9th September 2017 Travel

Beating Bathophobia: How do you beat fears of the deep?

If you aren’t scared of anything, are you even human? I have a few irrational fears, the kind that few people share and aren’t based on real explanations (like heights, drowning etc.) I am so disturbed by one of these fears, that I can’t mention it in case friends decide it would be funny to send me pictures of said creatures, my other is bathophobia.

Bathophobia; is a fear of unknown depths. (Not a fear of baths.) Places of utter blackness deep beneath the world, and my particular phobia relates to water too. I often get bad dreams about the vastness of the sea and rivers that defy gravity and surround me. I’d promised myself I’d address this fear and so this week when going on a trip to the Peak District I decided to face my fear!

12th August 2017 Space

A Geek’s Guide: 7 Ultimate Science Gifts for the Nerdy Lady in your Life

This is a shout out to those who dare to be smart. For those who are intrigued by the world around them. For those who want to learn, explore, and constantly push boundaries. What Science gifts to do you get a nerdy girl?

If you’re lucky enough to know one of these people and have the HONOUR of presenting said person with a gift, then I hope you’ll consider these recommendations… and if you are the Science lover then… Treat yo’self!

So here are some of the best Science gifts, hand-picked by me!

5th August 2017 Nerd bait

A Geek’s Guide: How to Write a Seriously Epic Sci-Fi Story

We all know that there are a LOT of sci-fi stories out there. I mean, there are whole sections of book shops dedicated to the genre. Speaking of which, I now sponsor one! I pledged to help my local BookShop’s expansion and they let me brand their sci-fi section. In celebration, I decided to explore what makes a good sci-fi story?

To answer this question, I took 2 sample texts, from “Amy’s Storys” (sic) written by 8-year-old me, to analyse as core texts. It’s as good a starting point as any…

22nd July 2017 Lifestyle

90s Fads: What came back, should come back and should NEVER RETURN.

So as I was born at the dawn of the 90’s and remember all the craziness and general colourfulness! I thought I’d take a journey and look into this awesome era of 90s fads and figure out… What should have come back. what DID come back or live on, and what should NEVER EVER return.

The 90 was all about mass production, and a lot of the toys were really hard-sold to kids. Due to the kind of kid I was though, you’re not likely to see any Barbies on here but hopefully, you’ll see something you remember!

POGs Collection 30 Goals Nostalgia

1st July 2017 Travel

Major Adulting: Salome at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Part of my 30 goals to complete over the next two years involves going to see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. I chose Salome by Oscar Wilde as he is one of my favourite writers. So here’s my write up – a chance for me to exercise my long-lost analytical skills and offer a mini-review of the play. The play is described as “a tragedy in one act”. For a plot write up you can click here but otherwise, let’s carry on!

Gender Bending, Done Right

3rd June 2017 Mental Health

Major Adulting: 30 Goals to achieve before I turn 30!

I decided as it’s my birthday, I should work out 30 goals to complete before I turn 30! It’s not actually that long before I turn 30 so this is going to be far from a bucket list for me – it will be more achievable things!

I have 2 years to complete this list and so there’s not likely to be any sky-diving or travelling around Africa on this list… So here goes!

Travelling

1. Go to Iceland (and hopefully see the Northern Lights!)

2. Visit Disneyland

3. Eat at a Michelin star restaurant

4. Go on a road trip somewhere new (where I am the driver) DONE

5. Visit a waxwork museum

6. Go camping in the middle of nowhere and watch the sunset and sunrise DONE

Personal Development

7. Do a research project to find out about 30 cultures and countries I know nothing about

8. Meet someone I really admire in person – DONE

9. Be a bridesmaid – DONE

10. Try to get some zen trying out some mindfulness hobbies DONE

11. Make a physical photo album of the best parts of my life all in one place!

12. Gain as much astronomical info as possible from stargazing

Capturing the Creative Spark

13. Photograph animals in the wild

14. Attend a class to learn a new skill

15. Attend a book/writing club regularly for at least 6 months – DONE

16. Complete 2 years of blogging! DONE

17. Complete an art project (similar to those I did at A-Level)

18. Go to see a play at the RSC and review it – DONE

Challenging Myself

19. Go vegan for 1 month! – DONE!

20. Sell something I have created myself

21. Take steps to get over one of my (many) irrational fears – DONE

22. Spend a month as tech-free as possible (work time unavoidable!)

23. Volunteer somewhere for at least 30 days

24. Complete a huge jigsaw puzzle – DONE

Just for Fun!

25. Try at least 30 new foods (including some scary ones!) DONE

26. Make a terrarium DONE

27. See a play in London and stay overnight DONE

28. Throw a Harry Potter themed party – DONE

29. Attend a festival (music, food or otherwise) – I’ve not done this for too long! DONE

30. See in my 30th birthday in style!

So these are my 30 Goals!

I think these are do-able. They will make me push myself more but I don’t think they’ll stress me out too much trying to complete them!

What do you think? Can you recommend any ways to help me make sure I do this right?

Ready, set, GO!

Amy

20th May 2017 Reviews, Space

Intergalactic Exploration: A trip to the National Space Centre

Last weekend, my other half and I went to the National Space Centre! It was super fun and informative – definitely worth at least one trip if you want to broaden your mind and get some new information about our universe! I thought I’d write a National Space Centre Review as it was amazing and I would go again for sure. We got an annual pass for the price of one ticket (!) so we plan to go again with friends.

Welcome Sign National Space Centre Review

Intergalactic

We had a ticket to see a planetarium show which was held in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium. You can choose from a look at the universe as a whole or stories behind some of our constellations. The lady who presented the show was very enthusiastic and I loved hearing more about the Greek mythology related to the constellations.

Some things I learned from the planetarium exhibit:

Some space objects are named M followed by a number because Charles Messier just labelled things he found with his initial and a number in the order he found them – how very imaginative!
We can’t map all the galaxies because our own galaxy blocks the half of our view.
The big and little dipper constellations are named for a Greek legend of a mother and son who were turned into bears and thrown into space!

National Space Centre Review Bioshock — Would you kindly increase the magnification?

Interactive

I really liked how they relayed the information in the centre to you. It wasn’t centred around children only which it can often be at science museums, it was perfect for us too. The level of interactivity was so high! There were whole areas where you could test your skills as an astronaut, a simulation of a moon landing and you could lose hours watching all the videos and playing the mini-games.

They had some real rockets in the eating area with a multi-layer mezzanine so you could see them from top to bottom. That was certainly a highlight of the day!

Orrery Ceiling Light National Space Centre Review

National Space Centre Review Would you kindly

National Space Centre Review Jupiter Fact File

Information

There were SO many facts in there that you’d have to visit a few times to really take it all in! There were whole areas dedicated to rockets, sci-fi, the life of astronauts. So many planetary facts and the entire history of space exploration across the world. Here are just a few things I learned along the way:

The first ever Sci-Fi movie was French and called “La Voyage Dans le Lune”. It involved scientists that looked more like wizards.
What it’s like to wash your hair in space. (You gather a very small amount of water droplets as best you can and pull them through your hair.)
Saturn if very small (or we had a huge bath) would float in water

Inspiration

I wanted to buy EVERYTHING in the onsite shop but as it’s my birthday coming up I wasn’t allowed! In the end, I bought some “astronaut” food which I will try out soon. Once my birthday is over I am definitely going to go back for more!

I am constantly searching for inspiration for my space themed stuff. The National Space Centre was definitely full of that- for both my blog and artwork. I discovered that I really love how space exploration changed throughout history and the links between the old and new methods. The history of the constellations was definitely a highlight for me!

Anytime I feel spaced out (pun intended), I am going to revisit and fuel my thoughts!

6th May 2017 Space

13 Out-of-this-World Space themed gifts on my Birthday wish list!

As it’s my birthday soon I thought I’d post a Space themed gifts wish-list of mine… Just some tiny hints in case anyone (or a certain someone) need some ideas! I hope it also inspires you and gives you an insight into the kind of things you can find if you’re looking for space themed stuff!

1. Starry Night Dress by Cakes with Faces

This is such a cute little dress! I am not into astrology but the science of stars, and constellation themed items I adore! It’s amazing just how much stuff is out there (in the material and the metaphysical sense).

2. Glitter Star Hair Clips by Crown and Glory

I feel like these in gunmetal or silver would look great now my hair’s gone purple. I just want to adorn it with sparkle! Short of covering myself in glitter, Crown and Glory have some amazing starry accessories… including a STUNNING dip-dyed veil that I MUST have for when I get married. Not that I’m even engaged yet…

3. Women In Science by Rachel Ignotofsky

Full title, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World, looks absolutely stunning and really interesting! I went ahead and bought this one (this is the problem with making wishlists of affordable, beautiful items!) It is incredibly illustrated and I love the writing style.

4. Atom & Planet Necklace by Eclectic Eccentricity

As some may know, I wear the hell out of the necklace from my previous Space Princess gift guide. EE’s whole range is stunning and space-based and I look at them longingly every lunch break in the office! These colours are just perfect.

5. SpaceShip Bag by SkinnyDip

I added this bag to my wishlist after seeing it in Brighton… until I realised it was from LAST SEASON! *shock horror* Rather than miss out my friend got it for me and sent it in the post. (PaperBag Blog- thank you!) It helps to know lovely people! So… this is on here to show it off really (Sorry, not sorry) and give a shout-out to SkinnyDip for designing something so cool.

6. Fun Science by Charlie McDonnell

Full title “Fun Science: A Guide to Life, the Universe and why Science is so Awesome” by Charlie McDonnell has sparked my interest as it discusses everything from the largest things comprehensible to humans right down to the smallest atoms. Charlie (Charlieissocoollike) began producing science related videos on YouTube and I followed him for many years – I really want to support his venture as an author!

7. 3D Star Globe by Luckies

A 3D map of the night sky would both informative and beautiful hanging from my ceiling. Alternatively, an actual constellation globe with a transparent base would also be awesome on my office desk… but a little out of my budget!

8. Star Stud Earrings by Stray Jewellery

I am always on the outlook for earrings that can tie in with my outfits. I’ve been going for a lot of galaxy-inspired and space themed stuff recently. Even if I have to dress like your average person (boo) for work or an event, I still like to set it off with something astronomical!

9. Planetarium Paperweight by Present Indicative

I know what you’re probably thinking, it’s a bit odd… But it’s REALLY cool and I feel like I could look at it for ages. I first saw it in the Stedelijk Museum Shop in Amsterdam but it was closing and they rushed me out of the shop. I am kinda glad I did though because it’s now introduced me to a whole new website that has cool nerdy gifts! Their whole astronomy section is AWESOME.

10. Cat in Space Mug by CyberDog

I thought to myself that if I never saw another “themed” mug ever again, it would be too soon! But then, I saw this one. Space AND cats? Yeah, go on then.

11. Galaxy Skater Dress by Glitterbomb

This has been on my wish list for aaaages. I’m absolutely in love with it – the colours are amazing (and I already have the necklace!)

12. Space themed Swirl Coloured Pencils

I added these in even though I bought them for myself. I’ve been told I don’t need any more stationery items BUT the leads are coloured to match the nebulas primary colours SO… had to be done. The pencils came from a little boutique in Amsterdam but you could get them here.

And to round it all off, what would an astronomy lover be without an awesome telescope?

Until Next Time,

Amy