In the summer I wrote about having an MRI after finding out there was something wrong with my eyes at my last eye test in March. It’s taken quite a while but I got my MRI results back last week and thankfully they came back all clear. There’s nothing to indicate that I have Intracranial Hypertension and potentially the bulging optic nerve may have been something I was born with particularly as my images looked similar between eye tests. So what is wrong me with? We still don’t know. The next step is to have an ultrasound on my eye which sounds pretty uncomfortable but I’ve had ultrasound scans before. This will hopefully determine a condition the opthamologist said but that just doesn’t sit right with me particularly as my vision now does have some light sensitivity and my headaches have become a chronic pain condition resulting in chronic migraines. The chronic headaches are something that have gotten persistently worse over the years, particularly after stopping hormonal contraception and having my son.
I didn’t really put myself into the ‘chronic pain’ thing because it feels selfish. It feels like by me talking about pain I am invalidating other peoples lived experiences of living with real life altering pain on a daily basis. But the truth is the level of pain and persistency of headaches does stop me from getting on with life. Over the last few months since having my MRI I have been trying to keep track of my pain levels a bit more to make me stay in check with my body. I can not remember a day when my pain level was 0. Most days it is manageable and around a two or a three (out of ten on my own pain scale) and then during a particularly bad flare up reaches a 7 or an 8 around three times a month. A 10, thankfully, has only happened once in the last few months were I’ve had a migraine and extreme ovulation pain which completely stopped me doing anything and left me feeling sick, unable to eat much and in a state of brain fog for about ten days afterwards. As a result I am learning my cycle of headaches much better and they are absolutely in sync with my menstrual cycle which does make me think its hormone related and if my ultrasound scan comes back as normal too I will be heading to the GP to talk about it too.
I don’t know why I am trying to invalidate my own pain – pain is pain and it’s not ‘normal’ to live with it every single day. There are absolutely liftestyle changes I want to make to help reduce my pain and make things easier but I do not think this will be a cure-all. I know migraines are a side effect of having had epidurals so that is something that can’t be ruled out. Another recent conversation I had made me think that it is potentially cortisol related too. As I have mentioned before I am awaiting an ADHD assessment and speaking with other women that have had late referrals for ADHD they have admitted to frequent and persistent migraines prior to starting medication. Whilst again I am not expecting this to be the cause it does give me some hope that seeking help for the pain, the daily struggles of my neurodivergent brain and binge eating disorder problems I may have some pain free days in the future.
The absolute best news though is of course that my MRI was normal and there was nothing to suggest a brain tumor or anything else terrifying which has of course been running through my mind since I had the scan. One thing that did make me think it was ‘fine’ when I got my appointment letter to discuss the results was that it came from the eye clinic rather than a nerurologist and I think if there had been something wrong I would have heard back much sooner than November. Anyway, I will keep you updated on my search for a pain free existence amongst eye problems.
Learning how to take a /gpose screenshot on console has been a fun learning experience for me whilst playing FFXIV. It has given me a chance to show off my character a bit more and work on things like glamour. Its a nice way to chill between doing raids and learning mechanics. I think the unique thing about an MMO is the balance between having fun and doing something a little more relaxing and creative as well as playing through an immersive and intricate story and raiding is what has kept me so engrossed since May 2021.
My character for FFXIV Avalon Lefae an Au Ra standing in the rain in Idyllshire
I recently wrote about how I’ve been playing Final Fantasy 14: An MMORPG video game in one of my all time favourite franchises of games. My PC is not up to scratch so I am a console player only and use a controller to play which has it’s frustrations for sure. I didn’t think taking cool screenshots in fancy glamours (the true endgame some might say) was really possible. Playing on console means I’m also a bit restricted when it comes to screenshots because I don’t have access to Mods, however, I have been practising and I’m pretty pleased with the results so far. I wanted to write down what I do to take /gpose screenshots in FFXIV on console to hopefully help other new players, like me, that want to try themselves. I even went out to create a character Instagram @avalon_lefae if you’re interested in following me.
Getting Started
Firstly, this is all about having fun and being creative with an original character or avatar. Seeing some peoples creations I can see there are so many people that love creating a story behind their characters and of course its a role playing game, that comes across as a part of it especially when using the characters outside the game on social media. You can get started by simply picking a favourite place, favourite emoji and get snapping. Some people prefer to plan a whole in game session so will have their glamour plates ready to switch things up. Theres no harm with jotting down some ideas you might have. Whatever makes it fun for you will work!
Choosing a Location for a /gpose screenshot
Location, I think, is key and thankfully this game is full of so many beautiful arenas and areas to use. The backdrop can help create a whole mood for your screenshots in FFXIV from cute and fun to dark and moody. Using the settings to enhance the photo is a really fun part of taking screenshots in /gpose mode I think and now each time I go into a dungeon or go back into a different place I think creatively about the type of photos I want to create to show my progress in the game. I genuinely think it gives you a fresh perspective when thinking about other areas more creatively. I really makes me appreciate all the hard work graphically that has gone into this game over the years.
I recently got all my crafters and gatherers to max level so I took the time to craft some furniture and place in my FC room. I made a lot of bookshelves which created a sort of mini library aesthetic which looked really cool as a summoner holding my little book. It just fitted really well and I really liked how the screenshot came out.
In my little home away from home personal library – much like my own home!
Setting Up a Screenshot
Once you have selected your location you need to think about what will be in the photo with you. Will you have a pet of faerie? Will you have a minion out? Do you want to show off a new mount? You can take screenshots in the sky, sat in the flowers or overlooking a vista from a clifftop. Just before you enter the /gpose settings you want to do the action of what you want to photograph. If this is a certain emoji or movement it will play over and over again in a loop. This allows you to create different character expressions and movements. I personally love using battle stance or victory stance as a way to show off a new weapon or glamour. I did this shortly after glamouring my gun into a flame-kissed weapon which looks very cool.
Avalon holding the Flame-Kissed Revolver (glamoured onto Augmented Exarchic Machinist weapon) in Lakeland
I personally found the settings a bit confusing at first and watched a few videos on YouTube to explain some what did what. I haven’t used everything as I feel I’m just getting started but I’ve used enough to create some shots that I’m happy with. There are a selection of presets available which can brighten up the photo, highlight the character and background for example. You can have a few effects allthough none of these are really to my taste. Some of the roles you can do an ability or cast a spell and the effect will replay which can change the way a shot looks too as rather than a looping emoji a casting effect will loop. I did this with the flamethrower attack on my machinist.
Theming a /gpose screenshot in Final Fantasy 14
My recent desire to learn how screenshots could be taken was because our Free Company were holding a Halloween/Samhain themed contest which sounded really fun and they made it so no mods could be used which made it fair for console players so I was like I’m going to give it a go and learn to do this. I had a lot of fun playing around and loved how it was themed for Spooky Season. I love how this kind of stuff allows people to be creative and have some fun with their characters, glamours and just have a good time.
Creating a Halloween themed screenshot with FFXIV /gpose
Ad – This post is in collaboration with WUKA (stands for Wake Up Kick Ass) who have a size inclusive range up to 6XL of period protection pants. I received gifted items in exchange for this post, however all opinions remain my own. You can shop online at www.wuka.co.uk
As a plus size person that wants to make eco concious changes to their life I have looked into as many options as I can for sustainable period protection and wanted to create this ‘start here’ guide to help other plus sized menstruators find comfortable period protection. I was absoutely thrilled when WUKA reached out to me to offer me a chance to review some of their period protection wear because I’ve been wanting to try period pants for a while now. I am also passionate about women in business and companies that get a kick out of breaking down stigma surrounding traditionally taboo issues such as periods.
WUKA have a great range of period protection pants available including a brand new lingerie range which is absolutely wonderful. We already feel a little rubbish when on our periods and sometimes a little bit of lingerie can make us feel better, particularly if they’re comfortable, stylish and have a bit of a pretty edge to them. The new lingerie range is also available in sizes XS – 6XL and includes a high waist, hipster brief and thong option in various flows depending on your personal preferences.
Start Here for the Plus Size Persons Guide to Sustainable Period Protection
Getting sustainable period protection or making the change to reusable period wear is honestly a fantastic solution. There is a real issue with period poverty and alongside sustainability we need to talk about the options around affordable sustainable period protection as well as considering that not everyone can afford or has the facilities to wash and clean resusable period products. As someone that frequently talks about how sustainability needs to include all class systems and consider both financial and time poverty I couldn’t continue this post without mentioning that. However, I do want to encourage any person if they have the means to swap, do to so because they are really simple swaps that will save you money (and underwear if you’ve had a particularly heavy flow!) and I would also encourage if you can donate period protection to any charities hat you opt for plastic free products.
What are my options for a Plastic Free Period?
There are currently a choice of three swaps you can make for a plastic free period depending on your flow and personal preference. However I want to bust the myth that plus size period are restricted in what they can use. More companies are making their period products size inclusive and increasing their plus size ranges as well as catering to different styles and shapes. This is all really encouraging. I am going to talk about Menstrual Cups, Cloth Pads and Period Pants sharing what I think are the cons and benefits of each.
Are Period Pants Suitable for Plus Size People?
Period Pants have come a really long way in increasing their size range and I’m happy to say that WUKA cater to a 6XL which their size guide recommends up to a size 26. They are exactly what you think, pants made for your period without the need for extra period protection such as pads and tampons. Some folks like to combine period pants with a cup or tampon for very heavy days if they aren’t feeling comfortable or they feel they need to adjust depending on their flow type or if they’re just new to period pants. Most of them are black, and have high waist or a midi brief option. The WUKA pants are black with a super soft layers of absorbable material to wick away the blood and absorb it. They are made to be breathable to limit odours and keep you feeling fresh, dry and comfortable.
Caring for Period Pants
Period Pants do not really require much extra work to keep clean and dry. After use it is recommended to give them a quick cold water rinse. WUKA suggests you can do this in the sink, shower or, if like us, you use other reusable products, a rinsing bucket. They can then be washed on a dark coloured garment wash at 30 and air dryed. It is not recommended to use fabric conditioner with reusable products as this can affect the absorbancy of them. They should then be air dried inside out ready to use for your next cycle.
Pros of Period Pants
There are a great range of options available depending on size, flow and comfort style. I personally find them comfortable to wear however I haven’t worn them with my cycle yet so I will update how I found them during my period before the end of the month. I like how they feel, they feel soft, comfortable and doesn’t feel like i’m wearing any extra protection. The WUKA pants fit me nicely and I like that there is a lingerie range on offer too. Some companies also offer a Swimwear bikini brief which allow those that don’t feel comfortable using a cup or tampon to continue finding joyous movement during their period. WUKA period pants are completely carbon neutral plus, and they have recently released their full carbon footprint analysis report which you can find here.
Cons of Period Pants
More sizes are needed to make this truly inclusive for all body shapes and sizes, particularly when considering a swimwear range which is very new at the moment. I did try searching for period protection swimwear and couldn’t find anything above a size 18. Hopefully, sizes will increase making this a fantastic option for plus sized people who want to try period pants. There are menstruators above a size 26 so I hope to see an increase in size inclusivity in the future.
Cloth Sanitary Protection or CSP – Reusable Cloth Pads
The second option is CSP or cloth pads which are probably the most size inclusive as they work exactly the same way as disposable pads do. I have personally been using cloth pads since the birth of my son, now three years and I am really glad I made the swap. I have a collection of around twenty cloth pads now ranging in size, flow type and shape. I have got mine from small businesses on Etsy and have a preference for fleece lining as they are the most comfortable for me. Like period pants cloth pads work by wicking the blood away from the skin into absorbable layers. They are cared for in the same way as period pants when rinsing, washing and drying. Some individual garment businesses use excess fabric to make CSP which is great for reducing waste.
Pros of CSP
No need for a particular size, you shop based on your flow and if you want nighttime (longer/bigger) day time and panty liners. Can fit in most underwear and does up with a popper. Very easy to clean and feels softer than a disposable pad. I haven’t needed to replace mine in three years and find the absorbancy still very good. I love that you can get funky patterns for your period protection and can support a small business.
Cons of CSP
Some menstruators don’t like the feel of a pad so it’s down to personal preference. Depending on colour and how well you rinse them they can stain. Need a good stash depending on your flow which can be a high expense at first.
Using A Menstrual Cup/Disc as a Plus Size Person
I will be completely upfront and honest here but I don’t think cups are for me. I personally never really liked tampons anyway but that is not to say that a Plus Size Person can not use a menstrual cup and I would still like to give it ago in the future particularly as I love to swim and feel my current options restrict me from this during my period. The feedback from friends has been that a cup has been ‘lifechanging’ for them and if it means we can embrace plastic free periods and give more options to my fellow period people then I’m happy! The first step is finding a cup that suits you and I recommend the website Put a Cup In It who have a fantastic quiz to help you find, potentially, your ideal cup for your flow and size. Using a menstural cup is similar to using a tampon but does require some flexibility and dexterity. There are lots of options and videos to help guide you exactly how to use your menstrual cup or disc. It should not be painful or umcomfortable to wear. A cup or disc usually lasts around 8-12 hours depending on flow, requires you to remove, rinse and replace during your cycle and should be boiled to sterilise between cycles.
Pros of a menstrual cup/disc
Great for those that like a tampon but it holds more blood so reduces the need for continous changes. Loads of different options for people of all sizes and flow types. Can be inserted with a water based lube to prevent irritation and well, it just makes it easier. Doesn’t require a lot of maintenance to keep it clean. Once you have the one that works for you, you don’t need anymore.
Cons of a cup/disc
Personally, I just can’t reach. I have a belly, short arms and limited flexibility. Being able to self insert at the moment just doesn’t work for me and I don’t think its affordable to continue buying multiple cups just to try and find the right size. However, this does not affect all plus size people it just depends on your own personal limits, arm and finger length.
Is there a ‘best’ option for sustainable period protection
Personally, no I don’t think there is a best option because it is all about what is comfortable for you, your size and flow. Find what works best for you, what appeals to you most and what you can afford. Now I have a mix of period pants and cloth pads I feel like I’m sorted. I’m glad that I don’t have to make a quick stop for emergency disposables if I feel I’m caught short – although I do track my period monthy so I usually know when I’m about to start bleeding which helps. I am all about comfort during what is usually a painful time of the month and I’ve not had a problem with leaking using plastic free period protection which has limited my stress. I am an advocate for plastic free period protection for all plus size people and I hope this guide has helped to encourage you to try resuables in time for your next cycle.
I’ve had the Too Good to Go app on my phone for a while and have had the good intentions to use it but just haven’t gotten around to it until recently. We are once again shaking up our finances and finding ways to save money and reduce our outgoings. Over the last 18 months or so takeaways and small £30-40 shops have increased and it’s gotten a bit out of control. One of the things we thought would be a good meet in the middle would be to try using Too Good to Go more often as it allows us to have some treats at a cheap price and save food going to waste from retailers.
What is Too Good To Go
It’s an App available on the App Store (for iPhone users – I’m sure there is an android version too) which brings the local community and retailers together to help reduce food waste. Retailers, such as Costa, Starbucks and M&S will put together ‘Magic’ bags of reduced food at the end of the day at a huge discount. There are limited quantities each day and the app has different offers throughout the day so it’s worth checking regularly. Over the last week we’ve tried three different retailers to get a feel for the sort of thing included. The App is easy to use, you can pay with Apple Pay and it will even link you to Google maps so you can triple check the location of the store. It’s really handy to use, very effecient and a really good idea. I hope more retailers come to use it because it could benefit so many people that are going to struggle to afford food this winter. The great thing is its mostly ready made food that doesn’t require cooking but the thing you might not like is the fact that you can’t choose what you get and it might not be to your taste or contain allergens. It’s a great thing if you don’t mind what you’re going to get though! The Too Good to Go App is free to download and free to sign up to. Registration is easy. Below is a simple screenshot of the App with the first step of how it works.
Basically, if you like to hunt down a bargain in the reduced section of the supermarket then this app is a must have. We all know food has a ‘sell by’ date but that doesn’t mean it isn’t safe to eat the same or even sometimes the next day and some things can readily be frozen. This app helps make bargain hunting for these reduced items really simple and can really help make lunches affordable.
Our Experience using Too Good to Go
We’ve now used Too Good to Go for three different retailers so far recently and have had a really good experience. Each ‘magic bag’ from Too Good to Go has been less than £5 and has provided more than enough lunch and treats for my family. I would really like to try a bag from a supermarket as I’ve seen M&S and Morrisons use the app to help reduce food waste. I have gotten a bag from Costa which had two toasties and two muffins, a bag from Greggs which had two sandwiches, a slice, a pastry and two chelsea buns, and a box from a local bakery which had about five fancy cupcakes. I have been really impressed with the quality of the food.
Our Magic Bag from Greggs using the Too Good To Go App
Another magic box using the Too Good to Go App from a local Bakeaway
A quick and easy lunch thanks to the Costa magic bag
So this is a lot of baked goods which, okay, might not be brilliant to consume on a daily basis which is why I’m keen to see what supermarkets include in their magic bags as I think that could help add some versatility to meals and recipes, or encourage people to try things they might not have done so before. Having sandwiches included is such a good idea as that covers lunch the next day and doesn’t require cooking. I just think we are probably in for a harsh winter and apps like this can help families or even young people, students for example; that are struggling to afford all the things. Too Good To Go is helping to provide food for people from places many would consider a luxury to have on a regular basis.
The Sustainability of Reducing Food Waste
Food waste is a massive issue for sustainability. We throw away way too much food and in a climate where the governement doesn’t care about providing primary school children with lunch families are going to struggle more than ever. I’ve talked before about people not only being financially poor but also time poor and living in a state of relative poverty which means they might not be able to afford to fuel their kitchen this winter. Apps like this and places that offer a solution to reducing food waste alongside providing food at a hugely discounted rate working in partnership is a great thing for sustainability and helping those in poverty. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again but nothing is sustainable unless it is completely inclusive of people in poverty. The more people that use the app, the more businesses will partnership and the more accessible and available food will become to those that need it and hopefully we will see a reduction in food waste.
In terms of packaging the only things that were wrapped in plastic were the sandwiches and toasties. Everything else was in paper bags or boxes.
Final Fantasy games are some of my absolute favourite video games of all time but I’ve never tried the online MMO versions of the games. Final Fantasy 14 is one such that I hadn’t tried before but when we got our PS5 earlier in the year I decided to give it a try. I think I got the starter pack which included a free trial as well as the main base game and all the expansions up to Shadowbringers. I’ve since preordered the next installment – Endwalker – which comes out in November. I have no experience with MMO games like this, so I didn’t really know what I was getting into and it was a pretty steep learning curve. I don’t consider myself bad at video games but I’ve never really had to play with other people before and for the most part it’s been pretty fun.
I think I started playing in May but it took me a *very* long time to actually get into it and I’ve certainly made some mistakes along the way. It’s been a good view months of playtime now for me and I’ve finished the main story quest, have joined in on some endgame raid content with other players – discord has been really helpful for this and I’ve started levelling up all my crafters/gatherers. I have a nice collection of mounts and minions too. I don’t have a lot of money – crafting can be a pricey part of the game if you want to level up quickly rather than *actually* crafting the stuff you need (Oops) but you know I’ve had a really lovely time. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so into a game for such a long time. I think maybe six or so weeks is my limit but Final Fantasy 14 offers so much content, so many things to do and collect that it has kept me interested. I also actually really love the social side of playing this MMO game. I wasn’t sure at first and it took me a very long time to start speaking with others and regularly joining in on content – mostly because I wasn’t levelled up enough to join in.
I’ve changed my character’s aesthetic and job/class a few times. I mostly played the game as a Warrior but have since switched my main to Machinist.
I can easily see why some people have been playing the game for years and I am really loving all the buzz and excitement about Endwalker coming out next month. There are tons of new players on the server, the game I believe has become the most profitable of the Final Fantasy franchise and I can see just why people love to keep playing. It’s fun, it’s full of emotion, the story is great – particularly post level 50, and as I said there is just so much to do. Even at this point so many months in I have loads of side quests left to do, a whole bunch of jobs/classes to level up and still haven’t unlocked every dungeon and raid in the game.
The game starts off with making your avatar or character and there is a bunch of different customisations you can make. I went with a female Au Ra which is a sort of human-dragon hybrid with a tail and selected the job Arcanist as I usually like to be a magic caster but I quickly found out that dungeons require you to play with other people and you need to do them to progress the story. As a magic caster, a DPS (damage per second) role, which is very popular and has lengthy queue times, I kind of got stuck and changed my role to Marauder which later turned to Warrior and became a tank player. This is where I really learned to play the game and basically I messed up a lot of the time and probably made some people pretty annoyed. Thankfully, someone took some time to teach me how to play it and I had a much easier time in later levels.
As you can see I take the social part of the game very seriously. This was taken by another FC member whilst we were waiting for a raid to unlock. I am small in the game, not the smallest, but small, so my mounts are always smaller than other peoples.
As you progress through the story and unlock more areas (this game is huge!) you unlock more jobs and roles to play. My main job now is back being a DPS because honestly that is what I do best and have become a Machinist. I feel like it’s probably the role I know the best now and can manage to play relatively well. The introduction of Trust parties (NPC dungeons) at higher levels helps limit queue times although the dungeons do take longer and I have picked up some mechanics for certain fights relatively easily. Being in a Free Company (a guild as such) has been really good. There are a lot of members but everyone is pretty chilled and there are regular runs for high level content, help with getting in game mounts and all sorts. I really like it, the people are friendly and helpful which makes all the difference with a game like this.
I don’t know how long I’ll keep playing the game for but I haven’t gotten bored yet which is a good thing for me!
