Mental Health Issues Are Not an Individual Weakness, but Something We Should All Educate Ourselves About
There’s a wariness associated with mental illness. I feel apprehensive about sharing my experience with new people that I meet. But I’ve recently decided to talk more about it. It’s important. And, in sharing my story, I often feel reassured that people can relate. They can clearly see how it happened. But why couldn’t I see it when I was becoming more ill?
The Hedgehog In Your Garden
As part of our collaboration with the University of Stirling Hedgehog Initiative, here are some facts about the hedgehog in your garden
Top 5 Songs To Say I’m Sorry
Plenty of songwriters have had a crack at it, and here are some of my favourite songs that fit the bill – the best songs to really demonstrate the veracity of an apology!
The Sustainability Series: Making Your Bathroom More Eco Friendly
It’s not always easy to make the switch t reusable alternatives, but as Heather Dalgleish reveals, a lot of small investments at the beginning can save you money, and the planet, in the long run. Here are some top tips for turning your bathroom more sustainable!
Learning to Love Your Own Company
Loving your own company is something everyone should learn and its never too late
The Different Provinces of Witchcraft
Modern day witchcraft is different from modern perceptions, and everything you probably assumed about it. But in this wild world of magical items, fairy sightings and spell jars, you may find yourself beginning to believe in something that is very much different from your usual world of religion…
Soundtrack Songs
Following on from his earlier article about the best use of songs sung by characters in non-musicals, Jonathan Tonge writes about the best songs written for or used in movies. What do you think of his top 5 picks?
5 MORE UK Staycations to enjoy after lockdown
With the end of the latestt lockdown just about in sight, Jonathan Tonge wrote about 5 more destinations for a UK holiday whilst international travel is still difficult during the summer.
Thanks, Dad
Jonathan Tonge writes the second part to his story about dealing with loss, sadness and losing a parent so young
Witchcraft Vs Paganism: Where does Religion end? And where does Wicca begin?
There is a crossover in the witchcraft community, as to where does witchcraft begin and paganism end? Can there be a crossover, and can you be both? Well its both a yes and a no answer, because of the open-ended definition of paganism, and how its cultural impact has influenced the witchcraft community, and how witchcraft has branched away from the religious definition it perhaps once had.
How to Cope with Emotional Eating
Your relationship with food can be complex, especially in the context of declining mental health. Heather Dalgleish writes how she learned to combat eating as a response to mental health difficulties. (TW: Eating, Food, Body Image, Counting Calories, Body Dysmorphia)
Movie Music
Ever watched a movie and been surprised by great musical scenes, even though it’s not a musical? I certainly have, so I ran through some of my favourite examples!
Food Fight: Battling Your Inner Thoughts
Even if you love food, your relationship with it can seriously impact your mental health. Chloe Dalgleish writes how she dealt with issues arising from her own relationship with food. (TW: Eating disorders)
How Women Can Inspire More Change in the World…
As Women’s History month comes to a close, I personally have found this month more educational then usual when it comes to Women. But ironically, it wasn’t the history side of things I’ve been educating myself on. It’s what women can do for the future.
5 Ways to Feel More Mentally Stable
As someone who has suffered with depression for the past three years, I know how difficult the struggle is. I don’t think there is any pain quite like fighting your brain, especially when you are at your lowest.
Why is Asian Hate so Integrated into our Society?
Lets talk Asian hate and why it runs so deep in UK society, and around western countries all over the world
Drive To Survive: Season 3 Review
As we have said several times here at Bloom, we are big fans of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series documenting the drama of the Formula 1 season. A new series has just arrived – does it live up to the hype?
How to Tame your Curly Head
This has been a one-woman mission for me – trying to get my hair to go back to its original curl pattern and after years of trial and error, I found these methods the best to bring back those destroyed curls
Volkswagen – Nazi People’s Car to 60s Hippie Icon
The cutesy Volkswagen Beetle, star of movies like Herbie Goes Bananas, started life as the perfect car for the subjects of Hitler’s Third Reich. I looked at the story of how it was reclaimed from the Nazis to become a symbol of counterculture and ubiquity.
My Top 5 Horror Movies
Lets talk horror movies – and what my top five movies currently are, that are definitely worth a watch
The Spring Equinox – What Is It and How Can you Celebrate?
Today is the spring equinox, and where many of us have been feeling the official spring air well before today, today marks that spring has officially sprung in all its glory. But what is this day and how can you celebrate?
Why are Periods so Shameful?
Periods have been happening since the dawn of time, but why are they so shameful? We discuss why periods aren’t best swept under the rug
Top 5 Covers That Are Better Than The Original
Sometimes, an artists’ song is picked up by another artist to become a smash hit as a cover version. Here’s my top 5 picks for those covers that just about exceed the brilliance of the original.
Things To Do Before Lockdown’s Over
The UK has seemingly been in lockdown for ever, and with new dates of freedom on the horizon, Heather Dalgleish thinks everyone is ready for some time out of the house. But whilst we are still kept indoors and maybe aren’t feeling our best, it’s time more than ever to work on ourselves and get us to be the best versions of ourselves we can be.
Ella Greenwood – Bloom’s Interview with a young British filmmaker
Recently, Bloom had a fantastic opportunity to interview the amazing British filmmaker Ella Greenwood. At just 19, her short Faulty Roots is currently in development as a feature film. We spoke to her to discuss her journey from acting to making the films!
Places on a Budget: Prague Edition
Want a holiday that is guaranteed to not break the bank? You’ll find Prague is just the spot – Here are different places to visit that cost next to nothing!
Text Me When You’re Home Safe
In light of Sarah Everard murder, we find ourselves as women, worried about what happens at night. But we should reclaim the hours…
Why Don’t We Believe Women?
In her debut for In Full Bloom, Ellen Mae Page captures the mood of the moment in asking why women aren’t allowed to feel safe in public spaces in society or believed in the public eye.
Ways to Prepare your Houseplants for Spring
Spring is here and its time to start prepping your houseplants for the growing season. Heather Dalgleish writes on how to ensure your plants have the best start this spring
International Women’s Day – In Celebration of Emily Hobhouse
As part of our series honouring International Women’s Day we thought it prescient to bring attention to the British welfare campaigner Emily Hobhouse. Throughout her life, Hobhouse was committed to combatting injustice and wasn’t afraid to bring public attention to the failures of a mighty British imperial government at the turn of the 20th century.
Am I a Woman?
I am a woman – or at least I think I am. What does that statement even mean? I have so many questions about what it means to be a woman, and about gender in general. Is it all about behavioural patterns? Do I ‘perform’ my gender and manifest it in the way I act?Continue reading “Am I a Woman?”
Don’t Wish Me A Happy Women’s Day
Every year in the beginning of March, the ads and emails starts to roll in like an unbearable wave, destined to meet the shore. There are emails from companies who want to wish me a happy women’s day or congratulate me on being a woman, and influencers on social media who promotes products for womenContinue reading “Don’t Wish Me A Happy Women’s Day”
The Engine that Makes the World Move
Washing the dishes takes up a lot of time if you’re going to be a genius. There are multiple explanations to why women have been forgotten throughout history. There are plenty of systematic procedures that forget women when their achievements look like they don’t belong to them. Women inhabit a society that is not builtContinue reading “The Engine that Makes the World Move”
Let Female Film Roles Guide You Through Life
Let’s use the next movie night to watch female leads walk through stages of life! Here’s a guide on five romantic comedies to help you laugh, cry and sometimes even sing yourself through some of life’s twists and turns that one can encounter. Pitch Perfect – College The dream world of college can quickly beContinue reading “Let Female Film Roles Guide You Through Life”
5 Female Chefs To Tantalise Your Tastebuds
When you think of famous chefs – do Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, James Martin come to mind? For International Women’s Day we want to point to equally capable female chefs who we don’t see as much of in the media.
Travel Through the Screen with Two Female Youtubers
Travel doesn’t have to be off the table, find the world through the comfort of your own home, and travel with youtube
Why do People Not Call Themselves Feminists Anymore?
Today, on International Woman’s Day 2021, lets talk about women and men, who don’t call themselves feminists
To the women of the world
In a time of standstill, let’s take a moment to celebrate the progress of women. The women of the past, the women of the present and the women of the future – let’s celebrate the women of the world. Corona has been a subtle reminder of the victories fought for and won by the womenContinue reading “To the women of the world”
The Silent Killer
We lose around 450 people to cancer every day. Elaine Dalgleish has experienced this first hand and wrote this poignant piece encouraging women with potential symptoms of ovarian cancer to visit their doctor after losing her own mother to this often symptomless illness.
What does it mean to be a woman?
In honour of 2021’s International Women’s Day Bloom decided to set out and ask people about what it means to be a woman. Here are some of the responses we got: “Being courageous, independent and able to give life.” “Inequality and pain.” “To me being a woman is much more than simply gender identity. It’sContinue reading “What does it mean to be a woman?”
International Mental Health Day: How to cope when someone close to you is struggling
Helping someone who is struggling can be difficult and takes a toll when you feel there’s nobody to talk to about it. Here are some steps you can take to boost your own mental health in that situation.
Wine and Dine your Date: Chinese Food Edition
Arguably there isn’t anything quite more romantic than a candlelit dinner for two. A glass of red in hand, a cheeky smile across the table and you have successfully wooed for the night. And now you can do it all at home, with our series on wining and dining, this week with Chinese Food
Why Does Diet Culture Target Women?
I don’t know a single girl who hasn’t had a toxic relationship with their mothers and dieting. For as long as I can remember, my mum has talked all things diet, from working out, to getting slim for summer, to eating nothing but protein for weeks at a time.
Rex Orange County – A Modern McCartney?
Few artists capture the imagination like Rex Orange County. Despite relatively little chart success, he is revered by critics, fans and other artists as a strikingly adept musician with a refreshingly new, genre-transcending approach to songwriting. Jonathan Tonge explains why he believes people will remember him for years to come.
The Indie Edit: 5 Indie Singers to Refresh your Music List
Want some music recommendations? We have the perfect list for all your indie musings, here are 5 singers to listen to this march.
What is Motherhood and Why Don’t we Own It?
Laura Menendez writes from her perspective from reading Virginia Woolf, on motherhood and why feminism is so important when looking at gender roles
5 Sports For The Non-Sporty
Exercising can be hard when your not a sporty person, especially if you also aren’t big fans of conventional sports. Jonathan Tonge offers 5 sports for those who aren’t that sporty
Darling, I want my Gay Rights Now: Marsha P. Johnson – A Woman Whose Activism changed a Nation
Its LGBTQ+ history month so lets continue with Marsha P. Johnson, an american activist for trans and gay rights
Spring Bulbs to Introduce to Your Garden
Spring is here, and the garden is calling, here are 5 spring bulbs to introduce to your garden that will make it pop like no other
Classic TV You Probably Forgot About
I’m 22 now and my earliest memories are tape decks, VHS videos, having one computer for the house with a giant monitor that weighed more than a bus and those TVs with the big fat backs. I’m not old by any stretch but if I ever accidentally switch over to a kids’ TV channel now, I’m left wondering where it all went wrong…
Radclyffe Hall: The Poet who Inspired Many
It’s LGBTQ+ History Month, so lets talk Radclyffee Hall, a poet and author who continues to inspire many for her views on fashion and her trial of women lovers
Car Camping
with (hopefully) staycations on the way and hotels looking likely to be booked up as soon as they’re available, I hope this guide gives you a little insight into an alternative method of holidaying that’s great for a night or two away if you aren’t the biggest camping fan.
Music – The Film No One Wanted
Singer Sia released her debut film production Music, a story of an non-verbal autistic girl who loves her headphones. But this film is anything but good
Drive To Survive Season 3: Hitchhiker’s Guide
Season 3 of Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive To Survive is just weeks away, so here’s a super quick rundown of the basics of the 2020 season before you get started, team-by-team. Spoilers, obviously.
Anne – The Queen who Kissed her Friends?
This LGBTQ+ History month, lets talk Queen Anne and her sexuality with a flurry of very close women.
Random Act of Kindness Day: 10 Ways to Celebrate
As its random act of kindness day, what better way to celebrate then with 10 ways you can do something kind today
Pancake Day – What is it and How Can You Celebrate?
It’s pancake day and what better way to celebrate then learning about where they day comes from and a menu fit for a pancake king
A Man with 3 peaks, a Kilt and 1200 Miles
Louis Ware is a man with a mission, to walk from Lands End to John o’groats, and he’ll be doing it all in his trusty kilt
Valentines is an Ugly Word
Heather Dalgleish presents why you should think of valentines day in a different way
The Happy Singleton is a Lie.
As the final part of our valentines series, Anne Stoop writes her experiences of the media, societies standards and discovering how to be a happy singleton.
Valentine Lessons from a 13-Year-Old
As the 13th part of our valentines series, Annemarijn Huizinga writes life lessons she learnt from her 13 year old sister about love this valentines day
A Reflection on Love
Jasmine Hall writes on her personal experiences of love and what she has learnt from her years of dating.
Another Day to Start Appreciating Yourself
As the 11th part of our valentines series, Clara Fors Wisbyse reflects on her previous relationships and learning to love yourself this valentines day
Jackson: A Screenplay
As the tenth part of our valentines series, Imogen Robinson presents Jackson, a screenplay about love, life and cheating
Should We Be Eating Seasonally?
With the ebb and flow of the Earth’s seasons, the flux between rainfall in Spring to frost in Winter and the Summer sun, farmers are able to harvest respective foods that rely on the seasonal climates to grow and thrive. Niamh Heron talks why you should eat seasonally and the benefits from this.
National Pizza Day: Celebrate by Making your Own
Its national pizza day, so what better way then to celebrate by making your own, which is both, easy, fairly quick but ultimately, is most delicious
Solo Dates
St Valentine isn’t the patron saint of finding the first person on the street and shacking up for the Valentine’s season. Sure, true companionship is wonderful, but as many extremely cliché movies will tell you – you can’t really love anything until you learn to love yourself.
A Very Eco Valentines
Valentines day doesn’t have to be expensive or bad for the environment, Heather Dalgleish talks about getting eco with your valentines gifts this year
I Found the Place I Want to Be In
As the seventh part of our valentines series, Laura Menendez writes about her love story and how sometimes you have to take a chance.
Covid Date Ideas: How to Celebrate this Valentines
Bloom presents: Covid Date Ideas for this valentines day, with both ideas for the socially distanced and the living together lovers.
Love your Skin: 10 Products to Improve your Acne
As the sixth part of our valentines series, Sally Dalgleish writes about ten skincare products, that will help you finally fall in love with your skin
5 Ways to Use Nutella
Nutella has been a love of mine since I first persuaded my mother to buy me a jar from the store. But, there is more to Nutella than just smothering it rapidly on toast as you are running late for the bus.
10 Romantic Reads this February
Heather Dalgleish presents 10 romantic reads to check out this February as the 5th part of Blooms valentines series
Liquid Relationships
Love is complicated, hard and sometimes belongs in the trash, and Laura Menendez writes on her feelings on how love can conquer all, if you give it a go that is…
The Comprehensive Guide to a Banging Valentines Day For One
This valentines, say no to singleton nights at the local (even worse, singleton nights at the local, on zoom), and fill yourself a chalice of enamoured self-adoration, fit for one, and drink it all.
A Million Love Songs Later
For as long as music has existed, people have used it to pay tribute to love. It’s a deep, personal way to communicate your feelings and to do it expertly requires either a massive stroke of luck or very large reserves of songwriting expertise. There are millions out there, but which one takes the biscuit as the best? It’s impossible to say with so much choice, so here’s five of my favourites (in no particular order!)
Edward the 2nd: England’s First Gay King
As it’s LGBTQ history month, what better way to commence the series than with a fact that maybe not all of you are aware of, Edward II’s sexuality. He was king from 1307-1327, and though he did marry a woman, marriages during this time often occurred for political reasons rather than bride and groom falling in love.
Crispy Chilli Tofu Noodles
Vegan food doesn’t have to be difficult or a chore to make, and for the final part of our Veganuary series, I present Crispy Chilli Tofu Noodles, the perfect mixture of both spicy, crunchy tanginess that is perfect and quick to whip up.
Wild Camping and Scenic Driving
Jonathan Tonge writes about wild camping and scenic driving, discussing how idealistic home travelling can become, with special shout outs to Scottish landmarks.
Stevie Nicks: Was she a Witch?
Heather Dalgleish talks about the rock icon of Stevie Nicks, and whether or not she is a witch or not.
Sea Shanties – Who Were The Wellermen?
Shanties have enjoyed something of a renaissance of late, so surely we should investigate exactly why it is they fell out of favour in the first place. It’s a relatively simple story and it has to do with a few things, but it’s mainly the fact that time moved on while they stood still.
January Jams
The new year brings new shots at finding new artists, new music and discovering music that you will love. My new years resolution was to listen to more female artists, mainly because most of the music I am recommended by Spotify is definitely male dominated. So my current playlist is female with a sprinkle of male and in all honesty, I’m loving it. It means I’ve definitely discovered new artists that add a whole lot of flair, sass and excitement, that bring my January playlist up to fantastic standard for the new year.
Homemade Hash Browns
“Hash Browns are a stable part of any breakfast, and to be honest, they’ll do nicely for any other meal. The triangular ones that come frozen are good enough, but for real satisfaction and a sense of achievement, you want to try the rosti kind with grated potatoes. They’re literally so easy that I can cook them, and I am awful at cooking.” Jonathan Tonge on how even beginners can nail a ‘posh’ hash brown!
The Sustainable Series: Clothing Edition
This is one of those things that I still am yet to perfect to this day and go a hundred percent zero waste, mainly because I’m an utter shopaholic, and that clothing is one of those things that helps me express myself. Or maybe its because I am plus size, and struggle to find plusContinue reading “The Sustainable Series: Clothing Edition”
Robert Burns’ Famous Supper
Why do they eat haggis, neeps and tatties on Burns Night? When did Robert live? Is Auld Lang Syne the national song of Scotland, or is it Mull of Kintyre? All that and more coming up.
The Hunt: A Psychological Thriller – But is it Too Satirical?
Heather Dalgleish talks about the hunt (2020), a phycological thriller that even the president condemned. Is the movie all its cracked up to be?
The Tailgater (‘Bumperkleef’) – A Review
Bumperkleef is a Dutch film about why you shouldn’t tailgate people. I didn’t like it… maybe you will?
Roasted Pepper Hummus Recipe
Hummus is a stable in any vegetarian / vegan household. But what if I told you you could make it at a fraction of the price, a hundred percent more delicious and will be that bit moreish? This hummus is flavoured with sweet red peppers, paprika, raw garlic and is the perfect mixture of both tangy, sharp but with the soft undertones of chickpea and tahini that is the classic hummus mix.
Why you Should be Watching F1 from a Girl’s Perspective
Heather Dalgleish talks about her experience watching formula one and actually finding herself enjoying it.
What is Home?
I always thought I knew what home was. I grew up in the same place, the same town, the same house and with the same people. It felt right, and it felt safe. I knew the streets like the back of my hand, every ginnel, every park. I’d never left, I’d never moved. My life rotated around Preston and all that came from Preston, the people, the atmosphere, the traditions. Life was home and home was more than just the four walls where I was raised.
On This Day In History
The days are bleeding together a little here in a still-locked-down 2021, so for today’s article, let’s consult the January 19ths of history to see if anything a little more interesting happened.
5 Sources for Vegan Courses
Craving scrumptious feeding but not knowing how to create what your body’s needing? As we move towards the latter part of this Veganuary, you may be struggling to come up with new ways of prepping your veg. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or trying out a vegan diet for the first time, food-ruts are real and they are as dull as it gets. So to bring back the joy and blessing of a succulent salad dressing, here’s a list of Vegan-Youtubers whose gorgeous creations will make your mouth water and your inspiration overflow.
The Sustainability Series: Period Products
Period Products are one of the biggest contributors to waste in the world, with an estimated 1.5-2 billion tonnes of period waste each year. So, let’s bring the sustainability series into the new year than with ways of making your period sustainable. We’ll be talking you through both Menstrual cups and reusable sanitary pads, so you’ll have two ideas in place for making your period that bit more sustainable.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, but is the Book Really Worth it?
Heather Dalgleish discusses the book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. and its problems, triumphs and whether she recommends it as a read
Mental Resilience to Respond to the Unexpected Darkness in our Lives
Life has its ups and downs, and Nela tells her story of the down and teaching herself mental resilience after contracting Covid. A lively tale of seeing happiness and the power behind your mind.
Independent Museums & Why You Should Visit Them
Independent museums are pillars of communities for people to find out about their own heritage and have a place to gather together. The COVID19 crisis is pushing a lot of them to the brink,
My Dream Plant List
Plants are a big part of my household – what better way to finish off houseplant awareness week this 2021 than give a list of my dream plants that I could only wish to own one day?
Going Off The Rails
The UK is a country with a proud railway heritage, but in the 1960s, almost half of Britain’s railways were scrapped. The historic trains that ran on them are now few and far between – here, I comment on why they’re gone, and where you can go to see them and their routes now.
20.00 is Very Early for a Christmas Dinner if you Ask Me.
Six strangers are sitting in the same room. They could be the most bizarre compilation of human beings. There is no apparent reason why they should be together. But there is one thing they have in common. They all share the burden, or the blessing, of spending Christmas far away from home.
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