Volunteer Of The Year: My Story

 For the past three year I have volunteered with the Young Women's Trust. I'm the first to say that I fell into volunteering and really didn't know what to expect. After facing multiple accounts of discrimination for being a young parent from all avenues such as work and university, I wanted an outlet where I could speak about my experiences and try and challenge the stereotype that young parents face.

Through my time with the Young Women's Trust I realised that there were more problems that young women faced beyond being a parent. With everything from the gender pay gap, to job discrimination, to apprentices being paid an unfair wage. I wanted to talk about these issues and put myself forward for every and any opportunity that I had experience of and I could talk about. But I honestly didn't think that anyone would listen. For I was a young mum that had been shunned by some of the places that were supposed to support her. Why would the public and MP's listen to what I had to say.

Third Sector Awards - VOlunteer Of the year

Sylvia - The Old Vic Review

I am a huge fan of discovering new musicals. I spend more time than I should admit reading broadway news and listening to Encore Radio on repeat. So when I heard that ZooNation had created a musical on the story of Sylvia Pankhurst I thought my dreams had come true. I mean musicals, feminism and a brand new show. What more could I ask for? 

When I was offered tickets to go and see it with one of my Young Women's Trust friends, we couldn't wait to see what the hype was about this brand new musical. It ticked all our boxes and after hearing so much about Sylvia I needed to see it for myself. 


Autumn 2018 Theatre Shows: Family Edition

With the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder, there's no better way to spend an evening or afternoon than at the theatre. I'm blown away with the amount of shows that are on offer this autumn/winter and we are truly spoilt for choice. With so much to see, I've split my theatre round up into a family edition and a grown up one too!

But the most important question is.. what are you going to see?



What I Read In August

A large part of August was spent both on holiday or looking after Max, so reading was sparse and I was gutted I didn't get more time to read whilst we were away. Having said that, I gave my Kindle a good workout and managed to get through more than I expected. I'm still not convinced on my Kindle, and I still prefer real books to e-books. But it was great to get reading and discovering books I'd not thought to buy before. 


Victorious 2018 Sunday Review

After the highs of the last two days of Victorious Festival we knew the rain was upon us. It's happened at both festivals we've attended in 2018 and we were hoping and praying that it wasn't going to be a washout for us again. 

Luckily, despite the Portsmouth winds blowing strong, the festival remained on and crowds of people took to Southsea Common for one last time. We decided to head down in the evening when the wind and rain was dying off to allow us to stay moderately dry and enjoy the headliners. 

Victorious Festival Sunday

Victorious 2018 Saturday Review

With the sun shining down, we couldn't wait to head to Victorious Festival for day 2 of fun and games. Knowing that the weather was going to turn on Sunday we got to the festival as soon as gates opened with a plan of staying until the end. 

Armed with the timetable lanyard (that had been lovingly marked the night before with our must watch artists!) we couldn't run into the arena quick enough. 

Victorious Festival 2018

Victorious 2018 Friday Review

As always, Victorious Festival is our favourite way to end the summer holidays. Not only do we get to see Scott's parents for the weekend (well use their place as a crash pad!), but we also get to listen to some fantastic music in a great community atmosphere. There's something fantastic about Victorious that has us loving it year after year and always wanting to go back. 

This year was no different. With a stellar line up, we decided to head down for the Friday evening to check out some of the music on this condensed first day. 


Fierce - Gin Phillips Review

With autumn upon us, it's time to get stuck into one of my favourite book genre's.. Thrillers. There's nothing I love more than an edge of your seat, page turner of a book that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Mumsnet have been knocking it out of the park with their Book Club selections, and this month's was no exception. 

Fierce by Gin Phillips is a small but mighty book that will literally leave you holding your breath as the story unfolds. It's one that was every ounce tense as it was scary and thrilling. And a book that left me hooked and wanting more. 

Fierce Gin Phillips