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.