5 Shows You Have to Watch on Netflix

Who doesn't love a good Netflix session? I personally love plopping down on the sofa or on my bed after a long and tiring day and putting on one of my favorite shows - and believe me, I have a lot of them.
One of the reasons why I love Netflix that I simply cannot run out of things to watch because every time I finish a show, I scroll through my recommendations to find another one that appeals to me - after I've finished mourning the end of my other beloved show, of course.

However, all of us TV show lovers will know that all that glitters is not gold - some shows might seem interesting, thrilling even, when you read through their synopsis, but once you're actually two episodes into them you're either bored to death or might even have fallen asleep.

In order to avoid the feeling of being catfished by promising looking shows, I thought I would recommend some of my favorites to you guys!

18 Things I'm Excited for This Fall

Happy fall y'all! Now that September is upon us, it's officially fall - or autumn, if you're from Britain. Now, I myself don't have a favorite season because I'll always find something that I adore about a certain time of the year, such as long summer nights and pool days in summer or Christmas and snow days in winter.

However, I feel like there's just something special about fall - the scent of pumpkins and of change is in the cool, breezy air; all the best foods make a comeback and nature turns the prettiest of colors.
As I've seen so many people on Twitter and Instagram who were buzzing for the new season, I thought I'd share some of the things I'm super excited for this fall!

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My Love/Hate Relationship with 13 Reasons Why

Trigger warnings for this post: sexual assault and suicide.

In case you missed it - if you did, how? - "13 Reasons Why" has been all over the internet for the past few weeks. Everyone and their mother (and probably the family dog) has watched it and is discussing it on social media as well as in real life so naturally, I wanted to see what all that talk was about.

The eponymous book was a mandatory read for my class in 8th grade, so I already knew the outline of the story. In case you don't, let me enlighten you:

"13 Reasons Why" starts off with Clay Jensen, a junior in high school, receiving a box which contains audiotapes. When he inserts them into a cassette recorder, his life changes forever. What's on these tapes isn't music, it's Hannah Baker's voice. Hannah Baker was a friend of Clay's - was, because Hannah committed suicide after she had recorded the tapes in the box. On these tapes, she explains the reasons why she ended her life, all of which are connected to certain people who were once part of it - 13 in total. All of these people are to receive the box containing the tapes in a certain order, or else the tapes will be published - which would be fatal for people mentioned on them.

18 on 18

So. This is a bit awkward. It's been so long since I last sat down to write a blog post and I can't even describe how bad I feel for neglecting my little corner of the internet - and because of that, I didn't quite know how to get back into writing.

During the period of my disappearance (sounds a little more mystical than what really happened - being burried in workload and having a mental health crisis, but more on that at a later time), I happened to turn 18, so I decided to pick up an idea I had on my last birthday.

Last February, I shared 17 things I had learnt in the years leading up to my birthday, and since turning 18 means (technically) becoming an adult, I thought that it would be interesting to share some more important lessons I've learnt on my way to adulthood.

So, without further ado, let's get into it!

28 Things I Want to Do in 2017

Happy new year you guys!

As I already mentioned at the beginning of last year, I'm not someone for new year's resolutions. I used to make them, and then failed to keep them most of the time, which was so frustrating.

Due of that, I've stopped making the "usual" new years resolutions - "I'm going to get into running this year!' "I'll eat less junk food!" "I'm going to lose weight!" and the like - and create either mantras or set small goals for myself that I'm more likely to achieve - because I don't believe in the whole "new year, new me!" thing, I want to become a better version of myself for each year!

I've made a list of all the things I want to do in 2017 and, because I'm nosey and always read these posts and thought you might want to have a nosey as well, I decided to share them with you!
Bonus feature for people who read this later on in the year - every time I do one of these things, I'll put them in bold to keep track of my achievements!

45 Good Things That Happened Last Week

Life can be pretty rough. I think most of us will be able to relate to feeling like everything is going wrong and not being able to do anything to change that, a feeling of helplessness, a feeling of defeat.

I've been having some of those minor crisises lately - but hey, what are final exams without your life falling apart at least three times? - and I know I can say for myself that when I've falled into one of my mood holes, I'm often quick to see the world through some really dark glasses.

However, I saw a really nice idea that one of my fellow bloggers had - I saw about this on Twitter and even though I was so sure I had saved the post, I someshow didn't, so please tell me who this was!

She wrote an entire post all about the good things that had happened to her within the space of a week, and I thought that this was such a lovely idea to remind myself, and even others, to see the big picture and remember all the good things that happen even when you think everything sucks.

Because of that I decided to write down every single, small good thing that happened during the past week - and now I finally have the time to share my list with you guys!

20 Thoughts I Have in an Exam

Yes, it's me. I'm still alive and kicking it - barely, but still. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or given up on my blog - I don't think I could ever do that - no, I'm currently taking my final exams for the semester, like I explained in my recent update post.

Exam season is something wonderful. I spend so much time at school that I could basically bring a blanket and pillow and just move in there already, because I hardly get to come home anyways. When I'm home once in a while, I'm basically glued to my desk, trying my hardest to prepare for my exams.

However, if you have taken your fair share of exams yourself, you will know that one can only prepare so much and taking the exam is a whole other issue.

Now that I have already taken two out of my nine exams, I had the idea to share some of the funniest, dumbest and desperate thoughts I have had during exams - maybe we can laugh about them together to distract ourselves from the workload piling up on our desks.

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Why I Will Never Accept That You Voted For Trump

It is currently 7.35 in the morning here in Germany, I have been awake for almost five hours and the events of these past five hours have moved be so deeply that I felt the urge to discuss them and share my opinions on what has happened.

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If you don't live under a rock, you will know that it was Election night last night - for us Europeans while it technically still is election night for the Americans. I'm invested in global politics, so I have been keeping up with this election for over a year, and now it has come to its climax.

I cannot believe all of these events that have been unfolding ever since the first polling stations closed. I cannot believe the sheer mass of people - we're talking several dozen million - who voted for Donald Trump. It is beyond me. I myself do not agree with what Hillary Clinton says to one-hundredt percent, but when you compare those two canidates, the choice between them should come to you naturally.

Hillary Clinton does not have a white vest. There's been the shady email affair that has been discussed widely and deeply and was announced to not have happened at all by the FBI less than 48 hours before the debate. She has experience with politics, and some of it is bad.

However, when you compare her to Trump, I cannot fathom how you could vote for the latter.

If you voted for Donald trump, you voted for racism. If you voted for Donald Trump, you voted for sexism and misogyny. If you voted for Donald Trump, you voted for xenophobia. If you voted for Donald Trump, you voted for discrimination of all minorities in the United States.

Even if a miracle will happen and Clinton can still turn this around with only a handful of results to be announced, the results this election has brought us are truly horrifying. Even if Trump was to lose, millions, if not up to a hundred million Americans chose to support racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, exclusion and discrimination. Are you able to comprehend what it means that so many people support such hateful beliefs? This has opened up whole new abysesses of human spitefulness.

With your vote, you went against everything that your country stands for. 

The US is a nation of immigrants, built up by immigrants, and unless you're Native American, every single one of you will find immigrants in their faimly tree if they go back far enough. How can you turn to a xenophobic man, who openly discriminates other races, makes fun of them and threatens to destroy their lives?

The US is the land of the free and the land of equality for all. Equality for all races as well as all genders and people of all sexualities. But how can you have equality when your president opposes same-sex marriage, when he makes fun of the LGBT community?
And how can you have equality for all sexes when one white man can determine whether or not it is legal for a woman to get an abortion if she really does need it to continue living her life? There cannot be equality between the sexes when your president is a man who belittles women, who thinks they are not respected enough to work in high positions. A man who has double digit accusers for sexual abuse and gets out of it by claiming that "most of these women aren't even attractive enough" for him to go after them?

There is more to this, I could possibly go on for hours, But know this:
If you voted Donald Trump, you too are responsible for immigrants, both documented and undocumented, fearing for the safety of their families. You too are responsible for queer citizens' fear to be who they are, especially if they are not out of the closet yet. You too are responsible for Muslims being afraid to openly practice their religion. You too are to be held responsible if Trump's trade policies lead to millions of people losing their jobs all over the world, including in your own country.

Is no one aware of the fact that it is not normal for so many people to be afraid of the possibility of one of the canidates being elected as president?
As a German, I remember the last time this happened in my country. The last time a well-spoken man promised to fight for his citizens, he did the opposite. It resulted in hate crimes, in persecution, and eventually, in a war.

I'm not trying to meet trouble halfway, I'm simply analysing all of the facts and utterances we have experienced during the past year. After tonight, nothing will be like it was 24 hours ago, and the change is mostly likely to be for the worse, especially for all the non-white, non cis American citizens.

What is important to realise and remember in those remaing minutes before Trump takes the last state he needs in order to win the election is the fact that you cannot back down.
Whether you're Hispanic, Black, queer, trans, Muslim, or disabled, you are who you are. This result will not change this. And you should fight for who you are and for your rights. You cannot allow yourself to be run over or pushed aside. You have a right to have rights, no matter who runs the country.

It might not be easy, but we'll find a way to work through this. 

I am telling you this as a German. Through my veins runs the blood of people who lived under one man who was of the hook, who were persecuted and eventually fled the country. Through my veins flows the blood of the oppressed. They are the ones who never backed down, never gave up themselves or the fight they had in them. You might think of us as pests, but we are damn hard to get under control.

I am also telling you this as someone who is invested in global relations and politics. Know that there are people, entire countries not only rooting for you, but working towards making this better. There are govermenents who will not be Trump's puppets and be let themselves be commanded.

I am not exaggerating this situation. I have American friends telling me that they do not know what to do, that they're scared. This is really and this is happening. 

Everyone made a choice last night, and now we have to work through the results that choice brought.
It is the only way.

As Maya Angelous said:
"You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise."

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Christmas Wishlist - 2016 Edition

It's November and you all know what this means - it's officially socially acceptable to use the c-word. Christmas.

Yes, I'm one of those people who start listening to Christmas music and eating Christmas sweets pretty much on the first of November, and I'm always itching to get out all my Christmas decorations once Halloween is over. And what would make such an exitable person like me happier than writing their Christmas wishlist?

As I enjoyed writing my Christmas wishlist even more than I usually do this year as there's so many exciting things on it, I wanted to share it with you. I feel like I'm giving you a really deep look into my personality by doing this because I don't think any of you would have expected most of the things on it - so this shall be fun!

1. Simply Straight Hairbrush 

I don't have terribly curly hair, it's pretty straight on top but tends to become wavy at the bottoms, which can be super annoying - because of that, I was over the moon when I was introduced to this straightening hairbrush by my Mom!

It basically acts as a straightening iron but is used just like your normal hairbrush, which is extremly practical as you'll only have to brush through your hair more slower than you normally would and, by doing this, straighten it in the process! It also uses a lot lower temperatures which will be a lot healthier for my hair compared to my straigthening iron.

2. MAC Lipstick in 'Plum Dandy'

You can never have too many lipsticks, especially if they're by MAC. I love their lippies so much that they can you can pretty much always find one of them on my wishlists.
Plum Dandy is a shade that I discovered randomly by swatching lipsticks in store, and I instantly fell in love with it - it's a red/purple-ish shade that shimmers a tiny bit - perfect for the winter season, am I right?

3. Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer (3DS)

I'm super obsessed with Animal Crossing. Yup, I finally said it. I've loved this series ever since I was a little kid and it's been a companion of mine ever since, so I've been dying to try out the newest installment for the 3DS, which is called Happy Home Designer. 

The main thing about the game is that you get decorate and plan all of the characters' houses - which might probably sound extremly boring to most of you, but for the Animal Crossing and interior design lover in me, this is heaven.

4. Jemma's Girly Sticker Pack

In case you didn't know, Jemma sells the most adorable stickers ever in her Etsy shop. If I could, I would literally get all of the packs right here and now, but if I had to pick one to wish for, I'd definitely get the girly sticker pack - it's too die for.

5. Instax Mini 8 Camera

I've watched so many people treat themselve to these cameras during the past year or two, and I'm always so jealous when I see their cute polaroid photos. I want one. So badly. 

Imagine all the things you could do with the polaroids, like photo albums and various wall decorations. 

6. The Sims 4 - City Living (PC)

When I'm not playing Animal Crossing, I'm most likely playing The Sims. Much like my other favorite series, it's been a constant in my life pretty much ever since I was allowed to play games on the computer, and it's most definitely my all-time favorite past time and favorite way to procastinate all my responsibilities.

City Living is the newest expansion pack for The Sims 4, so to satisfy my inner nerd, this had to make the wishlist.

7. "The Name if the Rose" by Umberto Eco

Now, I know that this book is over a decade old and considered to be a classic by many, so why the hell haven't I read it yet? I really don't know.

But ever since my Latin teacher, who is into books at least as much as I am, told me about it and tried to pitch it to me, I've been super curious about it.

All I know about the plot is that it's set in a monastery, that someone is murdered in said monastery and that one of the monks tries to solve the murder mystery - but I'm hooked already.

8. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EdT

Oh my life. Besides Marc Jacob's Daisy Dream, this is my all-time favorite perfume, even if I have never owned it myself. I remember my mother wearing it when I was little, and I'm actually upset that she doesn't wear it anymore because then I'd get to smell it more often.

It's has both citrusy and floral notes to it, which is basically everything I look for in a perfume. If only it wasn't this expensive. Well, a girl can hope, right?

9. "Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy" by Cassandra Clare

I've talked about my undying love for Cassandra Clare's writing on my blog several times, and as I love and devour her books, it's also a tradition for me to put her books onto any wishlist of mine.

This one is a collection of short stories centered around the characters from her The Mortal Instruments series (if you've never heard of it - read the books, watch the show, love it.) and is actually co-written by a lot of different authors.

Is there anything special you're wishing for this year?

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Homeware Wishlist: Autumn/Winter Edition

I don't know about you, but ever since I moved into my own apartment, I've been obsessed with homeware. I literally cannot walk past a store's homeware department without looking for new pieces to decorate my apartment with - you can never have too many candles, prints or pillows, right?

But do you know what's even better than going shopping for new decor? Shopping for it online. You can check out so many stores at once and order all of the products you desire without having to carry all the heavy things home. It's a win-win situation, right?
As I've been eyeing up all kinds of dreamy pieces lately, I decided to share them with you guys!

1. Framed artwork (24,95€)

For some reason, I really, really like this artwork, even though I can't quite put my finger on why I do. It's rather simple but still catches the eye, and as the walls in my bedroom are a light blue, this would go perfectly with them!

2. Chocolate print (3,99€)

I feel like this print was made for me. Well, I actually don't eat chocolate that often, but when I do, I devour it. Nothing beats a good bar of Milka or Kinder chocolate - and those are always there for me when I need them. They'd never leave me. I need this print to celebrate my relationship with chocolate. Now.

3. Brilliant Cushion (14,99€)

So I have this thing for cushions/pillows. Whenever I find a cute or unique one, I get it. And because I can never throw things out, I've accumulated quite the collection.

However, I don't have anything like this cushion. It's covered in sparkly sequins and because its grey, it would go well with my light grey sofa. That's a good enough reason to get it, right?

4. Fastening clips for polaroids (15€)

I don't have a polaroid camera yet, but I'm thinking about asking for one for either Christmas or my eighteenth birthday because I love the look of polaroids.
This would be perfect for displaying your favorite photos, so whenever I'll have taken some, I will need to get this!

5. Cacti tealights (12€)

I love candles, and I love plants, especially miniature ones - so what could be better than plant shaped candles? These adorable cacti tealights look so neat, it would actually hurt me to burn them, so I'd probably just use them as decoration on my windowsill.

6. Yankee Candle in 'Fireside Treats' (29,90€)

For a candle lover like me, Yankee Candles are heavenly. I got the "Christmas Cookies" one last year, and I've already started burning it even though Christmas is still two months away because I love the scent and how it fills my entire apartment so much.
I'd love to get another one that isn't Christmas

7. Sheepskin Rug (49,99€)

When I came across this rug downtown, I instantly fell in love with it. It doesn't only look pretty, it's so incredibly soft! I also don't have a single rug in my entire apartment, so this is basically a staple I'm missing, right?

8. Scratch Map (32€)

I travelled a lot this year and now that the travel bug has truly bit me, I'd love to have a scratch world map like this one to track all the places I have already visited - if only they were a little cheaper. This will probably be a nice extra when I've got all my necessities covered.

9. Zoella Pottering Around Decorative Storage Pots (~11€)

These are the most adorable pots I've ever seen! They come in copper and marble and can be used for storage or even for tiny plants - and I want like ten of them. Pretty please?


Have you recently come across a decor item you really want? Tell me about it in the comments!

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15 Thoughts You Have When You're Sick

It's happened you guys - I've caught a bug. Now, I'm not one to get major colds often, usually once a year or less, but when they do come, they're coming on strong. This means that for the past week, I've been coughing and sneezing, drinking litres of tea to help against the burning pain in my throath and spent the majority of my time wrapped up in blankets in bed or on the sofa.

But I don't want to bore you with all the gory details. The most important thing about me being ill is that while I had all the intentions to write, I just couldn't do it. I have several unfinished blog posts sitting in my drafts that I started but couldn't finish because my brain was too mushy.

Not putting any content out for you guys has made me feel horrible as I basically dissolved into thin air for a week - but now that I feel a little better, I finally managed to sit down and write - and what's a better topic than the one that has dominated my past week?
I cannot be the only one who has very similar thoughts every time I'm ill, and while some of them are downright whiney, some are also funny - and maybe some of you might be able to relate as well!

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1. What was life like before I was cursed with a blocked nose?

2. It's suddenly really chilly in here. Better get another blanket.

3. And now it's really hot in here. Thanks, fever.

4. I feel like going for a walk to get some fresh air would make me feel better, but even getting out of bed makes me dizzy, so that's a no.

5. *checks phone* Look at all of these people enjoying themselves. They don't appreciate the fact that they are able to do all of this fun stuff. Why didn't they catch this damn bug?

6.  At least it's now socially acceptable for me to snuggle up in bed with books and my laptop.

7. I'd love to concentrate on this episode of my favorite show right now, but my brain's so mushy that I'm basically staring at the screen and trying not to fall back asleep.

8. How many cups of tea a day are too many? Certainly this has to be healthy, I mean, at least I'm staying hydrated. *pours fifth cup of the day*

9. I want all the comfort food right now. Greasy fast food, sweets, chips - give it to me. I know I will probably feel even more horrible afterwards, but I really want it right now.

10. What have I done to deserve this cold?

11. Would it be too much to call my Mum and whine to her? Maybe she'll pay me a visit later.

12. ... and hopefully cook me some hot soup.

13. *checks symptoms on Google* ... maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.

14. I've been coughing non-stop for a good thirty minutes and it's in the middle of the night, surely my neighbors in the flat next door are either going to call an ambulance or the police pretty soon.

15. I'm so exhausted that I can't even sleep anymore.

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Poetry That Has Stayed With Me

If you've been with me on this journey I call my blog for a while, you will know how much I adore books and reading. There's nothing I love more than snuggling up with a blanket, hot tea and a book and just getting lost in a different world for a few hours. I also talk about my recent reads on here every second Wednesday and keep you updated on books you should definitely check out.

But why haven't I ever talked about poetry on my blog?
Poetry is a topic that is really close to my heart, but for some reason, I find it difficult to talk about, especially about the poetry I write myself. It's hard for me to explain why certain lines touch me, how they move something so deep inside of me that I didn't know it was there.

But still, I am obsessed with it. I keep a little notebook filled with all my favorite poetry lines and look at it whenever I'm feeling something very strongly - happiness, sadness, anger, fear, loneliness. There's words for any situation in my life, and because sometimes we all need to hear certain words, I wanted to share some of my favorite poetry lines with you.

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1. Somewhere ages and ages hence: 
Two roads roads diverged in a wood, and I -
 I took the one less traveled by, 
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken.

2.  Look deeper through the telescope and do not be afraid when the stars collide towarss darkness,
because sometimes the most beautiful things begin in chaos.
- R. M. Drake, Keep Looking.

3. Now you understand 
Just why my head's not bowed 
I don't shout or jump about 
Or have to talk real loud.
 When you see me passing
 It ought to make you proud.
 I say, 
It's in the click of my heels, 
The bend of my hair,
 the palm of my hand,
 The need of my care, 
'Cause I'm a woman 
Phenomenally. 
- Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman.

4. If I stand there at water's edge,
 I swear I can hear you, 
and feel you, 
although I have nothing
 to compare 
that feeling to.
- Erin Charlotte, The Water. (Erin is an insanely talented fellow blogger, fyi.)

5. Und meine Seele spannte / And, oh, my soul extended
Weit ihre Flügel aus. / its wings through skies to roam:
Flog durch die stillen Lande, / O'er quiet lands suspended
Als flöge sie nach Haus. / my soul was flying home.

- Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorf, Mondnacht. (original in German)

6. But our love was stronger by far then the love 
Of those who were older than we- 
Of many far wiser than we- 
And neither the angels in Heaven above 
Nor the demons down under the sea 
Can never dissever my soul from the soul 
Of beautiful Annabel Lee.
- Edgar Allen Poe, Annabel Lee.

7. You are only as free as you think you are and freedom will always be as real as you believe it to be.
- R.M. Drake.

8. All the world's a stage
And all the men and women merely players. 
- William Shakespeare, All the World's a Stage.

9. I am not yours, not lost in you
 Not lost, although I long to be 
Lost as a candle lit at noon, 
Lost as a snowflake in the sea.
- Sara Teasdale, I Am Not Yours.

10. You may shoot me with your words,
 you may cut me with your eyes, 
you may kill me with your hatefulness, 
But still, like air, I'll rise.
- Maya Angelou, Still I Rise.

Do you have a favorite poem or a favorite line?

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Recent Reads #13 - Eleanor and Park

If there's two things I'm head-over-heels in love with, it's got to be literature and music. Those two things are omnipresent in my life, always there to catch me, to make me forget, to make me remember, to inspire me, to make me feel something. So, how come I hardly ever read books that are based around music?

Granted, I didn't pick up Rainbow Rowell's "Eleanor and Park" because it included music. I actually didn't know about that at all. I didn't know about it because I tried to avoid as much information on this book as possible before actually reading it, because there are so many people who are in love with it and so many people who aren't and I wanted to steer clear from all those discussions and just experience the ride for myself.

As the title suggests, Eleanor and Park follows the story of two teenagers. Eleanor is chubby, poor and a ginger - and when she arrives at her new school, she is instantly disliked by all of her classmates. Park is Asian, really into music and tries to stay under the radar at school.

When the two of them have to sit next to each other on the bus, they take an instant dislike to one another as Eleanor starts drawing the other kid's attention to Park, who thus tries to stay away from her.
Over time, however, the two of them start to approach eachother. Park starts lending Eleanor his comics, and eventually, his mp3-player and mixes he has created for her. Over time, the two fall in love the way you do when you fall in love for the first time - in a very sudden, confusing, messy way.
Park would do anything for Eleanor and cannot imagine ever being parted from her again - but Eleanor's situation at home starts leaving its strains on their relationship.

I don't even know where to start with this review. This book literally took me by suprise, swept me of my feet and then, eventually, slammed me into the ground, no lie. In no way, shape or form did I expect this book to be such an emotional rollercoaster.
I loved that the plot wasn't your typical YA lovestory, it's not about the bad guy and the shy girl, it's not perfect. It's raw and realistic and rough at the edges, and that's what makes it so much more beautiful.

The characters in this were incredible. Especially Park was so well-written that he seemed so incredible realistic and relatable, like you'd want to reach into the page and give him a squeeze. I also liked the way he thinks and how fiercely he loves. There's so much depth to him. I also loved the way his family was portrayed.
Eleanor, however, was a different story. She's definitely a very strong character and my admiration for the way she held herself and handled her horrid situation is immense, but sometimes I found it a little hard to comprehend her actions; she was often quite stubborn and didn't look at the big picture. It wasn't completely out of character because of the situation she had to face at home, but it was, at times, still unnerving.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was that it's set in the eighties. Most of the books on my shelf are either set in modern-day time or in the future, so it was really refreshing to find yourself in a world without mobile phones and the internet. It really fit the story as it complicated the relationship between Park and Eleanor further as the latter doesn't have a landline, which means that the only way they were able to communicate was through letters or in person.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. Eleanor and Park is one of those stories that takes your breath away and stays with you, even after you've closed the book. It makes you think and it makes you laugh and it might tear you up a little, and mostly it'll remind you what it feels like to fall in love.

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How to Bake: Cinnamon-Apple Cupcakes

If you've read my latest baking post, you will know that I've fallen head over heels for cupcakes. I used to be more of a cake or muffin kinda girl, mostly because those are easier to make and don't leave the kitchen looking like too big of a mess. However, ever since I've baked my first cupcakes I've been craving new ones constantly, which means that I've been baking them pretty much at least once a week.

Now that we're well into fall, I wanted to try out a new recipe that goes perfectly with the new season as it uses both apples and cinnamon - two of the things I immediately associate with fall.

Even though I had never tried this recipe out previous to this attempt, the cakes still turned out amazing - so they're both super easy to make and extremly yummy!

To make these, you will need:

Cupcakes: (12)

- 120g soft butter
- 120g sugar
-120g flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinammon
- 2 apples


Frosting:

- 100g cream cheese
- 60g soft butter
- 1 teaspoon cinammon
250g powdered sugar
- 1 apple


Method:

1) Preheat the oven to 170 degrees celsius. Mix butter and sugar until the mixture appears to be soft, then add eggs, flour and cinammon and mix until everything is well-combined.

2) Peel, quarter and core the apples, then cut them into small squares. Add the apple squares to the mixture and mix for another minute.

3) Add your mixture into twelve muffin tins evenly and bake the cakes for around 25 minutes.

4) To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter. When the mixture is soft, continue to add cinammon and powdered sugar and mix until well-combined. Fill your frosting into a piping bag and add it onto your cupcakes.

5) Cut the leftover apple into small slices and place them on top of the forsting. And you're done!



Do you have any favorite fall recipes, baking-related or not? If so, please feel free to share them with me!

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Recent Reads #12 - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

When was the last time you read a book that was so good it made you forget the world around and seemed to absorb you into its very own world? I know exactly when I did. When I was reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs at the pool back in Tenerife, the noise around me seemed to die down and I didn't even realize when little kids splashed me or dripped ketchup from their hotdogs on me.

This book is a very special one, pretty much one of a kind, at least on my shelf. I can't be the only one who has seen it sit on a shelf in the bookstore a thousand times and never picked it up. To keep you from passing up this gem, let me spill the beans about it to you.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children follows the story of Jacob Portman, who appears to be a completely normal American boy at first sight . Jacob thinks of his life as boring and doesn't really feel comfortable with his family's wealth. The one member of his family he has a real, strong bond to is his Polish grandfather, who used to tell him the most fantastic storie about the children he grew up with when he was a kid. Children who had strange abilities, like making plants grow, flying or foreseeing the future.

But when Jacob wants to visit his grandfather one day, he comes to find that his grandpa has been  murdered viciously. Before he dies, however, he tells Jacob to "find the bird in the loop on the other side of th old man's grave on September 3 1940, and tell them what happened". Even though everyone tires to tell Jacob that it was dogs who killed his grandfather after the incident, he can't stop feeling like that it wasn't like that at all - he saw a man-like figure. With tentacles coming out of its mouth. In fact, he keeps seeing them.

Jacob feels like he is losing his mind, but then he finds a small box when cleaning out his grandfathers house. A box containing the pictures Jacob's grandfather brought out when elling his stories. Only that suddenly Jacob feels like those aren't stories anymore.

As Jacob tries to unravel the mystery surrounding his grandfather's life and death, he has to realise that there is a whole other one surrounding him, and that peculiarity can be found even in the most blunt of people.



While I really like the book overall, I have to admit that it might take you a while to get into the plot if you are not an avid lover of fantasy or mystery novels. After the first fifty pages, however, all hell  breaks lose, and you'll read like your hands are glued to the pages because everything that is happening is so strange and yet so wonderful.

What I also found extremely interesting is that this book has two different time settings - modern day America, and 1940 Wales. Every peek back into Wales during the second World War was really intense - I really enjoyed that as I don't think I've ever read a book set in that historical period, even though I've learnt so much about it during the past few years.

I haven't even touched base on the best thing about this book yet. It's actually not just your average book - it's filled with pictures that help introduce characters, set atmospheres or just plainly freak you out. The photos used in this are all original, vintage photographs the author collected, and they were chosen so perfectly that they tie into the book's plot seamlessly. They're incredibly fascinating to look at and make the book even more exciting and intense!


Overall, this books an incredible piece of work that draws you in completely and doesn't let go of you for a while, even after you manage to put it down. It has incredible characters, especially if you take into consideration that the majority of them are children, and an awesome plot that is carried by fascinating yet sometimes terrifying, authentic photographs.

If you want to see if all the stories are true, you can pick up Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children from Amazon for 7,99€.

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Lush Haul: Halloween Edition

Lush is one of my favorite companies. Not only do they not test on animals, openly campaign against testing products on animals and sell vegan products, but besides that, their products are absolutely top-notch. I've never come across a product that I didn't like, and I would pretty much do anything for  their face masks and bath products. Probably even steal a kid's lolipop or ice cream. They're that good.

But do you know what's even better than Lush's products? Their limited edition products. There's nothing like bath bombs that get you into the mood for a festive season, be it Easter, Christmas or Halloween. As Lush have brought out their new, limited products for the latter, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pick up some of them for myself - and while I sadly didn't manage to get all of them, I'm happy to get to show you my three treasures!

Sparkly Pumpkin (Bubble Bar) 5,95€  

Just how pretty is this bubble bar? It's super glittery - seriously, by merely picking it up you'll find your hand covered in it - and the pumpkin shape makes me want to run to the grocery store and buy a real one. And it smells incredibly - a lot like lime as well as lemon, which I love as the scent doesn't become to overpowering even if you stay in the bath for longer.

What's also great about this little one is that, as it is a bubble bar, you can use it multiple times - depending on how many bubbles you want to create, you'll get at least two or even three uses out of this!

Lord of Misrule (Bath Bomb) 5,25€

I tested Lord of Misrule last fall and absolutely adored it, so I had to get myself another one of these this year as well! Its green outside might look a little bland and boring to you now, but once you drop this bath bomb into the water it'll turn into the most beautiful spectacle ever.
The scent of this one is really rich and prominent - not so much that it's overwhelming, but enough to make most of my flat smell like it for the first few days after purchase. I don't mind that at all, though, because who doesn't want their flat smelling of patchouli, cape jasmine and pepper?

Pumpkin (Bath Bomb) 5,25€

This little guy is the cutests, it's basically a carved pumpkin turned into a bath bomb. I had never seen it before storming into Lush last weekend, so I definitely had to give it a go. I actually don't even know how it'll look once put into the tub as I wanted to be suprise and thus didn't ask for a demo.
It does, however, smell divine - the cinnamon scent reminds me of all sorts of Christmas cookies and cakes, which is kind of funny.

Are you going to pick up any of Lush's - or other brands' - Halloween/fall products?

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7 Things I've Learnt Through Blogging

I've been blogging for roughly one year and six months and started devoting most of my spare time to my writing and this blog at the beginning of this year. Even though I'm not nearly as experienced as some of the girls and boys who have been grooming their blogs for three, four, even five years, but I recently realized how many things I've learnt ever since creating this outlet for myself.
Some of those things are really helpful, some eye-opening and some just pretty funny, but I think some of my fellow bloggers might be able to relate to this and have a good old laugh!

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1. Taking those glossy, perfectly organized photos you've been admiring on other people's blogs or Instagram accounts is bloody hard. Photography itself is bloody hard. It's an everlasting process, one of those skills you always seem to keep on learning new things about. And while it's mostly fun taking pictures for your blog, constantly re-arranging props or deleting 98 out of the 100 pictures you took because they're out of focus or too dark can be a little discouraging.

2. Natural lighting is your best friend. And also really hard to get hold of come fall and winter. You might find yourself scheduling your day around the fact that you need to squeeze in a week's worth of pictures during those few sunny hours you get every day or so.

3. You don't always have to be positive on your blog. I think most of us aren't postive in our daily lives, so why would we put on that facade for our blog? It's okay to talk about topics that make your stomach turn, and it's okay to tell your readers if you think a product sucks. It's better to be credible.

4. There's no one-for-all recipe when it comes to blogging. You can read as many "tips on how to improve your blog" post as you like, but in the end, blogging will always be a very personal thing. You often learn through trial and error, that way you find out what works for you and what doesn't.

5. Blogging is actually hard work. When I created this blog, I thought I'd smack down a post at least every second day. Ha ha, good one. It takes time to create the kind of quality content that makes people want to read your posts, the kind they might come back for. It's definitely better to chose quality over quantity.

6. It's really exciting when brands approach you for the first time, but you shouldn't be too quick to accept when it comes to collaboration offers. If the product you're asked to promote has nothing to do with you and your blog, you will most likely not profit from it. Imagine promoting tampons to your audience if you're a male blogger or reviewing cat food if you've never had a pad - it'll look a little strange and make you look like you don't take your collaborations into consideration.

7. Don't ever compare yourself to others. It's incredibly easy to look at other people's stats and get discouraged, but all of our blogging journeys are different. Maybe they have been at it for a lot longer, or they have more time to spend working on their blog, or or or. It sounds like bullshit, and it obviously can't always be avoided, but you should be aware that your path will most likely not be like someone elses, but completely unique.

Is there anything important you've learnt during your blogging journey?

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