Thoroughly modern millennial

Category: Blog

  • August | In Restrospect

    August | In Restrospect

    Song of the month: Dandelion Hair by Joe Brooks

    Whoops, Ria took another blogging break (*cough* did anyone actually notice? *cough*)

    Another month of busy-ness, another month of lovely just as Summer is drawing to a close.

    I’d be lying if I said that Summer was my favourite time of year. I usually dread it. It’s hot and stuffy and I never know what to wear and I feel like a lumpy, sweaty, hayfever-y mess most of the time. Everyone’s off doing more exciting things, so plans fall through, or I end up heading off somewhere else to escape life. It’s nothing personal, I just don’t get as excited for Summer as I do for other seasons.

    This Summer though? This Summer has probably been one of the best I’ve had in a longest time and one of the very few I’ve truly enjoyed. I’ve be out and social and lapping up the sunshine. In lieu of an actual holiday I’ve been heading off to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, then off to BBQs in the late afternoon, strolling through parks, or sitting in pub gardens after work or taking advantage of the long daylight hours on nights out with friends. I’ve played tour guide to family I haven’t seen for over 10 years, revisiting places that felt so much like home through a fresh set of eyes has been a revelation.

    In short I’ve been busy af. And despite my usual introverted nature I’ve kind of loved it. Blame it on the Vitamin D, blame it on my lovely extroverted housemates, colleagues and friends but this is the first Summer I’ve well and truly felt comfortable with life as it is right now.

    As I mentioned in last month’s post there’s been bumps in the road, that’s inevitable – can’t all be punting bants and Pimms 24/7 y’know. But as cheesy as it sounds I’m coming out the other end with a better idea of who I am, what I want/need out of life, and what actually makes me happy.

    Autumn is incoming though. It’s my absolute favourite time of year and I am so excited. It’s busy, yes, but there’s a brisk air of change that makes me want to just get sh*t done. So this year I bid a bittersweet farewell to Summer, let’s hope Autumn doesn’t let me down.

    Ria

    p.s. on a totally unrelated note. I’ve joined the masses on Snapchat (late to the game I know). I’m r_cagz on there – seeing as some bugger stole RCagz first. Follow for awful selfies.

    This month in blogs:

    On TMM
    What Harry Potter Means To Me

    Elsewhere
    Green Girl Review, Blogger’s Bookshelf

  • Books | What Harry Potter Means To Me

    Books | What Harry Potter Means To Me

     

    *Disclaimer there are NO Cursed Child spoilers in this post! You are safe!

    But yes, it’s no coincidence that a Harry Potter post has been timed with the release of the play script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

    I realise all of you know I’m a Harry Potter fan. I shout it pretty loudly when I get the chance but I don’t think I’ve ever delved into the topic too much. So we’ll start at the very beginning.

    (more…)

  • July | In Retrospect

    retrospectjul16

    Song of the month: Morningside by Sara Bareilles

    July. A month spent revisiting my self-worth and Shine Theory magic.

    If June was a rollercoaster, July was a month cruising along long humid highway. The journey this month was less rocky than others, with much appreciated company, moments of needed quiet and comforting phone calls with Mini Cagz.

    Starting off on a wonderful high with the ladies at Write Like A Grrl. A sense of overwhelming empowerment on how I perceive myself as a female writer. The confidence boost was much needed and I can’t speak highly enough of Kerry and the ladies of my writing group (yes, you heard that right, I’m in a writing group now). July has been filled with carnivals and cocktails and Comic Con. There’s been sunshine and BBQs and rooftop bars. There’s been giggles over Love Island and Taylor Swift shout out to Michelle for the later!). Equally there’s been stretches of much needed alone time, chances to recoup from the madness of being social to write, blog, and read (and maybe catch some Pokemon on the way).

    But I’d be full out lying if I said the let loose and live attitude that I’ve stumbled upon this month came so easily. I may have cruised my way through but it’s come with hiccups and a cold slap of reality once or twice. As cruel as it can be sometimes you need that to kick start you into the right direction, and more often than not it’s been wonderful women in my life who offered me those sacred safe moments, ranting space, and copious amounts of pizza and cake and gin to calm me down.

    In fact this month has been marked by all the amazingly kick-ass women in my life. For all the talk I spew out on feminism I don’t often talk about the women in my immediate vicinity. From work colleagues and my mad housemates to blog friends and friends who have known me since my awkward teenage days to my own family, In a month that’s been politically and socially volatile around the world, July served as a pretty magical reminder of how very grateful I am for them.

    To here’s a little homework for you guys too. If you’re feeling awful, look around. Choose to surround yourself with positive people who believe in you. Even if you can’t flush out the toxicity in your life, at least have them to fall back on.

    Ria

    This month in blogs:

    On TMM
    Shades of Brown: Diversity isn’t just black & white // Write Like A Grrl // #Fendi90Years // Going Cruelty Free Update

    Elsewhere
    I Am Not Esther Review, Blogger’s Bookshelf
    Re(Sisters) Review, Blogger’s Bookshelf