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

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 *

Job hunting //How to improve your job search today

Searching through the newspaper and scouring the internet over and over again becomes second nature when you're job hunting.I'm currently in this situation and it can really give your confidence a knock,but I've been having more success recently (with some interviews on the way!).The little things can really help, so I've put together some tips that I've found have really been keeping the momentum going.

1. Don't be hard on yourself

This has been a big hurdle for me as I had to leave my job to recover from my Eating Disorder.However, whatever reason you don't have a job,please don't be hard on yourself.I know that in today's society people can often judge you on your profession,but they don't know you or your situation.You're trying to better yourself and that's great.

2.Use your resources

Networking can create great job opportunities.Talking to former colleagues or friends and family who might know of vacancies available can often result in you hearing something.How often have you heard "So and so said they were hiring at the...".Keep your wits about you and you don't know what will come up.

3. Get your C.V and covering letter checked over

The Job Centre offers work groups who will go through your CV and covering letter with you, to see where you could make improvements.They can often arrange work experience and work together with you and potential employers to secure work.I would definitely recommend these,they treat you with respect and offer you resources that you might not have realise existed.

4.Don't take rejection personally

It's easy to think there is something wrong with you when you keep getting knocked back.Accept that this is part of the process and focus on the positives you have achieved.I have found that emailing the employer requesting feedback can be really helpful in finding out how to improve your approach.

5.Be informed

Companies like to hire employees who know about the organisation and their values.Taking time to make some notes about the company and their background is very beneficial in creating a positive impression and good communication.

Reasources

Job search websites
http://www.indeed.co.uk/
http://www.reed.co.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/jobsearch

CV & cover letter help

Free CV templates & advice
How to write a successful CV
Cover letter samples & writing advice

I hope this help people who are in the same situation as me to not feel so alone! Just like everything, job searching can taking a little time,but with hard work we will get results.

What tips do you have for job hunters?