One year of happiness!

Although we don't have anything like Thanksgiving in Belgium, the Christmas time is the ideal time to spend with family and to think of everyone who has changed your life.

Because I like to write about lifestyle too, every once in a while, I thought I'd do a nice post on the person that has been the biggest influence in my life since last year.

I remember when Baptiste and I first got together. I never wanted to share much on my blog because I know some people might not be looking on here with the right intentions - and I just wanted to keep it my intimate, cosy place to go. I didn't want to put my whole relationship on the Internet. Especially not in the first months because, what if we broke up after a couple of months?

I just really wasn't feeling it and although I didn't keep it a secret on my personal Facebook (the relationship status has never been changed faster), I did not talk about it on my blog.

One year later, both of us are convinced we are going the right way and it's nice not to hide him from the blog.

I do like to include him because you guys deserve to know what's going on. The friends that are reading this, as well as the people from the other side of the world who support me by reading my every post, deserve this.

We started out as two co-workers. I worked on the day shift in a bar to be able to pay for college and Baptiste worked the night shifts. I spoke to him once while going out in that bar, to ask him if I could put my coat in the back (because I was dayshift staff but he probably didn't know this), and that was it.

But then, one year ago on a rainy December night, my friend and I decided we would go out - and we would go all out (if you know what I mean). We dressed up, did our hair, did our make-up and just went to a bar. My friend and I went there often but I had never seen Baptiste there before. That night I went over to say 'hello' because I thought it'd be the polite thing to do (and I was feeling hella sexy) and in the following weeks I started to see him appear in the bar more and more. He usually had one or another lame excuse when I asked him what he was doing or who he was meeting in the bar. Turns out he lived just around the corner and took a different route home - just so he could pass by the bar to see if I was there.

We started casually texting and even went out twice before we were together. I slept over a couple of times and there it was. I just couldn't deny that I felt... safe.

I didn't feel pressure to pretend like I was better or more popular than I actually was. I didn't feel like I would get judged. For the first time I didn't feel like a guy just talked to me because he needed something from me. He didn't buy a drink so I would go home with him. He would compliment me just to see me take off my clothes (which is rare).

I felt at peace. It's was so weird because I wanted him to think I was perfect, but I wasn't going to lie for it and I knew he wasn't going to think differently about me when he found out what my flaws were. 

From then on things went pretty quickly. One morning I was trying to sneak out when I bumped into his mom and we actually spent a couple of hours talking (little did I know he already told her about me).

Ever since that day, we have been inseperable. We started to travel together: Londen, Paris, Disneyland, Malaga - and aside from my trip to Portugal (where I slept alone for six nights), we've never slept apart that long.

We moved in together pretty quickly and made it against all odds. They say the Ikea trip and the moving in are the biggest tests, but it just all went so smooth, I couldn't believe it.

Sometimes I still sit in the couch next to him and stare at him. He'll always ask me what's going on and I'll whisper "are you real?".

Aside from a lover, I have found myself a best friend, someone to rely on and the biggest fan I could wish for. He'll listen to me ramble about the reviews I still have to write, he'll come check up on the look that I'm doing that day (blend more!) and he'll stop me in the streets because "this is a nice place to take outfit pictures".

I have been blessed with more than I could ever wish for. A safe haven and a solid rock - and although things aren't always great, I know I'll always have a home with him.

X

Summer photos #2

Goodmorning everyone! How have you been? 

I've been taking a bit of a break, juggling a bunch of things, trying to make all of them work out. I've been feeling a bit uninspired this last week so I've been doing everything I can to come up with something new and creative.

Of course, life hasn't stood still in the meantime, that's why I'm taking you on a trip through this last week! 

I personally love going out for a drink, lunch or dinner. I'd rather have less luxury and the ability to go out every once in a while, instead of having a fancy car and not being able to do anything. Last week has been filled with good food, nice drinks - and of course - the occassional Snapchats to go along with it.

 

Food pictures... What else? 

  

I love to cook myself as well - it relaxes me and I try out different recipes very often. I want to get better at it though. More sophisticated, better techniques, more surprising tastes...

I went through the old pictures on my Facebook and was actually shocked by how much I've changed! The picture on the left is me when I was about 16 years old I think, and the picture on the right was taken a couple of days before my 20th birthday.

I feel like I've changed a lot, but also just a little.

My friend gave birth to a baby boy last week and this week I finally found some time to go visit him. Of course Auntie Eva brought gifts! I'm so very proud of my friend and her gorgeous son! He is the cutest and also the sweetest baby ever! No crying, no whining and a smile from time to time - does it get better than that?

This year I decided I wanted to travel a lot, but aside from Rome and Rotterdam, I haven't had the chance to go anywhere yet. I'm thinking of locations that could be fun though! Perhaps I can still do a citytrip before school starts in September.

Found a blooper photo from when I was goofing around last week! 

These pictures never make it on the blog, but I swear, I have more silly pictures than normal ones! Perhaps I should change my outfit of the day concept to a silly face off concept!

And of course, I'm ending this post with a few pictures that have inspired me this week! I hope they'll inspire you as well!

Have a great, great day! 

I hope to see you soon! 

 

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Summer photos ♥

Goodmorning everyone! 

 Life as a student is pretty great. I must admit that studying stresses me out a lot but I get three months to recover during the summer, which is amazing.

Previous summers were all about work, but this year I decided I also wanted to do some things for myself and enjoy life a bit while I had the time.

It's been a couple of very busy weeks but I'm having the time of my life and I though I'd take you on a journey with me.

The first amazing event that happened this summer was my friend's birthday party. She turned 33 and it was so nice to be surrounded by people that I know well and that I love very much. While we had the chance, we went for a group picture as well. Not everyone is on it (because obviously there was a lot to do), but I still think it's a pretty great picture.

One of the days following that day, I met two American tourists through work - Tom & David. I waited their table and when I was done with my shift I had a drink with some friends at another pub not far away. The two guys showed up and recognized me. Long story short, I had a great night and really enjoyed myself. I now have friends in California ;) .

The night after that I met Mary. She's an art history teacher from America, which was immediately interesting because I study (and teach) history as well! 

Even though it was late I took her on a small tour through Bruges and we ended up eating some croissants in the hotel room after I walked her home. It was weird and random, but I had fun.

I cut my hair about two or three weeks ago and regretted doing so right after. Hmm, I thought it was a bit too short and perhaps I should've thought it through. However, this last week I've really been enjoying this short hairdo. Okay, it takes some getting used to, but it looks good when it's messy - what a dream!

Spent some time on a boat... The weather has been quite nice these last few weeks and it's been my dream for quite a while to spend a day on a boat, going from one city to another. So far, not going anywhere, but I am on the boat, so it's progress! 

As if my week wasn't great enough, I went on a spontanious trip to Rotterdam. Even though it was rather short, I really enjoyed it. Oh, and I did get to spend time on a boat when I was there. You can read my Travel Diary for more.

I ended the week with a bang: my sister and I went to a one day festival (I think that's the best way to describe it), with amazing house DJ's - I saw a lot of friends that I hadn't seen in a long time, danced, ate, laughed and just really enjoyed myself. 

The day after, I took my dad to Cirque du Soleil, to go see Amaluna. This was my father's day gift to him, something a little different and hopefully special. When I went inside I was so nervous and excited to see what was going to happen. 

When I came out of the tent, I was just speechless. Same for my dad, by the way. Really enjoyed it!

And to end this post, yesterday's adventure, which was my birthday. 

I'm on train two now, you guys. I think I started blogging at 13 or 14, I've really grown up with you. It was an amazing day - I didn't do anything special or impressive, but I had the day off and just relaxed, which was obviously welcome after a week like that.

Thanks for reading! 

Hope to see you on Thursday! 

 

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Here's to a great start of the summer!

Bonjour! 

How have you been? I've been a tad busy, but I've been doing good.

I can't remember the last time I did a personal/lifestyle post, so today, I'm giving you a sneak peek of what my life is like behind the scenes. 

 

During the exams I spent a lot of time working for the blog. Normally there's a week or two without posts when I'm in exams, but I didn't want to let you down this time. And it payed off! Aside from writing, I've also been more active on my Instagram, made a Twitter account for my blog (which I always forget to update, so I have to make it a habit) and business cards!

I decided I didn't want a boring business card so I selected some of my favourite pictures to put on there.

 

My sister came by and brought sweets! These macarons and tartes were so, so delicious! I'm a foodie - and I especially love desserts and sweets!

After the exams, a few friends and I decided to go out. Well, I don't know why but we tried to take multiple selfies and this is what I was left with.

Also discovered a few really amazing spots in Bruges. This picture was actually taken in a backyard.

So cool!

I love cleaning up my laptop - looking through old pictures while I'm sorting them out and such. I came across two pictures of when I was a teenager. The first one was taken right after my 16th birthday: I got my hair dyed for the first time and I was so proud! This was also the first time my faux bangs worked out.

And later that year, with a completely different hairdo! Ever since then, I've been changing up my hair: long, short, red, white, black, brown, ombré... I've had it all! 

Speaking of hair... I went shorter - again! Just a matter of 'cleaning up' for the summer!

 

On free days, I've been working on a new system to sort out my clothes. I never really realized I had so many clothes! I always find things in the back of my closet that I didn't think I have anymore.

I got my fair share of Starbucks as well this month! I don't go there on a daily basis but every once in a while I like to treat myself. When I'm leaving for work and could use some caffeine - or when I'm coming home from work, I like to get a cup of delicious coffee. Or a blackberry mojito when it's hot outside (so good!).

Besides working for the blog, I've also picked up my job in the service industry again. I like to do this job on the side because as a student, a little extra cash can come in handy sometimes.
I took a short break from work during my exams, but now I'm back in business. It's not all work though...

I will be travelling to London in two weeks, which is super exciting! I have never been there, which is crazy since I study English and I love everything English, but that's about to change!
I'm only staying for a couple of days, but I'm sure that'll be enough. I don't want to be too optimistic, but I hope I'll get to do more citytrips this summer.

And then I have two other exciting things coming up: I'm taking my dad to Cirque Du Soleil (it was my gift to him for Father's Day).

As if all this isn't enough excitement, the day after that, I'm turning 20...

Work hard, play hard, right? Haha! 

Ahh, it's going to be a good summer!

I hope you enjoyed this post, I certainly enjoy sharing something a little more personal every once in a while!

I'll catch you up later!

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Teaching and blogging!

Hello everyone! Happy Tuesday! 

I thought it would be nice to show you a little more personal side today. The week before the Easter holidays I went on a school trip with the second graders. Normally interns don't get to do this buuuuut I did! I took a couple of nice pictures and thought it'd be fun to show them to you.

We played games, cooked, went to an amusement park, went to a zoo where most of the animals were free. It was so much fun and even though it's a lot of work and it's very tiring, it's great to get to know your students on a more personal level and find out what their passions are.

I also often get asked if it's weird that I'm a teacher and a blogger. No, it's not. I mean, okay, my students can look me up online (which I'm sure they do anyway) and they can actually end up on this blog. Researching what I write, find out what I do in my personal time, watch tutorials, ... 

However, I nearly never get asked about it and if it is brought up, I just say "thanks" or something like that, I don't really go overboard on it. In school, I'm a teacher, not a friend.

 

Thanks for reading!

I love you guys.