ONE // Settling into our new place

I dream about the day I’ll finally settle into my forever home and be able to live out my interior decor dreams. Currently I’m splitting rent for a two-bedroom apartment with my roomie, and although I’ve settled into my own room (mini tour here), the living room is furnished to the bare minimum and I don’t really have any inclination to take it further. After all, it’s only a rental and I’ll probably move out in a year or a few. But Carrie x Wish Wish Wish is doing such a good job with her rental. I love how she worked with the gorgeous period architecture of her apartment with a great mix and match of vintage and modern pieces. I’m also loving her getaway to Gstaad, a charming town with a perfect balance of wholesome, active activities and luxurious indulgences.

TWO // The bonus Harry Potter books reviewed

I started rereading the Harry Potter series for the first time October of last year. I finished the fifth book in January, am taking a pause this month to catch up with my library checkouts and egalley reviews, and am planning to pick up the sixth book next month. As I’ve been rereading the series for the first time, I’ve also been listening along with the Potterless podcast, in which the twenty-something host reads the series for the first time and makes commentaries chapter by chapter. My Harry Potter obsession has been rekindled and I’m all about Michelle x Daisybutter’s review on the bonus Harry Potter books she’s read. At the top of my list is Harry Potter: Film Wizardry. I’d love to flip through that one after I finish rereading the series, though it’s a film companion book complete with replicas of Harry Potter paraphernalia, so I don’t think it’s the kind of book you can find in a public library, which means I might have to storm a Barnes & Noble. And kinda unrelated but my friend Kat recently visited Harry Potter World in Orlando and came back with a chocolate frog for me!! I’m keeping the box for forever. The card in mine was Bertie Bott. I haven’t eaten the frog yet but I probably should eventually.

THREE // Bubble tea neighbourhood

Bubble tea + Chanel + Paris. If that isn’t goalz!!!! I’ve got the bubble tea part down pat. Still working on the rest (throwback to my two days in Paris in summer 2017). My style is probably more up the street of DIY raw hemming for jeans — for short people and thrifty. I actually have a pair of jeans I’ve been meaning to cut shorter. I bought it on sale off Abercrombie (all my jeans are from Abercrombie — so soft, good quality, great sales), but I got it in the regular length because they were out of short. I figured I could cut them short myself because they have raw hems anyway, but I haven’t found the courage to do it yet.

FOUR // Master list of low light indoor plants

This master list especially comes in handy in the winter. Now, will I actually go out to get a low light plant and attempt to keep it alive? Probably not. The fake plant and the air plant in my room are enough for me. (I have a feeling I’m slowly killing off the air plant, but I can’t even tell for sure.) But here’s the master list for those of you who are a little more motivated and a little less murderous than I am. And unrelated except for both relating to water in general, this article I stumbled upon about fancy water bottles as a 21st century status symbol was interesting. I can’t relate; I’ve been using my beloved Rubbermaid water bottle since the beginning of high school. For hot drinks I use my Yeti tumbler. What about you?

I’d love for you to plug a post you’ve written recently in the comments! Always looking for new reads (:

PS: more friday favourites

Follow

ONE // Coconut mochi cake muffins

I’ve never considered making mochi before, but ever since I saw my friend share her homemade coconut matcha mochi on her Insta Story, which I requested she save to her highlights (you’re welcome), I thought, hey, maybe I can make this too. If you’re looking for a traditional recipe that’s all typed out, you can follow the recipe for coconut mochi cake muffins that I linked from I Am A Food Blog. Earlier this week I popped by Chinatown to buy glutinous rice flour (that’s the same thing as mochiko/sweet rice flour right??), so I really do plan on trying this recipe myself, eventually! Another thing I’m planning to bake is chocolate lava cakes, which I already have all the ingredients for, except for espresso powder, but I can skip that or use instant coffee powder… or just go and buy espresso powder. If you want to get even more indulgent, you can try chocolate peanut butter lava cakes. Also on my to-bake list is my best friend’s mom’s cheese ball recipe, which she typed out and emailed to me, old fashioned :’) Now if you’re looking for something hearty, here are 13 chili recipes, perfect for winter, and perfect to make a ton of to store for lazier days.

TWO // How to prove yourself as a new freelance writer

If you caught up with my January updates, you’ll know that I’m currently doing freelance photography to hold me over but am pursuing graphic design in book publishing, for which the main thing I need to work on is building my graphic design portfolio. Although the article I linked is targeted toward freelance writers, it provides some tips that any creative can adapt for themself. My favourite tip is about creating work samples targeting your ideal client; if it’s not already there in your portfolio, make it. If you’re curious about what a design process from inquiry to launch looks like, have a peek at Lauren x Elle & Co.’s brand and website design process. For more v/blogging and biz behind-the-scenes, Lucy Moon breaks down how Youtubers actually make money. Speaking of money, here are five small changes you can do to improve your finances. I really like the tip about spotting your large spending buckets. That really gave me something to think about because my method of budgeting has been targeting the small but frequent spendings, i.e. coffee and bubble tea. But maybe that’s not where my attention needs to lie. After all, only 2% and 1% of my monthly spendings went toward coffee and bubble tea respectively (albeit 54% went toward monthlies like rent, internet, and utilities, which makes all my other spendings look insignificant from the get-go). On the other hand, maybe those stats are only so low because I have been targeting them. But the article makes a good point suggesting, “Maybe the joy of a creamy mug of goodness justifies the $5 price tag. Instead of trimming the expenses that truly make you happy, focus on bigger-ticket items.” If you caught up with my January recap, you’ll know that I’ve started tracking my spendings, and it’s been interesting to reflect on (I made a pretty chart).

THREE // The weekly scrapbook

I’ve only discovered Lizzy x Shot from the Street in the last few months even though she seems to be big online, which I think is why I am even more charmed by her old school blogging vibes, unlike many large influencers who have had to adapt their content to the changing industry. Her content is so refreshing, and I’m loving her recent scrapbooking project, in which she’ll scan pages from her scrapbook — a real, physical scrapbook! not a scrapbook aesthetic produced digitally! — and share them on her blog. Oh that we live in a time where doing things non-digitally is considered a novelty, at least for me. (My non-digital project has been knitting.) But I’ve got nothing against scrapbooking digitally either; I love Jasmine x Studio Jasmine’s digital scrapbooking for her monthly recaps. I don’t think she made one for January, but you can peep the one she made for December. I particularly love the end of that recap where she shared thoughts on doing things for fun and not turning them into work. Y’all know that I’m totally hopping onto the movement of taking up hobbies just for the fun of it, or even taking up hobbies that you’re bad at!

FOUR // Instagram DMs are an antidote to the difficulties of adult friendships

I stumbled upon this article right after I had caught up with a friend that I hadn’t talked to in awhile via DMing a reply to his Insta Story, so I definitely felt like this article was speaking to me. The gist of it is that texting can be “fraught” or overwhelming because it’s more difficult to do out of the blue and also more commitment, whereas “Instagram Stories provide points of entry from which conversation can more naturally unfold.” This gave me a new appreciation for Insta Stories, which I used to be vigorously against (remember back in the day when all of us were comparing Snapchat and Insta Stories? I was team Snapchat lol). In an attempt to have a healthier relationship with Instagram, I’ve been working on using Instagram as a social platform and pushing myself to make conversation — as suggested by Rebecca x From Roses on how to fall in love with Instagram and craft your own community — rather than using Instagram as a portfolio.

I’d love for you to plug a post you’ve written recently in the comments! Always looking for new reads (:

PS: more friday favourites

Follow

ONE // Planted not buried: 2018 a year in review

There’s no shortage of year in reviews, and I’m hoping to soon add mine to the mix, but I especially loved Sade x In My Sunday Bests’. With everyone touting their annual highlights, this was a breath of fresh air. 2018 was a hard year for some. For me, there were a lot of ups and downs, and I’m still riding the waves right now. For those of you who are struggling, lost, or confused, see if you can flip your perspective from buried to planted. I’m rooting for you! Another insightful year in review I enjoyed reading was Kelly x Studio DIY’s, in which she realised she was building a life she didn’t want. On a more uplifting note, I loved how Carly x Carly the Prepster shared about how she’s rewriting herself. As we’re all reaching for new goals, here’s a unique approach on how you can make your future habits easy. Perhaps consider that there’s always a simpler way. (I’ll also plug my own suggestion for another way to build a habit.)

TWO // Why I think 2019 will be an awesome year to be a blogger

What are your thoughts on whether blogging is dead? I admit that sometimes it feels like I’m writing into the ether, but then I’m reminded by our little community that we’re all in this together, on our own separate journeys but here for each other all the same. So thank you for being here! There’s space for all of us and all our voices. For those of you on the blogging grind, here are some tips on how to be a successful blogger this year, but I like to think of it more as how to navigate the new blogosphere and make your mark. For a behind-the-scenes look at one blogger’s creative process, check out Kara x Kara’s Closet’s blogging checklist, organised daily, weekly, and monthly. For more organisational inspiration, take a peek into Michelle x Daisybutter’s sister’s bullet journal.

THREE // Four ways to style pinafores

I own one forest green corduroy pinafore and I love it but I don’t wear it as often as I would like. I pull it out more often in autumn because autumn seems to have the perfect moderate weather for an item of clothing like this with heavy but not very much fabric. However, inspired by these warm and stylish ways to wear pinafores, I might be able to break mine out in the winter as well. For more outfit inspiration, I’m loving a few pieces from this star print shopping guide. Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you can’t still shine! Although, since the holidays are over, I really shouldn’t be buying anything anymore. Ever. I had too much fun shopping small businesses this season, but I’m glad that I was able to share the love; I was especially giddy to see how Damaris x The Cat, You, and Us worked this quirky little pouch I gifted into her outfit!

FOUR // Cinnamon roll mugs

I probably wouldn’t ever bother making my own cinnamon rolls, but I have all the ingredients needed except for yeast, so this recipe is very doable. Something really easy to make a ton of are stuffed dates. In a manic moment one afternoon, I made a bunch inspired by this post on stuffed dates eight ways. Whenever I’m feeling peckish, even just one stuffed date is usually enough to quell the munchies. For something heartier, give this classic french onion soup a go. It requires more ingredients than I usually bother with (I’m extremely lazy), but it’s not like I don’t have the time. Plus, french onion soup is delicious, I would feel accomplished after making it, and soups are great for winter.

FIVE // Sleeping alone in a foreign city: a love letter to solitude, safety

I love myself some alone time. Reading through Jemimah x Jemma Wei’s month-and-a-half alone living in an Airbnb above a nightclub was very soothing. I could totally see myself in a similar routine if I lived alone, existing and enjoying my own company. If the holiday travels are over for you but you’ve still got a case of wanderlust, check out these recaps and guides through Malaysia, South Korea, Venice (here’s mine), and Edinburgh. And if you missed it on my blog, check out my Japan food diary!

Link a favourite post of yours from the past week (or month) below!

PS: more friday favourites

Follow

ONE // Parisian apartment tour

Back when I thought I was going to move to NYC, I dreamt up my dream interior, and key to it was a Parisian bistro table with two matching bistro chairs placed by a window with floor to ceiling curtains. I loved the quirkiness of using pieces traditionally placed outside inside, and mused about how fun it would be to have a Parisian apartment in NYC. For now, I can continue to dream of Parisian apartments (without the pressure of logistics since I’m not actually moving) inspired by Darya Kopp’s apartment tour on Wit + Delight. I love that Darya loves colour and based her colour palette off two colours, then used other colours as accents. I also thought it was funny how her husband only had opinions on two elements of the interior, so she made sure to incorporate them even though they may have clashed with her original vision.

TWO // Christmas in London 2017

I can’t get enough of all the festive content going around! Carrie x Wish Wish Wish shares a Christmas in London recap every year; 2018 hasn’t gone up yet, but just look at those beautiful photos from 2017! Whilst we wait for Christmas to come around, perhaps you’d like to try this family activity advent. There are tons of bucket lists and advents going around, but I particularly like the simplicity of these; they’re activities that I feel will add to the holiday experience instead of add stress. I’ve also been enjoying reading about other family traditions like how Joanna x Magnolia gifts each member of her family a new ornament every year for their tree and how Ashley x Under the Sycamore‘s family writes notes about what they hope for in the coming year and stuff them in their stockings before they pack them away for the new year. Another sweet moment is this story about the empty Christmas box — it’s a short read and may bring tears to your eyes.

THREE // 10 reminders for anyone who feels lost in life

I really, really, really needed this post this week. There are tons of motivational sayings out there that just feel like empty words, but each one of these reminders got me good. If anyone else needs a little boost, I hope you find as much comfort in these reminders as I did. In this same headspace, I found these articles about the slippery slope between “me time” and isolation and productive things you can do instead of spending money interesting.

FOUR // Baked brie and bread wreath

Who needs a wreath of foliage when you’ve got this glorious wreath of brie and bread? For more baked goodness, check out this cranberry nut bread. Can’t choose between gingerbread or cinnamon rolls? Try these gingerbread cinnamon rolls. If you’re looking for a drink instead, here are recipes for mulled wine and mulled apple cider. Not enough for you? Here are seven holiday cocktails to choose from. Not one for the kitchen? Here are some Trader Joe’s holiday goodies. Not necessarily looking for something festive? Have a hearty chicken and sweet corn soup.

Link a favourite post of yours from the past week (or month) below!

PS: more friday favourites

PPS: I’m giving Blogmas a go! Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you’d like to see on the blog (ू•ᴗ•ू❁)

Follow

ONE // Tahini & pomegranate almond cookies

I’ve been making apple crumble and microwave chocolate mug cakes pretty regularly, but for something a little fancier, try these tahini & pomegranate almond cookies… which reminds me that I’ve been wanting to make raspberry almond thumbprint cookies (I have yet to look for a recipe but I’m sure that there are tons of them out there). Thumbprint cookies are so lowkey, and I’d love to have a tin of them around throughout the holidays for those late nights I stay up cramming posts for Blogmas. I’ve also been wanting to break out apricot rosemary currant scones again, which were quite a hit last year! Some more recipes I’ve been eyeing are lace cookies, matcha/red bean/almond rainbow cookies, and for those looking for something savoury, herbed cheddar latkes.

TWO // Home decor Black Friday sales

If you caught up with my new apartment tour, you’ll know that I’m not actively decorating anymore, plus, Black Friday sales are long over, but Crystalin x Crystalin Marie has such a beautiful home and I’ve kinda just appreciated her blog post as a home tour, so give that a peep if you’re a snoop like me. If you’re looking to organise your home, one place you could start is with your wardrobe. Jessica x Little Henry Lee has some great tips about curating your wardrobe, and I especially love the one about getting your proportions right.

THREE // Why you should consider a hobby you’re bad at

In a recent interview, I was asked what my hobbies were besides blogging and what I blogged about, i.e. cafe crawling and travel. I probably should have had an answer for this up my sleeve, but I had done so many interviews and nobody had asked me this, so I was stumped for a second. I meekly said that I enjoyed reading, which was lame, and also… I blog about books so I cheated with that answer. Afterward I remembered that I enjoyed swimming, singing, and playing guitar. However, I have always done those activities with goals in mind: I swam on varsity, I auditioned for honour choirs and solos, and, well I guess I don’t have a goal with the guitar, so there’s one for me. Anywho, so I think that the concept of considering a hobby you’re bad at is interesting. I shared this concept in an earlier Friday Favourites, but here it is again in different words. The idea is that a hobby done for the pure joy of it without any goal in mind will leave you more fulfilled. Some people may debate about the “more fulfilled” part, but at the very least, having a hobby without a goal in mind relieves pressure and makes room for enjoyment. Hmm, I think I’d like to take up knitting again. Maybe it’s just the winter season speaking to me.

FOUR // How to fall in love with Instagram and craft your own community

I’m sure that most people have a love-hate relationship with Instagram. Rebecca x From Roses has some great tips to nudge it over to the love side. Something I’m working on doing myself is pushing myself to make conversation on Instagram. For more Instagram insights, who better to hear from than Instagram’s director of fashion partnerships Eva Chen? Amber x By Amber Burns had the amazing opportunity to meet Eva Chen at a book signing in Philly and shared some words of wisdom from Eva Chen. For more about Eva Chen’s career journey, check out her guest appearance in the Second Life Podcast, which I found recommended by Jessica x By Jessica Yang. And whilst we’re talking about biz, I enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at Elle & Company from Lauren’s assistant Marisa’s perspective.

FIVE // What to do in Paris when it rains

For some, the holidays mean staying at home with loved ones, and for others, it means traveling with loved ones. My family has always traveled over the holidays, and we don’t even put up a tree anymore since we aren’t home! For a bit of wanderlust, check out Carin x Paris in Four Month’s tips on what to do in Paris when it rains. You can also repurpose those tips for your own city and think about what museums, theatres, or coffee shops you might want to stow away in. Some more travel guides I’ve been loving are this one on the best Christmas markets in Europe and this one on what to do in NYC over the holidays. If I find myself back in NYC over the holidays, I definitely want to pop by City Bakery for a cuppa hot chocolate topped with a humongous homemade marshmallow. I’ve also wanted to have frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity for the longest time, but I’ve heard that it’s always packed. For those of you planning to enjoy the holidays at home, warm your heart with this adorable video of Naomi x Love Taza’s family decorating their Christmas tree, and if you’re looking for another activity for your family, why not try a Harry Potter movie night? (Halloween or Christmas, Harry Potter is always festive!)

What’s a hobby you’re bad at?

PS: more friday favourites

PPS: I’m giving Blogmas a go! Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you’d like to see on the blog (ू•ᴗ•ू❁)

Follow

ONE // Apple cider margaritas

There are so many things to be excited about for autumn! I’d say that today is Philly’s first real day of autumn and it’s been a long time coming–under 20^oC and partly cloudy, no rain in sight. I’ve had today’s autumnal outfit planned out since the beginning of the week. You can bet that I’m wearing a cosy sweater! Besides wearing the fluffiest outfits I can, another way I celebrate autumn is by consuming all the autumnal foods and beverages. I’ve already got a gallon of apple cider in my fridge from the supermarket, ready to heat over the stove with a stick of cinnamon, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, make it a margarita! For more cinnamonyness (words are a social construct), bake yourself a vegan cinnamon bun or kick it up a notch with this tahini cream frosting and pistachio rose dukkah cinnamon bun. Another fragant flavour to fill your home with is this banana zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting, though I think I could do without the cream cheese for this one and just have a wholesome banana zucchini bread. If you find yourself out shopping for some of these ingredients, here are some tips for zero-waste grocery shopping.

TWO // Postcards from Ireland

Another thing autumn is good for is binging series. I’ve already binged the Harry Potter films. Soon I’ll be binging the books (my first reread of the series ever!) and listening along to the Potterless podcast. If that fandom isn’t enough for you, perhaps it’s time to revisit Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones as well. Oh I so look forward to wrapping myself in blankets and drowning myself in tea (and apple cider)! But if you’re more of the outdoorsy type, you’ll have to check out these candid snaps from Michelle’s Ireland trip, centered around Game of Thrones. I mean, that’s the only way to tour Ireland! Make sure to have your Bluetooth speakers in your pocket and blast the Game of Thrones soundtrack on your hike. If you’re bitten by the travel bug, check out Martine’s diary entries from Amsterdam. I love her honest realisations of the ups and downs of exploring a new city on your own. I can certainly relate to the initial discomforts of adjustment and uncertainty. Oh but think of all the potential possibilities and opportunities!

THREE // Hygge for home

Autumn, in a word, is hygge. My summer has been a weird in-between moment of unrest, so I’m especially looking forward to nestling in this season. My life is still far from settled, but I’m learning to live in this period instead of straining my eyes to see the end. For anyone who needs to hear it: you’re doing a great job. Life may sometimes feel like a bit much, and sometimes all you can do is start with right where you are. Is there anything more comforting than a hygge home to burrow yourself in? A sound home is a sound mind after all. Alexandra interviews Reena about her cosy home, and for more frequent updates, you can check out Reena’s Instagram. For more interior inspiration, these tiny homes offer some nifty small space design tips. When it’s cold out, I don’t mind smaller spaces so much. With everything tightly packed in, it feels more warm and insulating.

FOUR // How to update your resume as a freelancer or creative professional

On a different vein, here are a few good reads for creatives–tips good for autumn and all other seasons (though if I wanted to fudge it a little, I could say that many companies begin their hiring process at this time, especially targeting achieving students looking for their summer gigs). The process for finding jobs and clients is a bit untraditional for creatives, so I found this take on resumes insightful and worth considering. Besides resumes, another aspect to get up to date on is your website’s SEO. This article is specific to Squarespace, but even if your website isn’t hosted by Squarespace, this article can serve as a checklist for what to take stock of on your own site. And whilst we’re getting into the technicalities of it all, if your site contains sponsored or affiliate content, make sure it complies with FTC regulations. Taking a step back to look at the bigger picture, here are five ways to add more personality to your brand.

FIVE // Lady Voldemort

My Friday Favourites have been few and far between, but the urgent need to share this video is what spurred me to put this post together at the last minute. This is one of the most strange, hilarious, disturbing, and delightful things I have ever stumbled upon across the internet. I’m cACKLING. And how timely that this video has graced us with its presence this month of Halloween. Make the lives of everyone in your lives better by sending this lil video over to them (it’s even more viral on Twitter)! And with no better category to lump these articles with, check out these interesting articles about being a responsible music fan in the age of Spotify, and about how emo and pop punk are influencing hip hop (it’s called emo rap and I’m kinda into it).

What has been your favourite read of the week?

PS: more friday favourites

Follow