Why I'm Sick Of Rules For Women

So I saw this today about women preventing rape and my brain exploded with rage.  I am so sick of women being blamed for their rapes, not being believed, treated abominably in Court by defence barristers and most of all, the rules that we are apparently supposed to follow in order to avoid being raped.

The thing is, these rules seem to change by the day and completely contradict each other.  Examples:

1. Wear nail polish and stick our fingers in drinks to make sure we don't get spiked.
2. Wear chastity belts, oh no sorry they are calling them anti rape underwear.
3. Don't wear "provocative clothing". Leave something to the imagination they tell us.  What do you think we have hiding under our clothes, the bridge to Terabithia?
4. Don't wear headphones in public. 
5. Walk in pairs (if you don't have a friend handy, grab the hand of the nearest woman)
6. Don't get drunk, even in your own home.

However, 

1. Talk back to the fella following you on the street. Poor fella just wants a date, why are you being so rude?
2. Say thanks when a man catcalls you.  He probably spent at least a second thinking up such an original compliment as "Hey sugar tits".  Be grateful!
3. Don't walk down the street with your keys in your fingers. Don't you trust us? Not all men!
4. Do have a relationship with a guy friend because he fancies you. He put kindness coins in after all! He's a nice guy, you're not allowed a type!

No sweetie, he isn't dangerous, he is wearing face fashion!

Most importantly, do not under any circumstrances suggest that rapists are the ones responsible for rape because you will then drown in a sea of "not all men"! This also completely ignores that men get raped too.

Have I got it all?  Because I am sick of women being blamed for crimes committed against them.  

Space-Saving Tips For The Home

There are lots of ways in which anyone can save space inside their homes and make the property seem larger than it is in reality. Indeed, there are even some tricks of the light people can use to achieve that goal, and there are some excellent tips listed on this page. Anyone who lives in a small flat or apartment will benefit from putting some of these ideas into action. When all’s said and done, most people like the minimalist theme these days, but that’s almost impossible to achieve in a small space when there is lots of furniture. Well, it was virtually impossible, until now…

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Invest in a retractable table

Most people like the idea of eating their meals at a dining table. Of course, the issue in small homes is that there isn’t always enough room. Thankfully, there are many extending dining table sets available on the market today that will retract when they’re not in use. It’s sensible for everyone in a small property to use products of that nature to ensure they don’t waste lots of space. Also, it’s wise to shop around because some retailers offer better prices than others, and sometimes it’s possible to get some fantastic deals using online auction websites like eBay.

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Look for furniture that contains hidden storage

There are lots of furniture items available that include hidden storage space at the moment. It’s also possible to use the DIY method to build something of that nature. That is fantastic for people who reside in houses smaller than most because the products allow them to ensure the place always looks tidy. Some of the most attractive furniture that contains hidden storage includes:

• Beds
• Sofas
• Coffee tables

So, ladies just need to search online and visit their local home stores to assess the market and work out which items will provide the most benefits to them.

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Hang mirrors in strategic positions

While this idea doesn’t technically save space, hanging mirrors around the home will create that optical illusion. The process should also ensure the property makes the best use of natural light possible. So, that could mean readers don’t have to turn their electric lights on until much later in the day than they otherwise would have done. Just place on mirror opposite a window at a slight angle. That should be enough to ensure the light reflects and shines towards a different area of the room. Then, hang another mirror in that area and repeat the process.

With a bit of luck, people who manage to implement the tips from this article will save a lot of space at home and ensure the house appears as tidy and well-kept as possible. Those who choose to use the last suggestion will also make their property appear larger to guests, and that’s always a bonus. Anyone who wants to learn more and discover different ideas just needs to continue their research online. However, to be fair, this post covers all the techniques that tend to work well across the board. So, now all readers have to do is create a plan and put it into action as soon as possible.

Taking The Time to Take Care Of Your Mind

A few years ago it was my good friend Shona's birthday and she wanted to go to a spa for the day and stay over at night.  As it was her 30th birthday, I could not say no, but I was dreading it. 

The whole process and (to be honest), the thought of walking around wearing a swimsuit, did not appeal at all.  I bought a swim dress which eased my nerves a lot and steeled myself for what was ahead.  I cared so much about what other people thought back then.  I worried that it would ruin the day for me.

It turned out to be a revelation.  By the end of a day of relaxing, laying back in the jacuzzi, steam rooms and swimming a few lengths in the pool, my mind was calmer and clearer than it had been for a long time.

Fast forward a few years and I am now a member of my local thermal spa.  I started by going a few times with my friend and then one day, I decided to go it alone for the first time.  This was a huge thing for me, but my mind became so clear and calm every time I went to the spa, that I knew that I needed to try.

Each step that I accomplished sounds so small, but for me, it was a huge leap.  Going on my own in the first place, sitting on my own in the jacuzzi, getting a cocktail, having a meal midday.  The first few times were hard, but the calmness in my mind that followed was worth every step.

Do you like my new swimsuit?  It is the first swimsuit that I have worn in 15 years. Probably more. I have finally gotten to a place in my life where I accept my anxiety issues and am in a better place in my confidence that I have ever been.

Previously on this blog I have posted many photographs of myself.  My dresses that I wear 24/7 do not hide the fact that I am fat, but have always been flattering, cut to diminish size sometimes and whilst always honest, have never left me feeling completely exposed.

Today, here I am.  I have a belly, I have wobbly thighs.  This is me.  Exposed.

I own my body, in every form that it takes.  My legs are thinner than they used to be due to walking my puppa, but do I care if my body does not change further? No.

My body is my own and I accept it whether I remain the size I am now forever, or lose weight.  My weight is unimportant to me.  My self worth, my self confidence and my happiness mean everything.  I am happy.

Now I can sit alone and not feel exposed.  I can sit and have a meal or a drink and not wonder if people are staring at me.  All I care about is that I can go to a place where I can put my feet on the side of the pool and float, looking at the stars in the ceiling above and reach calm.  Wipe my anxiety filled head and feel like me again.

This is a massive step for me, showing myself so exposed on this blog; and it makes me happier than you will ever know.

Last shot of the puppa who wanted to be involved in the photographs today and for someone so cute, who was I to deny him?

*This swimsuit was gifted to me by UK Swimwear but all opinions are my own