General Election – We proved them wrong

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I’m breaking my normal schedule today because I am filled with pride. While the General Election didn’t exactly get the result I was hoping for, there was one piece of good news. There was a lot of talk in the last few months about how Millenials won’t vote. For some reason there was a multitude of false reasons about why were, apparently, weren’t going to vote. Some of my favourites were:

  • We’re lazy
  • We’re self obsessed
  • We don’t care
  • We didn’t bother before

Well, yesterday 72% of 18-25 year olds turned up and voted. We were engaged and I firmly believe that it is because of my age bracket that the Conservatives did not get the majority. I’m hoping that this sends a message to the government now. That young people want change and we want to be respected. More than anything I’m proud that people are going to take control of their future. We made a difference.

Now, I am nervous about what is to happen. I don’t think the next 5 years are going to be easy BUT we will get through them. We’ll get through whatever happens with Brexit and we’ll carry on. That’s that. I’m hoping that in the next general election young people continue to vote, I’ll be 27 (!?!?) so not classed as a young voter anymore but I will continue to use my right to vote and encourage others.

Well done Millenials, I’m so proud to be one of you!

I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING! (But nor does anyone else)

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Ah the life of a graduate, the new and exciting opportunities, meeting new people, perhaps travelling, isn’t it wonderful? Well, it would be if life worked out like that. Recently I was talking to a few friends of mine who are coming into the final part of their last year at uni (how it’s been a year since that was me I don’t know) and they had the normal worries of a final year. Worries about the deadlines and dissertations but most importantly feeling like you don’t have a bloody clue what you’re doing. So I let them in on a little secret, I don’t know what I’m doing and as far as I can work out nor does anyone around me, some are just better at pretending than others.

My graduate life is different to how I thought it would be, because working full time every day is hard. It’s a different kind of hard work to what uni was. This is a physical type of exhaustion, my whole body is tired as well as my mind. Do I think Uni prepares you for working full time? No, no it doesn’t. I loved the freedom and the independence of uni, working from home and working when I feel most motivated. When you’re working you have set hours, depending on your employer you might or might not be able to work from home, although I’m yet to meet a graduate who is working from home full time. The transition is hard, it’s not all bad, but it is hard.

There are so many days when I feel my head is spinning and I don’t have a clue that I’m doing. BUT out of everyone I speak to and I mean everyone (who’s willing to admit it), no one thinks they know what they’re doing. There are some people that feel more in control and some that are better at pretending they do.

I have days now where I wonder what I’m doing because my life hasn’t followed this detailed plan I had in my head. I didn’t know that I can to know what I want but roll with life at the same time! So don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do, no one does!

7 Ways to take care of your mental health in difficult times

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There’s no doubt that we’re living through difficult times at the moment. We’ve seen 3 terror attacks in the UK within a few months and with every single one, the country feels a terrible sadness at the loss of life because of hate. While everyone feels the sadness, sometimes when you’re living with a mental illness difficult times can impact you in a negative way. So here are 7 ways to take care of your mental health in times like these.

Note: I am in no way neglecting that the people who are caught up in these attacks have the worst situation. This is not trying to overshadow them, rather to help others in times of what can feel like crushing helplessness. I’m sending all my love and thoughts to those caught up in the attacks of the last few months.

It’s ok to switch off for a while 

I read something that really resonated with me today ‘watching 24-hour news isn’t going to help anyone’. I so guilty of this. I get so absorbed and just have the news on repeat but it doesn’t help, it adds to the sadness and frustration. It’s also ok to come offline for a bit because it is constant and sad. That doesn’t mean you don’t care and it doesn’t mean you have no feelings but you need to take care of yourself too.

Know that feelings of hopelessness, anger and sadness are normal 

This isn’t necessarily your mental illness, a lot of people are upset and angry, this is normal! Although as we all know it can trigger deeper feelings too.

Talk to others 

Talking to others about events and how you feel can really help, knowing that others feel the same way too.

Look for positivity

It’s easy to look around and see all of the horrible things happening but try and look at the positives around you. Look for the helpers, look for the positivity.

If you feel you can help, then do 

You can donate, write or do whatever you can to help!

Remember that terrorist attacks ARE unlikely

We’ve had a lot recently but these are not something that happen every single day, it’s awful and horrific but these people want us to live in fear.

Know that it’s ok to still live your life 

That said if you feel the need to carry on and do what you would normally do then go ahead! Everyone deals with these situations in their own way.

❤

 

May Favourites!

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We’ve gotten to May! I don’t know about you but this month we’ve had a bit of a heatwave. The summer is definitely getting there (although as I write this it’s raining, typical). So with another month done and dusted for 2017 let’s get stuck in.

Books 

I’ve had a little bit of a reading slump this month and struggled to get into fiction in particular so this month I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs and general non-fiction. I’ve fallen in love once again with Hannah Witton as I mentioned last month I love her videos and picked up her first book which is about sex and relationships although it’s aimed at a younger audience it’s a great read. I also read Drew Barrymore’s memoir Wildflower (review here) and it was an eyeopener into her life, when I knew little about her. I also enjoyed Luisa Omielan’s first book What Would Beyoncé Do?! Named after her hit stand up show, it was both funny and touching read my review here. I also looked at my feminism shelf and just felt so proud to have all these wonderful books in my possession, I can’t wait to get through them all!

Music

Ed Sheeran was incredible and going with my Mum made it all the more special.

Watching 

I finally finished Game of Thrones and my jaw dropped. I won’t spoil it for anyone but now class GoT as required viewing for all. I also went to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, it wasn’t as strong as the first film but I’ve still had the soundtrack on repeat. Also, Baby Groot is life.

Lush Cupcake Face Mask
Can certainly ‘Slay All Day’ with these
All the cuteness
Vintage Vibes
Gok knows his stuff
Ann Summers Babe!

Fashion & Beauty 

I’m finally adding in a Fashion & Beauty section, I know shock horror. This month I’m repping Lush’s Cupcake face mask which is the first lush face mask I’ve ever used and was great on my face and didn’t make it angry (everything makes my skin angry). I’ve also been in LOVE with Lottie London matte lip glosses and wearing them every day because the colour sticks well and the tones are great for an everyday look. I’m also featuring some beautiful vintage inspired fashion, a bag I made myself and my new dress from VJ Vintage Treasures in Basingstoke! Lastly, two of my new bikinis one from the Gok Wan for Sainsbury’s range and the other from the wonderful Ann Summers as I am now an Ann Summers babe!  Rocking those curves.

With my Sammy!
In for the chop!
My lovely Wickett
Ice Cream for life
Mmm Thai!
Chilling in the sun

General 

First of all, shout to the Ice Cream man who parks up in the work car park when it’s boiling! I’ve definitely been feeling the sun this month laying out with my best friend (pre IKEA trip, another favourite). I also experienced my first Thai meal with work and absolutely LOVED it, I’m nervous about trying new food because of my IBS but I definitely made the right descision. Also, from working I caught up with my friend Sammy who also happens to work for the same company I’m temping for and has become my permanent lunch buddy. And finally my hair got a much needed cut, my Wicket is still adorable as always.

 

 

Finally… 

Miss VJ Vintage for May!

I’ve been named Miss VJ Vintage for May! I’m so excited to wear this sash for a wonderful local shop and thanks to everyone who ‘liked’ on Instagram!

What were your favourites this month? Let me know in the comments below!

Feminist Friday: Sex Workers should be treated with respect.

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Today is international sex worker day, something which many people won’t discuss. There’s still a taboo in many countries over sex work. The women who work in this industry are often called ‘sluts’, often dismissed as having personal issues or needing rescuing. Something which I don’t think is true.

Of course, there are complexities with the sex industry. We know that there are young women and men who are forced into this life in a criminal and exploitative way, but what about the men and women that choose to live and work in this way? What about the porn stars, models, escorts and prostitutes who choose this life.

I understand questions that come up about how women are treated in this industry and in some circles there definitely are problems but I think we have a bigger problem. Prostitution is illegal in the UK and US, those who offer sex as a service can be prosecuted, however, those who wish to purchase sex do not face prosecution. Huh? It takes two to tango and yet only one is classed as legally responsible.

Now, there are a lot of problems with this, one of them being that because of the illegality attached to sex work means that it is difficult to protect sex workers. If they are badly treated or abused they cannot go to the police for fear of prosecution. There is a distinct lack of protection and respect for sex workers and blame put on them.

Sex workers need to be respected and treated like the rest of us. If we regulated sex work, were more open and honest, because let’s face it this is something that has been happening for thousands of years, there would be protection for those in the industry.

Book Review: What Would Beyoncé Do?!

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‘When life gives Beyoncé lemons, what would she do? Make Lemonade’ 

Luisa wasn’t exactly where she wanted to be, nearly 30, working in a temp job to pay the bills and trying her damned hardest to be the comedian that she knew she could be. This is a story of hard work, determination and pulling down your trousers, yes I’m serious. She might seem like an overnight sensation but Lusia has worked her way up, fallen flat on her arse at times and come back fighting, because that’s what Beyoncé would do.

I picked this up because I kept seeing it around, I’d heard it was funny and had a good feminist kick to it. Sign me up. Before reading I hadn’t seen the show (I since have and LOVED it), this was devoured within 24 hours because not only is Luisa funny, she’s the kind of girl I want to be friends with. Luisa doesn’t leave anything out and packs a punch, sharing the lessons she’s learnt.

Now, you might expect a side-splitting read, you’ll get that (it’s even better as an Audiobook) I laughed a lot, but you’ll get a lot more than that. You’ll get moments of HELL YES GIRL when Lusia talks about the expectations on women, the politics of being a ‘female comedian’ and talking about body positivity. On the other side, however, Luisa talks about her family life, which wasn’t easy, about what it was like to be the ‘weird polish kid’, her own struggles with depression and her brother’s suicide attempt.  There’s no filter on her life and she tells it as it is.

On a personal note, I needed this book right now. I needed to see someone who felt a little lost, who had dreams that people didn’t think would happen, someone who was honest about it. I needed someone to talk openly about what it’s like to live with depression as a young person when everything seems to be going so well to the outside world.

I loved this book and I now class myself as a firm Lusia fan. It will take you through every emotion but you will finish with a sense of freedom to talk about anything and everything. I won’t put the pressure on Luisa to call her a role model, but she’s funny, smart and kick ass, that’s the kind of lady I want to listen to and you will too.

Note: Luisa and her family after facing a difficult time her mother,a woman who is prominent in this book, has Cancer. Luisa has stopped all current work to be with her Mum if you can please donate to support Luisa and her family as money is the last thing they should be worrying about, I will be donating tomorrow. To help Mumma O, click here.

My Holiday Essentials!

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It’s gotten to that time of year again where many of us are packing our bags to jet off to somewhere and enjoy the sunshine (although make sure you keep your skin safe in the meantime). So, what about the essentials I pack in my suitcase? Let’s take a look.IMG_4582.JPG

Suncream and Aftersun

Looking after my skin is one of the most important things to me. Keeping it burn free and healthy in the heat can be a pain but it’s much better than the alternative.

Bikini’s with good support

I have curves, which means I need support when I’m frolicking around in a bikini. I started shopping around over a month ago to make sure I got a bikini with good support! Most recently, I picked up the beauty at the top of this post from Sainsbury’s Gok Wan range!

Books, all of the books

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When I’m on holiday I can read a book a day. I like to sit by a pool with a cold drink and read to my hearts content. That is what a good holiday is to me. This year I’ve stocked up my Kindle for space saving, although I’ll probably still end up picking something up at the airport.

Three good pairs of shoes

One pair that are good for walking and seeing the sights, one for the pool and one for the evening. Sorted.

Lipstick

I don’t really wear makeup on holiday because I just want to chill, but applying a little lipstick can transform my look from day to day beach casual to going for dinner, I’m usually a little cheeky and buy a few in duty-free at the airport before I fly.

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Sunglasses

They look cool, help you see, why not.

Camera

Whether this is just my iPhone or a nice camera I need to capture the moments so that I can see the memories! I’ve always been like this, especially back in the day when my family first had a digital camera!

Chilled outfits

I’m a firm lover of a pool side chilled shorts and vest top, flip flops you know the drill. I often stock up in Primark for vests before I go, cheap and cheerful!

Summer dresses

Something chilled out, not too much fuss to throw on. Holidays for me are all about being casual and chilled out.

Sun hat! 

I resisted it when I was younger but now I know I need a good sunhat to keep myself covered. I’m not ashamed of getting a big hat, like this beauty I picked up in Athens a few years ago.

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Nail Varnish and pads

Some fun summer colours to embrace the holiday spirit! Although Ali HATES the smell so I have to sit on the balcony while painting and repainting.

Notebooks and pens

For as long as I can remember I’ve taken pens and notebooks so that I can write down whatever I feel like. Now I’m actually trying to be a writer I always have to have some way to write. Who know the relaxation might just help the book along!

Travel documents and insurance wallet! 

So, damn important. I like having a place where important documents go because I get super anxious about all that kind of stuff.

What are your holiday essentials? Let me know in the comments below!

 

7 Ways to look after your skin in the summer months

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I have incredibly pale skin and red hair, some natural, some enhanced. It’s because of both of these things that I have to really look after my skin as it’s prone to burning. I wanted to share with you just some of the things that I do to help protect my skin in the summer time!

Don’t underestimate the level of suncream you need.  

I groan every time I need to pick up a factor 30 or factor 50. That said, it’s important to make sure you do use the right factor for you.

Cover up or stay in the shade!  

It’s easy to be tempted to strip off in the summer (I often do), but if it is super hot and super sunny then covering up is an option. If, like me, you don’t cope well with heat, staying in the shade is a great alternative, you’ll often find me hiding on holiday.

Drink plenty of water  

Water is great for the skin, I’m lucky that I love drinking water but if you’re not you can pick up bottles with fruit infusers to give it some more taste.

Hats may be annoying, but they’re necessary 

Yep, yep and yep. I hate wearing hats but if I’m not going to be able to stay in the shade then I don’t have a choice.

Reapply, reapply, reapply! 

One lot of sun cream isn’t enough, keep reapplying as much as you feel you need to. If I can feel the heat on my skin directly, I’ll reapply.

If you do get burnt, use some moisturising after-sun lotion

It sucks when you get burnt and I get caught out every year no matter how careful I am. In that case, I make sure I use an after-sun lotion to moisturise my skin.

Get to know your skin 

I’m covered in freckles and moles, I know where they are and what they look like. It’s good to get to know your skin so you can check for any abnormalities, you can find out more about that here.

 

 

 

Calling all Feminists!

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A few weeks ago I had a conversation with some other women my age about feminism. They didn’t call themselves Feminists and asked me what I write about and what a feminist is. I was honest and said that overall it’s about equality but for each person, feminism means something different. Which got me thinking…

All around the world, there are feminists of every race and background. I’ve been writing my Feminist Friday posts for a few months now but I’m a cis, white, university educated female. There’s nothing wrong with that but I want to share with my reader’s other people’s feminism, why they are a feminist and what it means to them. I want to include everyone, which is a big part of MY feminism.

So, this is where you come in. I want to share your stories, I want to talk about you all and really explore what Feminism is to you.

If you’re interested please email chloefmetzger@gmail.com or drop me a tweet on @chloemetzger, I really can’t wait to hear from you all!

 

 

Manchester

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I didn’t know if I was going to write this post. Watching and listening to the news has been heartbreaking because innocence was targeted. I don’t understand it and I don’t think I ever will. It’s hard to put into words the sadness at the loss of life. So many others feel this way too, not knowing what to do or say.

This wasn’t a monument or a political rally, this was a concert full of young people enjoying their lives. My sister and I have been going to concerts since we were 4 years old. We go to arena shows just the two of us, or with our Mum a few times a year. Seeing these poor young ladies, the same age as my baby sister, killed doing something they love hurts beyond belief.

In the face of horror Manchester has shown itself to be a city of hope and resilience. People have come together in their grief to support and love one another. You cannot fault the emergency services in this because they make our country proud.

We won’t forget those who were lost, we won’t let terror divide us.

We are with you Manchester, now and forever