An old favourite
Incredibly beautiful!
Monday 23 December 2013
Friday 20 December 2013
15hrs
A few snapshots of my journey yesterday
Yo! I'm back home, safe and sound, after a very long, and exhausting journey. Thankfully though, I travelled with Oliver all the way to Stockholm. It's always nice to have someone to talk to when traveling.
I have had a productive morning so far. I got up early to go to my dentist appointment, I then went to Blomsterlandet to buy a few bits and pieces to decorate our house with. I then vacuumed downstairs. In a few minutes, my mum and I will head out for lunch and perhaps a cheeky bit of Christmas shopping. Later today I might meet up with a friend for a cuppa :)
Peace!
Wednesday 18 December 2013
Homeward Bound
Photo compilation of my term, starting from Fresher's week to the last week
Every time I sit down to write one of theses posts, it blows my mind when I think about how fast time goes by. I mention this a lot, but it genuinely freaks me out and it is interesting to see how much it affects me.
This first term of second year has been a hectic one. I have had a lot of assignments, which have affected my social life. I haven't been able to be fully social, because I have focused on my studies.
Thinking back on my fresher's week, I think this year was a lot better than last year. I went out pretty much every single night and had a blast, but obviously had to pay for it the three following weeks, when I had a horrendous cough. It was so bad, that at night I would hyperventilate because I wasn't getting enough air into my lungs, which would make me cough even more. Ugh, it was awful!
Half way through the term something horrible, yet expected, happened. This greatly affected my mood, my appetite, my studies, and my overall outlook on life.
Now, almost two months later, I am not myself completely, but I am trying to get back to the stage where I am happy. I have good days and bad days, but thankfully mostly good days.
Tomorrow morning I am homeward bound. Cheers!
Monday 16 December 2013
Music Monday #66
The Snow Angel - Mike Patton
This song is just so beautiful and powerful that I linked the 10-minute version because I can listen to it forever.
This song is just so beautiful and powerful that I linked the 10-minute version because I can listen to it forever.
Saturday 14 December 2013
Queen B
On Friday morning my whole Facebook feed was jam-packed with posts about Beyoncé's newest album, which was released exclusively on iTunes. Physical copies are expected by 21st December. It is a visual album and includes 32 tracks; 14 new songs and 17 music videos.
I decided to have a listen, and the first song Pretty Hurts immediately caught my attention. I was really enjoying it, and went on to listen to the rest of the album.
The roster of collaborators includes Jay Z, Drake, Frank Ocean, Pharell Williams, Timbaland, her daughter Blue Ivy and more.
At the press release, Beyoncé said she was bored of releasing music the traditional way!
In my opinion, I think that this way of releasing new music is only possible by the biggest stars who have the biggest fan-base, just like Queen B. I like that she released it this way! It was unexpected and a surprise for many.
Thursday 12 December 2013
Funny Story
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| The beautiful library. My second home. |
This shows how awkward my life can get:
Last week on Friday, when Katrina and I were in the library, something fairly awkward yet funny happened. We were sitting on the 4th floor studying. We decided to go down for a short coffee break, so we leave all of our stuff on the desks. After the coffee, we take the crammed lift back up. We walk out of the lift and head towards our desks when I hear Katrina say "We're on the 3rd floor." I didn't think much of it and told her "No, we were sitting on the 4th floor, remember?"
As we walk over to our desks, I see 4 people who have joined us at the seats next to ours. I walk to my desk and my stomach sinks. My stuff is gone; my computer, my books, my bag, everything. I look up at Katrina and she has the same look on her face. All of her things are gone as well.
Shit, I think, these new people have taken our stuff and hid it somewhere. I can see that they all exchange a look with each other, whilst giggling and smirking. I then ask the one who is closest to me "Do you know if anyone has taken our stuff?" she answers "No, sorry" with a smile on her face. I think, this can't be true.. they must have moved our stuff somewhere as a joke.
I then look up at Katrina, and it hits me. We're on the wrong floor. We briskly walk away from the scene, and head towards the staircase, which is cut off from the rest of the quiet library - a safe-haven for when you want to laugh. Which is just what we did, we burst out laughing and notice the sign on the wall that says we're on the 3rd floor. We laugh even more and hurry up the stairs to the 4th floor, with our stuff, of course, still there.
The only reason I even thought we were on the 4th floor from the beginning is that the 3rd floor looks exactly like the 4th floor in my opinion. Same layout, same size. Not much is different. So it is easy to be mistaken.
Monday 9 December 2013
Friday 6 December 2013
Quirky Facts #10
The world famous monolith known as Uluru is located in the southwestern corner of Australia’s Northern Territory. Geographically speaking, it is close to the centre of Australia and is best accessed from the town of Alice Springs.
source: here
- The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. It was the fashion in Renaissance Florence to shave them off.
- The reason that we hate the recorded sound of our voice is because our skull changes the resonance of our voice from within and creates more bass. When we hear a digital recording of our voice, although slightly unfamiliar to ourselves, it's exactly how others hear it.
- Licence plates in the Canadian Northwest Territories are shaped like polar bears.
- Nutmeg is extremely toxic. Excessive consumption of the spice can lead to death.
- There are 1,792 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
- South Africa has the longest wine route in the world.
- Furthermore, South Africa has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage.
- The giant rock Uluru, also reffered to as Ayers Rock, was created over some 600 million years. The Aborigines have been in the area for the last 10,000 years. It originally sat at the bottom of a sea, but today stands 348m above ground. One of the most startling facts however, is that roughly 2.5km of its bulk is underground.
Wednesday 4 December 2013
December 2013
Helen and I looking exhausted in Helsinki airport, before we boarded our plane to Stockholm. August 2013
I have been really bad at updating this blog apart from my weekly music Monday's, frankly because I haven't been doing much and I have no inspiration to do anything.
Apart from going to the cinema last Thursday, I wrote a sociology essay on Arlie Hochschild's claims regarding the broader social effects on the commercialization of human feeling, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Quite an interesting topic, but not my best essay…
On Sunday the 1st of December, the first of Advent was celebrated with a bunch of friends at Sofia's and Lauren's flat. We ate cookies and æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls) and drank Christel's homemade mulled wine. Afterwards we headed to Wagamama's to stuff ourselves with some tasty ramen.
On Tuesday I got my psychology essay and report back. They are both good grades, but it bothers me that I could have gotten a better grade because of the small, stupid mistakes I made, which I even knew about before handing them in but didn't do anything about because I was lazy and fed up. Meh!
I have also started my Christmas shopping. I have bought Oskar's and my Dad's presents. Once I get home I'll buy my Mum's, and at Heathrow I'll buy Natalie's. My flat has organized Secret Santa, and I'm done with those presents as well. I just need to find wrapping paper :)
Pip pip
Monday 2 December 2013
Music Monday #64
On Thursday, I went to watch the second installment of the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire. It was unbelievably good - it completely exceeded my expectations! It is safe to say that the first movie was kind of a disappointment. However, everything in the movie resembled what I had previously imagined while reading the book, it felt like the producers had read my mind and replicated everything and put it into the movie!!
Upon returning from the cinema, I immediately searched for the soundtrack, and I've been listening to it non-stop ever since.
A few of the songs:
Atlas - Coldplay
Elastic Heart - Sia ft. The Weekend, Diplo
Who We Are - Imagine Dragons
Devil May Cry - The Weekend
Just Friends - James Newton Howard
A Quarter Quell - James Newton Howard
I Need You - James Newton Howard
Arena Crumbles - James Newton Howard
Monday 25 November 2013
Thursday 21 November 2013
EEG study
This is what I looked like when I had the cap on, and all of the electrodes were attached to the cap as well as on my face and earlobes
A few days ago I participated in an EEG study, which looked at the "multiple-identity tracking: attentional bias mediated by gaze direction." The current experiment aimed to investigate at what stage of visual processing attentional bias occurs. To do so, the experimenter (who is actually my flatmate; a 4th year psychology student) measured my brain activity associated with different stimuli while I performed a multiple-identity tracking task. Basically, the experiment involved my completion of computerised tasks involving attending and responding to moving objects. The experiment was roughly 2.5 hours long.
For those wondering why I even took part in an EEG study is because it is part of my degree here at the uni to participate in psychology experiments (run by other students) to earn my credits. Moreover, EEG studies have always appealed to me and I have wanted to participate in one for quite a while. So when I got the chance I took it!
When the EEG cap was on my head and all of the electrodes placed in the correct areas, it was time for me to step into a soundproof booth.
In the booth, I was hooked up to the EEG machine which tracked my brain waves, which were presented on a screen in front of me.
For me to be able to see my brain waves on the computer, I was first asked to blink, which produced a big wave on the monitor. I was then asked to clench my teeth, which resulted in lots of small waves closer to each other, because of the pressure.
I have now been part of an EEG experiment which was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend to anyone.
My next accomplishment is to participate in a fMRI study and get a picture of my brain!!
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Josh Record
"If Josh Record's music strikes you as having a neo-spiritual air, lending him the aura of someone holy, with his rough-angelic vocals and the backing harmonies of a mobile choir rising out of the near-symphonic melodies, that might just be his true nature spilling out." The Guardian (read the full article here)
My love for Josh Record's music and voice all started when I watched a video (here) on YouTube almost one year ago. The song featured in the video is Four Your Love, and it's safe to say I fell head over heals for the song and I couldn't stop listening to it! I then started searching YouTube and the rest of the Internet for another one of his songs. I found Wonder
Here are two more songs which were just recently released on his YouTube channel:
The War
Bones
Monday 18 November 2013
Music Monday #62
This song make me so happy!
Fun fact: My nickname is Sia.
This song is addicting! Also, her music reminds me of Lana del Rey
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Sweater Weather TAG
I saw this TAG going around on YouTube and thought it was such a cute idea, so I'm now making a blog post about it. Bear in mind, I have altered some of the questions a bit.
1. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
I have been enjoying coffee more and more, but I have to say tea only because I have always liked tea and I can drink it any time of day. I do like hot chocolate as well, but I'm picky. It can only be the hot chocolate you get in Italy - it's thick and creamy and über-declicious.
2. What is the best fall memory you have?
I think the best memories was when I got to go back to school and see all my friends again after summer. I also got to start all of my activities such as horse riding, swimming and ballet again.
3. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?
Winged eyeliner. I wear this when I go out and occasionally on an everyday basis.
4. What is autumn weather like where you live?
Rainy, wet and cold. Although, it's only starting to get cold here now which I am grateful for, because back in Sweden it was freezing.
5. Most worn sweater?
My oatmeal-coloured knit sweater that I bought from Zara like two years ago. It's my go-to sweater wen I don't know what to wear. I pair it with black skinny jeans and a pair of boots or converse.
6. Must-have nail polish this fall?
BarryM's nail paint in 'Raspberry' It's a gorgeous dark red with a hint of brown.
7. Skinny jeans or leggings?
I aways wear skinny jeans, so yes, skinny jeans. I haven't worn leggings in years!
8. Combat boots or Uggs?
I don't think I have ever been a real fan of Uggs. I can understand that their comfortable and cozy but they just look like slippers. So combat boots it is!
9. What song really gets you in the fall spirit?
I don't think I have a song that "gets me in the fall spirit"… I just listen to whatever I want to. However, during the end of November I start listening to christmas songs!
Monday 11 November 2013
Tuesday 5 November 2013
November 5th
These past two weeks have been a very hard and sad time for me, which I'm not going to go into too much detail about. I have tried to live life as I normally do, but to be honest it is hard to just go about your day-to-day activities when you're not feeling yourself, and when nothing feels "normal" anymore.
I have been to the cinema with friends to cheer me up (we saw Bad Grandpa which was ridiculously funny!), I have been out (dressed up as Peter Griffin for Halloween), but most of all I have tried occupying myself with my essay and my report. I finally finished my organizational psychology essay on national culture in multicultural workforces on Sunday night and I am so thrilled, but now I have my research report to finish by next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, I am going home on Thursday morning and then back again on Sunday, which gives me little time to finish my report but I'll make it!
They say the step from first year to second year is big, but I never thought it would be this big of a leap. Throughout this term, I will have written three essays, two reports, two evaluation exercises (related to my psychology) and one presentation.
The reason why I am freaking out is because of the deadlines! Next week I have two deadlines on the same day. On the 25th I have a presentation, on the 28th I have a 2500 essay, on the 2nd of December I have a 1500 essay, and on the 10th I have my last research report due.
I don't often complain about these things so forgive me for sounding negative!
Tonight I'm off to the 7th floor of the library to watch the Bonfire night fireworks.
Monday 4 November 2013
Music Monday #60
I like this song so, sooo much!! Can't stop listening to it
This video was released only yesterday. I really do like this song though
Friday 1 November 2013
Happy Hallowe'en
Yesterday consisted of a birthday party/halloween party at our flat. We played ring of fire and ate some cake before heading into town. We ended up at Underground, and the picture above is the only one I have from last night (I have gotten really bad at documenting my life!) Alice says that she thinks she looks like a complete pisshead in this photo because her eyes are closed haha!
Monday 28 October 2013
Music Monday #59
Juno played this song whilst we were getting ready to go out one night! But the video is just.. well... you watch it and judge for yourselves
The beat!
Amazing!
Friday 25 October 2013
Windy
The weather today is proper shit! Excuse my language. It's raining like crazy and extremely windy! I was soaked when I got to my lecture after about a 5 minute walk.
This morning, Alice and I went to the gym to work out. I always feel rather annoyed about getting out of my bed in the morning and walking over to the gym, but after my work out it's so worth it! My body aches but it's a good kind of ache and it makes me excited for the next gym session.
Since the weather is so bad and I couldn't stand stumbling into the library looking like a crazy person with my wet hair and soaked shoes, I went straight home after my lecture to finish my journal for my counseling course. After a light lunch and a quick trip to LIDL, I sat down in front of my computer and scrolled trough my old music Mondays, to see what music I have recommended in the past. This is the best decision I have made in about a week! I'm not even kidding.. I found so many songs that I have completely forgotten about!
Ma chérie - DJ Antoine and The Beat Shakers
P.I.M.P - 50 Cent
These two songs remind me of pre drinking with Paola and Hannah in our flat before going out to TigerTiger one night. When I played Ma Chérie just now my face lit up into a big smile and I started singing along to the song!
Tonight I'm off to a flat party in the next block. It should be good fun, but I can't stay for too long as I need to start writing one of my psychology essay tomorrow.
Pip pip
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Quirky Facts #9
Quirky Facts is back! Seeing as I haven't done so in quite a while, I decided to inform you guys with some weird facts :)
- A full head of human hair is strong enough to support 12 tons
- Cats sleep for 70% of their lives
- The sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog" uses all the letters of the English alphabet
- Apples are more efficient than coffee for keeping people awake in the morning
- Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite
- Octopuses have three hearts
- If you put a raisin in a glass of champagne it will rise and fall continuously
- A cockroach can live up to nine days without its head, until it starves to death
- Pearls dissolve in vinegar
- A rat can last longer without water than a camel
- The dot above the letter 'i' is called a tittle
Monday 21 October 2013
NO TITLE
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| I'm not depressed in this picture, I was just trying to take a good picture of how I have been wearing my hair recently. I plait it then I put the straightener on the plaits so they get warm, I then let them cool down before I release the elastic to reveal gorgeous waves! It's super quick and requires no skill at all (besides being able to braid of course!) |
There hasn't been much blogging lately because my life really isn't that interesting on a day-to-day basis to be honest. I got to lectures, then practicals and tutorials, I drink coffee, I study in the library, I get soaked by the rain, I come home, I go to LIDL, I watch YouTube videos, I get a cup of tea and a fruit, I watch some Netflix, I consider reading for my courses but decide against it in the end, hehe.
However, since my cold has finally (!!) gone away, I have been going to the gym! Woo
I am planning to go to the gym 3 times a week in the beginning, and then a few exercise classes here and there when I find the time. Then I will perhaps start going more often, depending on what my schedule is like.
Pip-pip
Music Monday #58
My newest jam! I got recommended it by my friend who DJ's at TigerTiger. I can't stop listening to it
The beat is awesome!
I love this song as well!
Monday 14 October 2013
Music Monday #57
This is one of those songs which is always going to be my favourite. I haven't known about this song for long but I am pretty sure it's going to be a favourite for quite a while.
Thursday 10 October 2013
Autumn Must Haves
So, I think we all have those few specific things which we cannot live without throughout the chilly autumn months! I certainly have some, and I'll be sharing my autumn must haves with yous :)
Recently, I'v been drinking coffee like never before! I get a cappuccino before my morning lectures and after a few tedious hours in the library, a coffee break with a friend is the ultimate way of kicking back and catching up!
Do I seriously even need to mention that autumn is the prefect sweater weather? It's pretty self-explanatory. But when it's chilly and grey outside, a warm sweater is the coziest thing you'll ever put on. Why not layer your knit with a button-up, like in the picture? I love it
Scarves are an essential for those chilly autumn mornings and those windy afternoons, which we get a lot of over here! Slip on some mittens and your hands will be cozy warm clasping that coffee cup.
These boots were made for walking... No but really though.. they were. I haven't had the chance to wear my boots yet because it's only just starting to get cold up here. However, I have frequently been using my Hunter's during this rainy season!
When autumn rolls around, clementines are usually found in almost every supermarket. Which is a plus for me because they are my absolute favourite autumn snack! The smell and taste reminds me of my childhood.
Monday 7 October 2013
Music Monday #56
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| The album cover for Håkan Hellström's album Det kommer aldrig va över för mig |
So many of my friends are obsessed with Håkan Hellström, and I've never really understood why. Until I finally started listening to his most recent album, and now I'm hooked!
Valborg - Håkan Hellström
"Lägg din hand i min"
Probably my favourite line from the song. Translation: Put your hand in mine
"Lägg din hand i min"
Probably my favourite line from the song. Translation: Put your hand in mine
If you have Spotify you'll be able to listen to it on this link, but I couldn't find the actual song on youtube.
Monday 30 September 2013
Breaking Bad
You know the feeling you get when you finish watching one of your favourite series? Well this is how I feel right now after I watched the season finale of Breaking Bad!
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