Welcome, welcome, welcome! It’s Mental Health Awareness week which I absolutely love because it’s a chance to educate people, share stories and just generally start the conversation. So, because of this I will be posting every day with the theme of mental health, my experiences, the experiences of others and more.
So here it is, Mental Health Awareness Week 2017!
Enjoy!
I woke up this morning and was flicking through my news app and my hazy eyes focused again on a smug picture of Donald Trump, this time with the headline ‘Obamacare is dead’. I’m not American, nor do I live in the US but have watched the past few months unfold with waves of nausea after being faced with the blatant problems with sexism and racism in the US.
Once again ‘making America great again’ will have a nasty impact on many. The list of what is being considered a pre-existing condition is horrifying. As I was reading though I realised something, once again women were having someone choose their options for them because they own a vagina.
Things such as
would all stop you getting coverage under Trump and his party. It must be recognised there are also issues such as enlarged prostate and testicular cancer that will impact only men, this is an issue for everyone. It’s horrifying and harrowing that people are fearing for their lives because of something they cannot help. America is supposed to be one of the most forward-thinking countries in the world…I doubt that now seeing as birthing the future leaders of the world will now mean you might not be able to get insurance.
I’m incredibly lucky I live with the NHS, if it was the same in the UK there is no way in hell I would be insured because of previous problems I’ve had. It’s a scary reality when dystopian novels such as The Handmaid’s Tale are getting chillingly close to real life.
At what point do Republicans just make having a Vagina a reason for exclusion officially? At what point do they fall backwards in time and make it so women are legally second class citizens. We need to talk about this, we need to make ourselves louder than ever all across the world to make sure it is known to the misogynists that not only are we equal, we are strong and capable.
What are your thoughts on the new bills being passed? Are you going to be impacted by them? Let me know in the comments below or drop me a tweet @chloemetzger!
Two women take on the media, welcome to The Vagenda.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while you know that I love a good non-fiction book, I was not disappointed by The Vagenda. Holly and Rhiannon had spent years surrounded by media that told them they were supposed to look, dress and act a certain way when they decided enough is enough. This is one of the books I wish I had growing up because by the end Holly and Rhiannon felt like two cool older sisters.
Now, I can understand people having a little apprehension about this but I can promise you it’s not a damning ‘we should hate everything and everyone’. Far from it, after finishing this book I felt more educated and stronger as a woman. Rhiannon and Holly don’t tell you how to live your life, they merely give their observations and how they’ve felt. Personally, I used to read a lot of magazines and it made me realise the impact it was having on me.
From being a teenager reading those magazines, moving on the celebrity gossip occasionally and then on to the big leagues of Cosmo, Glamour, Elle and Vogue, I was absorbing this. It was until I thought about my sister (who’s seven years younger) and started university I realised I didn’t have to like or agree with this stuff. Why is there less focus on female empowerment and intelligence rather than bikini waxes and blowjobs?
Nothing is off limits in this book from body politics to working women, from the idea of sex that magazines put in our heads and idealised beauty. Holly and Rhiannon have clearly done their research on the rise of magazine and beauty culture while incorporating the feelings and facts about how these impact real women.
The best thing though? This book will make you laugh. I absolutely howled at parts because of the ridiculousness of some of the marketing campaigns used, some of the wording choices. At the same time it made me really think about what I was taking in and the impact it had on my own thoughts and feelings. I rarely buy women’s glossy’s anymore because it doesn’t interest me. I read blogs about things I want to read about and embrace my shape and size.
This got a 5-star rating and I recommend it to absolutely everyone. It’s a body positive, female positive look at an industry that tried to magnify our imperfections. Holly and Rhiannon, I salute you.
A few weeks ago I was on a little shopping trip with my best friend Abbie and popped along to Ann Summers after seeing their sale signs. For a long time Ann Summers have been my go to Bra shop, but I have a confession to make. I haven’t had a bra fitting in years. Literal years! It’s always been something I mean to do, should have done but I was always a little nervous and never had the time… or so I told myself.
I popped into the store in Basingstoke and asked to be fitted. I was lead to the fitting rooms at the back of the shop and asked what size and style I normally would wear. I told her a 34C and picked one similar to the one I was wearing at the time. We went up a size, and again, and again….and a few more times after that. I wasn’t made to feel bad or stupid instead I felt empowered. I left with advice, my new size of 34E and two new bras.
That was a little over a week ago. I now have about five bras, all in the right size, and I’ve felt a huge difference. I feel more supported, comfortable and look better and the reason was a simple measurement. Admittedly it has been a little hard since to find decent bras and bikinis for my size, most only go up to a double D.
Having the right bra helps you out in so many ways and as someone with back pain, I can guarantee that having the right support has really helped me out. It’s made me feel more confident in the way I look and about my body.
I know for a fact Ann Summers stores and Marks and Spencers stores both give free fittings in store and I had absolutely no obligation to buy. Most Lingerie stores should have some kind of free measuring so make sure you ask.
Here are my top tips for getting a fitting:
There’s no doubt that Youtubers have become a big deal. You can’t walk around a shopping centre without seeing something to do with a Youtuber. I’m not the most up to date, although my sister does try to tell me who’s ‘cool’ in the YouTube world. So I thought I’d share my seven favourite Youtubers…so far!
Emma Blackery (also over on Vloggery)
I’ve been watching Emma since my first year at university. Her Youtube has changed a lot over the years and is a mix of comedy, real life, lifestyle and music! If you want someone who speaks their mind, gives good advice and funny videos Emma is your gal!
The first book vlogger. I LOVE Cece so much. She’s got a great taste in books and if just great to watch. She’s also very big on promoting Own Voices and LGBTQ books which has lead me to some great novels. Also, I’m in love with her and her girlfriend and thier Funko connection.
Catriona is another book Vlogger I LOVE! She’s an Australian vlogger who again has great taste in books that I wouldn’t usually read. I also love watching her readathon posts too!
Carrie Hope Fletcher @ It’s Way Past My Bedtime
Musical theatre, Disney and just general sunniness. Carrie is what I need on a bad day and what. a. voice. Currently her ‘Watch Me Wednesdays’ posts are my fave!
Giovanna Fletcher @ Giovanna’s World
Gi is an author and Mum and I absolutely love watching her vlog because it just seems to real. I haven’t read any of Gi’s fiction novels but loved her latest Happy Mum, Happy Baby . She’s real and funny what’s not to love.
I wasn’t hugely into Mcfly but the above video is the first I cam across. Tom’s weekly vlogs are great and he’s just a genuinely nice guy.
Cherry is a great lifestyle vlogger with a Harry Potter obsession. I always watch her monthly roundups and Primark hauls in particular. Also Cherry is an incredible Special FX make-up artist.
We’re at the end of April already! It’s been a fairly quiet month for me in terms of buying/reading (click here to find out why) BUT I still have a few favourites for you!
Books:
Anne Boleyn The Final 24 Hours
I absolutely love learning about the Tudors, I love factual books, fiction and fine Anne Boleyn one of the most interesting Queens. I bought this on my kindle and read it on my phone within 24 hours. A very different take on events looking not just at Anne, but also other key people at this time. Definitely a good read for any other Tudor lovers.
Cheer Up Love – Susan Calman
I’ve really wanted to read this for a while, I hadn’t known Susan as a comedian so I didn’t really know about that aspect of her but this was a really interesting look at depression and her experience with it. I really appreciated her honesty and humour. Definitely a recommended read.
Supergirl Rebirth
I haven’t picked up much of the DC Rebirth and I was really pleasantly surprised. Supergirl is awesome! She’s a really cool lady and I enjoyed the story, looking forward to picking more of these up.
Music:
Hard Times – Paramore
THEY’RE BACK, THEY’RE BACK, THEY’RE BACK. Legitimately danced to Sainsbury’s to this song. I’m so excited to hear the new album and the evolution of Paramore.
Rebel, Rebel – David Bowie
When I was younger I wasn’t that into Bowie, but since my university opened the Visconti Studio (Tony Visconti worked on a lot of Bowie’s albums) and my boyfriend started working there I’ve been listening to a lot. I’ve had this on repeat.
With or Without You – Emma Blackery
This has been stuck in my head since I first heard it.
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
I’ve had a rough month and Ali has been absolutely brilliant, this song reminds me of him.
Watching:
Game of Thrones
I. am. obsessed. I’m half way through season four and I have no doubt I’ll get to the end of season six in time for the new series.
Tribute to Carrie Fisher
I was heartbroken when Carrie died back in December, I was lucky enough to meet her and cried many tears after her death. The celebration of her life at Star Wars Celebration this year was wonderful and left me sobbing.
Emma Blackery
I’ve been a fan of Emma’s channel for a few years and this month she’s doing a challenge and doing really well. Killing it as always.
This week has not been my best blogging week, I’ll admit. I’ve been struggling to write and be confident in what I’m writing. I’ve written stuff out and just not felt great about the content and the delivery, so I decided not to put out something I wasn’t happy with. I 100% want this blog to be something I’m proud of and that includes every post. But! I’m going to do something about it!
I want to write a plan for the next month with exactly what I want to do, a schedule, new ideas and images. Most importantly I want to spend time on my blog and have it as something you guys can look forward to!
So, to start with I’ll be back tomorrow with my April favourites!
If you could meet your perfect DNA match, why wouldn’t you do it?
A new relationship revolution is happening. After a gene is discovered to match you to ‘the one’ thousands find unimaginable happiness with the person they’re meant to be with, but the path of true love never runs smooth.
Now, personally, I just found the idea of this super creepy, which instantly makes it a novel I want to read. The idea that there is one person who shares a DNA match, in my head it made you sound like you were related. Nevertheless, it is a great idea for a novel. This is what made me originally request a copy for review. I’m always hopeful for a good thriller.
I really wanted to enjoy this novel, and I did to a point. There are a lot of twists and turns, quite a few I didn’t see coming and that made the novel move faster. It also did a great job of making you want to read on, for the last quarter I needed to finish it and find out what happened. I did care more about what happened to some characters more than others.
The main gripe I had with this is that there were just too many characters and it wasn’t until I was more than halfway through that I could remember who was with who and what their backstory was. There was so much going on it almost felt like a collection of short stories, which maybe it should have been. It seemed like because there were so many characters, by the end, the endings became a little disappointing and some big holes appeared.
Marrs clearly has a talent for suspense and writing violence, that was one of the most well crafted parts of the novel I believe. Each character had been given their own flair, however, it was slightly disappointing that I did see some stereotypes playing out which was quite frustrating because it didn’t really fit with the rest of the novel.
I gave The One 3 stars. Overall this was a good read but ultimately the ending just really let it down for me. That said I would still recommend it but make sure you have time to concentrate because it does get confusing and can be hard to remember exactly that is going on. I would still like to read some of Marr’s other work as he clearly has a talent for writing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to give an honest review.
I’ve been quite reflective recently and thinking a lot about my teenage years, particularly as my sister is fast approaching her 16th (!!) birthday. Now I’m in my twenties, and believe me that’s a rollercoaster enough, but I had a tough time as a teenager, it wasn’t easy but at the same time some of the best things happened to me. I think we all have a certain view of our teenage years. I don’t agree with people saying that it’s the ‘best time of your life’ but there are certain times I look back on fondly. So, here are some of the things I wish I told
I don’t agree with people saying that it’s the ‘best time of your life’ but there are certain times I look back on fondly. So, here are some of the things I wish I could go back and tell myself to just give me a bit of a hand and the things I’ve learnt.
School isn’t forever.
My life was hell at school, sometimes it felt like it was never going to end but it definitely did and it was glorious.
You’re right to look forward to college, it’s going to be great.
I lived and breathed for my college. I could do classes I wanted to escape the people who hated me. I used to go and meet Ali from his day with butterflies. It was definitely a good two year with some great friends.
Trust him when he says he loves you, he does.
I’ve been with Ali for almost 9 years. I had such issues at sixteen that I wasn’t good enough, that he was going to leave me etc. I was a complete nightmare. I wish she knew he’s still around now.
Don’t hate yourself, you’re not well.
I was incredibly ill with depression at this point, I literally felt like I was going insane and ruining everyone’s lives. I wish I knew that it was all to do with an illness and not because I was a terrible person.
Others opinions don’t matter
Can not stress this enough!
You can have a great future!
I didn’t think much about the future much, I couldn’t but I wish I knew that I could get there.
Keep singing, keep writing, keep being creative!
There were more than a few times I just didn’t want to do it anymore, what was the point, why bother? It was going to do more for me than I thought!
Ignore your art teacher, you’re never going to impress her.
Seriously, the woman had her favourites, I wasn’t one of them.
Talk to someone.
Just talk about how you feel.
YOU.ARE.NOT.FAT
Seriously, I would shout this until I was blue in the face if I could. I really struggled with the way I looked and thought I was chubby but I really, really wasn’t.
The house parties are going to continue, they’ll be some of the best memories of your life.
Best. Time. Ever.
Think about uni, just think about it.
I thought it wasn’t for people like me. Oh I was wrong.
Love yourself, cause you’re pretty awesome.
Something I still need to remember at 22.
What do you wish you knew at 16? Let me know in the comments!
Tomorrow I start a new chapter, it may be a little sooner than I thought but nonetheless, it’s happening. I start my first temp assignment and as I write this the nerves are ramping up and I’m hoping I at least get some sleep tonight. So here are seven thoughts everyone has the night before starting a new job.
Damn, I ‘m nervous
I have SO MANY butterflies right now, so, so many.
Will I get any sleep tonight?
I’m awful at sleeping before a big day, there will be a lot of clock watching tonight.
I wonder what the people are like?
It’s always nerve-wracking going into a new situation with completely new people. Luckily the few people I have met have seemed really nice.
What’s the food situation? Am I supposed to eat in a canteen, go out, is there a microwave?!
I never know what to do in terms of food, it’s always something I think about. Luckily I know the area a little so I can hopefully pop out and grab something.
I’m a professional, I’ve got this… shit, I don’t know what I’m doing!
The constant battle between the angel and devil on my shoulder this one. The angel knows I can do this but the devil throws in a nice bit of doubt.
I need to check my outfit again
Because you definitely want to get it right on your first day.
Let’s do this
I’ll never know if I don’t do it. Let’s do this!
Chloe Metzger 