"Maybe I still haven't become me. I don't know how you tell for sure when you finally have."- Emily M. Danforth, The Miseducation of Cameron Post For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with anxiety. To find some way of coping, I have always sought comfort and solace in routine.
Whether you're moving house and looking to cut costs, or just fancy sprucing up your current pad, there's no doubt that furniture is expensive. Whether you're after a sofa, coffee table, bed or just some extra accessories to make your home feel cosier, it all adds up fast.
There's no doubt that getting a new laptop is a costly purchase. There are thousands of makes and models on the market and to get the very best price you'll need to consider numerous factors including your own requirements out of your new laptop, what you're using it for and whether you'd prefer to buy brand new or would be willing to consider a refurbished or second-hand model.
As restrictions begin to lift and life starts to return to normal once again, you might be thinking of visiting the capital this summer. Whether you're planning a trip with the kids over the holidays, a romantic trip for two, a catch-up with friends or just fancy a day out exploring the city, there's no doubt that London can be expensive.
Now that restaurants are back up and running and we can dine out once again, you might be wondering how you can eat out for less at your favourite restaurants.
In this series, we're highlighting the shows and movies, streaming on NOW, that have resonated with LGBTQ+ writers.
Written by Charlotte Duff // @charlottevduff // @charlottevduff Illustrated by Ellie Bassford // @lovefromeleanor_ "Nourish yourself as if you're taking care of the most precious thing in the world: strengthen your bones with milkshakes, patch up cuts and bruises with cheese on toast. Eat for your life."
As Covid restrictions start to lift and with sunnier, warmer weather (hopefully) just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about that perfect summer holiday. Whether you're after a classic seaside break, a family-friendly break or a picturesque countryside holiday, we've chosen some of the UK's most beautiful and beloved destinations.
From your everyday skincare regime to a favourite shade of lipstick, the high street mascara that's become a makeup bag staple to the foundation you just can't live without; for many of us beauty is an essential part of our shopping.
A year on from the beginnings of the Coronavirus pandemic, the end is finally in sight. The government has announced its roadmap for coming out of lockdown, with June 21 the date for all restrictions being lifted.
Whether you're a little bored of the usual pancakes and syrup and want to switch things up this pancake day, or whether you're just in the mood to be more adventurous in the kitchen, we thought we'd bring together some delicious alternative recipes for you to enjoy.
It's A Sin (Channel 4) Today marks the first day of LGBT+ history month - an annual month-long observance and celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer history as well as a means for raising awareness for issues faced by the LGBT community.
If you're anything like us, you've now finished binge-watching Bridgerton and wondering what to start watching next. Well, look no further! We've put together a selection of new and returning favourites that we can't wait to get stuck into this month. We've got Netflix covered of course, as well as Amazon Prime, Disney+ and BBC.
With January settling in and the festivities and excesses of Christmas long gone, you might be struggling with the winter blues. January is a notoriously difficult month for all of us and now we're staying at home too, we thought it might be helpful to share some of our best advice for getting through the month as best you can.
With the New Year just around the corner, we've been looking ahead to some of the most exciting films scheduled for release in January 2021. What's more is that everything we've chosen will be available for you to watch right from the comfort of your own home!
The turkey might be the true star of December, but that isn't to say there's not an abundance of seasonal foods that will shine too if they're given the chance! The arrival of December brings some excellent produce into season, such as the ever-popular Brussels sprouts, the versatile chestnut and the glittering jewel in the crown - the pomegranate.
With just over a month to go until the big day, what better way to usher in the festive season by cosying up with some great new Christmas movies? Whilst this Christmas will feel a little different, we're hoping that this selection of films will help you get into the festive spirit and get excited for the big day!
Charlotte Duff I don't think I have ever loved a cookbook quite as much as I love Midnight Chicken. That's not to say I don't enjoy taking a cookbook off the shelf and choosing something to make - I absolutely do. I find cooking soothing and relaxing and it is one of my favourite ways to spend an evening.
I am, by nature, a lover of the winter. A blisteringly cold day with bright blue skies is my very favourite kind. I love the feeling when you step out into the fresh air from a warm house and have to take a sharp breath to steady yourself.
As we begin another national lockdown, you might be wanting to get creative in the kitchen. If you'd rather try something different than the usual banana breads and chocolate brownies, there's nothing better than cooking and eating seasonally.
On Sunday 25th October the clocks will go back and we will lose an hour of daylight. The mornings and evenings will feel darker, and you might be in need of some tips to keep you feeling happy and well as the colder months set in.
Although we can't quite believe it, October is here! If you're feeling a little uninspired and a bit bored with the usual Autumnal stews, soups and roasts, we've got some great ideas that will breathe some new life into your meals. October is a brilliant month for produce, and we've selected some of our favourites.
As the nights draw in and the air gets chillier, we can't think of a better way to spend an evening than curled up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate. With that in mind, we thought we'd put together a list of some of our favourite reads to get you in the mood for Autumn.
As the leaves begin to turn those brilliant shades of orange, brown and gold and the air turns chillier, we've got some great television to snuggle up with. We've got all tastes covered this month, from those who need a laugh to those who fancy something with a little edge.
Selling Sunset Season 3 (Netflix) As lockdown eases and things (slowly!) start to return to normal, many of us are still spending most of our time at home. If you've exhausted all of your usual binge-watching (it turns out that, yes, you can watch too much Friends) and you're in need of something new to get your teeth into, we've got you covered!
Bicicletta Spritz With the August bank holiday weekend just around the corner, you might be needing some inspiration for what to cook. Whether you're planning on firing up the barbecue or would prefer to make something easy and light, we've got some mouthwatering recipes for you to try.
Whether you've managed to book a last minute trip abroad or you're sunning yourself at home in your back garden or local park, you're probably in need of a new read to sink your teeth into. Whilst many book publication dates have been pushed back to later this year or 2021, there is still a great selection of books available for you to enjoy.
Due to lockdown and the continued need for us to social distance, drive-in cinemas are now popping up all around the UK. Popular in the United States, drive-in movies are a great way to have some family fun no matter what the weather is up to.
Last summer, I made a vow to myself: I will go to Pride in 2020. I had been out to myself, close family and friends for a while. But each time Pride rolled around and I saw those glorious technicolour photographs of people celebrating who they are with the ones they love, my heart ached.
Whilst lockdown has begun to ease and life is very slowly starting to get back to normal, many of us are still spending most of our time at home. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most television series that were due to start filming were delayed.
With lockdown still underway and cinemas yet to reopen, you might be a little short of some new film recommendations. If you've blitzed Netflix and are stuck for inspiration - we've curated a list of six films that were in cinemas in 2019 or due to be in cinemas in 2020 - and you can stream them from home now.
According to Ofcom, just over 7 million people in the UK listen to podcasts every week. Whether you enjoy pop culture, politics, entertainment, food, celebrity voices, interviews or storytelling - there's sure to be a podcast for you. Podcasts offer a unique blend of comfort and escapism - and we could definitely all do with some more of that at the moment.
Cinco de Mayo falls next Tuesday the 5th May and though we're still under lock down, there's no reason why we can't celebrate in style at home! A Mexican holiday that celebrates the Mexican Army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, Cinco de Mayo is sometimes confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which actually falls 4 months later on September 16th.
During these unprecedented times, many of us are turning to cooking as a source of comfort and a way to keep ourselves busy. If you're a little bored of banana bread and sourdough starters and instead fancy some new ideas to spice up your mealtimes, here are some of our favourite food bloggers and vloggers to help inspire you.
Whether you're self-isolating due to feeling unwell or social-distancing in order to protect others, millions of us are now working from home and might feel a little stuck with what to do with our time at the moment.
With International Women's Day happening in just under one week, we thought now would be a great moment to shine a light on some amazing women from the UK and beyond who are doing great work for women, gender equality and our planet.
With Spring just around the corner, you might be wanting to banish those stodgy stews and heavy casseroles and try something a little lighter (but still just as tasty!) for your weekday dinners. With that in mind, we've found 6 delicious warm salad recipes for you to try.
Now that February has finally arrived and Christmas is a somewhat distant memory, you might be wanting to get into some new reads. Whether you love fiction or memoir, self-help or celebrity-penned reads, we've got something for everyone in our round-up of February's books to watch out for.
With nine movies competing for the lauded title of Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with the choice of what to watch. Here are our top four films from this year's nominations; some are currently in cinemas and some are already available to stream on Netflix, which means you don't even need to leave the house...
Next Monday, the 20th January, signals the arrival of what has become widely known as "Blue Monday." A term originally coined by a PR company, "Blue Monday" is thought to be the most depressing day of the year. Post-Christmas blues, lack of money and bad weather all adds up to a particularly bad Monday.
Once the big day is over and done with on Wednesday, you might be wondering what to do with those leftovers. There's the classic leftover turkey sandwiches on Boxing Day, but what if you fancy something a little different this year?
Christmas is just around the corner and along with sipping mulled wine, singing carols and feasting on mince pies, reading is a great way to get into the festive spirit. With that in mind, we've selected some great reads that capture both the joys and stresses of the Christmas period.
It's no secret that December is a particularly stressful time of year. Whether you're spending Christmas Day with family or hosting everyone yourself, there's just so much to get done and never enough time. Food, presents, parties... the list is never-ending.
November can be a bleak month - the crispness of autumn has gone and Christmas is still weeks away. The dark nights have arrived and sometimes the cold is enough to make you want to climb into bed and stay there. After a long day, cooking is often the last thing you want to be thinking about.
It's easy to lose count of the thousands and thousands of movies and tv shows available to watch via streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. With Apple+ TV launching on the 1 November too, you're spoilt for choice! To help you out (because we're good like that) we've selected a few highlights for your November watching.
Last Thursday was one of the biggest dates in the UK publishing world's calendar. Known as Super Thursday, this date falls once a year in early October. It signals the upcoming arrival of Christmas, where bestselling authors and celebrities will all jostle for a place on the coveted bestseller lists.
As October looms and the headiness of the first few weeks at university begin to wear off, you might start to feel the pang of homesickness. Freshers Week is over, deadlines and assignments have been handed out and you've not seen your family for a little while.
Whether you're a fresher entering the first year of your studies, or a seasoned student just looking to update your room a little, we've got some great ideas to utilise your space (no matter how small!) as well as making it feel cosy and a welcome haven for those late night essays and assignments...
Now that the nights are drawing in and the air is getting cooler, we can't think of a better way to spend a couple of hours than at the local cinema. Whether you're in the mood for something funny, something gripping or something tearjerking, we've got you covered...
Stuck for ideas over what to do over this August's bank holiday weekend? If barbecues and pub gardens aren't quite cutting it, we've got the lowdown on Europe's biggest street festival and why you should get yourself down there for the party of the year! What is Notting Hill Carnival?
Whether you're sunning yourself on a tropical beach somewhere or spending a Saturday picnicking in the park, there is no greater feeling than starting
Now that July is in full swing and the mercury is rising, things are only set to get hotter. With summer barbecues, picnics and pub gardens filling u
listen I love you joy is coming (taken from 'To The Woman Crying Uncontrollably in the Next Stall' by Kim Addonizio) Recently, I found myself wondering if I ought to submit to the latest craze of decluttering and getting rid of things in order to have a more streamlined, efficient and organised life.
As I sat down last night to watch Pure, I wondered how the show would go about portraying the compulsive, intrusive thoughts that the main character Marnie struggles with. Because...
How do you mend a broken heart? Charlotte Duff digs into Heartburn, Nora Ephron's autobiographical ode to eating and loving, to explain how a bowl of pasta or the cream of a key lime pie could satisfy more than just hunger.
'Rain on roof outside window, gray light, deep covers and warm blankets. Rain and nip of autumn in air; nostalgia, itch to work better and bigger. That crisp edge of autumn.' -The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath I have a secret: autumn is my favourite season.
It's no secret - libraries in the UK are under threat. Since 2010, more than 478 libraries have closed in England, Wales and Scotland. That's more than 478 community spaces where we can go to read and think and dream and learn.
Developmental co-ordination disorder, commonly known as dyspraxia, is a condition that affects movement and co-ordination. While dyspraxia does not affect intelligence, it can make daily life difficult. According to the NHS, it can affect co-ordination skills - such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car - and fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.
This coming autumn will mark my seventh year of taking antidepressants. It began when I was 19 and due to start university after an unplanned gap year in which I'd spent all day, every day worrying myself sick that I was a terrible person who was capable of terrible things.
For some of us, feeling confident and happy in our own skin can feel like a never-ending battle. We are constantly fed mixed messages - one moment we're told we should love and accept ourselves for who we are, and then the next we're bombarded with the latest fad diet ( appetite-suppressant lollipops, anyone?)
It is thought that around 1 in 10 women suffer with polycystic ovarian syndrome - a condition that causes people to experience at least two of three symptoms: a raised level of male hormones, reduced ovulation and polycystic ovaries. PCOS can cause period problems, fertility problems, acne, excessive hair and weight gain.
I have suffered with anxiety and depression for over seven years. For all of these years, my self-esteem has been at an all-time low.
The Florida Project was deffo the underdog movie of the 2017. The film tells the story of Moonee and her mum, who had Moonee when she was just a teenager and raises her alone. They live in the Magic Castle, a motel near Disney World, Florida.
Having always been heavier than those around me, I've spent an inordinate amount of time wondering why that is. No, I won't be slimming down for summer - my size 18 body is already beach ready I've come to two conclusions: yes, I love food but also, I'm just built a certain way.
Guilford is the largest town is Surrey. A pretty market town, it's steeped in history and culture, and should not be dismissed as a sleepy commuter town. It's the perfect place to live, but also ideal for a weekend out of the city, thanks to its variety of options, beautiful scenery and laid-back vibe.
Are you finding that spicy food is one of your main food groups and you can't imagine not reaching for the hot sauce or adding chillis when you're cooking? And for you, a life without spicy food is a very boring life indeed.
We don't seem to have the language, or have found the right word, to talk about the loss of a friendship. Losing a friend makes you question the very core of your being: What does this say about me as a person? Why don't they want me?
Insomnia, or sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder where sufferers regularly have problems with sleeping. It's horrid because even if you're super tired, falling and staying asleep is really really hard. Let's just say counting sheep doesn't help this one. Celebrities such as Rihanna and Demi Lovato have spoken out about the trouble they have with ...
As the sun (finally) makes an appearance, we'll soon be inundated with stories of body transformations and tips on how to get 'beach body ready' in time for summer. Around this time of the year, many of us start dieting in time to lose weight for our holiday.
Every month, us girls have to deal with our period. Sure, it's not exactly fun but if you're lucky enough you can just grab a box of bettypads and get on with your day. For some girls though, coping with their period isn't that easy.
Got fine hair? Then you're probably backcombing, hair washing daily and spending all your pocket money on dry shampoo. We feel you. Here are some things you might be familiar with if your hair is less lustrous, more lightweight. You get through shampoo like nobody's business Those breezy tresses can feel (and look) greasy within ...
Dear Mum & Dad, Sometimes, I think back to what it must have been like for you both on the day I was born. 5 misconceptions about anxiety that are still surprisingly common I know that me being born at 26 weeks must have been unbelievably frightening and I can just picture the two of you standing over an incubator - shell-shocked twentysomethings with your lives changed forever.
You're probably familiar with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - a mental illness where sufferers can have obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours such as performing certain rituals and routines in order to ease the anxiety that comes from obsessional thinking. Pure O stands for ' purely obsessional '.
If you haven't yet heard of 27-year-old Solána Imani Rowe, aka SZA, you soon will. Her song with rapper Kendrick Lamar, All the Stars, features on the soundtrack to the amazing new Marvel movie, Black Panther. SZA (after some extensive googling, we can confirm that SZA is pronounced like 'scissor') made history earlier this year ...
Are you a bit confused or unsure about vitamins? We need sooo many different kinds in order to function and stay healthy and, well, there's a lot of info out there. Vitamin D is the one you'll hear about lots. It's to do with the sun, right? Right.
Does anyone else feel as if they're juggling a lot at the moment? Jeeez, it can be tiring can't it? Exams, remembering to pack your P.E. kit, even remembering when your period is due - sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. Well, good news because being more organised can help ease the stress and make ...
It's International Day of Happiness! We suggest you treat yourself to your fave brekkie (eggy bread, anyone?), slip on your most colourful socks and skip to school after you've read this super cute list of all the little things that make us smile... 1. The wagging tail of a happy dog.
Here's something I remember from when I was sixteen or so: coming home from school and throwing myself onto my bed. It was pouring down with rain and it was a cold evening - the kind of cold that makes your bones ache. I'd had a horrid day at school and a splitting headache, too.
If you've never had a migraine before, I AM SO JEALOUS OF YOU. If you have had one, OMG I feel for you, sister. Aren't they just the worst? I've had a few in my time, and the only thing I find that really helps is to lie in cool dark room and let it ...
Wondering what it means to have an iron deficiency? Turns out it's quite common and not as complicated or scary as it sounds. The proper term is "iron deficiency anaemia" and it's thought to affect some two billion people around the world. If you've started your period already, you could be at an increased risk ...
Okay, so I should tell you: I actually have four dogs. Four spaniels. I've had dogs all my life so I've never known what it's like not to have them. I've also learned some things along the way, mostly hilarious and heart-warming but also a bit gross and weird.
Growing up, I was adamant that I was never going to university. I wasn't sure I was bright enough and had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do career-wise. Why would I commit to three years of studying if I wasn't one hundred percent sure?
Lady Bird is the debut film from American director/writer/actress extraordinaire Greta Gerwig. In November 2017, it became Rotten Tomatoes' best reviewed movie of ALL TIME with an unreal 100% rating and is set to sweep the boards during awards season. If that doesn't make you want to watch it, this will...
Merry Christmas everyone! You're probably on your 926th segment of Terry's Chocolate Orange right about now, snuggling down with your family to watch your evening Crimbo film feeling pretty darn content, amiright? Well we're about to up the happy points by about a million with our list of the little things that make you instantly ...
My sister and I go together like strawberries and cheese. Sausage and custard. Peanut butter and ketchup. (Aka we don't actually go together at all.) In my parents' bedroom, there is a photograph on the windowsill. The photo is of a six year old me and a three year old Olivia, my little sister.
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with poetry. I love that feeling when I read a poem and it really clicks. But all too often I'll read a poem and think; 'What does it mean?' and give myself a headache trying to figure it out.
I guarantee you there is a neglected diary somewhere in your house. Perhaps in an old backpack or a bedside drawer, maybe in a carrier bag in the back of your wardrobe. Or, maybe, you aren't like me. You see, every Christmas I would ask for a new diary (I am obsessed with stationery) because ...
When we were around fifteen, some of my friends and I started a new weekend ritual; hanging out at our local park. It was free, we could chat about whatever we liked without being overheard by our mums and it was a pretty place for us to take photos.
Last November, my grandfather was airlifted to a London hospital after falling down the stairs, hitting his head and breaking his collarbone and several ribs. He never regained consciousness, and died two days later. Being with him as he died is something I will never forget.
What do you want? In Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar , there is a moment where the narrator envisions herself sitting beneath a fig tree. Each plump, hanging fig represents a different path in life that she should take. A wife. A mother. A writer. An editor. An Olympic athlete.
Charlotte, 24. To the outside world I probably look like things are okay and everything is 'normal'.I'm told I'm funny, and I find there's nothing better than making people laugh.
