What Is Happening To Blogging?!

Usually when I post something new, my page views go up almost instantly. They've never been crazy high, but there's always been a little peak when I publish stuff. I loved that, and still do, of course. 

But lately nothing has been happening. I got three (3) page views the other day. Three. Hurray. I've always been very conscious about when I publish my posts; I try to find a time that serves as many time zones as possible as my stats show that I get views from many different countries. Even that doesn't help anymore. I've also noticed that the bloggers I follow are not as active as they used to be. 

So what's wrong?

Is this just a phase? 

Does this have something to do with summer starting and people spending more time outside?

Or has blogging taken a serious hit with no chances for recovery?

What do you guys think?

You probably know I post stuff in both Blogger and Glipho, and I've definitely noticed the change in both platforms. No one is reading other people's stories, no one is commenting or liking anything. At best, my feed shows five new posts a week, and that's not a lot considering the amount of bloggers I follow. It seems only the already popular bloggers survive. It can be very tough to gain followers nowadays. Especially when people don't seem to be reading anything anymore. 

I gotta tell you, it takes the fun out of doing this. What's the point in writing a blog when there's no one to read it? If I want to write just for myself, I can do so privately. And I do. But my blog has always been for you guys, too. That's why it's so sad that blogging doesn't interest people anymore.

Should I just embrace this and move on to vlogging? I'm not so natural in front of the camera, so there's a chance you'd get a good laugh.
I will continue blogging for now, just for the heck of it. I don't think I could quit cold turkey.

Anyways, if there are people reading this, leave me a comment telling me what you think is the future of blogging. Tell me I'm wrong, tell me I'm right, curse, write in capital letters, express yourself in whatever words you choose. At this point any feedback is more than appreciated.

Talk to you peeps later!

Happy May: New Beginnings!

Hey y'all! :) 

In my last post I said I've received some very good news, and I am so excited to share everything with you! If you follow me on Instagram you already know this, but if you don't, then here it is:

I GOT ACCEPTED TO SCHOOL! YESSS!!!

I am so excited about this! I applied on a whim, took the entrance exam with no expectations, and refused to stress about it. I was prepared for any scenario, but when I found out I got accepted to Lahti University of Applied Sciences, I realized how much I had actually wanted it. I will be studying International Business, and this all makes me very happy and I can't wait to start school in September! Well... I can wait. I have the entire summer ahead of me before school starts, lots and lots of happy things! :) 

I'm a sucker for office supplies, and can't wait to go shopping for school stuff, including a desk! I will definitely need one now.. My bed is awesome, but not ideal for homework. I'm on the hunt for a new apartment as well, because I simply can't fit a desk into my current one + now that I'll be going to school in the same city I work in, it would make more sense to move there, too, right? (I live 20 minutes away now, so it's not that bad, but still).  

And, another month is coming to an end. It's time to say goodbye to May, and embrace June! It's officially summer! Although depending where you are, summer has probably already began a loooong time ago. Here in the north it comes and goes. 

The theme for next month is 

Jammin' June

Ooooo... Next month will be all about music. I look forward to sharing my favorite music with you guys! :)

Love you, and as always: thanks for reading <3

P.S. I do have one more piece of good news to share, but I am waiting a confirmation on that one. Will keep you updated! 

TBT: Home Sweet Home

Hello, lovelies!

Today has been a very emotional day. More so than I expected.

This spring my mother has been renovating her late grandmother's old house, and today she moved in. Today I said goodbye to my childhood home. 

It was weird seeing the house so empty, when just a little while ago it was full of stuff, and full of life. I have so many wonderful memories from there, and those will never go away, of course, but still it was very sad to leave. Even though I haven't lived there in five years, my mom has, and the house was always there for me and my brother to go back to when we felt lonely and wanted company. 

I lived there for 19,5 years. My mother lived there for almost 25 years. When we were kids, my mom attached glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceilings in the bedrooms, and when the lights went out, we fell asleep under those stars. I could go on and on about my happy childhood memories, but you get the picture, right? I'm very blessed to have had such a great childhood and a happy home, and I don't take those things for granted. 

My mom felt it was time to move on, and seeing her so happy and content now makes me feel happy, too. The old home was our home, and her current house is her home. It's time for another family to make memories in the old home. 

The new house has apple trees on the yard, that are in full bloom now. I'll go steal some apples in the fall. 

Now we have another home to go to :) I can't wait to make new memories there!

May Favorites

TV & MOVIES

I have all ten seasons of Friends on DVD, and what can I tell ya.. probably one of the best sit coms of all time. My brother was borrowing the DVD box for a loooong time, and I finally got it back. And watched all of the seasons, back to back. I know, right? No life. 

MUSIC

Lucy Hale - Road Between

Emeli Sandé - Read All About It

FOOD

We got to enjoy a pretty amazing weather here in Finland. For about a week, and now it's cold again. But anyways, during this weather wise weird week I had six days off (I know, right?!) and I got to enjoy the company of my friends and had a loooooooot of ice cream. Yummy!

MAKE-UP & BEAUTY

Primo Self Tanning face lotion by Dermosil. I've never used self tanning lotions before, and I don't intend to start, BUT, this one only gives your face a light, beautiful summery glow. We're not talking about a strong tan here, just some color ;) For us white people in the North, this lotion is perfect! The result is natural and the lotion doesn't leave any awkward lines on your skin. 

BOOKS

I read Lauren Oliver's latest novel, Panic. The plot was absolutely thrilling; young people facing their worst fears in a game that came to be because there was nothing else to do in a small town. 

I'm a fan of Oliver's other books, too, and this one wasn't a disappointment either! She has a unique way to depict young peoples' lives. Make sure to check this book out!

I usually prefer to read the book first before I go see the movie, but I admit I hadn't even heard about Divergent until they started promoting the movie. I'm so off the wagon when it comes to YA literature right now... My reading has taken a hit lately, but I'm working on fixing that. So yeah, I went to see the movie and loved it, and bought the book the same day. I'm now reading it and loving it so far. I think I might have to go out and buy the other two books as well :P

These were my monthly favorites from May! What do you guys think? I know there's not much to promote now, but it's been kinda slow. Again. I have received some VERY GOOD NEWS this month, but instead of sharing them in this post, I will be doing a whole separate post about them. Stay tuned ;) 

TMI Tag!

1. What are you wearing?

A black tank top, black&white capri pants. That's it! 

2. Ever been in love?

No, that has not happened to me yet. Still waiting. 

3. Ever had a terrible break-up?

Nope.

4. How tall are you?

I am about 5'9 (176cm)

5. How much do you weigh?

Not a question you ask a lady ;) haha but seriously I don't even know at the moment. 

6. Any tattoos?

Not yet at least. I have thought of getting one, but still deciding.

7. Any piercings?

Three on both ears. So six. 

8. OTP?

Ezria!

9. Favorite show?

Ready? Here we go (in no particular order): Pretty Little Liars, 2 Broke Girls, Revolution, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Grey's Anatomy, 30 Rock, Friends, HIMYM... 

10. Favorite bands?

Not as into bands as individual singers.. but let's say Strange Familiar and Lifehouse. 

11. Something you miss?

My friends in the USA. USA in general. My friends in other parts of the world. 

12. Favorite song?

Currently Emeli Sande's Read All About It and Sara Bareilles' Brave. 

13. How old are you?

I will be 25 really soon.

14. Zodiac sign?

Gemini. But I think they're a load of horse crap, so my zodiac sign has absolutely no meaning to me. 

15. Quality you look for in a partner?

Sense of humor.

16. Favorite quote?

If You Want to be Happy, be. 

17. Favorite actor?

Elizabeth Mitchell, Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, Rebel Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kat Dennings, Cate Blanchett + a bunch of male actors, too, but let's go with girl power now. 

18. Favorite color?

Pink

19. Loud or soft music?

Soft. 

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

Bed. 

21. How long does it take you to shower?

3-10 minutes, depending on whether I need to wash my hair, shave etc. :D 

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

About 15 minutes. 

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

Maybe as a little kid. Not in a bad one, I think I would remember that. 

24. Turn on?

Intelligence. 

25. Turn off?

Ignorance.

26. The reason you joined YouTube?

Hahahaha. Wanted to make YouTube videos. Didn't exactly succeed.

27. Fears?

Losing my loved ones. Heights. Bugs. Failure. 

28. The last thing that made you cry?

Probably some movie or TV show. 

29. Last time you said you love someone?

A little while ago to my mom. 

30. Meaning behind your YouTube -name?

No special meaning. 

31. Last book you read?

Panic by Lauren Oliver.

32. The book you're currently reading?

Divergent by Veronica Roth.

33. Last show you watched?

Modern Family.

34. Last person you talked to?

Mom. 

35. The relationship between you and the last person you texted?

Very, very good friends :)

36. Favorite food?

Pasta.

37. Place you want to visit?

All of the States, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Austria, Italy, Scotland, China, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Cook Islands...

38. Last place you were?

What are we talking about here? Literally, the last place I went to was the bathroom. A place outside my apartment: grocery store. A place outside Finland: Germany. 

39. Do you have a crush?

Not really.

40. Last time you kissed someone?

I gave my cat a big smooch the other day ;D 

41. Last time you were insulted?

Probably happens all the time. The Internet is a vicious place.

42. Favorite flavor of sweet?

I wouldn't call it a sweet, but salty licorice. 

43. What instruments do you play?

Guitar. 

44. Favorite piece of jewelry?

Earrings. Almost any earrings. 

45. Last sport you played?

HAHAHAHHAHA. Oh, seriously? I took a walk. 

46. Last song you sang?

I think it was Ni Una Sola Palabra by Paulina Rubios. 

47. Favorite pick up line?

Do you believe in love at first sight or do I have to walk by again?

48. Have you ever used it?

OhmygodNO

49. Last time you hung out with anyone?

Today, went to see my momma, who's a little ill. Getting better:)

50. Who should answer these questions next?

You.

Happy May: Little Things

I've always been the type to get excited over little things. I think it's a quality everyone should possess; learn to enjoy the little things. They come along every day. It may not always seem like they do, but I promise you there's something good in every day.

To me happiness is:

* a good hair day *

* mail that doesn't include bills *

* a text from a friend *

* a compliment (about anything) *

* a good conversation *

* nice memories * 

* girl talk *

* making plans *

* a hug *

* sleeping in *

* loving somebody *

* reading a good book / seeing a good movie *

* laughing *

* writing *

* clean sheets *

* shopping for office supplies *

* brainstorming *

Today I was happy about seeing my friends and enjoying ice cream outside in the heat. A perfect, simple night. Right now I'm enjoying some alone-time at home, watching a movie on TV and drinking coke zero (my addiction, btw). Regular coke tastes so weird now :D 

Have a happy Friday, everyone. Remember to smile! :)

TBT: Our Group of Four

I was thinking about some of my closest friends the other day. Wondering what the heck happened to us. 

Life happened, I guess. 

There were four of us, and we were very close. We knew everything about each other and our girls' nights were legendary. Gosh, I miss those times! 

There was a point when we were all living in different cities, and then closer again. Now one of us is married and living pretty far away. Two of us live within 15 minutes from each other, and one an hour away. I'm still blessed that I get to call them my friends, but as a group we haven't been together in... almost 18 months. It's kinda sad, but like I said: life happened. 

What is friendship? Really? 

To me, it's when friends don't judge each other by their mistakes. When they listen to your problems and do their best to help. If they can't help, listening is enough. It's when they see each other, they can pick up from where they left off the last time. When there's no awkwardness. When they have fights, realizing it started because they care for each other. It's when one look is enough to tell them all they need to know. When their secrets become your secrets. It's group-chatting online. Laughing and crying at the same time. Hiding each other's phones so no one can do anything stupid. Making a complete fool out of yourself knowing that there's nothing that can make them not love you. 

It's the need to see each other after a long time, and the wanting to make that happen. 

When I see them, we continue from where we left off the last time. Sometimes I get a little anxious before seeing someone I haven't seen in a while, afraid that we will run out of things to talk about, afraid that time has erased our friendship. But that doesn't happen with real friends. I may not have a lot of people in my life that I get to call true, ultimate friends, but the ones I have, are not going anywhere, and I will always be there for them, too. 

I will always miss the times I had with this group, and who knows, maybe one day we will all be reunited and have one more fabulous girls' night. 

SO MUCH TO SAY! Too Much.

I don't talk about my writing that much with my friends. Most of them know I love to write, they know I would love to be a published author, but for some reason it's not a subject that comes up often. I always hear how writers should surround themselves with people who share the same passion, and I too think it's extremely important. But I don't actually mind that my friends don't ask too many questions. When it comes to my writing, I'm very private. I haven't shared the details of my novel with anyone so far, and won't be doing so in a long time. 

But when it comes to talking about writing in general, I could go on and on. 

Which is probably why my friends know to keep their mouths shut ;)

There are a couple of beautiful souls in my life who still ask me how my writing is going on a regular basis. They are the two people I've promised will be the first two to read my novel when it's finished. 

I could not appreciate their interest and input more, even though I can't share too much information. You know who you are, and if you're reading this, I love you for putting up with my endless rambling about writing. I rarely get to do it outside my blog. 

And you, my precious reader, I love you as well. Thank you for sticking up with me. 

Have a beautiful week <3

Happy May: Summer & New Things!

Hi guys!

Ah! I am sorry for totally neglecting my blog and you all for soooo long. This past week I worked for six days, including today, and I hurt my back yesterday morning.. sad face here. It's much better already and I think within a couple of more days I will feel as good as new. Which is perfect, because SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED TO THE ARCTIC!

I am loving the warm weather, and am so happy I actually get to enjoy it, because I won't be working again until Saturday! Five whole days off! I'm psyched! 

Here's an Instagram picture from a few days ago, my hair has gotten so long! Yay!

My plan for the next five days is:

*writing

*enjoying the summer

*see some friends

*clean my apartment (I really have to...)

I do have another reason I haven't been blogging lately, but I can't share too much yet, because nothing is for sure yet... Let's just say I was working on another writing project and it might actually lead to something very exciting! :) I will definitely keep you posted. I don't know much yet, and am hoping to hear something within a week or so. 

Other than this my life hasn't been all that exciting lately, same old, same old. I am now cat sitting for my mom, as she is in Brussels for business, and I'm enjoying my time with that cute little hairball<3

I hope you all have had a great week! 

I snapped this picture the other night at 11pm. So light outside, I love it!!! :) 

Talk to you later!

Happy May: 100 Happy Days Update

I've been doing the 100 Happy Days -challenge for about a month now, and I still have until July 24th to go. I have to say that I'm amazed by how this is easy and hard and wonderful at the same time. 

Some days it's easy to find the thing(s) that make me happy. Other days not so much. What's so wonderful, is that there is still something to be happy about in every single day. How great is that? No matter how crappy a day I've had, I still remember this challenge and am forced to find that something, that makes me smile. 

I didn't expect to see any results this soon, but I am definitely seeing a change happening in myself. It's so easy to feel sad and depressed nowadays, while being happy can feel like a tough one. I feel blessed, because I can honestly say that I feel happy every day. Not all day every day, but still...  every day. 

That is why I am encouraging all of you to take part in the 100 Happy Days Challenge with me!

You can learn more about it here.

Have a happy week, lovelies<3

TBT: Portland, OR

I post old(ish) pictures on Instagram whenever I remember to do so on a Thursday. I really like the idea of Throwback Thursdays, and decided to try and blog about some great things I've experienced in my life every Thursday! I'll be super boring and just call them TBTs. Groundbreaking, right?!

I'll start this thing off by telling you about my time in Portland! :)

In the fall of 2012 I traveled to P-Town for three months, and volunteered at the Children's Museum. My job was to take care of the traveling exhibit that was centered around the work of Marc Chagall, and I ran the painting studio! I was in charge of making sure the kids had enough paper and paint, I got to interact with the kids and their parents and whenever I wanted to, I got to sit down and paint. I absolutely loved the job, and I had the greatest coworkers! <3 It was so sad when I had to leave after those three months, but my awesome supervisor gave me the best recommendation letter ever. I'm so happy I went to Portland; they were the best three months of my life!

I was actually talking about Portland just today with my friend Sabine, whom I met there. She's from Germany and she and I lived in the same host family. She and I clicked right away and became really good friends :) 

We were talking about how Portland just grew on us, and how it takes more than just a few days to really see what that city is all about. We love the weirdness, the people, everything! And the city's truly beautiful and offers great views from all around! Oregon's nature is a major perk, and within just an hour drive there are gorgeous places to see, such as Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood. I got to see Mt. Hood every day on my way to work, and it was always the highlight of my morning. We don't have mountains in Finland, and I think they're just so beautiful with their snow caps and all. Very exotic for me! 

Portland has so much to offer, so if you're planning to visit, don't let the rainy reputation bother you. The summers are gorgeous, and the fall is just beautiful and colorful. I found the Portland rain to be kind of soft. That city made me fall in love with the rain. 

Don't think of Portland as just some city to pass on your way from L.A to Seattle. Stop and visit Voodoo Doughnuts, and have your picture taken under the sign that says Keep Portland Weird! Visit the world's most awesome bookstore, Powells, and have a cup of coffee at Pioneer Square. You might just fall in love with PDX. 

Happy May: Materialism

All right, before I get started I want to emphasize that this post is really not about how only material things will make you happy. I know that's not true, and believe me -I would love to gather up all of my stuff and throw everything away. I think I have way too many things taking up space in my small studio, so I would be happy to do that... 

What this post is about, is how it's ok to allow yourself some things you want. Because when you finally buy that watch or that pair of earrings you've wanted for a long time, it feels pretty damn good! In the long run hoarding stuff is definitely not the path to happiness, but life would be awful if we didn't indulge every once in a while. 

Today turned out to be a good day, thanks to this shirt that finally arrived in the mail! I absolutely love it :) I think it's simple and goes with a variety of outfits being a classic white tee. My face doesn't look too happy, though... well, inside I'm smiling!

This Friday I'm heading to Helsinki with my friend, and I'm planning on sharing the day with y'all afterwards :) We have no special plans; brunch, shopping, shopping, going to the movies, maybe dinner... We're excited. See, it's the small things that make us happy in the end :) a day in the city with a friend will be a perfect day, even if we end up buying nothing. 

Have an awesome week!

Happy May

Holla!

It's officially time to say goodbye to April and welcome May! I'm more excited than usual about the beginning of a new month, because I feel April was a little... blah. I guess my expectations were too high. Oh well. Life goes on :)

What happened in April? Um...

*My GoDoFly -story came out

*I took part in two separate entrance exams for two different schools

*I think I complained how nothing's happening

What is going to happen in May?

*I have absolutely no idea. 

Anyways, the theme for this month is

Happy May

This month I want to pursue happiness, I want to share tips on how to be happier, and I want to share my 100 Happy Days challenge with you. You can read more about that here and here. So far I've done well, I think, and I have not missed a day! :) I'm sharing pictures of small things and big things that make me happy every day on Instagram and during this month I will be sharing more here, too. 

I hope you will all have a wonderful weekend! <3