BOOKS I READ IN 2021

Saturday

I have started doing a few book reviews this year and that's because, to be honest, I have only really started regularly reading as a hobby this year.


When I was at uni I had to read for my course so I didn't really want to do it in my free time, but I've actually been enjoying it since leaving. Does that mean I'm a real-life adult now?


So, I thought I would share my favourite books I have read this year with you.


Florence given illustrations in women dont owe you pretty


My best reads of 2021

1. Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given


This is definitely one of my favourite books I have read, ever. It's so important and covers so many different themes of feminism. I actually did a review on this one so if you want to hear my full thoughts then read my review of Women Don't Owe You Pretty.

Incidentally, I actually saw Florence Given (the author) in real life when I was walking through Shoreditch the other day. If you don't know who she is yet, I would recommend following her on socials she is COOL.

2. Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman


Humankind is another non-fiction book and it unpacks all kinds of anthropological themes. Basically, it talks a lot about human history and the main question asked is are humans really selfish by nature? If you are interested in social sciences or just history in general I would recommend this book.

I am aware I am not explaining it too well, there is just so much covered and I feel like I'd need to read it again to remember it all. If you read it, you will understand what I mean.

3. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris


I had literally started reading this book in 2019 but I finished it in 2021 so I have included it in this list anyway. Despite the length of time it took me to read (just me being on and off with it, nothing to do with the book) I really enjoyed this. I know I'm a bit late to the party with this but got there in the end!

4. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King


Another non-fiction book - can you tell which I prefer? I feel like this book unlocked something in my brain. The theme is basically good vibes only and tips of getting away from negativity and it all just makes so much sense. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Who doesn't want to have good vibes and live a good life?

Also, I will be reading Vex's new book Healing is the New High very soon.

5. His Other Woman by Louise Voss


This book is actually written by a lady who is local to Salisbury (near where I live) which made me interested in reading it. It is a fictional book about a couple in Salisbury. The husband goes abroad by himself and is involved in an accident where he loses his memory. I will leave you with that description and the name of the title for you to work out the rest of the storyline. Very good, would recommend reading.

6. Drag Queen of Scots: The Dos and Don'ts of a Drag Superstar by Lawrence Chaney


Lawrence Chaney of one of my favourite drag queens to ever set foot on the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race. They are also the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2. If you know me, you will know how much of a fan of the show I am and at every opportunity I tell people I did my dissertation on it (there we go, just mentioned it for the 497th time).

For this reason, I loved hearing about Lawrence's experiences before the show, during and after. I also wrote a review of this one too so if you'd like to hear more about what I thought, read my review of Lawrence Chaney's book.

7. Release the Beast: A Drag Queen's Guide to Life by Bimini Bon Boulash


Similar to number 6, this was written by Drag Queen, Bimini Bon Boulash from Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. I loved reading this book, it was a mixture of biographical content and advice, life lessons, etc. There is a lot to be learnt from this book. 

Bimini covers a range of sociological concepts meanwhile their drag persona is branded as a 'bimbo'. Spoiler alert: the term 'bimbo' is unpacked in this book. Bimini also identifies as non-binary and seeing the world through their eyes definitely teaches you a lot about how gender-reliant the world we live in is.

Basically, Bimini can do it all by teaching you stuff, talking about their life and drag while generally just being iconic. There are also cool illustrations.

8. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard


OK so I am a fan of the TV show so I thought why not try the books and see what they're like? I have to say, I am a bit obsessed at the moment. Pretty Little Liars is one of my comfort TV shows that I watched as a teenager and will watch over and over again now, so I find it really interesting to see what is different/the same in the books. I have read book 1 and 2 so far but there are so many, it depends if I can be bothered to read all of them,

When I asked earlier if I'm a real adult? The answer is no.

And there we have all of my favourite books that I've read this year. I'd love to hear your thoughts on book content as I'm quite new to it so please let me know if you like seeing it.
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LOCAL SALISBURY CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

I was debating doing a Christmas gift guide this year as I did one last year, but I thought since I created the Salisbury Bloggers network this year, it would be great to share some local businesses with you, whether you are from the Salisbury area or not.


If you are not yet aware of the Salisbury Bloggers network, this is an Instagram account I created over summer with the aim of connecting creators and local businesses in Salisbury and the surrounding areas. While being at uni in Bournemouth, I was part of the Bournemouth Bloggers group and had some great opportunities from being part of it, so I thought Salisbury needed something similar. Follow the Salisbury Bloggers network on Instagram here.


Another aim of the group is to create opportunities for Salisbury creators, similar to the opportunities I had from Bournemouth Bloggers. So, if you are a local business wanting to work with influencers and creators, or if you're a creator looking to work with local businesses, get in touch and see more information here.

Salisbury Christmas Gift Guide


So, I am going to be sharing my favourite local businesses with you where you can get great gifts for loved ones for Christmas.


1. Wolf Cabin Wax Melts


Glittery wax melt in burner

I recently ordered some wax melts from Naomi at Wolf Cabin Wax Melts and they smell amazing. Wolf Cabin is a small wax melt business local to Salisbury which was started in 2020 and the name of the business inspired by everything cosy, just like you would find in a cabin.


Their wax melts would make great Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. They have such a wide range of scents - Christmassy and non Christmassy and they are so affordable too.


2. Rosebourne


If you haven't been to Rosebourne at this time of year yet then you need to! It is not in the centre of Salisbury, but if you are looking for a day out that is not too far away then it's definitely worth a visit. It is in Weyhill near Andover.

They have so many luxury gifts to choose from - foodie and otherwise. They also have gift vouchers and if you prefer to gift people experiences rather than items, you can get someone a voucher to have a lovely afternoon tea at Rosebourne.

Even if you don't end up getting presents there, the Christmas section looks amazing and you can check out their cafe for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

3. Ginkgo Accessories


Ginkgo is a small business on Etsy started by a lovely lady called Hollie this year who is local to Hampshire. Hollie makes her lovely earrings by hand and these would make beautiful gifts for people who love jewellery.

4. Crystals

Crystals is one of my favourite shops in Salisbury. It is a physical shop near The Maltings by the river and as far as I'm aware they don't have an online shop. It is a jewellery shop again but slightly different styles to Ginkgo. 

They have such beautiful jewellery made from a wide range of gemstones and they sell crystals by themselves too. I have given and received lots of gifts from here in the past so if you are in Salisbury, it's definitely worth visiting. I try to get in there where I can and support them where possible.

5. My Mini Wardrobe


If you are looking for handmade knitted clothes for little people in your life, then look no further than My Mini Wardrobe on Etsy.


These items are handmade in Salisbury and you can personalise and chat with the business owner to collaborate on the perfect pieces.


6. Weathered Knots


Paige from Weathered Knots creates and sells the most amazing home decorations made out of Macrame knots. So much talent goes into these items, and again she is local to Salisbury.


Paige's website is definitely worth a look. There are so many unique gifts you could buy for a loved one to spice up their living space.


7. Army Flying Museum


The Army Flying Museum in Stockbridge is offering gift vouchers and they have a shop with all things army. The museum would make a great day out for anyone who is interested in flying.

8. Ruby and Moon


OK this is another jewellery business, but can you ever have enough jewellery? Also, the ones I have included are all so different.

Ruby and Moon have some really beautiful pieces that would make great gifts for jewellery lovers and is an Etsy business run by Nikki from Salisbury.

9. Maul's Cheese and Wine Bar


So it's no surprise that Maul's is one of my favourite places to go ever because I love their cheese! But did you know they have a shop? That's right, you can purchase the most amazing cheese and wine from them and give someone a cheese and wine night of their own at home.

You can go into the bar and buy cheeses or you can order from a wide selection of cheese, wine and pate online. (If anyone is reading this may want to buy me a present for any reason, this is definitely NOT a hint).

10. Chalke Valley Soaps


Handmade in Wiltshire, these luxury soaps would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who loves to indulge in self-care at bath or shower time. The soaps look so good that I want to eat them (don't do that) and they even have soap for dogs? I'm sold.

11. Artisan Wine and Spirit Co


If you're looking for a boozy gift then why not support local at this Salisbury shop? You can look in the store or order online and choose from a wide range of wines and (you guessed it) spirits.

12. Bluestone Vineyards


Bluestone Vineyards is local to Salisbury in the nearby village of Cholderton. Here, you can go on wine tasting tours or visit their online shop with local English sparkling wine. You can purchase wine tasting vouchers for loved ones which would make a great experience gift.

While you're at it...

13. Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm


Right by Bluestone Vineyards is Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, which offers a range of experiences for animal lovers. Again, this would make a great experience gift for children and adults and you can even walk with alpacas here.
I couldn't include all of the amazing businesses in and around Salisbury because there is just not enough time! But make sure you are following @SalisburyBloggers on Instagram to see all of our favourites showcased on the page.
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DRAG QUEEN OF SCOTS BY LAWRENCE CHANEY - BOOK REVIEW

Now that I have left uni and don't have to read for my dissertation anymore, I am actually enjoying reading as a hobby for the first time really. One of the books I have really enjoyed reading lately is Lawrence Chaney's first book, Drag Queen of Scots: The Dos and Don'ts of a Drag Superstar.


Lawrence chaney drag queen shipwreck look
Image from @lawrencechaney on Instagram.


If you don't know who Lawrence Chaney is, they are a Scottish drag queen who won RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2 and I have been a fan since watching the show. I have also seen Lawrence Chaney perform live which was fabulous.


I haven't really read a biography until this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I had to share my thoughts with you.


What was the book about?


The book does what it says on the tin. It is an autobiography mixed with advice for drag queens who want to start out. As Lawrence was only 24 at the time of writing, the book is about their childhood, teenage years and how they got into drag, and ultimately winning Drag Race.

Related: Women don't owe you pretty book review

After watching Lawrence Chaney KILL IT all of season 2, it was so interesting to read about their childhood. As with many drag queens, they were bullied throughout most of their childhood, mostly for being gay, being fat or being Scottish. Although it was hard to read about, Lawrence made light of this and in the end, the bullying lessened at school due to their sense of humour. Being funny and making fun of themself was a way out of being targeted and I resonate with this a lot.


After that Lawrence wrote about getting into drag and gender identity. They said at one point that they are still on a journey with gender so even though I have heard Lawrence be referred to as he/him out of drag and she/her in drag, I am using gender-neutral pronouns in this post such as they/them/theirs.


The book had a lot of content about mental health but it was a light read due to a balance of talking about important subjects whilst also injecting comedy into the book.


Should you read this book?


The answer is 100% yes! Even if you are not into RuPaul's Drag Race, it's still so interesting to read about how an ordinary person pursues their dreams and becomes a drag superstar. 

Related: 5 books I wish I'd read sooner

Have you read this book?

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I'M A GRADUATE

Since starting university I have written a few blog posts about student life, so I thought I also need to write about it all being over as sad as that is.


I finished university in May but I have only just had my graduation.


If you are reading my blog for the first time, I have been studying Communication and Media at Bournemouth University for the past four years (including a placement year) and have recently graduated!


Girl in graduation cap and gown bournemouth university


About the day

First of all, there was a huge storm a few nights before the big day and we were completely without power the day before and the morning of my graduation. I had to do my hair at my grandma's house before we could make our way down to Bournemouth.

Our ceremony was at 16:30 so my parents and I went for a lovely lunch at Miller and Carter beforehand. Then, I was able to collect my gown and hat, get my professional photography done, and see all my friends.

Bournemouth university graduates in cap and gown

Bournemouth university graduates

It was an emotional day and I'm still not over it. It was amazing being able to attend graduation after the uncertainty of Covid and see my friends graduate too. But, it is so sad thinking that is the last of uni for us.
After the ceremony, where we all walked across the stage and collected our diplomas, there was free fizz and snacks in another room. Did I need the free fizz? Definitely not, but did I enjoy it. Then, my friends and I went out to celebrate.

Onwards and upwards

Since finishing uni, I have been working full-time as a Social Media and Communications Coordinator. Although I am really sad that uni is over, I will look forward to what the future holds and there are lots of positives. One being that with working full-time, I have more money to do fun things that I want to do.

A lot of people have been saying, does this mean you're a real adult now? And I am thinking, no probably not. I don't actually feel much older than I did when I started uni at 18, I am wondering if that will ever change.

Girl in graduation gown with parents

There were a lot of times at uni where I just thought is this even worth it? And there have been times where I didn't want to do it anymore. I'm sure every student has felt this. But now I can say, it was all worth it and I am so glad.

Towards the end of my degree, there were a few times where people made me feel like I was stupid and not clever enough. I don't know why, because I was clearly at university for a reason and I ended up getting better grades than these people anyway. What can I say? Karma is real.

For those of you who have been reading my blogs all the way through uni, thank you! It definitely is the end of an era but now I will cherish the happy memories I had and remember that I overcame the not so happy ones.
I am thinking of writing graduate content too so please let me know if you would like to see this.
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