Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Fifteen – What I’ve Been Binging

Apr 7, 2020Leave a comment

Now, this is optimum binge time whether that’s TV, Films, YouTube or Books whatever is getting you through the days is a great way to distract yourself and beat the boredom that I know a lot of us are really starting to feel. Also, if you’re so distracted by your screen or page then you’re not going to want to risk going outside, it’s a win win.

So, here are some of the things I’ve been consuming and for once guys, I’m on trend with something that’s on Netflix (this never happens):

Tiger King

I kept seeing people talking about it and I wanted to have a day to just do nothing and this was the perfect distraction because it was so damn insane. I can’t believe this is part of real life and these things have actually happened?!

I thought of doing a whole post on my thoughts on the show, if that’s some lockdown entertainment you’d like then let me know below.

ANYWAY I digress, this was bat shit insane and I just couldn’t stop watching, I spent 7 hours of my day watching – who even am I at this point?! I just have to say though, no one on that show can call themselves a rescuer of big cats. They’re all pretty terrible.

Brooklyn 99

We started watching 99 before the lockdown as something to watch while we ate dinner now we’re back – to the point where Netflix has asked if we’re still watching…

Of course we’re still watching, what else is there to do right now?!

Stranger Things

I know, I KNOW. Where have I been? It’s taken me this long to watch Stranger Things but that’s mostly because I am a huge scaredy cat and when I tried to watch it a few years ago the first part of the first episode I wasn’t sure if it was for me.

Then after the encouragement from friends I started watching it and did 3 episode in one sitting, only stopping because it got dark – I’m not watching it in the dark because I’d like to be able to sleep at night without staring at the walls.

The Boys

So, what if superheroes were celebrities? They were real an in movies with their own sponsorship deals. What if they weren’t as good as they seem. Ali and I watched the entire first season pretty quickly on Amazon Prime and the cliff hanger at the end had me shouting at the TV.

This is definitely adult viewing and can get pretty dark but it just works.

Wayward Children Series

Now for a book series, come on you knew it was coming. I recently got a free trial of Scribd because I kept seeing a lot of booktubers talking about and thought I might as well now I have the time.

These books are so strange but so good. It’s fantasy with a bit of a horror element about children who go to magical worlds and what happens when they come back.

I also love the audiobooks, they’re 4-5 hours long and I’ve been listening every day and I’m now on book 3. Hooked.

Poetry (General)

While I’ve struggled to sit and read full books at the moment but Scribd has so much poetry and I’ve been making my way through the collections. Some of them I’ve meant to read forever but seeing as poetry is quite expensive I can’t always get them but this is a great way to spend time.

What have you been binging and what should I get through next?

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Fourteen – Taking A Break

Apr 6, 2020Leave a comment

I didn’t post over the weekend. In fact I didn’t do much of anything, I let myself rest and relax. If you’re a regular reader you’ll know I am not good at relaxing at the best of times, let alone in the middle of a pandemic.

I’ve binge watched Tiger King (insane, absolutely insane), eaten a lot of chocolate, started Stranger Things (finally) and I build an expert level Lego Mini Cooper set. That was my weekend. I needed a break from everything, including my own mind – which isn’t always easy.

Sure, I planned to blog every day but I’m not kicking myself when it doesn’t happen because this isn’t Blogmas – this is a really weird time and I don’t know how often I’m going to say that.

So while this is short, enjoy my Lego build…there are a few more to come!

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Eleven – 30 Things I’ve Done So Far To Entertain Myself

Apr 3, 20201 Comment

Last night while I was trying to fall asleep I started thinking about all the ways that I had been trying to entertain myself since we went into lockdown. Seeing as I’m writing daily posts right now, I thought why not share it with you guys?

Some of these might be specific to me and some of them you can do too.

Reading – Yep I’m trying to tackle my physical TBR right now, I even have a TBR for the month of April.

2. Playing Ukulele – I’ve played around with ukulele for years and it was fun to have something else to focus on.

3. Watching the first season of The Boys on Amazon Prime – Ali got me to watch this series and it’s pretty messed up at times but so good. That said I’ve had some super weird dreams since.

4. Doing a puzzle – 1,000 piece Harry Potter puzzle…it’s harder than you think.

5. Calls with friends and family – I’ve done a lot of Facetime, House Party and just normal calls recently and it’s one of the nicer sides of lockdown.

6. Blogging – almost every day – yep and to think I struggled with Blogmas last year?!

7. Attending a virtual birthday party – Our friend Ben turned 27 and obviously we couldn’t go and celebrate with him so we all got online, had a few drinks and played games.

8. Starting a sign language course – I’ve wanted to properly learn sign language and with a reduced offer I was able to start learning properly.

9. Working on a book – watch this space, my Gramps has set me the goal of finishing it by Christmas. 👀

10. Listening to podcasts – I’ve been listening a little here and there, particularly while doing number 11…

11. Sorting out my wardrobe – I have a lot of clothes to get rid of, so many.

12. Cleaning – I know, I know – who even am I?

13. Watching YouTube – There is so much content on YouTube right now! I’ve been watching so much.

14. Singing – I’ve been getting back into it and damn it’s felt good.

15. Solo dance party – honestly a lot of fun and a great way to cheer myself up.

16. Making a pillow bed – need to be comfy while watching all that TV, right?

17. Cooking – not well I may add, it’s still not my thing but I have done more of it.

18. Waxing my eyebrows – relax guys I’ve been doing this for years but I definitely felt much more human after they were a little more tamed.

19. Online therapy – My therapy sessions moved online and I’m really grateful, we’ve had technical difficulties but they are helping.

20. Movie nights – I watched 2 films on Ice Hockey back to back – for context Ali used to play…I never got to see it.

21. Writing lists – I bet this one really surprised you, huh?

22. Drinking Gin – duh.

23. Lots of hamster hugs – there are mixed reactions from the hams about me being at home more than usual.

24. Long Baths – Quickly running out of Lush products…

25. Making Playlists – I made a positivity playlist and sent it to my family on Apple Music, it was pretty fun.

26. Building Lego – If I had the money I would have ordered the Hogwarts castle the night we went into lockdown.

27. Order a takeaway – Pizza is a life saver right now.

28. Listening to audiobooks – So I found Scribd and I absolutely love it AND I got 30 days free? Awesome.

29. Walks – I was only able to start doing this today because I was so anxious but I’m hoping I’ll be doing more.

30. Quality time with Ali – I’ve actually really enjoyed the time we’ve been able to spend just being together. Which is good because the alternative was killing each other.

What have you been doing to entertain yourself in lockdown? Let me know below!

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Ten – Getting Into Routine…Kinda

Apr 2, 2020Leave a comment

Well people we’ve made it through a week and a half of the first part of the UK Lockdown and I think I’m getting into some kind or routine or a new normal at least.

This morning felt a little easier, there was no magical change and I haven’t suddenly fallen in love with not leaving my home or seeing a real life human being, but it was okay. I might have slept terribly but I got up and felt more normal.

For the first time in I don’t know how long I was able to get up, drink my tea and catch up on some YouTube without feeling the panic and dread. I managed to do some bits around the house, shower, wear real clothes, get some ideas down and crack on with work.

It might not sound like a huge deal, maybe to some it isn’t but adjusting isn’t going to be easy. Every day that I can have some kind of control over my life and the little bit I can still do by myself and for myself. For the last few weeks my anxiety had gotten to such a level that I haven’t felt like myself at or, or like I have any way to make myself better.

I got frustrated this evening when I did feel that wave of sadness and hopelessness hit. I did cry and want to crawl into bed for a few hours. You know what I did? I let myself have some time to get the emotions out, I talked to Ali and some of my friends about my anxieties about going outside…and it was still progress.

As each day continues, I’m hoping I can have a little more structure. I’ve still got an alarm set for weekdays that I try and stick to and have a rough to-do list written down. It’s not ‘normal’ and so long as this virus is around it won’t be but finding some day to day routine has to help.

Are you getting into any kind of new routine? I’d love to hear about it! Let me know below or tweet me on @chloemetzger!

Book Review: The Five – The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper – Hallie Rubenhold

Apr 2, 2020Mar 28, 2020Leave a comment

Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane are famous for the same thing, though they never met. They came from Fleet Street, Knightsbridge, Wolverhampton, Sweden, and Wales. They wrote ballads, ran coffee houses, lived on country estates, they breathed ink-dust from printing presses and escaped people-traffickers.

What they had in common was the year of their murders: 1888. The person responsible was never identified, but the character created by the press to fill that gap has become far more famous than any of these five women.

I saw this book advertised and thought it looked intriguing after seeing it on a YouTube channel – a few days later it appeared as an Audible deal so I snapped it up for £1.99 and I’m so glad I did.

The focus in history is always on Jack the Ripper. Who was he? What was his motive? What did these women do to cross his path? There was hardly a mention of them women, who they were and what happened in their lives. I’ll admit that like most people I hadn’t considered more than what I was told.

Learning about these women, about their lives, families and their circumstances was fascinating. The lengths that Rubenhold has gone to to research their stories is incredible and this deserves all of the awards it has won. The book is more than just life stories, we can look at Victorian society and the ever changing landscape of the industrial revolution and the people who were struggling to get by.

I had no idea about the level of addiction at the time for normal everyday people and the impact this had on women in particular. It also humanised these women, that they simply fell into hard times and paid the ultimate price. The suggestion that they were prostitutes were mostly unfounded and another hit at the ‘downtrodden women’.

Of course this is embellished for the book, there is no way of knowing what the women were thinking or their exact movements but this doesn’t take away from the information we are given. I am awestruck by Rubenhold’s ability to really draw us in to these women’s stories and feel for them.

Without a doubt this was a 5 star read for me. Seeing this other side of history feels like we are giving some kind of voice to those women who have been ignored in their own deaths. An excellent book and I would also highly recommend the audiobook.

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Eight – Books To Cheer You Up In Lockdown

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Nine – Gaining Weight During Lockdown

Apr 1, 20202 Comments

Come on, I know that at least some of you have been thinking about it so I’m going to talk about it – I know I have. For 3 and a half weeks before this all kicked off I was working with a personal trainer, going to the gym 1-2 times a week and I’d cut down what I was eating. I’d managed to lose a good chunk of weight and was seeing results.

The we went into lockdown – which just seems to be the story of everything at the moment, right? First I couldn’t get my protein, then the gym shut and then, honestly, I didn’t have the motivation or the mental energy to think about it.

I’ve seen a lot of people loving Joe Wicks workouts, setting themselves goals and getting fit. I’m really pleased it’s working for them but, mentally that isn’t me right now. Will I put the weight back on that I lost? Probably. I can’t help but think though in the grand scheme of things – does it matter?

Of course I want to look good for my wedding but it’s 9 months away, adding another thing in my life to get stressed about isn’t going to help me right now and it probably isn’t going to help you either.

If you’re struggling with motivation it’s ok! If you’re off your normal healthier eating plan, that’s ok too. These times aren’t normal and we all need to do what we need to do to get through. On the flip side if working out and trying to stay as normal as possible helps – that’s cool too!

Basically now is the time to be kind to yourself and your mind. If that includes eating the contents of your kitchen that’s fine. We will have time after this to hit the gym and (hopefully) get out in some sunshine.

Also, balls to being ‘summer ready’ – I’d much rather have a bigger arse and a healthier mind when I get out of this then be down 2 dress sizes.

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Eight – Books To Cheer You Up In Lockdown

Mar 31, 2020Leave a comment

We’ve made it over a week into lockdown and my reading mojo is back! Yippie! When I was looking at my shelves to plan for this post I realised something – I don’t reach for happy or cheerful books first.

Recently though I’ve found myself really liking romance books as a way to escape, which has come in handy during lockdown as they’ve been the books getting me out of my slump.

So these are some of the books I’ve read that I think will make you smile or cheer you up – also I definitely need to invest in some more cheerful books once things are back to normal…

Red White and Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston

This was huge online last year and for good reason! The First Son of the USA and the Prince of Wales, enemies to lovers and some steamy chapters. What’s not to love in this? Like the sound of it? You can read my review here.

How To be Champion – Sarah Millican

I’m a big fan of Sarah’s comedy and had planned to pick up her book but it happened to come into my life at just the right time. I’d lost my job and was in need of a little boost and this was perfect. It’s really funny and I’d recommend checking out the audiobook too. You can check out my review here.

The Flatshare – Beth O’Leary

I did warn you I like romances at the moment! This has been everywhere recently and for good reason. It’s an absolutely adorable story with a few twists and turns one of which make me shout ‘oh my god you bastard’ out loud while listening. Thankfully I was in my own home while listening…

Also I adored the audiobook, in which Carrie Hope Fletcher narrated as Tiffy. All of my thoughts are here.

Heartstopper – Alice Oseman

One of my favourites and there are 3 volumes out right now so you can really enjoy it! Two teenage friends who fall in love. It is absolutely adorable.

Although, as a warning, things to get more serious in volume 3. You can read my review of volume 1 here to give you and idea of how damn sweet it is.

Dear Girls – Ali Wong

Ali Wong is hilarious, just watch her stand up and she only went and wrote a book too! Equal parts nose snorting funny and really sweet, I highly recommend…as long as you’re not easily offended. Review here.

The Paper & Hearts Society – Lucy Powrie

A book about friendship and finding your place in the world. The second book is due to come out this year so it’s the perfect time to get started in this absolutely wonderful series. I wrote about it here.

These are some that I thought would make you smile right now, while some might have a part which isn’t as happy I’m sure by the end of it.

Do you have any you’d recommend? Let me know below!

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Seven – Little Wins

Mar 30, 2020Leave a comment

Yesterday I fell asleep at 8.30pm, hence there lack of blog and I think I needed it. While I have been going to bed earlier I’ve felt absolutely exhausted and I think that’s to do with my mental health.

A lot of people are struggling mentally right now and it makes total sense as to why. Even people who don’t live with mental health difficulties are finding it tough right now, which is completely valid. That said, I’m fine to admit that I am mentally struggling, as I said before a lot of my mechanisms aren’t available right now.

It’s because of this that I’m focusing on the small wins every day. Today I’ve managed to get up, get showered, get dressed, eat fairly regularly and work. It might not sound like much but having some kind of motivation was great.

Getting big wins can feel pretty impossible for most of us right now. So by focusing on something as small as getting showered and dressed in the morning, getting a little work done or something that we enjoy should be enough.

I set out the 4 things that I want to do every day and I’m trying to stick to them as best I can it gives me something to aim for that doesn’t take much out of me. At the end of the say I’m still living with a chronic health condition and a mental illness. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not superhuman, that I have to do what I have to do.

What are your little wins?

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Five – Four Things I Want To Do Daily

Mar 28, 20202 Comments

Like many freelancers I’ve seen a drop in work because of what’s going on and while that is absolutely terrifying it also means I have more time and not much I can do.

I’ve seen people say that they’re going to learn a new language, decorate their houses or do something really amazing and creative. I’ll be honest, right now, getting up, dressed and showered is a sign of a good day. That said, I wanted to have little, achievable goals for my days in lockdown.

While these might not be amazing and they might not change or accelerate my life it’s something I can do right now to put a smile on my face.

Start The Day Reading

Today and last Saturday I started the day reading and it was really soothing. It’s no secret that I love books, all I do is read BUT being able to escape into another life or another world is a great form of distraction and counts towards my yearly Goodreads goal. So really it’s a win, win situation.

Write for 20 Minutes

A while ago I saw on Victoria Schwab’s Twitter that she said writing for 20 minutes at a time is how a lot of her books were written. Having dedicated time for writing and in short bursts helped her and I thought I should try that.

I might as well start now and who knows my book might actually get written. A first draft is a good start but if I make it into a daily habit then who knows.

Find A Positive Thing/ Silver Lining

It might feel like the world is on fire and everything is awful BUT there are some little things to be grateful for. I want to try and find something every day to bring a little light or a little hope.

Listen To Music

I’ve found that music is really helping me right now. Back when I was really depressed as a teenager music got me through a lot. I would have my iPod playing through classes where I could get away with it (whether the teachers noticed and didn’t care or just forgot I was there who knows) and at night when my anxiety was bad I would just play music until my brain calmed enough.

So I’ve been alternating between my positivity playlist, Apple Music playlists and albums I like to keep my brain at bay. Seeing as it’s something that is working it makes sense to try and do it every day.

What’s something you want to do every day? I’d love to hear below!

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Four – Ups and Downs

Mar 27, 2020Leave a comment

I’ve got a few ideas of what to write for these daily blogs but seeing as we’ve got at *least* twenty-one days of this I’m going to try and spread them out.

If I’m honest I didn’t know what to write today. The positivity is running a little low and today has been hard. I’m having moments where I want to create lists of things I can do with the extra time I have, others where I want to just sleep.

I’m no stranger to ups and downs – living with a chronic health condition and a mental illness means that I deal with them a lot, but right now it’s different. I’ve spent the past few years building coping strategies but this is unchartered territory.

We’re all trying to work out how to make ourselves happy when we can’t live our normal lives. That said, even my introverted little heart is finding it a bit much not to go outside, because the fun of self isolation.

I think right now it’s a case of rolling with the punches. Is this new advice? Nope but it’s the only thing I have right now.

This probably isn’t the most riveting blog but I want these to be honest. This whole situation is tough and how I feel right now is just a part of it.