An online document of my life’s musings
And just like that my days of being a care-free student are over. “Welcome to the real world”, as some may say. Whilst I’m still currently working out the plot for the next chapter of my life (watch this space!), I wanted to reflect on the closing of the current one.
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind” These words resonate at this time. The current crisis has shown us the potential and power of kindness, in its ability to unite our nation, bring together local communities and strengthen our relationships with friends and family. These times have been tough, but acts of kindness, whatever they may be, are a saving grace, providing feelings of love, happiness and protection and the knowledge that you are never alone. Unsurprisingly, kindness was selected as the theme for Metal Health Awareness Week 2020.
The culture of trend shopping is damaging. Not only does it perpetuate inequalities within society but is extremely detrimental to our planet and those working along supply chains. If COVID-19 has highlighted anything, it is that as consumers we have become more conscious of what we buy, as we are faced with a change in our everyday priorities and lifestyles. Only shopping for essentials has shown us that prioritising needs over wants for the first time in decades is actually not that difficult. However, the fact that it’s taken a global pandemic to highlight this, only shows the importance of this message: trend culture is harmful to people and the planet.
As promised, here’s a list of sustainable fashion brands that provide amazing alternatives to fast fashion. This list is not definite, and I’ll make sure to keep it updated when I discover other amazing brands. Do let me know if there’s any brands you think I should put on the list, celebrating their consideration for others and the planet!
It’s Fashion Revolution week. A week that remembers the horrors of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013 and fights for much needed change in the fashion industry. This week may go by fast and you may blink and miss this campaign, but it’s crucial that current fashion habits of trend buying begin to slow if we are to make a substantial difference to the harmful and detrimental effects of the current fashion industry on the world’s poorest and our suffering environment.
Staying in the weekend? I’ve got the perfect (quaran-)cream cake recipe for you to try at home. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and importantly help fill your time (and stomachs) during self-isolation.
Here’s a few more of those fabulous local shops to support in this challenging time. With things changing daily, it’s important to show kindness to our local community, including those wonderful independent shops who are the heart and soul of York’s high street.
In these uncertain times, it’s now more than ever so so important to support local, independent businesses. With so many having no options but to close up shop, many have chosen to move online or trade in different ways. In order to sustain the businesses, support livelihoods and protect our beloved high street in the months to come, try and make shopping locally a priority.
Today is International Women’s Day and Thursday was world book day. The combination of these two important dates certainly marks the need for a new blog post. And what better way to celebrate the two than a few thoughts on some of my fave girl-boss authors.
Candles lit, cushions plumped and a new print hung, I now can say I love my room. For those feeling uninspired by your bedroom, I’ve compiled a few ideas on how to jazz up a small room, to make it that extra bit cosy and full of personality.
Eleanor Margaret 