January’s been pretty mad. It’s been buys, it’s been stressful, it’s been
full of friends. But mostly stressful.
Favourite part?
January has felt a bit
surreal – it’s gone by in a flash without me almost realizing it. I loved
seeing my some of my friends in a production of Love & Information – they were both amazing!
I’ve
had a few quite chill evenings this month – either with my friends or a girly
night watching the Crown with my mum. These have been much needed as they’ve helped a lot with
stress.
Best read?
I’ve read so much this
month. I don’t know what’s happened, I’ve just been on a real book high. Admittedly,
they have mostly been quite short but who cares?
First, I read Lydia by
Natasha Farrant – a YA reimagining of Lydia Bennet’s stay in Brighton. I love
anything to do with Pride and Prejudice and this was a fun way of thinking of
the universe, although I’m not sure I agree with the characterization of Lydia.
Then, I finished
reading A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin which I had read half of in
2017. I love this series and I’ve got the next instalment lined up for
February/March.
I read MAGGIE by John
Sergeant as part of my EPQ. It was really interesting and definitely good for
anyone who wants to know more about Thatcher and the immediate aftermath of her
premiership. I also read Wonder by R. J. Palacio. I can understand why it’s
been praised so much and I think it is a great way of promoting acceptance and kindness
in young people.
I then read A Little
Gay History by R. B. Parkinson, which I’d been meaning to read since I heard
the Banging Book Club episode on it. This is an excellent resource and I found
out so much! I would recommend everyone give this a read – especially all you
history nerds out there.
I then read Of Women by
Shami Chakrabarti (Shadow Attorney General) and Women & Power by Mary
Beard. Both of these are amazing works of feminist writing and, again, I would
highly recommend to everyone and anyone. These women are amazing and I loved
reading every word they wrote.
Lastly, I finished reading
the Russian Revolution by Alan Moorehead. I am currently reading His Bloody
Project by Graham Macrae Burnet and A Vindication of the Rights of Women by
Marry Wollstonecraft.
Favourite tunes?
One artist I’ve
discovered this month is Carla Bruni. I’ve been playing her songs on repeat
along with my chill playlist. It’s really calming and especially good to have
during A Levels. I’ve also been listening to a lot more ABBA because of my
excitement for the release of Mamma Mia 2!
Credit |
Favourite watch?
I’ve watched quite a
few films this month, including Darkest Hour, Julie & Julia, Penelope and
Love, Rosie – all of which I would highly recommend for very different reasons.
I also watched the film adaptations of Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park (the
one with Billie Piper), so I’ve now seen most film/TV adaptations, although I
still want to watch all of them.
Credit |
Ooh I nearly forgot:
the fourth series of Grace and Frankie was released! I loved it as I did the
previous series, however, I did have some issues with the difference in the portrayals
of the men and women.
What did I learn?
Value my life and what
I have more. I know it sounds way too soppy and sentimental but I don’t care, I
really want to appreciate everything a bit more.
What’s happening next month?
It’s
one of my best friend’s 18th birthday so I’m looking forward to
celebrating that with her. I also have mocks which I should be revising for
instead of writing this post. I’m also seeing a show - a feminist one so hopefully it'll give me all of the opinions.
What’s been on my mind?
The
summer! Whenever I write this section I feel like I’m repeating myself.
Favourite blogger/vlogger?
I’ve
really been loving my friend Amanda’s videos this month – they've are really interesting and it's just great to listen to her speak more often. Carrie Hope Fletcher has been doing a monthly project called Three Cheers for New Years (more commonly known as VEDJ, except acting as a fundraiser) and I will never say no to more Carrie videos.
Favourite post?
I’ve
been reasonably productive on my blog in comparison with recent months, as I’ve
actually managed to publish one post a week. The stand out post has to be Goalsfor 2018, I just love planning things and looking into the future!
Biggest inspiration?
Again,
another one where I feel like I’m repeating myself – the thought of the future,
panic at failing exams, wanting to make a difference, but this month I want to
include my friends on this list more. My friend Maisie has set up a justgivingpage to raise money for Alopecia UK through a sponsored headshave. This is in
honour of our friend Anna – both of them are incredible and it would mean so
much to all of us if you could share the link and donate where possible. It’s a
truly great cause that helps so many people.
Some
more of my friends (there’s a small group of them so I’m not going to list
names) are doing a night walk in aid of the Rohingya Crisis. It’s a wonderful
cause again that needs to be discussed more and put to an end. Again, anything
you are able to give would be really appreciated, but just a share would be
amazing.
Any other favourites?
In January, I tried to establish a proper skin routine. I’ve always been
quite insecure about my skin; in fact I’d go so far to say that it’s my biggest
insecurity. I’ve used a few products from Body Shop’s Vitamin E range (a god
send that damages my bank account but I think is worth it so far) along with
the Lush facemask ‘Don’t Look at Me’. My skin feels so much healthier and even
if it isn’t totally clear, I feel a lot better in myself.
If you liked this post you might like: December 2017 | Monthly Wrap Up
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