Thinking outside the bra

Throughout the summer, there have been numerous awareness and fundraising events to hopefully, one day, beat cancer.

I applaud this and find it incredibly inspiring, but I also feel frustrated as it almost feels as though the fundraising and raising awareness starts and stops at breast cancer or testicular cancer. Before I carry on with this post, I would like to say that I never want to take away from the pain and devastation that any cancer can cause.

However, I think it's time that the stigma surrounding a woman's reproductive organs was abolished. Target Ovarian Cancer states that because of the lack of knowledge surrounding the health of ovaries, the cervix and uterus, those are the cancers we need to focus on. The 'silent killers' are just as devastating but the victims almost appear voiceless.

I was drawn to Target Ovarian Cancer when I was diagnosed with PCOS, as one of the risks long-term is developing Ovarian cancer. A terrifying thought at the age of 22, but still, it really opened my eyes to the fact that I knew nothing about it. I had no idea what the symptoms might be, how to be checked, how to get diagnosed and what sort of support platforms there are around the country (and the world).

Ovarian cancer is the second largest killer in women.

I used to think I was quite lucky, having little contact with cancer or it's damage, but in the space of twelve months I have unfortunately faced it head on. My nan recently passed away from cervical cancer, and I feel so angry at the fact that I knew nothing about it. Could it be different if there was more education about the symptoms and how to get checked? Smear tests are good on the tin, but where is the emphasis on the importance of attending the initial appointments to ensure that there are no cancerous cells lurking about.

Ultimately, I just wish there was more understanding and people would remove the stigma surrounding the female body. Cancer is not just limited to the bra area, and the more we talk about the body, I feel that more women will be more open to asking questions and ensuring they know the facts outside the SMEAR test.

I have been thinking a lot about what I want to do to contribute to beating cancer. I could sign up for Race for Life, or I could bake for a coffee morning to talk about the symptoms, the risks, the devastation it could lead.

Welcome to Graduate Life - you did it!

It has been a very long time since I updated this blog, and so I thought I would write an entry about where I am now.


My last post focused on being diagnosed with PCOS, and I will admit that for a time I struggled accepting that diagnosis. I don't think anyone can really prepare you for something like that, and I still don't think I have fully come to terms with it, but everything will work out the way it is supposed to.


The most exciting development in my life is that I am finally a BA (Hons) History graduate, having successfully completed my degree in June this year. After writing 10,000 words on the impact of art and literature on the culture of remembrance, I left the University of Derby with these valuable lessons:

1. I love history, and I believe the experiences I shared with my classmates were some of the best (and worst), and I will always cherish the last three years.
2. As cliché as it may sound, the biggest lesson I had was the one with myself. My confidence is at an all new high, and I am able to really stand on my own two feet. Like I said, cliché but very true.
3. Job searching is currently the bain of my life.

Countless interviews and rejection emails are the inspiration behind this post. The most popular feedback 'you do not have the experience we are looking for' has resulted in me exploring new opportunities and really thinking about what it is I want from a career.




Is it money? Happiness? Progression or working with a specific group of people?


I do believe that job searching is one of the most soul-destroying things anyone can go through because it almost feels like there are so many reasons for why people should not give you the chance as opposed to facing my reality and understanding that... I have relentlessly worked so hard just to be here.


Anyway, I do not want to turn this blog into a heated rant about the unjust conditions of graduate life. My only advice to those who are still studying or who have just embarked on their studies as an undergraduate... never restrict yourself and never turn down opportunities.


Big or small, those are the things that will enable you to create your own luck and your own success. Go for it!


Since January, I have been researching tons and tons of gluten-free and low carb recipes, cooking them, hating them, improving them and writing down my thoughts on each and every one of them. I am doing this because I really want to produce my own gluten-free cookbook.

There are a number of these around, but not on a student budget which I found the hardest task in my final year of studies. My food has less ingredients, so why do supermarkets charge me so much more?!

SO!

I am going to be using this blog to research and talk over my ideas. It not only gives me something to do as I search for my lifelong career, but I always thought... I wish I had someone to sit me down and hand me a load of gluten-free recipes. Instead, I had to look for my own and place a sizeable order of books on my Christmas list, and so I have felt inspired to not only research for myself, but the many other students out there who are trying their best to make things happen.

Why I am gluten-free

I have had quite a number of people asking me why I have suddenly changed my diet, and why have I found it so easy to adjust to things like no sugar in my tea etc. I have debated whether or not to write this blog entry, and believe me when I say I have deleted it, rewrote it, deleted it and rewrote it several times.

 

I have come to the decision that my medical condition will not define who I am and what I stand for, and so I have decided to bite the bullet and explain.

 

In October, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) after over 18 months of piling on the weight, feeling ill and tired constantly as well as having strong migraines and such. I finally had enough of feeling low, so I decided to go to the walk-in centre nearby where the doctor suggested I visit my GP and request a test for PCOS. I did, and whilst I was nervous I didn't fully understand what PCOS was until the results came back positive. My blood tests show I have a high level of testosterone and other hormone imbalances, and as a result I have excess hair growth as well as terrible bouts of low self-confidence and weird mood swings (I can be really happy, and then really sad within the space of a few minutes and then happy again).

 

PCOS is an endocrine disorder, and as a result my body produces too much testosterone which has an impact on my reproductive organs. Whilst it is not impossible to have children with PCOS, the condition does make it more difficult.

 

I have also discovered that I am gluten-intolerant as a result of PCOS too, and as you may know, if your body is allergic to certain foods your body will start to react to it, which releases more corticosteroids in the body, which then result in a lower immune system. So because of this, I have decided to follow a gluten-free, sugar-free and low-carb diet to maintain my weight and my overall health as diet is key to managing the symptoms of PCOS.

 

Part of me has come to terms with this condition, and I know that there isn't much I can do in terms of fixing it as there is no cure, but there is another part of me which is struggling to understand it, which is why I have been discreet about it up until now. Many women keep this condition to themselves, and I understand why. For me, this condition almost meant I wasn't a 'woman' anymore for a while, and it was hard to not become angry when my life ambition has been to have children. It's an isolating condition and it's not something people understand easily. I have had a fantastic network of people supporting me, like many of the women I speak to, but it's daunting to think that I will need medical assistance to be able to have children and the diet is so frustrating as the ingredients are not as readily available, and if they are they do cost a substantial amount more compared to ready meals and so on.

 

I'm not ashamed of this condition, and whilst it is still frustrating and upsetting at times, I have decided that I want to learn more about PCOS and I want to be in control of it, rather than it over me. It's a liberating feeling to find new recipes and new information, and that's why I have decided to start blogging again, focusing largely on my diet, cooking and gluten-free products.

 

Hopefully this blog will eventually provide someone else with the feeling that they're not on their own, and whilst PCOS is isolating at first, there are ways of handling it and overcoming it.

Merry Christmas

A 'scheduled' blog just to say Merry Christmas!

 

I'll be spending the day with my wonderful other half and his family.

 

 

Here are some of my favourite Christmas things this year:

Christmas Dessert Freedom Cookbook is full of loads of free-from and tasty Christmas treats! I've already made some of the ginger biscuits and they were delicious!

My favourite Christmas song every year is Shakin' Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone.

 

 

 

 



Social Media, Coffee shops and Avon

I haven't updated recently as I am currently swamped with university work and research for my Independent Study. However, I decided that as I can't sleep I would update you with some of the things I've discovered/experienced over the past few days.

 

Social Media

Last Friday was my birthday, and I turned 23 on Friday 13th December 2013 without a glitch! My only 'bad luck' was when my kitten went missing for three whole days. I discovered that he had been a cheeky little monkey and followed some parents into the school which is just next door, and they were concerned as he appeared hungry (he always is!) and without a collar, so they took him home over the weekend and waited for someone to get in touch about him. He is now home after I contacted the lady through B31 Voices, and he is happily tucked up on my lap again.

 

A fantastic use of social media in my eyes!

 

Another successful use of social media has been me finding a paid marketing and communications internship at the end of my degree, as well as searching for part-time jobs via Twitter. There is a new coffee shop opening up in Longbridge, Birmingham and I was so excited when I found out. I not only love coffee shops for the atmosphere, taste and smells but I finally have a study area for when the house is driving me insane! I have applied for a part-time barista job there too, so fingers crossed as it really would be my ideal job.

 

I am going to be using social media platforms soon to help kick off my mom's Avon campaign as she is a newby to the whole advertising and selling via the internet. She's been a representative now for a couple of months and already receives a number of orders from regular customers (including myself), and she also bakes cakes and she is a carer at a new residential home in the West Heath area. So, seeing as she is so busy lately I have decided to be her Communications assistant via social platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and blogger. I'm really excited about it and it's giving me the buzz to be an Avon representative myself once I have finished university.

 

This leads me to a nice point too. I have recently found some awesome products which have really helped to protect and nourish my skin against the harsh winds of winter.

 

Firstly, the Solutions Truly Radiant Tint Release Moisturiser, a gentle moisturiser which adds a soft glow to your skin. The thing I love about it is my skin looks and feels so much healthier, but it is the lightest moisturiser I have ever had. I have the type of skin which can't ever make up its mind, and as a result of using Solutions, I feel so much more confident with my skin.

 

Secondly, Cucumber and Apple Revising Face Masque is a product that my friend introduced me too when she gave it to me for my birthday. I love the smell of cucumber, and it's a face masque which has really cleared my pours and enabled my skin to breathe. It's gluten-free too, which I know might seem irrelevant because I don't actually eat it, but it's comforting to know I'm not putting anything onto my skin which might trigger any of the reactions my skin has from time to time. Not an Avon product, but I love it so much I've decided to chuck it in anyway!

 

Thirdly, I'm not much of a make-up girl but I do love to paint my nails, and my favourite colour from Avon recently has definitely been the Watermelon Glow Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel. I have loads of colours I absolutely love, but the Pro+ range really help my nails to remain firm and healthy. The shimmer from the Watermelon colour as well is perfect during the Christmas season, and it's a nice girly touch for me at a time where I am overwhelmed with essays.

 

These are just a few things over the past week or so I have fallen in love with, and I do think at times where I might be overwhelmed and stressed, my skin always bares the brunt of it all. I've disciplined myself into drinking plenty of water, not wearing any makeup if I can help it and just replenish, nourish and hydrate my skin as much as possible. My diet change has definitely helped with the look and feel of my body overall, and so these are just a few more adjustments and additions I have added to my routine.

 

That's all for now. When I have a spare moment to myself, I will finally write an article about my sweet-potato and kidney bean curry. I may also write about my ginger biscuits, or I might keep that to myself as a home baking secret.

 

Thank you for reading this if you have. I look forward to any suggestions you have for a new blog in the future :)

 

Sunday update

A bit of a random post today I am currently busy with my essays at the moment, but thought I would just let you know that my blog Changes is now on the Grads.co.uk blog, and you can read it here!
My healthy eating blog was also retweeted by a number of people, and so I will definitely keep testing and exploring new foods to blog about.

Today I am writing an essay for my Material Culture module. I'm focusing on war memorials, emotional theory and the commemoration of the Great War throughout the 20th century. It's really interesting and links to my Independent Study quite nicely too which helps me keep on top of my workload.

Just to let you know, my partner also has a blog, and his Christmas blog is a nice heart-warming post to read.

He mentions how we went house shopping, which was so much fun! I'm excited to go again in the new year! We went around all the charity shops to find some quirky bargains, and I can't wait to use some of the little things we found. We also did some festive activities yesterday which included lots of present wrapping, admiring Christmas decorations and listening to cheery Christmas music ♥

Will update again soon! Have a lovely Sunday evening :)

Travels to South Korea, 2010

After reading a recent article in the Guardian on the popularity of Soju, a traditional South Korean alcoholic drink, I was reminded of the amazing experience I had back in August 2010. I attended the Global Student Leadership programme along with student ambassadors from across the world.

 

 

My first time abroad and I was the only student ambassador from the United Kingdom. On my own, I was thrown into a completely new culture with a variety of languages I did not know, and at first it was a huge shock. Little things like taking your shoes off at every meal was new to me, but eventually I found myself falling in love with the traditions, culture and beauty of South Korea.

 

The first day I arrived in Seoul where I ate fish and chips in a wicker basket. Unusual, but it tasted so much better than traditional English fish and chips! I stayed at the Hyatt hotel and I had a fantastic view of the city. The shops were busy and thriving, open until late which was brilliant for me as I craved an ice cream to try and cool myself down in the new heat.

 

(The ice cream melted in the heat but still!)

 

The day after we arrived we travelled to Daegu Health College via the Subway. The college itself is situated in the heart of the busy city. Daegu (or Taegu) is situated in the South East of South Korea, and is surrounded by various mountains and high landscapes. I travelled in the middle of monsoon season, and so the heat was something I had never encountered before.

 

Overtime I forgot all about the heat and I was becoming more involved with learning and exploring the traditions of South Korea. My favourite moments were travelling to a Buddhist temple, a well-known film production strip which has the same reputation as Hollywood in South Korea. I also loved the rain in South Korea - it was never cold but the refreshing feel on my skin as well as the smell of the wet mountains. I wish it was something I could take home in a bottle because it really is a refreshing smell which I most likely will never have the opportunity to experience again.  

The beauty of the rain can be seen in the picture where the raindrops created tears on the face of the Buddha statue. Absolutely beautiful.

The seminars and lectures were also fantastic. I learnt a lot about the 'ugly' traits of Western society s well as the 'ugly' behaviour in South Korea. For example, it is incredibly rude to lick your fingers over in South Korea, and South Koreans will never apologise if they bump into you by accident. Other things included the fascination that South Koreans have with Western society, particularly the British. I was quite confused when everyone used to stare at me, or little children would run up to me just to say hello. It was quite a surreal experience at first, but it was also quite sweet, especially as I have recently started to understand the impact of British Imperialism and the ignorance I had to other cultures whilst living in my own little bubble. I also found that whenever I went into a shop, because I was British I would be offered gifts all the time. I declined simply because I was embarrassed from the attention, but the hospitality and friendliness in Daegu was phenomenal. I felt safe and welcomed throughout the whole experience, and even when I became homesick the rest of the group were always there to help me out.

 

The language barrier and the difference in food were my biggest obstacles. South Korean food tends to be quite spicy in a peppery way, and I found out the hard way why that is.

The pepper and spices helps to deter mosquitos and insect bites, and as I was unable to eat the food because I am far too used to the bland diet in Britain, I became a walking piece of steak for nippy insects. Thankfully my roommate, Dayoung, had various remedies and things to put on the bites to stop them from being so itchy.

The best thing about my experience in South Korea was the people I shared it with. I made so many lifelong friends, and I have so many memories which will last me until my last days. The friendship I experience, the way we came together as a neat little community and the lessons we learnt from each other are things I cherish even today, 3 years later.

I learnt a lot about myself and what it is to be British in a growing global network, and the opportunities which were presented to me after I returned are still happening. I would definitely recommend travelling abroad, especially in modern society where there is emphasis on having experience of international relations and taking the risk to be taken way out of your comfort zone and learn new things.

Some interesting articles about travelling abroad:
My school friend Alyshia is currently working and travelling around Australia. She keep a vlogging account of all the things she's been up to on YouTube, which you can find here: PsychoTraveller.

What do employers say about travelling?

The World's Best Travelling Blogs

British Watercolours 1750-1900: Travels in Europe and the Middle East