My New Years Resolutions

Today, I thought I would talk about my resolutions. I understand that resolutions are a bit like marmite however I like making them and I enjoy finding out what other people's are. 

1) The first is that I want to do yoga once a week. The reason for this is mainly because I have always been jealous of people who can be zen and I've always wanted to be part of the zen gang. To start off I am going to just do it in my room to youtube videos but I hope when I get better I could find a class to go to.

2) The next is to go to the gym at least once a week, this is mainly for my health as well. Mental and physical. I want to be the best version of me and feel better and fitter.

3) Again, another exercise related one, I want to stick to a short daily routine of exercises that I can do in the morning to help me start the day. I have so far been sticking to it and I feel less tired and groggy when I get to school with is nice for myself and my friends.

4) I want to read more and read a wider variety of books this year. This was on my list last year and I think it will be every year. I feel that last year I didn't read as much as I would have liked so I'm going to really commit to this. 

5) My next one I also had on my list last year and failed to do and that is to start a youtube channel, my thoughts on starting a channel have been circling my mind for at least, so this year I'm going to venture into filming. I'm hoping to get it up and running some point this year and start with a vlog of when I'm in New York so I'll keep you posted. 

6) I also this year want to write more, whether it be short stories, blogposts, articles anything. I just love writing and I want to explore that even more this year. Hence why I'm aiming to post everyday of January. 

7) This year I am aiming is to be a year of self love and self care, I want to do more things for myself. Such as buying myself something nice or making sure I have that Sunday night bath, little things. 

8) I want to explore more of London, it is one of my all time favourite cities and I just want to get to know it better.

9) This is another one which I have every year, which is experience new things, whether its seeing new theatre or just trying different food, I just want to explore this year.

10) Lastly, I want to appreciate more and take time to acknowledge the good in my life.

2017 for me is going to be the year that I really work on myself and be the best version of me. I want to fill my soul this year with experiences and just make the most of taking time for me. 

I hope you have an amazing 2017 and achieve everything you wish for.

Lots of love 

George x

'A real man'

'A real man', a statement that I witness far too often and this concept really disheartens me. Please tell me, what is a 'real' man? 

This issue is so prominent in our society and also in the gay community. This I find surprising because it seems to contradict the idea of freedom and expression of who you are. Which is supposed to be what the LGBTQ community preaches. This ideal of being who you are is a fundamental part of the community and the community is being tarnished by this phrase being used by gay men and this way of thinking.

The concept of masculinity has been a problem in our society for generations, there is a reason why the highest cause of death in men is suicide and that is due to the perception of man which is placed on men from day one of their lives and they can't cope with the burden. It's incredibly worrying. 

The two common phrases I seem to come across are "I want a real man" and "A man who acts like a man" which to me are ridiculous as what actually constitutes as a real man? I'm not apologising when I say that all beings that identify as men are men. Whether they are a straight or gay, 'traditionally masculine' or 'traditionally feminine', trans, no matter what, they are men, it's that simple. 

This issue is important to me as when I was younger, I was often referred to as a 'girl', which I don't see as an insult in the slightest. I was called this because I didn't fit the stereotypical mould of what a 'boy' was; I played with 'girls' toys, the majority of my friends were female, I didn't like football, the list goes on. This used to hurt me as a young child but now I understand how ignorant those people were and I want to spread the message that everyone who identifies as male is a real man. I don't want another young boy being told he's not a man because his interests don't fit society's mould. I want him to be free and explore what he's into without being judged. This also applies to older boys and men too, we should be able to express ourselves however we want without being deemed not a real man. This conversation needs to happen, if you're a guy have a conversation about this with a man you're close to and get this issue around. 

This is me being really hopeful, but I hope that maybe through spreading the message maybe there will be a few less bios on tinder saying 'Real men only'. Let's set it as a little goal for the year. 

This sort of post is quite different to my usual posts but this year I really want to get more involved with world and LGBTQ issues.

George x

Is reading/writing for pleasure harming my studies?

I don't know if it's just me but hear me out. I am in my final year at school and I have something on my mind. As it is the beginning of the new year I have set myself my resolutions as I do every year. Two of the main targets for me are to read and write more however I have found already that school could potentially make this very difficult. 

What I mean is that I am at school everyday and when I get home I have books that are set for me to read and essays for me to write. This takes time out of me reading books that catch my eye in Foyles or essays interrupting me writing blogposts or anything I fancy. I don't want you to think that I don't see the importance in education, I do, but it's just taking its toll on me at this point in my life. Maybe that's why typically your secondary education finishes when you're eighteen because you've grown out of it and you're finding who you are and what you're interested in? That's interesting I've never looked at it like that before. I have to admit before the Christmas break I was terrified about leaving school but now I feel like I'm ready and that's good. 

This particular thought came to me when I was reading 'Inside Vogue' by Alexandra Shulman because there was this feeling of guilt in my head because I wasn't reading my set text. In addition to this, I feel awful for writing this post instead of writing an essay, which is so frustrating because my blog makes me happy and it lets me be creative. This is just a thought I'm having that I wanted to vent. I hope that things change or my outlook alters. I'll just have to try and find a balance for the time being. 

G x

Book Buying, Bolero and Bonbons

Hiya, if you're reading this, welcome if you're new. Welcome back if you're not. I thought I'd start the new year with a little post about my first couple of days of 2017. 

As probably everyone's first day of the New Year I was slightly worse for ware and taking things very easy. Meaning I spent the day watching Sex and the City episodes. I had a great time. Anyway yesterday to kind of send off the festive season we went ice skating at Somerset House. Somerset House is one of my favourite places in London and has been since I was young. It's such a magical place and I love ice skating so it was a pretty good way to start the new year. 

After we took a walk along the Southbank and of course I had to go into Foyles and as always I did not come out empty handed. I picked up Inside Vogue by Alexandra Shulman and I haven't been able to put it down since I bought it. Seriously if you're interested in fashion, journalism or just a bad ass women, this is the book for you. 

Afterwards we stumbled across the Dutch pancakes stand, the looked so good that I just had to have some and my oh my they were amazing. One of my new years resolutions is to treat myself more so I'm already doing something on my list, win win. If you are confused this is supposed to be the bonbons part of the title, I know its not completely correct but I wanted the use of alliteration in my first post of the year. 

One of my resolutions is to write more, so hopefully I'll be posting more regularly on whatever pops into my mind. Of course there will still be regular fashion and favourites posts but I also want to just discuss whatever is on my mind and add to conversations.

Anyway, I'll love you and leave you. I hope you have a magical 2017 and I hope you'll check in with me along the way.

lots of love

George x

DREAMGIRLS

Last night, I went to see Dreamgirls at The Savoy Theatre, if you told the seven year old me singing the soundtrack into a hairbrush in his room that this day would come he wouldn't have believed you. This show has such a special place in my heart and the fact I got to see it live starring such an incredible cast has made one of my dreams come true. 

I was in a constant state of awe during the show due to the absolutely phenomenal showcase of talent from the whole cast. Having the chance to see Amber Riley, someone who I have admired since I was eleven years old, was just such an unforgettable experience. Her Effie was just flawless and I'm so happy I got to experience it. I was also showcased to an absolutely incredible set of talented individuals, Liisi LaFontaine was just incredible, her portrayal of Deena was phenomenal, I'm in awe of you, you talented and lovely lady! Ibinabo Jack was also sensational, your Lorrell was insane, you made me laugh and cry, excellent performance! Michelle Morris was also just beautiful and her performance was truly stunning. As you can tell this sort of review is more just how much I adored this show and how great everyone was and that is no exaggeration. Seriously go and see it and experience the magic yourself, you will not regret it. 

Now the boys, man! 'Steppin' to the bad side' was just jaw droopingly good! Joe Aaron Reid's, Curtis was simply outstanding, I'm speechless if I'm quite honest. Although not completely as that wouldn't be me to be completely speechless. Adam J. Bernard's Jimmy Early and Tyrone Huntley's C.C. White were incredible and I don't say that lightly! Truly electric, Tyrone's rendition of 'Family' made me cry, I cannot deny that. And of course three cheers to Nicholas Bailey's Marty!

To all the ensemble and the swing, you were all so sharp and so brilliant, I just want to applaud all of you for just being amazing! Again I cannot comment enough on how brilliant this company is.

So here again is a 5 star review/love fest of a show, I've seen. Theatre is just so brilliant these days you cannot simply do anything but praise. 

Again, well done to everyone in this timeless show! I wanna come back and see you all again soon! 

George x