The importance of diverse characters in fiction

Can you remember the last book you read that featured a character with a disability that wasn't central to the plot? What about a black character, or a gay character, where their race or sexuality wasn't the highlight of the story? And, most importantly, when was the last time you felt represented by a novel? …

28th February 2018: International Day of Hygge

I love the hygge trend. I'm definitely someone who loves home comforts, cosy blankets and cups of tea. Hygge can also translate as self-care. As someone with a chronic illness, I have to take care of myself, and there's nothing I love more than snuggling on the sofa, surrounded by candles and soft throws and that …

Medsmart: The medication reminder app

As my readers will know, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia almost two years ago. Since then, I've been on amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant that's prescribed to help with chronic pain and fatigue. Amitriptyline is a tricky drug. It took me a while to get used it each time my doctor increased my dose, leaving me …

Unrest: A film about chronic illness by Jennifer Brea

Jennifer Brea is an active Harvard PhD student about to marry the love of her life when suddenly her body starts failing her. Hoping to shed light on her strange symptoms, Jennifer grabs a camera and films the darkest moments unfolding before her eyes as she is derailed by M.E. (commonly known as Chronic Fatigue …

Painleave: Tracking Chronic Pain

"Painleave helps you get to the bottom of your pain or illness once and for all. A pain-free life is waiting." A free service, Painleave encourages those of us who suffer with chronic pain to sign up, and keep track of our flares. Record symptoms & uncover their triggers Organize everything your doctors tell you Keep track …

Not A Diet: Protein Smoothies Part 2

Welcome to part two of my protein smoothie adventure, as part of my Not A Diet! Click here to read part one. After digging down into my protein powder, I found that it did actually come with a scoop! 1 scoop is equal to 25g, which is about 1-2 heaped tablespoons. Add more or less, …

Not A Diet: Spicy Yoghurt Chicken

It can be hard coming up with recipes that tick both the yummy and low calorie boxes - especially when it also needs to serve as a lunch to take to work. Last week, bored with my usual fare, I searched the internet for inspiration. Spicy yoghurt chicken is exactly what it sounds like - …

Not A Diet: Protein Smoothies Part 1

I've been working with personal trainer and inspiring woman Colette for a week now, and we've come to the conclusion that my diet needs changing up. It seems I have a severe lack of protein, so we were chatting about how to add more to my diet. A quick Google search came up with several protein shake …

Not A Diet: Getting fit with fibromyalgia

As readers of this blog may know, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in May last year. On the advice of the doctor, I made an attempt to get healthier. And so, Not A Diet was born. *trigger warning* I'll be talking about eating disorders, OCD, and my abusive childhood. Proceed with caution. A bit of …

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Pardon?

While I was at university, I was diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa. Despite the difficult-to-pronounce name, HS is rather common - it's thought to affect around 1% of the population. Quite simply, HS is a skin condition that causes cysts to appear. They usually come up in places that are close to hair follicles, such as: around …