Sunday best: Breakfast

If you know me, you’ll know that I bloody love Sundays. I have done for as long as I can remember. Some of my favourite memories have taken place on Sundays. There’s something so special about waking up to a noticeably quieter world, being able to stop and appreciate the light streaming through the window, and listening to the birds sing. I cherish that Sundays have the magical power to slowly turn a quiet, plan free day into an adventure, in a way that no other weekday can.

I hereby dedicate this segment to all things Sunday! A kind of shrine, if you will, to the best the week has to offer. First up, breakfast.

My weekday breakfast has consisted of porridge and fruit for about 2 years now, so at the weekend I like to change things up a bit. I know, crazy. I give you,  peanut butter blueberry toast. It’s exactly what it says on the tin. If you’re not quite convinced by the name (I don’t blame you), perhaps the pic below will entice you?

It’s the easiest breakfast ever and kind of needs no explanation, so I’ll just go through the basics. This beauty consists of peanut butter on toast- I go for a relatively healthy chunky peanut butter by Whole Earth (£3.19 in all good supermarkets), but any nut butter will do- followed by a blueberry compote (I say a compote, but I literally just microwave some blueberries with a drop of water for a minute) and voilà, you've got yourself a delicious and nutritious start to the day. If you have a sweet tooth, why not add a drop of honey on top and smother it all together? Yum.

Told you it was easy! It takes 2 minutes max to prepare and is in the true spirit of Sundays- I can’t think of a better way to start your day of rest!

What to look out for when you go and see The Big Short

1.    Some on point explanations of Wall Street lingo, most notably with the help of jenga and some old fish- which surprisingly work to de-mystify the ‘complex’ economics behind the financial crisis

2.    Ryan Gosling being dreamy throughout

3.    Another amazing prosthetic nose performance from Steve Carrell

4.    The maverick who discovered the housing bubble simply by thinking to investigate the stability of people’s mortgages, who bet against them and ultimately made a killing. He now puts his profits to good causes. 

5.    Feelings of anger, frustration and disbelief as you realise the whole financial system was (and still is) based on not only stupidity, but brazen ignorance for the consequences of their own recklessness

6.    Brad Pitt, playing a retired banker turned hippy, ladies and gentlemen 

7.    An amazing soundtrack featuring Led Zepellin and Gorillaz

8.    Your sanity as you realise nothing has changed and we’re literally in a housing bubble right now

ENJOY J

The Bandwagon: Sunday Riley Sleeping Night Oil

So we’ve all been in the situation where we see the same product being raved about on the 700^th blog, and wondering what all the fuss is about. You put it in your online basket just in case, while you vow to do some research, only to click proceed to checkout at 12.30am when you’re at your weakest. This is a far far too regular occurrence in my life, and you can bet that 9/10 times when I’ve tried the cream/mascara/oil/brush I’ve been filled with regret when I realise the hype was actually sponsored bs.

So I thought it only fair that I share the success stories of my stupidity, just to do my bit to give back. This time around it’s the Sunday Riley Sleeping Night Oil (£85, SpaceNK).

I’m fully aware that this is a ridiculous and irrational amount of money to spend on skincare. Please don’t judge me, because I’m already judging myself. I first heard about its miraculous workings nearly a year ago, and I’ve waited all this time before actually buying it (which took so much willpower). So actually, I think I’ve been quite good.

This jar of dreams boasts anti-ageing and skin cell-repairing properties to name but a few, and claims to have the power to transform dull and tired skin into beautiful, healthy skin. The ingredients sound scientific and it smells super medicinal, so trust levels between me and this oil are high, guys. The first time I tried it I was slightly disturbed by its bright blue colour, so do be aware you might be walking around like the Blue Man Group for a few minutes while it sinks in.

Although it’s billed as a treatment oil, I never use it with my night cream; which isn’t to say it’s heavy, but it’s definitely enough moisture for my skin, so I use it instead of night cream. When I wake up I no longer look like a blue, oily mess, but have that glowing ‘lit from within’ vibe going on. If I weren’t so pale you’d be forgiven for thinking I’d just returned from 2 weeks in Bali (I wish). My skin is as soft and plump as a baby’s bottom, and the effects seem to last a couple of days for me, so I don’t use it every night; that way I can cherish every drop.

This is definitely a success story of my weakness for blogger hyped products. Saying that, I’m not going to tell everyone they need to buy it, because you really don’t, and it really is crazy to spend that much money on an oil for your face. But hey, if it’s your birthday coming up definitely whack it on your list. Or if you’re taking #treatyoselfday2016 early, get on down to Space NK and treat yo damn self.

Next month you’ll no doubt read my attempt to justify buying Shu Uemura eyelash curlers…

5 Things: 2015 Reads

Here are the 5 books I couldn't stop thinking about in 2015, along with mini reviews...enjoy!

·         The Martian, Andy Weir

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to love this book. The first couple of pages are a bit overwhelming as you’re thrown right into the plot, and begin wondering how the hell Weir is going to get you from here to the last page. I’m far from scientifically minded, but I found myself getting whisked away by maths and complex engineering (I was as surprised as you are), and it was those details I really missed from the movie. Above all, it’s just a really funny book, and if all else fails the wit of the main character will carry you through.

·         The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery

This is the one book in 2015 which I devoured. I think I read it over 3 days during my final Uni semester, so it was read between seminars, stints in the library, and before bed. Like all good art, the writer finds beauty and delicacy in the mundane. I could have easily read it without plot. But alas, the plot is beautiful also, and you’ll find yourself feeling attached to all the characters in strange ways.

·         Not that kind of Girl, Lena Dunham

I love reading memoirs of women I admire and Lena’s definitely didn’t disappoint. I was so impressed, it’s crazy to think this lady’s not yet 30. It’s best read slowly, in no rush, just picking it up when you need it. I found the reading experience similar to having a close friend pour their heart out to you, and I couldn’t help wanting to respond with things I needed to get off my chest. If you love Lena, you’ll love her book.

·         The Queen of the Tearling, Erika Johansen

This is an amazing book if you just want to switch off your brain for an hour, and let the writer do the work. Johansen has created a unique universe which raises so many questions I still wonder about them to this day. It’s so easy to get lost in the character and story, but there are more interesting layers waiting to be found if you’re looking.

·         Yes Please, Amy Poehler

Before I read this, a book had never brought tears of laughter to my eyes before. Amy Poehler is the comic genius that finally had me rolling around in fits of laughter. She has the power to make everything funny, while also giving out solid lady advice from her own experience. Whether you already love Amy, just want some SNL behind- the- scenes gossip, or if you know nothing about her, the very least her book will do is cheer you up.

10 Loves #3

1.    Cookbooks…something I wanted for Christmas was cookery books, and it’s safe to say my family delivered. My favourites are A Modern Way to Cook which is full of simple, vegetarian recipes and The Kitchy Kitchen for the classics. Am I the only one who loves going through cook books and bookmarking my favourite recipes?

2.    Rosianna’s vlogmas…Rosianna was essentially my therapist for the month of December. Her videos were so insightful, creative and simple, covering issues from mental health to Hermione Granger. I thoroughly recommend watching them in the morning to get your brain going *but maybe skip the festive bits if you’re sad Christmas is over*

      3.   Madewell...I am obsessed. In awe. Itching to get to grips with their sale. Have no more words. Just love.

     4.   Netflix…did good. I was so impressed and in love with Aziz Ansari’s series Master of None, and heartbroken and enraged by Making a Murderer. Like, seriously. Wtf, Wisconsin’s criminal justice system?

     5.  Girls…both in the sense of ma girls, and the HBO show. My friends, Hannah’s friends and Lena herself basically got me through the month. BITCHES GET SHIT DONE.

      6.  Running…after an exercise hiatus, I am back in the game. There’s something about running that just makes me happy. Between the wind in my hair and the sun (sometimes) on my face, it makes me feel physically, and mentally strong. Win win.

  7.    Jaoquin Pheonix…no explanation required.

  8.    Yoga with Adrienne…this lady is amazing. Her youtube videos first got me into yoga, and she has a sequence for every occasion, ache, or pain. Sometimes she freaks me out because she knows how my body is feeling better than I do. It’s like she’s in the room. Her mantra, 'find what feels good' is universally appealing'.

9.    The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion…do yourself a favour and read this book, okay?

10. Holiday planning…because the prospect of the sun is all that gets us through January right? And I’m not gonna lie, the planning of the holiday is sometimes the best bit. 

New Year, New Umbrella?

You’re about to endure some indulgent, sentimental, and motivational reflections with the odd inspirational quote thrown in, which can only mean one thing…it’s New Year!

2015 was a tough, punishing marathon of a year, in which bad things happened in threes, fours and fives. The time between January 1^st 2015 and January 1^st 2016 kind of felt like walking into a dark tunnel completely by mistake, getting lost, but just kind of carrying on walking until I got out the other side. It wasn’t without a few crying selfies. But here I am, still standing (curled up in the foetal position).

Here are a few goals for 2016 and the years ahead because I’m feelin’ good about this year folks…

I’m going to take time to take care of myself. Last year I kind of forgot the basics of looking after yourself and often had to remind myself why it’s a priority; it allows you to do everything you actually want to do. You couldn't pursue goals, look out for others, or feel confident and worthy without brushing your teeth and eating a balanced diet.

 “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others” – Winston Churchill

It’s so important to challenge yourself, but sometimes it’s easy to forget how big the rewards are; even if things don’t work out, you deserve a hug from yourself for trying. I’ve already started making a conscious effort to say ‘yes’ more, but I think putting the pledge in writing will give me the extra nudge I need to really commit. I’m not even joking when I say another of my resolutions is to learn to say ‘no’. As bizarre as it sounds I feel like I say no to fun and say yes to things I neither want or am obliged to do. This needs to change, obvs; I am worthy, world.

If there’s one thing my life is missing, it’s a hobby. This year I am committed to finding my true calling; whether it’s knitting, Zumba or pottery, I am open to whatever it may be. While I’ve always written, it’s never been regular. I love those people who manage to write a book alongside their day job; on packed trains, in between meetings, after the kids are asleep/ before they awake. If nurses, and neuroscientists have time to write, I sure as hell don’t have an excuse.

Thanks for letting me indulge in some soul searching. Who doesn’t love a bit of self-motivation? 

A ‘huge’ essay on Censorship and Donald J Trump

I’m going to jump straight in there and make it clear that I think Donald Trump is a jackass. This essay is in no way a defence of him, his dumb opinions, or his opportunist power- grab which is ultimately harmful to the American people.

His recent plea to the US government to enforce a total ban on all Muslims entering America is just the cherry on top of a layer cake of offensive remarks. Since his announcement to run for President, only 6 months ago on 16^th June (I know, it feels like he’s been running for a lifetime), he has taken aim at women, the LGBTQ community, Mexicans and disabled people.

“Donald J Trump is calling for a total and complete shut down of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on”

(I’m not sure what was more scary, his actual words, or him saying them in 3^rd person)

These latest remarks have provoked the biggest reaction of all, understandably. Hearing a ‘politician’/businessman hold to ransom a whole religion for the actions of a few was surreal and unprecedented, even coming from Trump. Not to mention how dangerous his words were, which, by the way, sounded uncannily like the Islamist extremists who declare war on the ‘evil’ west.

One of the strongest reactions to Mr Trump was here in the UK, where a petition to ban Mr Trump from entering the UK and to label him as a hate speaker, gained over half a million signatures (as of 29/12/2015). However, perhaps the only thing more dangerous than Mr Trump’s words is banning them. One of my favourite quotes is this gem from Voltaire, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” *shivers*.

Just because Donald Trump said something offensive, and frankly factually inaccurate, it doesn't mean he shouldn't be allowed to say anything else. It undermines the notion of opinion. I would love to get Donald Trump on a plane to the UK, and show him why he is wrong, and debate with him until he has no logical choice but to change his mind. Besides, don’t tell me you wouldn’t love to see him cry as Ian Hislop tore him to pieces…

The petition to ban Donald Trump from the UK was in part a response to the government’s own policy on hate speech. In the last 12 months alone, the UK government has blocked the entry of 9 Islamist ‘hate speakers’ (who didn’t get the privilege of a parliamentary debate or petition, their fate was non-negotiable.) The petition seems to take a swipe at the absurdity of applying the rule to select communities, but not to others; it seems to ask, ‘why ban 9 poor Muslims but not rich white guys?’. Donald Trump’s views could indeed be seen as hate speech, just as those of activist, Roosh V could. (The man who publishes books and tours the world instructing men how to ‘bang’ women from every country, and teaching them that no ‘doesn’t really mean no’) Both are white, middle class Americans, neither have been banned from the UK. While Donald Trump may have had the privilege of a debate, the 9 people banned from the UK this year weren’t so lucky, and their fate was non- negotiable.

So while the petition raised the right question, its solution to the problem- to ban more- is unfortunate. The UK policy on hate speech, to me, sounds flawed from the beginning, so to argue that it should be enforced regardless is crazy, isolating and potentially damaging. Yes, Donald Trump’s views are hateful, and they deserve to be challenged, not banned.

People’s readiness to ban books and people, and censor tv shows is becoming alarming, and it begins to undermine the free speech we’re trying to protect. Just as Cady wisely said in Mean Girls, “the only thing worse than going back would be not going back”. 

As a community I think the only way to overcome intolerance is to look it square in the eyes; it’s easy to forget the power we have to respond, to debate, and to turn the channel. Banning something/someone suggests his views are legitimate, and that they’re something to be afraid of. Let's not help Donald Trump by giving his views legitimacy.