Thought of the week #35

It's nearly the end of the year , the clocks have changed and winter's really setting in so it feels like a good time to give up on the new year's resolutions you made, what seems like, forever ago. Don't -stick with them, even if it's not a new years resolution maybe you just feel like giving up on something that's getting a little hard. Don't, keep going, keep working at it, keep pushing for the end goal and keep dreaming. Look back at the end of the year and know you didn't give up, you gave it your all and when it got hard you kept going and you'll do it all again next year. 

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On the other side | A Review

This book has a lot of buzz surrounding it in the online world, mainly because the other had huge following on her YouTube channel. However, I went into this knowing very little about Carrie Fletcher but loving the sound of the book from the blurb alone, and it didn't disappoint. 

The story follows Evie Snow as she tries to make her soul light enough to pass through the door to her heaven. It goes back in time to Evie as a young woman as she learns more about love and life than she thought she could and we witness her as she slowly un-burdens her self of the three secrets that have weighed her down throughout her life. 

The book is a wonderful addition to the magical realism genre. Fletcher's writing is stunning and very well crafted. The characters are beautiful and well developed. I felt a real connection with Evie and although the love story between her and Vincent was really enjoyable and compelling, Evie's attitude to life, her willingness to always see the good in things and people and her general positivity was what really drew into the book.

Carrie's representation of LGBTQ+ characters was really good and refreshing. Often in novels such as this representation of LGBTQ+ can be lacking and not only where there several characters openly gay, bisexual, pansexual but they also weren't folded into any stereotypes which can too often happen.

The book has been criticised as it is not clear what era it is set it but I think that's part of the beauty of it. It's magical realism and it's as much about what the other brings to the reader as what the reader brings to the book themselves. The era is left to the readers to decide. There are elements that contradict each other in terms of era, but it's magical realism so if you can not get too hung up on that fact you'll be fine.

It is a bit sweet and over the top at times and not all of the writing is exceptional but for the most part it's great. If you don't like magical realism this wouldn't be for you because it is very heavy on that element.

Overall this book was really enjoyable and I'd recommend it for anyone who needs a bit of magic and happiness.

Until next time,

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Thought of the week #34

Being cautious and anxious can often mean you say no to opportunities and experiences that come your way. At the time it seems like the best decision but afterwards you can often feel like you've missed out and feel a bit regretful. Life is too short to regret not taking chances that came your way. You wouldn't want to look back or regret something, particularly the chance to do something exciting or try something new. Next time you get the chance to do something, or think about doing something or trying something but aren't sure - go for it. It doesn't matter who you are, at least you can say you tried no matter what the outcome. 

Until next time,

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Autumn Walks

I recently got given some apples fresh from an apple tree. Of course when this happens there is nothing else to do but make a crumble. I decided the only thing that could make it better would be fresh blackberries. So of Jack and I went to Slindon woods on the hunt for Blackberries. Unfortunately we couldn't find any, I think we were just a little to late for them this year, but we had a lovely autumnal walk in the woods nonetheless. The woods, for me, are the perfect Autumn setting. All the multi coloured leaves, the bright blue Autumn skies peaking through the trees and the conkers littering the ground sum autumn up perfectly for me. Hopefully we'll have a more fruitful walk next time.

Until next time, 

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Check your melons

So back in August I found a lump in my armpit. It was the main reason I was so anxious and stressed throughout the month. At the beginning of September I had an ultrasound and it's all fine, in fact it's just a bone and the rest of my tissue is normal. I can't tell you how relieved I was. I cried in the specialists room when she told me.

However, October is Breast Cancer awareness month I thought I'd talk about the importance of knowing your own body and checking your breasts regularly. 

Thousands of women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. One of the keys to breast cancer prevention is body awareness. It's so, so important to know how your boobs feel so you notice any changes in how they feel or look. 

If you check your breasts thoroughly at the same time every month you should notice any changes. Any lumps in the breast tissue, up to the collar bone and into the armpit, changes is size or shape, changes in your nipples and any unresolved rashes are all things you should go to the doctor about as soon as possible. Never write your symptoms off for any reason or think you're wasting a doctors time. It's important to get anything checked if you're concerned about it as it could save your life.

The majority of lumps are benign, cysts, fatty tissue or bone in my case, but sometimes they're not and the finding cancer early makes treating it easier and more likely to be successful. 

Don't let the doctor write you off because you're young. If you're concerned your doctor isn't taking you seriously ask for a second opinion.

The thought of going to the doctor and then getting referred for a scan is scary, I know. But it is better to be 100% sure than left with doubts. After being scanned and being told my tissue is normal I felt so much better in myself and have gone back to checking my boobs once maybe twice a month from nearly everyday before I had my scan. It's terrifying not knowing what you're going to be told but it is always best to get things checked if you're not sure about something or if something has changed.

I would really recommend checking out CoppaFeel. They're a great charity making they're mission to ensure women check they're boobs regularly. They've got some great information on their website and will also send you monthly reminders to check your boobs which I'd recommend if you tend to be a bit forgetful.

As this is breast cancer awareness month I'd really love you to share this post and spread the word about boob checking. Share Coppa Feel's page as well and make sure you tell all your girl friends to check their boobs!

Until next time,

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Thought of the week #33

This one kind of speaks for itself. Wake up everyday and smash it. Try and leave any negativity or doubts behind and focus on getting through your to do list and owning the day. Some days you just can't be bothered and give everything half the effort you know you really should, this week give everything your all. Wake up every day and be extraordinary. 


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Hello October

It's getting chilly! It feels like not so long ago I was getting excited about the sun coming out and the days getting warmer and longer. But here we are at the beginning of October, nights drawing in, frosty mornings starting and Halloween around the corner. 

October is one of my favourite months of the year. It always feels so fresh and new and I love the excitement that's starting to build ahead of winter and Christmas. Autumn is my favourite season and I cannot wait to dig out the chunky knit sweaters and scarves. And Halloween of course.

September was a pretty good month. After a very average August I was ready to get into the new month full steam ahead and I did. Apart from the last few blog posts which for some reason are picture less, sorry about that, working on getting that fixed, the blog feels good to me again and I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to ending the blogging year on a high with lots of posts planned for the next few months.

I FINALLY ordered pictures from Australia to make a start on the picture book which I want finished by the end of the year so I can do it all over again next year for 2016 photos. It feels good to be a bit creative and also to look back on the photos from what was the most incredible experience of my life. It's a project I want to make sure I do annually so my photos no longer sit on a memory stick but are something we can look back on and remember the good times we've had and all the things we've done. 

Going forward this month I just generally want to be more relaxed and put less pressure on myself. September has been really good for that and I've felt so much better for it so I want to keep it up going forward. 

I hope you all had a great September and have a wonderful, and down right spooky, October.

Until next time, 

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Thought of the week #32

Being creative is a great release of stress and pent up emotions, writing, painting, singing, anything. But sometimes being creative feels a bit of a mess and your mind feels a jumble. That's ok. Create through it and create to make sense of it and get it out. Feeling on edge about potential creativity will only make you feel down let it out and express yourself however you feel best and enjoy to buzz that comes from it.

Until next time,

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