International Women's Day

So yesterday was International Women's Day - an important date in the calendar if ever there was one! The concept - simply to raise awareness for gender inequality and give the diversity of women that inhabit this beautiful planet a chance to celebrate womanhood. Yet I woke up to a sight to dampen my high spirits as social media presented me with messages questioning the relevance and effectiveness of International Women's Day. Some even wrote to question the non-existence of "International Men's Day" (despite the fact this was founded in 1992, and occurs every year on the 19th of November...) whilst others claimed that if we truly want to be equal we should not celebrate days such as these. And although I respect the view point that if we were in a truly equal society, the importance of International Women's day may be undermined, but the fact of the matter is that we don't live in a world where we have achieved total equality and harmony across the gender spectrum. We still live in a world where women earn less than men, where female genital mutilation  happens and gender stereotypes cause women to suffer abuse and oppression on a daily basis. Of course I wish that all of this were untrue, but by not having things like international women's day, we would be denying that the problem of gender inequality exists. Furthermore, International Women's Day is a positive and intersectional campaign that celebrates the lives of so many unheard women. Should we not be using social media to ensure the connectivity of this message in all corners of the world, instead of taking the attention away from an idea fundamental to the progression of society? We should not cleanse our communities of these important campaigns, for they raise awareness that there is inequality in this world that needs to be changed, as well as celebrating so many unrecognised female accomplishments that are overlooked because of the patriarchal structure that effects each and every nation on this planet.
 

For these reasons, I made a conscious decision to celebrate this Sunday with a wonderful woman friend of mine, by attending an interactive, Virginia Woolf-inspired art installation, at 'The Strong Room', in Shoreditch. The crowd-funded project involved a "Room of One's Own", represented by a see-through cube containing a writing desk and a chair. Participants were asked to add their own messages and illustrations onto the structure, before it would be recycled into a greenhouse to be used by a local charity focused on helping people with mental health issue in recognition of the suffering Woolf experienced throughout her lifetime. Alongside a gin and tonic, it was the most ideal way to take pleasure in a very joyous Sunday.

Mine and Edie's contribution of the original "woah-man" illustration.

Rainbows and hailstorms.

Alas, half term has already drawn to a close for us college students and its time for us to go back to work feeling rested and refreshed (supposedly...) Though what a lovely week half term has been - finally having an opportunity to do some travelling, even if it was only in country, to visit the lovely beaches of Devon and some brilliant friends who have settled down there. And oh boy can I see why! Leaving the beach to go back home and to work on Friday evening was a hard task, even with the atrocious weather! Better a rainy day at the beach than a rainy day at home I say.

I also got a chance to get in for a few much needed surfs - the first of the winter season! Little bit chilly to say the least, being November, but as an avid surfer I could not resist getting in. We surfed Putsborough beach which is one of my favourites with its long stretch of golden sand and rugged rocks to scramble over. Our second surf brought much excitement due to the sighting of a rainbow and a furious hail storm whilst we were in the water - we felt pretty hardcore it must be said, especially I, wearing only my summer thickness wetsuit. Many hot beverages were required after that experience in attempt to warm us up and restore our body temperature to somewhere vaguely around normal.

We also got exploring in some of Devon's stunning countryside with Jess the lovely Labrador, sighting some impressive wind turbines causing some heated arguments about green energy vs. nuclear power...just your standard conversation for a family walk.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable and much needed break to relax and feed my insatiable desire to travel...well for a little while at least.

A Piece of the World.



One of my favourite ways to accessorise is to use interesting pieces of jewellery to spice up an outfit. Now you may be reading this initial sentence in confusement and anguish...this is not a fashion blog after all! But have no fear, because this is a post on accessorising in true explorer style. I like to collect my jewellery from markets and local shops from all across the globe which means I get the chance to pick up all sorts of odds and bobs you would not typically find in a high street store...and most certainly not see on anyone else! I like to think if it as "taking a piece of the world with me" and a way to remind myself throughout the day of some epic adventure that has been and gone but will  never be forgotten. It's my way of making a fashion statement be...well much more than just that!



Above is one of my absolute favourites. It is a particularly special piece given to me by my Mum when she returned from an expedition across the Sahara Desert that she completed in aid of Macmillan cancer support and in memory of my wonderful Nanny, whom we sadly lost to cancer.

She actually bought this during her trek when some Nomads came across their group and a little girl sold her this. I find the green colour really refreshing and the way it hangs perfection however I have not managed to find a single thing similar since! Thus this one is being treasured reverently.

Boo Enterprise Review

And so it has come - the day my boo enterprise throw has arrived! Now you're probably thinking what on earth am I talking about so naturally, I will explain this wonder to you. Boo Enterprise are a a fairly new company on the fair trade scene founded by Becky Barber in 2010. The company sells products ethically made in Madagascar to help local communities. Its a great place to order unique, colourful and charming bags, trinkets and home ware that are perfect for gifts or just to brighten up your home. What more could you want, beautiful products benefiting a great cause! 

Each rug comes with a label telling
you who has made yours! Cute or what!?

Thus I could not resist ordering one of the delightful hand-woven throws to see what it was all about. I am pleased to report back to you all that it is definitely worth every penny! It is a good quality throw that is perfect to add a splash of vibrance to any room. I've used mine as a bed throw but you could use it as anything from a rug to even hanging it on the wall as a piece of feature art work.

See for yourself at  http://www.booenterprise.com/...