That’s all I say, I love it.

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Promotional Bookmarks 

Three promotional bookmarks in this one. Some beautiful designs and interesting reads, I’m looking forward to getting hold of After the Fire.

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Personal Library Savings Jar & Sticky Notes from Blossom Books 

This is ADORABLE it’s a little money jar for savings for your own personal library, although this was hard to show in a picture. They also provided adorable sticky bookmarks and an adorable quote. I’ll definitely be checking out more.

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Exclusive Alethiometer Coaster, artwork by Hannah Hitchman Art 

I’ve never read His Dark Materials so I don’t really get the significance of this but I love the design and it’s really good quality.

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The Red Church Tea by T-Ology (exclusive) 

An Assasin inspired tea that looks like the blood of your enemies. What more could you want?

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Shakespeare Zip Pouch by Miss Phi (Exclusive) 

I’m not a huge fan of Shakespeare’s plays as a whole but I love this pouch! It’s so positive and a really great and versatile size.

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Wisdom Journal designed by Hey Atlas Creative 

Again, this quote isn’t from a book I’ve personally read but it’s a nice design and you can never have too many notebooks…

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Moxie Pin Badges 

I didn’t know this book was going to exist but now I need to read it. These are really cool, feminist badges and have got me super excited to read the novel when it comes out. Info about Moxie, here.

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This is definitely the Illumicrate I’ve enjoyed the most. There’s so much variety and top quality products that I can use in my everyday life. I’m so excited to see what comes in two months time!

[This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are my own]

Sunday Seven: Tips for a Good Work/Life Balance

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Now, to start this post I’m not claiming I have a perfect balance in my life (does anyone) BUT in the past year, I’ve learned a lot about having boundaries between work and home. If you’ve followed my blog for a long time, you’ll know that this started a long time before I was working full-time, I’m terrible at switching off. That said, I do have a few tips to make things easier. So, really, this is for any self-confessed workaholic whether you’re a student, working full-time, volunteering or anything!

Work hard, play harder. 

It’s absolutely fine to work hard, it’s a great feeling to achieve, however, you need to play in your own way. That doesn’t mean going out on the town every weekend, it means finding something that you enjoy! For me, it’s a weekend bookathon!

Plan time with your friends and family. 

If you make plans, you have to stick to them. It’s very easy when you’re at home alone or have nothing planned to sit on your laptop and continue working late into the night. By making plans you need to step away and not think about it!

Working late is ok, but not every day. 

Sometimes you have to have a late night, you have things to do. That’s not a bad thing, deadlines happen or things might go wrong. There might even be a period of late nights (I’m looking at you dissertation writers) but you shouldn’t have to do that every single night.

Switch off your work phone/PC. 

Once the working day is done I switch off my work phone and PC. I’m lucky because I can do that, I’m not on call. If you can do that it’s a great way to switch off and have your own time.

Go to bed at a reasonable time! 

There’s nothing worse than trying to get things done with sleep deprivation. Nothing. Worse.

Make sure you take your allocated holiday! 

If you’re reading this from a working perspective most companies are good at telling you to take your holiday, because they recognise you need a break at times. If you’re a student reading this, I know the temptation to work every hour of the university holidays, you still need a break though, just like everyone else!

If you’re struggling, talk to someone.

I’m really lucky that where I work is incredibly open. If you do feel that things are getting a little too much and you’re working every hour of the day, talk to someone. Just one helping hand could make all the difference!

 

Nine Years, New Adventures

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I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to put in this post. A long post about the love I have for my boyfriend, something funny and quirky, just a simple I love you and a few pictures? Nothing seemed right. Even as I write this, I’m not sure. If you’ve followed this blog go

If you’ve followed this blog for any amount of time, or any of my Social Media channels you’ll know that he’s a big part of my life. It’s too simplistic to say he’s my best friend and leave it there, because it’s more complicated. For the past nine years, Ali has brought out the best in me time and time again. Without him and his gentle nudging I probably wouldn’t have even considered University or been in a band or even been in the job I am today.

It’s not that he makes me who I am, we’re both our own individual selves, it’s more that he’s been a good part of the growing process. I mean he’s literally seen me as a slightly awkward teenager to a less awkward and more confident adult. He’s carried me to the bathroom when I couldn’t walk. He’s cleaned up after me, cooked for me. Most importantly he’s told me no at times and not just instantly agreed with everything I say (although that’s a whole blog post in itself).

Now we’re at the nine-year mark, we’re finding new challenges and adventures. In a few weeks he will be going on his first tour for work, all over the country. This means he’ll be away for two months. It’s a huge opportunity and I’m so proud I could burst, for our relationship though it’s going to be new. I think the most we’ve ever spent apart is two weeks. So it’s a bit of a jump.

With each year that passes we’re going to take on new things as a couple and by ourselves. This time last year we didn’t think we’d both be doing so well at work that he’d be going off touring and I’d be so happy working in design. In the next nine years we’ll probably get married, we might start a family or move. We might be thinking about getting a mortgage or we might be doing something completely different.

Either way, I didn’t know when I fell in love with him at thirteen years old how our lives would map out. I still don’t. I’m pretty sure if we’ve got each other though, we can make anything into an adventure.

To The People Who Stole From My Boyfriend

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Hello,

You probably won’t read this, you don’t even know who I am. On Sunday, I found out about you. I woke up after an incredible time at Brighton Pride with a smile, but that quickly changed. All because of you.

Now, this isn’t going to be an angry and hate filled letter, I don’t want to give anyone the satisfaction. It is, however, to let you know that what you thought was just ‘stuff’ to steal actually meant more. You might have just seen a black bag and thought, no one will miss it.

You see, that bag you stole and the Laptop and the iPad, and the Headphones belonged to my boyfriend. Belonged to someone who’s been doing 12+ hour days as a Sound Engineer so that people like you can enjoy events and festivals. That’s after the years he’s spent training and the three-year degree he worked his butt off for to be able to do that.

I know, that everything in that bag was important. The laptop was a present from when he started university and got him through to now, the headphones have lasted almost 5 years through every assignment and event he’s done. The thing that upset me most was the iPad. Yes, these are just material things but just before we started uni, I gave him the iPad. I gave it to him as a gift. You have stolen that gift.

They will all be replaced, eventually, you see they have to be for his job. A lot of the hours of work and travelling will now be spent on something that you decided you didn’t feel like working for.  It might mean nothing to you, it probably doesn’t but this is just to let you know you didn’t just steal ‘stuff’. You stole from someone doing a job to make other people’s lived more enjoyable. You stole from a human.

And the worst thing? We were at a festival about love. I met some of the most wonderful people that day and now you have tainted both of our memories with your disregard for others. Next time, think before you steal.

 

Chloe

Sunday Seven: Reasons to go to Brighton Pride!

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This weekend I went to my first Pride Festival ever! Abbie and I trekked down to Brighton (in the middle of all the Waterloo closures, not fun) to celebrate love for everyone and to visit Ali while he was working the festival. So, why should you attend Pride? Here are 7 reasons…

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1.This oversized deck chair

Yes, yes I am putting this as a reason. I’m also grateful no one managed to get a picture of me and my tiny legs trying to get out of said deck chair.

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2. The People 

Everyone is happy at Pride and just lovely. Here are two amazing guys we met watching the parade, they also had pink sparkly batons. We shared glitter, spoke to random people, took pictures of groups. It was just a great friendly atmosphere.

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3. You can dance to great, cheesy music

Here I am dancing in the 1985 tent. Yep, there was a 1985 tent. The whole festival was full of incredible music but my heart was definitely with anything cheesy, I wasn’t disappointed. Even if I didn’t know that many of the tunes playing when I was in the tent.

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4. The Parade

Everyone in Brighton gets involved in the Parade. I’ve never seen anything like it, as well as a variety of communities, there were huge brands, all the emergency services. Everyone covered in glitter and stars and rainbows. The floats are huge and absolutely amazing, they also literally stop the whole city centre.

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5. Glitter and bright colours everywhere.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen more glitter in my life than at Pride. Above is how I started my day, pink and blue eyeshadow and multicoloured stars. I thought I was prepared. It was so glittery that even the floor on the street was covered in glitter, all the toilets, everything. All. The. Glitter.

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6. To have a great day with your friends 

Abbie and I got to have a great time being silly, drinking wine and just having a damn good time at the best party we’ve ever been to.

 

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7. To celebrate love and remember those who can’t 

This is the whole reason for Pride. We’re celebrating all kinds of love. We’re also remembering those who have died for their love, those who cannot be open in love and more.

 

A big thank you to my best friend Abbie for taking a lot of these photos while we were trying to say phone battery ❤

Feminist Fridays: Women’s Glossy Mags

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Pop down to any local supermarket or corner shop and in one section you’ll see a spread of glossy covers with pink lettering and ‘perfect’ women gracing the cover. You can’t hide the fact that women’s glossies are a huge industry and not one that’s slowing down anytime soon.

So, how does that sit with my feminist instincts? In the last few years, there have been subtle changes in the writing, less ‘how to please your man’ and more ‘how to be successful’. But there is still endless articles on relationships, fashion and makeup. It’s a thin line.

A year or so ago I stopped reading women’s mags because they didn’t make me feel great about myself and because after reading The Vagenda, I felt that a break might be good. In the last month or so I’ve found myself picking them up again, browsing and just reading bits I want to but it’s troubled me.

Am I less of a feminist for buying into the culture? Does it matter what I read? Am I influenced by articles and wrinkles and cellulite? I think I’m not but sometimes I fear I am. I write for a magazine (pre-order it here) and hope that it is inspiring. I want my writing to empower women, not make them want to change themselves.

Of course, there are steps in the right direction, talking of women’s plights around the world, politics, women’s marches, LGBTQ rights, and more. There is definitely a shift in the issues, but is it enough? Can we put issues of cosmetic surgery, brands that only the elite can afford and similar sit that close to each other?

So lovely reader, I ask you, can glossy mags still be Feminist? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Let me know in the comments below!

Rest in Peace, Chester

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I had a whole other blog planned tonight, but as I switched on my laptop I saw the news and posting a happy and fun book review just seemed wrong. Chester Bennington, singer of Linkin Park has killed himself. It’s genuinely shocked me. Even though I haven’t listened to Linkin Park in a really long time, it was such an integral part of my teenage years and getting me through some of the darkest periods. The fact that he’s gone, someone who’s voice and work has helped so many to be gone.

How can a voice that helped me get through my darkest days have died in such an awful way?  I’m not claiming I was a huge fan but Minutes to Midnight was an album I listened to on repeat because it just reflected how I felt. It was a time where I was lonely, depressed and just had this darkness inside me. When I couldn’t sleep I’d listen to it, along with others, when my mind was going at 100 miles per hour. It was more than just an album to me.

I’m listening to Minutes to Midnight as I write this, feeling so damn emotional. Hell, I don’t even know if this post will make sense. There are so many of us out there with physical, emotional and mental scars. Music was one of the things that saved me, I listen to this album and remember the strength I got from it and the thought that Chester was so low when he helped so many of us just breaks my heart. For his family, his band mates, his fans and the rock community it’s a terrible day.

When things like this happen we need to reach out to those who are struggling or who have struggled in the past. We need to listen to each other, love each other and make it ok for anyone to talk when they’re struggling. I’m not talking about waiting lists and doctors, I’m talking about and every one of us having empathy and openness for those around us.

If you’re reading this and struggling, it’s ok. You’re allowed to feel that way. If this news has knocked you for six, that’s okay too. There’s no clear guidelines or way to have a mental illness, you never know what is going to bring you to your knees. You’re allowed to feel and hurt. Remember you are valuable, you are loved and you are worth it. Reach out to people who love you, practice self-care and speak to someone.

Rest in Peace Chester, thank you so much. 

 

If you need to speak to someone please contact the Samaritans, don’t suffer in silence.