Author: Contributing Writer

Culture

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

In a time where independence often dominates conversations, women are increasingly reclaiming traditionally ‘girly’ activities – sleepovers, brunches, cosy nights in – as essential rituals of connection and self-expression. Far from being silly and idle, these gatherings serve as powerful spaces for women to unwind, connect and embrace femininity in its many forms. From doing each other’s hair, dressing up for drinks, to chatting late … Continue reading Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Contributing Writer
Film & TV

Tradition Goes Up Against The Modern Era: How Binge Culture and Streaming Platforms Have Changed How We Watch Television

Watching TV in the modern era has shifted with the rise of binge culture and streaming platforms, therefore affecting how we consume TV and the traditional values it contributes to British homes. This has contributed to dying cinema and a changing TV landscape as, for most of the younger generations, the idea of bingeing a new series all in one go is far more exciting … Continue reading Tradition Goes Up Against The Modern Era: How Binge Culture and Streaming Platforms Have Changed How We Watch Television

Contributing Writer
Culture

That’ll Be The Day: So this is Christmas Review

I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to watch That’ll Be The Day: Christmas Special. The show itself has been running since 1986 and has only grown in popularity since. The performance takes you on a journey through the mid-20th century with famous Christmas songs from several iconic eras. Oddly enough I had no prior knowledge of the show before, and I decided that it would best to … Continue reading That’ll Be The Day: So this is Christmas Review

Contributing Writer
Travel

Sunscreen, Selfies, and Sponsorships 

I can’t lie, there have been plenty of times I’ve found myself scrolling through Instagram, envious of all the travel photos I see. I find myself wishing that I could be sponsored by some big shot company and sent abroad to experience new cultures and new places to share with my very small following. That’s the beauty of digital marketing; it sparks emotion in an … Continue reading Sunscreen, Selfies, and Sponsorships 

Contributing Writer
Credit- Olivia Nilsen
Interview, Live Reviews, Music

Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Breakthrough ‘brat punk’ sensation Delilah Bon is someone you should keep your eye on – especially if you’re a metal head!  Infusing bratty riot grrrl punk with lyrical hip-hop and hard-hitting nu-metal, Delilah Bon’s distinct musical style generates fierce anthems that will give you the freedom to be angry and loud. Her music explores important political and societal issues, honing in particularly on women’s rights … Continue reading Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Contributing Writer
Literature

Remembering Tradition Through Classical Literature

Classical literature serves as a bridge between past and present, offering timeless wisdom, trends and narratives. But what makes these classics relevant to the contemporary era, and what defines a book as classic?  For me, the beauty of classics lies in their invocation of originality and inspiration. While narratives and traits are often inspired by pre-existing works in contemporary literature, classics serve as fundamental blueprints. … Continue reading Remembering Tradition Through Classical Literature

Contributing Writer
Food

Culinary Heritage: Recipes That Have Been Passed Down Through Your Culture.

Food is a central aspect of every culture, yet it remains one of the most underrepresented areas in the culinary world today. Here are a few recipes that celebrate diverse cuisines and will awaken your palate. My Mother’s Lazy Nasi Lemak   I was born in Malaysia and came here to the UK when I was 6 years old. Growing up, I had always wondered what … Continue reading Culinary Heritage: Recipes That Have Been Passed Down Through Your Culture.

Contributing Writer
Culture

Parasocial Relationships: Helpful or Harmful?

In recent years, an overconsumption of media, mainly among younger generations has led to a rise in parasocial relationships. In these unrequited and one-sided relationships, members of the public obsess over influencers and celebrities, who are clueless about their followers’ existence. These relationships have sometimes proved helpful in providing a sense of community. ‘Swifties’, for example, are a massive fandom united around their shared love … Continue reading Parasocial Relationships: Helpful or Harmful?

Contributing Writer
A Sunday roast with carrots, Yorkshire pudding, broccoli and gravy
Food

The Sunday Roast: Dos and Don’ts  

Plating the Perfect Sunday Roast What makes the perfect Sunday roast? For me, it’s all about balancing flavours, textures, and colours on the plate. Let’s start with some sweet, tender carrots and parsnips. A staple of British winters, root vegetables add a natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the more savoury elements of a roast. I love roasting carrots and parsnips. Roasting deepens their flavour, … Continue reading The Sunday Roast: Dos and Don’ts  

Contributing Writer
Interview, Music

In Conversation with Blue Violet

Ahead of the release of their second studio album Faux Animoux, I caught up with Sarah and Sam Gotley of alternative, electronic rock duo Blue Violet to talk inspiration, the human race, and their upcoming UK tour. Let’s start with the new album’s writing process. Was it always such a conceptual piece of work, or something more pieced together? We really like to write a collection of … Continue reading In Conversation with Blue Violet

Contributing Writer
A cozy Cardiff cafe
Food

Tasting Cardiff: A Culinary Journey Through the City

My secret Cardiff spot As much as I love a pint and a gossip at the Woody, or orange VKs at YOLO, it isn’t what Cardiff means to me. In years to come, I will remember a spot nested in the centre of Bute Park that is surrounded by greenery and wildlife. A place that shares its name with a Frances Hodgson Burnett book – … Continue reading Tasting Cardiff: A Culinary Journey Through the City

Contributing Writer
Fashion

Galliano and McGrath: Weird Girl Couture

The 2023 ‘clean girl’ has been pierced. Make-up influencers are putting down their sad beige palettes, and painting themselves in layers of colour and gel face masks. From aloe-vera, honey, vaseline, to even egg-whites, make-up lovers have been experimenting in an attempt to achieve Pat McGrath’s iconic shiny finish. This collection marks a dramatic semantic shift for what we once thought of as ‘glass skin’, … Continue reading Galliano and McGrath: Weird Girl Couture

Contributing Writer
Fashion

Nepotism Babies in the Fashion World

When I first jumped on this pitch, I actually had to have a serious think about what my opinion on nepotism really was, especially as I work quite a bit in the fashion industry – where the general attitude towards so-called nepo-babies is so negative. The unfairness of individuals succeeding in a highly competitive industry because they are the child or close relative of someone … Continue reading Nepotism Babies in the Fashion World

Contributing Writer
Creative Writing

Amelia Wollacott – Short Story Collection.

Amelia Wollacott is currently pursuing a master’s in English Literature at Cardiff University. Amelia submitted a portfolio containing a series of short stories and flash fiction pieces. All of these pieces were written during her undergraduate degree. Here are a couple of pieces that we have selected to give you an insight into Amelia’s literary prowess. Sierra Nevada. The car engine sang to the open … Continue reading Amelia Wollacott – Short Story Collection.

Contributing Writer
The words "Are we shagging safely?" Surrounded by various illustrations of condoms, all on a green background
Love

Sexual Health Resources at Uni: Are We Shagging Safely?

Each studentÔÇÖs experience with sexual health differs entirely, however, it is evident that practising safe sex isnÔÇÖt necessarily everyoneÔÇÖs priority. In a 2021 study done by┬áYouthSight, for the Higher Education Policy Institute, it was found that 56% of sexually active students had never had an STI test. This could be due to a variety of reasons, for instance, a lack of high-quality sex education provided … Continue reading Sexual Health Resources at Uni: Are We Shagging Safely?

Contributing Writer
Culture

Toxic Masculinity vs Movember

Words by Megan Philip We have all heard the phrase toxic masculinity often used to describe men displaying aggressive behaviours and in relation to sexual harassment. However, what is rarely discussed is the internal, negative effects it has on menÔÇÖs mental health and the ways in which it influences how men view their own masculinity.┬á What is toxic masculinity?┬á The dictionary defines toxic masculinity as … Continue reading Toxic Masculinity vs Movember

Contributing Writer
Literature

Taylor Swift and Her Literary Allusions.

Words by Gabriella Sanders. Whether or not Taylor Swift is at the top of your agenda, it is no secret that SwiftÔÇÖs stardom has taken humanity by storm. With her international Eras tour combining yearsÔÇÖ worth of genre breaking discography into one impressive three-hour performance, her music has something for everyone.   However, it is not simply the sheer diversity of music or performance stamina that … Continue reading Taylor Swift and Her Literary Allusions.

Contributing Writer
Creative Writing, uncategorized

Our Journey.

Words by Ksenia Ryadnova. A writer once said “is music getting somewhere?”. A question I sometimes compare with ourselves. A dotted rhythm, a slight crescendo. The idea that one little notation can change the wholemovement of a piece entirely. A slight irregularity can make the conductor feel as if they have failed in their artistry. Failure to provide beauty, knowledge and feeling. I reconcile with … Continue reading Our Journey.

Contributing Writer