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.