The Croft - issue 25

To new beginnings | Cover art by Charlotte Carpenter

the croft

Lifestyle

p. 4-5 What I’d tell my first-year self

Style

p. 8-9 Summer beauty edit

Wellbeing

p. 10 Coping with postuniversity anxiety

Food

p. 17 The best of Bristol’s beer gardens

Travel

p. 19 Bristol’s top wild swimming spots issue 25 25.5.22

Editors’ letters

inside

2 lifestyle 6 style 10 wellbeing 14 food 18 travel top stories

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Summer shades

17 Editors’ final foodie tips

19 ‘Little Bristol’ in Barbados...

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he 2021/22 academic year is finally coming to an end...

We would like to wish all our readers an easy exam season and wonderful summer. Whether you are hitting up festivals or chilling with family, we are sure you are going to make the most of your first summer post-pandemic.

Given our time at Bristol is coming to a close, this issue is themed around ‘endings’.

On the page over, we have a list of things final-year editors wish they knew in first year (pp. 4-5). Style has put together a list of summer-ready essentials (pp.

8-9), while Wellbeing discusses saying goodbye to ‘bad body image’ (pp.

12-13). Food explores the best beer gardens to say bye-bye to Bristol in (p. 17) and Travel goes to ‘Little Bristol’ in Barbados (p. 19). The Croft’s resident sex columnist, Carrie Brizshaw, dives into getting your ‘happy ending’ (pp. 22-23). And one last time, we have horoscopes by my clairvoyant Co-Editor, Rosie (p. 24).

I could not be more proud of The Croft’s hard work this year. Being Co-Editor has been a highlight of my five years at Bristol Uni. I wish you all well for the future.

Signing off one last time,

I

t really is hard to believe this is our final issue of The Croft for this academic year, and mine and Savannah’s last hurrah as Co-Editors. It’s been the most fantastic year and it’s been such a pleasure to see our team going from strength to strength with every issue. We hope our passion has come across to all our lovely readers!

Epigram and The Croft have been such a huge part of my university experience, and without them I wouldn’t have met some wonderful friends who I am so honoured to have worked with (I have the best Co-Editor I could hope for!) or gained a whole host of skills. If you’re at all interested in journalism, writing or design I’d massively encourage you to get involved next year.

I’m so glad I went for it, applied for the team and haven’t left until I absolutely have to!

We hope our final issue encapsulates the love we all have for this city and the university community.

Thank you so much to all our readers and to our fantastic team!

THE TEAM The Croft Co-Editors-in-Chief ROSIE ANGEL-CLARK and SAVANNAH COOMBE Deputy Editor SANJANA IDNANI Chief Proofreader CIARA ALLEN Style Editor JENNY GALLAGHER Style Digital Editor ANIA TOWNSIN Style Deputy Editor ANNA JOHNSON Style Sub-Editor FARAH THORNDYCRAFT Wellbeing Editor EMILY FROMANT Wellbeing Digital Editor CHARLIE TONKS Wellbeing Co-Deputy Editors ASHA SULLIVAN and MADDY WHEELER Wellbeing Sub-Editors ELIN ALEXANDER and ELLIE SPENCELEY Food Editor MADDY CLEGG Food Digital Editor LOU CRAVEN Food Deputy Editor DANIEL BARGIONI Food Sub-Editor PHOEBE ALTMAN Travel Editor XANDER BRETT Travel Digital Editor MIA AUSTIN Travel Deputy Editor LUCY RAWLINGS Travel International Deputy Editor JENNY BARRUOL Travel Sub-Editor ORLA MCHALE Puzzles Editor PATRICK SULLIVAN Puzzles Sub-Editor GRACE BARNES Front Cover CHARLOTTE CARPENTER

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Bethany Marris

the croft

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Co-Editor-in-Chief ROSIE ANGEL-CLARK Co-Editor-in-Chief SAVANNAH COOMBE Deputy Editor SANJANA IDNANI

The maze of graduation Patrick Sullivan helps you get to grips with the graduate blues Enter the maze at the opening and try to find your way to the centre of graduate bliss: a well paying job, a mould free flat, and dreams of paying off your tuition fee loan.

Can you negotiate your way through the careers fair optimism, past the dissertation hand-in, and up to the certificate handover in Wills Hall? Once you’re free of the degree chamber, can you overcome the graduate blues, the London FOMO, and become satisfied with a life where you don’t go to Lizard Lounge on Sports Night?

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Co-Editor-in-Chief ROSIE ANGEL-CLARK Co-Editor-in-Chief SAVANNAH COOMBE Deputy Editor SANJANA IDNANI

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Don’t change your personality to fit in during Freshers’ Week. It may make things simpler right now, but if you stay true to yourself you will end up with friends who know you inside-and-out and who will probably be by your side for the rest of your life. a va nn ah, Co-E ditor-in-Chief

There’s more to living in Bristol than Clifton and Redland! We’re so lucky to have the opportunity to spend our student years in one of the UK’s best cities, but I think it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with revisiting the same areas time and time again. Why not go for a quiet wander around Westbury, or try out a new bar on Spike Island. In the summer, the countryside surrounding Bristol is perfect for walking or wild swimming, and well worth a day trip. Often, by going a little bit out of your way you will discover places that will become the new – Jenny, Style Editor

Comparison is the thief of joy. Try not to get too caught up in what others are doing – or appear to be doingand focus on doing things you enjoy.

Don’t worry if it feels like you’re not living the ‘uni experience’ in Fresher’s Week, things will fall into place and you will come to realise that there is a lot more to Bristol than the triangle!

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avel Editor ty Tr – Lucy, Depu

Try out M&M’s, Sorrentos and The Grecian instead for what we all know is really the best part of a night out - the food!

– Madd

y, Food Editor

Buy your fruit and veg from one of the many grocer’s shops we have around Bristol. Not only are they usually much better value than supermarkets, there’s often a selection of less common fruit and veg as well as other items such as flatbreads and jars, and you can choose the exact amount you need. You’ll cut down your plastic usage and support a local business in the process!

– Rosie, Co

-Ed itor-in -Chief

The Bristol food scene is incredible!

Rice and Things is a must, they do Jerk Chicken on Friday and Saturday which is insanely good. Also, check out Easton, it’s a really great place to buy pantry items such as spices, rice and pulses. I’d recommend Bristol Sweet Mart as they sell everything you could possibly need and their hot food section is delicious and affordable.

–D

od Editor y Fo t u p l, D e anie

How to pronounce Wapping Wharf.

–G

race, Deputy Puzzle s Editor

lifestyle

known in firs t year

/ am igr Ep Gloria Wong

It’s said so often, but join societies! I’ve made great friends and had the best time because I went for it and put myself out there. Even though it can be nerve-wracking to try something new or show up alone, it’s worth it when you find something you’re passionate about. You never know what doors it could open up!

– S an

ditor jana, Deputy E

Uni is a weird in-between where everyone acts like they know what they’re doing but no one really has a clue so don’t panic! Say yes to new opportunities and if you make it to your 9am after sports night make sure to have water and paracetamol with you.

– Ania, Dep ut y S tyle Edit

or

Don’t buy all the books. In first year they ask you to spend a lot of money on books you probably won’t even use. Many of them can be found in PDF format online too so try that!

Deputy Wellbei ng Editor ddy, Co– Ma

If you’re having a house party, take all the nice food out of your cupboard and lock it in your room. I once had a butternut squash stolen, so truly nothing is safe.

Sub-Editor – Phoebe, Food

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Editor JENNY GALLAGHER Deputy Editor ANNA JOHNSON Digital Editor ANIA TOWNSIN

F

Developing your personal style

Emma Vincent shares how to expand your style whilst staying true to you!

or many of us, fashion creativity is immensely empowering because it is a way to express our personality and showcase who we are. Personally, I find comfort in developing my own style because it makes me feel like I can take control of how I am perceived by others. However, with this said, there are times when I feel lost or perhaps stuck in a rut, not knowing how to develop my style. In this guide, I will share the tips and tricks that I swear by when I am ready to change up my look.

Shopping always wins!

Shopping is always a great way to take some time to relax and focus on yourself. Self-care is always important, so what better way is there to use a shopping trip to reflect on yourself and develop your personal style!

It is such a rewarding feeling when you find something new to wear after experimenting with your look, helping you to feel your best and most confident self.

Find inspiration Finding a style icon is a great way to explore your style because it means you can take inspiration from someone you admire, in a kind of try before you buy way.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Youtube are a great way to explore this, especially since there are so many channels and accounts dedicated to style development and fashion. Personally, I like to draw inspiration from current celebrities and popular TV shows. One of my favourite style icons is Killing Eve’s Villanelle because I love how she experiments with different colours and

However, you decide to develop your style, the best thing you can always do is experiment and see what makes you feel the most confident in your own skin!

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fabrics. I feel that a great way to express myself and my personality is through wearing vibrant colours. So, by incorporating this inspiration and experimentation from Villanelle, I am able to adapt my style to become bolder and more adventurous.

Discover what you actually want (and need!)

Sometimes it can be rather overwhelming walking into a shop or scrolling through endless pages online, not knowing what it is that you really want to buy. If I know I am off on a shopping trip, I keep in my mind what I feel is missing from my wardrobe, so I have more of an idea of what I would like to buy.

For example, I find I am drawn to buying dresses every time I shop, even if I really don’t need any more of them. Instead of allowing myself to buy another dress, I make sure I spend my money on something I actually need, such as a new top or shirt. It’s also a good idea to think about how you want to dress for different occasions. I personally feel that I lack casual clothes more than anything, so I often shop with this in mind and put more effort into developing my casual style.

Epigram / Emma Vincent

style

Our Style Editors weigh in on the best eyewear to catch attention this summer

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Y2K Wrap Sunglasses, ASOS, £14

Square II True Blue, RayBan, £147

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Mid Square Sunglasses, ASOS, £8

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Summer shades!

Oversized 70s Sunglasses, ASOS, £12

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Summer beauty edit Lizzie Laughton tells The Croft about some of her most effective products for achieving the 'no-makeup' look

E

This recent addition to my skincare routine by 'Thank you Farmer' is here to stay! The lightweight formulae gives a non-greasy, dewy finish, without leaving that awful white cast, working beautifully under make up! With it being cheaper than most SPFs, This product is an ideal candidate if you’re thinking of adding sun protection into your skincare routine!

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poo bar, Lush, £ am

Seanik sha

Longing for beach waves? If so this may be a staple in your summer haircare routine!

Seaweed, sea salt and lemon, volumize and add shine whilst also smelling incredible! Not only does it smell like the ocean, it’s zero waste, meaning it’s also kinder to it with fewer bottles going to landfill!

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Sun Project Water Sun Cream, Thank You Farmer, £18

ver felt like summer is one of the trickiest times to look your best? The au natural and effortless beach babe look is sometimes just not that easy without a little help. For me, the tempting desire to look sunkissed is sometimes brought crashing down to earth by a tell-tale fake tan mishap or horrifying case of the dreaded tomato sunburn. Thankfully, these disasters can be avoided with the help of some 'makeup-no-makeup' techniques. Applying SPF is a must in the summer, as allowing your skin to dry out can lead to it losing elasticity and, of course, sun damage can lead to your skin showing avoidable premature signs of aging. Putting a lightweight suncream on under your makeup can really help with the dewy freshfaced 'just hopped out of the pool' look.

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style

The Australian Tan, Bondi Sands, £11 This streak-free foam develops into a beautifully bronzed shade, without that orange hue! It’s also student budget friendly! It even smells like summer, with hints of coconut making it smell almost like a Pina Colada! With three shades in total, 'The Australian Tan' is key for that sunkissed glow.

Glossier have always got your back for a natural base, and this product is no exception!

With eight shades, this tint is lightweight, blendable and just the smallest amount of product on the cheeks or lips, gives the skin that naturally blushed appearance, and the lips a gentle pop.

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Cloud paint blush in 'storm', Glossier, £15

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A companion for the Glossier cloud paint and an essential for naturally sculpted cheekbones! Unfortunately these ‘Match stix’ can only be purchased separately after the ‘Matchstix trio’ (which also included the ‘Match Stix’ concealer) was discontinued. But despite being pricey, these products will be in your makeup bag for months before running out!

Match Stix contour skinstick, Fenty Beauty, £23

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Editor EMILY FROMANT Co-Deputy Editor ASHA SULLIVAN Co-Deputy Editor MADDY WHEELER Digital Editor CHARLIE TONKS

m e s o c t a Wh n ? ex t

Abigail Sutcliffe advises us on how to cope with post-university stress...

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/ ha Sul As

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uring the last few weeks of final year, most of us are handing in our dissertations; moving on to an intense schedule of revision; completing our assessments; trying to soak up every last moment and each little detail of our university experience. As my four years studying in Bristol is drawing to a close, I myself am facing all of this whilst also turning my attention to the intimidating task of making sense of what lies ahead.

Change is difficult. Change requires an adjustment period.

Knowing that change is imminent may even require a pre-adjustment adjustment period! This process can be stressful, anxiety-provoking, and it can cause periods of a depressive mood, even if the change you are preparing for is nothing but positive.

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Resilience Checklist

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• • • • •

• • •

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Be prepared

Make a checklist!

Discuss and plan with professionals (I THOROUGHLY recommend the University of Bristol Careers Service) Build a plan, e.g. in Excel or with a vision board Hope for the best, plan for the “worst”

Try to avoid being ‘avoidant’

If you are feeling anxious about the future, acknowledge this Speak to people close to you; get your worries off your chest

Stay positive

Be aware of when you are being pessimistic or automatically dwelling on negative thoughts ‘Cognitive reframing’ techniques can be really useful here

Try to maintain a routine

Regular exercise (I have found a walk in the morning extremely beneficial!)

Eat a healthy, balanced diet Get into a consistent sleeping pattern Be realistic with your daily goals: don’t plan to do too much and beat yourself up for not getting all of it done Carve out some time to relax, e.g. socialising with your friends or watching Netflix

Social support

Speak to your friends; they will probably be able to relate to you and will provide lots of emotional support.

Take on board encouragement from others Collect information that will support your plans from trusted, expert individuals

During times like this, resilience can be a handy virtue, although this may be easier suggested than it is practised. Allow me to propose a resilience ‘checklist’…

Above all, the most important takeaway from this checklist should be to prioritise a forgiving mindset and your mental health. Being surrounded by others who may be embarking on impressive careers and getting yourself to the point of graduating from a top tier university can make it feel like the pressure is on. For me personally, I have troubled myself with ideas that I should have a detailed career plan and the perfect job waiting for me in September, and that nothing less than greatness is expected of me; this is unrealistic, and life is not so straightforward! It can be difficult, but it’s vital to put things into perspective and avoid getting to the point where you’re drowning in your own worrisome thoughts and idealistic expectations.

We all have our own timeline, and a failure to accept this would be a failure to accept that no one nor their life journey is ‘perfect’. We all have our individual strengths, personalities, and circumstances with which we are working. Toni Morrison did not have a book published until she was thirty-nine. Morgan Freeman didn’t get his big break until he was fifty. Colonel Sanders, founder of KFC, did not perfect the legendary recipe until he was sixty-two years old. To look at it a different way, Ralph Lauren was working in the army during his early twenties, which was followed by a stint of making ties on the side. During his mid-twenties, Barack Obama was experiencing his soul-searching years: travelling and working as a community organiser. It wasn’t until he was twenty-seven that he was enrolled in Harvard Law School.

Whilst all these are examples of a more mainstream definition of success, defining what ‘success’ means to you as an individual – be it recognition from others, noticing positive change in the lives of others, or being surrounded by like-minded people – can really help settle anxieties and focus your thoughts. What lies ahead should of course include those experiences that are going to support your goals, but also what feels right for you and what makes you happy.

wellbeing Epigram/E m

Fromant ily

D a l : w y a e n e R a new chance Emily Fromant gives us some insight on new beginnings...

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enewal Day falls on 4th May, but the whole month itself welcomes this idea of finding new beginnings.

Just as spring feels like it has finally arrived, we all find ourselves with a renewed sense of purpose, ambition, energy. However, these emotions can be swept away and crushed by our incoming exams. We lose touch of what we could be focusing on renewing, instead focusing on our academics. But this year, I really wanted to examine what renewing meant for me.

Renewal Day is for looking at life anew. Reinvigoration, and refreshing your life. I took renewal for me to be three different things, and that is where I focused my efforts.

Health

Health is a really difficult idea to define. It is different for everyone, and I knew I wanted to ensure any changes I committed to were sustainable. I decided to try and drink more water each day. Such a cliché goal, I know, but I was severely lacking in how much I was drinking. Especially during exams it is so important to drink enough! So, I committed to at least a litre a day.

To make my goal more fun I infused my water with fruit, citrus, and cucumber in order to make it easier to drink. I honestly didn’t think it would make much of a difference, but it was so worth it, and made this goal less of a chore and more enjoyable.

Happiness

Another thing I wanted to renew was my own happiness. Of

course, you aren’t going to be able to instantly improve your happiness significantly, but you can make the effort to make yourself a priority. I really love coffee, so I decided to take myself out on little coffee dates at new cafés I’ve never been to. It was a little daunting going to all these places on my own, but it soon became my favourite thing to do and was a welcome break from my essays. Plus, I tried my first biscoff latte and I think I’m in love.

Healing

A huge part of Renewal Day is renewing or reaching out to lost or out of touch friends. When you go off to university, it’s inevitable that some of your friendships aren’t as strong as they once were. You’re no longer living a 10-minute walk from each other, so it can be easy to take your older friends for granted. I reached out to an old friend of mine that I hadn’t seen since last Christmas. It was such a nice experience and whilst we still aren’t as close as we once were, it was nice to know there was no ill will or awkwardness between us.

As Christina Rossetti said: ‘What is the beginning? Love. What is the course. Love still. What the goal. The goal is love.’

It was always hard for me to accept change. It has always felt scary, and I found myself clinging to past versions of myself to try and stay the same. But that isn’t fair on the person I am becoming. I need to welcome changes and new beginnings with open arms even if it’s frightening. A huge way of loving myself is allowing myself to change, and loving this new version of myself just as much as my past.

moko / To lash Unsp

Uji

Saying goodbye to my bad body image Colette Kaines Lang tells us about discovering selflove and celebrating her younger self...

Content warning: contains discussion of struggling with body image

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Epigram / Colett e Kai nes

Lan g

I

was always a lanky kid. I did a lot of sports and could fill my body with all the food I wanted. I look back at this time with envy. But I’m also remembering the past incorrectly. Forgetting that when I was twelve years old some boys in my class developed the witty nickname ‘whiteboard’ for me. Created by a group of boys who had Megan Fox phone wallpapers and a new passion for making everything about sex, these boys had made a clever observation: I had a ‘flat’ chest. This led to me wearing two bras at the same time, the good old tissue trick and examining their growth daily. When I started my new school at fourteen, I was ready for my chest to well and truly be forgotten about. Despite no new witty nicknames I couldn’t seem to escape my boobs (or lack thereof). An incident that sticks out is a time a group of boys hilariously claimed I had ‘zero-tits’ after I’d walked past them in a hoodie.

I tell these stories because I became obsessed with having boobs. It was a massive insecurity. This ‘traumatic’ experience from twelve to sixteen is left mainly forgotten in current day. I catch myself looking at photos of fourteen-year-old me, zooming in and thinking ‘why can’t I look the same now?’ It seems the grass is always greener.

Fourteen-year-old me would have been shocked to see me at seventeen crying on the floor of a Topshop changing room because I couldn’t get a size ten jean past my bum. With tears in my eyes, I remember looking at my mum who understood this moment well. We’ve all been there. It is sad to think that a girl who had barely hit puberty was worrying about her boobs.

Even sadder that the same girl believed there was s omething wrong when she was growing into her natural adult shape years later.

We live in a world where often body shapes are treated like a trend. Thigh gaps out of season, peachy bums the latest craze. I look back with frustration to my younger self who bought clothes that were uncomfortably tight. Labels with a small size more important than wearing clothes that fit. Not that long ago I wouldn’t want to try on a friend’s clothes just in case they were too small.

Now I’ll happily try on my friend’s clothes. How e l s e would I find out if my friends jeans, which I’ve been eyeing up for months, fit me perfectly!

wellbeing

My younger self deserved better

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I’m still figuring out what makes me love myself. I still don’t know. I know that ten-year-old me would be shocked that I confidently wear shorts and skirts without thinking about the birth mark on my leg. Sixteen-year-old me would be equally shocked that I no longer examine my stretch marks before getting my legs out.

Saying goodbye to my insecurities was something that changed my life, but it hasn’t been a perfect journey. All I know is my body and I have a relationship. We go through rough patches, but we can also laugh about past issues that felt so significant at the time. My aim now is to not to say things about my body that I know I wouldn’t say about anyone else’s. I must treat my body with kindness too.

I found letting go of my obsession of comparing my body, to others, was a massive part of my growth. We all do it. Sometimes subconsciously. Comparing the differences between us and our friends or models.

When talking to my friends, I mentioned my insecurities surrounding my thighs, another friend mentioned hers surrounding her calves, another her arms. I was shocked to realise that our insecurities were so different, that things they picked themselves apart for had never even crossed my mind. That is the silly thing about many insecurities: they come from a worry of how people look at us even though no one but ourselves inspects our bodies in such detail.

I didn’t truly say goodbye to my bad body image. Loving yourself isn’t something you can complete. The way you need to love yourself is always changing due to age, experiences and current insecurities. My stories show that whatever a person’s body shape, it is possible that they are insecure. I find this comforting. It means there is no point restricting my diet and enjoying life less. That won’t make me love myself more: it will continue my cycle of body obsession. When I accept my body for the way it is in this moment, I treat it with more respect and love. And you need to love yours too. / m

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Editor MADDY CLEGG Deputy Editor DANIEL BARGIONI Digital Editor LOU CRAVEN

Editors’ final foodie tips Our Food Team share their last morsels of advice before they graduate

Maddy’s Come Dine With Me:

Phoebe’s favourite lunch spots:

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a igr Ep

ook dinner with, or for, your friends as much as you possibly can. I am a firm believer that your lasting friendships aren’t made doing countless Jägerbombs at the bar* – they’re made laughing, sharing stories and making memories together (that you can remember). Food is the perfect m way to do all of these things / H and invest in your friends. And oll yB it doesn’t have to be fancy – peseau mont to pasta or a simple stir fry works a treat. *Doing Jägerbombs at the bar can also be a lot of fun… just make sure you line your stomach with friends at dinner beforehand!

Daniel’s love for Tupperware:

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Let’s face it, the lunch options at university can get very bland, very quickly. Lukewarm pastries, watery coffee and lifeless sandwiches can make a bad day even worse. In these times of need we need to be good to ourselves. So, ditch the overpriced and depressing meal deal and buy yourself a shiny new lunch box and start packed-lunching!

Honestly, not only are you saving money but you can feed yourself with good food that’ll make your gut and mind happy. I usually go for something light with a variety of flavours and textures. Couscous works really well as a base as it can be enjoyed cold, making yourself a quick red onion pickle consisting of salt, sugar and vinegar is also a great tip as a sour kick will w a k e up your taste buds.

Lentils are also great because they’re high in protein which w i l l keep you fuller for longer, super easy to make i and student Ep budget-friendly. The am possibilities are endless: /L ou what will you put in your Cra ven lunch box? igr Ep

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I’ve tried them all so you don’t have to waste your time and money on the bad ones. Here are four Bristolian food establishments that you CANNOT leave without eating at: Eat a Pitta – if you don’t know, get to know. The best falafels you’ll ever eat, go to the one opposite Will’s Memorial and sit eating it at the of Brandon Hill for the full student experience.

Sandwich Sandwich – surely you’ve seen the pictures?

Sandwiches bursting at the seams with filling, it will sustain you well beyond an afternoon of lectures. Top tip - go with a friend, get different fillings and have half of each.

Pinkman’s Bakery – famous for their sourdoughnuts which are so good it makes me shed a tear thinking how far away I’ll be from them next year – I’d get one of each flavour because you won’t be able to decide between honeycomb mousse or chocolate pecan brownie.

FED – your friendly neighbourhood cafe. With a simply stunning dislay of cakes and sweet treats, they’ve nailed the Gen-Z vibe and I could happily while away an afternoon (and my weekly budget) in there.

Go for the FED bowl if you’re hungover and in need of some veg.

Lou’s savvy shopping: Use the ‘Too Good to Go’ app to save some pennies whilst keeping things fresh and funky in the kitchen! On a student budget the weekly food shop can get boring, we all try and cut costs where possible, (often to fund a few extra pints) and all too often this ends in rotating the same old meals week in week out… BUT, what if there was a way to save money AND spice up dinner time?

I’ve found it – use the app to grab a weekly £5 ‘magic bag’ from Cotham Hill Fruit & Veg – you get loads of fruit and veg which would go to waste and normally add up to a lot more than £5.

Top of the

food tarts

Emma Vincent shares the perfect dessert recipe to celebrate the end of the year...

A

s the academic year draws to a close, many of us will be celebrating the highs, the lows, and what we have overcome in the past year. Perhaps this is the last time you will be living with your housemates, and if this is the case, you’ll want to end this chapter with a bang. Below, you will find my go-to recipe for the most delicious chocolate tart which is perfect for any occasion, especially a goodbye or finale dinner!

Ingredients For the pastry: 125g unsalted butter 250g plain flour, sifted 70g icing sugar, sifted 1 tsp vanilla essence A pinch of salt 1 egg

am igr Ep /

Em m aV in ce nt

For the ganache filling: 300g double cream 250g dark chocolate (any supermarket own-brand will do!)

45g unsalted butter 2 tbsp caster sugar

1

First, make the pastry. Take a large mixing bowl and add the sifted plain flour and icing sugar. Give it a good mix and add in a pinch of salt.

2

Add the butter to the dry mixture. This is where it gets messy! Rub the butter and flour together, using your fingertips, until you have what looks like breadcrumbs.

3

Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add in an egg. Press the mixture together to form a dough and then lightly knead for two minutes to form a wball. Wrap the dough in cling film and place it in the fridge to chill for 1 hour.

4

After chilling, roll out your pastry so it is as thin as possible, without any gaps or holes. Transfer the pastry sheet to a loose-bottomed pie or tart dish. Make sure the pastry covers the whole surface area of the dish and do not cut off any overhanging pastry until after it is baked.

5

Prick the bottom surface of the tart with a fork, then line with baking paper and fill with baking beans. (Tip: if you don’t have baking beans, uncooked rice works just as well!)

6

Chill the pastry again for 30 minutes. While you wait, preheat your oven to 180°C fan.

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Once the pastry has been chilled, blind bake for 15 minutes with the baking beans inside, and then for a further 8 minutes without the baking beans until the pastry is a golden brown colour.

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Once the pastry is baked, set aside to cool. It is now time to work on the filling!

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Break the chocolate up and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the double cream, caster sugar, and vanilla extract into a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Make sure you keep stirring the mixture and do not leave it unattended to avoid burning.

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Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the creamy mixture over the chocolate, mixing until smooth and glossy. Add the butter bit by bit, making sure you are constantly mixing. Once you have mixed everything together, you have a ganache!

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Pour the ganache into the pastry shell. Place the tart in the fridge to chill until solid (this usually takes 2-3 hours). Top with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings if you fancy! Tastes great with cream.

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An end to calorie counting on menus?

Lizzie Laughton explores how the government’s new legislation may be anything but healthy

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ast month, an incident at the restaurant Dishoom sparked conversation about the government’s new legislation mandating calorie labelling on menus of the UK’s largest restaurants.

The customer at Dishoom took to Twitter to thank a waitress who scribbled out all the calories on the menu after the chain restaurant couldn’t provide her with a calorie-free menu:

worrying. It’s no wonder this legislation has come as a disappointing blow for those trying to recover from an eating disorder.

Many people may compare this 6.4 per cent to the 63 per cent who are obese or overweight in the UK but this ignores the fact that many people who are undiagnosed or recovering from an eating disorder will find being confronted with calories distressing and triggering.

We could even question whether calorie counting is an effective way to lose weight; dietitians have suggested that using calorie-based approach to weight loss leads people to favour quantity over quality, as well as being unsustainable, and promoting rigorous control over what we eat. Leading researcher at King’s College London, Martin Gulliford, found ‘current strategies to tackle obesity, which mainly focus on cutting calories and boosting physical activity, are failing to help the majority of obese patients to shed weight and maintain that weight loss’.

This calorie-centred approach is informed by misconceptions that the sole cause of obesity is poor diet and inactivity when in fact, socio-political factors are leading contributors to the epidemic. Could the government’s approach to lower obesity rates be more effective by increasing funding through education and helping to tackle the underlying problems which lead to obesity, instead of this new, unsustainable, and damaging approach?

Editor’s take:

This legislation is an attempt to tackle obesity and the government claim that it will ‘allow people to make an informed choice’ about what they eat when not at home. This legislation, however, promotes anything but informed choices. The new bill has been scrutinised by many eating disorder charities and activists who are concerned it may trigger anxiety over calorie consumption that many sufferers have to face daily.

This begs the question: is the new measure really healthy?

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Statistics from The UK’s leading charity for eating disorders, Beat, suggest otherwise. Although the percentage of people believed to have an eating disorder seems low at 6.4 per cent, the NHS saw a 50 per cent increase in eating disorder related hospital admissions for under 20s in 2020/21 compared to 2019/20.

Despite these figures being affected by lockdowns which de-prioritised non-covid related admissions, they are still highly

This is obviously coming from a foodie, but in my opinion, you are worth infinitely more than some numbers on a menu. Food is so much more than what sits on the plate, it’s about enjoying time spent catching up with friends over coffee and cake, giggling over silly memories at brunch and making new ones around the dinner table. If you’re struggling at the moment, you are not alone. Please seek support from those around you or take a look at any of these organisations:

Beat - The UK’s leading charity for eating disorders, they have a national helpline which is open 365 days a year, 9am-12am in the week and 4pm-12am on weekends.

TakED - Offset 1:1 support calls for you or your loved ones who may be affected by eating disorders, as well as non-judgemental peer support groups.

Hoop UK - aims to be the ‘go-to’ organisation in the UK in

supporting those struggling with issues surrounding weight management and obesity.

Top five beer gardens to food try before you leave Bristol Maddy Wheeler takes us to her favourite outdoor drinking spots

Grain Barge – Hotwells

What makes Grain Barge’s beer garden so great is that it’s on a boat! With views of the SS Great Britain and pints for around £4 you can’t really go wrong - it definitely makes for a unqiue al fresco summer pint.

The Lansdown – Clifton Village

This one is a little hidden away just down the road from Victoria Square Gardens. The Lansdown has a wonderful beer garden with blankets, loads of heaters, AND a rooftop terrace for sunny days. They host plenty of football matches there too if you’re that way inclined.

V-Shed – Harbourside

Okay, so this one is a Wetherspoons but hear me out. Its beer garden is just on the side of the water and in the evenings it’s surprisingly romantic. If, however, you’re looking for somewhere to take your date, then maybe avoid Fridays; it turns into mayhem and the beer garden disappears altogether!

/M add

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Despite also being in Clifton Village, I would be doing my favourite local a disservice if I didn’t include The Albion. Its beer garden has an unbelievably cute and sophisticated energy and the staff are always so friendly. I may, or may not, go there at least three times a week for a Korev....

y Wheeler

The Albion – Clifton Village

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One of my favourite second-year pubs. Situated right at the top of Whiteladies Road, The King’s Arms has the perfect beer garden to visit post-picnic on the downs. Although it’s on the more expensive side, the beer garden has immaculate summer vibes and it’s definitely worth a stop.

Epigram / Rosie Angel-Clark

Epi gram / Ros ie B a rden

The King’s Arms – Whiteladies Road

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Editor XANDER BRETT Deputy Editor LUCY RAWLINGS Digital Editor MIA AUSTIN

Where to go wild swimming Mia Austin says wild swimming is a great way to explore nature. Here are her favourite spots around Bristol...

On the Ground: Lithuania

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Maria Mulder in Kaunas

ithuania has declared a state of emergency, so they’re obviously taking the Russian threat seriously, which is to be expected. All Lithuanians I know are alarmed and uneasy. But I think it’s unlikely to be sucked into the conflict. It has a layer of security that Ukraine didn’t… which is belonging to NATO. However, we have to remember the Baltic states are NATO’s weak point at the moment.

Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004, and it was admitted to NATO in the same year. They adopted the euro in 2015. There’s a strip of land connecting Lithuania to Poland, but it’s very small, and obviously Russia has territory nearby, as well as Belarus, which is pro-Russian, encircling

1. Warleigh Weir / Claverton Weir (Bath, BA1 8EE), 40 min drive/ just over an hour on public transport

2. Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve (Brislington, BS15 3AW), 20 min drive or 30 min cycle

3. West Lyford (Somerton, TA11 7DB), 1 hour drive

Though further afield, you’re rewarded with an idyllic setting.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try out the rope swing. Access the river through the church yard.

4. Saltford Weir (Saltford, BS31 3ER), 30 min drive or an easy cycle along the Bristol-Bath path

Great grassy banks for picnics and games, plus panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Grab a pint at the pub.

5. Clevedon Marine Lake (Clevedon, BS21 7TU), 20 min drive

it. Considering this geographical issue, if any serious escalation occurs, countries such as Lithuania will likely to be the first to experience the fallout.

I don’t think Lithuania is expecting an invasion imminently, but I’d definitely say there’s worry, and many civilians are considering what to do in the worst-case scenario. After all, everything seems to have changed so fast. I don’t think Lithuania is ruling any possibilities out, no matter how negative they are. But I don’t think Putin is trying to directly involve NATO right now, and if he tried to create a corridor between Kaliningrad and Russia, he would be interfering with NATO territory, because Lithuania and Poland would become involved.

Listen to our ‘On the Ground’ reports via the Burst Radio website and wherever you get your podcasts.

Epigram / Grace Barnes

A tidal pool on the North Somerset coast, popular all year round. Head for an evening swim and grab some fish and chips from the sea front. Clevedon Pier was featured in the You And I music video by One Direction.

der

ww The nature reserve has large green spaces for picnics and access the river by paths down muddy banks. Have a pint at Beese’s Riverside Pub. On the Conham side, access the river via steps from the river path.

Mul / Maria Epigram

Shallow paddling areas with deeper spots. Green space for picnics and sunbathing (take a book and enjoy the sunshine).

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In Barbados, there’s a travel ‘Little Bristol’ bar...

When Orla McHale went on holiday to the Caribbean, she didn’t expect to stumble across a reminder of university... and questions over the two countries’ historic ties

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arbados... Home to idyllic beaches, the birthplace of rum and, for me, beautiful memories paired with some hard-hitting reflections. Mornings waking to the incoming tide and scuttle of monkeys across the veranda, days distinguished not by time but a dreamy blend of wandering from lounger to sea, and back to a book. The evenings called for spice, a drink and some music to serenade us. This wasn’t to be found in the nearest sleepy town of Speightstown (which lines the north-west coast of the island).

As we were informed by the locals, ‘da party’ picks up as you head further south, down the island. Which we later, as all good tourists do, checked off courtesy of a jammed reggae bus. Along the way, we reckoned we’d give the other bars a shot. We found a pop-up bar (a colourful shack overlooking the Caribbean Sea) and had our eyes diverted to the concrete flooring of the bar next-door, sprawled in white with ‘LITTLE BRISTOL BEACH BAR’. I went to take a picture, and to record the sense of a home away from home. Ahhh, Bristol. ‘Look it’s where you go to uni’, ‘we should go one evening’. I agreed. What could top the trip better than a boogie in a venue named after a city I’ve come to adore?

A painful legacy

bacco, cotton and sugar, all bound for England. The demand for sugar condemned African slaves to lifetimes of unforgiving and gruelling work. So, was it an appropriate name for a bar? I know the protesters who tore down the Edward Colston statue would have something to say. But the bar opened in July 2015, and across Barbados there’s little mention of its slave history. Aside from the statue of Bussa in St. Michael (a slave who, in 1816, rose up and led the Easter Rebellion), and an 1822 inventory of the slaves at St. Nicholas Abbey.

Even so, I thank the place named ‘Little Bristol’ for stopping me in my tracks on an otherwise indulgent trip. For reminding me that despite the 6,600 km distance between Speightstown and Bristol, what the places lack in spatial proximity is made up for with dark historical bonds… bonds perhaps still in need of reflecting on.

Now, in the peaceful aura of Barbados you can get swept up in forgetting. Forgetting, specifically, the island’s colonial history. You see, Speightstown was once busy with ships of torett Epigram / Xander B

Online...

Read about a trip to Iceland, a year in Provence, and catch up on the ongoing Fish Wars in the wake of the French elections.

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Like Karen Blixen, I long for the plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara Xander Brett looks back on a trip to East Africa, on safari and working at a school... return, we had lunch with our headmaster, who was flying down for a safari trip. We were at the home of the trip’s organiser (his base in the capital, with a team of housekeepers and security guards). It’s in Nairobi, indeed, away from rural happiness, and connected by miles of banana-selling roads, the harsh reality of this country comes into focus. Passing the Kibera slum, through airport checkpoints, you’re reminded this is a nation still plagued by terrorism: the Al-Shabaab group active in Nairobi, and on the west coast, in the second city of Mombasa.

Still, it’s easy to forget that. Kenya contains the happiest population I’ve met. Driving through the Uns village each morning, a crowd swarmed our cars to wave frantically and wish us good morning.

At school, the national anthem was sung each morning under a large Kenyan flag, with a portrait of the president hanging inside. English remains the language of government, though Swahili is the intertribal language (it isn’t long before you pick some up), and the tribal languages – in this case Maasai – are spoken at home… (any words of it in school, though, and children can expect a thwacking from the headmaster).

To say this country is conservative, certainly, is an understatement, but it’s no less liberal than the rest of Africa, and no less blighted by corruption at the top. Death is part of life… those lives lived under mud huts, but with excellent phone signal and televisions in the richest homes. Landing back in the UK, for a holiday in Cornwall, the memories lingered (where were the banana sellers?).

I watched the film adaptation of Karen Blixen’s ‘Out of Africa’, longing, like her, to return – if not to my farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills – then to that camp on the mara. ash pl

Epigram / Xander Brett

med Galal / Ah

U nsplash / Alexia Ellesse

E

very year, if your letter was good enough, ten pupils from my school were sent to rural Kenya to study the country and its people over two weeks. The trip was overseen by the parents of a pupil who, rather awkwardly, was semi-expelled the year after my successful application, putting the arrangement in jeopardy (she’d bunked off at night to see her boyfriend in town, caught out by a fire alarm). Normally, accommodation for the group was a luxury lodge on the top of a hill, looking out over the border with Tanzania. My year, for reasons I’ve forgotten, we were sent down to a branch camp to sleep on beds in tents. But with ten staff to ten pupils, cooked three course meals and being provided with fire, we were certainly well looked after. Each morning, we were sent to work at the local school, teaching children everything from French to maths.

After lunch (a form of porridge), we were taken for safaris in the plains. Or it was up to head camp for a drink and a swim in the infinity pool, or a dip under the fountain.

Each day saw a new sighting of leopards, lions, cheetahs and elephants. There were crocodiles, zebras and wildebeest too, on their migration… the ‘Big Five’ very nearly ticked off. We were right in the south of Kenya, a day by car from the airport in Nairobi, over gravel roads by land, but also connected by a landing strip. Arriving back in the capital on our

20

Seville’s Semana Santa

travel

Our Spanish expert, Lucy Rawlings, reports on Easter festivities down south

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fter two years off the agenda, Seville’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) has made a comeback. As with so many holidays, the lead up to Easter is taken very seriously in southern Spain.

This year I got the chance to see the celebrations first-hand. Imagine… huge processions of Nazarenos – the religious brotherhoods – carrying gigantic floats, topped with religious statues of silver and gold, adorned with precious gems.

The floats weigh 2,400kg and are supported by forty men, every step measured and unhurried. Each procession also has an entourage of 500 to 2500 Nazarenos, from each parish, with over sixty processions day and night for the duration of the week.

Processions begin around 3pm and end at 2am… the music from the orchestras that follow the brotherhoods be-

Looking from Poland into Ukraine Jenny Barruol on travelling to shoot a short film, and meeting refugees fleeing their homeland

coming overwhelming (even your hotel offers no escape!), while the streets are lit with the light of hundreds of candles swaying with the incessant march of the processors, and thousands huddled together. The processions can be overwhelming, especially the sight of the Nazarenos themselves.

Dressed in robes and cone-shaped headdresses that look eerily like those of the Klu Klux Klan, their appearance is a shock. What’s even more bizarre is seeing these processors out of context… catching glimpses of them walking boldly through the streets for morning coffee.

I was there as everyone was preparing for the very first procession, on Palm Sunday.

The main squares and avenues were lined with chairs, anxiously awaiting spectators. And those spectators did come… in their hoards.

I

arrived in Poland on a Saturday, and found Ukrainian flags everywhere... shops have organised their windows in the national colours, people are wearing blue and yellow, market stalls sell flags and flowers. I headed to Warsaw, to speak to NGOs about their work so far. In Warsaw, and across the country, we spoke to various people who’ve fled Ukraine, their war-torn homeland. It was striking, moving and inspiring to hear how highly these people spoke of their beloved country.

Not only did they describe a strong love of their land and culture, but also of their families, lovers and friends. They hope to return home, where they left so much behind. Sitting behind my camera over the week and hearing some of the most heartbreaking stories, I realised how important audio-visual storytelling is: giving a voice to those who truly have something to say.

I’m grateful to have met such kind, open-hearted people, and Voices of Ukraine is testament to the help and kindness we received. We’ve been moved by the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people: this war has caused thousands of casualities and left millions displaced.

Extracts from @jennybarruol on Instagram

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Co-Editor-in-Chief ROSIE ANGEL-CLARK Co-Editor-in-Chief SAVANNAH COOMBE Deputy Editor SANJANA IDNANI

Pillow Talk:

Carrie Brizshaw’s final words of wisdom: a master guide on how to cum

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or some (especially those with a penis), orgasming is as easy as in-and-out (no shame, sometimes I wish I could cum in seconds). But for others, it can be a bit more of a challenge. Carrie Brizshaw has put together the ultimate guide for cumming on cue.

Learn to do it solo first As with everything in life, how can you show someone else how to do it if you don’t know how to yourself? Learn what excites you first through masturbation. It’s very easy to masturbate using your tried-and-true methods, but I encourage you to change it up. This is the only way to understand your own pleasure further. Get on your hands and knees, stick a finger in your bum and try it in the shower: the possibilities are endless. The best way to get good at orgasming is to find a comfortable environment, cut off all distractions and try to be totally present – see it as a form of meditation.

Stress is the enemy of the orgasm.

Communicate

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If you’re constantly having one-nightstands, it’s totally normal to struggle to cum. Although everyone’s experiences are different, drunk-fuelled one-night-stands are often missing the care and trust required for amazing sex and frequent orgasms. Think about becoming someone’s FWB (good sex also doesn’t purely occur in exclusive relationships).

perer

If struggling to reach orgasm is a big deal for you, that you might not always cum. It helps to take the pressure off and allow both of you to focus on enjoying the experience rather than racing to the finish line. Have open conversations with your partner pre-sex about what you enjoy and don’t.

This communication builds trust which is essential for good sex.

Be verbal Remember to say what you do and don’t like DURING sex too. Partner being too rough? Not rough

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enough? Did you like it when they touched you there? Let them know!

If you’re too shy to verbalise ‘I liked that’, remember that communication doesn’t have to be spoken. Moaning, grunting and heavy breathing are all ways to say things feel good. Keep in mind that your partner may not pick up on these clues however and shouldn’t be expected to read your mind or body language.

If you’re struggling to explain what you enjoy during partnered sex, mutual masturbation can be a great way to get comfortable with each other’s preferences. This is once again all rooted in trust.

Get involved in your own pleasure In all the excitement it’s easy to forget about pleasuring yourself during sex. Never be afraid to get a finger down to your clit if you have one or bring in sex toys purely for your own pleasure. Butt plugs, vibrators and orgasm gel are great ways to stimulate yourself. Orgasm gel is an underutilised tool imo; applied to the genitals it can tickle, warm or cool the area. This stimulates blood flow which increases the rate of arousal and makes for some intense sensations. Tingling lube serves a similar purpose, but if you’re not down with the tingles make sure to include a regular lube anyways to avoid unwanted friction. Keeping hydrated throughout the day is also essential to avoid vaginal dryness.

All of the above is geared towards increasing sensations pre-orgasm. The truth about orgasms is that it really isn’t about the moment, it’s all about what comes before. If you think of sex as being about enjoying the pleasure rather than reaching orgasm it can help you enjoy the ride and not be stressed about cumming. This can make it easier to cum but will also help you to feel like sex is

Happy Endings

lifestyle

sations off. This allows you to bring yourself to the edge (hence ‘edging’) many times over and increases your ability to control your own pleasure.

Finish yourself off If your partner came before you, don’t be afraid to get the job done yourself. They might want to stick around and help (although this can often put unwanted pressure on the person who hasn’t cum yet). If you don’t want their help don’t be afraid to kick them out so you can get the job done yourself.

Return to what you remember from solo play and enjoy the experience.

‘wor thw h i l e’ even if you’re not orgasming every time.

Aftercare

Remember, there is no shame in not being able to cum. Orgasms are great, but don’t rush through the fun bits such as foreplay and experimenting with different positions to get there. On a biological level it takes longer for those with vaginas to be stimulated to the point of orgasm so there is no point rushing through this part of the experience.

If every sexual experience you have ends with the other person getting up and going in a hurry, it’s no wonder you will have a bad connection to orgasming.

We

Edging

mendatio m n: co love to discuss foreplay and sex, but we rarely speak about sexual aftercare. Try to sleep with people who are invested in what comes after as much as they are in the moment. Getting a takeaway, helping each other clean up and maybe debriefing about the experience are great ways to build trust with a person. And as I keep repeating, trust is crucial for for reaching the sacred orgasm.

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Carrie ’s r e

Edging is often suggested for those who find they cum to quickly but can also be a great practice for those who struggle to orgasm at all. During masturbation or sex, bring yourself to the point of orgasming (or as close as you can) and then cut all sen-

sm rga , £ O x Tracey Co oney h Love

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Secrets of the cosmos

The Croft’s resident clairvoyant reveals what the stars have in store for you this summer 21 May

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Term may have come to an end, but the full moon on 14th June inspires your curiosity and you may find yourself opening some long-forgotten books or trawling through the library catalogue – the more obscure the topic, the better! In August, friendships blossom – whether you’re out making new ones or taking a trip with a group you’ve known for years, you’re more social than ever.

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Someone issues an ultimatum – whether it’s a romantic or platonic relationship, it’s not a crime to put yourself first. Remember your priorities and make it work for you!

Your friends can’t get enough of you around the full moon on 13th July – whether they’re near or far, make the time to get together (even if it’s a virtual party), and you’ll feel all the love of your support system.

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20 Apr il -

As the solstice hits on the 21st June you’re feeling bright and bold: ready to show your feelings? The planets have your back so it’s likely to be received as you hope. Mars spends most of the holidays in your house of communication, so it’s easier than ever to let people know they’re important to you. If you’re feeling isolated, know that a message or call to an old friend could rekindle the love – even if it’s been a while.

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It may not sound exciting, but a lot of your summer will be spent organising – you may be starting a new job that takes up a lot of your time. It’ll pay off in the months to come!

Stewing romantic tensions reach an all-time high in late July: now’s the time to confront what you’ve been repressing and open yourself up to love of all kinds.

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You’ve had a knock this year, but the r summer sun can’t fail but boost your confidence! In love, you’re struck with wistfulness in mid-July, but you might not be ready to put your dreams into action. Be patient with yourself!

It may take work, but learning to be selfish could do you good: by the new moon on 27th August, you’re all ready for whatever fresh start you feel you need.

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You’ve got revenge on the mind this summer: while it may feel good to plan the downfall of someone who wronged you, don’t miss out on your summer! If you let them, your friends flock to you and distract you in no time. Venus works her magic from 18th July, and romance – new or old – feels exhilarating for the first time in a while!

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Someone you thought you were done with might just make a reappearance this summer. Whether you want to reunite or not, you’re so much stronger than you were – use your clear head to work out what you want. It’s a very active summer for you, though you might hit a wall come late August – taking a few days to rest will do you good!

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Resolving a tension between 22 a couple of friends may be the last thing you want to spend the holidays doing, but it might just be your calling: you’ll feel huge relief once everyone’s happy! The full moon on 12th August brings luck to your love life – whatever (or whoever) you’ve been dreaming of may just turn out to be your summer love.

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July is the most sociable time in your calendar this year, with invitations up to your ears! The new moon on 12th August encourages you towards a fresh start in your self-care: maybe a new exercise routine or film nights with friends. In love, expect revelations in late August – it’ll take some patience, but you’ll settle what’s on your mind.

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This Leo season is bigger and better than ever for you – if you’re planning a party, go all out – you deserve it. If you’re taking a trip anywhere, romantic encounters could be around every corner, just try not to get too attached! Late summer could bring a new career opportunity: even thought it’s the holidays, it never hurts to get that CV ready!

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Time with extended family may end up a lot more fun than you’d thought.

Early in the summer love feels mysterious – you can’t work out what you, or anyone else, wants. By mid- July, though, you’re feeling ready to embrace the unpredictability of romance. The full moon on 12th August provides a sweet opportunity: as meteors dance overhead, you too may be showered with love.

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Communication blockages resolve in early June as Mercury’s retrograde comes to a long-awaited end. It’s unlike you to be lost for words; luckily you’re back to your chatty self for the start of summer! Later, expect to be showered with affection: Venus stirs a potential connection’s generosity, and you may just find a decadent evening or thoughtful gift making its way to you!

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