Onze

1. The smell of a BBQ on a summer night
Oh boy, this has to be one of my favourite smells! It creates such a nice atmosphere, whether the BBQ is in someone else's yard or in mine

2. Sneezing
Come on guys, how amazing and satisfying doesn't it feel when you get to sneeze? I enjoy sneezing, call me crazy, but I do

3. Curling up in bed while the rain is hitting the roof
For me, the sound of rain is relaxing and peaceful. Falling asleep to the sound of rain is one of the best things in my opinion

4. Movie nights
As much as I enjoy going out for a few drinks and dancing, most of the time I feel more comfortable staying in with my family or friends or even alone, watching a good movie with a cup of tea, or even going to the cinema for the full effects!

5. Good music
Who can deny that good music makes you feel good? Blocking out the world with a pair of headphones is extraordinary; I get lost in the world of the music, and it's kind of like meditation to me

6. A freshly made bed
Going to sleep in a fluffy, nice-smelling, soft and comfortable bed is phenomenal! I love the smell of detergent and crawling into a freshly made bed is like receiving a big hug

7. Free falling
One of my favourite rides at any amusement park is free fall. Especially the one at Grönalund in Stockholm. I am absolutely addicted to the adrenaline rush and fluttery tummy when on the ride, so I can only imagine how good it feels to go sky-diving!

8. Horse-riding
This is one of the best things I know! It saddens me that I can't occupy myself with one of my favourite hobbies anymore. I sincerely hope I can buy a horse in the future and spend most of my time at the stables

9. Ballet
I cannot express how much I miss my ballet lessons. This is my favourite hobby/sport/dance and I miss it dearly. Dancing gives me such joy and energy in life and I wish I could start it up again

10. Freshly baked bread
The smell. The taste. The crust. Everything about a freshly baked loaf of bread is delicious!

11. When someone plays with my hair
Oh man. This takes me back to 5th year primary when we would have small assemblies in class. I would ask my friend who was sitting behind me to play with my hair, haha

30 Questions

1: What are you wearing?
A pair of pajama shorts and a fleece

2: How tall are you? 
I think I am 1.67m, which is like 5'5"

3: Any piercings? 
My two earlobes, my tragus and rook on my right ear

4: Favourite show? 
Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones. I was absolutely devastated when Breaking Bad ended! I really like Prison Break as well, I think I have watched all of the season like 3 or 4 times.

5: Favourite bands? 
I tend to listen to more artists than bands nowadays, but I still like Red Hot Chili Peppers. I listened to them for the first time when I was like 12 or 13. Artists I like include: Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Eminem, SHM, Ellie Goulding, Lykke Li, the list goes on. My music taste is quite varied.

6: Something you miss?
I really miss Italy… and Switzerland. I miss my life there, and being a kid

7: Favourite song?
I really like XO by Beyoncé at the moment. It's not my favourite, but to be honest I don't think I can narrow it down to one specific song. I am also loving Make Me Feel Better by Alex Adair at the moment

8: How old are you?
20!

9: Zodiac sign? 
Pisces

10: Favourite actor(s)?
Christoph Waltz, especially his performance in Inglorious Basterds
Leonardo di Caprio, especially in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street
Johnny Depp, especially in Public Enemies and Pirates of the Carribean

11: Favourite color? 
I really like blue, but also grey. But it has to be a heather grey (especially when it comes to clothes)

12: Loud music or soft?
Both, depending on my mood.

13: Where do you go when you're sad? 
My bed

14: How long does it take you to shower?
It varies. 5-15 mins. If I'm washing my hair it'll take me around 12-15mins.

15: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Start to finish (including washing my hair, breakfast, packing my bag, choosing what to wear etc.) 40-50 mins.

16: Ever been in a physical fight?
Does my brother count? haha

17: Fears? 
Snakes. Snakes. Snakes. And dying… I'm scared of dying

18: Last time you said you texted someone?
This morning

19: The book you're currently reading?
I'm still reading A Storm of Swords part 2: Blood and Gold (part of the Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire, series), by George R.R. Martin

20: Last movie you watched?
Killers

21: Last person(s) you talked to?
Alice and Hannah

22: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
Katrina and I are really good friends, we met in first year and are still in contact. We try to have coffee at least once a week!

23: Favourite food? 
Sushi; California rolls to be specific. Italian food (in Italy); spaghetti alle vongole or tiramisú.

24: Place you want to visit?
Australia; Carins, Whitsundays, Byron Bay, Uluru and Sydney
Thailand; Koh Phang Ngan, Koh Lanta
Paris
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Berlin
New Zealand

25: Last place you were?
In New Kings

26: Favourite flavour of sweet? 
Strawberry or cherry.

27: What instruments do you play? 
Piano and clarinet

28: Favourite piece of jewelry?
My bracelets from Thomas Sabo or my Marc Jacobs watch

29: Last time you worked out?
On Friday two weeks ago. I haven't been able to go again because I've been ill! 

30: Last song you sang?
La Mer by Charles Trenet, ahaha

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!

This Time Last Year - May 2012

May 2012

Started the month of May with a night out with my friends Natalie & Ronja

Went on several long walks around the green neighbourhood!

and again...

Waited for Natalie at the hairdressers one day.

The sun decided to make an appearance..

..Which meant I was happy!

Took refuge from the sun inside and read my book.

Attended a beautiful wedding in Stockholm.

My class at our senior Prom in front of the castle!

My best friend Sangeet and I <3

It was summer by the time May started last year, now it's merely the start of spring. Both here and in Sweden.

I don't know where the time has gone! It has seriously flown by this past year - it's scary.

11 Random Facts About Me

1. What is a nickname only your family calls you?
The nickname which my family and close friends call me is "Sia" which derives from my forename Sofia. I came up with this name when I was about 4 years old, and always called myself Sia. The name that only my dad and brother call me sometimes when they're joking around is "Sieso." This last one is hard to pronounce unless you know how they say it, and I'm not going to try to explain it because I can't, lol.

2. What's a weird habit of yours?
This isn't exactly weird, it's really only for practical reasons, but immediately when I get home I put my hair up in a ponytail or bun. I'm fine with wearing it down when I'm out but I just feel like it's in the way when I'm at home...

3. Do you have any phobias?
I have ophidiophobia. Which is basically the fear of snakes. I cannot even think of snakes without getting shivers. And when I see one on TV my heart races and I feel scared. I have however touched a rattle snake before. This was at Skansen zoo in Stockholm and I must say that it was probably the softest thing I've ever touched. So I faced my greatest fear but I am still terrified...

4. What is a song you love to blast & belt out when you're alone?
Hehehe. This only really works if it's dark outside and if you have good speakers. But I turn off all the lights in the room I'm in, open the window and blast "Make It Bun Dem" by Skrillex + Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. I don't really sing along to it though.

5. What is one of your biggest pet-peeves?
When people munch on their food really loudly. It drives me insaaaane! I can't stand it. I grosses me out.

6. What is one of your nervous habits?
I bite my nails. This used to be very regular, not because I was nervous all the time but because it was a horrid habbit. I've stopped and only bite my nails when I get nervous or anxious.

7. Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
Everywhere. But my preferred side is against the wall.

8. Which way do you face in the shower?
When I'm washing my hair, I'm facing away from the nozzle. But if I'm washing my face it's obviously towards the nozzle. I basically face all ways.

9. What is a phrase or exclamation you always say?
"That's fine" this is a phrase I've been saying a lot lately, and I can't seem to stop. I don't just blurt it out randomly but I do say it when it's needed, if that makes sense ?

10. What do you wear to bed?
It depends really. But my favourite pajama is an old, over-sized t-shirt which is sort of like a short nightgown. I've had it since I was like 12 so it's extremely soft and cozy now because it has been washed so many times! It's short sleeved though, and I would like it even more if it had long sleeves because my arms get cold sometimes during the night. I sometimes wear pajama shorts as well, but I've realized they are uncomfortable to sleep with since I usually lie on my stomach.

11. What is your dream car?
A red Fiat 500 (cinquecento) the new version. I wouldn't say no to the old version either, the one in the picture looks perfect!

I Heart Spring

1. What is your favourite spring nail polish? 
Two months ago I bought a beautiful dark pink nail polish from Topshop. It's called "One Hot Minute," however the colour of the nail polish in the pictures don't look anything like how it does in real life - it's more pink.
I also like mint green and corals for the spring and summer!

2. What is your favourite spring flower?
Last week I bought a potted white narcissus for my room. It's slowly starting to bloom now and I'm so excited!
My favourite spring/summer flower are peonies. They can bloom from April through to June/July, but where I live I think they start to bloom in June.
Tulips are another favourite for spring and I love them in all their different colours and styles!

3. What is your favourite fragrance (body spray/perfume etc.) this spring?
This whole year I've been alternating between two Victoria's Secret perfumes. One is the Bombshell body mist which smells of purple passion fruit, Shangri-la, yellow peony and vanilla orchid - in other words GORGEOUS! The other  fragrance is a body mist called Secret Charm which smells of fresh honeysuckle and jasmine. I also have the body lotion for this scent.

4. What is spring like where you live?
Spring has finally arrived here! It's been sunny and fairly warm (10-14°C - yes, this is warm for me) but extremely windy for the past week I've been here. It did rain yesterday but that's all part of living in the UK - very wet.
The park's flowers are in full bloom and hopefully the trees will be lush and green soon :D

5. What are your favourite spring accessories?
Sunglasses!

6. Which are your favourite spring shoes?
I recently purchased a pair of Chipie shoes and these are the ultimate spring shoe. They're easy to put on, which I like, and are fairly comfortable.

Music Monday #30

Swan Lake - Pas de Quatre

You - Robin Stjernberg

Bones - MS MR
A favourite of mine this week! This is from the Game of Thrones season 3 trailer! Aus!8oifna°kjsn2ÅPIWÄÄÄÄ - I'M SO EXCITED!! Okay, calm down...

Don't Your Worry Child (Acoustic) - Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin

Weekends!!! - Skrillex feat. Sirah

Dreaming of Bag End - Howard Shore
This is still a favourite - it's my lullaby at the moment and I enjoy it very much so I thought I'd put it in this music Monday as well. It makes me so happy :)

Addicted - Sam Heim, Fiona
Love, love, love this song!

Rise - Eddie Vedder

Guaranteed - Eddie Vedder
These last two songs are from the movie "Into the Wild" with Emile Hirsch, directed by Sean Penn.

Top 4 Places I've Visited!

1. Stockholm

I think Stockholm is a given to be one of my favourite places; it has so much to offer! One thing I also really like about Stockholm is that you'll never be bored - there is always something to do. A warm summer's day can be spent in one of the many parks with a picnic basket, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to visit one of the many museums :)

2. London

I've visited London several times and every time I go, I fall even more in love than I did the other times. The last time I was in central London, I strolled around the streets of Covent Garden, SoHo, China Town, Picadilly and Leicester Square. I fell completely in love with the architecture, the shopping, bars and restaurants.

I'm the type of person who can't stand it when it's too crowded, I get a little claustrophobic and I get irritated with the people who won't get out of my way! That's why I have a hard time going shopping on Oxford street, where all of the tourists and what not are roaming around - there's just too much going on. However, I do believe that visiting this area is a must if it is your first time visiting.

London Tube map

3. Tuscany

Italy is home to me, and I think I will always have a strong connection to it throughout my life. During my nine years in Italy, my family and I went on several holidays down to the beautiful Toscana. The best meals in my life have been consumed in this magnificent region and whenever I think of the food my mouth waters! Italy really does have the best food on earth <3

Another magnificent thing about tuscany are the omnipresent pine trees! They're beautiful and they're everywhere - they smell good as well. 

4. Barbados

The first time, and probably not the last time I visited Barbados was in December of 2011. My family and I went on a marvelous holiday over New Years and the first week of January. Visiting the Caribbean sea has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and now that I've had the chance to visit I want to go back! And I can cross it off my bucket list ;) If you ever get the chance the visit Barbados you simply must go to Oistin's Friday night's Fish Fry: On Friday night particularly, the big thing to do is go to the fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens. The food is the main draw - excellent fish, (tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish), lobster, chicken etc served in an extremely informal setting. You can get your fish grilled or fried depending on which vendor you choose from. It's all cooked on the spot in front of you. Excellent Caribbean music performances are part of the experience as well!
Next time I would love to do a sailing tour around the beautiful blue water or maybe even a cruise - time will tell. But I will definitely go back again :)

Beautiful sunset every evening <3

View from our hotel balcony <3

Tip: To be able to fully experience a city, it must be visited several times. Visiting it once won't do you any good. I have quite recently realized this; f. ex. I think I will have to go back to London at least 3 more times to see and experience everything.

This Time Last Year - March 2012

March 2012

For quite some time now I've been thinking of introducing a new concept into this blog.

This Time Last Year will be a recap of what was going on in my life this time last year - convenient title, right? This will be a monthly thing, meaning I will post it once at the start of every month - this first time being the month of March 2012.
To be perfectly honest though, it took me quite some time to actually find reasonable photos to post on here, I also realized that the month of March 2012 was quite a boring month for me.. and I don't know if that's depressing or if I'm glad that I was studying so hard.. haha!

My class and I received our Graduation caps at the start of March - that was a VERY exciting day I remember. Karin and Sangeet look very pleased!

Picture of my finished prom dress. 

I visited the university for an open day with my class.

I had several cuppas (aka. cups of tea/coffee) on the cold late-winter days to warm myself up.

I rearranged my bedroom out of pure boredom. I MISS MY BED!!!

By the end of March most of the snow had melted away and I sat outside in our garden reading my book.

I made a chocolate cake - "kladdkaka" to be more exact.

Was fascinated by all of my Dad's flower bouquets - I think we had like 8 scattered around the house.

And again..

My Dad got me my first pair of beloved vans! I have the mens Vans Authentic but I initially wanted the mens Vans Era, but it was absolutely impossible to find them anywhere!

Bought a proper sketch pad and pencils and started drawing again.

The finished product - but I still don't like the red I drew...

I started to draw tulips.

In the process...

The finished product.

I wonder what March 2013 will be like!

10 Things You May or May Not Know About Me

1. I consider myself European; and not from any specific country- even though I say I'm from Sweden
2. I don't drink milk, I find it disgusting- I'll only have a little milk with my cereal
3. I could eat Sushi everyday for the rest of my life- if I had the choice and the money
4. I have never been to Asia- but I want to go!
5. I hate tardiness- when people are late, or when I'm late somewhere
6. My favourite accent is the Australian one- it's so charming
7. I have never owned a pet- not even a fish
8. My dreams are sometimes in Italian, other times in Swedish, but mostly in English
9. While studying, I listen to calming music- mostly classical. If I listen to songs that have words, I'll most likely get distracted and start singing along to the songs..
10. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of my favourite bands- I started listening to them when I was 13 years old and still listen to them today