Book Review: Girl Made of Stars – Ashley Herring Blake

Sep 27, 2018Leave a comment

When your friend accuses your twin brother of rape where do you turn? Your friend wouldn’t lie, but could the brother you love do this? Add in the complication of an ex-girlfriend and it’s enough to tear anyone apart. This is Mara’s reality.

This novel will break your heart, I need to warn you going into this. I read this while stuck in the hospital and I truly escaped into the novel and felt my heart break but was also blown away. This has so many levels, Mara’s relationship with her brother, with her parents and with her friends.

Ashley Herring Blake really captures the grey area of consent. In many cases of sexual assault, particularly when the accused and accuser know each other things get muddy. That said she has perfectly captured the complexity of the situation and at no point blames the victim.

In the era of #MeToo more stories like this are being heard and even though this novel is fictional it reinforces the message: you deserve to be heard. While this is from Mara’s perspective, this does not take away from the emotions of someone to have gone through such an event. It is superbly written

On another note, I love, love, love that there was a bisexual main character. There are very few I’ve seen that show interest in both sexes within the novel, that was a huge thing for me. This isn’t a huge plot point or a twist it just is what it is and I applaud that.

If you haven’t guessed already, I gave this novel 5 stars. It really is a brilliantly written novel which has heart as well as complexity. This is the kind of novel that should be taught in school, that will give young people something to relate to.

I’d love to hear your thoughts you’ve read this novel. Let me know in the comments below!

10 Reasons Autumn Is My Favourite Season!

Sep 24, 20182 Comments

Call me basic if you must but I LOVE Autumn. I think it’s the best season and I’ve said it so many times! Each of the season’s has something wonderful about them (although once Christmas is over, I’m done with Winter) but I’m going to give you 10 reasons why Autumn is the best.

The colours of Autumn!

Just the header of this picture is enough for me. Beautiful oranges, reds, yellows. I love going for walks in Autumn and watching how the colours change. It is a truly beautiful season.

Cosy jumpers

All of them. Big chunky knit jumpers. Do I really need to explain why?

Scented candles and Bath Bombs!

I’ll be hitting up Lush for their Halloween specials, having a lot of lovely smelling baths and being glittery from them (of course). Then there are gorgeous candles with Autumn scents, I found some great ones in local discount shops last year as well as my local Yankee Candle shop. The house is going to be smelling BEAUTIFUL.

Halloween

I love the fun side of Halloween, btw. Pumpkins, fun playlists, lots of sweets, dressing up. I’m not into horror films but give me a witches hat to chill out in every day of October and themed socks.

Hot Chocolate

I absolutely love Hot Chocolate. It’s something a little bit different and I can go to a coffee shop with friends and it’s not weird when I don’t order coffee. Also all the new flavours come in, I’m not a pumpkin girl BUT I get very excited about the Costa varieties.

Spending rainy days under a blanket

All the blankets, with a good book or good TV, is there anything cosier? This might just be me, I really, really like blankets.

Autumn style

It’s boot season! Is it me or do boots make every outfit look better? Also there’s mustard yellow everything, thick tights and oh did I mention boots? I honestly look my best in the autumn those colours are my go to in life!

Socially acceptable book reading instead of going outside

No one will judge you for wanting to spend time at home when it’s rainy and cold. Give me allllll the books people!

Firework night

I know this isn’t one for my followers outside the UK, but we have Guy Fawkes Night every year. There’s bonfires, fireworks and I just have the best memories of bundling up in coats, hats and gloves and going to watch the big display we used to have in my hometown. I love the smell of a bonfire.

The countdown to Christmas!

Winter doesn’t officially start in the UK until the 21st December, so the Christmas countdown is officially part of Autumn! I love getting ready for Christmas, watching the lights go up, buying gifts for friends and family. Eeek!

When We Don’t Listen to Women

Sep 22, 20181 Comment

Now, I don’t blame you if you don’t spend time trawling over the news. It’s pretty gloomy no matter where you live; here in the UK we’re dealing with the Brexit mess, in Europe we’re seeing a rise in racism and then we have the United States.

In the last few years, I’ve taken a lot more of an interest in politics. Firstly at home, and then internationally. Recently, there has been another set of outrage in regards to sexual assault. The current President was accused by many and heard on tape glorifying sexual assault. Now, his choice for the Supreme Court is also being accused.

While, unfortunately, the accusation doesn’t surprise me the level of shaming the accuser is facing is sickening. There have been calls that she is ‘messed up’ from the very people who will decide if this man is to be given the highest judicial honour in the states, before hearing her testimony. Even the president has waded in on Twitter, saying the following:

Yep, that’s the President.

Again and again we see women being ridiculed, ignored. Despite the fact that we’ve had the Me Too Movement, Times Up, that there are incredible feminist writers. That women are proving again and again that they are capable and the rights that have been fought so hard for are being denied.

This blog isn’t just about what’s happening in the world of politics. For me, personally, I’ve been ignored many times just because of my gender. In fact, just yesterday during a meeting with a Gynaecologist, he spoke over me, ignored me and pushed an option I didn’t want again and again.

This is despite the fact that I am living in my body. He didn’t care about my questions or queries. His opinion was I had a coil or I had a hysterectomy. I had to push, almost cry to explain to him that this needs looking into further. Now I have another 6 months to wait. There was no concern or care, I didn’t have a voice about my own body.

When we don’t listen to women, we get closer to going back in time. To forgetting everything we’ve been working so hard to pull together and are still working towards. In fact, as a society not listening to women could be detrimental, because if people hadn’t noticed we’re a big part of the world, you know, 50%.

I know that I might be preaching to the converted here. I just had to get it out there because it is alarming, it is worrying. Is it just me that can’t look away? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

Book Review: Tyler Johnson Was Here – Jay Coles

Sep 20, 20181 Comment

A party, a raid, a body. Marvin Johnson wants to be closer to his twin brother, who’s been drifting recently. After going to a party with him, Marvin’s life will change forever. Shots are fired and in the middle of a police raid Marvin loses sight of Tyler, what he doesn’t know is that he’ll never see him alive again. After searching Marvin gets the news that Tyler is dead, murdered by a police officer. How can he make sense of the world now?

This book is a masterpiece. I absolutely loved this and it deserves to be read everywhere. I had to go to Foyles in London (which I’m not complaining about it’s one of the best shops in the world) to get this and I haven’t seen it in any local stores! But why did I love it so much?

At the beginning of the novel, we meet Marvin, a high school straight A student with a bright future ahead of him. Kind, quiet and caring Marvin is worried about his twin brother, which leads to the previously mentioned party, and Tyler’s death. The novel quickly delves into the world of racial hatred and shooting of young, unarmed black men that we see again and again in the US.

This is a novel, ultimately about family and identity. The fact that Tyler is murdered at the hands of a police officer isn’t the shocking part to the family. These boys are brought up to be wary of police and that was heartbreaking. Their father is already in prison, their mother working as hard as she can to raise them. Is it any wonder that without his brother by his side Marvin feels lost and confused.

A central part of this novel is how Marvin see’s himself. Should he be continuing to try his hardest, to be respectful and separate himself from the stereotype of where he’s from when that’s all people see? Or should he just embrace it? There are parts within the novel where you just want to reach out to him, especially when he mentions his brother has ‘become a hashtag’.

I gave this novel 5 stars. It’s an important read for modern times. Incredibly, this is Jay Coles’s debut novel I can’t wait to see what he does next.

18 Good Things That Happened At 23.

Sep 17, 2018Leave a comment

Well, here we are again I am almost another year older! How the hell did that happen? While I might almost be 24 and officially classed as being in my ‘mid-twenties’ (that’s a whole other post) I think it’s important to look back on the positives of being 23. It was another rollercoaster year so, let’s look back and celebrate the good times!.

1. My blog got the highest number of views it’s ever had!

And it’s still growing guys!!

2. Ali and I completed his first tour apart

Something I never thought I’d be able to manage and now he’s off on his second!

3. I was published in a magazine for the first time!

*dances*

4. I gained confidence in myself – and about time too!

I am much more confident than this time last year. I realised there are some things I’m actually damn good at and no one can take that away!

5. Ali drove around every Sainsbury’s in the local area to try and get me a giant cuddly toy, because he’s the cutest

He couldn’t find the one I initially saw (a giant unicorn saying I believe in you), but he did find me a giant cuddly dragon, we call him Puff and he lives in our living room.

6. I got to play in the most snow I’ve ever seen

Cold, so, so cold.

7. We welcomed BB and Artoo to the family, joining Wickett

Yep, I now have 3 hamsters with Star Wars names. I regret nothing.

8. I got my Fibromyalgia diagnosis

This was a big deal for me and something I’m still getting used to talking about online!

9. I became a published poet

The first of many I hope!

10. I finally went to YALC (blogs part 1 & 2)

It was everything I wanted and more, I’m already planning next year.

11. I celebrated 10 years with Ali

10 years well spent, and I can’t wait for the next 10.

12. I started my own business

One of the best things I have done in my life.

13. I went to Disneyland

DISNEY, DISNEY, DISNEY, DISNEY. Did I mention Disney? One of my happy places.

14. I saw amazing live music

I’m really lucky to get to go with Ali to see shows, I also went to a few great concerts including seeing Paramore again! 😀

15. I went to London…a lot

What can I say it’s the best city in the world?

16. I finally took my happiness into my own hands

It was something I needed to do, not rely on anyone else or anything else.

17. I got back up again, and again

There were so many points I could have gotten knocked down and just given up, and believe me I wanted to at times. I had to get back up and I’m glad I did.

18. I read a lot of good books

A lot, a lot, a lot. Creeping closer to that 100 mark for 2018 guys…I said I was only reading 50.

So here’s to 24! Let’s see if I can make it even better!

Disneyland Paris – Part 2

Sep 16, 20182 Comments

As promised, you don’t just get 1 blog on Disneyland Paris, you get 2! Yay!!! If you haven’t read yesterday’s post on part 1 it’s a cracker so many sure to go and check that out. We were in Paris for 4 days in total, on to Part 2!

Day 3

For our 3rd day, we went back to Disneyland to finish up on some rides (getting there early and heading straight to them was brilliant). We walked on to the Tea Cups without queueing, quickly got on to Dumbo and a few others. We were ON IT. They also made me go on It’s A Small World…

After spending the morning in Disneyland we’d decided to do some shopping then go back to the hotel to pack (Mum and Sums) and nap (me).

After grabbing some food, back to the park for Fireworks!! Now, you all know there is NOTHING better than Disney Fireworks.

Day 4

Our final day was definitely interesting. After dropping our bags we headed back to the Studios. The aim? Get on the Turtle ride, get on the Toy Story rides. And we managed! Just. It was very hot and very busy. One of the rides broke down, all fun and games.

The rest of the day was a mix of Disneyland, shopping and sitting and waiting for our (very delayed train.

The trip was so much fun and I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am that my Mum took us both and treated us. I don’t get to spend time alone with my Mum and Sister very often and it was a lovely break. Am I going back to Disney? Of course. It’s 100% made me want to save up and go to Orlando too!

I will say though, this is how I’m currently feeling – in need of a good sleep!

Disneyland Paris – Part 1

Sep 15, 20189 Comments

It happened! I went back to Disneyland Paris for the first time since 1999. Yep. The last time I went to Disneyland I was 5 years old and things have changed a little bit! This time I went with my Mum and sister and OH MY GOD DISNEY. So, because there is so much to cover so as requested on Twitter I’ve split it into 2 posts. So get ready, here we gooooooo!

Day 1

I had a 4.00am alarm. 4am. To get a lift to the station (thanks Dad!) in London. From there, things got a little manic we got there when we were told but hardly had time to get a cup of tea before rushing off.

We then took a train to Lille, where we changed. Then, after an hours wait, we got onto another train (this time a double decker…apparently that’s a thing?) to get to Disney. The station is right next to the Park, thankfully and we’d already booked for our bags to be taken to the hotel.

By the time we’d arrived we’d been awake for a damn long time, I’d had limited caffeine and was starting to flag. So, we took a look around the shops before taking a peek at Hollywood Studios, which I’d never been to in Paris! We even went in the Slinky Dog ride but, we were absolutely exhausted so went to our hotel to finally check in.

We stayed at the Newport Bay Club which was BEAUTIFUL! I mean c’mon look at that bed. The whole hotel was sea themed, we ever had little porthole designs with the characters in them in our room. The end of day 1 was an early one, with dinner in the hotel. The food was good with options but the best part were the desserts. Tiny, perfect desserts. I went to bed with a happy tummy indeed.

Day 2

Our second day had a really early start but it was okay because we were off to character breakfast in the park! My Mum booked this as a treat for my sister and I. It was so worth it. We met 6 characters and while I still wish I’d seen Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy too we had fun! Here are some pictures of me and my sister that Mum took during the breakfast. And yes, yes I am wearing rainbow ears.

The rest of the day was full Disneyland! We all wore matching shirts and matching ears because, you know, my Mum is adorable like that. So after you’ve just eaten breakfast what’s the first thing you do? Go on Buzz Lightyear shootout of course. I LOVE this ride. Next up I decided I’d give Hyperspace Mountain a go. Stupid me. I didn’t realise it was in the dark, nor that it went upside down. I did it but I was slightly traumatised after.

Through the day we took pictures in front of the castle (obvs), sheltered from the pouring rain before having to shade ourselves later in the day because it was boiling. We went on rides like Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan and Pinnochio – thank god for access fast passes! Mum also treated us to so many snacks and treats…I kinda forgot how much she likes to feed us.

I met my fave, Woody. I LOVE Toy Story and he was just wondering around and so we had to get pictures (which Mum didn’t want to be in because apparently, his head is too big?!) We also waited and watched the parade which was super fun. I haven’t watched a parade in SO LONG. And it really, really is magic and was worth the hour and a half we spent reserving our spaces.

And that’s just the first part of the trip!! Make sure to pop back tomorrow for the second half and even more Disney magic! But, before you go – who’s your favourite Disney character? Let me know in the comments below!

Book Review: 30 Things Before 30 by Hope Alcocer

Sep 13, 2018Leave a comment

‘Twas the night before my thirtieth birthday and all through the house- wait, I don’t have a house. I rent a ridiculously expensive apartment in New York City with the occasional cockroach and a radiator from 1908 that sounds like it’s about to eat me.’

Now, 30 seems scary right? I know it sounds it to me. Next week I’m going to be 24, officially in the ‘mid-twenties’ section of my life. Gulp. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who feel like when your 30 you’re supposed to have your shit together. That’s why I picked up this book and I am so glad I did.

This isn’t going to tell you what you should have done by the time you were 30, but that’s the beauty of it. In this Hope talks of her life and how things didn’t follow a rigid life plan that we’re all supposed to. She talks openly and honestly about her struggles with mental health and the clarity this gave her later on.

There is a whole chapter focused on just trying. Try something out, do what you need to do. This was so refreshing, we’re told so many times that 30 is the end of something, the end of fun perhaps? And Hope challenges this.

This didn’t feel like a self-help book, it felt like listening to a friend give you a pep talk and most importantly, Hope doesn’t pretend that she has all of the answers. She admits that she’s muddling along with whatever life throws at her, she makes mistakes, she doesn’t have a clear idea about what she’s doing but she carries on.

For anyone who’s nervous about heading towards their 30s, no matter how close or how far, this is perfect. In fact, even if you just want a positive read then this is also fab. I gave this 5 stars, it’s a book that I hope to read a few more times to share in Hope’s wisdom. I look forward to also read her first book.

August Favourites

Sep 12, 2018Leave a comment

It’s time for my August favourites… I am very aware that it’s the middle of September. I might have *slightly* forgotten to post it, oops. BUT there we go it’s here now and it’s a pretty good one! Let’s jump in.

Books

This was a month for YALC books (full haul here). My three favourites were all purchased at the convention and I LOVED them. Orbiting Jupiter absolutely broke my heart, This Is Where It Ends made me think and Vox is going to be a huge success. I wrote more about them in my reading wrap up. I read so much in August…let’s see how September goes!

Music

Has anyone else been listening to Sweetener on repeat? Ariana Grande’s latest album has been on constantly – I love it. I can’t wait to go and see her on tour when she next comes to the UK. Next up is an album that *just* got released in August – Emma Blackery’s Villains which has some damn catchy lyrics and is her best album to date. Also, I love Kacey Musgraves at the moment for her cool country vibes.

Musical!

I saw my first Musical in FOREVER! I loved Heathers so much that not only did I write a blog about it, I also booked to see it again in October. If you’re unsure what it’s about, think Mean Girls but a lot darker and set in the 1980s. Could you think of anything better? Nope, neither can I.

Anniversary!

I’ve spent 10 years with this lovely man. It’s hard to put into words the feelings I have for him. We had a small garden party, I went with him to work for the day and we went to the Zoo. All in all a pretty perfect anniversary.

Lego

This is a very odd one. I really like Lego, but in August I LOVED Lego. The new Harry Potter figures were just the start, followed by a bigger Lego set (with spiders), a Star Wars set that I picked up for half price at a car boot sale and a trip to the Lego store in London.

Finally a phone update!

After two years I finally got a new phone, look at the beautiful red colour though!

Ladybird Social

I’m proud that my freelance business is now official! Ladybird Social is now up and running and I couldn’t be happier!

Top Posts

I’m A Freelancer

Why I Will NEVER Use An App For Birth Control

Spending A Day With Sound Engineers

You Matter.

Sep 10, 2018Leave a comment

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s something that I talk about on this blog every year because it is so important. Depression can happen to any one of us and suicidal feelings can be a part of that. I know for a fact that it can feel like you don’t matter, to anyone at all. Your brain lies to you because of an illness you can’t help. I’m here to remind you that you matter.

I’m not going to try and tell you everything is magical and everyone in the world is lovely. People can absolutely suck. When you’re already feeling down other people’s opinions can weigh so heavily on everything you feel. But you know what? While some people can make you feel like absolute shit – there are people in life who you matter to.

There are friends or family members, work colleagues or perhaps even teachers who care and would be upset if you weren’t here. That would feel your absence like a hole in the heart. You’re important to someone – even if you feel like they would be better off without you.

Living with depression is hard. Sometimes, even the smallest of things can feel like a mountain. There are either too many feelings, each and everyone one bubbling to the surface, or none at all and it’s hard to know which one is worse. I’ve lived through both and when I was younger, of course, there were times when I wished it would all just end. Just for everything to stop. BUT I’m glad now that it didn’t.

Slowly, bit by bit you can get better and the road to recovery is different for everyone. For me – talking to someone was key but so was being creative. I wrote a lot of poetry, I wrote songs, I wrote anything I could. For me, I needed to get those feelings out. I took medication, got some 1-1 counselling and eventually those feelings calmed down.

Your feelings and emotions are valid. Your worries, anxieties and pain are valid. But the world is better with you in it! I can’t tell you what to do – I can’t reach through this screen and give you a hug, believe me, I want to. There are people you can talk to when you’re low if there isn’t anyone close to you that you can talk to.

You matter, I promise.

If you’re feeling suicidal please talk to someone, book an appointment with your doctor, talk to a friend or family member. In the UK you can call these numbers:

Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
Visit the webchat page

Papyrus – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm
Text 07786 209697
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won’t show up on your phone bill

The Silver Line – for older people
Call 0800 4 70 80 90