What I Learned From Moving Out

Okay, I'll admit it.
Moving away to live on my own wasn't as easy as I thought it'd be. In fact... It's much, MUCH harder than I thought.
The dream was to just go in one day get all the old stuff the previous tenants left out and come back the day after and put my own stuff in. Easy, right?
Wrong.

After two weeks of cleaning, moving heavy objects to the fourth floor (without an elevator, mind you), not having Wi-Fi, sleeping on a mattress on the floor, going back home to your parents to sleep over because it just doesn't feel right...
I realized that it's not easy.

The first week was the worst. I would go to a nearby McDonald's and steal their Wi-Fi to talk to my boyfriend. I remember on the third night I was so depressed and I didn't know what to do. I was afraid that if I go back home to sleep over, that it would make me look weak and that I should just suck it up and persevere. But I couldn't. I looked up when the next bus was and ran to catch it. I came home crying and told my dad that I just can't be in the apartment right now, that I don't feel comfortable there.
He told me that it's normal and that I'm always welcome home. That helped a lot.

When all of the previous tenant's stuff was out and the first time my bff came to sleep over was the first time I felt like I could actually feel happy there. The feeling went away after she left, but just for a little while. The thing that was the hardest was accepting that now my normal state in the apartment is "alone" and every occasion when there are others there is exactly that - an occasion. Moving from a house with 5 people was hard.

Once I realized all of this, things started getting better. Three important things happened that finally made me sleep soundly in my new bed (then still mattress on the floor, I just got the bed three weeks after moving in):
1) University started. Having that routine of getting up in the morning, going to class and then coming home gave my days some structure and made me feel a lot more grounded and in control.

2) A very pleasant visit. My friend came over from Sweden and spent five days with me. We both slept on the floor and were still figuring out the heating and damaged furniture, but having to be a host to someone really made me feel like this is my apartment and hey, if I can be a host to someone here, that must mean that I know my way around the place well enough!

3) I finally got internet. During my friend's visit, we went and picked up the router and finally, I had internet. Now this might not sound super-important to someone, but for me, who spend most (no seriously, around 90%) of my time awake on the web, it was important. Not to mention my boyfriend who lives on the other side of the world.

The combination of these three things happening in the same few days made this place feel more like home. The crowning jewels were a bathroom renovation and (soon) new kitchen cabinets. But for now, I have my bed and my bakeware and as ar as I'm concerned that's all a girl needs.
I won't lie, this still feels very temporary, and I keep trying to talk people into coming over, because having people here with me feels a lot more natural and comfortable. But for now, I gotta live with myself and if you're wondering how I made the place feel more like home, well, you're gonna have to wait for the next post.

Hugs and kisses (from my oh-so-comfortable new bed)

Cicmila

Summer Styles

Every year, summer surprises us just a moment too soon, leaving us thinking why we didn't start working on our “beach bodies” just a few weeks earlier. But with every new season, fashion keeps up with the heat and brings us exactly what we need. Whether it’s a retro 80’s look, perfect for a festival, or a new bikini for the beach, everyone wonders what’s gonna hit the shelves this season.

It’s a no-brainer that summer is the festival season, and with having to choose only a handful to attend, you have to make sure your outfits are on fleek! A budget-friendly  option is the H&M’s Coachella line, with a range of tops, bottoms and dresses that are guaranteed to keep you comfy and stylish for the wild raves, or the afternoon acoustics. If you’re not keen on spending money to get that perfect outfit, then DIY is your best friend. Grab some old T-shirts and jeans and give them a makeover with the supplies you probably already have in your house. There are so many YouTube videos and Instructables tutorials to search through, and you will not be left disappointed!

But when the heat really hits, there’s just one thing we want to do: Get in the water! Whether it’s the beach or the pool, a good swimsuit is a must for every summer. There are so many styles to choose from, that everyone can find the perfect fit for that gorgeous silhouette. If you’ve been working out hard or want to show off what your mamma gave you, classic two-pieces are great for soaking up the sun an having fun. If two-pieces aren't your thing, no stress! One-pieces are coming back with a bang, and there are so many amazing styles to choose from. For all the girls with the right curves, it can often be tricky to find that perfect piece, but with fashion opening it’s doors to all shapes and sizes, companies like Rebdolls will become your new favorites!

Afraid of the sun damage? I've got good news! The trend of big floppy hats and beach cover-ups is continuing into this year, and doesn't seem to be going away any time soon! So get your beach bag ready, and fill it up with all your essentials! Sunglasses and sunscreen, a towel and a spare bathing suit, wallet, keys and phone (if you’re scared of it being stolen while you’re in the water, just hide them in an old shampoo bottle!). Make sure you stay hydrated and take a lot of selfies!

#beachselfie