mybodyliberation

[mybodyliberation]

Why These @boots Budget Friendly Vitamins Are Also Period Friendly

We know its cozzie lives and all that, but we still need to make a way to support our bodies during our cycles.

And that means not only hunting down the best bargains but also having the best quality products and its awesome that we can rely on Boots for just that.

Recently I popped into my local Boots to stock up on some period friendly vitamins, advantage card in hand and determined to utilise the 3 for one deal.

The first thing I grabbed for was B Complex, retailing at £1.99, did you know that when it comes to your cycle B Complex it can help combat fatigue and low mood? During our menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations and your bleed can lead to deficiencies, B complex can help you top up your essential B vitamin levels. This can also be done through diet.

Next up was the Boots Good Gut Live Bacteria, this particular product also targets skin and hair support. But there are certain bacteria that assist with the levels of estrogen moving throughout your body. And as your estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout your cycle, supporting it is incredibly important. By having live bacteria, you're ensuring a diverse microbiome and that helps support that body during detoxification.

And last but most certainly not least, Omega 3. I go for the vegan option due to allergies, but Omega 3 actually help to tackle inflammation in the body and inflammation can contribute to pain levels. Two types of Omega 3s are important in the reduction of inflammation and that's, EPA's and DHA's.

There's even a study that suggests that Omega 3's can help regulate periods for PCOS suffers which is MAJOR. I'll link the study here and hope it may be helpful for my PCOS babes:

I hope this was helpful and let me know how you get on with your on period friendly vitamins and supplement routine. Don't forget to check in with your doctor or care providers first.

And, let me know if you'd like me to do a part two on this because we definitely deserve affordable choices when it comes to period friendly vitamins and supplements!

*sources www.avogel.com www.provenprobiotics.com www.vivaeve.com

#boots #vitamins #nutrition #vitamins and supplements #health benefits #period health #health and wellness #menstrual cycle #menstruation #period talk #period problems #period cramps #antioxidants #healthy living

[mybodyliberation]

AD | PR Products A Period Friendly Local Shop With Real Foods

When we talk about menstrual wellness or period health, it's easy to miss that part of that intersects with the kind of sustainability that serves not only us but also our community.

It supports our bodies but it also supports our planet and one of the ways we can marry the two is buy shopping at and thus supporting our local businesses.

One of those for me is Edinburgh's Real Foods. A vegetarian, vegan and natural foods retailer. There are two branches, both in the heart of the city and both our brimming with carefully curated community centred products.

From the fresh and organic produce to the the fair trade products, you won't struggle to find the very best quality products you need to support your entire wellbeing, including your periods.

They have over an 100 suppliers stocked in their branches, most of which our small businesses which is amazing, because we are absolutely about supporting small businesses.

Both branches are comprehensive but the closet to me is the Tollcross branch which is so close to the Meadows Park, which is perfect on a summer's day, so if you've got any Edinburgh picnic plans, get all your goodies from there first.

Recently, I went into both branches of Real Foods, armed with vouchers, generally provided by the Real Food's team and filmed a reel that shows you exactly the kind of products that would go in my basket for a period friendly local shop.

So what makes shopping local period friendly and what period friendly products did I get?

Shopping local for your products is a great period friendly hack, because as I said, Real Food has over 100 small businesses supplying their products, which means where you may not find certain products, that may even be more cost effective, at bigger stores, you'll find them at a place like Real Foods.

Whether that's products like Mooncup or Natracare, or even the period supporting Women's Energy tea by Yogi Tea, you are spoiled for choice on the products you'll find.

Plus, a period friendly shop like Real Foods is committed to not only working with our companies that our ethical and thus aware of people and planet, it also means that they will only present the very best quality which often makes it limited or free of toxins or chemicals, which is so important when it comes to menstrual wellness.

The goal is to have your products disrupt your cycle and your body the least amount and some of the things bigger brand names found in bigger stores can't guarantee that.

So what did I get?! Well, you can watch the reel here for the full run down:

But let me share my top two picks.

We Love The Planet's "Forever Fresh" deodorant. Free of aluminium, and other harsh chemicals, this natural and plastic free deodorant smells absolutely delicious, can fit easily into your bag in case you need to reapply, and is full of organic essential oils that go a long way to supporting your body instead of disrupting it. I can't wait to put it to the test during my next workout, I'll report my findings.

Then of course, during our periods, we've got to have some tasty snacks, and these Dove Farms wholemeal digestives are an elite snack at that. Gut friendly, made with organic ingredients, high fibre and allergen friendly, including for nut and gluten suffers, these digestives are perfect for those days you need to be in your bed, watching your comfort show and snacking away.

And for the days you do need to stay in bed with your period or you're simply too busy, you can actually order online for delivery. Orders over £49 get free delivery, which is so helpful.

Real Foods is a wonderland for those of us trying to be susty, mindful and support our local business, and I can't wait to hear about what you thought when you visit.

What would you period friendly picks be from your local shop? Or even your period friendly recipes? Let me know!

#period talk #period health #bloody good period #period cramps #menstrual cycle #period problems #menstruation

[mybodyliberation]

AD ft House Of Flint | Size Inclusive Sustainability.

There have been a lot of conversations around size inclusivity and sustainability recently and the truth is that those conversations come to an end pretty quickly because there aren't enough ethical and sustainable companies willing to make their clothing size inclusive.

And for that reason, when brands like House of Flint, come along, its even more important to celebrate and support them.

House of Flint founder, Jess, started the company, "nearly four years ago whilst living in a caravan at the bottom of a veg plot" which has to be one of the coolest ways to start a business that I've ever heard of.

Passionate about creating pieces that are not only size inclusive, House of Flint are part of the limited brands offering custom sizing, but committed to pieces that have long lasting use, and can transition with you through the seasons - perfect if you're looking to build a capsule wardrobe.

Primarily handmade by Jess with some freelance assistance, it's such a wonderful knowing that when you buy from House of Flint, so much effort, passion and thought goes into it.

And the passion extends into ensuring that these pieces are adaptive. House of Flint is for all seasons and all bodies, meaning these pieces are designed to consider accessibility needs. So many brands leave this behind in their designs, but House of Flint provide as many details about the garment in advance, so you have all the information you need to make your decision and their always happy to consider how to make a piece more accessible.

Inspired by Val of @val_and.co I wanted to show the pieces that I'm wearing #styledseated

From detailing the fit, measurements, fabric and colour, to model height, there is so much intentionality that goes into making sure you find what's right for you.

It's also pretty spectacular to see a brand modelling the pieces on a multitude of diverse bodies in order for you to make an more informed decision. In fact on the site, with the ready to buy pieces, you can explore the "fit" section that gives you a clearer idea of how the piece fits on their model and how it might relate to your own body.

For example:

House of Flint also offers several different options that make investing in their pieces more accessible. One of those options is "Preloved". It takes into account that life and circumstances can change and for whatever reason, if you no longer need that House of Flint piece, you can send the item back and receive store credit towards a new piece.

And what's even more brilliant is that the piece will be mended with love and then still go onto be sold to a new customer, meaning that the lifespan of a House of Flint of piece can truly be timeless.

And that's better for the environment and better for our pockets, too.

I mentioned mending, which also another service offered, you can have pieces repaired, again extending the life of your pieces. Truly meaning that when you invest in a House of Flint item, your investing in something that can be with you for as long as you want it.

There's also a subscription option that allows you to pay towards buying pieces, by investing as little as £10. This is a great way to take away the immediate pressure to spend larger sums in one go.

There's also currently a sale on, so be sure to check out the website and this summer invest in a House of Flint piece.

#sustainability #sustainable #ethicallymade #ethicallysourced #ethical fashion #sustainable fashion #inclusive fashion

[mybodyliberation]

Three years ago I made the switch to menstrual cups and I haven't looked back. It's made a massive difference to my period health and I love that for me.

We all deserve to be able to have as comfortable a period as possible and no matter what menstrual products you choose, they should help not hinder your menstruation.

Now I don't necessarily regret using other period products in the past. Honestly, we know what we know, when we know it. But now that I know there's a whole world of options, I'm grateful that the journey I took led me to this destination.

So let me share with you some of the reasons I LOVE menstrual cups.

It's A Money Saver

According to www.wen.org.uk people who menstruate can end up spending over £18,000 on period products in their lifetime. Excuse, me what? That's an annual salary. Do you KNOW the amount of spa days, vacations and bills we could pay with that? Compared to the average menstrual cup retailing at around £23 and lasting up to 5 years? I'll let the math babes, do the maths, but that's savings honey. Put those coins towards something you need and any extra can go towards something you want.

Lower Environmental Impact

Not only to do mainstream period products contain chemicals that should be going nowhere near your vagina, but a lot of these products don't break down, which means they end up on landfills and those same chemicals get soaked up into the earth and mix with our air and and ground water. Big period companies that have been capitalising off of our periods for decades, aren't fussed about creating holistic products for your body or for your planet, and no matter how much of a household name that product is and no matter how much greenwashing they try and do, their agenda is their bottom line. Menstrual cup companies are majority B Corp organisations with commitments to the planet and to people.

They support your vagina.

Did you know that whilst tampons absorb menstrual blood they also absorb any other vaginal fluid? This can lead to PH balance disturbance or the disruption of the healthy bacteria that your vagina actually needs. Cups don't absorb and so they can't actively disrupt your PH. And if you didn't know, the PH balance of your vagina is important because an acidic vaginal environment is protective. It helps create a barrier against harmful bacteria and stops yeast from multiplying too quickly and causing infection.

There are so many more reasons why I love menstrual cups, and I'd love to share. So let me know if you want a part two and in the meantime, tell me why you love menstrual cups?

#menstruation #period #period hacks

[mybodyliberation]

As the years go by and changes occur our bodies follow the same pattern. We experience seasons with them and sometimes there is peace and sometimes we're at odds.

But regardless of the season you're in, finding a way to support your body is a way to also support your emotional, mental, spiritually and emotional health.

So how do you go about figuring out what your body needs?

1.. Assess what's working and what's not.

Maybe the way you have been caring for yourself has been efficiently ticking away without much thought. If you're getting good sleep and drinking enough water then keep going, but if you're feeling like there's aspects that aren't quite connecting that's okay, just take a moment each week to address what it is. Ask yourself why it may no longer be serving you, and reflect on how you can adjust or evolve what you're doing.

2.. Check in with your doctor

This is a complex one, I know. No matter where you are in the world, our medical systems are under more pressure than ever, meaning accessing care is just that much harder and while I appreciate it's tough to find the energy to dive in, please do what you need to, to that. Whether its asking a friend or family member to book an appointment on your behalf or lining up a reward to incentivise challenging yourself. Checking in with your doctor is important because regular blood work and general health check ups on any complaints or with underlying health conditions, allows you to continue to manage yourself the best way you can.

3.. Take note of your body's responses

It's easy to ignore aches and pains or twinges. We're used to "getting on with it" as people, especially since life is so demanding, but ignoring those little tale tell signs can lead to a bigger problem down the road. Instead, whenever you feel a new ache or notice a symptom you haven't experienced before, take a note. Keep a literal written log of any signal your body is sending you.

4.. Accept that what works for someone else, might not work for you.

This is a hard one, especially since thanks to advertising and marketing, we're made to believe that not only does one size fit all, but there should only be one size. That sort of scary supremacist rhetoric is not only inherently harmful but fuels keeping us disconnected from our bodies. So as you explore, leave room for the fact that if something doesn't fit for you, that's okay. There will be things that work for you and your body.

Navigating our bodies needs is so unique and individual. The solidarity and the unity comes in the fact that we are all together in trying to figure out what that is. But your path will lead you to what you need.

Don't be afraid to travel down that path.

[mybodyliberation]

Planning for a periods can be such a pain (no pun intended) and then managing our actual pain? Yeesh, a lot of the time we just stumble through it.

But actually, already having a go-to tool kit for managing your pain in place means you don't have to put too much thought into it. And when the period hits, you can just, boop, let things fall into place.

These are my all-time favourite ways to manage period pain.

My Oovi

A science backed device designed to help provide period pain relief. It's exactly like a tens machine but much more portable and accessible. It means whatever the occasion you know, you can pop this on whenever and have a little bit of relief on the go or at home.

Yuyu Bottle

The bestie of the chronic pain babes. These long hot water bottles provide a level of comfort and practical coverage that traditional hot water bottles just can't provide.

Plus, this eco-friendly and sustainable conscious brand care about their impact on the planet as well as tackling your pain.

Trip

I've been trying Trip for the last month, and it's been a great little addition to my period pain toolbox.

Whilst there isn't enough research that can confirm CBD provides pain relief, there's some promising research on its ability to tackle inflammation and during your period reducing inflammation can be really helpful, especially when you're already dealing with numerous PMS symptoms.

Be You

Be You create science backed and innovative period friendly products, but they also do some so much more.

Their all natural and vegan patches release menthol and eucalyptus molecules over 12 hours to help provide lasting relief. It's also a great alternative to a tens machine at night because while those aren't safe to wear to bed, these patches are!

These are all wonderful products to have in your period pain toolkit, and while it sucks that we need to go through this pain at all, I'm glad there's some things out there that can make our days a little bit easier.

[mybodyliberation]

When I first gave up first fashion three years ago, I never imagined the Pandoras box it would open when it came to my emotional health.

I thought, great, I've reached a point where I truly want to honour the planet and people but the reality was it also made me address the real reasons behind my over consumption in general.

And it was much deeper than I ever could have thought. And whilst all our reasons may be the same, the journey of unpacking can have much solidarity.

So heres some accessible ways to challenge your consumerism as you unpack your own journey.

1. Accept That There's No Perfect Under Capitalism.

Challenge yourself absolutely, but don't punish yourself. True sustainability and ethical practice come from proper governmental policy and legislation. Clever greenwashing will have us believe that either the bare minimum is aquete or that the fault is entirely ours. But this is a nuanced conversation and about collective intentions.

2. Learn Your Triggers.

Understanding our triggers helps us in multiple areas and one of those can be in how you consume. Triggers and the inability to regulate them meant that compulsive buys under a "treat yoself" mindset kept me in an endless loop.

3. Mental Health Support

And that's leads us to one of those most important points, get mental health support. If consumption is tied to trauma, then uncoupling will take time, and ultimately, if it's accessible, having support to guide you through this will make the journey more sustainable.

4. Wait, do I need this?

One of the earliest questions I asked myself was, "Do I need this?" Oftentimes, I didn't. It seems super simple, but in the heat of the moment with compulsive consumption behaviour, it's hard to ask this question. But with practice, you can gently call yourself into consciousness when making purchases.

This takes time. Challenging ourselves, breaking patterns and habits, doesn't happen overnight, so give yourself grace and compassion but do keep going.

It's worth it.

#blogger #psblogger #sustainability #sustainable #sustainable products #ethicalmanufacturing #consumption

[mybodyliberation]

Body Image Struggles Are Normal...

But there needs to be better policy and regulation.

It's easy for the media to pin our body image struggles on us. To make it seem as if we're the ones creating these problems in our minds, but the truth is body image and our struggles is also inherently connected to the lack of policy and regulation that exists.

According to a survey done in 2019 by YouGov, body image issues are in no way in the decline. 1 in 5 of us are still having fundamental struggles that is adversely affecting our mental health. These statistics are so scary, it tells us that we oversaturated with messaging and images produced to keep us in a toxic aspirational cycle of discontent with ourselves and our circumstances.

So no, how you feel isn't your fault. The responsibility doesn't just lie with you. The responsibility lies with proper regulation and policy that starts from the top and that's what we should be fighting for instead of losing time fighting ourselves and our bodies.

So what should we be expecting from the media, and I when I say media, I mean from social media companies to publications to television and film networks.

We need them to pledge that they will have safe, realistic and intentional practices when it comes to how body image and bodies are portrayed

An establishment of proper regulatory bodies that work to ensure there is a standard in media and advertising and in the content we're consuming

Clearer actionable steps to be able to combat bullying and harassment online

On social media, the proper regulation of algorithms and how they promote content to the users

Training in schools and with practitioners in order to be able to communicate, encourage and safeguard young people as they learn what content is and how to consume it safely

There are so many other steps that we can take and we should be taking to ensure that in our lifetime we can know peace with our bodies.

It is achievable. It is possible. And its what we deserve.

#effyourbeautystandards #blogger #curve #body image #body shape #body neutrality #body acceptance #bodypositivity #psblogger #self esteem

[mybodyliberation]

Asan Menstrual Cup Review

If you love all things period that you know there's a very special feeling you get when getting to unbox a brand new cup for the first time. There's a thrill, there's definitely excitement and of course there's the customary "new menstrual cup" dance.

Think Chandler Bing, and you've got an accurate picture.

But seriously, I was very grateful to the Asan team for sending me their menstrual cup to try and I was so excited to review it. You can read more about Asan and their mission here:

And I love that their mission is to fight period poverty. At this point in humanity, period poverty should NOT exist. Access to the support and care you need through menstruation is a basic human right, and I love that Asan is fighting the good fight for that.

So to the cup itself, ya'll know I love colour and so I was instantly drawn to how colourful Asan is as a brand. There's so much colour from the packaging right down to the cup itself which is a gorgeous shade of red.

And to be honest that is genius. If you love having a sustainable period, but you've always been a bit squeamish about the blood part, the Asan cup may be for you. Against the colour of the cup itself, your period blood doesn't seem quite some prominent as with a traditional clear coloured cup.

The cup comes in two sizes, one for a light to medium flow, and one for a heavy. Obviously, you know your girl is the latter, so that's what I trialled. It was a little bit bigger than the cups I'm used to, so at first insertion felt a bit intimidating, but actually, now I'm like how did I live without this??

#periods #period #period positivity #period problems #menstruation #menstrual #menstrual health

[mybodyliberation]

5 Ways To Improve Sleep During Your Period 🩸

#periodhealth periodhacks periodhelp periodstories periodsbelike periodtracking cycletracking sleephealth sleephygiene

[mybodyliberation]

5 Ideas For Reducing Stress During Your Period🩸

I know, I know, easier said than done. But try these👇🏾

💤 Get 7-8 hours of sleep.

🍛 Eat something nourishing.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Stretch.

🎧 Do something that relaxes you.

📱Reduce screen time.

[ID: An edited colourful graphic. There is text. This is written in caption. The next series of graphics are colourful images. These are listed in the caption.]

#periodhealth periodhacks periodhelp periodstories periodsbelike periodtracking cycletracking sleephealth sleephygiene

[mybodyliberation]

The Year Of Exceeding The Story You Have Of Yourself.

Because you are beyond a narrative.

At the start of 2023, Janelle Monae posted a screenshot of a text conversation that affirmed and summarised thoughts I had been having since the beginning of December 2023.

It said,

"In this new year I want to give you permission to exceed the story you have of yourself. To continually outgrow the imagination you have of yourself."

I felt that in my bones because in the last two years that's exactly what has been happening in my life.

In 2021, there was a shift for me. Pains, hurts, traumas that I had spent a lifetime grasping onto began taking on a different shape. Rather than dense, heavy, and thick in my hands, they began to liquify and slip away.

Sure, there are days when take up space, but there are more days when I am able to fill myself up with the things that replenish my body, soul, and mind.

Releasing your traumas as a personality trait is really something.

The journey is also wild. Not cute, not fun, but genuine hard work. And now to be in a season where I'm believing to reap in the fruits of my labour??

So incredible.

I used to repeat the affirmation that I was more capable than I knew, but now I know that is genuinely true.

The boxes I built for myself, the boxes built by others, I don't have to remain in those. I can be free to explore, to try, to fail, to succeed, to cry, to rejoice, to grieve, to heal...

When I sit in my prayer and meditation time I genuinely thank God for getting to live it all and feel it all, good, inevitably some bad, and everything in between...

[mybodyliberation]

Over 18 Months Of Slower Fashion Consumption

The time has flown in since the summer of 2020. The world has been through it. You have been through it. I have been through it, and we're doing our best to press on.

Let me preface this post by saying that I am still doing my own learning and unlearning. And there are MANY incredible environmental activists, advocates and educators that you should be doing your learning from.

But I want you to know, my decisions and realisations don't need to be yours. My choices, my thoughts, my rhetoric, don't have to be yours and you'll find no condemnation if we don't align, but this is what I have come to terms with for me.

Phew, wow, serious. I hardly do serious blog posts, but I guess we're going there, so lets strap ourselves in.

As a Black woman, summer 2020 was tumultuous in so many ways, but it was also a time of learning and for the first time as an adult I found myself face to face with the realities of fast fashion and no longer able to shelve it.

As a fat person, though smaller, I'd often been frustrated by the idea that fat people are meant to be equally responsible for the plight of fast fashion when we barely have enough places to buy from. There is an absolute and undeniable truth in this, because even sustainable fashion is often excluding and inaccessible, but honestly during that summer it finally occurred to me to ask myself...

Why are you focusing on access to fashion instead of asking yourself if you're overconsuming?

My conscious self and unconscious self were suddenly pursing lips and side eye-ing each other.

It was time to sit down and really get real with myself.

What was the answer to the question?

Do/did I, in all honesty, overconsume?

Yes.

And to a degree, we all do, even the most ethical, eco friendly, sustainable jedi masters, can over consume because we live in a world that has been so structured to centre consumption and capitalism, inevitably we all, at some point, end up tied in with that.

I know that sounds super bleak, but change is still possible.

Coming together as a community to make radical social and environmental change is possible for our and the next generations, but it involves some decentring and it self reflection.

Which brings me back to the self reflection I've been doing and the discoveries that I made as to why I was overconsuming when it came to fashion and the smol, smol, changes I've made to address that.

. Financial insecurity

If you have ever lived through financial, social, housing and food insecurity and have in some ways carved out a little stability for yourself than you will know the fear of losing some of that stability as well as often over compensating for past experiences where you held no control.

Not always have access to the basic and essential needs we have as children, young people and adults can help drive us into cycles in which we consume in a panicked and not always rational way.

I can say hand on heart that there were fashion buys founded in impulse, hoarding, fear, uncertainty and rainy day vibes. But as I unpack the insecurity and instability trauma I experienced, I now recognise that I am safe enough not to turn to my trauma to inform the decisions I make now.

And that includes fashion and buying clothes. So now before I buy ANY new item I ask myself "do you actually need it", and then I ask, where will you source this and does it need to be brand new?

These small questions have led to big changes and yes there is absolutely an element of privilege involved in being able to ask ourselves those questions, but if you can, do.

. Self Expression

Fashion and style is absolutely a vehicle for self expression and we should all be able to do this with joy and freedom, but in all honesty I never had a defined sense of what my self expression was.

I had periods of it being linked to body positivity and what I "thought" I should be able to wear. Periods of being confused, minimal, colourful, emo (high teen Michelle) and just...all over the shop.

And now as 30 something year old woman I realise I have absolutely no clue what my style is but I don't need to overconsume to find it.

I don't need to have every new trendy item off of the "in" online retailer. And I cant use the exploration of self expression as a excuse to buy and buy with absolutely no end in sight.

So now when styling or trying to express myself I ask myself, what do I already own that brings me joy, what t-shirt or dress brings back memories that fill me up emotionally, whether its that John Mayer concert T or one of the dresses I wore on my first handful of dates with my Husband. There are things you own that already know and love you - they deserve your attention.

. Racism

Ya'll the hard truth is that fast (and sometimes slow) fashion is holds intense racism in its roots.

When its people of colour who endanger themselves, who work themselves sick for what you pay for a cup of coffee, are unable to unionise and advocate for themselves, how can we ignore this?

Garment workers are labouring in unfair and unethical work environments for the sake of some new trend? Some new style? And we want to keep turning away from them like they're not real living, breathing, crying, laughing, dreaming humans?

We can't.

So another thing I do ask myself, if I make this purchase can I track it. Does this brand disclose their supply chain, if thats what they use, or can they name their garment workers. And are they being paid fairly and treated ethically. If I can answer those questions then I save my money until I can find an option where they do.

Yes this isn't always possible, yes this is very nuanced, but all we can do is try our very best to keep thinking, who is on the other end of the decision I'm about to make.

. Finances

My finances have been affected and it would be to simple to its been for better or worse. It just has.

Sometimes I save, sometimes I don't. Sometimes according to my financial position something is affordable and sometimes its absolutely not.

Affordability is different for all of us and while I don't carry massive privilege in that degree I have to acknowledge I have some. As we all do, in varying degrees.

In terms of my finances I've committed to saving towards something. If I see an item in my wardrobe needs replacing and I have done all means of trying to mend, alter, tailor, then I will save towards find an option that will have some greater longevity OR if I need it with some more immediacy and don't have the time to save, I'll find a second hand option that is reasonably affordable and sturdy.

So here we are, "AT ENNNDDD OFFF THEEEE ROAADDDD" (now she starts making jokes again), and I'm proud of the journey I've been on and while it hasn't been all rainbows and bad jokes, it has been...

And will continue to be.

#fast fashion #fashion #overconsumption #slow fashion #ethical fashion #blogger #growth #sustainability #ecofriendly #sustainable fashion #blackblogger

[mybodyliberation]

Girlfriend Collective Review | An Ethical And Sustainable Thirst Trap.

It's safe to say that from the title, you'll have guessed...I'm a fan.

I've been waiting to get my hands on a Girlfriend Collective set for quite some time. I'm talking over a year. So I am happy to report I am finally the proud owner of the Classic Paloma Racerback Bra and Compressive High Rise Leggings in Geranium.

I waited patiently. Lurking depop, ebay and the sales. Diligently and with great resolve, determined to invest in some sportswear that I knew would serve me for many workouts to come and then have a chance to be recycled after the fact with REGirlfriend.

So then, there I was, walking through John Lewis, about to walk to the exit, when I turn my head to the left and I see it.

The Girlfriend Collective display, with a rail that said 30% OFF. Even though I was double masked, I could be heard saying "THE TIME HAS COME".

And it has. It was a gift from heaven just for me. A full set, in my size, in a cute colour.

So lets talk a bit about the company. An ethical and sustainable brand, Girlfriend supplies everything from sportswear into intimates and loungewear, with an emphasis on using recycled materials, ensuring fair and ethical work practice policy and expanding sizing (they currently go to 6XL). Read more about them in their own words here: https://girlfriend.com/pages/about

The longline bra has full coverage and no padding and works for workouts as well as just a super cute crop top to be honest. I love that it actually provides support without being to constricting. Its got 21% spandex which means there is some stretch to it and does say to go true to size, but if you do have a smaller bust, I think theres room to size down.

Those with bigger busts and bigger sizing, I think its worth looking out for the Topanga (looks into the distance to think of Boy Meets World quotes) which has adujustable straps or the Dylan tank bra which is a high neck and allows for more coverage. I'll link both below.

. https://girlfriend.com/products/black-topanga-halter-bra

. https://girlfriend.com/products/black-dylan-tank-bra

Now to the leggings. These the high rise...ya'll...are we still doing low rises? Anyway, these leggings are extra high rise and you don't have to worry about them rolling down. They are perfect for lounging or working out and I would say that the sizing is true to size, so go for your regular sizing.

Both the leggings and bra are *chefs kiss* when it comes to stretch for movement but also feel. They're very soft and I think wouldn't pose too many sensory issues. I've also taken some images of me sitting down to show what they would potentially look like. As I said the leggings are high rise which means there's no gapping at the back when you sit nor any issues with the band rolling down over my belly. This goes to same with the band of the bra, I didn't need to readjust anything.

I'm wearing a large in both pieces and the measurements for these can be found on the website, but I'll link it here: https://girlfriend.com/pages/sizing

Overall this is one of the first sportswear sets that I've ever really felt like a hottie with bawdy, and so I plan to absolutely be doing my joyful movement joyfully rejoicing in the fact that this set is fantastic investment that supports people and the planet.

John Lewis are still having a sale on Girlfriend pieces during the New Year, and they still have some pieces from xs to 6xl so get on it while you can save some coin or invest in one piece at a time because its worth it.

[mybodyliberation]

AD I Paid Partnership - Molke Is Bra Bae.

Would it be too dramatic to say burn all bras? EXCEPT for Molke bras?

Yeah I'm going to say its not too dramatic, I think its just the right amount of drama or should I say Molke have officially made bras drama free for me, and they could for you.

I've always had a hate hate relationship with bras. In general right from the start I couldn't stand them. Wired or non wired. Straps or strapless. And I don't even have a particularly large bust.

So a moment of silence for our babes with larger busts having to navigate the world of lingerie and bras.

I was in bras pretty early and I really struggled to find them comfortable and believe me I have been fitted professionally several times.

I have way too many traumatic memories of being stood with friends or my sisters in badly lit, boudoir furnished, tiny cubicles as a sales assistants struggle to tuck my, quite frankly beloved, tatas into torture contraption after torture contraption.

Bras are so inconsistent and too general to be able to properly support and comfort and understand the multitude of breasts and chests that exist in this world.

And to be honest I'd all but given up on bras, happily living in lovely sports bras, apart from the odd occasion where I'd have to don an itchy traditional bra to get through some important occasion or audition.

But then...in strode Molke. A Scotland based, inclusive, ethical and sustainable company created by two powerhouse babes and they've quite frankly stolen my heart.

They have everything from underwear to swimwear and loungewear/active wear and I am so excited to tell you about my experience with their racerback bralettes because as I said, I'm a sportsbra vibe kinda girl!

First bit of excellent news about these racerback bralettes? They go up to a 4XL which is a size 30-32 which we LOVE! They come into two styles, the "Mighty" and the "Epic" both super cute, both wildly comfortable but the difference being the Epic overs more coverage and the Mighty gives you the chance to showcase a lil somethin' somethin'.

Retailing at a reasonable £28 pounds, remember that not only are their employees paid a living wage, with some of the faster fashion brands you could end up paying double that for a bralette that isn't designed with proper sizing in mind.

Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton jersey these are softer than soft, providing comfort, coverage if you want it, support but also no fuss.

Depending on the design you choose not only can you wear this comfortably, you can think about how you would style it too. Yes summer may be over but that doesn't mean you can't still rock a cute bralette with an outfit.

As you can see I will definitely be styling my bralettes for the rest of the year as well as wearing them for everyday comfort. I'm wearing a Large in both styles and one of the things I instantly loved was that the elastic wasn't too tight.

When the Molke team were sending me the PR products for review I asked to be surprised in terms of design and they clearly know my personality because they sent over the Uni-Verse design. Floating unicorns within the expanse of the galaxy? Yeah my nerdy sci-fi self just said a big, YES!

As someone with a smaller bust, I definitely the benefit of flexibility when it comes to styles, but I really do believe that these offer support and comfort to those with bigger busts too!

Plus on the website they truthfully tell you where this product is made and what they're doing to ensure that ethical practices are adhered to!

Remember that Molke do more than just racerback bralettes. They have a range of other items including their Original Molke bras which is a more traditional bra design and also provides greater support, the same you would find as with a regular bra. So if you're searching for something to take the place of the bras you've got, look no further than the original Molke bra styles!

AND if you're looking for a business to support this Christmas when shopping for your own #treatyoself present then look no further than Molke.

And as an Edinburgh based creator, I'm so proud of being able to support this Scottish business going out of their way to be inclusive, genuinely centre their customers and pioneering underwear that actually represents what we want!

So thank you to Molke for releasing me from any bra related drama for the rest of my days. I'm a Molke girl now!

P.s. Molke is also going to be launching their brand new period pants and they sent me a pair to be able to share with ya'll! So look out later this month, after I've had a chance to try them myself, I will absolutely be sharing my thoughts!

[mybodyliberation]

You Are Capable

It's wild to think about the fact that we can say we are living in a pandem*c. This is a piece of history that the generations to come will learn about. Your younger family or community members will ask you were you were, what you did, how you got through it.

And you'll reminisce and say..."it wasn't easy" because that's the truth. The last 18 months have been like a novel.

We've journeyed through every emotion possible. We've tried to see the humour and the good. We've come to a grinding stop. We've faced things in ourselves that are hard to accept and we've extended grace.

You have gone through all of it. Loss, joy, pain, triumph, fear, contentment, understanding, courage.

And yet...how can we think we're not capable?

How can we even stand to listen to that voice in our heads that tells us we can't do it or that we're not good enough.

Is that voice for real?

Does it understand what you have endured. How much you have grown? The things you have sacrificed, the love you have given, the wisdom you have gained.

My goodness...that voice is underestimating you and then you are underestimating yourself.

The day to day is a feat and you are battling through it. You are making it through and yet we are seriously telling ourselves we're not capable?

You are capable of unimaginable things because you have just gone through the unimaginable and you are still here. You are still working, loving, growing, thriving...

The seasons change around you and yet here you are. Right here, right now.

And so you can tell that voice or that person or that thing that is making you doubt yourself, HEY, LISTEN, do you know who you are dealing with? Do you know?

You don't because if you did, you wouldn't dare to try me.

So I hope you say it today, I hope you affirm it...

You ARE capable.

#you are enough #growth #blogger #black blogger #black writer #black creatives #you can do this #you can do anything #you are capable #courage #strentgh

[mybodyliberation]

More Than A Body

Sometimes, I find focusing on my body exhausting.

Yep.

I said it.

And I know what you're thinking. Well that's not very body positive, but the thing is, in this social media fuelled world, how are we not meant to not have burnout when it comes to our bodies, when the focus is always on our bodies?

How can we expect to be fixated on our bodies and other bodies, scrutinising every aspect and angle and bump and curve, 24 hours a day and not get sick of it?

There's always some comment, some thought whether good or bad, the focus is there on the body.

This week I loved that Jonah Hill took steps on his IG to let people know, hey you don't need to say anything! You don't need to comment. In the most peaceful way he too said, IM TIRED.

I made a post recently about choosing to not comment on someone's body: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSw1Q7LobYF/?utm_medium=copy_link

We are constantly commenting on our bodies or others whether with reflection or celebration and that can be wonderful, positive but it can also be harmful. Because shouldn't one of the aims to be to go beyond the body. To see someone as a whole person, not the physical presented before you!

Add a chronic illness like endometriosis to the mix and the awareness around my body is constant and that's tiring because...

We are more than our bodies. We are more than looking and learning to love the stretch marks, and I'm not saying that isn't important.

But we are more than finally wearing that bikini and that doesn't negate the triumph of that...

But now more than ever my body isn't the only thing I want to celebrate or focus on.

As Walt said, we contain multitudes.

And some of that doesn't exist in relation to our bodies; which is massive for someone like me, who does believe in body acceptance, to say, but that is the truth.

Because the acceptance isn't just about your external body.

It's about your mind, your soul and your spirit and your heart.

There is so much happening there and there is so much you're navigating in life in which your body blessedly carries you through but is not the one leading you through.

There is more, you are more and so I guess that's all I wanted to say today.

Just in case no one reminds you, just in case you're tired of people focusing on your body and its size and its shape and your height and anything else...you are more than all of that.

You are a multitude and that is so amazing.

#body acceptance #bopobabe #body neutrality #self acceptance #kat shares stuff #recovery #self worth #positivity #growth #inner growth #inner strength #it gets intense