A Not So Quick Update From Manchester: I Continue To Be A Cryptid

Sooo things didn’t exactly go as planned. It’s February and I haven’t wrapped up anything 2017 related, I’m pretty sure I’ve missed three monthly wrap ups and while I wanted to write at least weekly posts about Manchester I uh failed that too

I’ve been busy adjusting, exploring Manchester, my best friend stayed with me for a week, I was busy watching Netflix, and uh got caught up in trying to figure out my family tree, something I’ve tried to do multiple times over the years but I never got that far. Meaning I didn’t get anywhere. I’ve decided to put things on hold as it was giving me quite a headache to get farther as I hit a bump in the road. Of course at the point which I’ve been most curious about pretty much my entire life, namely my great great great (? I’m terrible at ‘great great great’ stuff it’s so confusing) grandmother who was Indonesian. Of course that makes it a lil bit harder to find stuff out because ya know colonisation. But hey at least I found out what my great grandfather was called, something my grandfather didn’t know as he just always referred to him as ‘opa’ (which is Dutch for grandfather) so at least I could tell my grandfather what his grandfather was called. I’ll try to find out more when I get back home.

I’ve been slowly getting back into blogging (I’ve been reading a few blog posts!!) and I’m starting to get excited about blogging again, so hopefully I’ll be able to write some posts soon (I do have a review coming up for an ARC so I felt enough pressure to get started on that)

So with those excuses out of the way, let’s hope I won’t disappear again after this lol If I do I’m just gonna pretend that didn’t happen okay? Just pretend with me I don’t want to write a post like this every few weeks haha

Some other things I did/happened to me I want to share:

💛 I cut my finger open on a box of washing powder, got a piece of my phone’s screen protector stuck in my thumb and my other thumb started bleeding randomly MY FINGERS ARE NOT SAFE
💛 For the first time in what’s probably three years I’m borrowing books from a library?? It’s been even longer that I actually borrowed books that I actually wanted to read. The uni library doesn’t have THAT much fiction I want to read but it’s something and I feel so blessed is this how American bookworms feel
💛 Today was the first time I saw one of my housemates in like,, 2 weeks
💛 So basically I’m continuing to be a cryptid*
💛 In my defense my social anxiety just gets a lil bit too bad to go out in the kitchen/living room while there are people there, especially more than one
💛 But other than the usual (social) anxiety that honestly should’ve been expected but I didn’t really think about before coming here (which is a good thing because I might not have gone if I had) I think I’m doing pretty okay? I’ve gotten adjusted to things, gotten my routine and am less homesick
💛 My friend and I went to the refresher’s fair mostly because we were promised free pizza but we got one tiny slice #betrayed
💛 I uh… I bought more plushies *hides*
💛 I will show them in their respective posts (well, one of them hasn’t arrived yet) but hint: it’s Stitch dressed as the Easter Bunny and a super cute Dobby**
💛 The fire alarm goes off pretty much every week and lemme tell you it is not fun I get a panic attack everytime and apparently fire alarms are now a trigger for me because I had to mute B99 when the fire alarm went off on there!!
💛 Speaking of B99 have I mentioned before how grateful I am for this show it does wonders for my mental health really as most of the time it can make me feel better so guess who’s rewatching
💛 I found my precious seaweed rice crackers at a supermarket in Chinatown, gasped and started to whisper sing ‘Hallelujah’ – I really hope the guy behind the counter didn’t notice
💛 I’m still not cooking because the kitchen is still gross but I cleaned the oven (which was also gross!!) so at least I can get oven meals like quiche and spring rolls
💛 I also finally caved and became Cinderella and vacuumed the hallway, kitchen and living room because I couldn’t stand it any longer
💛 Today I suddenly heard someone vacuum the hallway??? It wasn’t me?? Shook

*  I just realised that I’ve kind of been a cryptid in the blogosphere as well *mind blown*
** I mean obviously Dobby is always cute but have you seen the official Dobby plush?? I’m sorry but no

Wow that list was a lot longer than I expected. Anyway, I’m going to Oxford tomorrow with my friend through the International Society, so hopefully I won’t be too tired on Sunday so that I can write a few posts, as I really really want to

How have you all been?? Any exciting news?? Posts you’re proud of that I MUST read? (Please give links!) Tell me everything!!

Merry Christmas Eve Ya Beautiful Bloggers

First off: sorry for kinda disappearing without saying anything. I had to take care of a lot of things before I leave for Manchester* and I’ve been spending all of my free time writing. So that led to me neglecting my blog. But I didn’t want to skip today’s Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers, because it’s Christmas Eve!

* LESS THAN TWO WEEKS GUYS I’M NOT FREAKING OUT YOU’RE FREAKING OUT

I don’t know if I’ll have time to post a Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers tomorrow, so today’s definitely couldn’t be missed.

What is Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers?

In the spirit of Christmas I shall highlight some amazing bloggers during this month. As there’s no way I can fit all of them in one post, there will be multiple posts over the last few weeks of this year. This isn’t limited to book bloggers and the order is completely random. You can find the first highlighted bloggers here, here and here.

Fadwa @ Word Wonders

💛 Reads and talks about lots of great diverse books – even makes lists to make it easier to find certain kind of diverse books like her list of books with native/indigenous main characters
💛 Has a feature called Diverse Book Bloggers Discuss in which diverse book bloggers guest blog on her blog
💛 Writes great discussions

 

 

Lia @ Lost in a Story 

💛 Aesthetic Queen
💛 Great reviews
💛 Besides books she also talks a lot about writing
💛 Has a feature in which she highlights newbie bloggers
💛 Really creative, like this really cool book tag she created

 

 

 

Vivian @ Writing With Style

💛 Looking for a great writing blog? Look no further
💛 Seriously Vivian has inspired me SO. MUCH.
💛 One of my favourite writing posts of hers is about why you should go to a museum for your writing
💛 Also talks about books of course!
💛 Seriously creative blog posts

 

 

 

 

Smiling Dreamer

💛 Look how cute her blog is!
💛 Lifestyle blogger, so she pretty much blogs about everything: travel, shopping, photography, books… You’re bound to find something that interests you!
💛 Always puts a smile on my face

 

 

 

 

 

Mikaela @ The Well-Thumbed Reader

💛 Queen of Discussions
💛 Seriously, she ALWAYS has a new interesting discussion post to read, I don’t know how she keeps getting so many good ideas for discussion posts!
💛 Interesting posts about diversity
💛 Also talks about blogging struggles

 

 

 

Jasmine @ It’s Simply Me, Jasmine

💛 Another cute blog
💛 Look at those graphics!
💛 Personal posts which a lot of us can relate too
💛 Talks about lots of different things, including books

 

 

 

 

 

That’s it for now! I still have more blogs to share, so look out for the next part. I’m not sure when that will be as I’m seriously busy right now, but I promise I’ll get to it eventually.

Anyway, it goes without saying, but check out these blogs if you don’t know them yet!

Do you follow any of these blogs? What are some of your favourite blogs? What makes a blog a favourite? Let me know in the comments!*

* I’m lazy and unoriginal so I just keep on copying this from my previous posts

Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers | More Blogs To Check Out

What is Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers?

In the spirit of Christmas I shall highlight some amazing bloggers during this month. As there’s no way I can fit all of them in one post, there will be multiple posts over the last few weeks of this year. This isn’t limited to book bloggers and the order is completely random. You can find the first highlighted bloggers here and here.

May @ Forever and Everly

💛 Mango Queen
💛 Aesthetic?? On POINT
💛 Funny, relatable posts which are always a joy to read
💛 Great writer (often shares snippets!)
💛 Blogs about books, writing, blogging and mangoes (I mean she ain’t the Mango Queen for nothing)

 

 

 

 

Cait @ Paper Fury

💛 Is there anyone in the book blogging community who doesn’t follow Cait??
💛 Doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t get some love though,
because she DOES
💛 Will probably rule over all of us one day and tbh I’m looking
forward to that
💛 Absolutely hilarious
💛 Writes book in like,, a day?? And now she’s going to be published
next year!!

 

 

Mel @ Daily Prophecy

💛 Basically a Disney Princess
💛 Love fairytales and fairytale retellings? Look no further
💛 Dutch bookblogger
💛 Look at that aesthetic??
💛 So many Disney references

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria @ Doodles and Scraps 

💛 Personal, thoughtful posts
💛 But also books, movies, music etc
💛 A cutie pie
💛 Also has a youtube channel which proves even more so that she’s a cutie pie 
💛 I mean just look at that header?? That is so cute??

 

 

 

 

Holly @ Nut Free Nerd

💛 Look at that cute blog design??
💛 Will make you want to read all the classics
💛 Lots of thoughtful reviews and bookish posts
💛 Has a feature called ‘Feminist Fridays’ where she talks about feminists writers, texts and ideas

 

 

 

 

There you go, more blogs to check out if you haven’t yet! Part four should be up soon, but we’ll see as I’m a bit lazy. I blame the weather. All that cold and snow makes me want to curl up with a book instead of blog.

Do you follow any of these blogs? What are some of your favourite blogs? What makes a blog a favourite? Let me know in the comments!*

* Haha yeah I copied this again. You might not have noticed if I hadn’t pointed this out… Oops

Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers | Spreading More Blog Love

What is Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers?

In the spirit of Christmas I shall highlight some amazing bloggers during this month. As there’s no way I can fit all of them in one post, there will be multiple posts over the last few weeks of this year*. This isn’t limited to book bloggers and the order is completely random. You can find the first highlighted bloggers here

* last few weeks of w h a t

Yvo @ It’s All About Books

💛 On hiatus right now, but still worth checking out
💛 Reviews are short but to the point
💛 Reads a LOT and from a lot of different genres, so it’s likely you’ll find something you’re interested in

 

 

 

 

Evi @ Adventuring Through Pages

💛 Blogs about a bunch of different things, including books and fandom stuff
💛 Very creative, like this DIY Galaxy Painting she made
💛 Makes lovely playlists
💛 Friendly Dinosaur

 

 

 

 

Elly @ A Hufflepuff’s Thoughts

💛 Obviously I’d vouch for a Hufflepuff
💛 Personal posts, but also books, beauty, playlists and other ramblings💛 Huge Dodie stan
💛 Also cats
💛 Blog’s design is just as cute as this bean

 

 

Bianca @ The Ultimate Fangirl

💛 As her blog’s title suggests, is a huge fangirl
💛  Super colourful design!
💛  Aside from books, also talks a lot about manga and anime
💛 Will talk about anything that she’s passionate about though, not just the former three

 

 

 

 

Analee @ Book Snacks

💛 Pink aesthetic
💛 Lots of fun, original posts
💛 Lots of lists. Who doesn’t love lists??
💛 Really funny and comes up with some really unique topics

 

 

 

 

 

Amy and Nikki @ Bursting with Books 

💛 Nikki hasn’t posted in a while now and I haven’t been super active myself this year, so I might’ve missed if she quit blogging or is just on hiatus. Amy is still active though!
💛 Really funny
💛 I always feel like I can just feel their excitement through their posts

 

 

 

Cátia @ The Girl Who Read Too Much

💛 I’m seriously in love with that header
💛 If you love romance and new adult books, Cátia is your gal
💛 Though she reads other genres and young adult too

 

 

 

 

 

Annemieke @ A Dance With Books

💛 If you love fantasy (YA, adult, doesn’t matter), Annemieke is really the blogger for you
💛 Also reads other genres and comics, but mostly fantasy
💛 If you’re a Dutchie and are looking for more Dutch bloggers, look no further 

 

 

 

 

Hopefully you’ve found some great new blogs to follow again! I meant to get this up on Saturday, but unlike Elsa the cold bothers me very much and I just stayed under my Eeyore blanket all day doing nothing*, but this week I’m hoping to get up another part, because otherwise I’ll never finish before 2018**. Though I guess if I really can’t make it I can just continue on in the new year***

* Well not NOTHING. I read. I looked at memes. I uh did other things?
** I know the feature is called MERRY CHRISTMAS but Christmas is the entire month so I still have those last days of December too
*** THIS IS MY BLOG I MAKE THE RULES WHEN WILL I LEARN THAT

Do you follow these blogs? What are some of your favourite blogs? What makes a blog a favourite? Let me know in the comments!*

* Yes I copied this from my last post THIS IS MY BLOG I DO WHAT I WANT**
** See I’m a fast learner

The Weekly Hufflepuff #64 | I Really Can Stay Because It’s Cold Outside*

What did I even do this week I’m not joking I don’t remember anything from before Thursday???

* Honestly can’t relate to that song it’s freezing hell no am I going anywhere

I continued to reread Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and am almost done. I’ll probably finish it tonight. I’m tempted to continue my reread after, but I’m also very very tempted to read some new books that I’ve gotten for Sinterklaas – OH YEAH THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK TOO. I remember something that happened before Thursday. My memory didn’t completely fail me yay

DID ANY OF YOU WATCH BROOKLYN NINE NINE THIS WEEK BECAUSE NO SPOILERS BUT I’M SO HAPPY IT’S FINALLY CANON AND THAT THEY ACTUALLY DID THAT. DURING THE 99TH EPISODE

Like my revelation in the previous section revealed, it was Sinterklaas (a holiday) this week. I needed to go to the bank and my mom needed to buy a gif for my cousin, so I didn’t really have the time to do much else since once we got back we immediately ate dinner and then left for my aunt’s house. My cousin no longer believes in Sinterklaas (he’s like our Santa) but it was still fun. I mean, a holiday with lots of chocolate and presents, how can that not be fun?

I didn’t take any pictures because I’m incredibly lazy* but I got: Pokemon Ultra Sun; Eliza and her Monsters; None of the Above; Always and Forever, Lara Jean; Girls Made of Snow and Glass; Marie from The Aristocats slippers; Wonder Woman thights and a chocolate letter (it’s tradition to get a chocolate letter during this holiday, usually the first letter of your name but sometimes you’re out of luck and your letter is all sold out)

* And very comfy underneath my Eeyore blanket

So I know I said I didn’t remember anything before Thursday, but Thursday wasn’t that special so I’m skipping that one. On Friday I met up with a friend from secondary school who know lives in Rotterdam where she’s also studying. While I had a lot of fun with her, the weather was horrible. There was a strong wind (my friend had brought an umbrella so she was almost Mary Poppins), rain and hail which made it even colder than it already was. It was such a relief whenever we got inside haha.

And now it’s snowing and it probably will tomorrow too so guess who’s not leaving the house

I didn’t write this week, but I might later today? I want to write some blog posts for this week first, so I’m not sure if I’ll feel up for it later, but who knows.

💛 I started a new feature for the holidays: Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers, in which I highlight some amazing bloggers
💛 I did the All Hallows Write tag, in which I answered Halloween related questions about my characters
💛 I reviewed Vengeance Road, which had a lot of potential but I was bored

It’s so easy to get behind again haha. Earlier this week I was on top of all the blog posts I needed to read* and now?? Very, very behind. Oh well, here are some posts I liked:

💛 Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books talks about how to find and read only books you love 
💛 Aentee @ Read at Midnight created another fun readathon, this time inspired by Animal Crossing Pocket Camp
💛 Jackie @ Too Much of a Book Nerd shares 4 reasons why The November Girl should be on your TBR
💛 Julianna @ Blots of Ink and Words thought of some great inventions that all us bookworms need in our lives asap
💛 Em @ Yellow’s the Word shares her favourite things about Christmas
💛 Elm @ Just Call Me Elm or something wrote a beautiful poem called ‘Side Characters in My Own Story’ 
💛 Kat @ Life and Other Disasters created the fun Winter is Here Write Tag
💛 Holly @ Nut Free Nerd talks about Christmas at Oxford 
💛 Sarah @ Written Word Worlds shares some pretty special editions

* At least that’s how I felt haha

How has your week been? Is it really cold where you live too? DID YOU WATCH BROOKLYN NINE NINE?

Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers | Spreading The Blog Love

I can hear you thinking ‘Michelle it’s not Christmas yet??’ though on the other hand I know a lot of bloggers already yell ‘IT’S CHRISTMAS’ November 1st so maybe not?

Anyway, I’ve decided that for this month I’d start a new feature/sort of campaign called: Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers, inspired by Home Alone. Well, the name is. Other than that it has nothing to do with Home Alone.

So what is Merry Christmas Ya Beautiful Bloggers?

In multiple posts this month, I shall highlight some amazing bloggers. I’ve been very hesitant to do this all year (I’ve thought of it multiple times) because I hate the idea of people feeling left out. Of course that’s going to happen anyway, but I still want to spread some love and introduce people to some blogs that they may not know. And maybe other people will pick this up and spread the love for bloggers I missed?

Also this isn’t limited to book bloggers and the order is completely random.

Anyway, what better time to do this than Christmas? Let’s spread some love

Eve @ Twist in the Taile

💛 Smol lovely bean
💛 Will make you want to read Les Mis
💛 And watch all the musicals!!
💛 Talks a lot about (web) comics too
💛 Oh and podcasts too!!
💛 Basically if you need musical, (web) comics, podcasts and book recs Eve is the person you’re looking for
💛 Also talks/rants about school, LGBTQ+, feminism, politics, and other stuff
💛 Oh and they make lovely playlists!!

Janet @ The Storyteller

💛 Another lovely bean! Okay everyone’s a lovely bean
💛 Writes about anything really
💛 Books, feminism, politics, personal stuff, movies, travel, guides for uni, advice…
💛 Anything really!
💛 Basically writes very helpful posts!
💛 Seriously her university posts are so helpful
💛 Also has a Youtube channel

 

Elm @ Just Call Me Elm Or Something

💛 Actual Queen??
💛 Seriously Elm is at the TOP of the blogging game
💛 Such a great writer (just read this poem)
💛 So lovely!!
💛 Writes very personal and relatable posts
💛 Is hilarious

Aentee @ Read at Midnight

💛 Actual Queen of Readathons™
💛 I’m serious she came up with another great one??
💛 Also AMAZING graphics
💛 Also makes wallpapers!! Of books!!
💛 Writes thoughtful reviews
💛 Also has a BEAUTIFUL bookstagram

 

 

 

Kat @ Life and Other Disasters 

💛 Mostly talks about books, movies, tv and writing
💛 Seriously if you’re looking for new tv shows and movies to watch: KAT’S YOUR GAL
💛 Seriously she is on top of it all (or so it seems to me haha)
💛 Went to Canada for 6 months, visited tv sets and met a bunch of actors which is so cool??
💛 You can read her WIP Arcadia here so what are you waiting for?

 

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books

💛 Will give you so. much. wanderlust
💛 Shares her blogging wisdom in a regular feature
💛 Regularly rants about blogging #relatable
💛 All her posts are super relatable tbh
💛 If you need contemporary recs Marie is your gal
💛 Also fun posts about writing!
💛 Is everywhere?? Seriously if I’m reading a post and am about to leave a comment there’s a good chance I’ll spot Marie among the comments

Amber @ The Literary Phoenix

💛 Insightful, well-thought-out posts
💛 Also original!
💛 Like she creates her own book box ideas (she chooses items for them, but doesn’t actually make them. She does link everything so you could make the box yourself)
💛 Like this one!
💛 Shares a lot of less known books

 

Em @ Yellow’s The Word

💛 First of all look at that aesthetic??
💛 Blogs about a variety of things. Like personal stuff, school, feminism, politics, world affairs… You name it. Now she’s busy with Blogmas**
💛 Very thoughtful and relatable posts
💛 But there are also lots of fun, cute posts
💛 Also blogs in French like whaaat?? #talented
💛  Is no longer looking for Herman because Elly found him*

* One time Em wanted to expres her love for German, but accidentally wrote ‘I LOVE HERMAN’ and thus Herman and our search for her soulmate begun. But recently Elly found Herman in a book so now we only need to reunite them
** Sorry that this isn’t in chronological order but I don’t work in chronological order. ANYWAY I first typed Blogman so almost a new man in Em’s life was born

So that’s the first eight! I’m not sure how many posts there will be in total. At first I thought I’d do one post a week, but I quickly realised that would not be enough haha. We’ll see!

If these blogs sound like your cup of tea, please go show them some love!

Do you follow these blogs? What are some of your favourite blogs? What makes a blog a favourite? Let me know in the comments!

The Weekly Hufflepuff #63 | I Am Eeyore

Good news: Didn’t suffer from a blogging slump this week!

Bad news: I did suffer from my mental health and my period rip

Actually I’ve been putting off this post the entire day because I’m just not feeling good mentally, but I talked to my friend for a bit just now and am feeling slightly better, so let’s wrap this week up

I started What’s a Girl Gotta Do? by Holly Bourne before going to sleep and finished it the next day immediately. I just HAD to finish it before doing anything else. I’m not one of those people who can read until the early mornings. I’ve never tried, because eventually I give in and go to sleep, but I don’t handle lack of sleep well so I’m not planning on trying. Anyway, What’s a Girl Gotta Do? is PHENOMENAL and I can’t wait to scream about it in your faces review it.

Friday on the bus I started Take Me With You by Andrea Gibson and lemme tell you: THAT WAS A MISTAKE. I almost cried on the bus. Then I almost cried at the bus stop. I finished it today in the privacy of my own house and boy was I a crying mess. I immediately reread it again and I know I will reread it again soon. It’s incredibly moving, powerful and beautiful and again, can’t wait to review it.

I also read DC Bombshells #60. 40 more issues to go before I can go on to Bombshells United. This is honestly one of my favourite comics but it’s taking me forever to read it? Once I’m finally caught up a bit I’ll write a post about it.

This morning I woke up feeling in the mood for Harry Potter, so I started to reread Goblet of Fire. I’ve been meaning to reread it for quite some time now as I started to reread the series last year, but other books just got in the way.

I wanted to go to museums this week but the weather has been terrible and life got in the way so unfortunately it didn’t happen. I’m hoping to go visit some museums soon, since some exhibitions will close while I’m in Manchester so I really need to go before I leave.

We (Blikopeners – a group of teens/young people (you’re a teen when you start) who work at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam) wrote our own audiotour, so on Friday we recorded it which was a lot of fun. It felt so professional haha

Yesterday my mom and I went shopping, since we still needed to buy presents for Sinterklaas, which is a Dutch holiday. I also treated myself to this:

IT’S AN EEYORE BLANKET AND IT’S THE BEST THING I EVER BOUGHT IT EVEN HAS A TAIL IT’S SO COMFY AND WARM AND SOFT

Here’s a picture of my grandpa wearing it. He came over for dinner yesterday. He told us that the other day a guy at his retirement home whom he really doesn’t like walked past him, and then he (my grandpa) gave him the middle finger??

My mom: why??
My grandpa: because I don’t like him 😤 and he doesn’t get it 😤 he still doesn’t 😤

My grandpa has that old people mentallity where they don’t care anymore and just do what they want. Honestly part of me wishes I could’ve had that mentallity last term when people didn’t do their work lmao.

So those were the highlights.* Like I said before, I’ve been struggling with my period and mental health, but I’ve continued to talk to my friend while writing this post and it is making me feel a bit better. My mental health is always worse during my period so hopefully it will both be over soon.

* My grandfather coming over was a highlight, not him giving a man the finger

I almost forgot that I actually wrote this week! I was supposed to go out with a friend, but unfortunately she had to cancel because of school. So I spent the day blogging and writing. Not as much writing as I would’ve liked, but I always have trouble writing while on my period. Either I’m in too much pain or I just can’t concentrate.

Anyway, recently I’ve been struggling a lot with my beginning. I realised that I didn’t like it at all, so now I started to rewrite it. So yep, I’ve already started to rewrite my second draft lol*

* I hadn’t gotten that far yet anyway so it’s okay

I’m MUCH happier with it now though, so it was worth it. Hopefully I’ll feel like writing more next week.

💛 I talked about when reading good books make you feel insecure about your writing
💛 I wrapped up November, meaning I had a crisis about 2017 almost being over and time going by so fast like every year
💛 I reviewed Paintbrush and boy I did not like it. Apart from flat characters and a borderline unhealthy relationship, it also had girls shaming other girls

💛 Cait @ Paper Fury talked about how her writing habits have changed in 2017 
💛 Laura @ The Book Corps wrote an open letter to Goodreads and Netgalley in regard to their recent changes in their policies when it comes to international bloggers
💛 Elm @ Just Call Me Elm Or Something shared her musings while she was on a train
💛 Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books is celebrating 3 years of blogging – can you believe she’s only been doing this for three years??
💛 She also talked about the fear of editing her WIP and some character aesthetics
💛 Em @ Yellow’s the Word shared 18 memories from 18 years 
💛 Birdie Bookworm made great aesthetics for The Book Aesthetics Tag 
💛 Sarah @ Written Word Worlds talks about how some of her favourite authors wrote some of her least favourite books
💛 Balie @ Nerd in New York talks about types of bookworms
💛 Kat @ Life and Other Disasters did the All Hallows Write Tag
💛 Hannah @ Mortal Reader talks about lies book bloggers tell
💛 Victoria @ Doodles and Scraps shares some cute photos
💛 May @ Forever and Everly talks about good representation concerning diversity in YA: better none or forced/wrong?
💛 The Awkward Book Blogger talked about what jobs the characters of The Lunar Chronicles would have in real life
💛 Holly @ Nut Free Nerd talked about her trip to Brighton
💛 Dazzling Dreamer talked about her trip to Dubai

Hope you’re all doing well and had a good week! What were some of your highlights? Any amazing blog posts you think I should read? Did you write? Do you love Eeyore? OH AND DID YOU WATCH THE LOVE SIMON TRAILER BECAUSE I WAS ALREADY IMPATIENT FOR THE ENTIRE MOVIE AND NOW I NEED TO STEAL A TARDIS BRB

The Monthly Hufflepuff | Where Did 2017 Go

I think that it was about half-way through November that I realised that I had completely forgotten about my October wrap-up, so I guess I’ll wrap it up along with November 🤷🏻‍♀️

💛 Masked by J.D. Wright ★ – Yikes yikes and yikes. I went into a lot more detail in my review of course, but basically it had potential to be a fun read but instead it had a lot of problematic aspects

💛 Danger! Women Artists at Work by Debra N. Mancoff ★★★★ – Really interesting, fun and inspiring read, but I wish it had featured more women of colour and queer ladies. Frida Kahlo is featured, but her sexuality isn’t mentioned, so if you’re unfamiliar with her you wouldn’t know that. Maybe there are more queer artists featured in this, but at some point I got too tired to google every artist to see if she might be queer since until I quit none of them were (or at least it wasn’t known if they were)

💛 Chasing Eveline by Leslie Hauser ★★★★★ – I have so much love for this book. It’s such a refreshing read: realistic, a wonderful friendship between a boy and a girl without any romance, a healthy romance that didn’t overtake the plot, family, fun antics… 10/10 would recommend

Me throwing Chasing Eveline at all of you

💛 Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Prince #2 – uhhh I don’t really remember this issue woops. I love Zodiac Starforce though and I’m definitely enjoying this sequel

💛 Giant Days #31 and #32 – Have I shouted at you guys to read Giant Days yet because please do. I barely ever laugh out loud while reading comics and Giant Days made me laugh out loud multiple times. It’s about three amazing female college students, their antics and their wonderful friendship.

💛 Hi-Fi Fight Club #2 – woops another issue I don’t remember?? Again, enjoying this one though. It’s about girls working at a record store who have a secret club in which they solve mysteries and kick ass

💛 Ms. Marvel #23 and #24 – LOVED this team up and I love how they’re currently exploring how the past arcs are impacting Kamala. If you aren’t reading Ms. Marvel yet what are you doing

what u doing fam

💛 The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up The Universe ★★★★★ – SO. MUCH. FUN.

💛 The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde ★★★★★ – For someone who’s been shouting for about four/five (?) years that I love Oscar Wilde I should really read more of his works. Thus I finally picked up The Importance of Being Earnest and I’m so glad I did. It was such a delight

💛 Runaways volumes 1 – 8 ★★★ for the first 7 and ★ for the 8th volume – The first seven volumes were fun and these kids definitely grew on me. The problem I have with this comic is the pace. I felt it was way too rushed and it took so long for the characters to grow on me. They felt pretty flat to me and so did their relationships with each other (something I find the tv show is doing a better job of so far). Don’t even get me started on volume 8 I found it such a mess yikes. I don’t even want to consider it canon, especially with the way they treated Victor

💛 Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon ★★★ – Ahhh such mixed feelings. I knew there was a lot of controversy about this one before going in and I definitely get where people are coming from. I can’t say anything about it without spoiling it though. My mixed feelings aren’t just because of that controversial thing* but also because it felt very insta-lovey and there were times were I got bored, despite that at first I really liked the writing style and the different formats. No scratch that, I’m in LOVE with the different formats. Controversy aside, this book is so artsy. Besides emails it also has really cool illustrations?? I wasn’t expecting that

💛 Emma volume 1 by Kaoru Mori ★★★ – Fun and cute, but nothing special

💛 Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertali (reread) ★★★★★ – For some reason I didn’t love it the first time as much as I loved it the second time around – I don’t know if it was the hype getting to me back then or my mood (sometimes I read/watch something and I feel a bit meh about it, but then the second time around I’m in love?? My brain is weird) or the fact that I wasn’t out yet and still struggling with my own feelings and couldn’t appreciate it as much as I could now. WHO KNOWS. Point is I love this book very much

💛 Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson ★★★  – The way this one handles grief is very powerful and the romance is cute, but it didn’t blow me away

💛 Lumberjanes #43 and #44 – What can I say about Lumberjanes without repeating myself? It’s still very much enjoyable, the magic and weirdness of it never gets old and I love my girls. FRIENDSHIP TO THE MAX

💛 Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman ★★★ – Great action scenes, but unfortunately quite a few scenes in-between were a bit boring. Review will be up next week!

💛 Karina’s Silver Shoes by Denise Marques Leitao ★ – SO CONFUSING. I DON’T GET IT. AT ALL. If you want a few more details, you can find my review here

💛 America #8 – eh I dunno? I really want to love this comic, and some of the issues so far have been really good, but this issue had a pacing problem which more of the issues have.

💛 Lumberjanes 2017 Special: Faire and Square ★★★★★ – The girls and Jen go to a Robin Hood themed fair!! And there’s a pterodactyl!! Also they re-enact a telenovela to cheer up Ripley!! If you love Lumberjanes and haven’t read this special yet I’d definitely recommend it

💛 Lumberjanes 2016 Special: Makin’ The Ghost Of It ★★★ – It’s still fun because it’s Lumberjanes but I felt a bit meh about it?

💛 DC Bombshells #56 – #59 – Whyyy am I so slow when it comes to this comic while it’s one of my favourites.

💛 Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin ★★ – Mixed feelings galore!! This could’ve been a fun, cute read, and in a way it was? But it also wasn’t? Character driven novels are great, except when you don’t like the characters #woops Full review should be up soonish

💛 The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertali (reread) ★★★★ – Still as cute and fun and wonderful and wholesome as the first time around!! Read my review here

💛 What’s a Girl Gotta Do? by Holly Bourne ★★★★★ – Just what I needed oh my goodness. THIS WAS SO GOOD. Okay so it made me feel insecure about my writing, but it was also so empowering, inspiring and fun and just ahhh. ALL THE FEELINGS. GOOD FEELINGS. BUT ALSO RAGE BECAUSE SEXISM. Anyway I can’t wait to review this one

Favourites of the month: Chasing Evelyne and What’s a Girl Gotta Do?

💛 Reviews:  Doctor Who Myths and Legends | Ewan Pendle and the White Wraith | Masked | Chasing Eveline | Swan Song | Karina’s Silver Shoes
💛 Writing: Recipe: How to Make Your Own Writer | When Books Make You Feel Insecure About Your Writing
💛 Travel: London Day 1 and Day 2

Holidays!! Last month of 2018!!* Last full month until I leave for Manchester!!

Can you tell I’m freaking out a bit!!**

I mean obviously I’m excited but ahhh I’m also panicking. I don’t know yet how much I’ll blog. Like I said in my last weekly wrap up, I hit a bit of a blogging slump last week. This week I’m actually doing fine? So who knows what will happen. The most important thing is that I’m enjoying myself 🙆🏻

* Where did 2017 go?? What happened to it?? Why is time going so fast??
** A bit?? A bit?? Try a lot

How has your month been? Are you freaking out over 2017 almost being over? Any exciting plans for the holidays, and for 2018? What was your favourite book of the month? Let me know in the comments!

The Weekly Hufflepuff #62 | I’m In a Blogging Slump????

Haha so yeah, I’m sort of in a blogging slump? Which I honestly didn’t expect would happen, considering usually my blogging slumps are caused by the exhaustion and stress of school. But I don’t have school? And I’ve been feeling pretty relaxed most days?

Yet, I haven’t felt like blogging these past two weeks. There were a few days where I wasn’t feeling that great (stupid cold) or wasn’t really feeling well mentally, but there were other days where I was feeling pretty great and I was in such a creative mood – just not a creative mood for blogging? I’ve been working on my photography and even writing (!!), but I just didn’t have the energy, motivation or inspiration to blog. Which has been pretty weird. I’m afraid that soon I’ll fall out of love with blogging, but I’m just going to try and listen to my heart. If I feel like blogging (like today!), I’ll blog. If I don’t, I won’t, because otherwise I’m seriously worried it will start to feel like a chore and before you know it I’ll be in an even worse blogging slump. Sooo while originally I wanted a schedule of two posts a week plus my weekly wrap up, I’m not sure if that will happen? But we’ll see

ANYWAY let’s wrap up these last two weeks

I started Vengeance Road sometime at the start of the month, and at first I thought it would be a pretty quick read, but… I dunno? It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t exactly blow me away either. I guess I also had some other expectations? If everything goes according to plan I’ll be writing my review later today, so it should be up sometime this week.

I also finally finished Karina’s Silver Shoes, which really took me a while. I’ve already reviewed this one, so I won’t get into that much detail, but boy was this one a disappointment.

I was in the mood to reread The Upside of Unrequited, which I’ve been meaning to do for a while. I still can’t believe I didn’t catch the Simon vs references the first time around? Sure, it had been over a year since I read Simon, but??? Simon is literally mentioned by his name??

I also read some comics like usual: caught up on Ms. Marvel, Lumberjanes and America, finally continued DC Bombshells (I love this comic I don’t understand why I’m so slow) and read some more Runaways volumes because the show really made me want to continue. I’m not sure if I’ll read the other volumes after Vaughn’s run though. I really hated Joss Whedon’s volume and the next ones don’t seem that great either. I’m tempted to just skip to Rainbow Rowell’s new issues.

So I’ve really been enjoying my time off! Well minus my cold and the days my mental health wasn’t that great, but other than that? Boy this break has been a blessing. I mean I’ve even been writing?? But I’ll get into that later, because I can actually include a writing section in this wrap up.

Like I said above, I’ve also been working on my photography. And trying to post more on my photography Instagram account haha. Speaking of which…

Click on the picture to go to my account! (if you want)

If you aren’t yet and want to, feel free to follow me 🙆🏻*

* Cheeky self-promo there

The other day my friend came over to hold a photoshoot, but we also just hung out, since we hadn’t seen each other since last term (not that that was that long ago and we do talk every day through imessage, but still haha). It was a lot of fun, but I was still a bit ill so spending so much time outside in the cold was a bit too much haha.

Last week I was sick of staying inside, so I decided to go to the Rijksmuseum. I didn’t know what kind of temporary exhibitions were on, so I decided to check them out while I was there. One of them was about being stateless in The Netherlands which was really beautiful (though not something I needed when I really didn’t want to cry with my stuffy nose!) and the other one was about Matthijs Maris, a Dutch artist who I had never heard of but it was really interesting and inspiring! There was another one, I’m not sure about what, but one look and I knew it wasn’t my thing haha. After those temporary exhibitions I spend some time in the regular collection, but soon I started to feel ill again so it was time to go home.

Oh! I’m  also slowly getting grades back from last term and so far so good! 🙆🏻

Also I’m now OFFICIALLY accepted at the university in Manchester for my term abroad! I’ll be studying history for my minor and thankfully they can provide me with a dorm during my stay. I’m still super anxious about it, but at least all of this is now settled

Like I said: I’ve been writing! Last week I decided to print everything I’ve written so far for my WIP (my Camp NaNo project of the past two years, I’ve talked about it in more details here), something I’ve wanted to do for weeks now, but couldn’t because

So I FINALLY printed everything out, started to reread, make notes and everything and now, even though I haven’t finished my first draft yet, started on my second draft. Maybe I should’ve finished my first draft first, but this is motivating me to actually write so I’m going with it.

I’ve also been working on plot holes and the like, and I’ve been working on my outline, as I had never figured out what would happen next and how things would exactly end. I’ve made a timeline of when everything’s supposed to happen and I’m so excited to write again

Though I’m also really sad and kinda scared to actually finish this thing??

Though I’m also already thinking of a sort of sequel/companion novel when this one isn’t even done yet haha

💛 I talked about where I’ve been, what I’ve been up to and explained that I’m taking a break from school 
💛 I reviewed Swan Song, a book about overcoming your grief, finding yourself and ballet
💛 I shared a recipe of how to make your own writer in case your stuck and want someone else to take over for you 
💛 I reviewed Karina’s Silver Shoes, which was VERY confusing 

I’m pretty behind on blog posts, and I don’t mind at all? I’ve bookmarked quite a few posts that I wanted to read, but I’m very tempted to just delete them all and start over, because boy am I never going to have the time to read them all and read all the new posts coming out all the time as well. Anyway, I don’t think any of these were actually posted during these past two weeks? I’m not sure, but hey old posts deserve some love too!

💛 Lila @ Hardcover Haven shares five things to do while in a blogging slump 
💛 Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books talks about how to NOT stress about blogging
💛 Melissa @ The Bookish Wanderer did The Book Aesthetics tag and created some wonderful aesthetics 
💛 Em @ Yellow’s The Word shared her Autumn/Winter Primark wishlist
💛 Holly @ Nut Free Nerd shared some beautiful university parks
💛 Savannah @ The Book Prophet talks about giving books low ratings without reading them
💛 May @ Forever and Everly talks about her book and shares some beautiful aesthetics
💛 Ivy and Em @ Two Girls, Two Mountains share some foreign words with no English equivalent
💛 Ilsa @ A Whisper of Ink shares 7 steps to love your own writing
💛 Vivian @ Writing With Style shares the best books about writing (and now I want them all rip my wallet)
💛 A.J. wrote a really important post about how people shouldn’t demand authors who write queer stories to label themselves 

And that’s a wrap! How has your week been? How’s your writing going? Can you relate to that frog gif? Been to any exhibitions lately? Are you watching The Runaways tv show? Let me know in the comments!

Guess Who’s Back + Where I’ve Been | Life Update

Soooo I didn’t mean to disappear like that? Of course I hadn’t been blogging as regularly as I would’ve liked once I ran out of scheduled posts, but at least I got one or two posts up per week until…

School suddenly got very, very hectic. I was busy at the start of term, but I was still able to blog here and there and read some blogposts. Then we got to the point where we had to rely more on each other and the real group work began… And half our group didn’t do anything or did such terrible work that it was obvious they expected others to fix it for them. It was incredibly stressful and gave me a lot of sleepless nights, and now that it’s finally over I’ve of course come down with a cold. My friend and I emailed our teacher in detail about our group, and she said that the group members who didn’t do their shit are going to notice it in their grades. I’m so relieved to see her taking it seriously and even thanking us for our email. I was really worried that she was going to have a ‘not my problem’ attitude.

Anyway, this term is over!

I am proud of the magazine we made, even though I know it could’ve been better. Considering all our setbacks and that half of our group didn’t take it seriously at all, we really did a good job.

So now what? Well…

I’m taking a break from school

Honestly if I were to go back in time and tell secondary school me that at some point I’d take a break from college she wouldn’t believe me. Thing is, because I’m starting my term abroad earlier than I was initially told, I actually can’t follow any classes this term, because that would only be six weeks. I had signed up for a course last year when planning my year, but after lots of emailing back and forth with different teachers, it turned out I couldn’t do a big part of the course this term. I could’ve followed the more theoretical classes, but I didn’t want to take the exams while in Manchester since I would be really busy with my classes over there, so I’d have to take them when I’m back anyway. I figured there’d be no point in taking part of the course now, so I’m instead taking it when I get back from Manchester.

I’m actually more than fine with this break – my year is generally still the same as I had initially planned, just a slightly different order and my stay abroad will be shorter (I’ve talked about this before, but since I’m going to England I’ll be there for three months while other people will be studying abroad for five). So at least I won’t have any delay in my studies.

I pretty much had a burnout last school year and once this one started I was actually not ready to go back yet, so this break is actually very welcome. Especially after the second half of last term.

Basically this means that I’ll be able to blog regularly again! I might have to try and find my footing first, since I’m kind of out of my rhythm again and like I mentioned I have a cold, but I hope to at least post once a week again.

What else have I been up to?

💛 I got new glasses!

Finally got new glasses 🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/m7tzwXMnGR

— Michelle 🌈 (@writingbadger) October 26, 2017

My previous glasses were super comfortable and gave me horrible headaches, so I barely wore them and always wore my contacts, but it was really annoying in the morning as I had to quickly put in my contacts before I got a headache and technically you need to take your contacts out about an hour before you go to sleep, which I never did anymore woops. I really love my new glasses – they’re cute and so comfortable!
💛 I’ve worked quite a bit at the museum – like during Museum Night, which is an annual event in multiple cities (though not at the same time) during which museums throughout the city are open until 2 AM. There’s lots to do (workshops, panel discussions, dancing, watching the art itself of course) and our Museum Night had a Keith Haring/80’s theme. It was a lot of fun and I’m really proud of what we accomplished
💛 My cousin turned eight and he had a Moana cake!! And he continuously said that he loved the movie!!
💛 My mom, aunt, cousin (another one) and I went to a collector’s fair – it was fun but there were also quite a few people just selling trash for a high price? I also find it hilarious to see what kind of stuff people collect – that stuff was so normal back in the day. It’s like if I were to keep a Coca Cola bottle for 40+ years and then try to sell it for 20+ euros lmao*
💛 I watched Lemonade Mouth and fell in love please watch that movie it’s amazing. The moment it ended I wanted to watch it again which barely ever happens 
💛 I decided to treat myself and finally buy Disney Magical World 2 – if you’re not familiar with that gaming franchise: it’s amazing. It’s a bit like Animal Crossing but with Disney and an RPG element. It’s really cute, fun and relaxing. Must have for every Disney fan. Anyway I’m a bit obsessed – oops
💛 There’s probably other stuff I’d mention but… I don’t remember any of it

* Guys I’m onto something here we should all start to collect our trash so we can sell it in 40+ years

So that’s where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to. I’m hoping to post again soon sometime this week and to read some of your posts, but we’ll see how it goes with this stupid cold.

How have all of you been??? Tell me everything. How’s school/work going? Done anything fun? Read anything good? Or read something that I should stay far away from? Any posts I’ve missed that you’re particularly proud of? Let me know in the comments!