Wednesday 29 July 2015

Life Update: Health and Happiness


The past few weeks have set the scene for a few highs and lows that come with every chronic illness. Though I'd like to think the highs have made the lows worth their while. In the midst of these obstacles I've found myself in a little bit of a -I'm not entirely sure what exactly to call it, so lets go with- funk, but not in a bad way.

These past few months I've been making a few changes here and there, hoping to grow and expand in new and exciting ways. The biggest changes of all would be those I'm applying to my personal life i.e. my health. Ive been trying to detoxify my body and start afresh, getting myself into healthy habits which I'm already seeing the amazing changes before my very eyes. Changes like my dietary needs, as well as toiletries and health care.

I've also been questioning this little space i have here, wondering and thinking about whether its time to make a few changes here also. Though theres only a small band of you guys out there, I really want to kick it up a notch and customise this space a bit more to my liking; especially incorporating and reflecting my new personal changes to this space also. After all, it is my little corner of the internet. Ultimately my health comes first, and that's really the area I need to work on the most right now. Without your health your nothing, as my mother says -hi mom!

So, I guess that was all really. I just wanted to catch you up to speed, especially as I've pulled a bit of a halt on The Hut series. I do have a few more posts I was working on, based around our hut sessions though I'm not entirely satisfied with them just yet so you may see them, you may not. Who knows at this point. I'm a little all over the shop right now!

Cheerio for now! 
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Monday 20 July 2015

The Hut: Evenings


Sometimes it's just nice sitting by the sea. Breathing in the fresh breeze and evening air. Being cleansed by that salty, seaweed scent. The sun slowly setting across the horizon, shining those last few scorching rays before disappearing for another day. Those evenings are nice: simple, even. But ultimately blissful. 

Cheerio for now! 
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Monday 13 July 2015

The Hut: the First Dip of the Season


As many of our days are going now, our days usually start with a look at the weather forecast. It’s generally the first few days of the week we head for that sunny bay. Sometimes it’s glorious sunshine, other times the wind picks up quite fiercely and wind surfers swarm the beach in packs. Whatever the weather we always have a good time, and nothing puts us off a trip to the hut. 




This particular day was sunny and warm, with blue skies surrounding us. We sat in the sun, drunk in the salty air and generally watched the world go by. The tide slowly went out as folks bought their canoes and paddle boards down for an evening glide along the waters ever-changing shimmering surface. Before our time was up, at the bay, we headed down to the waterside to dip our toes in the warm water for the first time. The foamy waves greeted us, along with masses of seaweed and shells of all shapes and sizes. After drudging along the waters edge for a little longer than expected, we eventually managed to get back to the hut dry off and then head home; napping on the way home to a nice brew and some hearty grub'. 

Cheerio for now!
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Friday 10 July 2015

The Hut: An Extra Coat


The day finally came to finish the first coat of those strips. For so long the sides of the doors were done but not the top. None of us were able to get up on the step-ladder and get the job done -hence waiting for the granpops to get the job done; which led us to this day. As the evening set in we got it all done and dusted; and got take a step back to look at our final product. (still needs an extra coat; but its coming together quite nicely!

What do you think? 
Cheerio for now! 
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Tuesday 7 July 2015

Book Review: Grace

Grace: A Memoir, by Grace Coddington 

I’m not entirely sure where to start with this book. I have been waiting so long to read this and now that I finally have I’m not sure what book to go onto next. For me, this book was an easy read full of both Grace’s wit and humour, as well as a full dose of truth and honesty about her life. She recites everything from her childhood to her modelling career, her transition to creative director as well as her transition through relationships giving us a look through not only her love life but also her family life. She also lets us in behind the scenes of her relationships with colleagues, and friendships with famous faces. The book is also full of Grace’s neat and quirky sketches, along with photographs from her modelling days, personal life and photo shoots from her creative direction. 

I have to admit, I’m not a hardcore fashion follower so I was a little nervous at how much I would relate to this memoir. As I made my way through, I was surprised at how many names I recognised. From models to designers, photographers to editors; I impressed myself with my knowledge of the fashion world. 

This book made for an easy-breezy read; wrote as though you were sitting with a cuppa listening to Grace, herself. I’d recommend to anyone, especially those who love memoirs or anything within the realm of the fashion or creative art world. 

Ever read Grace: a memoir? What did you think? 
Cheerio for now!
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Monday 6 July 2015

The Hut: DIY



Sun still blazing, clouds rolling in from the West; as we cruise into the esplanade. Unloaded the roadster, down the staircase, then hit by the sight of gentle waves and the smell of salty air. 
With neighbours just leaving and bystanders in awe, we flung open the hut and started our DIY session. Paint cans and timber out, with screws and drills at the ready we embarked on our session. Working away getting the hut more and more complete as a breezy spring evening set in; every now and then stopping to chat to neighbours, bystanders and a few four-legged friends. 

Chatting away to neighbours, who turned out to be from our hometown. 49 miles from home, and bumping into friendly chic’s n’ chaps from across our town. One thing leads to another and you realise you have mutual friends, as well as some other odd little coincidences. As the day draws to an end and with all the chores and tasks done for the day, along with being covered in dried paint, a unanimous vote told us to pack up and hit the road for home. But not before stopping at the harbour for some traditional fish and chips, drenched in salt and vinegar -it’s a British thing! 

Cheerio for now!

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Friday 3 July 2015

The Hut: A Sunny Evening By the Sea

A bad day with a blissful ending. 

 After a rough night and not exactly ‘good’ day, we decided to take a trip to the hut for the evening. It was too much for me to change so instead I just shrugged on a hoodie, some fuzzy socks and my big boots. I bundled into the car, where i snuggled down with my hot water bottle before our car journey commenced. Before joining the winding roads and highways which would lead us to, what was becoming, our second home -that faithful hut; we grabbed a cold coke from the drive-thru before weaving onto the highway. 



Our journey was relatively easy, barring the jolting pain from potholes every now and then; which was utterly agonising. We got to the beach, to find skies of blue and shining sun, the type that as it starts to lower into the horizon goes bright, and beams beautiful shades of orange & gold hues everywhere. We decided on getting a couple of chairs out and simply watching the world go by; a blissful pass-time in my family. The breeze built every-so-often carrying the scent of salty waters and seaweed entwined with one another. The movement of the waters edge, greeting us reluctantly as the tide slowly swept out of the bay. The combination of noises; seagulls overhead, water to our side and the whisper of the long layer of grass covering the hilltops merged into a quiet type of buzz. The silence and stillness of that moment surrounded us, as we were left to sit there and dilly-daydreaming of what was yet to come. 

Cheerio for now! 
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Tuesday 30 June 2015

Life Update: Half Time

It’s half time! Wow -I can’t believe how quickly this year is going. This past month has been pretty zen since I finished my first year of uni at the end of May. I have yet to receive my results, which I am slightly nervous about, though I’m just choosing to enjoy the summer season and beautiful weather; which of course is a rarity here in Britain! 

I’m not sure what is in store for this summer, apart from trips to the beach, some serious downtime as well as blissfully making my way through my reading list; which has grown to the height of a skyscraper since last October. I’m also really enjoying spotify playlists right now, especially the ones based around moods. Theres nothing better then discovering new tunes which you instantly fall in love with. Thanks to spotify, I have discovered bronze radio return which i’m loving. My favourite tunes so far are wonder no more, broken ocean and further on. 

I’m also becoming slightly obsessed with etsy, which is making my mac become full of bookmarks for all the neat finds I really wanna buy but I haven’t quite got that money tree planted in the back yard just yet #studentproblems 

What do you have planned for your summer? 
Cheerio for now! 

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Monday 29 June 2015

The Hut: The First Cup of Tea

After that close call with the first camping stove, we decided to take some major precautions with our fire safety knowledge and make sure all our equipment was the right specifications to use with our other gadgets and gizmos. Having done this, we were ready to take on the mission again: a cup of tea. 



Still getting the hang of beaching it’, and with the warm weather not quite kicking in yet it was the perfect moment to get the kettle going for that perfect brew. With a fresh batch of biscuits at the ready we enjoyed every sip of that first cup -even more knowing nothing and no one was harmed in the process of making it! 


Cheerio for now!
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Friday 19 June 2015

The Hut: Close Calls and New Neighbours

Having got all our gear loaded in the car and getting the flooring laid down, we decided it was time to start getting the shelves, signs and general decor done. We started with the shelving, as this was going to be our main storage it was generally the most important and most time consuming of it all. 

still intact after our fire drill 
Having dragged my grandfather down to do the task at hand we set about our own little tasks whilst he tinkered and tampered with timber or all shapes and sizes. This day was very eventful to say the least. This was actually the day that my mother almost set light to the hut along with my grandfather and I cornered inside it. All I can say is a lot of swearing and shouting followed that eventful moment, as well as some severe shakes. Ironically enough, she was actually trying to get the stove going so we could make a cup of tea and once the whole scene was over we all could’ve done with a cupa to calm our nerves! 


That was actually the day we met one of our neighbours -so you can imagine the great first impression we made on them. Needless to say, the rest of our day went well, there were no other casualities and definitely learnt our lesson the hard way. Fire safety is no joke kids. The weather was beaut and we did get those shelves done so mission accomplished! 

Cheerio for now! 
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Friday 12 June 2015

The Hut: The First Day

As I mentioned in my last post, I am now the owner of a beach hut. 
The location of my hut is at West Brook Bay, a quiet little beach just round from Margate which I've been visiting since I was about six or seven years old. It's my favourite beach and is where I'll often be found during the summer season. Throughout the process of getting our hut we have collected gadgets and gizmos a plenty -you just sang that, didn't you?-, along with numerous DIY and decoration bits and bobs for the hut as well. It's been a long -yet fun, process of getting everything ready for the day we finally moved into the hut: the 1st of April. 


When April finally swung round, excitement was in the air as we all fell into the car and headed to the bay to see our hut being put up. That day was pretty special and marked the beginning of a beautiful chapter in our lives; where we would make some amazing memories with friends and family as well as meet some new friendly faces. The process of getting everything in place has been some-what longer than we thought -purely because it's our first year there and we're learning as we go along. As I write this now we are in the middle of painting and 'DIY-ing' which is a fun process; I feel like we're on some sort of DIY show, transforming the place into our own little oasis. 

Naturally, I have taken a ton of photos over the course of time, which of course hope to put up here in due course; there truly are so many that I think it best I just stick to the ones from the first day... 




Though there were clear skies and glorious sunshine, there was also super strong wind which was a little too tough for my dry skin but ultimately what I needed to knock the stuffing outta me!














Having now spent a fair amount of time down at the bay, we've become familiar with the regulars. A lot of them are dog walkers like the lady with the golden retriever who always stops for a chat, and the dude with the dalmatian -who's name is Bonnie; then this guy. Having seen him several times, on his regular jog I have subsequently named him 'the running man' and am convinced the emoji was made with him in mind... I'm not a people watcher or nothing though...




My keys! After finding out we were getting a beach hut, I instantly knew what key chain I had to get for the keys. When I think about the beach I automatically think of fish and chips; so naturally this keychain is the perfect fit! I got it from a boutique called Mosaic in Whitstable. I have quite a few key chains from there already, so, naturally, why not keep the collection going!?








As I said before these are just a few of my photos taken throughout this process; I have truly taken a ton of photos! So apologies in advance for the many 'photo-&-commentary' posts coming your way. I think it's evident that when I'm fit and able to leave the house I go a little snap-happy.



Cheerio for now!



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Friday 5 June 2015

The Hut: Poseidon Place

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I am now the proud owner and resider of a beach hut. If your a follower, on here, you might remember me mentioning my absence from Instagram and consequently what had caused this here. There was one other reason which i couldn’t reveal just yet, purely because I was so excited, and that was my beach hut. 

Back in February, we received a phone call to say that we had the opportunity to get our hands on a beach hut at our favourite and usual beach spot at WestBrook Bay. We instantly got excited at just the thought of it and so immediately started thinking of all the things we’d want or need in there, what colour we would paint it, whereabouts on the bay it would be, etc. It was a moment of sheer excitement, and we surrendered to a greater force of utter euphoria; along with surrendering to the urge of hopping in the car and speeding it to the bay, which was insanely windy and literally blew the winter cobwebs away!  

As i said, that was in February so this has been in the works for a few months now, and has taken up a lot of time and energy preparing for. Every spare moment since that phone call has gone towards accumulating all our necessary bits and bobs for it. This included numerous trips to IKEA, Dunelm, Costco, TKMaxx, ASDA home, and a lot of DIY stores, as well as the unhealthy amount of online spending on my bank account. We’ve spent a lot of evenings down at the hut -mostly in pjs-, fixing shelves, hanging curtains, signs, putting together camping equipment and furniture,etc. It has been a fun project which the whole family has been involved with, along with some family friends also. 

Throughout this time, I have taken numerous photographs as well as some videos to make a neat little compilation for you all to have a peak of the process; this being the first of the series. The summer season for beach-hutters is from 1st April-30th September, so be warned lots of beachy posts coming your way!

What are your plans for the summer season?
Cheerio for now! 

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Monday 1 June 2015

Book Review: The perks of being a wallflower

The perks of being a wallflower, Stephen Chbosky 

This was another book that a cracked open within the final weeks of assignment work -procrastination in full affect! I began it during a cram session, with leftover pizza, coca-cola and red bull on hand; not the best or most nutritional study snacks but it was a 'you gotta do, what you gotta do’ situation. 

I have wanted to have a flip through this book for quite some time, but it has always struck me as maybe a ‘cult’ book, that others have clammed together and hyped about more than what it’s actually worth. It took me awhile to get into but once I had I realised it is actually pretty great book and actually resonates so much with me and my introverted thoughts. 

The book is based around a collections of letters wrote to someone only known as ‘friend’ from charlie, an introspective freshman, who likes to read books and is intelligent beyond his years. The book follows Charlie through coming-of-age passages such as making friends, exploring sexuality, dealing with a first crush, trying drugs and family tensions; as well as his desirable chase for feeling infinite with his best friends Sam and Patrick. Charlie’s letters let us into his daily thoughts and feelings, which lead us through his days as though we were there with him; within his head. 

Although I was slightly on the fence through a lot of the book itself, I really enjoyed the way the book was presented through the letters and the inner monologue of Charlie’s thoughts. It was something I have never really experienced from a book before. I would recommend for most, though I am sure not all would enjoy this type of read. 

Favourite Quote: “So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them. But even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them” 

Have you ever read The perks of being a wallflower? 
Cheerio for now! 

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Tuesday 26 May 2015

Life Update: White Noise

Where have I been?

Well, this past (academic) year I have been a first year student with the OU, needlessly studying towards my degree from home. Of course I am only a part time student and most of time it's a case of studying from bed but at least I'm able to study! The past year has been a huge learning curve for me, not only in getting back into a learning environment but also in terms of my health and listening to my body; which is crucial for anyone, regardless of their health status!

I think because I am now back in education, many assume that I'm better and have suddenly been cured; however this couldn't be further from the truth. Looking back at this past year, in terms of my health has been the worst year to start a degree, but these things can't be predicted. Not only that but I haven't been in education for five years, so getting back into has been quite a transition; especially as I'm not the healthy person I once was and I can't push my body to such extremes as I used to. Going back into education has been a huge 'trial & error period'. I've had to readjust my study patterns according to my health, my (now useless) memory as well as my nocturnal body clock, urghh.

So that's why I haven't been around so much on here -any posts have been those scheduled in advance in light of the past month of numerous assignments and finals I've had to get through for the end of my module. The past few weeks have been utterly draining so it will probably take quite some time to get back to my usual self but hopefully once I'm there I will be able to post more -and hopefully get up to date on my bloglovin' feed, which has reached a staggering 170 posts! Did someone say summer reading?

Hope you are all well,
Cheerio for now!
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Wednesday 13 May 2015

When it rains, it pours

when it rains, it pours
this is a perfect phrase to fit explaining a flare. as a severe sufferer of multiple chronic illness' I'm faced with the dilemmas of everyday life and how they may effect me in the long run. on one hand I have to pace myself and only use my designated spoons for that day otherwise I run the risk of borrowing spoons from future days, flaking out and causing a flare. a flare is something I, and many other spoonies, generally refer to as a
huge unwanted speed bump in life, which resembles more of Mount Everest than an actual everyday speed bump
sometimes a flare is a result of borrowing spoons and ultimately flaking out, but sometimes it can also pop up out of nowhere, and for no cause at all. It makes everything a thousand times harder and more of a struggle than what it usually is. Any Spoonie will know how hard everyday life is anyway but with a flare it's like trying to save yourself from being immersed in sinking mud, yet you have weights & chains pulling you down. Which I, myself, feel like I'm going through now.
Let me give you a run down of a normal weekend outing, after spending the entire week laid up in bed or on the sofa.
You see on a Sunday I may go to lakeside, a regional shopping centre about a twenty minute drive from where I live, with my mom and nan. we usually get there, and park in the mobility car park which has it's own entrance to Debenhams. once we get in my nan will need a coffee and something to eat so we'll go upstairs into Debenhams own café. the café is so noisy for me. first of all there's the background music which consists of a mixtape/podcast stuck on loop. It includes pieces of music, offers and competitions going on in store, and audio adverts for brands and designers they endorse in store. they have this at an average volume until it's drowned out and the store tannoy goes on full volume to let someone know they've lost their kid and let them know where to claim them (I have hyper sensitivities, which include sound so it's more like sitting in a gig than a café). than there's the 'clanky' sound of plates; cutlery, cups & saucers being picked up and put down. there's people chit-chatting, the chick in the corner having a "no you hang up first" argument on her phone, the old deaf couple across the way shouting their conversation to one another for the whole world to hear and than there's the small boy throwing a screaming tantrum as his parents sit oblivious to the show their son is throwing. all of this has gone on, nearly all my valuable spoons have disappeared into thin air and my nan hasn't even brought over our tray of drinks let alone the fact we haven't even waited or had our food yet. so by the time we're done in the café we need to hop back in the car to get home so I can hibernate after being out for a maximum of thirty minutes.
so with that in mind you can see how the littlest things can all add up and cause a right storm for a spoonies body -into a flare of all flares. and so the brick wall comes crushing down on me and your left in a heap on the floor reassembling the bricks in order to get back to how it was. when it rains it pours.

Cheerio for now! 
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Tuesday 12 May 2015

That dreaded question

"You look well! feeling better?"
When I hear those words I don't quite know how to react. You see on the outside I look completely fine and healthy (baring the wheelchair of course). Yet how I feel is anything but fine or healthy. I have a chronic illness. I suffer from an insane amount of pain all over my body, throughout my muscles and joints. This type of pain is too intense to be eased by medication. Its an indescribable pain which I don't think I'll ever be able to find the right words strong enough to truly describe. I experience painful sensations such as skin crawling, muscle twitching and pins & needles (unlike normal pins and needles). Its as though my body is an electrical storm of aching, burning, throbbing and spasms inside me everyday.

I am constantly tired, and live feeling nothing but sheer and utter exhaustion. The only example I could give of my exhaustion would be its as though a hoover came down from outer space and sucked the life out of me leaving me nothing but an empty shell of a human being. On the rare occasion of when I'm out I may suddenly need to sit, lay down or close my eyes. And I often suddenly go extremely pale and wilt. Only those with a keen eye pick up on this and notice that I'm running on low. I suffer 'post-external malaise' (fatigue delayed over a day or two after too much activity) which often hits you like a ton of bricks and you find yourself laying staring at your ceiling either praying, cursing or sobbing yourself to sleep.

Its not just physical exhaustion and pain that I suffer but also mental and emotional pain too. I find it very difficult to remember things no matter how important they are; I just cant remember. I get confused very easily and constantly feel mentally exhausted. I have a lot of trouble concentrating and focusing on tasks such as listening and participating in conversations; its not that I'm not interested in what people have to say its just that its really difficult to focus my attention to that one thing when my mind just feels so spaced out. Things like that are simple daily tasks but, take so much out of me. I constantly get stuck on my words and have difficulty working things out, planning and thinking ahead.

I suffer from a recurring sore throats and swollen glands. I get dizzy easy; especially when getting up from sitting and lying down; I often feel like I'm about to collapse or need to go rest when infact I'm already sitting/laying down. I get hot and cold fever spells, and always have cold hands and feet. I'm hyposensitive to bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, etc. For example -when my nan smokes I feel like I'm being killed from the inside out. Its a sort of heartburn pain but in my lungs, the sort of pain which you don't know what to do with yourself so you just sit there holding your breath and hoping it'll die down soon. I hardly sleep these days and constantly feel like a zombie. I've lost my taste buds, along with it my appetite. It hurts my jaw to eat and I often have trouble digesting my food. I have abdominal pains, stomach and gut problems. When I eat I'm put in a lot of discomfort and feel like I need a special machine that lets me sleep for 24 hours to get over my meal and get ready for the next meal. I have panic attacks and get anxious about everything, sometimes over nothing at all -yet I just can't help it. Tightness of chest and chest pains is a serious recurring problem of mine too, as though there's a tight belt wrapped around my chest and I struggle to get my breath. I am sensitive to certain foods and completely intolerant to many. My body reacts badly to medication, alcohol and chemicals including artificial sweeteners like aspartame which result in my heart going at a rapid pace.

So as you can see when someone says "you look well! feeling better?" I don't know quite how to respond because all this is under the surface. If I sat trying to tell you all this A) you'd think I'm a hypochondriac B) we'd be sitting there an awful long time especially given the fact that I have trouble getting not only my thoughts and words in the right order but also verbalising it as well. Not to mention the amount of energy it would take out of me and how insanely tired I'd be. Chronic Illness' are a lot like polar ice caps. As you go past them you see what's floating above the surface, but if you were to put a diving suit on and take a plunge on beneath it you would see it's a lot bigger and goes deeper then you could ever of imagined.

Also I think I speak on behalf of all spoonie's out there when I say that "you look well! feeling better?" is on the top 10 list of things not to say to a chronic pain sufferer, especially if you value your life. Just saying.

What phrase or questions do you dread being asked? 
Cheerio for now! 
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Wednesday 6 May 2015

Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde. 


I have been wanting to read this book for many years, but over time obstacles, and life in general, have got in the way. The Picture of Dorian Gray has always been lurking on my ‘to read’ list and I have always been oddly drawn to quotes by Oscar Wilde so last year I finally bit the bullet and plonked that book at the top of my reading list. That top place is sort of a sacred spot on my list and serves as a huge billboard for my friends and relatives to gage how badly I want a book depending on its status (ranking) on my list; which is usually drafted and then handwritten until it’s just right. I know, I know -I sound sad; but whats a girl to do when she’s bedridden and has nothing better to do with her days but dream about the books she wants to read. 

I received this book for christmas, and cracked it open over the holidays whilst on my break from uni. I was definitely drawn to the story within the first few chapters but between pacing myself for christmas and family events I didn’t manage to complete it before returning to my uni work. Over the past few weeks, of reading, note-taking and general work and preparation for my final assignments, I have found myself relentlessly finding any and every possible distraction to try and avoid doing those important tasks. This led me back to my half-read book and I once again returned to the gothic novel, though this time I was accompanied by a large mug of tea and a few pieces of cantuccini. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray starts at Basil Hallward’s studio where he is to stand and have a portrait painted by the artist himself. While there he encounters Lord Henry Wotton, whom he becomes increasingly fascinated with and befriends in an instance. Dorian, an eighteen year old young fellow at the time, is convinced by Lord Henry that his most valued possessions are his beauty and youth. Later, having seen his portrait and heard both Basil and Lord Henry marvel at his youth and beauty, he’s prevailed by his emotions and wishes that the portrait would age with time rather then himself. After, he continues with his days and enjoys the company and cynical words of Lord Henry, without thinking of the portrait -til one night, he notices its appearance has changed and he realises that the words he exclaimed in Basil’s studio had came true and the true nature of him and his soul was being displayed on the portrait rather than himself. 

The book is noted as a modern classic of literature, as well as the only novel wrote by Oscar Wilde acting as a showcase for his writing talents. The story itself is fascinating, with long-standing morals of society and slightly comical moments throughout. Wilde’s storytelling talents are mesmerising, complete with beautiful, almost poetic, imagery and complex yet innovative characters; all including personal traits of the author himself. 

Favourite Quote: "But the picture? What was he to say of that? It held the secret to his life, and told his story. It taught him to love his own beauty. Would it teach him to loathe his own soul? Would he ever look at it again?"

What Classic's have always caught your eye? 
Cheerio for now!

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Tuesday 5 May 2015

M.E. Awareness Week





With ME Awareness week approaching I’ve began thinking of the many posts that align with this event, and hopefully raising some much needed awareness. It was then that I clicked onto my Twitter feed and saw that a fellow spoonie, Anna, was running her Blue Sunday fundraising again this year. The idea of Anna’s Blue Sunday is to have a brew and a slice of cake, and donate an amount you would pay in a cafĂ© which will go to the ME Association. 

As someone who is all for fundraising and raising awareness, i asked myself how could i help? Then the lightbulb went off. I decided why not hold hold a coffee morning throughout ME Awareness Week? After thinking the whole thing through, and a quick message to Anna; I signed up to justgiving and made a page for awareness week. 
**I might add; whilst making my profile page, I noticed something moving out of the corner of my eye and saw a tiny money spider was climbing across my keypad; I’m taking that as a good omen! 

Throughout ME Awareness week, May 11th-17th, various business’ in my town will ply their customers, colleagues and friends with brews, beverages and cakes as well as spread awareness of this invisible illness. I think raising awareness is key, especially for chronic and invisible illness’ such as M.E; which are often labelled as ‘all in the head’ or ‘yuppie flu’. It’s important for people to take the time to educate themselves on invisible illness’ such as this, and spread on the awareness too. 

I think, as much as we all hope and pray for a cure or some sort of universal treatment to ease some of our suffering, raising awareness within itself is another form of cure/treatment. I know, myself, what a difference it can make to feel as though people understand or at least try to understand what your going through. It makes everything a little less lonely and isolating, which can make such a difference on your emotional well-being and that in-turn is almost a ripple effect on other aspects of your health. 

So mark ME awareness week in your calendar, and remember to boil the kettle, have a slice of cake (or two) and think of those, like myself, who suffer with this invisible and chronic illness on a daily basis. 
Extra Brownie points for those who google it! 

You can check out my justgiving page here

Expect lots of prep posts and chronic illness inspired posts, 
Cheerio for now! 

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Monday 13 April 2015

Sunday: by the sea


Flowers

Flowers

Flowers



After a busy week we piled into the car and headed East for a day by the coast, more precisely -Whitstable. It was Easter weekend so the town was swamped with everyone and their dogs. It was a bright and sunny day, with only a hint of breeze forcing the long sleeves to come down. We weaved in and out of the boutiques, book stores and florists, admiring neat treasures and trinkets, buying one of each and laughing with locals along the way. Surprisingly, I didn’t actually buy that much in the bookstore. Unfortunately they didn’t have the book I originally went in for *sob* so i had to order it in and we’ll pick it up another day; such a shame but it also means another trip to the bookstore is promised! Instead I came out with a few recommended books for my studies, and some notecards so all was not lost. 

We then went on to the florist, which just so happens to be my moms favourite shop. The florist is not only home to the prettiest fresh flowers and plants, but also 'shabby chic’ signs, ornaments, vase's, the best smelling candles, diffusers, and much more. If you compared our home to the florist, you’d think we were an advert for it! After spending a very long time in there (…and a lot of money) we eventually made out with bags upon bags, with me dragging my mom out of there and the shop tenders waving us off. 

It was then we settled down for some well deserved sustenance, in the form of dinner at the Tudor Tea Rooms. Crowded around our table, we delighted on platters, baguettes, omelettes and chips; myself a fish finger sandwich -an urban delicacy, within the common folk of Britannia. The tea rooms is a laid back yet communal setting where everyone is a friendly face. In summer it is packed with those enjoying the local festivals, in winter it is occupied with those avoiding the cold and cozying up by the wood-burning fireplace. The rooms filled with laughter, chatter and the occasionally "hello, what are you doing down here”; as we ate and slurped away. A few laughs later we were out of the door and headed back through the crowds, exploring narrow alleyways and lanes along the high street leading through to the coast. 

As the sea air hit us as we reached the seafront so did the realisation of how tired we truly were and so, we all fell back into the car before heading for a quick gelato in Broadstairs, and then headed home. Barely able to keep our eyelids open we made it home before collapsing in a heap on the sofa and then a few hours later browsing our purchases. My favourite purchase being a toss up between my Lavender, rose petals and Algues (exfoliant) soap bars from the Florist and my picture frame from The Clothing Horse. All in all, our Sunday was a pretty pleasant and chilled out day. 

How did you spend your Easter Sunday? 
Cheerio for now! 

Note to self; invent ‘scratch and sniff’ for digital screens so that everyone can smell just how great the soap bars smell. 

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