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“Big Queen Little Queen Publishing is committed “Big Queen Little Queen Publishing is committed to publishing diverse and inclusive children’s books that showcase characters from underrepresented communities. Every child deserves to see themselves in the books they read no matter the colour of their skin or medical differences.”⠀ ⠀ A couple of weeks ago, I interviewed the lovely Kyanne Stennett, founder of @bigqueenlittlequeenpublishing. The piece was scheduled for later this month, but given the recent tragedies and social action in the USA, now in particular feels like the right time to be throwing our support behind people of colour doing incredible things. Although our interview naturally leans towards disability more than racial diversity, please do have a read by following the link in my bio, and head over to the @bigqueenlittlequeenpublishing platforms to show your support. ⠀ ⠀ I won’t be the only one feeling rather helpless about it all at the moment. My voice isn’t what matters here, and I really hope it doesn’t come across that way, but something I firmly believe is that raising children with fewer prejudices is a key part of creating a more equal society... and that publishing plays a huge, huge role in that. Children should be able to identify with characters in the books they read and furthermore, recognise the diversity that exists among all of us: race and health being just two of these elements. And Kyanne, as a chronically ill POC herself, is singlehandedly doing everything in her power to embrace this diversity in everything she does. ⠀ ⠀ As @blklivesmatter recommends, continue signing petitions, donating to impactful causes and proactively listening and learning more about the issues POC are facing. When you’ve done that, please go and support black creators too. Even if you don’t feel you can do anything else, I hope you’ll consider throwing your support behind organisations like @bigqueenlittlequeenpublishing. As allies, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to help make a difference.
[#AD] In today’s post for @careco_mobility, we’re discussing some of the less visible challenges that disabled people are facing as a result of the global pandemic… situations that you wouldn’t necessarily be aware of, unless you or a loved one were experiencing them for yourself.⠀ ⠀ From the dangers of social distancing as a wheelchair user to a lack of BSL interpreters for government announcements, delays in stoma supplies to reduced mental health support, I’d really appreciate if you could give this one a read to show your support for the voices highlighted in the article. Link's in my bio!⠀ ⠀ Until we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we *need* to keep facilitating conversations about these important issues, ensure we’re as comfortable and supported as possible at home, and continue to look out for each other. Things might seem tough, unbelievably tough, but I hope you know that you’re not alone. ⠀ ⠀ If you're facing ‘invisible challenges’ of this kind that you don’t think are being picked up by the media, please do share your experiences. Feels all the more topical given the rather bizarre shielding announcements that have come about today!
Little stack of newly purchased books? Don’t min Little stack of newly purchased books? Don’t mind if I do! So I’m usually quite disciplined when it comes to buying books: I keep lists and wait until they’re out in paperback or they’re no longer new releases so I’m paying a lower price for them, and then try and find the best deals so I can get more for my money. Kind of went out of the window during lockdown though... and I’m not even sorry. Look at those preddy covers 🙈🙋🏼‍♀️⠀ ⠀ There’ve been two key changes to my reading habits during lockdown and I’d be really interested to hear if anybody has experienced anything similar...⠀ ⠀ The first is that I’ve had a craving for non-fiction; something that doesn’t happen to me on the regular. I’m usually a die-hard fiction fan through and through but as you might have seen on Goodreads or be able to tell from the pile, lately I’ve been branching out into memoirs and narrative non-fiction as well. And I absolutely love it! ⠀ ⠀ The second change kind of relates to this shift in habits, primarily because I can’t *not* read fiction before I go to bed. So to accommodate both the craving for non-fiction and the need for fiction before sleeping, for the first time in my life I‘ve had more than one book on the go at a time. And that’s something I never thought I’d do- I’ve always wondered how people keep on top of more than one narrative simultaneously! ⠀ ⠀ It seems to be working for me so far though... and the other added bonus is that it’s slowing down my reading, making it more intentional, and stopping me from blitzing through my TBR too speedily too. If lockdown continues for much longer, please spare a thought for my bank account. The wishlist is getting slightly out of control. ⠀ ⠀ Out of curiosity, do you have multiple books on the go at any one time? Or do you prefer to commit to just one and work through them methodically? I’d love to hear about any of your recent reads/ recommendations too! 🥰📚
[#AD - AND GIVEAWAY!] “You are allowed to… sle [#AD - AND GIVEAWAY!] “You are allowed to… sleep in late. Eat too much. Cry for no reason. Love whoever you want. Make new friends. Move on. Love yourself. Be you.”⠀ ⠀ Couldn’t have put it better myself, @imfineattire! I’m Fine Attire is a recently-launched adaptive clothing brand run by Emma Gayle, a chronically ill female who I’m 99.9% sure is going to change the world. The brand hopes to empower customers, strive for accessible fashion, and keep women and inclusivity at the core of everything they do. ⠀ ⠀ The hoodie I’m wearing here is almost completely sold out online already (luckily I have a giveaway for you below!), but you only have to have a quick glance at their website to see that I’m Fine are offering a whole range of gorgeous items full of innovative ideas. They even do jeans and leggings with sewn-in heat-packs for sore tummies, for crying out loud 🤩🙋🏼‍♀️⠀ ⠀ There’s an affiliate link to shop in my bio, and you can get 15% off your order using the code ‘LIFEOFPIPPA15’. ⠀ ⠀ I opted for the ‘You Are Allowed Hoodie’ and can confirm it’s beautifully made, soft and cosy as your heart would desire, and still nice and light for the summer months. All clothing items are produced by factories internationally accredited in social compliance, fair and safe working, and environmental consciousness, which I’m very much here for too.⠀ ⠀ Fancy winning one of these hoodies of your own? To enter, simply follow @lifeofpippa and @imfineattire (we’ll be checking!), and tag a friend in the comments. Yay! UK entries only please; the giveaway will close and one winner chosen a week on from today, 02/06/20. Best of luck gang… and please do go and show some love to a chronically ill entrepreneur doing amazing things. Heaven knows it’s a difficult path to follow, but I have a good feeling about this one! #ImFineAttire
Kind of an unrelated photo but not entirely off-to Kind of an unrelated photo but not entirely off-topic, because something I’ve been meaning to talk about for ages is weighted blankets!⠀ ⠀ You might remember that I got a weighted blanket of my own for Christmas last year, after probably around two years of dithering over whether or not to give them a go. ⠀ ⠀ I’d heard so many positive things and my first experience of my weighted blanket was actually really positive... but from there, it just didn’t work out for me. And I hope sharing some of the issues I encountered is somewhat helpful for anybody in a similar predicament.⠀ ⠀ In short, I have ME/CFS. Insomnia and muscular pain are the symptoms I hoped a weighted blanket might help, and to an extent they did. The issue was that the blanket was so heavy for me to move independently (both when making the bed and when resting under it), and required so much exertion that somewhat ironically, it was causing additional pain and post-exertional malaise. Going to rest was leaving me more wiped out than I was beforehand 🙈😂⠀ ⠀ So for me personally, any potential benefits were almost immediately outweighed by the costs... and I was pretty gutted about it.⠀ ⠀ My blanket was from a really lovely indie brand called Kalm Koala who were fab throughout it all. I emailed them to ask for their opinions on the issue I was having and they even let me swap my custom blanket (tailored to be a proportion of my body weight as clinically advised) for their lightest children’s one. Still no joy, but thankfully the returns process was pretty straightforward and I was assured both blankets would be donated to good causes rather than go to waste. ⠀ ⠀ Whilst my own experiences sadly weren’t fab, I know countless others who’ve benefitted from weighted blankets, including people with ME/CFS. I think I’d still vouch for giving it a go, if you can, and make a return if not, but I hope this helps any fellow indecisive people come to a more balanced decision! ⠀ ⠀ Do you use weighted blankets? I’d love to hear your own thoughts/ experiences! 💜💫
Since today's Global Accessibility Awareness Day ( Since today's Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD), I thought I’d share a few suggestions for making your Instagram content more inclusive. Heaven knows I’m not a pro and I’m always open to feedback that could make my own shenanigans more accessible, but here's some tips to get you started:⠀ ⠀ 1. IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS. When you post an image on your feed, include a text-based description. This ensures those using screen-readers (e.g. those with visual impairments) aren’t disadvantaged if they’re unable to fully see the image themselves. Some accounts can add image descriptions in the advanced settings of their post (this is what I do!) but if you don’t have this option, include your image description in your caption or as a comment below. Holly of @lifeofablindgirl is your gal for further reading on this!⠀ ⠀ 2. CAPTION RECORDINGS. If you’re speaking on IG stories or posting a video on your feed, transcribe the audio content for those with hearing impairments or noise-sensitivity by adding text-based captions. I’m still yet to find an effective way of doing this for pre-recorded Stories (e.g. snippets of a YouTube video), but if you’re speaking to the camera, use the text feature to also type out what you’re saying. For longer-form recordings, I use @otter.ai for captioning - thank you @natashalipman for the recommendation! I’ll stick a referral link in my bio which earns us both some free minutes of transcribing when you sign up. And @liamodelluk is doing amazing work in this area!⠀ ⠀ 3. AVOID FLASHY GIFS AND EFFECTS. If a GIF rapidly changes colour, jiggles about or flashes, it could be a problem for photosensitive users: those prone to fits, migraines, cognitive overwhelm and more. Stick to the static or more gentle animations that are easier on the eye: the same logic should also be applied to selfie filters and in-feed posts!⠀ ⠀ Just a few simple ones to get you started, but please do share any suggestions of your own below. I trust I don’t need to tell you how important it is to proactively ensure all we’re putting out there is as inclusive as possible, so if you aren’t doing these things already, consider this a gentle nudge!
[#AD & GIVEAWAY!] Three threats, two options, one [#AD & GIVEAWAY!] Three threats, two options, one choice... I’ve just finished reading The Cerberus Affair by Charlotte Valentine, and although thriller books aren’t my typical genre, this debut novel gave me everything I needed to invest in this sinister tale of corporate corruption. ⠀ ⠀ The plot will keep you on your toes and guessing right up until the final chapters, and it was the unique elements of genetics research intertwined within the narrative that, in my opinion, really set this book apart. Charlotte Valentine really doesn’t hold back in confronting the controversial topics of gene editing and the ethical implications of DNA research, and the curious writer in me really appreciated the complex investigative journalism background of protagonist Catherine too. ⠀ ⠀ I felt that this book in particular nailed the very delicate balance of being topical without becoming political, and if you’re a fan of contemporary and romance reads, I’m confident there’s plenty you’ll take away from this one as well. The subject matter is at times extreme, but frequently intertwined with lighter, more everyday moments that, regardless of your own views on the topics, will have you rooting for Catherine and willing her on right up until the final pages. ⠀ ⠀ Intrigued? You can find out more about the novel and purchase the eBook or paperback on Amazon, or by visiting www.thecerberusaffair.com. Both formats are available with an ‘early-ordering’ discount at the mo, and there are clickable links in @charlottevalentinewriter’s bio. ⠀ ⠀ And if you can’t wait, not to fear... giveaway, anybody?⠀ ⠀ To win a copy of The Cerberus Affair AND a £10.00 Waterstones voucher, simply follow @lifeofpippa and @charlottevalentinewriter and tag a friend in the comments. UK only please, and you have until 26/05/20 to enter. Best of luck, gang! 😘📚 #TheCerberusAffair
It’s Blue Sundaaaay! Combining the last day of # It’s Blue Sundaaaay! Combining the last day of #LetsTalkAboutME (finding joy in the little things) with #BlueSunday2020 and cheating a little bit... I didn’t feel up to baking this week, so have a throwback to this dreamy vegan biscoff brownie from @gronkafe earlier this year. Ooft. ⠀ ⠀ Lovely Anna of @theslowlane_me and @tea_party_for_m.e runs this online tea party annually, the idea being that you treat yourself to tea and cake at home, and then donate what you would have paid for them in a cafe to a worthy ME/CFS charity. It’s essentially treating yourself for a good cause, and I’m *very* much here for it. ⠀ ⠀ This year, with lovely Anna’s blessing, I’m doing something a little different. Rather than donate to charity, I’m donating to @jomoss1975’s Ko-Fi, in recognition of her massive #MEwishes campaign. Jo has Severe ME, and I cannot begin to fathom just how much voluntary time and commitment must have gone into pulling it off, whilst dealing with such debilitating symptoms. Link is in Jo’s bio! ⠀ ⠀ So if you’re sitting about this Sunday, consider this your sign to indulge in some tea and cake for a good cause. All info can be found at @tea_party_for_m.e, and I’ll be browsing the #TeaPartyForME2020 hashtag and metaphorically drooling over people’s goodies throughout the day 🥰🍰⠀ ⠀ Since today’s the last day of #MEAwarenessWeek, I also just wanted to say a quick thank you to those who joined in with the photo challenge, or liked and shared my own posts. It’s been a bit of a strange Awareness Week this year, what with everything that’s going on, but I’m hugely grateful to everybody who’s done what they can with what they have; individuals, organisations and charities. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s very much appreciated! Rest up, gang 😘💙
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