Lifestyle // Black Sheep Coffee Review*

There's nothing better than the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning,it really helps set me up for the day and I wouldn't be without my daily cup.If my finances could stretch I think I would visit Starbucks daily (so ready for gingerbread lattes!) ,but I'll settle for my favourite mug and a splash of milk and sugar.I live in an area that is really big on supporting indie brands,so I was really happy that the lovely people at Black Sheep Coffee sent me some ground coffee to sample.

I really enjoy using posh ground coffee in the cafetiere,it's all very fancy and novel to me as I've only recently discovered these! If only I had one of those milk frothers then I could have the full experience.Of course,no morning cup of coffee would be complete without a few biscuits for dunking.Anyway on to the main event,I thought I'd start writing reviews in a Q&A format so that they're easy to read and so that I don't forget the little details.

Who are Black Sheep Coffee?

Black Sheep Coffee are a London based company who pride themselves on offering high quality coffee at a reasonable price.They encourage people to "leave the heard behind" and enjoy a more flavourful and exciting coffee experience.

What products do they offer?

They sell ground and whole bean coffee priced at between £5.40-£6.40 per 227g.You can even buy 1kg of their coffee beans if you're serious about your caffeine habits.I think they're pretty good value as you could easily spend more than this on a couple of drinks at a coffee house. They even sell Black Sheep coffee t shirts so you can wear your love for all things java too!

What did you think of the coffee you tried?

I sampled the Robusta Revival ground beans (which you can buy here) and I was very impressed with how rich and deep the flavours were.I'm usually more of a instant coffee drinker, but I really enjoyed taking the time to make a more luxurious cup of coffee.It has a wonderfully smooth finish and it's very drinkable,I  love that the kitchen smells absolutely gorgeous now.These particular beans contain around twice as much caffeine as normal Arabica beans so if I wasn't awake earlier on,I am now! I'd say this would be the coffee to buy if you're a regular coffee drinker who is looking to get more out of their morning drink.

What else would you like to see from Black Sheep Coffee?

One thing I'm very impressed with is their social media interaction,sites like Twitter and Instagram are great ways to communicate with coffee lovers,and I think that will only stand them in good stead.I would love to see them release even more products,perhaps a caffiene free coffee for the evenings, or for those who aren't able to drink it.

I'm really glad I discovered this brand on Twitter.What's your go-to coffee order? I'm a latte girl myself.

Food // 2 ingredient Virgin Pina Colada Lollies

If you like Pina Coladas,and getting caught in the rain then today is probably quite a good day for you as we seem to have had all four seasons the past couple of days! I was after something to relieve my wisdom tooth pain (why do we even have these?) that still tastes good.I mean clove oil is working well, but it's no dessert.I decided to go with a simple lolly recipe made with pineapple which is good for reducing inflammation,and coconut milk which contains an antiviral and antibacterial compound called monolaurin.

I can't get over how adorable this lolly molds from Poundland are,when I was a child I remember those ones with the little straw so you could sip the juice,ahh the 90's.These are really simple to make,and as I bought the cheapest ingredients they only work out at around 49p per lolly,which is much cheaper than a Magnum.I know they don't look the most appetising right now,but neither do kebabs and they're fricking gorgeous.Trust me,they're going to taste awesome.I love everything tropical,so I'm going to pretend I'm in the Caribbean and not overcast Devon.Here's a quick how-to on how I made them.

For 6 lollies you'll need

carton Pineapple juice
pouch of coconut milk

I filled each mold with a mixture of half pineapple juice and half of the coconut milk,making sure to leave a little gap at the top so that it doesn't overflow when it freezes.Coconut milk can have lumps of coconut cream in it,but you can just stir this in or leave it for some texture.texture. I've found these take around 6 hours to fully freeze and then you're good to go.I'm sure it would taste really good with some pineapple or other fruit chunks in there too.

Here's the finished result! I'm really happy with how they turned out,although I'm still partial to a Zap lolly now and again.

What ice lollies are you enjoying this Summer?

Lifestyle // Sunday support series

"We can't help everyone,but everyone can help someone" -Ronald Reagan

For as long as I can remember I've always been the "Agony Aunt" of the group.I love nothing more than sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to other people's problems.I think there's something very therapeutic and refreshing about taking the time to help people and support them in finding some positive solutions.Having suffered from mental health problems,I know how having someone can talk to can make all the difference.That's why I'm starting the Sunday support series, so that I can offer my advice and support to you all.I'm not a therapist and I if you're going through some rough times I would suggest going to visit your Doctor but I'd love to be a listening ear to anyone who needs it.

I've set up an ask.fm account which you can visit here and ask me questions anonymously.I will then spend the week reading them and publish a post with all my answers every Sunday.Please don't feel embarrassed or awkward when sharing your problems,I'm sure that I've either experienced them myself or heard it all before.Of course this will be completely anonymous unless you want to to state your name,it's all up to you.Any abusive or threatening messages will be deleted,but we already  know not to feed the trolls don't we? If you would like to chat to me privately,then please feel free to email me at whimsicalmrsw@outlook.com,anything that is sent to my private email will not be published.

I'm really excited to be able to be there for you all as you've all been so wonderful and supportive to me,I will make sure to answer your problems as fully as possible.I hope this works out and that it will become a regular feature over here.

What do you think?

Recovery // How to handle diet talk

Did you know that research suggests that women can spend 18.9 years of their lives on diets? (source) So it's only inevitable that eventually someone is going to tell you about their latest weight loss plan in great detail.I think it's become so ingrained in our society now that it's considered normal and healthy to diet.Talking about weight loss has become a way for people to bond,and nothing unites people faster than a shared struggle.However as a person in recovery,I could do without hearing about how "bad" you were when you ate that cupcake.Of course I don't blame people for talking about their diets,they offer the exciting prospect that when you finish them you'll be thin and gorgeous,it doesn't work like that but I have no room to talk! I'm trying to learn that my life should be about exploring opportunities and ideas and not getting caught up in what other's are doing.I completely support people's right to do what they want with their own bodies and lives,but I'm talking about how to avoid and handle the often non stop chatter surrounding it.

1. Remove yourself from the situation

I know this isn't always possible,but if you're able to it's a good idea to try and move away from certain conversations.Protecting your mental health and/or recovery is more important,and if you feel like certain people or discussions are affecting that then some time by yourself might be helpful.I try to find a hobby to pass some time until I feel more comfortable,blogging is such a great way to vent! Other ideas might be listening to music,tidying up or watching cat videos on Youtube (would recommend.)

2. Change the subject

If you're not able to go somewhere else,subtly changing the conversation to another subject can really help shift things towards a more positive direction.For example if someone says "urgh I shouldn't have eaten that burger at McDonald's,I'm so fat" you could say "I thought it looked quite nice,did you see (insert name) there? I find that if you mention another aspect of their evening/outfit/food or whatever they're talking about the diet talk often ends there.

3. Be understanding

These days talking about dieting and weight loss is as common as discussing the weather,and you can see why in today's society.The constant sexualisation and objectification of women in adverts can really distort what both sexes think is the right way for a body to look.Of course,all sorts of mental health problems and/or unhealthy behaviour can come from not being able to match up to these standards.Diet propaganda is displayed on our TV's and magazines 24/7 and there's never a break from it,so you can understand why some people may be swept away with the idea that they too can be the "perfect ideal".Whether or not you agree with their diet,you probably know what it's like to feel insecure so a quick "I'm always here if you need to talk" might go a long way.

4. Talk to them

Sometimes people can be oblivious to what they're saying and how it can affect other people,it's quite easy for people to get wrapped up in their little bubble! If it's really getting to you,having a quick word with them could make all the difference.Something like "I'm trying to change my mindset and learn to accept my body without dieting,I'd really appreciate it if you didn't mention your diet all the time." Making sure that you're honest and open with them is definitely the right way to go,seeing as that's what all good friendships should be based on!

I've found these ways of dealing with diet talk really effective,obviously you can't censor people and their going to say what they want to,but that doesn't mean you can't say how you feel or have to be in a negative atmosphere.



Do you have any tips to deal with diet talk?

Lifestyle // 20 reasons why I'm a feminist

Source

I've been following the #YesAllWomen tag on Twitter recently,and it's full of reasons confirming why I am a Feminist.It's been very enlightening, but also very sad to read the experiences of Women all around the world.The word "Feminism" can certainly conjure up the dated stereotype of "bra burning man hater",but there is no way to identify a feminist based on looks.People of all ages,races and backgrounds support and hold up the beliefs that Feminism fights for.The definition of Feminism according to the Oxford English Dictionary is "the advocacy of Women's rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes",but I think Queen Bey sums it up quite well too.Equality to me is the main focus.I believe that all genders deserve to have control of their bodies,and should be able to live and voice their opinions without fear.

I'm a Feminist because...

1. The Gender Pay Gap in the UK for 2013 was 19.7%. (source)
2. When someone  says "you fight/act like a girl" it's seen as an insult. 
3. Because 30% of the female UK population has suffered domestic violence. (source)
4. This video highlights how men can be victims of abuse too,but they often don't get taken seriously. (source)
5. Because women have been asked in interviews "do you intend to have children?"
6. Often a women who has had lots of sex is a "slut" whereas a man is praised.
7. Women are often taught that they should see other females as competition ("I'm not like other girls") rather than holding each other up and supporting one another.
8. I have been refused a job because "I wouldn't be able to lift things",even though I fit the job description.
9. According to this survey,35% of male college students admitted they would commit rape if they knew they could get away with it.(source) 
10. Because men are often made to feel ashamed for enjoying "feminine" hobbies and showing emotion.
11. Because women are often made to feel ashamed for being "unladylike", or pursuing traditionally masculine careers.
12. Unnecessarily Gendered Products (source)
13. Single mothers are often portrayed by the media as "desperate" and relying on benefits,whereas single Dads are praised for "doing so well with them".
14. If a man chooses to be a stay at home Dad,he is often questioned and made to feel less "manly".
15. Schools put tougher restrictions on what the girls wear,to make sure  that they don't arrive in "inappropriate" clothing which may affect the boy's attention.
16. There are still countries that don't allow women have an abortion,except in life threatening cases.In my opinion, all women should have the reproductive right to a safe and legal abortion free from shame and discrimination,if they choose to.
17.  There are people in the world who think that women owe them a smile or sexual favours.
18. Women are still encouraged to stick together on a night out for safety.
19. There are 33 states in the US where it is possible to be fired from your job for being gay or transgendered. (source)
20. Over 20,000 girls are at risk from Female Genital Mutilation in the UK.This practice is illegal over here,but many young women are taken abroad for the procedure. (source)

You're a star if you've managed to read all this! I felt really inspired by all of the strong people who are taking a stand against negativity and injustice in the world.Sadly,it would be very naive of me to expect people to be treated equally any time soon,but I love that people are more willing to challenge stereotypes and voice their opinions now.

Do you identify as a Feminist? I'd love to hear your opinions

Lifestyle // Friday Food Favourites

J.R.R Tolkien once said "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold,it would be a merrier world",and I couldn't agree more! Food is one of life's pleasures that I'm rediscovering during my recovery,so I thought I'd share with you what I'm enjoying at the moment.I couldn't get through the day without a couple of snacks to keep me going,and these are all from budget stores, making them great choices if you're trying to save money.

 Although I really enjoy cooking,I love things that I can just throw in my bag in case I want a quick snack. "BiscoCereali Croccanti Classici" and "con cereali integrali" roughly translates as "crunchy classic" and "with whole grains".Thanks Google Translate! I was expecting something similar to a granola but but they're much more filling and don't crumble to pieces like Nature Valley bars.They're quite hard,so if you have weak teeth I wouldn't recommend them,but I love the texture and light honey taste.You get 6 bars in a pack and I picked these up from the 99p store.

 I love Cinnamon on everything.It instantly takes food and drinks to the next level,and I always associate it with staying indoors wrapped up in warm blankets.These crispy Cinnamon sugar cookies from Gullon (which is a Spanish company apparently) are perfectly light and crisp,and you can even dunk them in your tea! Again,I got these from the 99p store,I'd really recommend them if you're after some international food.

 I'm a sucker for American food,but I'm also on a budget,so I'm not willing to spend £7 on a box of Lucky Charms! Luckily,I spotted these at Poundland and quickly stashed them in my shopping basket as they were being snapped up pretty quickly.I wasn't really sure what to expect,but I would describe them as Peanut Butter Maltesers.I've tried Reese's Peanut Butter Cups before,but I'd say these are even nicer! They melt in your mouth leaving behind a subtle creamy peanut flavour and a crispy malted ball. I've passed these around the family and even the ones who don't really like Peanut Butter are a fan!

 I could easily buy a Starbucks or Costa coffee everyday,but the price can really add up so I've been trying to find a cheaper alternative.These Latte Macchiato sachets from Mokate are really quick to make and even give you the frothy milk top you get in coffee shops.I would definitely use a tall mug because when you're stirring the milk,it almost doubles in size (learn from my mistake!) They have a nice subtle coffee flavour,it' s definitely not gourmet coffee,but they are really easy to drink and taste really velvety and smooth. You can pick these up from the 99p store and they had various other flavours too,so there's something for everyone.

I really enjoy reading posts that people create on certain days,so I think that every Friday I'll be sharing my "Food Favourites" with you.I hope that you've found something that interests you,as you can see,I think I should have shares in budget stores!

What snacks are you enjoying at the moment?

Lifestyle // Bloggers you should be following Part 2

 I've decided to extend my Bloggers you should be following series because there are so many fantastic bloggers out there that I feel need mentioning,and I had so much fun writing Part 1 which you can read here.I think interaction and great content are key in creating amazing blogs that keep readers hooked,and these ladies have this in spades! If you're after some new reads for your Bloglovin' feed then look no further.Of course,all of the beautifully designed headers belong to the respective bloggers and designers.

Do you often lament your teenage years when all you had to worry about was perfecting your Myspace angle and how much Harry Potter you could read in one night? Me too.Becky's awesome blog really gives me all the nostalgia feels,I mean look at this amazing post where she revists her emo phase! My 14 year old self is very jealous of those socks.Her style is still just as awesome these days and if you love fun prints,pastels and a little bit of geekery then you will definitely get lots of fashion inspiration here.My favourite look has to be her recent Gingham OOTD.I love everything about it;the jelly shoes,the cute frilly socks.So perfect.Now before I stop waffling on like a crazy fangirl,I would also like to mention that Becky hosts the Monday #fbloggers Twitter chat where I've had some great conversation with her,she comes across as very upbeat and friendly which is just what everyone needs on a Monday! Follow her on Bloglovin' guys.

If you love beautiful photographs of the Countryside and adorable dogs then you will love Life Outside London written by the wonderful Michelle.I love her style of writing,it's like you're round her house having a cup of tea! I'm sure she'd serve you these amazing recipes too.These Cheese and Red Pepper Thingumies (scientific word) look so fresh and easy to make, and don't even get me started on these PB squares.As a fellow Devonian blogger,I really enjoy reading about all the adventures she gets up to in the area,and I'm sure it'll be a great help to holidaymakers who come down here for the Summer.

As you all know from my blog,I'm really into raising awareness and busting misconceptions surrounding mental health,so I'm so happy to share Catherine' awesome blog YouWishYou.I spoke to her over the phone as she's currently working on a feature discussing body image,and she made me feel so comfortable and came across as a very articulate and passionate person,we could all do with some more of that attitude in our lives! Not only that but she also has an amazing fashion sense,and I love her take on the Little Black Dress.Her blog is a great place to go for beauty reviews regardless of your budget,and I really think she will go far in Broadcast Journalism.You can follow Catherine over here 

Now admittedly I only have one tattoo (a hastily chosen but much loved lower back number,yes it is a Butterfly) but the beautiful designs and artists that are shared and discussed over at Illustrated Teacup really make me want to own more artwork.Having a tattoo can be a big decision and I love that Rachel takes the time to explain the negatives and positives of the tattoo world,so that people can make the right decision for themselves.This How to look after your new tattoo post is full of useful advice and tips to help heal your new ink and leave it looking as perfect as it did from day 1.There are a couple of mood board posts where give  great inspiration for any budding aritists or for people looking for their next tattoo,I mean look at these amazing tea inspired tattoos (that rabbit is adorable).I love how personal and in depth she is about  her experiences and own artwork with us,and I think she knows what she's talking about after all the hours she's spent getting tattooed! I love how much her colorful full sleeve contrasts against her white wedding dress.Beautiful.It's great to see a blogger sharing her passion and talking about something a little different.You can follow Rachel here.

I always feel really happy writing these posts,I love how positive this community is and I enjoy contributing to it in any way I can.I hope you've enjoyed reading and hopefully you've have lots of late night reading to get through!

Who do you think I should be following? Any recommendations?

Blogging // The New WhimsicalMrsW schedule

via Weheartit

Hello guys! I hope you're all having a lovely day.I've been spending the morning creating posts and reading blogging tutorials in order to make WhimsicalMrsW what I want it to be.I've decided that I'm going to try to make this blog appear more organised and put together than the thoughts in my head! Also,I enjoy reading blogs that publish content at similar times each week,so why wouldn't I want that for my blog? I've decided on an every other day rota,so that I have enough time to get ideas together and give you the best writing I've got.It also fits really well around my work life too,so it's a win win!

New schedule for WhimsicalMrsW

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Sunday

I haven't got to the stage where I post particular subjects on certain days (let's not run before I can walk) and I might not ever decide on that,but I already feel like this will help me get some kind of system going.

Do you have a schedule or are you more of a "blog as you go" blogger?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // Bloggers you should be following Part 1

There's nothing I love more than heading over to Bloglovin' armed with a cup of tea to see what's new in the Blogosphere.I get so many great ideas and inspiration from everyone's stories and I'm always finding great new blogs on Twitter. I've virtually met so many lovely people via social media and I love interacting with every one of them,but I've compiled a list of bloggers who really brighten up my feed with their excellent writing and fresh take on life.

If you love all things vintage,adorable cats and cruelty free then you'll love Tiny Grey cat which is written by the lovely Lily.Her openness about the reality of recovering from cancer is really thought provoking and brave as you can see here and here.As an avid tea and coffee drinker,I love the Mugshot Monday posts she writes,showcasing her collection of interesting and very quirky cups full of stories.Her cats Soldier and Trobadour (I had to google that,apparently its a medieval French Poet) are ridiculously cute and how awesome are their names? I love the whole rockabilly vintage look that she's got going on and,I really look forward to reading more about her style! 

I only discovered this blog run by Joelle yesterday but I'm so glad I did,it's a great mix of fashion,comedy and sh*t she doesn't care about.Her post about her top 10 Bebo memories really took me back and gave me a good laugh,she definitely says what we're all thinking.I love how her blog is separated into sections (very organised!) and there is some wonderful tips and advice amongst the funny stuff.There's a lot on this blog that I've never seen before such as her post on funny spam comments and blogger encouragement,so you'll definitely find something on here for you!

The first thing that caught my eye about Twenty Something Sherbet / Dear Ms.Leigh was how creative and pretty her about me page was,and that's only the start.If you're into crafts then Rachael's handiwork will give you some great inspiration.I particularly love this Michigan State Map and Angel of the North cross stitch.I love reading about her adventures as an English lady living in Michigan,USA and she even went on a quest to find some good fish and chips. Her pictures are so beautiful and a world away from what I'm used to,so I love heading over to her blog for some escapism! 

If you aren't following this lovely ladies already then I would definitely head over to their blogs now and click follow! They're all really supportive and their content is so well written that you'll never want to get off Bloglovin'.I've really enjoyed writing about other bloggers and I'm making this part of a series to celebrate all of the great achievements and people in the blogging community.So watch this space for more 

awesomeness!

Who would you recommend that I follow?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // The blogger's secret to good sleep and better posts!

Before finding f.lux software,whenever I was on my laptop in the evening you could find me squinting at the screen whilst trying to cling on to the last few minutes before I gave into sleep (those cat videos won't watch themselves!) You don't really realise it if you use electronics often,but screens can really throw out some unnatural light that can give you a headache,impair sleep and definitely not help you function at your best.

All credit to justgetflux.com

F.lux sum it up themselves wonderfully! During the day you might not even notice your computer's display but as it gets darker your eyes can really struggle to adjust.F.lux is designed to change to suit any time of the day,and as the day goes on it creates a warmer tint which is better for night time computer use.It's a really simple but effective idea that I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before.

Since installing it (for free),I've found that I've been get fewer computer related headaches and that I've been able to focus on writing easier.It's also suitable for anybody anywhere because you can set the location and it will adjust to your area's sunrise and sunset.You can also choose the speed of how fast you want the light to change,so that your eyes get used to the new environment.I would really recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their eye health and sleep quality whilst still being able to focus and enjoy the Internet!

Do you use any useful computer programs or add ons? I'm always looking for new things to install.

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // Why I love blogging

Last nights lifestyle (#lbloggers) chat was really interesting as always! We were talking about "big" and "small" bloggers,the difference between them and what people think is important about blogging.For me personally,it's the interaction.Writing is blog is actually quite a brave thing to do,as you're putting yourself out there and saying "this is me and these are the things I enjoy" and I really like the positive and accepting community that comes out of that.

As well as loving reading comments,messages and notifications,I really enjoy taking the time to sit down and respond to them.Not just a one word response which seems similar to sending someone a text saying "K",but a thought out comment that might continue more conversation and ideas.If someone can take the time to write me a comment,then I can take the time to reply.There is nothing nicer than waking up and realising that real people actually want to respond and talk about something you've wrote! Real people who have ideas,opinions and dreams and want to share them with others.

If anyone wants a creative and healthy outlet then I'd really recommend blogging.It's great because it's on your terms and it can be whatever you want it to be.It's done a lot for me in many ways; my writing and grammar have improved,I feel more confident in what I have to say and it helps me feel less "stuck" in my own mind.That's pretty good seeing as blogging is relatively cheap and doesn't have to cost a thing!

P.S If you're wandering why the white of the screenshots is dull,it's because I use a computer program that adjusts light to help me sleep.I'll review it soon!

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Recovery // A letter to my body

It's safe to say that like a lot of people, I have felt very disconnected from my body for most of time.To me,my body has just been a jumble of mismatched parts that I've often said belong to different people.I've spent too much of time criticising and over thinking my appearance when in reality, I think most people are more concerned with their own lives and not my weight/hair/makeup.I had some therapy last year which I found really helpful in getting me to see things from a different perspective,and some exercises included writing to yourself and/or you body in order to address issues and learn to become more comfortable in your own skin.I'd thought I'd share with you a few of my "hang ups" and how I'm trying to turn my thoughts around.

Dear eyes,

I'm sorry that you've cried so many times,I think I made you wake up too many mornings all bloodshot and grey,when you should of been glowing and full of life.I can't believe I used to go online and research coloured contacts so that I could be the perfect blue eyed blonde that I'd always wanted to be.It was with you that I got to experience my wedding and my newly improved life with all of the vibrancy that I had wished for ,and I'm forever grateful for that.I'm very lucky that you're in good health and I'm going to make sure that I look after you more.If I knew what eyeshadow to wear,I'd dress you up all the time! (I'm getting quite good at eyeliner flicks.)

Dear Thighs,

I spent so many hours as a teenager Googling "thigh exercises" and using horrible 80's style exercise equipment like  thigh toners until exhaustion,in order to achieve the "perfect" thin legs.It was never enough though,I have a horrible memory of walking into my GCSE exams and people making comments about my "thunder thighs" and I wanted the ground to swallow me up.I'm so sorry that I tried to mould you to fit what other people told me you should be.It's only recently I've been able to wear shorts (albeit pyjama shorts at home!) but I'm getting comfortable with the idea that my thighs are great friends! 

Dear freckles,

I still remember how much it stung to cover you in lemon juice and hope that that I would wake up and you would be gone.Also why are you considered an "imperfection", along with stretchmarks,scars and blemishes?  (all of which I have or have had),it's easy to see why I've felt like I've been made entirely of flaws.I would painstakingly apply layers of foundation to you and pray that it stayed on day,only to be embarrassed if someone mentioned you.I think it didn't help that I didn't see other people with freckles growing up,but I was so inspired when the lovely Jade Thompson won BINTM! Now I try not to wear so much foundation and make sure to wear SPF so I don't burn (which would be constantly.)

I know some of these things might appear really insignificant,but I think we really look at ourselves under a scrutinising microscope sometimes and it's easy to not to see the bigger picture.I am not my eyes,thighs or freckles but I am a person who has dreams and ambitions and I'm not going to let how I feel about myself sometimes stop me from doing what I want all the time.

This has been very therapeutic! I'd love to hear anyone else's letters to their bodies.

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

                                  

Internet // Why I hate Guru Gossip

I love joining in with Twitter chats,there's always so much interesting conversation and wonderful people to talk to! Yesterday's fashion bloggers (#fbloggers) chat was about Internet etiquette,and lots of people spoke about how they are supportive of each others efforts and take steps to avoid "trolls".Trolls are the lowest form of internet life,and take great delight in demeaning,belittling and insulting people online for fun and to get a reaction.We were talking about different platforms that exist for people to spout negativity,and someone mentioned a site called "Guru Gossip" where people go to "trash" bloggers and act like a group of teenage bullies.I thought I'd check it out but what I saw left me feeling really angry and upset.Just like anything though,there is always the small minority who ruin it for others.

Don't let the pretty logo and eye pleasing layout fool you,I only spent a short time browsing through the message boards and I was really dissapointed with how personal some of the comments were.It's fine to not like someone or their blog,and it's OK to give someone constructive and non offensive criticism,but it is not acceptable to make derogatory comments about weight,appearance and upbringing whilst photo shopping and sharing photos and videos of bloggers. Admittedly,there are areas of this site where people can talk about bloggers they do like in the "adored bloggers" section,and people who disagree with the website can say so over at the "Gurus Against Guru Gossip" board,but for every 1% of positivity and kindness it seems like the other 99% is pure bullying.

I just don't like the idea of a "gossip" site.It conjures up images of mean girls from school who sit around the table and discuss who they're hating today,except that most people on here seem to be adults and should definitely know better,although of course bullying isn't acceptable at any age.There are some people who would say "I can say what I want,it's a free country" or "it's not bullying",well to the first statement I'd say that although you can't censor the Internet or what people say,that doesn't mean that people should be posting inflammatory comments and using degrading language.Just because you can doesn't mean you should!

According to Stopbullying.gov bullying is;

Unwanted aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time".

That definitely goes on at Guru Gossip.Whether you say something online or in person,it still has the power to greatly affect that person's self esteem and mood,and people should hold themselves accountable for what they say.People start up blogs for all kinds of reasons,and the variety is what keeps the community alive and interesting,who are the people over at Guru Gossip to say what people should do with their time,money and bodies?

If you've managed to get through this then you're a star,I just really needed to get this off my chest.Everyone who I've met online through blogging has been awesome and writing has really enriched my life and helped me gain more confidence! People need to remember that you don't have to bring someone else down to build yourself up.

/ end rant

Have you ever had a look at some of these "gossip" sites? Did it surprise you?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // Blogger's perfect lives

via Coverbooth.com

In this post I'm going to be talking about the inspirational blogging mindset and how this can make people feel inadequate or like they need to go on millions of spending sprees in order to meet certain "standards".I am in no way talking about a particular blog or person so this isn't aimed at anyone!

I love reading blogs from writers all over the world and from all walks of life.There is so much to learn and explore that I could spend hours reading people's musings and looking at their pictures.Scroll for too long through,and sometimes I can start to feel a bit down.There are pictures of perfectly placed cups of tea framing high end beauty products,or a person who has a seemingly perfect home peppered with artsy creations and a wardrobe of beautiful vintage clothing.I think that some blogs definitely seem to sell a "lifestyle" which I don't have a problem with as it's no different to a magazine,but it can leave you feeling like there's something missing in your life or blog.

I do think it's important that we realise that bloggers are only people.They might watch Jeremy Kyle in the mornings,or perhaps they hate doing the laundry.Whatever it is, perfection doesn't exist.Of course,it can look very convincing,but human's by nature aren't perfect and that includes bloggers too.

Everyone has different budgets and that is apparent in everyday life,but in the blogging world it seems magnified and thoughts can sometimes pop in my head."Why can't I have that?" "It would take me months to save up".I probably could buy it,but it's not in my nature too so I focus on budget beauty.If you're into high end products then that's great! If bloggers review and talk about both then readers have a wider amount to read about.

The Internet is a huge place with room for everyone.If you like to talk about high end fashion then do it! Are you interested in the Paranormal? Share your passion.Someone is bound to read it and be grateful for the information,it might even inspire them to start writing.

Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy" and I couldn't agree more.Let's hold each other up and enjoy our community,but remember that things aren't always as they seem! (When I'm taking pictures I often have my slobby "house" clothes on.)

My day in pictures // Bank Holiday farm trip

I've been trying to get outside more this weekend! I always find I feel much happier and more balanced when I get out in the fresh air.This time we headed over to Totnes Rare Breeds farm which is a popular attraction this time of year.I love it because there are plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by,as well as various rare and farm animals to feed and pet.It's pretty reasonably priced too,adult tickets are £5.95 and children's are £4.50.

It's a good couple of miles away from where I live,so we decided to make the most of the weather and walk along the Village cycle path.It's very popular with dog walkers (I always get to meet some adorable pets!) and I love to watch the sun dance through the trees.

This beautiful owl was the first animal I saw when I came in and what a way to start! His handler was getting him to show us his wings and he was so obedient and affectionate.I love seeing animals and humans having positive and happy relationships.

There are plenty of owls to look at and I just had to get a picture of this little guy.He looks like he's up to something, but he looks adorable nonetheless.

I would hazard a guess that these Alpacas are considered a rare breed as I never see them wandering the countryside.You get a bag of feed when you enter and this one wanted all of it! They're really interesting animals that are very curious about people and their pockets.Most Alpacas don't spit either,which I am very grateful for.This little fellow is called Cappuccino which makes him even cuter!

If you like cute farm animals then you won't be dissapointed as there are lots of little chicks and ducklings to watch waddle about.

This trip definitely makes me want to life the "Good Life" and have a field full of animals! I'd really recommend this to any animal and nature lovers.You can spend a good few hours in there and there is a little cafe to visit if you get hungry.

Most areas have a local farm you can visit,they're really eye opening and a great way to support your conservation and welfare programs.Even Cities have got in on the act and offer various pet and wildlife farms.

What have you been doing this Bank Holiday?