Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 14, I hadn't had a period in over a year and I began to get concerned. So, I made an appointment with my doctor, she sent me off for an ultrasound scan and blood tests. When I came back for my follow up appointment I was told that I had PCOS. She explained what it was but I didn't really understand much and went about my life as normal. Thinking it was great that I didn't have periods.

It wasn't until I was at university that I discovered the true extent of what living with PCOS meant. Okay, I didn't have periods but I did have the side effects of them, all minus the bleeding. I have bad back ache, severe cramps that would have me crying, I felt ill and had awful mood swings. PCOS also meant my chance of ever becoming pregnant was rather low, I have a 10% chance of conceiving children naturally. I have heard all the stories before of people with PCOS having children naturally, but I have other complications which means the likelihood is a lot lower. Now I was told when I was 14 these statistics and I have had 8 nearly 9 years to process this information. And although sometimes it gets be down, I know there are plenty of children out there that need adopting so when the time is right I think that is the route I will take.

Away, what is PCOS? Other than standing for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, it is not actually cysts on the ovaries. Confusing I know! I used the NHS website to help me explain what PCOS, there definition is :

'Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles that are up to 8mm in size. The follicles are under-developed sacs in which eggs develop. In PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means that ovulation doesn't take place.'

Meaning that the sacs in which the egg normally lives (as it were) is undeveloped and does not contain an egg, meaning an egg is not released and a period does not occur. Although the cause of PCOS is un known it is believed to run in families. It is related to a hormone in-balance within the body.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 women in the UK has PCOS, but it varies in severity.

Signs and symptoms

• irregular periods or none at all
• difficulty getting pregnant
• excess hair 
• thinning hair 
• weight gain or trouble losing weight

Basically its a massive shit storm and is horrible. Although there is no treatment for it there are some ways of controlling it. I myself were prescribed several different hormone tablets and treatments. But the extra hormones that was used to combat the extra testosterone but the hormone treatments made be depressed caused me to gain weight and fucked me up more. I stopped the treatments and felt a lot better. 

Its been over 9 years since I was diagnosed and I still havent had periods but I am hearing more and more stories about women diagnosed with PCOS and still concieving children naturally so I have faith that if I chose to have children I will be able to naturally. But that is a long way in the future. 

This has been a bit of long post with loads of information. I will do a follow up post soon about my experience with diagnosis. But just know ladies you are not alone. If you have any questions drop me a line. 

Bonus picture of my baby... My ferret Trevvor. 

Love Yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

BLOGMAS Days 13 and 14: Not very exciting facts about me...

Okay so I have been slacking on the blog posts lately, So the next couple are going to be joint days. Sorry. No excuses just how things have happened. So have some not very exciting things about me! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

1. My favourite book is Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern also known as Love Rosie.
2. I am slightly addicted to The Sims 4, not playing the game, more building the houses and killing my sims in weird ways.... you all do it! 
3. I love to cook and bake. Love finding new recipes. 
4. Marvel over DC any day. X-men in particular 
5. The Phoenix is my favourite mutant ever! (seriously she can control all matter!!!)
6. I am slightly addicted to candles. I can't resist buying them. 
7. I rewatch comedy shows all the time, and still laugh at them even though I know the jokes. Yeah I'm that person. 
8. My music taste is something to be desired. I love anything cheesey! Give me anything from the 80's and 90's. Who doesn't love ABBA? But I also love Punk and soft rock. I just like to sing badly to songs. 
9. I don't like cheese okay. I'm sorry but its horrid. It makes me sick and smells horrid. Say no to cheese. 
10. I'm single! Like really single HA.
11. I'm still learning to drive. I can drive, just haven't done my driving test. 
12. I know most of the words to the album Curtain Call by Eminem. Also 8 mile is one of my favourite films.
13. I am really untidy. Not dirty just really untidy. 
14. Cider is a glorious drink... I cannot drink vodka it never ends well for me. 

So, yeah sorry haha. 14 random facts about me, as this is day 13 and 14... 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

BLOGMAS Day 11: My favourite Christmas Films.

It wouldn't be Blogmas without a list of my favourite Christmas films. So here goes: 

Love Actually 

Myself and my mum every year without fail, sit down in our pjs, with a hot chocolate and some snacks and watch Love Actually. For me this film has everything, it brings together so many cute and adorable stories that everyone can relate to at some point. And let's face it, the acting is great, it has a crappy Christmas song and plenty of fun. A must see, 

A muppets Christmas Carol 

This film is rather sentimental to me, I remember watching it with my Gran, my brother and my cousins many, many Christmas’s ago. It’s a great family favourite that tells the tell of a Christmas Carol but with the muppets. What more do you want?  

Grinch 

Jim Carrey as the Grinch is everything! I can relate to the Grinch on so many levels. If you haven’t seen it where the hell have you been? The scene when he is trying to decide what to wear is spot on! ‘Right that’s it I’m not going’… or when he is looking through the phone book ‘hate, hate, double hate, totally loathe’ Actually tears! And his hatred for see people. But in the end he realised the true meaning of Christmas… Bye, bye Santa. 

Others include Elf, National Lapoons Christmas Vacation and of course Deck the Halls. I love a good Christmas film, who doesn't. Right I'm off to watch the Grinch. 

Merry Christmas

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

BLOGMAS Day 10: Lazy Sunday.

IT'S SUNDAY!!! And I have the day off, yey. I did a night shift last night, got home around 9am and slept until 1230 ish. Rudely woken by my brother... we went to get some bits from the shop, more Christmas shopping and instead we brought food, alcohol, chocolate and new films... only went and got Finding Dory. Promptly watched it straight away. LOVED EVERY SECOND. I'm now curled up n the sofa, in a blanket preparing some new blog posts. One to go up tonight as I once again missed last night :(. It is hard to post a blog post on time when you are at work. But I am hoping to be more prepared in this week and schedule posts going up.

Fire is lit, Christmas tree on, I have a cider and I'm making a curry. A lovely Sunday evening awaits.

Love yah
IsThataRedHerring.

BLOGMAS Day 7: working as a carer.

I have been working in the care industry for nearly 2 years now, wither with the elderly or with children and young adults with learning difficulties. Now it is safe to say my job is not an easy one. And on more than one occasion I have had people say oh but you're just a carer, you wipe bums for a living HAHA yeah of course that's all I do... WRONG. I work my ass off. I am currently working 13 hour night shifts in a care home with the elderly who have dementia and a residential home. People assume that because I work nights I have an easy job. A few of my residents do not sleep and are often in an out of bed and I do a lot of personal care, plus the admin jobs and jobs around the home. Its not an easy shift at all.

I'm writing this just before I go to work, I cycle to and from work getting a bit of exercise in and try to eat healthily. On an average night shift I do over 12,000 steps so a lot of walking and on a day shift its more.

So, what is it like to be a carer? I'm going to talk from the perspective of an carer working with the elderly as that is my current position. I am currently an acting senior carer at night, which means to some extent I am in charge. Just means that I help the nurses out a bit more and make sure the level of care is the highest standard. I still assist with pretty much all care but I also help with care plans, admin work and making sure all the jobs are complete. A lot of my work involves making sure my residents are safe, that they are eating and drinking enough and are happy. Personal care such as assisting with showering, bathing, changing pads that kind of thing is an hourly occurrence. I think a lot of people assume that on a night shift once everyone is in bed you just sit around and do nothing but that is not true at all. We are always busy!

20:00 - handover from day shift (15 mins)
20:15-01:00- assisting residents to bed and personal care for those already in bed
01:00-03:00-  kitchen jobs, emptying bins, laundry, cleaning and tidying. As well as hourly checks on all residents and personal care if and when needed.
03-00-07-00- getting ready for the morning, emptying the dish washer for the third time, more admin jobs and of course personal care.
07:00-08:00- checking paperwork and one final check on the residents, some residents like to be up early from 05:30-07:30 so we do showering and bathing and getting breakfast ready for those. and of course our night handover to the day staff takes place at 08:00-08:20.

That is a really basic and quick guide to my job, I have properly left out so much more I could add. But I will be doing a day shift as well soon, more tends to happen as activities take place during the day. It is a stressful job and I've wanted to quit on numerous occasions but I am sticking with it. Getting used to everything and how best to work. It is hard work and I am not JUST a carer I am much more.

I hope you enjoyed this.

Love yah
IsThataRedHering

Positive Post

There is a lot of negativity around lately, and I was going to jump on the band wagon. I even started writing 4 posts about how crap things are at the moment, But no! It's nearly December, time for happiness and good times. A few things that make me happy and remain positive. 

Tea and a good book. 

You may or may not be aware that I love to read. Like LOVE to read. My bedroom is dedicated to my books and love of reading. Lately I have loved nothing more than sitting in front of the open fire, with a book in one hand a cup of tea in the other. Of course with a fluffy blanket and pjs. This month I have been reading All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, recommended to me by my very best friend Jenny (so thanks girl). I am thoroughly enjoying the book and nearly at the end. 

Being happy. 

It is properly an obvious one, in order to be positive it to stay happy. Lately, there have been a few good/bad reasons why I might not be happy. And I have literally decided to take that thrown, and turn it upside down. Push that bad energy out of my life and enjoy the little things. I simply do not have time to spend wasting it on negativity. It doesn't make me feel good therefore it does not need to be part of my life. So thank you and good by negativity. 

Surround yourself with good people.

I have this month pushed people out of my life who do nothing but bring me down. Those people who always have an opinion on what I should or shouldn't be doing. I do not need the constant nagging and judging. This is my life and I will live it the way I feel fit. If that makes me a bad person, then good, let that be! 

Being myself, ALWAYS!

I will never ever change myself for anyone. What you see is what you get. And that should be enough. Please never change for anyone. I love ME! And that will not change. The most important thing is to be yourself, and if you are truly yourself, I already love you. 

I hope this has helped spread a little positivity. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

What's been going on?

I know I've been terrible again, it's been way to long since I wrote :( it’s just been manic.

New job

I started training for my new job, and safe to say it’s been hard work. 4 weeks of intense training not going to lie it has been really hard work. And I've wanted to quit a few times. But I've met some wonderful people who have kept me going through it all. THANKS GUYS <3 So, the new job, is a care assistant job for the elderly, residential, dementia and nursing. It is a fantastic job very rewarding. It has its ups and downs but mainly ups. The training has been crazy and really intense, a lot to take in. It's a brand new care home as well, we are all new. Which is great, all of us starting together all in the same boat. It just means there is a lot to iron out and figure out how everyone works. But with this jobs, means I can develop and quite quickly. I do permanent nights which is quote tough. I'm currently working 6 12-hour night shifts in a row which is tiring but manageable. Anyway, I am taking the responsibility of a senior at night, which is great. I am proving to them that I want to be a senior and I will have the extra training and be a fully qualified senior care assistant which is great. I cannot wait to see what my future holds.

Books

Honestly I haven't read that much lately. But I did read Giovanna Fletcher's new book Always with Love, which honestly I was left a little disappointed, it was okay just nothing compared to her other books which all make it onto my favourite book list. I also read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling and you know, I was pleasantly surprised I actually really enjoyed it, I was a bit vary of it being in a play format but after a few pages I got used to it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am currently reading All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, I haven’t read much but that’s my plan for this evening, so in my next update hopefully I would have finished it.

Films

Once again I have found myself reaching for my favourites, I’ve watched the Devil wears Prada and Zombieland, my go to films when I need a bit of cheering up or when I’m feeling a bit stressed out. But my favourite at the moment has to be The Fundamentals of Caring starring Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts. Great acting all round, great message, hilarious and heart-warming. A must watch :D.

TV Series

There have been a few series I have enjoyed this month, I finally finished Jessica Jones which was great, not sure why it took me so long to finish it, but I am so glad I did, it was so worth it. The ending annoyed me a little bit not going to lie I wanted more, but never the less a great show, and top acting all round. The second is another Marvel show which of course is Luke Cage! This has to be my favourite out of all them so far (Daredevil and Jessica Jones) it just had everything in it for me, great story and it all crossed over which I enjoyed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I am looking forward to the next series and what they bring.

Dating

And finally dating… I’ve been on a few dates this month and honestly they haven’t gone well… I don’t know if I’m just being picky or what but I guess I’m looking for someone or something in particular and I haven’t found it yet. Any advice is welcome haha.

I will try not to be so bad at writing, I need to get back into the swing of thing again. So here is me signing off for now.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring 

Boys and Girls can be friends.

Recently I've been back on the whole dating seen, why not I'm 22, it's fun to date and have a little fun.

And I recently went for a drink with a lovely guy, this was not a date! I repeat was NOT a date, we were simply meeting up for a casual drink as we were both free. It was lovely, had a couple of pints, walked back home lovely. Anyway, I got home, sat down, checked my phone and he'd text me... 'so would you like to be my girlfriend?'. Now don't get me wrong I was flattered, but I made it clear from the beginning that I did not like this person in this way. And then all hell broke lose. The texts read something like this:

'you bitch'

'why would you lead me on like that?'

you utter bitch, why would you go on a date with me' 

Okay, well those are just some of them. I replied nicely, and he continued with the abuse, and a lot of swearing. Bit uncalled for. It was hard to explain over text, and he wouldn't listen. but the best one he wrote:

'WHY DID YOU FRIEND-ZONE ME'

And that was it! I couldn't believe it! So, sooo angry! There is no such thing as friend-zoning, I am sorry that I do not find you attractive, we are great friends why does it have to be more than that? It really annoyed me. I simply asked if he rather I pretended to fancied him, lead him on and then a few months down the line dumb him? He didn't like that! But I feel that it was the right answer. I feel that I did the right thing. I did not lead anyone on, from the start I made it clear that we were friends and nothing more, and okay he liked me differently but that does not mean I have to feel the same. I am the one with my own feelings why should I change them to suit you? Please stop using the term 'friend-zone' as an excuse! You cannot control how others feel, its not fair or right. 

Sadly, we are no longer friends or talking which really sucks, because we talked a lot, had a lot in common. It's a shame something like this has come between our friendship. But I hope we will sort this out. 

You cannot force your feelings onto someone else, that's not how it works! 

Love yah 

Isthataredherring 

August 19th 2016

Currently loving...
Band: Scouting for Girls
Film: We bought a Zoo
Book: The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
Product: Dove, Summer Revived
Game: Pokemon (obvs)
Drink: Almond Dark Chocolate milk (Alpro)
Food: Couscous

This month I have been revisiting old loves of mine, and the biggest one is the band Scouting for Girls. I honestly forgot how much I loved them, and quickly found myself singing, if not a little out of tune (okay a lot out of tune) to the songs. It took me right back to when I was in year 10, (some 7 if not 8 years ago), Elvis isn't dead, the heartbeat song and of course She's so lovely. And yes I ended up watching Angus, Things and Perfect Snogging. I also found out that they are touring!!! So, I might have to get me some tickets.

Little update. 
As you guys know I am on a health kick. Out with the old and in with the new and all that jazz. This week I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new healthy foods and found my love for couscous, this stuff is a life saver, some boiling water is all you need and boom healthy meal, I add chicken and loads of veg to mine. I can never finish it all which is great, because when I undoubtedly get a little hungry later on I can finish off my lunch. In my first week I lost a total of 6lb which I was over the moon about, and the second week a total of 9lb. So, as you can imagine I am a very happy girlie right now.

I also purchased a new bike and I love it. It is so pretty and beautiful. (see below) I was lucky my local Halfords have a deal at the moment on bikes and accessories 20% off all bicycles and 3 for 2 on accessories. I couldn't resist, it is beautiful :).  I am of course going to get matching basket and saddle bag, I'd be silly not to.

Also, this month I got a new tattoo, by the wonderfully talented Sophie of Skin Wizard in Thatcham. I am beyond happy with the tattoo, it means a lot to me. The photo does not do this beauty justice. 

That has been my month so far, I hope you liked my little update. Until next time..

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring 

Learning to say no!

I have always been that person who wants to help. Even if it means I end up worse off. But recently I have decided that I need to start saying no to things. Some people may think that I am being selfish, but I have decided that I need to start doing things for me. Not anyone else. If I don't want to do something (obviously a valid reason, not just to please someone else) then I am going to say NO! 

July has been a very big month for me, the month of NO! But also positive thinking and making much needed changes in my life. SO what happened?

I handed in my notice at work 

I got a new job

I turned 22

I became single

I passed my theory test 

I had my hair cut and I am back to a natural hair colour

I made this month about me! 

Okay so they might not be massive changes but for me they were the step in the right direction. I have become more independent and focused on myself. Making much needed changes. This time last year I pledged to lose weight. And well I mean I'm not any heavier than  was last year, I am about 3lb lighter than last year. Small bonuses, but safe to say I am not happy with that. So that really needs to change. And I know I can do it, because I did lose a stone of weight in a couple of months, but I started to get comfortable in a relationship and I let everything slip. So, no more buses, I've got my bike out (and helmet). I've taken before photos, of my current weight and what my body looks like now, printed them off and stored them in a secret location. In a couple of months I might write a blog post showing my progress. 

The most important thing is that I am doing this for me and no-one else. No man to impress but simply to prove to myself that I can be healthy and happy with being me. I am not going to starve myself, I am going to do this properly and if you want to do this with me then I'd love it if you'd join me. Make it a weekly or monthly thing. I don't need to know how much you weight or your measurements but we can be there to encourage each other. If you'd like that let me know, because I certainly would. 

Thanks for listening 

Always do things for you. Be a little selfish every now and again

BE HAPPY!

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

January wrap-up!

That's right I thought I'd jump on the band wagon and start doing monthly wrap ups. It is also nice for me to look back on each month and see what I've done and things I want to achieve next month and so on.

Fitness
Let's start with fitness. A lot of people in January make it their resolution to lose weight and get fitter, but I started my journey back in October and its going well. But in January I stepped it up a whole new level. More determined than ever to better myself. Of course I've had my ups and downs, slipped up a few times (had the odd one too many biscuits) but I didn't let that deter me. As soon as I felt myself slipping I did something to change that and distract myself.
If I did slip I didn't then force myself to do a 5K run or anything drastic, i simply told myself that 'I am human after all, and there will be times when I've had a really bad day at work, or just don't feel like exercising and you know what that is perfectly fine. I am not going to give up things that I like and enjoy. Restricting myself completely of the things that I love, yes I'm talking about those KitKats, is a silly idea. I tend to crave it more and give in and go on a binge. Whereas letting myself have a little treat every now and then stops me from binging on the bad stuff. In the long run for me it is better. Instead of having 3 or 4 biscuits I only have 1, filling the craving but not causing to much damage. I'm always on the look out for healthier options of my favourite foods. But sometimes I need a little fix!
My biggest achievement this month though is a 10lb weight lose. I am extremely happy with myself and feel a lot more confident. It's nice that people are noticing as well.

Book Haul
As usual I have brought way to many books this month, but my top picks are Deathnote books 1 to 4, which if you haven't read or heard of you must give them ago. Deathnote is a Manga series based in Japan. I will be doing a separate blog on Deathnote and why more people need to know about it. I got a great deal in Forbidden Planet it was 3 for the price of 2 on most books. So I picked up books 1,2, and 4 they were missing 3 :( but went into hmv and there it was so I picked up 3 as well. Each book has two volumes and to be honest they are such an easy read I will finish the 4 books by the end of the week. I got the black editions and they are amazing, so beautiful!

Other books I am really looking forward to reading are The art of being normal by Lisa Williamson , Cinder the first book in the lunar chronicles by Marissa Meyer, The Martian by Andy Weir, and The Reunion of Ghosts by Judith Mitchell. I will be doing reviews for each as and when I read them. 

Clothing 
I may have done a little clothing haul or 3! I brought some very boring things like new socks and underwear, trousers for work... But I did buy some new running shoes well actually two pairs oops. In my defense my old trainers are horrid, they are the typical style you see kids running around in at school for P.E. it was time for a change. I got a good deal on a pair of Sketchers Flex Appeal on Amazon and they are amazing (see picture below) I got mine for £41 and worth every penny. I did a fair amount of research into which trainers to get and time after time these popped up. I cannot wait to try them out properly later on this week at the gym.

I also brought a basic black pair of running shoes. I got these on a whim and honestly they are amazing. Myself and my boyfriend were shopping in Southampton and came across a sports shop I hadn't heard of before called Decathalon. We went in on the off chance there will be something we want. And to my surprise they did a lot of great sports gear for a very good price. So I brought myself a pair of Kalenji (see picture below) running shoes for only £12.99. I cannot stop wearing them.

Favourite Film of January 

Straight Outta Compton. This film was amazing. Contains very strong language but based on the true story of N.W.A, safe to say it doesn't hold back any details or swearing! A must watch, one of my favourite all time films. 

Favourite TV Series of January 

Mr. Robot, Amazon Prime original, it's really good. Very quirky and has everything a good series needs. Highly recommend. 

Favourite Book of January 

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simison, the second book in the duo-logy, follows Rosie and Don after their marriage and a surprise baby on the way. (Not really a spoiler as its all over the cover) 

Favourite Song of January 

Dessert by Dawin, I love this because it keeps me motivated in the gym :D 

Overall January has been a very good month, a great start to 2016 :D roll on February

Love Yah
IsThataRedHerring

Workouts that I enjoy doing and feel working.

Let's face it working out can be boring if you are doing the same thing over and over again. So when I work out I keep it varied to stop becoming bored and tired and well giving up.

The first workout I turn to is one that I know works. It’s not very adventurous but perfect to do when you only want to spend 45 or so minutes in the gym. It’s simple but effective. Simply its:

• 30 minutes of cardio -  I do it to a level in which I cannot talk to the person next to me
• 15 minutes on the treadmill. High incline and around 3.5 mph. Not too fast but after 15 minutes you know you’ve done a good workout. 
• Then 15 minutes cross trainer, mid-level around 8 or 10. I choose not to use the bikes because I tend to get lazy. But with the cross trainer I can feel my muscles working. 
• I walk around the gym twice as a ‘rest’, then straight into my next part. 
• Squats and lunges. 
• 10 squats and 10 lunges repeat 5 times. 
• I use a 3KG weight for balance when doing the lunges. I step the weight up every couple of days. 

If I cannot get to the gym or it’s a 'rest' day I still do my squats and lunges at home. I am quite lucky that my job keeps me active. Always running and walking around. It's amazing how quickly your heart rate can raise. Even on days when I don't go to the gym I know that being active at work helps.

This week at the gym I've been doing something slightly different:

• 30 mins of cardio
• 15 minutes on the treadmill, 3.5 mph on full incline. 
• 15 minutes on the bikes or cross-trainer. Level 8 or 10 depending on how my knees are. 

Then I go through a routine in-which my gym instructor has given me. It's tailored for me, to lose weight quicker. See picture below:

I really enjoy this work out and you can really feel it working. My shoulders, calves and thighs in particular. Each time I push myself to do more. Heavier weight and more reps. Building it up slowly.

Another good option is the couch to 5K app. It helps with jogging, running and of course motivation. It’s a free app, and can be downloaded on most smart phones. I would really recommend this app if you want to start slowly. 

NHS- Couch to 5K

I hope this has helped, given a few of you a couple of ideas for fitness. If I can do it, anyone can :D

Love Yah 

IsThataRedHerring

UPDATE on everything. Fitness, books, goals and more

This is a much needed update (sorry). As the title suggests it is time for a big update on well my life. I know a lot of people are going to be doing New Years resolutions but this year I only have one big goal, which is being broken down to the following:

Fitness
Back in November I pledged to get fit and with every pound I lose I will donate to charity. Since then I have lost 14 pound so yes that is £14 towards a charity. In December I joined the gym and hired a personal trainer. When I sat down and talked to her (personal trainer, thank you Carrie) she reminded me that muscle weighs more than fat, so although it's a good idea in theory I will be losing fat and gaining muscle and my routine consists of a lot of weight lifting to shift the fat. So, I have decided with every dress size I drop I will donate £50 to a chosen charity (still need to be chosen) and when I get to my target dress size of a size 12 I will donate a further £100.

This year 2016! I want to do a few charity runs, particularly Cancer Research Race for Life and a few others which I need I to research more into. If you have any suggestions for charity runs then please let me know... also any suggestions you have for the charity in which the money I raise with my weight-loss, then please let me know.

Work
I started a new job in October, quitting my job as a care assistant in a care home due to a few reasons, but the main issue is that I didn't see myself furthering my career there which at the age of 21 is very important to me. So, I got a new job at a school for autistic children, it's an amazing job, very rewarding and I am part of a great team. Unlike my old job the hours are consistent and the money is a lot better, and the best thing is there are many opportunities to further myself. At some point this year I will be starting my health and social diploma. Exciting times, this also means a pay rise!

Books
Well its 2016 so there are many amazing books being released but I already have a ton of books I need to read. So after my last Waterstones voucher is spent I am going to STOP buying new books! It's going to be so hard, but my To Be Read list is so big is frightening!
The books I am looking forward to reading most this year are :-

• Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 
• Illuminae by Amie Kaufman 
• The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer 
• The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion 
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma 
• The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner 

I know a lot of these books are old (not really but so last year ;) ) but I really wanted to read them and this year I will be getting to them. I am particularly excited about the Lunar Chronicles and Illuminae. I have heard a lot of good things about these books so I am very excited to pick them up and give them a read. 

I also aim to reread a couple of my favourite books, for defiant I will be rereading Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky because it is one of my favourites and I love it. I need to reread it so badly. I think it will be my first book of 2016. Also, at some point this year I will read Life and Death by Stephanie Meyer, the reverse version of Twilight. I have heard very mixed things about this book so I need to give it a go myself. 

Blog
The main aim for my blog this year is to blog regularly, pre-write blog posts and post twice a week. It's not that hard really but I have become very lazy with my blog and well a lot of things to be honest (sorry). So, I have started a fresh notebook full of ideas for posts and I am going to start writing them as soon as I've finished this one. I want to get regular views which would be nice and hopefully make a little name for myself. But that is an ongoing goal. I hope my writing will develop.

LIFE
Just the small topic of life. But to be honest I just want to be happy and healthy and I will achieve this. I am making positive changes to my life. I am determined not to give up on anything.
A few other little things is:

• travel more
• even if it's to the next town over, or to London more. Just to discover new places... I am also going to Thailand for 10 days which is AMAZINGLY EXCITING. 
• Use my time wisely- not to waste my precious time. Because if 2015 has taught me anything it's that time does not wait around for you. 
• Appreciate the little things. 
• LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Sorry for such a long blog post but I felt that it was needed. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

My latest book purchases and why...

My latest book purchases are:

I have recently brought a lot of books, mainly because I work nights at work and they can go a little slow when there is no work to do I am able to read. I've been flying through books which is amazing. Here is a list of books so far, and a little bit about the ones I am looking forward to the most.

• The Time keeper by Mitch Albom 
• The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom 
• The Quiet Game by Greg Iles (series, including The Bone Tree) 
• Look Who's Back by Timur Vermes 
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 
• The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan 
• Department 19 by Will Hill
• You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning
• Just A Girl Standing In Front Of A Boy by Lucy-Anne Holmes 
• Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

The Quiet Game by Greg Iles...
this is also a book by Iles, I have been recommended this book by several people and thought I'd give it a go, it is the first book of a series and I haven't read a series in a while so I am going to try this one and see how it goes.

Look Who's Back by Timur Vermes 
This book is based on Hitler coming back from the dead, he becomes a YouTube star and follows Hitler as a YouTubing and staring in his own TV show, I have mixed views of this book, but I am looking forward to reading it.

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan 
From the reviews this book is heartwarming and very emotional. The book is a collection of essays written by Marina, sadly Marina died in a car accident 3 days after graduating from university. She had a very bright future ahead of her, which sadly was taken from her in a freak accident. I am looking forward to reading it but feel that I am going to need a lot of tissues at the ready.

The Girl of the Train by Paula Hawkins
This book was eagerly recommended to me by the staff of Waterstones, I was lucky enough to be given a voucher from my wonderful friend Vikki for my birthday so thought I'd give it ago. I am about to start the book and from what I've read (reviews) I will not be putting it down.

Love yah
IsThataRedHerring

P.S
You can also follow/add me on GoodReads: Gemma Herring

My last hour at University.

May the 31st at 3pm marks the end of an amazing era and massive chapter in my life. Three wholes years of my life has been spent at Plymouth University. I started on September the 5th and now I am leaving, only to return to graduate in September. My housemates have left, they have packed up. My room is empty and clean. Now I must catch my train home back to Thatcham, and start the next chapter in my life. A new exciting job, learn to drive, turn 21 and everything else life has to hold for me. It's a massive step and I am terrified. I have considered taking a masters because I am scared to move out of education. I've spent the past 16 years of my life at school, and uni I know its time to move on, but I just don't want to. Let me stay young!!!

But I know I have to move on, and grow up. Start paying taxes and actually save my money! No more cheeky Nandos for me :(. But like I said its exciting to move on and develop as a person. 

I have made friends for life at uni, those who have been with me through thick and thin, been with me through break-ups, mental break downs and melt downs, but most importantly through the good times. The random beach trips, or shopping sprees, the endless library hours and more Nandos I care to think about. You guys have made me cry with laughter, danced and mde utter fools of yourselves with me, and for that I am forever grateful.

And now as I sit here, on my own in my empty bedroom and empty house writing this I get to remember you wonderful glorious people, who have made every second of uni worth it. 

I love you all so so much and I cannot wait to see you all soon. I miss you already my lovers. I hope you're experience has been as good as mine. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

My last few weeks at university.

The 31st of May will be my last day at university. I would have spent the last 3 year of my life at Plymouth University, attempting to get a degree. All work is handed in, gosh only knows how many words I've written, how many mental break downs and how many unhealthy snacks consumed. I've spent the best part of my uni life either in the library or hung over! But hey that's just part of uni life right? 

I've met some amazing people at uni, friends I will never forget. And a few close friends who I will stay in contact for a very long time. There are some people I cannot wait to forget and never see again, but that is only a few. 

What have I learnt from uni?

1. How to be independent.
2. That I can write a 3,000 word assignment in less than 12 hours and still get a decent grade. 
3. That money runs out really quickly.
4. I discovered the joys of NANDOS!
5. Attempting to date/relationship at uni is extremely hard!
6. Despite being at uni, there will always be people who think that we are still in high school!
7. NETFLIX and YouTube!
8. You can survive on 30p pasta for a very long time. 
9. Thank goodness for spell-check. 
10. The friends you make and the experiences you gain are priceless.

When I arrived in Plymouth I was scared, I was always someone who preferred to stay at home, I'd only be clubbing twice before and I was extremely nervous. But I was lucky to have great housemates and I made friends easily. I know that is not always the case. Sometimes I felt lonely, but don't we all? It's all about coping and finding things you enjoy doing on your own. That is normally when Netflix and YouTube came in, or reading a good book. 

Uni was a fantastic experience but I am excited to start my next chapter in life, a job, career, my own house, traveling and enjoying being me. Although I am sad to be leaving uni, it will be weird not living with my lovely housemates, its going to be hard not to be so close to all my friends, but I knwo they will all still be there for me. Love them all....

If you're worried at all about uni, give me a message or comment. Uni may seem big and scary but it's a wonderful experience that you will never forget. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

Inspire Black Plain Skort - quick review

I purchased these from New Look's Inspire range. I love to wear shorts but always get worried how they sit and if they are going to ride up or not. I brought these online for £14.99 and I adore them. I got them in a size 20, but could have easily got an 18. The are the right side of baggy. Lovely light fabric that doesn't cling to your skin. They float which is lovely.... and they have pockets! I do love a good surprise pocket :D

*

Here I am... attempting to model the lovely little skorts. I always hated showing my legs, but I felt a lot more confident in these. I've tucked in a flowerly vest into the skorts , and paired it with a light blue denim jacket also from New Look (size 18). The shoes are Primark's finest, size 8, £6. I really like this little outfit, and perfect for the summer. I'd use a satchel to pull the piece together and of course a nice pair of sunglasses.

I am really enjoying these kind of post and I hope you guys are to. I have a few more items of clothes I want to review. So will post those soon. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring

* picture from New Look website, 2015

The struggles of a plus size women.

I have always been larger and to me its not really bothered me. Until recently. Myself and my friends have been looking for new clothes, students loans are in and its summer, it's time for a new wardrobe! However, being a size 18 it can be really hard to find clothes that I feel confident in.

New Look is my number one choice for clothes shopping, they normally have a wonderful plus size range. However, my recent online purchases really disappointed me. I normally go for a size 18 in most things, however this time round I decided to play it safe and get a size 20. I was really excited to try on my new items, however when I started trying on my clothes I was so disappointed, I was almost in tears.

This was my first choice, I fell in love with it instantly. A cute little play-suit, costing £19.99. I thought it was great value. However, when I put it on I was very disappointed. The bottom fitted so perfectly, but the top half was so tight and restricting, I was the most upset that this did not fit because of how much I loved it.
I am tempted to try a bigger size, but I am a bit apprehensive about it. I will keep you posted...

How adorable is this little thing? Costing £22.99. I love this dress, however when I tried it on, it fitted fine, but just didn't sit right on my frame. I have a naturally longer torso than my legs. Which often sucks, because this dress didn't sit right at all. Which was a massive shame. Still a lovely dress though.

I fell in love with these shoes, they were meant to go with my summer ball dress, which is black, I wanted to do a black and white theme.
These wide fit caged shoes were £29.99, in size 8. Which is my normal size shoe, I never get anything different, always a size 8. I have a lot of shoes from New Look and never had trouble with them fitting, until this pair. Which was a massive shame because I was really looking forward to wearing them. However, I found an equally wonderful pair... in New Look.



Not all doom and gloom, I did manage to get a brilliant pair of black skinny jeans that fit perfectly and a pair of shoes. Also, a black dress which I will be wearing to my university summer ball, but was from Boohoo, I haven't brought much from Boohoo but after my black dress fits perfectly, and is quite flattering on my full figure.

The dress is a size 18 from Boohoo, costing £22. I am in love with this little black dress, and cannot wait to wear it.




The shoes are from New Look, costing £24.99. They are lovely and comfortable, I've worn them around the house and they are lovely. And go nicely with my dress.







If you enjoyed this I would love feedback, It's something very different from what I normally write about, but I enjoyed writing this. I have purchased a few other pieces, so may do another blog about them. Let me know your thoughts.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring


Bloglovin

The past few days...

I started this week beyond happy, everything felt like it was falling into place. I was doing well with work, feeling more confident and lined up another interview for May. But then things slowly started falling apart, my Facebook account got hacked so I had to make a new one, the shower broke and then something I didn't expect happened.

Someone who I thought understood me surprised me and not in a good way. I felt let down and a little heartbroken. I had a very bad panic attack, and I was unable to leave the house for 2 days. I'm fine now, happy as I can be. But this person I don't think quite understood how hard it was for me at the time. I can't explain why or when my panic attacks happen and come on, sometimes it is stress related sometimes it just happens. I don't blame this person for anything, and they made the right decision for them and I don't want them to read this and think I am bitching or ranting because I'm really not.

But after a little cry I decided to use this as a new opportunity, no distractions from anything. I made a list of little things to get me through the next month or so. Here it is, another list :P :

1. I have one month left of uni, it's time to make the most of it.
2. I have a fantastic family.
3. My friends are the best I could ever ask for.
4. I have 3 new tattoos planned for next week! NEXT WEEK!
5. I will be starting a fantastic job soon and will be independent properly.
6. My 21st is only a few months away.
7. I cannot wait for one last blow out at summerball.
8. I have graduation 

These are just a few small things that are getting me through everything. I am happy! I won't let the little things get me down anymore. 

SO if you see me around with a stupid grin on my face, its because I made myself happy. I am happy with who I am

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

A little bit of sun makes the world of difference.

For the past couple of days the weather here in the UK has been lovely, Reaching low 20C which is crazy. The tiniest bit of sun and we are all in shorts and vests, myself included. We do not know how long this sun will last so lets make the most of it.

Okay, it sucks that I am stuck in doors most of the day doing uni work, but I have the nice breeze coming through the door, some good music playing and a smile on my face. The past couple of weeks have been really great for me; and this weather is really helping. It's amazing how a little thing can make a big different.

I spent the day yesterday relaxing in the sun with one of my best friends, we did a bit of shopping followed by a spot of lunch in the sun by the canal. It was perfect. Those are the days I want more of. It allows me to forget about the crappy times, days like that make me remember what I do have in my life. Great friends and family with a a bright future.

So thank you British weather, the sun is what we all needed.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring