Are there any heroes left in the modern age of dating? In this modern age of dating, something very interesting can be observed: the simultaneous celebration of both intentional abstinence and sexual exploration. This duality represents not a contradiction in how we are approaching our love lives, but instead an evolution in how individuals claim agency over their sex lives, making narratives that transcend traditional, … Continue reading Holding out For a Hero
‘Why don’t you just wash your face?’. As someone who has personally struggled with acne, this has to be the worst of a bad bunch of comments you might throw at somewhere who has tried every product, antibiotic, and pimple patch under the sun. Some seem to be uneducated about the harmful opinions regarding skin and appearance. However, there is also an influx of understanding … Continue reading Patches in Public
Right now, we are witnessing a new way of perceiving art, one of scepticism and constant critique. Our eyes are drawn to subtle discrepancies and potential mistakes to prove that the art was not made with human hands but rather generated by artificial intelligence. The negative term “AI Art” can be applied to many fields, the most common types we associate it with are pictures … Continue reading Canvas to Code: Are We Experiencing a New Era of Art?
As someone who has been lucky enough to do a fair amount of travelling in the twenty-three years I have been on this planet, I am pleased to recount that the experience has been delightful. A fan of slow travel, I have been used to the odd missed connection here or delayed train there. I usually find it within myself to let it all wash … Continue reading A Troublesome Trip
My first solo trip by plane fell short of the travel ads. I blame the false sense of security that my airport experience fabricated. I had no issues with trains (for once!), crossed the security border without being drug-tested and arrived at my seat with maximum time to spare and scheduled departure on time. So, I relaxed and allowed my thoughts to finally drift to … Continue reading Travel Trips & Troubles
Speaking as the girl who’s worn both hats, the singleton and the practically married-ton; Valentine’s Day for me is a day where every relationship is worth celebrating, romantic or platonic. Whether it’s buying your housemates a funny card, having a cocktail night with your girls or sharing a romantic meal for two; Cupid’s holiday should never be exclusive to couples. Continue reading Gal or Val?
Never forget where you’re coming from! The Welsh certainly don’t. Take That returned to Swansea once again in 2024, where they had one of their first Welsh concerts all those years ago. Take That’s return to Swansea wasn’t just another stop on their tour- it was a powerful nod to the places that shaped their rise to stardom. Back in the ’90s, cities like Swansea … Continue reading Looking back: Our Favourite Concerts of 2024 in Wales
Journey to Bali, Indonesia I found myself in Bali. A phrase I’ve repeated over and over, and only sometimes in jest. Since this life-changing experience my friends and boyfriend often tell me to shut up when I bring it up. It’s also a question I get asked all the time. Did you find yourself in Bali? Truth: Yes. Initially Bali hadn’t been my first-choice travel destination. I … Continue reading I Found Myself in Bali
Brat by Charli XCX There are pop culture moments that shape each year, and it would be hard to sum up 2024’s legacy without one word: Brat. Charli XCX’s monumentally successful sixth studio album defined some of the most iconic social media trends, club nights, and memories of the past year. Von Dutch and 360 are an instant confidence boost and were the first singles … Continue reading 2024 Wrapped: The Best Albums of 2024
Who doesn’t know someone with a fridge full of magnets from places they’ve visited? Many of us have a special something we like to bring home—postcards, trinkets, bracelets, or even photos. But travel traditions aren’t always material. They can also be experiences like trying local food, exploring markets, or taking the same photo pose at every destination. These rituals connect one journey to the next, … Continue reading Threads of Tradition: Connecting Journeys and Memories
Every travel destination and experience is incredibly memorable and important to me regardless of when, where or who I went with. My family holidays to Cornwall or Greece mean just as much to me as city breaks to Dublin or London and girls’ holidays to Spain, though I find the trips where I go solo end up being the most challenging and therefore, the most rewarding. After spending the summer of 2023 working at … Continue reading Teaching, Tasting and Touring Europe
This year, on the second of September, I joined my partner and her parents on their holiday to Tunisia. I’ll let you in on two of my favourite memories. One isn’t of the holiday itself, but actually from the journey in travelling there. I have a fond memory of the time spent during the delay of the flight that I often revisit with affection. It was no more than a few hours but those of you who have flown before will understand the pain and boredom of prolonged sitting on airport seats all too well.My partner and … Continue reading Memories made in Tunisia
When I get asked what my most memorable travel experience was, there is no doubt that I tell the same story every time. So, grab your popcorn and find a comfy seat as I tell you all about the time I got stranded on an island. It all started when my dad had planned a birthday trip to Lombok, Indonesia for my mom’s 40th birthday. … Continue reading Stranded in the Ashes
‘This is a story that belongs to Butetown.’ – Nadifa Mohamed, Acknowledgement to The Fortune Men. I get a rare moment of pride when I read a novel set in Cardiff. Normally, I prefer to use fiction as an escape into countries I’ve never been to and cultures I’ve never experienced; stories set in harsh Siberian winters, or the drab Midwestern suburban counties of America. But … Continue reading Under All the Pretty Lights: A Trip to Cardiff Bay to Trace the History of Nadifa Mohamed’s The Fortune Men
Music is such a big part of Welsh life. Singing at the rugby, school assemblies, anywhere we get the chance. For those of us with remarkable talent, though, there isn’t always the outlet to get further in the music industry. The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to change this across the UK and allow young people the opportunities and industry links to turn their passion into success. … Continue reading The Ed Sheeran Foundation Visits Cardiff- The Importance of Funding the Arts in our Communities.
Dynamic pricing, outrageous costs and an increasing monopoly: Ticketmaster’s users cry out evermore for the company to relent on the underdog. The past year has seen the promotion of many hit tours: Oasis’ reunion concerts, Swift’s Eras Tour and the emergent Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet shows. Alongside the excitement and anticipation amongst fans for these gigs, frustration and disappointment has become a common theme … Continue reading The War on Ticketmaster, Prices and Venues – Are Gigs becoming more inaccessible?
After months of campaigning, America has elected its 47th president and with it, many women have turned to the feminist movement, 4B. When I first heard of the 4B movement, I felt hopeless and fed up with dating. Not that I went on many dates to begin with, but the ones I had were uneventful and left a bitter taste in my mouth. Too many … Continue reading “Your Body, My Choice” Why Women Are Turning to the 4B Movement
Last summer, when I went to Italy with my sisters, I unintentionally started a little tradition: collecting keychains from every place I visited. It started in Verona, where I picked two keychains shaped like keys, one for me and, of course, one for my mum. Then, in Lake Garda, I found a beautiful golden one with engravings of the lake, and at our final stop in Venice, a Venetian … Continue reading One Keychain at a Time
Politics is everywhere, its branches reach out into every aspect of our lives, and it is impossible to think your love life is an exception. As we get older, we feel the effects of politics more and more, from increasing taxes, to the benefits of free healthcare, to being grateful to live in a nation where free speech is welcomed and encouraged. In the privacy … Continue reading The Apolitical Lover
Ever since I can remember, I have been super fortunate to travel the world. From city breaks to relaxing on a white sandy beach to exploring the USA. As a Starbucks enthusiast, a tradition of mine, in every place I travel to, is to visit a Starbucks, order an iced latte and purchase one of their location mugs as a precious keepsake. It is so important to me … Continue reading Mementos
