TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 30, 2020

The Fertility Series: 4 Women Share Their IVF Stories

Whether you’re just beginning your IVF journey, feeling overwhelmed by the medical terminology or looking to read something from someone who’s actually gone through it, we hope these real-life stories will make you feel less alone and help you prepare for the road ahead.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a cycle of fertility treatment that involves collecting an egg from the ovaries and fertilising it with the sperm in a specialised lab. The fertilised egg, called the embryo, is then returned to the woman’s womb to develop. The treatment is suitable for people who have been unable to conceive naturally or if you want to get pregnant as a solo parent.

IVF is usually carried out when the sperm quality is considered ‘normal’. If there are issues with the sperm quality or motility, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used instead. This is where a single sperm is injected into the egg.

Whether you’re just beginning your IVF journey, feeling overwhelmed by the medical terminology or looking to read something from someone who’s actually gone through it, we hope these real-life stories will make you feel less alone and help you prepare for the road ahead.

TW: Baby loss, miscarriage, fertility based mental health problems.

Sarah, @Wearetwinset

How long had you been trying to conceive naturally before you began fertility treatment?

We were trying for about a year and a half when we thought something might be up. We booked to see a fertility specialist, who made us have some tests, confirming that there were issues on both sides and that we would likely need assistance to get pregnant. We were then given various options for the next steps.

How did you know you needed IVF treatment? Can you tell us a bit about the initial consultation and other fertility treatment you tried before starting IVF?

For our third round of IVF we went to a new specialist, Dr Talha Shawaf who I think was the missing piece of the puzzle for us. Sarah

We actually started with IUI before IVF but with the success rates being lower than IVF and our particular issues we moved onto IVF after one unsuccessful IUI. IVF is a much bigger commitment and it took a lot of thought and research but we felt like it was the best decision for us at the time. We actually went privately to a Dr that was recommended by a friend and had two IVF rounds with him. For our third round of IVF we went to a new specialist, Dr Talha Shawaf who I think was the missing piece of the puzzle for us. We found him to be the most wonderful, thorough & honest Dr.

Can you explain what your IVF journey looked like?

Our IVF journey was quite a long one and it took 4.5 years in total for us to have our little miracle boy, Lenny. It was by no means quick or easy and I think that’s what you have to be prepared for, it really can take time. This was not something I had taken into consideration pre-IVF. There are so many different factors that need to work together and it’s not one size fits all. Often, we didn’t have answers for why one particular process didn’t work or get the results we’d hoped for & then we would try something different, perhaps with slightly different medication and protocol. It can be draining, frustrating & heartbreaking throughout but hopefully, in the end, it can also be magical.

In terms of the process, I’m going to try and share as much as possible in and the simplest way possible & hopefully in the correct way too – there are quite a few steps to IVF. The first step is the hormone injections (I did them in my tummy), my husband Craig injected one (sometimes two a day) to stimulate my ovaries to increase the number of eggs my body makes typically for 10-12 days. I found this process quite difficult, making sure we were in together at the same time every night and it was sore injecting the same area daily. But before, during and after my injections I found it so helpful to listen to calming music and think positive thoughts. Every injection was one step closer to my baby (I used to repeat this over and over in my head!) I also felt quite bloated from the drugs but again I always tried to think of the bigger picture and the final result, a healthy baby.

The next stage is the sedation to have the eggs removed, I also found this quite scary as I had never had an anaesthetic before. But again, it was one cog in my bigger journey and I just tried to take each step at a time and get through that hurdle. For each of my three rounds of IVF I had 12-15 eggs removed. As I was under it felt quick & I had no real pain after, I was just a little groggy waking up from the anaesthetic.

The 12-15 eggs are then mixed with the sperm (for us we had IVF ICSI which means the sperm are actually injected into the eggs) and you have to wait to see how they fertilise over the next few days. In each of our three rounds of IVF we had 3 embryos fertilise each time but this can obviously can be more or less for each case.

The next step once the embryo/s have developed in the lab, is an embryo transfer back into your uterus, either in the same cycle as your egg collection or in a fresh cycle in the next month/s. If it is the next cylcle/s the embryos are then frozen (this is what we did each time.) For me, one of my issues was the lining of my womb, so sometimes it took a while for the lining to look right for us to put an embryo back in. This was of course difficult as I would build myself up towards for the embryo transfer and then it might not happen. It was a constant daily exercise to talk myself into being positive as much as I could. But again, I just kept thinking I would rather everything look as good as it can be to increase my chances of success.

My anxiety here was so bad every time, I would always try and be positive but also prepare myself for the worst-case scenario and I would just swing between the two counting the days away. Sarah

After calculating dates and scans with the Dr to find the right day to put an embryo (or embryos) back in, the now thawed embryo is inserted via a cannula. It’s a little unpleasant but it’s quite quick about 15 mins. The worst part of this is that you need a half-full bladder and I never managed to get it right – I was always bursting! After the transfer, it’s time for the dreaded two-week wait where you have the longest two-week countdown of your life…to either take a pregnancy test or to have a blood test to see if you are pregnant. My anxiety here was so bad every time, I would always try and be positive but also prepare myself for the worst-case scenario and I would just swing between the two counting the days away. I found talking about my emotions with my reflexologist here really supportive and I always tried to have a couple of nice things to look forward to during these two weeks – anything to take my mind of things. During our three rounds of IVF I had 7 embryo transfers, three of them were sadly miscarriages, three were unsuccessful & then finally I got pregnant on my 7th transfer with my son Lenny.

What are the mental & physical side effects of IVF that aren’t often talked openly about, especially due to the lack of fertility awareness in the workplace?

I think the emotional side of things is just huge, not only are you putting your body through a lot (so you don’t feel yourself) – injections, drugs, egg collection, weekly scans – your emotions are all over the place. I found that sometimes I could put on a ‘brave face’ and get on with things and other times I just couldn’t. I really tried to accept those bad days when they came in and knew that tomorrow would be a new day. The hardest part for me was the waiting, for results or my body’s responses to medication which I found so agonising. I often didn’t feel like myself throughout the process, keeping things a ‘secret’ felt strange, coping with the losses & the highs & the lows but still having to get on with normal day to day life as it wasn’t something I openly spoke about to many. Getting up and going to work somedays just felt like the biggest struggle. I also stopped going to people’s baby showers and kids’ parties as it always made me feel so awful afterwards.

Did you join any support groups on social media?

Often, I would find myself late-night googling things which always made me feel awful & it would have been great to be able to connect with people going through similar things. Sarah

I actually didn’t at the time. I would say that 6 years ago it was quite a different space on social media but if I had them at my fingertips it would have definitely been the most amazing support and would have helped me not feel so alone. Often, I would find myself late-night googling things which always made me feel awful & it would have been great to be able to connect with people going through similar things. This was one of the main reasons why I was so desperate to share my story and help people in any way I can.

Did you talk openly about your IVF with your family? How important was it that you had that network of support?

I was quite open with my family but only when I felt comfortable, which worked best for me. There were periods where there was just nothing to say and it felt like bad news after bad news and that’s when I found it hard to talk about. But I have an amazing support network of family and a few friends who often didn’t need to say anything but were there when I needed to talk or just be. On the day of one of my embryo transfers (it was a Wednesday), my girlfriends sent me a bunch of flowers simply saying ‘happy hump day’ to make me smile. They massively helped me stay strong throughout and to take my mind off things. They booked in lunches and pedicures so I would have things to look forward to which would always shift my mindset.

Was there anything else you tried alongside your treatment to help manage your mindset and prepare you for IVF?

My spiritual healer Julia was incredible, she helped me work through some crazy things that came up during our sessions & I really feel she made a massive difference to my fertility journey.Sarah

I tried everything! From psychics to kinesiologists to osteopaths and I truly believe that if something makes you feel good then you should do it. I did try acupuncture but I just didn’t love it, instead, reflexology was my saving grace and my reflexologist Rachael Posener (who also does counselling) was a huge support to me through all my ups and downs. I confided in her a lot about how I was feeling & I found it helpful when she shared some of her experiences with me and she truly gave the best advice. It was a real coping mechanism for me. My spiritual healer Julia was incredible, she helped me work through some crazy things that came up during our sessions & I really feel she made a massive difference to my fertility journey. I also saw a nutritionist Melanie Brown who advised I took some supplements and ate specific foods which I also believed really helped me in the long term.

Do you have any advice for those who are still going through their fertility journey, IVF and otherwise?

That was the hardest part for me during my IVF journey – I knew no one who had experienced anything similar to me and I often felt alone & different, especially as nearly all of my friends were also having babies at the time.Sarah

My biggest piece of advice would be to ask all the questions (there are no silly questions!), do your research for each step & understand the different processes & if you don’t ask for clarification. Speak to people who may be able to offer advice or tips & give you support. That was the hardest part for me during my IVF journey – I knew no one who had experienced anything similar to me and I often felt alone & different, especially as nearly all of my friends were also having babies at the time. There are so many incredible online spaces like my friends @Alicerose & @itscatandalice that are so helpful, give such amazing tips & advice and I think being part of a community would have made me feel so much better and stronger during some of the lowest points.

The most positive part of the IVF experience?

For me, it was getting my dog Maggie. Rachael my reflexologist suggested we get a dog to help us through the hard times, to take our mind off everything. Maggie was one of the best things to ever happen to us and she truly made everything better. It was something else to focus on and care for and she honestly changed us for the better.

One thing you wish you’d known…

I was naive to the whole process and sometimes there are just no answers as to why things happen.Sarah

That IVF can be lengthy & challenging & it’s not a quick fix. When I had my first round of IVF I got pregnant the first time (before I miscarried) and I genuinely thought, wow it’s not that bad! I was naive to the whole process and sometimes there are just no answers as to why things happen.

Stephanie, 29

How long had you been trying to conceive naturally before you began fertility treatment?

We had been trying for 2 years.

How did you know you needed IVF treatment? Can you tell us a bit about the initial consultation and other fertility treatment you tried before starting IVF?

After we had our referral and had the initial tests myself and my husband were given the diagnosis for Unexplained Infertility

After we had our referral and had the initial tests myself and my husband were given the diagnosis for Unexplained Infertility as everything on paper looked okay I just wasn’t getting pregnant. So we were recommended by the Fertility Doctor to try 6 months of Clomifene which is an Ovulation Induction Drug and in the meantime, we were to do our research into IVF.

Can you explain what your IVF journey looked/looks like?

So for us, it started with our first NHS cycle in July 2017 (our NHS trust gives you one go on the NHS), we went into this feeling really clued up having done our reading and attended the hospital’s open night and personally we felt really hopeful and positive, I did long protocol which involves a month of going into menopause using daily injections and then around 2 weeks of ovarian stimulating injections. After this period I then went into hospital to have an egg collection procedure and then they mixed my eggs with my husband’s sperm. We, unfortunately, didn’t get any embryos at all in this cycle and we quickly learnt that I had issues with my Egg Quality and Quantity.

Now looking back I regret bouncing back so quickly as it did nothing for my mental health

I quickly bounced back, now looking back I regret bouncing back so quickly as it did nothing for my mental health and we went very quickly into Cycle 2 in November 2017, this time around we switched from IVF to ICSI and still was given a reasonable chance of success, this time around the eggs that were collected were injected with my husband’s sperm and we managed to make 4 embryos and then 5 days later we only had one poor-quality day 5 embryo left (called a Blastocyst) I then had that transferred, unfortunately, two weeks later we found out that this cycle had been unsuccessful as well.

This for me was where the mental impacts of IVF really hit home, I very quickly started having horrible night terrors (mostly about the procedures I’d had and from nowhere started with horrendous anxiety and depression. We decided that in the best interests of me and my husband we would take a year off. I sought counselling through my GP as I was diagnosed with PTSD and Anxiety and Depression.

In February 2019 I went back to the hospital as we were planning on trying again with Cycle 3 later on that year, with the issue of my egg quality the doctor advised me to have an AMH blood test which gives a full picture about my ovarian reserve, a few weeks later I got the news that it was low and we shouldn’t delay trying again as my chances of success had now dropped to 10%. So we did cycle 3 in June 2019, this was exactly the same as cycle 2, however this time I was on maximum doses of the stimulating injections. This time around we got the same result, however, we ended up only having a day 3 embryo rather than a day 5 embryo (the chances of success are greater with a day 5).

We decided in September 2020 to go down the adoption route and are currently going through the stages as we speak

This, for us, is where our fertility journey ends, we still haven’t been successful in a cycle and was told after cycle 3 that our chances were now below 10%, when we started with odds of around 30%, we were given the option of Egg Donation (where a donors egg would be mixed with my husband’s sperm) or adoption. We decided in September 2020 to go down the adoption route and are currently going through the stages as we speak.

What are the mental & physical side effects of IVF that aren’t often talked openly about, especially due to the lack of fertility awareness in the workplace?

I, fortunately, found with my place at work that they’d already started to make positive changes concerning IVF, we got 5 days leave to use during the cycles and my manager was great whilst I was having the injections with all the side effects that come with it. The hardest thing about work is the fake smile you’ve got to plaster on every day with the people that don’t know and the “Are you okay?” questions whilst you’re desperately hanging on.

Did you join any support groups on social media?

We joined the support group on Facebook for the clinic we were at, this was a useful tool for us and I would highly recommend anyone going through it to join one. Even on those days I felt like I was going mad, it was great to chat to other people going through the same thing as us.

Did you talk openly about your IVF with your family? How important was it that you had that network of support?

We were open with our immediate family from day one of going to the clinic for the first time, we honestly couldn’t have dragged ourselves through those dark days.

Was there anything else you tried alongside your treatment to help manage your mindset and prepare you for IVF?

We didn’t start doing anything until cycle 2, we both had counselling after this cycle and this really made a difference

We didn’t start doing anything until cycle 2, we both had counselling after this cycle and this really made a difference, I went to a Fertility Coach before cycle 3, and this really helped me to come to terms with it all. We didn’t do anything nutrition-wise apart from both follow healthy diets and I took Vitamin D and Folic Acid as advised by the clinic.

Do you have any advice for those who are still going through their fertility journey, IVF and otherwise?

Now looking back, I would say make sure you ask all of the questions and don’t stop asking. There was sometimes I wish looking back I’d of asked more times. Also, don’t be afraid of asking for a second opinion, we didn’t until cycle 2 and I wish we’d of asked sooner.

The most positive part of the IVF experience?

How much closer it brought me and my husband together I think I learnt things about him whilst we were going through it that I would have never have done had we not had to.

One thing you wish you’d known…

I thought they were my fairy godmother who was going to magically give us a baby.

I went into it thinking that’s great, by next year we’ll have a baby! Looking back this was really naive of me, but I think I thought they were my fairy godmother who was going to magically give us a baby.

Francessca, 39

How long had you been trying to conceive naturally before you began fertility treatment?

We started ‘not-trying’ soon after we got married. What do I mean by not-trying? Well, you know, we started, like most couples, thinking that we wouldn’t use any contraception and that we would get pregnant basically the first time we had sex. 

So many of us have it drummed into us during our teens and twenties that if you don’t use contraception that you will fall pregnant straight away.

So many of us have it drummed into us during our teens and twenties (and now early thirties if you want a career), that if you don’t use contraception that you will fall pregnant straight away. Well, it’s a shock when that doesn’t come true, I can tell you! It’s like someone slapped me in the face. After the first month, I thought, okay well, it will definitely happen next month, and on and on that cycle went! I eventually realised that we might need some intervention after quite some time of trying ‘naturally’. Most professionals will tell you to try naturally for a year before you seek medical help. However, I firmly believe that this advice is fundamentally flawed because women/couples are leaving it later in life to have children and after 30 you are considered to be a geriatric mother if you fall pregnant. So time really is of the essence…. If in doubt seek some advice from your GP. 

How did you know you needed IVF treatment? Can you tell us a bit about the initial consultation and other fertility treatment you tried before starting IVF?

We saw our GP and had some tests undertaken. We were told that there was “nothing obvious wrong”, according to the GP, and were referred to our local IVF clinic. We had our first two rounds of IVF treatment (neither were successful!) here and this is where our journey began. 

Can you explain what your IVF journey looked like?

We consulted our G.P. We had some tests run and nothing was apparently wrong – “unexplained infertility” was the term used by the GP. 

We went to our local IVF clinic and they walked us through the process of IVF. We were lucky because, at that time, our local NHS area were offering three free rounds of IVF. We had two rounds of IVF at this clinic and it wasn’t working. With a third free round on the table, I began to question whether I had confidence in the dr at the fertility clinic (he had told me that it would take “7-8 goes” at IVF before it was likely that I would fall pregnant). I was not fond of the doctor and really had no faith or confidence in the protocols that they were adopting, so I started looking for other options. I just felt that pumping myself full of drugs without knowing the cause for our infertility wasn’t logical. 

Around the same time, a colleague from work (one who I had confided in) gave me a book written by Zita West. After I devoured the book in less than two commutes to work on the train, I consulted the Zita West clinic and sought their views on what might be going wrong. 

The Zita West clinic’s focus is very much on the whole person; the body, mind and soul and that really appealed to me. After speaking with Dr George Ndukwe (all his patients call him the miracle man) we paid to have some additional tests run and he was of the view that I had overactive natural killer (NK) cells. These NK cells are the cells that your body uses to fight the common cold or infection. Mine were just a tad hyper and were also attacking our embryos (I was falling pregnant but just not being able to sustain a pregnancy). My tests came back that I had very high levels of NK cells and Dr George was of the view that I needed a different protocol (course of drugs) to try and help me fall pregnant, whilst going through IVF. Basically, he suppressed my immune system to ensure that the NK cells were less active whilst I was undergoing treatment. 

I was so disheartened with my local clinic and the ‘one-size fits all’ approach that they were adopting for our treatment that we sacrificed a free round of treatment at our local clinic and took the plunge and funded around at the Zita West clinic.

I was so disheartened with my local clinic and the ‘one-size fits all’ approach that they were adopting for our treatment that we sacrificed a free round of treatment at our local clinic and took the plunge and funded around at the Zita West clinic. We didn’t regret it. At my local clinic, I had produced a meagre number of eggs per cycle and they were not really of good quality. However, after reviewing our nutrition (I thought I ate rather healthily – I wasn’t getting anywhere near enough protein!), partaking in acupuncture, hypnotherapy and intralipids treatment (we threw everything we had into this treatment), we ended up having lots of very healthy embryos and some to freeze. We hadn’t had these results before and were completely over the moon. As a result of that one cycle at the Zita West clinic, we have our two boys (now aged 4 and 2). 

What are the mental & physical side effects of IVF that aren’t often talked openly about, especially due to the lack of fertility awareness in the workplace? 

How long have you got?! The mental and physical side effects of IVF really can’t be understood unless you have been through it. It is exhausting. To be hoping and wishing for a baby month after month and it not work, is utterly draining. To see your friends fall pregnant ‘by accident’ or ‘without trying’ really is soul-destroying. Are you pleased for them? Sure. But do you also feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach every time someone announces that they are pregnant again, YES. Coupled with the effect that the drugs can have (they don’t always – but most women have some side-effects). Not to mention the financial worries, can we afford this treatment? Should we pay the mortgage? Or risk becoming homeless to fund another round of IVF? The effects really are extensive. 

The need for a child really is a deep-seated and primal instinct that most of us have.

I think a recent study said that women who have suffered miscarriages can, and do, suffer from PTSD and I can honestly say that I understand why. I would consider myself to be a strong and independent woman. However, creating a baby goes to the core of who you are and what you are designed to do. If women don’t produce children the human race ends. It is that simple. The need for a child really is a deep-seated and primal instinct that most of us have. Some women may not want children and I understand that choice too. However, when you have decided that you do want a baby, and you can’t produce one, I don’t think that the effects on you can be underestimated. 

When we first started trying and it wasn’t working I felt like a complete failure. A failure as a wife. A failure as a daughter (not being able to give my mum grandchildren). A failure as a woman. If other women could do it, why couldn’t I? I didn’t smoke or drink to excess, what was wrong with me? When we had our first failed IVF cycles, I didn’t discuss it with anyone. I think I had only told my husband and my mum and my brothers. I think it is fair to say that I am your classic, controlling, over-achiever lawyer; ‘I don’t do failure’. Yet, I had no control over this and this left me floundering and uncertain about what to do next. 

During my second failed cycle of IVF, I remember that I had been promoted at work. I was working really long hours, routinely leaving the office at 10pm to try and improve a team that had not been performing well (sneaking off to the toilets to inject my IVF drugs without anyone knowing). The cycle failed. I was worn out and devastated and to top it off I had to take time off from work to miscarry ‘naturally’ as I was worried about having a procedure performed that would remove the ‘non-viable embryo’, as it was referred to by the doctor who looked for a heartbeat. I will never forget the way he couldn’t look at me when he didn’t find the heartbeat. Like it was just a yes/ no situation. But to me, it was my hopes and dreams for a baby and a family with my husband. Non-viable. Pretty much how that Dr. at our local clinic made me feel that day. 

So with this in mind, we mustered up the courage to start a round of IVF at the Zita West clinic and I really can’t describe how different it was. I was supported and encouraged to talk to others. I don’t know if it was the new-found optimism that caused me to open up to friends, family and colleagues, or because the cat was out of the bag because I had been forced to email my colleagues and explain why I had not been in the office leading the team. (I didn’t include in my email that my male boss hadn’t contacted me once during the time that I had been absent owing to my miscarriage to see how I was, or to enquire about what support that he/the organisation might be able to offer me!) But hey ho! We pick up and press on. I returned to work with vigour and I was now open about what I was going through. I told HR. I started talking to colleagues about it and you know what, others started talking to me about the issues that they were having. It was like I had opened a can of worms at work. So many of my female colleagues (also thirty-somethings) were having issues. I was also really surprised, I don’t know why looking back, but a few of my male colleagues also came to talk to me too about what they could do to help their wives going through the same thing. 

So to summarise the effects are huge. But ask me if it is worth it? Yes. Without doubt. Because like any warrior who wants something badly enough, you just keep picking yourself up and pushing on. 

Did you join any support groups on social media? 

Looking back now, I can absolutely see the benefit of talking and sharing and recognise that everyone has to process their grief, anguish and journey in a way that is right for them.

The short answer to this question is no. I had attended a group therapy session at our local IVF clinic and it really was not for me. I didn’t like hearing about other people’s negative results. I am a really positive person by nature and whilst it sounds callous to say it, listening to other people’s stories of woe didn’t inspire me. I just felt that I needed to surround myself with success stories and people who IVF had worked for. Looking back now, I can absolutely see the benefit of talking and sharing and recognise that everyone has to process their grief, anguish and journey in a way that is right for them. So I think that the social media groups are really great for that. I do get concerned about some of the advice that seems to be given by those who are not particularly educated on the subject… but that’s another question! 

Did you talk openly about your IVF with your family? How important was it that you had that support?

At first I didn’t. But in the end, because it had been going on so long for us and so many people who didn’t know we had been going through IVF kept asking me “so, when are you having a baby?” that the easier answer was to reply “actually we have been trying for sometime and it’s not been working”. Aside from the slightly smug feeling that I would get putting people in their place, I came to realise that people mean well. They really do. But saying that, I have experienced all sorts of things being said to me, by ‘well-meaning individuals’ – such as ‘you will have 8 babies going through IVF’ , ‘God doesn’t approve of IVF’ and my favourite ‘do you think you should take it as a sign that you might not be right to have children?’ Needless to say, that you develop a thick skin quite quickly when you are on this journey…. 

Was there any other lifestyle you made alongside your treatment to help manage your mindset and prepare you for IVF?

For our third successful round, I can honestly say that I was in the best physical and mental shape of my life.

During our first two cycles of IVF, no. We didn’t really adjust anything. Nobody guided us that this was a good or sensible thing to do. However, for our third successful round, I can honestly say that I was in the best physical and mental shape of my life. I had been having regular acupuncture, we have overhauled our diet, cut out alcohol, caffeine and gluten and I was doing everything I could to de-stress. It had an impact because we had our two boys. 

Do you have any advice for those who are still going through their fertility journey, IVF and otherwise?

Question, question, question the advice that you are receiving. A good doctor will take the time to explain things to you. If you are just a number, they won’t. You will quickly start to see the difference. 

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t – even if you don’t know the reason for it and/or it doesn’t seem logical at the time. For example, my husband had kittens at the thought of walking away from a free round at our local IVF clinic only to pay for it somewhere else. But I just knew that that’s what felt right and I was proved right. Against all logic, I followed my instincts, we changed clinics and we got pregnant. 

The most positive part of the IVF experience? 

Without a doubt my two boys. 

But second to this would be that I have started a new company: The Fertility Retreat. We are offering support to women/couples on their fertility journeys. We have consolidated the lessons that we learned along the way and are hopefully removing some of the mistakes that we made to prevent others from making the same mistakes. Combining this with some fabulous nutrition, yoga, expertise and fun along the way.

One thing you wish you’d known…

Can I have more than one thing?! 

Um, that nutrition and what you put into your body has a HUGE impact on your chances/outcome during fertility. Change your diet, change your chances. I really believe this. Your diet and what you do, and sometimes don’t, eat – have an impact on your results. 

And my second thing is – it is okay to feel how you are feeling right now. Breathe. Feel it. Acknowledge it and then cast it aside and focus on what you want. Because wallowing in self-pity gets you nowhere. Yes it can be painful, yes it can be hard, but tighten your bootstraps, slap on some lipstick and put your best foot forward – because only YOU can change the things you want to change to get what you want. 

Tara, 29

How long had you been trying to conceive naturally before you began fertility treatment?

I came off the pill in 2015, we weren’t actively trying but if it happened we would have been happy. After we got married in 2016 we started actively trying for a total of two years before starting our first round of IVF.

How did you know you needed IVF treatment? Can you tell us a bit about the initial consultation and other fertility treatment you tried before starting IVF?

I found not falling pregnant a very stressful time the disappointment of getting my period each month was overwhelming and it starting taking over my life trying to work out dates, taking ovulation test and searching for pregnancy symptoms so I was actually relieved when we started the IVF process as it took them pressures away and I knew it was the right thing for us.

To start the IVF referral process we went to see our GP I think this is always the best place to start, our GP ran all the basic tests on both my husband and me to see if there were any obvious issues to why we weren’t conceiving naturally.

Can you explain what your IVF journey looked/looks like?

She ran a lot more tests again on us both which showed our issue was male fertility based. Tara

Our journey started at the GP, once he had run all the basic tests on both my husband and I then got referred to another GP who specialises in fertility. She ran a lot more tests again on us both which showed our issue was male fertility based. My husband had an appointment with a male fertility consultant, the consultant decided on the best treatment path for us. This meant my husband going on hormone tablets and us than starting IVF using ICSI. ICSI is a type of IVF where they take my egg and my husband’s sperm and they physically implant the sperm into the egg.

My IVF protocol went; go on the pill so the clinic knew exactly where I was in my cycle, I then started an injection called Buserelin which is a hormone which stops your body naturally ovulating, I then started another injection called ovaleap which stimulates your ovaries to create follicles which contain eggs. I was having scans and blood tests every 3 days to check the progress of my follicles. The scans you have are done internally, they aren’t painful but can be a little uncomfortable the more follicles you have. once they were happy with the amount and size of the follicles I used an injection called ovitrelle this is known as ‘the trigger’ and exactly 48 hours later I had my eggs collected this is done whilst you are sedated. I then had to start taking progesterone pessaries, to anyone starting their journey please don’t be surprised if they tell you to put these up the ‘back passage’ initially. This can then be changed to using them as normal but I have to say they are very messy and once I get a positive pregnancy test I had to use them until I was 12 weeks.

I had 5 days from egg collection to embryo transfer, I had 12 eggs collected and 3 of them survived and turned into high-grade embryos one of these was implanted back in me and the other two were frozen for future cycles. This is a very stressful time as you’re waiting to hear from the embryologist every other day to let you know if and how your embryos are progressing. The embryo was transferred back into me, this is done when your awake and you see the process on ultrasound. After this, I waited 9 days before taking a pregnancy test which was positive. I think I felt as prepared as I could I read IVF books, cut out caffeine and alcohol and started acupuncture.

What are the mental & physical side effects of IVF that aren’t often talked openly about, especially due to the lack of fertility awareness in the workplace?

The fear of the unknown, feeling like a failure if your body isn’t doing as it should be and feeling isolated are just some of the things I felt during my cycle.Tara

Mentally IVF can put a huge strain on you, I’m naturally a positive person but it can be very testing. The fear of the unknown, feeling like a failure if your body isn’t doing as it should be and feeling isolated are just some of the things I felt during my cycle. The days after my embryo was transferred and I was waiting to take a pregnancy test I had a very hard time with the fear of it not being successful and It did consume me slightly. Physically IVF takes its toll in lots of ways firstly the daily hormone injections left me very bloated and uncomfortable. I found I didn’t sleep well before, during and after the cycle due to the anxiety. After Egg collection, I was very crampy and got very bloated but this did pass after 3/4 days.

The fear of the unknown, feeling like a failure if your body isn’t doing as it should be and feeling isolated are just some of the things I felt during my cycle.Tara

I was always very transparent with my workplace about my journey and they were super supportive but I do believe if I wasn’t so open things would have been a lot harder, fertility is such a taboo subject and the fear of your workplace knowing you’re trying to conceive adds extra stress when you’re already under such strain. You do have to take a fair amount of time off work for appointments which can be difficult and some days your just not in the right frame of mind which I think anyone who hasn’t been through the process struggles to understand.

Did you join any support groups on social media?

I followed a lot of ladies accounts on Instagram who document their IVF journey, there is a huge fertility support network on social media. People from all over the world and all with different stories really make you feel like your part of a community.

Did you talk openly about your IVF with your family? How important was it that you had that network of support?

We were a newly married couple who had just bought our first home so we were getting asked all the time when we were going to have a baby so telling people really took that pressure away. Tara

I did speak openly to both my family and friends, I decided as soon as we found out we were going to need fertility treatment to be completely open with people. We were a newly married couple who had just bought our first home so we were getting asked all the time when we were going to have a baby so telling people really took that pressure away. I do think it’s so important to have a support network, if people didn’t want to tell their family/friends then finding someone to confide in will help, speaking to other people on social media who are going through or gone through fertility treatment can be a great support and my inbox is always open for anyone who needs it.

Was there anything else you tried alongside your treatment to help manage your mindset and prepare you for IVF?

I personally did acupuncture, I would recommend this to anyone going through fertility treatment. I choose a clinic that specialised in fertility acupuncture, not only is it a great way to relax and switch off through what is a very stressful time you get great advice on your diet and guidance on what you can do to encourage a positive result. I also used IVF mindfulness apps that helped to switch off and keep my mind in a positive place. I know my clinic offered me counselling so that option is available to you if you should need it.

Do you have any advice for those who are still going through their fertility journey, IVF and otherwise?

Don’t feel ashamed of your journey, having children is beautiful it doesn’t matter how they are conceived.Tara

The best advice I can give is to stay as positive as you can, take time out for yourself and try not to put to much pressure on anything.
I would keep a notepad with me and write down any questions I would think of so when I went to my appointments I had them ready. If you aren’t sure about something don’t be embarrassed to ask, getting things explained so you fully understand is so important. Don’t feel ashamed of your journey, having children is beautiful it doesn’t matter how they are conceived. Don’t take the pregnancy test before the day they have told you, it’s very tempting but getting a negative because it’s too early isn’t worth it and finally don’t feel alone lean on your partner, family, friends or support network you will feel a lot better for sharing your thoughts.

The most positive part of the IVF experience?

I honestly do believe getting to see the full process from seeing your eggs grow, watching the embryos develop, and then seeing the embryo being transferred is so specialTara

The most positive part for me has been getting the positive pregnancy tests and having two gorgeous little boys but I honestly do believe getting to see the full process from seeing your eggs grow, watching the embryos develop, and then seeing the embryo being transferred is so special and something you can really treasure.

One thing you wish you’d known…

Honestly, I really wish I had known that on the day of embryo transfer you have to have a full bladder and I’m not talking about slightly needing a wee I’m talking about full to the point if you drank another sip you would burst! To then add to the enjoyment of your bladder being that full they use an ultrasound to watch the embryo be implanted so they push down on your stomach. I can confirm as soon as the embryo is in your allowed to use the toilet though which is a great relief.

TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 29, 2020

Weekly Wants: Superb Stocking Fillers

If you're not normally a stocking giver or recipient, maybe 2020 is the year to start! We could all use an extra sprinkling of magic this Christmas, and what better way to start the day than with a thoughtful stocking for the ones you love.

Is there anything as joyous in this world as hurriedly unwrapping your stocking on Christmas morning with a mince pie in hand and cuppa to start the day of celebrations?

Is there anything as joyous in this world as hurriedly unwrapping your stocking on Christmas morning with a mince pie in hand and cuppa to start the day of celebrations? NO! It’s the little things (in the words of One Direction) that really make the difference, and Christmas is no exception. The small but thoughtful gifts inside your stocking (thanks mum for always nailing it) can be the most useful and exciting of all on the big day, keeping you well stocked with edible treats, mini toiletries and a pair of socks or two to see you well into the next year and beyond.

If you’re not normally a stocking giver or recipient, maybe 2020 is the year to start! We could all use an extra sprinkling of magic this Christmas, and what better way to start the day than with a thoughtful stocking for the ones you love.

Which miniature gifts are you hoping to find inside your stocking on the crisp morning of the 25th?

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TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Guest Recipe: Pink Hot Chocolate Bombs With Baked By Steph

Hot chocolate bombs are little balls of chocolate that you pop into your mug and pour hot milk over until they melt and magically release cocoa powder, marshmallows and a variety of other fun and tasty treats that might be hiding inside.

It’s my number one go-to treat throughout the year when I need a tasty little pick me upBaked by Steph

Is there anything more warming and comforting on a cold winter’s eve than a delicious, piping hot cup of hot chocolate? It’s my number one go-to treat throughout the year when I need a tasty little pick me up but, when it comes to this time of year, I like to get a little extra and add a touch of drama to my evening drink with hot chocolate bombs.

They’re super easy to make and, more importantly, really fun to drink!Baked by Steph

Hot chocolate bombs are little balls of chocolate that you pop into your mug and pour hot milk over until they melt and magically release cocoa powder, marshmallows and a variety of other fun and tasty treats that might be hiding inside.

I, in true Baked by Steph fashion, have opted to make my hot chocolate bombs pink & gold so that I can drink a cup of pink & gold hot chocolate like a chocolate queen. Baked by Steph

I, in true Baked by Steph fashion, have opted to make my hot chocolate bombs pink & gold so that I can drink a cup of pink & gold hot chocolate like a chocolate queen. If you want to replicate this exact design then you will need to use white chocolate so that it can be coloured, and you will need some oil food colouring (chocolate doesn’t like any other kind of colouring – don’t attempt this with gel colouring or there will be tears). If you don’t have oil colours, or if you just don’t fancy a pink drink, then you can substitute the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate and still end up with a delicious and magical Winter treat!

SERVES 3
PREP: 20 MINS COOK: 30 MINS
EASY
  1. Melt your chocolate​. First, melt your chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments and stir until it’s fully melted. If you’re colouring your chocolate, stir in your oil colouring at this stage.
  2. Fill your moulds​. Pour a little chocolate into each sphere mould and fully coat using the back of a spoon until each entire sphere is fully coated. Freeze for 15-20mins to harden.
  3. Repeat​. Double coat your chocolate spheres by repeating step 2 with your leftover chocolate. You may need to microwave it again to get it fully melted.
  4. Remove your spheres​. Once they’re fully hardened, peel each sphere carefully from the mould. Do a little test on one to make sure your chocolate isn’t still soft.
  1. Fill​. Fill half of your spheres with a tablespoon of cocoa powder and whichever delicious fillings you’ve chosen. I’ve opted for chocolate buttons, marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles – yum!
  2. Melt and assemble. ​Now to join your half spheres together to make your bombs! Pour hot water into a bowl and place a plate on top. Once the plate is warm to the touch, place one of your empty half spheres on top for a couple of seconds, with the rim touching the plate, until the rim starts to melt a little. Then join this to one of your filled half spheres to form a full sphere and hold together for a few seconds. Repeat this for each of your spheres and then pop them back in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the melted chocolate to harden.
  3. Decorate​. Now you have your bombs assembled you can decorate them however you like! I added some edible gold leaf to mine for a super luxe feel but, as an alternative, you could drizzle some different coloured chocolate on top or why not try crushing up some candy canes and rolling your chocolate drizzled spheres in them for a super festive feel?
  4. Now for the main event​! Pop a hot chocolate bomb into a mug and slowly pour over some hot milk. Your bomb should start to melt and release all the goodies inside. Give it a good stir to make sure it’s all fully incorporated and then sit back, relax and enjoy!
TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 27, 2020

Gift Guide: The Best Black Friday Buys

Whatever your strategy, Black Friday is a great opportunity to bag some discounted Christmas presents and finally tick off any big-ticket items you've been eyeing up lately.

Whether you love it or you hate it, there’s no denying that Black Friday is a shopping holiday that’s here to stay, and really who doesn’t want a little discount on a present to themselves or others, ESPECIALLY in 2020?!

Your personality traits likely determine what kind of Black Friday shopper you are (from cool, calm and collected to impulse and everything in between), but whatever your strategy, it’s a great opportunity to bag some discounted Christmas presents and finally tick off any big-ticket items you’ve been eyeing up lately.

It might feel like an odd time to be focused on material items during a year none of us feel like we need anything other than health and time with loved ones, but nevertheless it can be those indulgent picks that help to put a smile on the face of both you and the lucky recipient. Gift giving gives off good vibes!

Which items have been sat in your basket waiting for today to finally roll around?

H&M
20% off everything!

ASOS
Up to 70% off everything

Topshop
25% off everything

White Company
20% Off using code MAGICAL20

Anthropologie
25% off everything using code: OURTREAT

Beauty
Find the best discounts in our

Black Friday Cheat Sheet here

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 26, 2020

The Poetry of Period Sex: Why Menstrual Sex Should Very Much Be On The Menu

Period chat has come on in recent years – pun intended – there’s no doubt about that, but when it comes to dismantling the period sex taboo, there’s still a lot of work to do.

Hollywood may not want to discuss it, but we do. WE DO.

The way the internet reacted to that transformative scene from I May Destroy You is all the evidence we need to suggest we have to do more to normalise period sex on tv and in real life. Hollywood may not want to discuss it, but we do. WE DO.

Biagio removing a bloody tampon like he was just casually fishing out a tea bag from a cuppa was iconic enough, and then he went on to prod an actual period blood clot in the middle of a sex scene with unabashed acceptance. It was the refreshing and nuanced portrayal of sex we didn’t know we needed to see.

If you are the proud owner of a uterus, the chances are you’ve felt like some kind of period pariah at some stage in your life, no thanks to the whole bleeding from your vag thing which apparently still seems to be a radical act, even in 2020.

Often, it’s the blood factor that can put couples off exploring and enjoying menstrual sex, but having a good bonk can be pretty messy anyway, so what’s a bit of cervical mucus when you’re covered in bodily fluids anyway?

When you’re sharing your body with someone, you’re sharing your whole body with them and menstruation is a very natural and normal part of that intimacy. And hey, if it makes your cycle more enjoyable, why not capitalise on that? This is what dark bedsheets and shower sex was made for, people.

Sure, if it’s not your jam and you can’t think of anything worse than doing the moves when it feels like someone left a Nutribullet unattended on beast mode in the deep depths of your womb, you are more than welcome to sit and cry this one out with a hot water bottle and some snacks. There’s no judgement or shame either way, just as long as you’re not letting Aunt Flo stand in the way of a good shag.

If being on your period fills you with shame and embarrassment, then it’s important to unpack why your period makes you feel that way.

If being on your period fills you with shame and embarrassment, then it’s important to unpack why your period makes you feel that way. Confront your period shame and examine the influence it has on your relationship with your body. Let go of uncomfortable feelings and just go with the f-l-o-w. We’re not suggesting you need to start leaving your menstrual cup on the window sill under a full moon but a bit of pragmatism wouldn’t do any harm.

Image Credit: Ruben Chamorro

The benefits of period sex may surprise you, from helping to ease period cramp to better orgasms, natural lubrication and increased pleasure. Experiencing sensual pleasure and orgasm releases the feel-good chemicals dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins and these can act as natural painkillers. Orgasms and pain-relief? What a crowd-pleaser.

We should stress that all the usual caveats apply with period sex. You still need to use contraception in the same way you would if you were not on your period. Whilst it’s true that the odds of getting pregnant while menstruating are lower, it’s still possible and you can also still contract and pass on STIs.

Sexual intercourse whilst on your period should be as normal as painting your nails

Wherever you stand on period sex, the bottom line is having and enjoying sexual intercourse whilst on your period should be as normal as painting your nails. Love & blood should be allowed to mingle, they don’t have to be kept apart like two warring Shakespearean families.

It can be poetic and romantic if you stop listening to the narrative that tells you it’s dirty and gross, and instead listen to the narrative that says life is short, sex feels good and periods happen.

So, when the river runs red, bloody well make Cherryade!

TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 25, 2020

All The Christmas Movies Netflix Has To Offer This Year

Here’s all the Christmas movies worth streaming this Yuletide. Grinches need not apply.

Christmas movie season is a go! We refuse to hold off until December because it’s been a bloody bleak and miserable year and watching a weepy, beautiful Jude Law cuddled up with Diaz in a tent will cheer us up no end.

The world needs love, safe predictable plots & pure relentless Hallmark silliness right now

The world needs love, safe predictable plots & pure relentless Hallmark silliness right now, so let’s not waste another second. Here’s all the Christmas movies worth streaming this Yuletide. Grinches need not apply.

The Holiday (2006)

Yes, we’re watching it again, what of it, Karen? Few can compete with this elite Christmas fable starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law as the weepy single dad & Jack Black as the only casting mistake.

The Christmas Chronicles 1 (2018) & 2 (2020)

In this instant holiday classic, Kurt Russell plays a fine laid-back Father Christmas, possibly the best there has ever been. We said what we said. When siblings Kate & Teddy try to catch Santa on video, they accidentally cause his sleigh to crash. With Christmas in jeopardy, they join forces with Saint Nick on an unexpected mission to save the holiday.

And yes, the sequel to The Christmas Chronicles has just landed, so 2020 is officially saved. Unhappy with her mum’s new relationship, a now-teenage Kate runs away and winds up at the North Pole, where a naughty elf is plotting to cancel Christmas.

Holiday In The Wild (2019)

If you thought you were done and dusted with all your elephant-related crying after Dumbo, you were wrong. After her husband abruptly ends their marriage, Kate (Kristin Davis) embarks on a solo second honeymoon in Africa. There, she and Derek, a pilot, rescue a baby elephant. While nursing the elephant back to health, Kate discovers how much she loves her new surroundings. Cue the mistletoe.

Christmas With The Kranks (2004)

Starring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis & Dan Aykroyd, this spirited Christmas comedy is a bad Christmas movie favourite. When their only daughter, Blair, leaves home for the holidays, Luther (Allen) and Nora (Curtis) decide to skip their usual high-octane celebrations and go on a cruise instead. But when Blair decides to return home for Christmas after all, they are left with just a few hours to pull their neighbours together for the best celebration ever.

Holidate (2020)

Who needs Oscar winning cinematography when you can have pure Hallmark corn? Holidate is a self-aware rom-com about two holiday cynics, Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey). They agree to be one another’s platonic plus ones to every holiday date for a year, only to catch real feelings along the way.

The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

An endearing saccharine holiday rom-com starring Vanessa Hudgens – a medieval knight is transported to present-day Ohio where he falls head over heels for a high school science teacher, who helps him navigate the modern world and fulfil his mysterious quest. It’s a guilty pleasure movie there for the taking.

Christmas With The Coopers (2015)

Christmas is the season for the Coopers to come together for a drama-filled dysfunctional family reunion. As the evening unfolds and a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, the Cooper clan rediscover the true spirit of the holiday.

Operation Christmas Drop (2020)

Operation Christmas Drop transports you to the island of Guam for the holiday season. The beachside rom-com follows a congressional aide named Erica who is sent to investigate a tropical US Air Force Base using military cargo planes to drop Christmas gifts & supplies to remote islands. Her boss wants to shut it down but when Erica experiences the communal spirit of the Christmas Drop for herself (and meets a certain captain eye candy), she has a change of heart.

The Princess Switch (2018)

A Chicago baker and soon-to-be princess (both played by Vanessa Hudgens) discover they are doppelgängers and trade places for a few days. It’s like Parent Trap on Christmas steroids.

The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)

Netflix are filling the 2020 void with those long-awaited sequels and tbh, we are so ready for another Hudgens holiday switcheroo.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Featuring music by John Legend, Jingle Jangle is a musical feast for the whole family. The film follows the legendary toy maker, Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) whose inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his spirited and adventurous granddaughter, Journey (Madalen Mills) to reawaken the magic within. A warm-hearted tale with all the trimmings!

A Christmas Prince (2017) A Christmas Prince 2: A Royal Wedding (2018) A Christmas Prince 3: The Royal Baby (2019)

An aspiring journalist casually sneaks into a palace to get the scoop on a young future king. Realistic? No. But does it make for a delightfully bad but irresistibly watchable viewing? Yes, we believe it does. If nonsensical schmaltzy Christmas movies is what you crave, you’ve found it x 3 in this Netflix original trilogy.

Let It Snow (2019)

Slushy, clichéd and lame with all the Love Actually vibes, Let It Snow has all the tropes of a typical Christmas film. Based on the best-selling YA novel of the same name, the festive flick follows the stories of a group of small-town high school seniors in the midst of a major snowstorm on Christmas Eve.

Klaus (2019)

A top tier Christmas movie in 2019? Santa take the wheel. This original animated feature narrowly missed out on an Oscar last year (to Toy Story 4 – what the fork?) and let it be known that 2019 did Klaus seriously dirty because it is a 2D hand-drawn animation film and it deserved to take home that award, for crying out loud. Five stars!

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without this green-skinned disgruntled festive grump and his village pint-sized Whos. In this film, we get a softer version of Jim Carey’s brilliant but brutal green character and in 2020, we welcome anything that feels cosy and safe. Thank you, Benedict Cumberbatch, kind sir.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

At Santa Claus’s super-secret toy-making facility, Mr. Claus entrusts his son, Arthur, to carry out an ultra-important Christmas mission. An adorable oldie packed with relentless positivity, Arthur Christmas is the wholesome feel-good animation we all need to see us out of the 2020 sh*tshow.

What will you be tuning in to this Christmas?

TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 24, 2020

Your Black Friday 2020 Cheat Sheet

We’ve got a one-stop-shop cheat sheet for you, featuring all the best Black Friday deals from your favourite brands, so you can snag the best daily discounts without the headache.

The biggest shopping event of the calendar year is just around the corner, which means we’re about to be bombarded with deals and bargains galore. Overwhelmed, much? Don’t fret. We’ve got a one-stop-shop cheat sheet for you, featuring all the best Black Friday deals from your favourite brands, so you can snag the best daily discounts without the headache. We’ll be updating this list with new deals as they happen, so stay tuned!

Fashion

& Other Stories
20% off everything with code FRIDAY20

Topshop
25% off everything

MANGO
Up to 50% off thousands of items
Ends 29/11

H&M
20% off everything

Weekday
Up to 50% selected items

Urban Outfitters
Super Weekend
Up to 50% off selected lines

ASOS
Up to 70% off everything

Matalan
£10 off when you spend £50 with code: BFSAVE10*

Matalan exclusive Affiliate code – The code AFF20 will offer 20% off everything (full price)
25/11-30/11

Whistles
25% off full price
Extra 15% off sale

Missguided
35% off everything

Public Desire
Up to 70% off

NastyGal
60% off everything

New Look
Up to 60% off selected lines

Boden
30% off mini and menswear today only 27/11
30%* off womenswear
Use code C4L3 at checkout
*Exclusions apply

Karen Millen
Up to 70% off everything

Marks & Spencer
30% off selected womenswear
40% off selected homeware

Boohoo
Up to 90% off everything + free delivery with code: OMG

The Daily Edited
20% off sitewide

The Outnet
UP TO 70% OFF + EXTRA 25% OFF
(almost) everything with code BLACKFRIDAY. Excludes Just In

Farfetch
Get up to 50% off Sale plus an extra 20% off

Net-A-Porter
Up to 50% off – T&Cs apply
Black Friday special: +15% off beauty edit
+free shipping on all orders

Revolve
Up to 50% off select styles

Home

Anthropologie
25% off everything using code: OURTREAT

The White Company
20% Off using code MAGICAL20

MADE
Up to 20% off

Oliver Bonas
40% off 100s of styles

Trouva
Each piece you find on Trouva has been handpicked by an independent boutique and for a limited time only is now at up to 50% off

Beauty

Glossier
25% off everything and up to 35% off sets

Beauty Bay
Plenty with 30% and 20% off

Bobbi Brown
20% Side wide using code BB2020 to redeem

Charlotte Tilbury
Up to 45% off selected items

GHD
Up to 20% off

Kiehl’s
25% off. Use code: BLACKFRIDAY

Feel Unique
Up to 33% off / 20% off NYX / 20% off L’Oreal / 30% off Bioderma

Urban Decay
30% off sitewide

Space NK
3 for 2 on select stocking fillers

Kate Somerville
20% off sitewide use code: CYBER20

Selfridges
Up to 20% off with code: SELFCCE

Look Fantastic
Up to 30% off with code: LFBEAUTY

MAC
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Jewellery

Monica Vinader
25% OFF or 30% OFF £200+ | Flash Sale up to 50% OFF Gold

Astrid + Miyu
25% off everything

Missoma
25% off everything

Fitness

Gymshark
Up to 30% off selected lines

Sweaty Betty
25% off

JD Sports
Up to 50% off selected lines

Converse
35% off the classics with code: BLACKFRIDAY

Nike
25% off everything with code: SHINE2020

Other

Lovehoney
Up to 50% off

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 24, 2020

13 Questions With Dr Julie Smith

Dr Julie Smith is a Clinical Psychologist who shares bite-sized mental health and motivational videos online, she has amassed over 2 million TikTok followers and aims to help the masses with her creative content.

First of all, how are you and how are you coping in lockdown?

I am well. Lockdown has been a busy time for me, juggling both parenting and working from home, like so many others across the country. I am grateful that schools have been able to stay open this time. It gives the children a sense of normality as well as parents.

Talk us through your journey online and what you’re getting up to at the moment?

What an adventure it has been! In therapy, I have an hour to talk people through these concepts. On social media, I often have just 30 seconds. That forced me to strip away any jargon that wasn’t absolutely necessary to the message and get creative making it as engaging as possible. Throughout the 2020 lockdowns, it has felt like an online family of people all being hugely supportive of each other. Of course, the second lockdown has added difficulties of autumn weather and darker evenings that can really get people down. So I have continued sharing any tips that may help. I’ve also been able to spread the word further on programmes like the Radio 1 Life Hacks.

What did you study to become a psychologist?

To become a clinical psychologist I first completed an undergraduate BSc Psychology degree and then, after gaining experience working in research and mental health, completed a further Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. After that, I worked in a range of mental health services, from crisis teams and intensive care wards to primary care before starting my private practice.

When and why did you decide to start putting your learnings on social media?

This time last year I started on my social media journey and it’s been a rollercoaster! In my work as a psychologist, I was providing individual therapy. One aspect of therapy involves teaching people a bit about how their mind works and some of the ways we can manage emotions and mood changes.

I noticed that lots of people, once they had that information, felt empowered to manage their own mental health much more. But I didn’t see why people should have to pay to see a therapist to get access to this sort of education. So I started making a few short videos and putting them on social media.

I didn’t expect people to respond in the way that they have. But 12 months later and I now have 2.3 million followers on Tiktok and 267,000 followers on Instagram. The incredible feedback from everyone has kept me going. As long as real people are finding real value in the videos, then I will keep going.

What is your favourite platform to create content for at the moment?

Wow, that’s a difficult one. I have absolutely loved getting creative on Tiktok, especially during that first lockdown. But I’m also excited by the chance to now explore that with reels on Instagram. I would love to make some slightly longer, more detailed videos for IGTV too.

What does your content cover?

I share lots of insights and tips from therapy that can help all of us to understand a bit more about how our minds work and how to look after our mental health day to day. But there is more to psychology than mental health and I love to share some of the classic experiments and mind-blowing illusions that tell us something about our brains. I recently shared a video on something called the Thatcher effect and people loved watching it and sharing it with their friends. It was viewed over 30 million times so it looks like I’m not the only one who is fascinated by the human brain.

You’re huge on TikTok, what do you think is the key to success there?

I think short and snappy content that engages people from the very first moment. People love to see something that they can relate to or share with their friends. But the second that people don’t feel absorbed by a video, it’s all too easy to scroll on. So whatever your message, it must be engaging.

What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?

People might expect me to say something about my career, and I am proud of many achievements along the way. But for me, without a doubt, my biggest achievement continues to be showing up for my three children every day. The challenges of parenting constantly change but the close bond I have with each of them means everything to me.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on designing more resources to help people put some of the concepts and skills into practice, so keep an eye out for that in the near future. I’ve also been able to get involved in a few projects with the BBC. I can’t reveal anything just yet, but keep an eye on my Instagram to find out soon.

What do you always carry with you?

A mother of three would not be caught anywhere without a packet of wet wipes! But I’m guessing you are looking for something more interesting than that. Honestly, I carry as little as possible. I recently bought a micro scooter that is my new favourite thing. I love to whiz around town on it. Nothing brings out the kid in you like a scooter. But that means you need your hands free so mostly, it’s just me and my phone.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

It would include my three babies, husband and our little dog, Millie. We love letting the three of them choose a weekend adventure. That could involve building a den in the woods, jumping in puddles, paddling in the sea, or dancing around the kitchen to our favourite music. It’s all heaven to me. My work becoming so busy this year has given me a solid appreciation and gratitude for the time I spend with them and a determination to be present when it counts.

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be?

I found myself overthinking this one as if I would have to really commit to it. But, I love Japanese style food with vegetables and noodles in some sort of ramen type of meal. Waggamamas is a solid favourite.

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be?

Treat your mental health with the same priority that you give to your physical health. Always be looking for ways to enhance your wellbeing and resilience. You never know when it will be challenged. Don’t wait for things to disrupt it before taking care of yourself.

Follow Dr Julie on Instagram here and TikTok here!

TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 23, 2020

Pimp Your Mince Pie With These Festive Alternatives

If you’re not the biggest fan of the traditional tangy & boozy mince pie recipe, here’s how to put a spin on the old classic to entice even the most distrusting mince pie eater.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Christmas isn’t Christmas without the humble mince pie.

Turns out mixing meat and sweet warming ingredients wasn’t such a wild concept back in the middle ages.

Traditionally, mince pies were a rectangular savoury pie shaped like a manger from the Christmas story and stuffed with lamb or mutton to represent the shepherds and spices for the Wise Men. Turns out mixing meat and sweet warming ingredients wasn’t such a wild concept back in the middle ages.

Nowadays, you don’t have to have a Tudor’s palate to appreciate the yuletide tradition, since we’ve generally agreed to drop the meat out of the equation, even if we do insist on calling the fruity filling mincemeat. Go figure.

Entice even the most distrusting mince pie eater!

However, if you’re still not the biggest fan of the tangy & boozy mince pie recipe we tuck into today, here’s how to put a spin on the old classic to entice even the most distrusting mince pie eater.

You can chop and change the ingredients to taste but we’ve gone for nuts, white choc & cranberry and classic chocolate orange to keep things high key Christmassy.

SERVES 18
PREP: 30 MINS COOK: 15 MINS
EASY
  • Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan)
  • Combine all your ingredients for each ‘mincemeat’ thoroughly
  • Roll out pastry on a floured surface until it’s 3mm thick. Stamp out 12 rounds using an 8cm fluted cutter and line a 12-hole bun tin.
  • Divide mincemeat among pastry cases.
  • Re-roll pastry and stamp out lids. Top each pie with a lid and brush with beaten egg.
  • Bake for 12-15min until golden.
  • Leave in tins for 3min, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar and gobble with glee.
TEAM ZOELLA NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Weekly Wants: Christmas Pyjamas

There's something so special about a fresh pair of pyjamas on Christmas Eve that sparks the excitement and magic this time of year brings to life!

Christmas in 2020 is going to feel a little different for us all, but that won’t stand in the way of the traditions that make the winter months so cosy, namely: the perfect PJs.

Forget Christmas party wear, this year pyjamas are taking centre stage and honestly, we couldn’t be more thrilled. Christmas in 2020 is going to feel a little different for us all, but that won’t stand in the way of the traditions that make the winter months so cosy, namely: the perfect PJs. Now you might be thinking that sticking with elasticated waistbands and fleece galore takes the stress out of Christmas dressing, but there are in fact still plenty of decisions to be made in finding the perfect pair for all your relaxation needs. For example trousers or shorts? Fleece or silk? Novelty or classic? Bright or neutral? We’re taking it very seriously and this edit is proof that our lurveee for lounging is here to stay!

Stand out brands include Chelsea Peers, M&S, The White Company and Next, making it easy to nail pyjamas, dressing gowns, slippers and fluffy socks in one! There’s something so special about a fresh pair of pyjamas on Christmas Eve that sparks the excitement and magic this time of year brings to life, and we have a feeling that buzz in your stomach and warmth in your heart will feel stronger than ever in 2020.

When do you start donning your Christmas pyjamas? 10+ cosy points if your answer was November 1st!

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