10 Loves #9

1.     We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Jane Fowler was a smart and surprising book, unlike anything else I’ve read and certainly not what I was expecting. Put it on your list, trust me.

2.    I spent some quality time with myself at the beginning of the month when I house sitted for my sister and her husband while they were away with my niece. I wallowed in the glory that was a long weekend of lie ins, movie days, pastries, and early morning runs. What a way to welcome the month.

3.    Clarins’ Skin Beauty Repair Serum provides some serious SOS.

4.    I’ve begun watching Easy on Netflix after pressing pause on Gilmore Girls for the time being while I accept the fact I don’t live in Stars Hollow or go to Yale. I’m only a few episodes in but I’m enjoying it so far.

5.    Man Repeller’s horoscopes are hilarious; critic converted (but don’t tell)

6.    Shout out to Amy Schumer, whose live show me and my friend saw this month in Manchester. She is hella smart and an all round queen.

7.    I could write a whole post about trailers for movies I’m exciting to see in the coming months but for now I’ll leave you with La La Land and Lion.

8.    It’s beginning to feel like autumn and I’ve been celebrating by making a soup every week. My courgette and carrot soup is already this season’s staple (did you notice how I turned into a fashion blogger there?)

9.    This lovely interview with Bon Iver made wonderful reading.

10. One Song into the first listen of Solange’s new album, A Seat at the Table and I knew it was my new favourite; listening to it is how I imagine world peace would feel. 

Photo courtesy of Man Repeller

Ear- Worms

I’m currently living in what I can only describe as a podcast moment. If I have my headphones in, whether I’m on the bus, falling asleep in bed, or on the way home from work, I will be listening to a podcast. To illustrate, as I type these very words I’m listening to a podcast while my soup is cooking.

Here are some of the podcasts that have turned into ear-worms and which I highly recommend to keep you company when you don’t want to talk to the humans in your immediate vicinity.

First up, The Memory Palace is a piece of magic I discovered over a year ago and have been working my way through at snails pace, even though it’s intense, detailed snippets of forgotten history are something I could devour in a day. To anyone who doesn’t yet love history, one episode of this will change your mind. I learnt a Swedish word recently; hyggae, which translates to feelings of cosiness and comfort, is what this podcast will induce.

A more recent addition to my little collection of podcasts is The Washington Post’s The Presidential, which I am so obsessed with I want every quiet moment to be filled with it. In every episode, Lillian Cunningham introduces and analyses an American President, beginning with George Washington, and will soon end with Barack Obama. Some of the episodes I surprise myself with how much I know, and others are completely new to me. It’s another history lesson, but it’s made very current, particularly by Cunningham’s recurring question she asks of each President , “What would have been like on a first date?” Much lols. So if you’ve ever wondered even for a split second what it would have been like to date Thomas Jefferson, this is your chance ladies.

Next on my list of obsessively listening to total strangers talk at length about things that don’t affect me is The Run Up. Created by the New York Times specifically in honour of the run up (aahh I see whatcha did there) to November’s Presidential election, it explores the deeper meaning behind the week’s events and election coverage. It’s so refreshing to hear academics talk in depth about the current election, allowing you to cut through some of the absolute crap and dwell on some of the more important issues rearing their heads during this election. But heads up, feminist analysis of the patriarchy and the role of gender roles/bias in the election this is not. *eyeroll* 

Another favourite of mine to have in the background to make a super boring activity more interesting is Monocycle, the creation of Man Repeller’s Leandre Medine. If you love hearing people’s meandering thoughts spoken aloud like me, this one is for you. It’s what I imagine my stream of consciousness would sound like if I were a high heeled fashion writer running around Manhattan all day and Brooklyn all night. (Excuse me while I day dream about that for a fair few minutes).

Finally, an oldie but a goldie. Serial, from the makers of This American Life, is essentially a murder mystery. The genius behind both podcasts is Sarah Koenig ad we follow her as she investigates the sketchy conviction of Adnan Sayed for the killing of his girlfriend Hae Min Lee. It’s the original Making of a Murderer if you like. Did I mention it’s a true story, and the case is still developing?

What I've read on the web this week #2

1. Man Repeller never gets old

2. I loved reading this surprisingly quaint and familiar insight into how the leader of the free world works, including the now famous 7 almonds which get him through late nights at the White House. 

3. Yes, I read an in- depth post-colonial critique of Harry Potter in my spare time, just in case you weren't sure how niche my interests were.

4. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Zizek Manoeuvre. This really made me chuckle. Watch your backs, political nerds of Manchester 

5. This situation in LA, reported by the Washington Post, shows how easy it is for inequalities to be reinforced by lazy, ill thought- through, or out of date legislation. Yet, in this case the journalist seems to end up concluding the state is favouring teacher job security over the quality of teaching purposefully. 

6. Here’s some solid career and life advice from Caroline, who also confirms once and for all that it’s not socially acceptable to eat donuts before 11am 

What has tickled your fancy online lately?

Image courtesy of The Pool 

My So- called Superfoods

I am a believer in many things but I am not a believer in superfoods, and many medical professionals and nutritionists are coming out and debunking the myth of the superfood. These are foods which wellness bloggers tell us come from exotic lands far away, are unbelievably rich in nutrients, and are said to have miracle healing/weight loss/skin clearing powers. You’ll have heard by now that superfoods include kale, papaya, quinoa, chia seeds, tahini, goji berries, acai etc. And while I love these healthy foods, I don’t believe for one second they will turn you into a vision of pure health.

Now there are obviously certain nutrients which we need, and others which will make a big difference to our wellbeing, and particular foods which are especially dense in these nutrients. Just like the humble sweet potato, which contains 400% of your daily Vitamin A needs, along with Vitamin C and more, and happens to grow easily in hot climates; hence why certain programs in sub- Saharan Africa are introducing super orange (and super vitamin rich) sweet potatoes to help solve child malnutrition. Now, I would say this is a bit of a miracle. But calling kale a superfood in the hope your middle class self will be ‘super healthy’ or ‘super human’ is deluded and full of all kinds of unchecked privilege. 

So in defiance of wellness gurus' use of the term ‘superfood’ and in a bid to reclaim its meaning, I give you my very own superfoods.

Clipper’s snore and peace Tea…this beverage gets it’s ‘super’ status from its amazing ability to have you nodding off in a jiffy, even on the most restless, agitated nights. Don’t drink and drive, kids.

Cashew Nuts…picture this: you’ve just got home from work and you know dinner won’t be ready for at least half an hour, but you’re majorly hangry. Meet your super cool new best friends. A handful of nuts will have you feeling yourself again in no time. Almonds are just as super as they have the President’s seal of approval.

Dried Mango…if you’re always on the verge of giving in to offers of snickers left right and centre, look no further. Dried mango has the power to satisfy your sugar cravings, with its super natural sugars. It is the perfect snack for long journeys, and will make you feel superior to everyone else.

Dark chocolate…this super delicious treat makes you feel like a goddess of luxury and even more amazingly is dairy free, vitamin rich and good for concentration.

Canned coconut Milk…this hidden gem’s super power is the ability to make any old soup exciting; if it’s looking lacklustre, coconut milk will thicken it up, if you’ve gone overboard on the spice front, coconut milk will cool it down and refresh your poor senses.

Frozen berries…what is more super than the killer combo of cheap, healthy, and convenient? Frozen berries are perfect to add to a summer lemonade in place of ice cubes, mixed into your morning porridge, or cooked in a homemade crumble. 

Which foods are super to you?

48 Hours in London

Last week I managed to peel myself away from watching Gilmore Girls to make time for real humans, namely, I visited my friend in London. We were on a tight schedule so naturally I left with an even longer list of things to do and places to see. So if you’re ever short of time in London town here are some suggestions.

I usually head to London at least once a year but for some reason I hadn’t been in about 18 months, so for the whole train ride I was irrationally worried that I’d forgotten everything I knew and lost my ‘in the know status’ and would look like a (gasp) tourist again. But thankfully it’s one of those cities that’s like riding a bicycle!

Early in the day we braved the grey to walk over to the Tate Modern; it’s such a nice area that an amazing collection of art just seems like a bonus. If you’re there at the right time you can also catch the new extension which I believe is open from 5pm.

Later that evening (and after a cheeky pizza express) we went to The Globe to see Macbeth. A trip to this theatre has become obligatory at this point, but this was my first experience as a groundling (the cheap standing tickets). While standing for 3 hours was an outer body experience I did feel much more involved in the play and you get the more authentic Elizabethan pleb experience, which I’d highly recommend.

Friday consisted of three things; food, food, and food. First of all we headed to the newest Breakfast Club by London Bridge and had the breakfast of dreams. I can personally vouch for the banana bircher and iced tea, but I hear American pancakes are their specialty. It’s definitely best to get there earlier rather than later, and maybe avoid at the weekend, as we were even greeted by a queue at 9am on a Friday.

Do you know what we did next? Yes, we bought more food. In fairness we were planning a picnic in the park. So we raided Borough market of all their fruit and treats, then wandered around Covent Garden where stumbled upon the cutest cupcake store called Crumbs and Doilies, which won my heart with their miniature versions of every cupcake on sale. Oh and we also found heaven on earth, which, it turns out, is the first floor of Anthropolgie, on Regent Street. Go there if you value your life and ultimately aspire to be a long- haired bohemian hippy.

In true British style, during our picnic it lightly rained, twice.

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my last night in London than drinking Pimms while watching an incredible sunset over the London skyline. Frank’s rooftop bar in Peckham is a must, but watch your footing so you don’t trip over all the hipsters.

On my next trip I really want to explore North London, especially Shoreditch, and generally cross a few places off my list of coffee shops I follow on Instagram. 

London, you never let me down.

Ps, follow me on instagram if you want to see more pictures of my quick trip

It's Been a Bit of a Week // Post Brexit Essay

As I write I am sat in utter disbelief as my respect for politician after politician washes down the drain, and the UK’s once ‘old faithful’ establishment spirals out of control, with no-one at the helm. I keep hearing people say, “crazier things have happened”, but have they, have they really?

Boris Johnson has just announced that, after campaigning to leave the EU in an act of opportunism which probably went against his true beliefs about the EU, he’s decided he doesn’t fancy the job of Prime Minister after all; in true Bullingdon spirit, he has wrecked the place without a single thought for the consequences. At least the Bullingdon club left a cheque.

Boris isn’t alone. We sit and watch as one after one, leave campaigners fail to fulfil the promises which won them millions of votes, by abandoning responsibility for untruths nobody scrutinised. Even David Cameron resigned, in shame I think, when we needed his moderate mind most.

And while it sinks into the nation that an age old Tory squabble is to blame for this mess, you’d think the Labour party would sweep in to save the day, offering solace to those who wanted to remain in the EU, unable to believe their luck at an easy political win. I’m afraid not, because 2016 is turning out to be all too Shakespearean for my liking.

Jeremy bloody Corbyn has lost a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons with only 40 of his MP’s supporting him after over half of his cabinet resigned in protest of his lack of leadership; there are even rumours he didn’t vote with his party to remain in the EU. 

Yesterday he spoke at a report on Labour’s antisemitism problem, in which he compared Isreal to ISIS, and failed to defend a Jewish MP who was verbally abused right in front of him. What’s more I can all but guarantee this piece will be out of date within 10 minutes.

 And to think that 18 months ago the biggest political news was Ed Miliband eating a bacon sandwich a bit weirdly. What I would give to go back to those simpler times. Is it weird I’m even feeling nostalgic for the Donald Trump shit show? At least Britain was united in condemning his idiocy.

And if this political drama wasn’t bad enough, the fact remains that the UK is leaving the European Union. It’s ultimately the devastation at the heart of this and I can’t help but think journalists and commentators would rather indulge in the gossip than face this sad truth. I am so sad for all the Europeans living in Britain whose future is now scary and uncertain, and for people of my generation and younger who woke up with less opportunities on Friday.

The world has truly turned upside down. So what can we do?

If you’re like me, your instinct at this time may be to shrink away and withdraw from the horror show, but it has never been more important to be political. We now undoubtedly face a bigger challenge- the biggest of my generation- so make your opinions known, argue what you believe, and call out what you know is wrong no matter how heartbreaking it may be.

I am heartbroken and angry. I’ve just joined the Labour party so I can have my say in their leadership election, and I plan to be more involved in UK politics than I have been before, in whatever form that may be. It’s very easy to rant about what is wrong with the world on facebook, it is harder, as many leave campaigners have discovered, to change it for the better. We are the only ones who can shape our generation’s future and it will be decided in moments like this.

Now let’s get back to spreading joy through kitten gifs and getting shit done. Shall we?

10 Loves #8

1.    Obama’s photographer has captured his most heart-warming and historic moments of his 8 years in office

2.    My talented and hard- working friend produced Shout! The Mod Musical to rave reviews

3.    Margot Price, because it turns out I love country music

4.    The Girl on the Train had me on tenterhooks as I devoured it over 4 days (which is fast for me!)

5.    Fearne Cotton’s Cook Happy Cook Healthy is my food bible for the time being

6.    My fish shaped ice from Ikea have been giving me life

7.    The Tate Modern has opened a brand new extension and I can’t wait to visit and take it all in

8.    I’ve been starting my mornings right with this iced coffee recipe which I talked about here. It was great for the 5 days of summer we enjoyed

9.    This Guardian article summarised my frustrations about British Politics and was featured in this post, while Gordon Brown wrote a great op-ed in the New York Times about why the world needs a Britain influencing and cooperating in Europe.

10. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous new collection by Doen.