Sweater Weather

November has always been a little bit of an oddball for me. It's that grey hazy zone between the blur of pumpkins and the scary masks of Halloween and then the red, green, and sparkly decorations of Christmas. November is almost a stopping off point, a period of respite before the stress and excitement of Christmas hits us all and comes around in the blink of an eye. It is also when the temperature drops and the air becomes a little chillier which means only one thing: it's time for sweaters! 

I love my sweaters. As a disabled person, who is often in a wheelchair, it can get freezing really fast. Because of this, I have assembled a collection of trusty layers I always turn to around this time of the year. Of course, over time a few have been passed on to other hands and new ones acquired but I have three old faithful's that I'd like to share today. 

The first is this Beige cardigan from River Island. I got this about five years ago, as well as the same style but in an ochre yellow tone too. I love how effortless it looks but how incredibly cozy it is. I'd say I use it more indoors than outdoors because it works great as an extra layer, but it also comes in really handy to keep in the car and on my travels during October time too. This cardigan is essentially my 'in-between seasons' layer, and, where it's buttonless, it works great to wrap around myself and just curl up in. 

This second one, this jumper by the brand Staring at Stars at Urban Outfitters is also a golden oldie. My granddad has the most amazing knitted jumpers and I often joke that he needs to look after them so I can wear them one day (it sounds morbid but we've been doing it for years because he knows how much I love them). Anyway, I saw this jumper when I was about seventeen, I fell in love instantly but it was from urban outfitters and a little out my price range. A few days later my mom came in with it and my granddad had treated me to it however, it was a little snug (like 'can't-breathe' snug) and I didn't want to size up but I also didn't want to take it back entirely so it was just shoved into a draw for years. 

I found it during moving house at the beginning of summer and tried it on, which to my delight it fit. Since then I have worn it whenever it has got a little bit nippy outside. It is quite a fine-knit but also very soft to wear so it's perfect for those days when it is warm in the sun but cold in the shade. 

Last but not least is this fluffy soft jumper from Topshop, again an old guy from the magic wardrobe (where clothes disappear for years). I don't actually shop from any of the above shops no more, however, I hate being wasteful especially with clothes that still fit into my personal style. As I mentioned, this jumper is really soft, and quite baggy in shape but I love the pattern and colour. It is a bit more 'out-there' than what I would wear these days, however, I'm happy I bought it when I did. This jumper always makes me feel super festive and really gets me in the mood for Christmas. 

So, those are my favourite November warmers, do you have any items that you love bringing out this time of the year? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Photography: James Coleman 

Whitby | 17

After our few days in Nott'm, we headed up to stay with some friends in Middlesborough and then to Whitby on my birthday. Now the weather at Whitby was pretty grim. It was on and off drizzling and a van went through a puddle, soaking my boyfriend -not ideal (I briefly mentioned in my Wales posts that he gets crabby in the rain, they just don't mix well). But despite this, we had a great day.

Whitby is one of my favourite places. I love the harbour, the cobblestone streets with wonky old buildings and alleyways with shops poked here and there. I love the fact that everyone up't Nor' is so friendly, and you can chat with anyone without having weird looks thrown your way.

We headed towards the Whitby abbey steps straight away. (Side note: wheelchairs and cobblestones do not mix well -they give you the worst back pain ever!). We actually picked up a bike lock in Nott'm for my wheelchair and used it a few times before abandoning my wheelchair at the bottom of the Whitby Abbey steps. I knew I wanted to give getting up the steps a pop, but I also knew I wouldn't be able to walk to them and then do the stairs, so using my wheelchair was necessary. Conveniently enough, the steps have benches to the side of them every 10 stairs or so: the perfect rest breaks to not only rest my legs but also check out the amazing view of the harbour town. 

Once at the top, we went through the churchyard, taking in the ornate old tombstones and the view of the North Sea. We then headed on up to the Abbey, reading a little bit about the ruins before heading up to them. 

Whitby Abbey is so pretty. It's the type of place you wander around while wondering how it would have looked centuries ago and what people would have thought about it back then. What's left of the abbey is essentially part of the shell of the original building. There are signs and illustrations showing what it may have looked like in the 13th Century, and they tell you quite a bit about how it would have been used too. 

After a quick trip to the gift shop and a lot of spent pennies, we headed for some food and went to some shops before heading home. Whitby was an amazing day, and I'm so glad we got to go there on my actual birthday. 

Cheerio for now! 

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Magazines 2.0

In my last post on Magazines, here, I mentioned that there were three other magazines I really wanted to write about however, I didn't want to make that post too long so- here we are. Now there are three magazines, however, one of them has recently announced they will not be printing issues anymore but rather remain an online publication; maintaining the themes they covered in their printed issues but rather just publishing through an online outlet. So, what are my chosen magazines?

The Messy Heads
I mean, this should come as no surprise. My post, Inspire Me Lately, was very Messy Heads inspired. I have briefly mentioned this before but The Messy Heads are so raw and authentic in terms of their content. Not just their written pieces but their photography, layout, and contributors too. Everything is so carefully curated but also so incredibly personal and inspiring to behold. When you flip through the magazine you get a sense that this isn't a publication that is following trends or trying to live up to a standard set by society but rather a collection of individuals forging their own paths and creating lives to their own tune. It's a magazine that always grounds me and set me back to my own beat. It reminds me of who I am and what truly matters to me, and any magazine that can have that effect on me is welcome with open arms.

The Local Wolves
This nifty mag is based in Long Beach, California, however, it is available both in print and online so you can always get your hands on it. It's centred around creative minds within the world of arts, culture, and entertainment; and introduced me to such a range of innovative individuals I otherwise would never have heard of. It used to have my ultimate girl crush, Orion Carloto, as its' resident columnist which used to keep my heart swooning but the magazine is still soaring without her beautiful words. I tend to read this mag online, although I do have a few issues in my possession: in particular, girl crushes whom I love. I, of course, have Orion Carloto's cover issue, then Estee Lalonde, and The Fashion Citizen. If you are a creative or even have an interest in the creative arts or culture in general then I would definitely recommend giving this a read. The Local Wolves website has a link to follow to read online.

Betty
Now sadly, this is the amazing magazine which is no longer being published. However, fear not -they are still going to produce the same amazing content on their website. I only got my hands on two of their annual issues and I absolutely love each of them, however, it is really sad that I won't be adding any other issues to my shelf. I know it's wasteful to collect magazines but when they are as beautifully curated as this -I simply can't stop myself! Betty magazine covers a range of topics but most of all only write about things that its editors like. They relish in embracing and celebrating who they are, as well as encouraging their readers to do the same. The mag, like the website, is full of how-to guides, beauty, lookbooks, food recipes, and, my personal favourite, their travel content: which doesn't just cover foreign places and cities but also areas in England which you wouldn't usually be drawn to but that doesn't mean you wouldn't like it there. Betty is definitely the type of mag for the creative individual, looking for something unique to read.

Have you ever read any of these magazines? What do you think of them? 
Cheerio for now!

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The Year of Twenty One

A year ago I posted this post, A Letter To Twenty. I remember sitting up in bed, surrounded by snotty, tear-stained tissues and wearing a week old pajamas writing that post. I wasn't in the best of places a year ago. Changes were happening in our family and as much as they seemed positive there was an element of discomfort to them, especially for me. I'd spend most of my time alone, well I had my four-legged pal but not any form of human interaction. Things got dark pretty quickly and my twenty-first birthday wasn't as happy an occasion as birthdays usually are. What we did on my birthday was amazing. Having a pub lunch in London and then heading to the Ritz for evening tea had my tea-loving heart swooning. When a quartet plays 'Twenty one today' just for you, it's pretty special.

New year bought the sudden change of moving. The idea of leaving my childhood home was bittersweet, but I also kind of loved the idea of a new beginning. I think my mom and I had needed it for a while. It's crazy how this new beginning can bring new people into your life too, and suddenly your heart starts to flutter when you see someone's name light up on your phone. I know many don't believe in fortune tellers or tarot cards but having been brought in a family of believers, I remember my mom once being told that when her life changes so too will mine. I always thought this was rather bizarre and took it with a pinch of salt, but having looked back at how things have changed within my family compared with things with my friends and boyfriend -it makes sense (and to be frank it's a little spooky how correct it was).

Moving was stressful, to say the least. I've never felt like such a nomad. But around this time I gained a little freedom too. I went from sharing a car with my mom to having my own, which was nice. I met my boyfriend around the same time which was pretty great, to say the least (I can't write too much about him, his ego is already big enough). Even now, my living situation is a bit cramped but I do have my own room and space for my things which is something I haven't had for the majority of this year so far.

The year of twenty-one saw some pretty cool trips and days out too. It saw us go to Wales, seeing the stunning Welsh countryside and trying not to slip down waterfalls. We had weekends exploring anywhere we could possibly get to. Days spent at the beach hut, exploring the coast and wandering around Dreamland and the Shell Grotto.

Most of all, the year of twenty-one saw a lot of changes with my health and made me aware of things I didn't even think were medically possible. I think I can officially say the transition from girl to woman happened this year; in not the easiest of ways. The end of twenty-one also saw me start my new supplement programme with a new doctor (post to come on that -he's like a magician!). But most of all, I learned that my body is much more powerful then I give it credit for and I should spend a little more time giving it the love it deserves.

I think I can say this year was a huge transition period for many things, but it's ending on a much more positive note than the last. Now we just have to wait and see what twenty-two has to offer.

Cheerio for now! 
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Photography: James Coleman 

Nottingham | 17

In mid-October, we took a trip up't Nor' for my birthday. We planned to stay with some friends in Middlesborough and then head to Whitby on my actual birthday, but with my birthday falling on a Wednesday we decided why not extend the trip and go up a few days earlier. Trying to find a halfway point we landed on Nott'm for our destination and spent a few days there exploring before heading further north for my twenty-second birthday.

While in Nottingham we did a ton of things. We went to the Goose Fair, the Justice museum, saw the sky mirror, Lord Byron's house, the Robin Hood statue, ate the worlds best pizza and doughnotts: as well as exploring some pretty cool shops and restaurants. Oh, and I got my nose pierced! ...something I have wanted for such a long time but never actually gone through with it.

Nottingham was an amazing place, and somewhere I know I'll want to revisit again and again. There were so many other places and restaurants where we didn't get to explore or experience so another trip is definitely needed.

Cheerio for now! 
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What I'm Studying This Year | 17

I have kind of made it a habit to document my university progress on this little corner of cyberspace. Because of that it just wouldn't be right to not let you guys know what I'm studying this year.

This year I am studying a module called Reading and Studying Literature (A230) with The Open University. It will be my fourth module and fourth year towards my Open Degree. To graduate with my Open degree I have to complete and pass six modules with the Open University which means I am officially halfway through my degree! I remember enrolling onto my first module so vividly. I was so nervous and worried that I had potentially signed away six years of my life; dreading that it would drag on and be torture. If anything, it has been the exact opposite and I can't recommend the Open University enough to people. It truly is such an enjoyable and friendly community, which is so welcoming and accommodating of whatever stage of life you are in. People of all ages and all walks of life come together to form a friendly teaching environment and supportive community.

Anyway, back to the module (sorry, I went on a tangent). My module, of course, involves a lot of literature and a heck of a lot of reading -but I'm a bookworm, so I'm kind of in my element. Not only does it include classic novels but also plays, readings, poetry and travel writing from the Renaissance and Eighteenth century, through to the twentieth century; it also covers a wide range of themes and eras such as the romantics and the Victorians.

I must admit that there is a lot of work to this module which is nerve-wracking but I'm also excited to start and find my routine again. This module also has an exam at the end of the year, something I have never experienced at university level so that is also at the back of my mind constantly. Regardless of this, I can't wait to get settled into this module and read all the great works it has to offer.

Cheerio for now!

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Book Review: A Mask of Shadows

A Mask of Shadows, Oscar De Muriel  

 First of all, I'd like to say that if you are not familiar with any of the previous Frey & McGray cases then you can read my reviews for them here; where I have reviewed both The Strings of Murder and A Fever of the Blood. 

A Mask of Shadows starts in London 1889, before moving onto the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland. A bout of terror haunts the acclaimed production of Macbeth, as well as their beloved celebrities, Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, along with other actors, seamstresses, and stage hands. In the opening chapter, set in London, the first chilling event happens. As the actors' soak in their final applause, hell ensues with the screeching cry of a Banshee and a gruesome message, smeared across the stage sets, prophesizing someone's death. The tale takes place a short time after A Fever of the Blood and so, our narrator brings up his superstitions once more as he and McGray are assigned this case, shortly after the Macbeth cast and production arrive in the City. What follows are numerous plot twists, along with a long list of suspects within the play, behind the scenes and even onlookers and relatives who could all have a motive to kill or even reasons to be killed themselves.

As I stated in my review of A Fever of the Blood, you never know what to expect when you have already read and loved the original book. For me, I loved both the previous books, the first being my favourite, so before reading this book I wondered if maybe the author had peaked (like some do) or whether the characters were starting the die out. Having read it, I can say neither of those points is true. The storyline and characters were very well thought out, although I did think that there were a little too many names and characters involved at times which got a little overwhelming for me reading it. I also think that the end was left a little open which usually I wouldn't mind but in this case, there were so many questions that were unanswered which left it all rather loose and deflating for me. 

My favourite thing about this edition to the casebooks were the characters we already know from the previous editions i.e. Frey & McGray, Elgie, the family of Freys, Madam Katrina, etc. I always love seeing the progression of Frey & McGrays' relationship and so, reading this book I loved watching them become more and more so friends rather than colleagues who just put up with one another. I must say, I also adore the Victorian era these books are set in. It gives the books a grimmer vibe to them which I really enjoy. 

The next edition of the Frey & McGray cases is The Loch of the Dead, which will be released next year on the 5th April. You can pre-order it here.

Have you read A Mask of Shadows or any of the accompanying books? What did you think? 

Cheerio for now! 
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