The F Word

No. It's not the word most of you are probably thinking of. Having said that, this word and the topic in general is still viewed as taboo. That's right, today's blog post is all about FEMINISM. 

Feminists are not angry lesbians who hate men. Feminists are not middle aged woman who hate men. Feminists do not believe that women are better than men, or that women deserve special privileges. They do not believe that women are victims.

The definition of feminism is "the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes." Yet, even today, there are still stereotypes and assumptions surrounding what it means to be a feminist. It's actually pretty simple. A feminist needs one thing and one thing only, and that's to believe that everyone, regardless of their gender, should have equal political, economic and social rights. Yes, it really is that simple.

There are so many negative stereotypes surrounding feminism that we often forget what it means to be a feminist. I'm a feminist and a proud one too. As I have grown up, I've developed countless opinions on equality and I'm never ashamed to voice them. The world isn't black and white and nothing is ever as straight forward as it seems, but, I can't get my head around why some people wouldn't want equality. It's beyond belief. I recently did an investigation into the history of women's rights and I worked out that girls of my age will be reaching retirement age by the time the pay gap has completely closed. So, for my whole working adult life, I should just expect that my male colleagues will be earning more than me despite doing exactly the same work. Bollocks. 

"Stop complaining! It's not like you can't vote anymore" or "why do you even need feminism ?' It's a topic that is often so misunderstood. Equal pay for equal work and being able to walk down the street without feeling threatened are only a couple of the many goals that feminism strives to achieve. One of the many reasons why feminism is associated with a negative stigma is due to the media sensationalising the stereotypical feminist which in this case is someone who apparently hates men, is unhygienic and supports abortions on demand. It's this that causes anti feminism movements and comments such as "I already have equality, I don't need feminism" and "men have issues too so feminism is just sexist." 

We still need feminism and it's just as important today as it ever has been. Yes, we can now vote. But despite making up more than half of the world's population, there are still less than 20 percent of women in Congress. We need feminism because we're still teaching women how 'not to get raped' when we should actually be teaching men how to not view women as objects for their pleasure. We need feminism because when getting married, it is still expected that the woman is given away like property and it is assumed that the woman will take the man's name. We need feminism because words such as "slag" and "whore" are still being used to shame girls yet if a man sleeps around it's deemed far more acceptable and often desirable. We need feminism because girls should be able to dress however they want to without being called a "slut" or "prude" and without comments such as "she was asking for it." We need feminism because women should be able to do whatever they choose to do with their bodies without being judged for it. 

Feminism isn't a gender issue, it's a human issue. You don't have to be a woman to want equality. The misunderstanding of the term "feminism" has led to the assumption that it is solely about woman. That is simply not the case. While feminism approaches gender equality from the front of empowering and elevating women, it at the same time attempts to tear down the harmful gender roles, norms and expectations that hurt us all, of every gender. It isn't about controlling woman and telling them what they should and shouldn't be doing, It's about giving women that freedom to make their own choices, to look and behave the way they want to and all without society deeming it as inappropriate or not feminine enough. Being a feminist is about believing that women should have the same choices and opportunities as men, not because they're better or superior, but because they too, are human. 

Why do we need feminism? We need feminism because people are still asking that very question. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! 

Lots of love,

Meg X

What To Do When Life Gives You Lemons...

...don't just make lemonade, MAKE A LEMON DRIZZLE. One of my favourite things to bake is a classic lemon drizzle cake and summer is the perfect time to do that! I was baking some brownies last week (I'll be uploading my fave recipe soon) and I spontaneously decided to bake a lemon drizzle cake for my grandparents because I thought they'd appreciate it. Whenever I bake, I either adjust recipes I have used before OR I'll almost always use Mary Berry's because she is the ultimate baking Queen, let's be honest. This recipe is super quick and easy to make plus it is SO delicious (if I do say myself). So, carry on reading if you're interested in finding out how I made it!

You will need:

• 225g (8 oz) butter, softened
• 225g (8 oz) caster sugar
• 275g (10 oz) self-raising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 eggs
• 4 tablespoons milk
• finely grated rind of 2 lemons

Icing

• 175g (6 oz) granulated sugar
• juice of 2 lemons

Method:

1. Begin by greasing the tin and then line with the paper, pushing it neatly into the corners of the tin. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas 3.
2. Measure all the ingredients for the traybake into a large bowl and mix well until everything is blended. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin, scraping the sides of the bowl with a plastic spatula to remove all of the mixture. Make sure to level the mixture so it doesn't come out of the oven super uneven. 
3. Bake in the middle of the pre-heated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the tray bake springs back when pressed lightly with a finger in the centre and is beginning to shrink away from the sides of the tin.
4. Allow the tray bake to cool in the tin for a few minutes and then carefully remove it from the tin by lifting the baking paper.
5.  To make the topping, mix the lemon juice and granulated sugar in a small bowl to give a runny consistency. Spoon this mixture evenly over the tray bake whilst it is still just warm. And there you have it!

There you have it! It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it and it's honestly one of my favourite things ever, even though I'm not that keen on citrus flavours. 

I hope you enjoyed this one and please feel free to give me some recommendations for new blog posts! I'd love to try something new.

Lots of Love,

Meg X

Is This Adulthood?

The prospect of growing up is so exciting when we're young. We get to wear what we want, eat what we want, stay up as late as we want (even though getting a good night's sleep is one of the many things that excites me as I've gotten older). And all without the burden of our parents yelling at us for something or another. What a wonderful life that would be. Only in reality, it ain't like that! 

Independence is scary, especially when you take that first step and you're left making difficult decisions about your future, career, finance and social life (if you're lucky enough to have one). The experience of standing on your own two feet when you'd rather close your eyes and hope the ground would swallow you up is a terrifying one. Having said that, independence is a reminder that we can also choose to make decisions regarding our happiness. Living up to our responsibilities may be scary but it gives us the chance to make our own successes as well as failures. 

There is also SO MUCH PRESSURE. I'd never say that facing pressure only comes about when you get older because everyone faces pressure at all different ages. I know I struggled so much during my GCSE exams and even before then I was faced with so much pressure from society to 'dress a certain way' and 'talk a certain way.' It's ridiculous. But I know over the last couple of years that the pressure I've experienced has tripled. It's currently such an important time in my life. I'm in college and I've got so many decisions to make and more options than I could have ever imagined. It's scary and the stress and pressure people of my age experience is often disregarded which frustrates me so much. I know that whenever I'm stressed or put under a lot of pressure, one of the first things my Mum will do is make out that I'm somehow overreacting or I'll get the "we've all been there" etc etc. It doesn't always work that way. People experience different types of stress that are triggered by different things and everyone deals with it in different ways. I know this is going off topic slightly (oops) but I just think that people my age are also struggling and it wouldn't do people any harm to respect that. One of the main sources of pressure at this age is linked to choosing a career and what you want to study. Oh look, another decision to make and I'm still absolutely awful at making them. I know it's possible to change careers and it's almost certain that we'll have more than one job when we're older, but this is still the age that we're expected to at least choose an 'area of work' to go into. That way, we can narrow down what to study etc and the stepping stones to getting the job you want will be set in place. This is stressful enough as it is, especially when you're like me and you constantly change your mind about what it is you want to do. But when you actually go into that career, there is no guarantee that the job you're given is the job you expected. I fear this so much and it's probably why I'm so scared to make decisions in the first place.

'Acting like a child,' because that needs to stop now that you're an adult. What?!?! How many times have you shown an interest in something or said something and have been told to 'act your age'?!?! Of course, becoming an adult means that everyone's expectations of you will change. You'll get the 'look of disapproval' when you make a decision that makes you look childish and inappropriate jokes are completely off the cards but it frustrates me so much when people of my age get told this on a daily basis when there are fully grown adults in this world who could pass for wearing a nappy! I'm so opinionated on certain topics that I'm passionate about but I can't defend the point I'm making without appearing rude and don't even get me started on the whole 'you've got an attitude' problem. Being an adult and facing the pressures of what an adult should be like are very different and it can be so tricky getting the balance right. 

We can't forget the inevitable questions - Are you seeing anyone? When are you going to University? (Notice I put 'when' and not 'are' because of course everyone just assumes that's the right choice to make). Have you got a job? Have you passed your driving test yet? And the little comments and remarks that make my blood boil such as people who barely know you talking about your future wedding that you are definitely going to have with your imaginary children and your perfect job that lets you have three holidays a year. HAHAHAHA. I'll admit though that one thing that I am really looking forward to in the near future is moving away from home. I've never been fond of where I've grown up and even though it'll be tough and a real wake up call when I eventually do move out and I've got to stand on my own two feet, I think it'll be the breath of fresh air that I've craved for so long. I know it'll be a struggle. One thing most of us are guilty of is being so heavily dependent on parents / guardians when we were growing up. Doing laundry, cooking meals, paying the bills... Even though I take responsibility for a lot of those kind of things now, I know that moving out is on a whole other level and it'll definitely take time adjusting. 

When you're growing up, you spend hours daydreaming about the exciting aspects of being an adult but there are so many parts of being an adult that you won't see coming or aren't prepared for. One part of growing up that does make the stress worthwhile is that your experiences force you to get to know yourself better. Being an adult allows you to really come into your own which is so important. I know I hardly qualify to write this post, I've only 'officially' been an adult for 4 months, but I think it's about experiences and your level of maturity and independence that contribute to making you an adult as opposed to your age alone. I just keep telling myself that almost everyone my age will be in the same boat and despite this being an important time in my life, I refuse to let it to consume the amazing times and memories I can have. I think finding a balance is always important as well as being patient. I find comfort in the saying 'everything happens for a reason' and I've been reminding myself of that quite frequently over the last year or so. All I know, is that, the future is terrifying and nothing is certain. So, my new plan is to just take each day as it comes and that means embracing change, no matter how scary that may be.

Anyway, I'm sorry if this post was long and very chatty but I hope you enjoyed it all the same!

Lots of love,

Meg X

Super Easy Iced Coffee

I feel like I'm completely betraying my love for tea here. I drink tea all year round but it's very rare that I'll make myself a coffee or even fancy one when I'm at home. Of course, if I'm in Starbucks then I'll almost always order some kind of coffee. But recently, and I'm blaming the unexpected warm weather we've been having in the UK for this, I've been craving iced coffee and it's honestly SO easy to make. So, I thought I'd share it on here just in case you haven't thought of making it before or you didn't know how.

You will need: 

Milk (I'm using Soya milk) 

Coffee 

Ice

Hot Water

A mug / glass (preferably a double walled glass / heat resistant) 

Note: I haven't put any measurements there because how much coffee and milk you use depends on how strong you like to have your coffee. 

1. Firstly, pour milk into the glass so it's just over half full before putting in a couple of ice cubes.
2. Boil the kettle and measure out around 1 and a half tea spoons of coffee into a separate mug before adding around 50ml of the hot water. 
3. Stir the coffee and hot water just like you would if you were making a normal coffee and then add the coffee to the glass with the milk and ice.
4. Stir it once more and there you have your iced coffee! You could leave it like that or if you like the flavoured syrups, you could add a tea spoon to add more flavour. I personally like the vanilla one for this time of year.

Like I said earlier, it's super duper easy and quick to make and it's so ideal for this time of year when the weather is a little warmer. I am so dependent on my cup of tea in the morning to wake me up but I'm never in the mood for it when it's warm so iced coffee is beaut!

I hope you're having a fab day!

Lots of love,

Meg X

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Getting my Tattoos

On March 23rd earlier this year, I got not only my first but my second tattoo! I still (nearly 4 months later) can't believe that I actually went through with them because I am the most indecisive person in the world! Growing up, I never thought about getting a tattoo. I'd always loved them from afar but I didn't think I'd be the kind of person who'd suit one I guess??? A couple of my friends wanted them and so we'd often talk about different tattoos that we liked but it was only when I was 16 that I considered getting one. 

In my spare time, I'd look at designs and I found it super easy to narrow down particular themes that I wanted. I adore travelling more than anything and I was always very confident that if I got a tattoo that it would be travelling related. No matter how many different designs I researched, this one particular design kept cropping up and I fell so in love with it. I told myself that if I was still as in love with it by the time I turned 18 then that would be the one I'd get. Anyway, my 18th birthday came and I can remember really wanting to get my first tattoo. My younger self was probably screaming 'wait until you're a bit older etc' but I knew in my heart that this was the one (sounds like I'd found my perfect wedding dress, yikes!). Deciding where on my body to get the tattoo took no time at all because ever since deciding on the design, I'd imagined it on my right ankle and I thought that would be the perfect place because I could show it off but equally cover it up if need be. Now, I'm quite a spontaneous person which can be quite dangerous because a few days before I went to book the tattoo, I'd fallen in love with another one. This one was much smaller but very simple and cute and I could picture myself getting it on my left wrist. I thought about it (a lot) and decided to book them both to get done on the same day. I knew I could always cancel if I started having doubts but as the day approached, it only made me more excited to get them both done!

The day came and the nerves were definitely starting to kick in now. I hadn't thought much about how painful it was going to be. All I kept telling myself was that it was going to be worth it. I arrived for my appointment and the tattoo artist was SO LOVELY which is super important because you're trusting this person to give you a tattoo that you'll have for the rest of your life. But he was so chatty which took my mind off it. He wanted to do the bigger one on my ankle first which I thought was a good idea because I knew that would hurt the most. He then did the template just so I could check in the mirror if it was in the right place etc and as soon as I saw it, I knew I'd made the right decision. I lay down on this bed and tried so hard to keep still. I've got a habit of flinching when I'm meant to keep still and the whole time I was there I was so nervous that I was going to accidentally kick him in the face and the tattoo would go completely wrong! Luckily, I only flinched once so it was all good. I won't lie and say it wasn't painful because it was but it's such a weird sensation. It's like having lots of painful bee stings only much weirder because I could feel the needle the whole time but it didn't freak me out?? That was such a bad description but you do get used to it and if you have a fear of needles but really want a tattoo, don't let that stop you! The tattoo artists, I mean it depends where you go, but they are so lovely and will help take your mind off the whole thing. It'll be over before you know it and plus just don't look at the tattoo being done and close your eyes. I watched the whole thing being done (when I wasn't trying to keep extra still) and I loved it but not everyone will want to do that. The only bit that was almost too painful to bare was when the tattoo artist was just above my ankle bone. Oh my god, that was agony and my eyes started to water so much but I just asked him to keep going to get it over with! It took around 30 minutes to do the one on my ankle and I'm so happy with it! I got to look in the mirror before he started on the tattoo on my wrist and I knew I'd made the right decision. I loved it SO MUCH and if it's possible, I love it even more now! The one on my wrist one only took around 10 minutes but I'm so glad I decided to get them done at the same time! I've definitely destroyed any fear I had of getting a tattoo and I'd happily get another one in the future. The week after I had them done, they were quite sore but I wrapped them in clingfilm and put the recommended cream on to make sure they didn't get infected. 

This tattoo is similar to a compass than runs through the world map. There were so many different versions of this design but I still ended up changing the design a little before showing the people in the tattoo shop. Originally there was a little plane which I loved but I wasn't 100% sure about it.)

This one is pretty self explanatory. It's a little Creasant moon and I'd always wanted something like this on my wrist.

I honestly have so much love for them both. I remember saying after having them done that they're like my children (don't laugh, hahaha). I'm just very protective over them and even though there is quite a big difference in size, I love them equally and I'm so proud of myself for going through with it. There isn't a super sentimental story behind why I got them other than the fact that like I said earlier, I adore travelling and I love adventure. It's a big part of who I am and I'm glad I now have something to represent my love for that. 

As always, I hope you enjoyed this. If you've got a tattoo, I'd love to see it so send me a DM on Twitter (@astudyintennant). Also, if you're thinking about getting a tattoo and you've got any questions then please just ask me! I'm definitely not an expert but I might be able to help.

Lots of love,

Meg X

Love Wins ♡

Saturday 8th July, a.k.a, London Pride. My first ever Pride and what an experience it was. For those who don't already know, I'm bisexual and have known for a long time now. I've always felt fairly comfortable with my sexuality. For me, it was just a case of 'Ohh, that makes so much sense now' when I look back at my younger, completely oblivious self. And that's probably the case for others too. I've always been an understanding and accepting person and I've always had an open mind which is the main reason why I've been able to accept my sexuality. But unfortunately, not everyone in this world is like that and naturally I was always aware that the LGBTQ+ community wasn't accepted by everyone. Even today, in 2017, homophobia is still an issue. I could never in a billion years understand why two people being in love could EVER offend anybody. It's something that I can't compute or get my head around. Loving someone and being loved in return is the most beautiful thing in the world regardless of your gender. As long as that person makes you happy and you can be comfortable and be yourself around them, nothing else matters. As it says in the title, Pride is about being proud of who you are and who you love despite what society thinks and I can't physically describe how unbelievably happy it makes me to have witnessed so much love, positivity and unity. 

There was so much kindness and it's one of the many reasons why I love the LGBTQ+ community and why I'm PROUD to be apart of it. This may sound silly, but I felt safe. Completely safe and accepted. I didn't feel like I was being judged and I didn't feel like I wasn't a normal person because of who I love. The community as a whole loved so loud and proud. London was radiating with colour and I was feeling very overwhelmed with emotions that I wasn't expecting to. I was beaming with happiness all day but I also couldn't help but feel a little sad for those who are apart of our community but live in a place where same sex marriage isn't legal, or are surrounded by people who are not accepting of their sexuality. Having said that, I have so much faith in our community and slowly but surely I believe that we are taking steps in the right direction. We've already come so far, especially in recent history. 

The parade felt like it was never ending which despite made my feet ache but I didn't care because it was such a joyous sight. Everyone who watched cheered and the support was not only encouraging but inspiring. Whether you're 110% comfortable with your sexuality and identity or you're not, being at Pride will lift your confidence so much it's unreal. At the end of the day, love always wins. Always. There is nothing more powerful than that sense of unity, acceptance and support within the community and that shines through every single march / parade and event.

Pride is an indescribable experience and I didn't think I could be any prouder of my sexuality and everyone who is apart of the LGBTQ+ community, but it's safe to say that my heart was warmed so much by the love people had for one another, it truly was magical. Love is love and I am beyond excited to attend more Pride events in the future. I'll never be afraid to love because where there is love, there is hope.

I hope everyone who went to Pride had the most magical day. 

Lots of love,

Meg X

Crumbs and Doilies

It was around March last year, just before my 17th birthday, when I was told about this amazing little cupcake shop in Soho, London. My friend had showed me their Instagram account (see it here) and I fell in love with how cute the cupcake designs were. We didn't really hesitate when deciding that we should go there on our next trip to London and that's exactly what we did! I had never really explored Soho before so it was like a maze to me at first. Let's just say that my friend and I aren't the best navigators and so it took us a little longer than expected to find the shop, which, by the way, is the CUTEST little cupcake shop I have ever seen. If you didn't know about it then you wouldn't really know it was there as it's tucked away in Kingly Court which is a beautiful little place in Soho that has a brilliant mix of established chains, independents and gift shops. Anyway, the shop itself is small but cosy and the range of cupcakes is never ending. The staff are always so friendly and it's just the perfect place to visit with friends! Crumbs and Doilies don't just do cupcakes but a whole range of different treats that you can order and take away. You can click here to see their website and see for yourself! 

I was in London on Saturday for Pride (best experience EVER) and I saw on their Instagram that they were doing a range of different treats in honour of Pride which was amazing!  I thought since I was near Soho watching the parade that I'd check it out, especially since I hadn't been for so long. I don't know whether I've got an great memory or what but I managed to find the place so quickly compared to the last time (which was great because London was even busier than usual). As expected, the shop was full of people in London for Pride which put the biggest smile on my face. Everyone took their time deciding what to get because there was just so much choice. I ended up getting (forgive me because I can't remember the exact names) the Unicorn Vanilla Cupcake, Salted Caramel with Pretzel Cupcake and the Rainbow Caramel and Chocolate Slice which all looked SO DELICIOUS. I mean, I could have bought the whole shop but I did manage to restrain myself, a little bit anyway. And if you're wondering, the cakes do taste just as good as they look!

I absolutely LOVE that Crumbs and Doilies do cakes and treats for special occasions and Pride was no exception which makes me so unbelievably happy. If you're ever in London near Soho, definitely check out Crumbs and Doilies because I honestly can't recommend them enough. You'll only be sorry that you didn't discover it sooner. 

Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Mine has been full of love, laughter and colour! 

Lots of love, 

Meg

The Natural Kitchen

Before heading to London, I always like to research the best places to not only visit, but also the best places to eat and drink. London has the most incredible variety of bars, restaurants and cafes to wine and dine and I'm always looking for somewhere new to try. And my trip back in April this year was no exception. 

I'd always wanted to visit 'The Natural Kitchen' because I'd heard so many wonderful things about it, especially online. A quick glance at the menu and I knew this place would be perfect to have breakfast in one day. I'm a pescatarian (I don't eat meat but I eat fish) and even I have to say there was plenty to choose from. I was so excited to take my sister to this place and it just so happened that there was a restaurant right on Baker Street, one of my favourite places in London. We got up quite early that morning and headed over to Baker Street (which I'll admit took longer than expected due to somebody getting us on the wrong tube....ooops). Anyway, we got there just in time to have breakfast and I'm so glad we did! I ordered a latte because I was still half asleep, followed by the Eggs Royal which is poached eggs and smoked salmon on a toasted bun and it was absolutely delicious. Oh my goodness. I honestly can't recommend this place enough. My sister had ordered the Farmhouse Omelette and the Green Machine smoothie which looked so yummy! I tried her smoothie and regretted not ordering one for myself. So with that thought, I ordered the OMG Smoothie (Orange, Mango, Ginger) and it was SO DELICIOUS.  The restaurant itself was gorgeous and we were lucky enough to get a table by the table looking down Baker Street so I was in heaven. The service was super quick and everybody there was so friendly and polite. Plus, the sun was shining so it really was the best start to the best day. 

Like I said earlier, I can't recommend this place enough. So, if you're in London and you're looking for a new place to eat, check out The Natural Kitchen and I'm sure you won't regret it!

Lots of love,

Meg X

Summertime Boredom? Sorted!

NOTE: This blog post does NOT contain any spoilers! 

As some of you may already know, I absolutely love TV Shows. I have always been completely fascinated by the way TV Shows (and films) are made. I love coming up with theories and I'm always pleased by eye catching cinematography, acting, editing, camera work and of course the soundtracks. Oh, yes. It's actually quite sad how much attention I pay to the soundtracks. Anyway, I'm always looking for new TV Shows to watch but I am always guilty of re watching old favourites. I thought that since the summer holidays have officially started, now would be the perfect time to recommend my top 5 TV Shows in case you're hiding away from the sunny weather we have unexpectedly been having in the UK and you're in the mood to binge watch a new series! Of course, you may have already seen one of these, or perhaps you've seen them all, but hopefully there is something for everyone. 

NOTE: These aren't my Top 5 favourite TV Shows (I don't even know what my top 5 favourite shows are) but I just thought they are the kind of shows that are great to binge watch if you're bored this summer! If you want more recommendations then feel free to send me a DM on Twitter (astudyintennant)! Likewise, if you've got some recommendations for me then I'd love to hear them! 

So, in no particular order, here we go!  

1. Broadchurch (3 series, 8 episodes in each)

I've just realised how long this blog post may get and for that I apologise. Writing about some of my favourite TV Shows was a very dangerous idea but I'll try to keep it as brief as possible - firstly because I want to avoid spoilers and secondly because I'll end up boring you to death! Anyway, I started watching Broadchurch when it first aired on ITV back in 2013. Broadchurch is a small, seemingly calm seaside town that is shaken when the body of an eleven year old boy is found on the beach. It soon becomes a town wrapped in secrets and as the mystery slowly unravels, the town's residents are all made to look extremely guilty. The detectives on the case are DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) and I love both of these characters SO much (I'm trying to hard to stop myself from writing all about them otherwise this post will be SO long!) In my opinion, it is the BEST 'who done it' murder mystery I've seen. You'll end up getting attached to nearly all of the characters which is dangerous because ANYONE could have done it. Series 2 follows on from series 1 which is brilliant because it's familiar enough to draw you back in but equally different enough as there is a new mystery (or rather an old mystery that is yet to be solved). Furthermore, series 3 is different again but it still has characters from the original series which allows the audience to see the impact that the death from series 1 had on the characters and community. I really struggle to choose which of the three series is my favourite because they were all outstanding. The acting in it from everyone is absolutely phenomenal as each performance is so captivating. I can't emphasise enough just how incredible the writing is. There are so many emotions and the stories in each series are done so respectfully and sensitively. Also, the cinematography in Broadchurch is flawless. Oh my goodness. It's set in West Bay, Dorset, and it's the most gorgeous little place so the scenery truly is stunning. I can't recommend this show highly enough. It's an incredibly gripping murder mystery that will really play with your emotions. It's heartbreaking but overwhelmingly beautiful and you'll only be sorry you didn't watch it sooner. 

2. Orphan Black (5 seasons, 10 episodes in each) 

Just a quick note, season 5 is currently still airing but it has been confirmed that it is the last series).

I have no idea where to even begin with Orphan Black. Those who are already watching it must feel my pain because I don't know how to explain it without giving something away or making it too complicated. Please don't be thrown off by the word complicated because it really is one of the BEST shows I have ever seen. Ever. To try and put it simply, Orphan Black starts with the character Sarah (played by the wonderfully talented Tatiana Maslany) who is an outsider and orphan. However, her life drastically changes when she witnesses the suicide of a woman who is identical to her. After stealing the identity of the unknown woman, Sarah discovers that they are clones. She is quickly caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy and must race to find answers about who she really is and how many other clones there are. I was hooked to this show from around 3 minutes into it. It is mind blowing and you can always expect the unexpected. One of the main reasons why I adore Orphan Black is because it is a completely female driven show. Women are at the very heart of this show and I think that is SO important. It's unbelievably empowering and demonstrates that women can do anything. It gets better though as the main relationship on the show is between two girls which is INCREDIBLE. It is so rare, even today, to find that the main ship on a TV Show is actually a same sex couple. The plot can get a little confusing but I promise that it is worth a watch. The writing is brilliant, the cast are phenomenal and you'll be on the edge of your seat until the very end. Each of the clones are SO different and unique which I love and it's only expected that you'll quickly become attached to the characters. I've been watching this show for around 3 years and I am still in disbelief that each of the clones are played by one actor! I can't understand how it's possible to hate one clone but completely love another?! It just goes to show how incredible Tatiana is. Personally, my favourite seasons are 1, 4 and 5 but they're all outstanding and once again the cinematography is BEAUTIFUL. It is a science fiction thriller so this one won't be for everyone but trust me when I say it is a work of art. 

3. Big Little Lies (One season, 7 episodes) 

Big Little Lies is a murder mystery with a twist. I've never come across a show like this before but it's uniqueness makes it completely gripping and I promise you won't move until you've finished it. The main plot is that someone has been killed but as the audience we don't know who has been killed and who has killed them. You could say it sounds a bit like Cluedo. Each episode shows the events that took place building up to the murder and with each episode, you find out more about each of the characters and naturally you create so many theories as to who it was and of course who was killed. It stars Reese Witherspoon (Madeline), Nichole Kidman (Celeste) and Shailene Woodley (Jane) who are the three main characters in this story. Madeline and Celeste are best friends and quickly become friends with Jane who has recently moved to the area after fleeting a murky past. It's a clever show because you deliberately get attached to characters despite knowing that one of them has been killed. The soundtrack is stunning and being set in California, naturally the scenery is gorgeous. It's full of secrets and the plot twists at the end will leave you completely speechless. This show is actually based on a book (which I'm about to start this summer!) and was recommended to me by a wonderful friend and I'm so glad she told me about it because I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed watching this. It definitely had to make it to my top 5 shows to watch this summer! 

4. The Crown (One series, 10 episodes) 

I will hold my hands up and admit that one of my biggest guilty pleasures is watching period dramas and this was no exception. I immediately love TV Shows and Films that allow me to learn something new about British History. Of course, they aren't the most realistic things to watch, especially since the majority of plots are exaggerated for dramatisation purposes. Having said that, I found myself being fascinated by this wonderful series. Being only 18, I missed the early life and coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and so to me I found it so interesting to get a feel of the timeline of events that the Royal Family endured when my grandparents were growing up. Both Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth II) and Matt Smith (Prince Phillip) were wonderful. I can't imagine how challenging it must have been to take on those roles but as expected they were phenomenal and their chemistry together on screen was exceptional. The Crown focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a 25 year old newlywed faced with the daunting prospect of leading the world's most famous monarchy while forging a relationship with legendary Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. I took my time with this series and finished it within a couple of weeks. If you're looking for cliffhangers then this definitely isn't the show for you. Having said that, it is the perfect show to watch with a cup of tea when you've got an hour to spare in the afternoon. I highly recommend this show and it's perfect to watch with the rest of the family. Plus, the British accents are heaven.