I'm about 90% feminist!

The whole world has turned feminist with the like of Lena Dunham leading the way. I love Dunham and I love her TV show, "Girls" (if you haven't seen it, where the hell have you been?). I also think women should have equal rights and opportunities - to a point. I know what you're probably thinking because Lena has already said it in an interview with Metro U.K:

“Women saying ‘I’m not a feminist’ is my greatest pet peeve. Do you believe that women should be paid the same for doing the same jobs? Do you believe that women should be allowed to leave the house? Do you think that women and men both deserve equal rights? Great, then you’re a feminist. People think there is something taboo about speaking up for feminism.”

Let's look at firefighters.

I had this debate with one of my housemates at the start of 2014. She's a huge feminist and to her, women should be able to have any job they want.

My dad went for a job as a firefighter many years ago. He passed all the physical tests but walked out of his interview. He was asked why it is important to have women, people of different ethnic backgrounds and differently-abled people in the service. If I was asked this question, I wouldn't have an answer. I don't think it is important to have a variety of people at all. In fact, if that is how the fire service employ people, then I'm definitely worried. Shouldn't it be whoever is most capable..? If an Asian man is better than an English man, then he should get the job. If a deaf woman is better than a black bodybuilder, she should be employed. 

 So I'm 90% feminist. Equal opportunities and all that jazz...

What my friend argued was that there should be an equal number of men and women which I think is totally wrong.

In general, women aren't as physically strong as men. Firefighters go into burning buildings in pairs. Let's imagine a man and woman going in as a pair. If the man were to faint, most women would struggle carrying him out to safety, especially with all the smoke and the heavy gear. I appreciate that some women are physically able in these circumstances but the majority of us aren't and we shouldn't get the job just because we are women. 

I've voiced my opinion to many of my friends, both male and female, and only one person (a male) has ever agreed with me. 

Maybe I'm old fashioned or maybe my dad has been slowly twisting my thoughts over the years (he hasn't), but if my life was on the line and I was about to be engulfed in flames, I'd want the best person possible carrying me out and I'm pretty sure all the feminists out there would too.

Let me know your views, please. I find people's opinions on feminism really interesting!

Have a beautiful day <3

Instagram Snaps

Here's a little bit of shameless self-promotion...

I love Instagram. It's my favourite social media site by far. If you fancy checking out my account, that's cool if not, that's also cool...

@fluxandflo

Hope you're all having a lovely day! I'll be back to posting regularly soon! <3

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Mrs. Mia Wallace lipstick review

Like most people, I've been itching to get my hands on the Urban Decay Pulp Fiction range which hit America months ago. 

I went into my local Debenhams today to visit the Urban Decay counter and found that they had completely run out of the Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick which I the item I had most been looking forward to! The woman was new on the job and she tried to offer me similar colours from their normal range but I have to admit, I didn't want to even consider them. I love Pulp Fiction. It's definitely in my top 3 favourite films (along with A Clockwork Orange and all of the Lord of the Rings films... Or does that make it my top 5?).

Whilst she was looking at other colours, she came across one final lipstick which had fallen to the bottom of the drawer! Of course, I instantly bought it.

The lipstick retails at £15 and it is one of those "get it before it's gone" items - they won't be making any more once stock has gone, which is unfortunate because I would definitely buy this again.

The packaging is amazing. I really should have taken some more photos to show you the shimmery black tube. Never mind.

It's a very classic shade of dark red but somehow, it definitely has the edge over all other dark red lippies that Urban Decay sell (or maybe I'm just biased). I don't like glossy looks and this certainly isn't glossy but it does have a nice shine and the pigmentation is incredible. I have only just bought this item but I have had it on my lips for the past 2 hours and it hasn't budged despite me dunking biscuits in my tea.

10 ways to really annoy your barista

Warning: there may be some minor vulagrities below. If you are easily offended, I advise not reading on.

I've been a Starbucks barista for two and a half years now. I am a "button-pusher". My job is "cushty". But despite everyone slating the "tax-evading" company I work for (just leave if you're that bothered), I'm pretty sure they would all stop functioning if their caffeine was taken away from them. I need a doppio espresso to kick start my day just as much as you need yours.

So, if you're heading to a coffee shop tomorrow and fancy being an arse, then the list below is a sure-fire way to get your coffee poisoned with urn cleaner. Enjoy.

10. Don't collect your drink
Your barista spent time making your drink and if they are like me, they actually put some effort into it. If you do decide to leave it on the counter for five minutes, don't moan if your cappuccino froth has sunk or your latte isn't quite hot enough. Certainly don't demand a new drink be made - we don't have time to correct your laziness.

9. Forget your order
 I have placed two drinks on the end of the bar. One is a decaf latte. The other is an iced mocha. Apart from these two drinks being completely different, it only took about 30 seconds from you being at the till before your drink was ready. How in the hell did you forget what you ordered that quickly?!

8. Complain about the price

Yes, I know a small latte is £2.65 and yes, that is more expensive than the Starbucks in the town centre. You have come to a Starbucks in a 4-star hotel with free parking. If you're that bothered, walk away. Don't spend five minutes looking at the board and then complain once I tell you the total cost. I agree, it's very expensive but your barista does put some effort into making it (this isn't your soluble instant coffee at home) and we can't change the price.

7. Bark orders to clean your table

I often get customers telling me their table is a mess and asking me to come clean it but a couple of weeks ago, a woman actually clicked her fingers at me and said: "CLEAN THIS!" I received no thanks or smiles. Sorry, did you want me to poison your coffee after I've cleaned your table?

6. Order a "dry cappuccino... Like, really dry - just foam."
Just foam? That's not really a cappuccino, mate. It's kind of more like a really large espresso macchiato..? Either way, it's a pain in the arse to make so once I have dirtied a spoon so I could stop any liquid from falling into your beverage, please PLEASE don't do the "weight test". The fact you even know how heavy your drink should feel is strange.

 5. Think you're above everyone because of your order
Omg. You drink a filter with no milk?! Fuck... You are badass.  Now, can you please stop shouting your order and looking around to make sure everyone can hear you..? And your friend should be able to drink her half shot latte without feeling belittled by you, you coffe snob.

4. Talk on the phone whilst ordering
I understand that your phone call is important but do you have to be so rude as to continue talking on it whilst trying to order? No offence, but I can't tell what you're mouthing at me. Would it be such a crime to tell them to hold for two seconds or wait until you have finished talking? And please don't give me a dirty look when I ask you what size you'd like - it's not my fault that you're on the phone.

3. Say you "don't care" when given options
"Erm, I'll have one of the frappuccinos."
"Which flavour would you like?"
"Oh... I don't care."
"Well do you like coffee or would you prefer it without the coffee?"
"I don't care."
"My personal favourite is the caramel coffee but if you don't want the coffee then the strawberries and cream is really refreshing."
"I really don't care. You pick."
"Okay... Medium size?"
*getting angry at me now* "I don't care!"
"Whipped cream?"
"Oh my god... There are too many questions. I don't care. Anything."
 
You get my frustration?

2. Flirt with your barista
I came to work to work not to have you sit at the end of the bar and tell me you'll "keep me safe at night" and ask if my mum is "as fit" as I am. I also know that I have put makeup on today and yes, I know I look good. In fact, I look sassy as fuck so you can stop telling me and winking at me. Let me do my job.

1. Ask us to do extra things to your order
"Sorry, can you put these sugars in the cup before you make it?"
No, I've already fucking made it. Get a stirring stick like everyone else.
"Can you stir my drink whilst you're pouring it?"
What difference will that even make?!
"Can you just cut that sandwich in half once it has toasted?"
We give you a knife and fork for a reason.
"Can I have a free shot of caramel?"
No.
"Come onnnn... I come in every week! Just a little caramel?"
Again, no.
"Can I have a mug of hot water and a spoon as well?"
I have a shortage of cups right now and I know you've brought your own porridge, you cheapskate.



  This post was inspired by a similar post that my old boss shared with me at the start of the year. I'd link you to it but I deleted all my texts at the start of summer.