Bookie Bits: She And Her Cat 🐈

After 2 years, we have another book post, hehe. 

Back in December the bestie lent me this book, I really liked the cover and it was not thick at all so, I wanted to commit to reading it. Reading to me is one of those resolutions like "working out", I want to do it every year but after doing it once, I just stop. This year I don't wanna see it as a resolution, I just want to try to do it more often without feeling like I have to do it. Whether it's a book or manga, I'll do my best.

She and her cat ( 彼女と彼女の猫) by Makoto Shinkai is a book that tells 4 different stories featuring 4 women and their cats. They all live in the same neighborhood and face different emotional situations but, despite this, they welcome a cat in their lives. 

It is described as "A life-affirming book of four inspirational and heartwarming vignettes following women and their cats in their quest for love and connection". And it is true, I found it heartwarming and easy to read. There's nothing complicated or difficult to understand but somehow, I kept going back to read more. I found it even relaxing to read it in between my classes. Plus I loved the fact that it is full of friendship and companionship, even between the animals and, of course, that the stories are all female led.

All the stories are connected somehow and, when you read them you see both, the women's perspectives and the cats', which is super cute because there are things these cats don't understand about human behavior. Of course the stories have some sad moments, especially the last one, and I found the ending a little bit bittersweet.

The book doesn't come with many illustrations. Just one at the beginning of each story, I love them.

After reading the book, I found there are some animated versions too. There is a 5 minute video that covers the first story in the book and I also found a longer one on Crunchyroll, that I still need to watch.

Anyway, I really, really enjoyed this book, it's super sweet ! Now I feel a little bit more motivated to read, I still have a book another friend lent me a while ago and some unread manga so, we'll see what happens. 

See you next time~!💋

| Pressies from Canada |

Earlier this month I met up with my friend and former Twitter RP Taichou who came for the Holidays. We ate sushi, drank a little and caught up for hours.

 I'm stealing his pics cuz, they were nicer than mine, hehe.

Sushi my love! 

And well, even tho he didn't have to, he brought some pressies. I'm spoiled! So I guess this will be the first pressies haul of the year. As I'm typing this, I already tried some of these goodies.

Let's do this! 

Favorite Day eggnog. I am a big eggnog lover, I think I mentioned this before but, it has to be one of my favorite Winter drinks. This one didn't have any alcohol but was pretty good. I shared it with my mom and sister because... that was the instruction from Taichou, lol.

Tim Hortons French Vanilla Cappuccino & Café Mocha. They are both good but I have to say, my favorite is French Vanilla. 💛
Each box comes with 8 sachets, you can make them with water or milk. I kinda like to use half and half so they can be creamy without feeling too heavy.

Starburst Fruit Chews. This sharing size bag comes with 4 different flavors: Strawberry (my fav), cherry, orange & lemon. They are soooo good and addictive! I'm failing at the "sharing" part cuz, I can't stop eating them. It's dangerous. 🤭

Halloween KitKat has to be one of my favorite things cuz you know how much I love Halloween! It makes it extra special! This one is Ghost toast flavor (love it), which is supposed to be a cinnamon toast flavored creme. 

And, my babies also received something! We have Sheba over here but, this is my first time seeing these Meaty Tender Sticks. Each package comes with 5 salmon sticks. Masha loved them of course and I'm still trying to make Sassy at least try them. She's a picky eater.

I'm super thankful for these pressies and the time spent even if it was pretty fast! Hope we can do it again some time soon. ♡

See you next time~!

My Ins & Outs for 2025 🌟

I stopped making New years resolutions years ago cuz honestly, I never followed them. Guess I am too lazy for that. 

I know a new year doesn't mean things are going to magically change. Life goes on the way it was but, it does feel like a good moment for a reset. And while I was writing my previous post, I started thinking about the things I want in my life this year and the ones I would like to be out of it. Of course most, if not all, things will be up to me, what I do and my attitude towards life but, it'll be fun to look back at this post at the end of the year and see what has really changed.

I'm not planning to make a suuuuuper long list cuz I wanna keep it realistic, I'm thinking about 5 ins and 5 outs.

Let's begin!

☆ Ins:

⭒ Self-confidence: Because despite what most people think, I can be pretty insecure. I want to be able to recognize the things I'm good at without hesitating or finding something I could've done better.

⭒ Better money and time management: I've tried and I think I'm better at it, at least when it comes to money sometimes but, it's still a work in progress. And time wise, I feel like I could use my time a lot better now that I only have one job, time management has always been something I need to work on.

⭒ Healthy relationships: I'm pretty happy with the relationships I have right now and I've also been doing some social cleansing since last year which has been, liberating! I'm planning to keep it that way. 

⭒ Romanticize my life: But, in a realistic way with small things like: putting cute seasonal outfits together, having my morning coffee in mugs that go with whatever holiday it is, light candles, bake, cook more and just celebrating as many things as possible this year.

⭒ Creativity: I'm constantly saying I'm not creative and whenever I try something creative (mostly with my friends) I feel great and super motivated. I want to try more new things this year, maybe try to draw again, do more needle felting, pick a new hobby, Idk.

☆ Outs: 

⭒ Anger: I'm not proud to admit but, I am someone who tends to hold grudges against other people. It is something that I'm slowly improving, but I know there are still some things I haven't let go of. I have to say tho, I'm doing much better than years ago.

⭒ Attachments: I think this one is kinda connected to the previous one cuz since I find it hard to let some things go, I'm still angry about some things or the way they happened. It's funny because this doesn't really happen with (most) material things but it happens a lot when it comes to emotions and people. Then again, now it's not as bad as it was before but, I gotta keep working on it.

⭒ Self-sabotage: It's funny because this is something I'm aware of. Especially when it comes to dating. When things start to feel good, I just panic and, sabotage the whole thing. I guess a part of me is just afraid of getting hurt. It may not be the only situation where I do it, maybe I just haven't realized in which other situations I do it so yeah, this has to go!

⭒ Fear: This fear is mostly, then again, of change. These past few years I realized that some changes aren't that bad, that things do fall into place and most of the time, better things will come. But it's still really hard for me to make the decision to change something. We'll see if I can make other changes this year, even if they are not that big, without fear.

⭒ Complaints: I've found myself randomly doing it and I want to stop. I want to focus more on the good things I do & have instead of complaining about the things I don't have. 

And that would be it! My 5 ins & outs for 2025. Let's see how good I do, haha. What about you guys? Do you have any type of resolutions for this year? Are there things you want to keep from 2024? Feel free to let me know, I'd love to read!

See you next time~! 💋

Looking back at 2024~

Hello 2025!⭐

Last time I wrote an "end of the year" post was back in 2021 and, even tho I went through so many changes at that time, no one prepared me for what was coming. I haven't really talked about some things here but, these past few years had been hard. I won't go into details but when my dad got sick in 2022, everything I was worried about or feared back then felt small. Losing my dad has to be the worst thing that has happend to me so far. Yes, I've lost other loved ones before but, losing a parent definitely hits differently. Especially when everything happens too fast. I felt kinda lost without him, my life as I knew it changed 100% and, even tho I was not going around talking about it, things just didn't feel the same even if I tried. Of course I had amazing people there for me, supporting me and never leaving me alone but also respecting when I needed my space. I'm so thankful life gave me such an amazing dad but, I miss him everyday and it has been hard living a life without him and realizing how much things have changed in just a couple of years. 

By now, we all now I'm not good with changes...

Somehow things felt a little better in 2024, of course I do have regrets and wish I could've done things differently before but, there's not much to do about that. Last year I definitely tried to take better control of my life and make smarter decisions even if they were scary or not easy. I really tried to let go of the things and people that were not contributing anything to my life anymore or just didn't feel good. 

One of those things was quitting my teaching job at school. Some people didn't know but, I've had 2 teaching jobs for the longest time (one at a school and one at a language center) and, it was exhausting. Of course, that was not the reason why I decided to quit, I wasn't happy with some of the things that were happening there and, it just didn't make me happy, I wasn't motivated and honestly? I don't loooove working with young kids anymore. I just knew I needed a change. My friend was right, I was putting up with all that because I wanted to, not because I had to, I had a choice. I was stressed and running all the time. So yeah, I quit. Which was terrifying because my biggest income came from there and I always need my stability. I finished the school year and, during the Summer, everything fell into place. I kept my job at the language center, more hours opened which made it easier for me to work in one place only, commit 100% to it and being able to pay my bills, hehe. Yes, I was scared at the beginning but, I don't regret it. I'm much happier now, less stressed, I enjoy working where I am, I'm still motivated and love my students.

Another thing I started doing this year was setting limits and boundries on toxic people. Especially those who don't really meant anything to me or didn't have a close relationship with. In the past, I didn't use to do it because I'd feel bad or cuz it wasn't that bad because they were not close to me. Truth is, I'm tired of being a people pleaser, I was like that for such a long time and I just got sick of it. Having to be a "good girl" just to make others happy doesn't resonate with me anymore. I have to put my feelings first and if they are not ok with that, they can just leave. I definitely distanced myself from some people and even blocked others, I hate drama, haha. In a way, I realized saying no is not such a difficult thing anymore and it's more than needed sometimes. 

Same as for everyone, the year was full of ups & downs, some bigger than others but I think those two would be my highlights because I wouldn't have done those things before. Let's be honest, it would've been easier to stay in my comfort zone for another year. 

Not everything was challenging or scary tho, I feel like I also started genuinely enjoying things again. It's not like I didn't enjoy anything before but, it just didn't feel the same. In 2024 I got my first tattoo, reconnected with old friends and met new fun people, my sister and I are close again, she became my fav drinking buddy, I shared great moments with my best friends and I love how we're still part of each others' stories, I've seen my mom grow so much in just one year, my grandpa turned 94, I became more responsible when it comes to my car, learned how to do and fix new things in my house, my apartment feels like my home and I love it so so much, I cooked more and actually improved, I regained my love for sharing with others, became a better plant mom, felt more creative, romanticized my -ber months, had the happiest Christmas in years and basically found a reason to celebrate even the smallest things again.

I learned to pat myself on the back for the good things I do, I realized I don't have to be running and be productive all the time (not that I loved it but sometimes life felt like that) cuz, there's something sooooo good about slow mornings and lazy days are just magical.

I'm thankful for all the experiences and memories but also for the lessons. I do believe everything I've experienced in the past couple of years had made me a stronger person and have helped me to be way more comfortable in my own skin, and with who I am. There are so many things I still want to work on and imrpove but I know that some things just take time and I'm in no rush. Life is all about learning, anyway~

In a way, I didn't want last year to end. Was it perfect? Not at all! But, it felt good. I'm so ready for 2025 and whatever it brings. Who knows? Maybe I'll be more open to new things~ you never know. 🤭

How was your 2024?

My Christmas Pressies 2024 🎁

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. For me it was pretty good. Honestly, I think I enjoyed it more than other years. We had delish food, drank a lot and sang karaoke until 4:30am. We also built a gingerbread house for the first time. It was something I wanted to do since forever and, the time finally came. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it'd be and I just loved how it turned out.

Obsessed!

Of course we exchanged some pressies and, that's why we're here. I'll share what I received this year cuz you know, it has kinda become a tradition around here, hehe.

Let's do this!!

I'll start with the pressies I received from my boss, she always spoils us.

From left to right: X-mas reusable cup with a cute topper, butter cookies and tequila Don Julio.

She also gave us this box with cute small soaps in holiday shapes. They smell really good.

I have to admit that since most of my classes are online now, I do kinda miss receiving pressies from my students. Maybe that's one of the few things I miss about working in a school.

The bestie gave me some Pop Tarts that I love so much. I got s'mores pop tarts and a cute sakura hand cream.

Mom gave me 2 sweaters. The first one is this pastel blue fuzzy sweater. It is super soft and perfect for this cold weather. I looooove the color.

The other one is this silver sweater. I know it is not the best pic but, I love the puffy sleeves, it is a cute detail to it.

My sister gave me this NERV hoodie. I'm a big Evangelion fan and I always wanted something like this. It is already full of cat hair in the pic cuz I already wore it. Oops, cat mom problems.
It is a little oversized, which makes it super comfy to wear.

Lastly, we have this Gilmore Girls fill in book. In this family, we are bog GG fans so, it was a cute and fun gift. 

Really bad and blurry picture but, my babies also received some pressies. 💖

And, there you go guys, my pressies this year. I also received other yummies but, I already ate them. 

This will be the last post of 2024. Thank you for taking the time to read my (sometimes) very random posts, thoughts and obsessions! 🩷

Hope we all have a happy and magical 2025! 🌠

Winter Tag! ❄

Last month I shared a Fall tag and I thought it'd be a good idea to answer a Winter tag to welcome the season. It is shorter than the previous one tho. Still I hope you enjoy.

Here we go!

1. Top 2 Winter Beauty Essentials?

A good moisturizer for my face and hands and a lip balm. My skin and lips get SO dry this season so yeah, it is a must have. I'm not really into hand creams that much but they are defo an essential during winter.

2. Top 2 Winter Fashion Essentials?

Cute and warm coats and knee-high boots.

This pic is a couple of years old but, I still have those boots and I love them too much.

3. Favorite Winter Accessory?

Really long, soft scarves.

4. Favorite Winter Nail Polish?

I don't think I have a favorite one but, I usually go for dark reds or something super sparkly.

5. Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider?

Hot cocoa with marshmallows.

6. Favorite Winter Candle?

Huh~ I don't have a favorite Winter candle. I am the kind of person who lights Fall candles all year round, hehe. But I like cinnamon scents and, to me, those smell like Christmas.

7. Does it snow where you live?

Sadly, no. I love snow tho.

Beautiful snowy day back when I went to Spain 😍

8. Have you ever made a snowman?

Nope, never. 😢

9. What is Your Favorite Holiday Movie?

I'm not a big Holiday movie fan and the first one that comes to my mind is The Nightmare Before Christmas. To me, it's the perfect Halloween and Xmas movie. I've watched some this month tho, most of them are recommendations from my students. 

10. What’s your favorite holiday drink? 

Eggnog and ponche. I look forward to drinking them every year.

11. Candy cane or Gingerbread men?

Gingerbread men

12. What’s your favorite holiday/Christmas song?

Kiss me for Christmas by Jessica Simpson and Santa Baby (I like different versions of this one)

13. What is most important to you about the holidays? 

Good question... cuz, honestly? I'm not a religious person so, in a way, that makes me a person who just celebrates it for celebrating it, haha. When I was younger it was spending it with my family, cuz all the cousins would get together at my grandparents' and it was a lot of fun. You knew you'd meet everyone on Christmas. But, so many things changed and I guess now I'm just trying to find the magic of it again? If that makes any sense. So, I don't have an answer for this question, yet.

And, that was it! I feel like my answers were not as long or elaborated as my previous tag but, it is what it is, haha.

Have a happy Winter y'all! 💋

Apartment 07 | My Christmas Mugs & Cups |🎄

Months ago I shared some of my favorite pink cups & mugs around here and, in my head, I was going to do that with the seasonal ones I have but, I completely forgot to do it on Halloween so, yeah. 

But we're doing it now, I'm sharing my small collection of Christmas cups & mugs. Honestly I don't have too many Chrsitmas things and most of these cups have been presents. I had to get rid of some when I moved but I'm sure the collection will grow with time.

Let's start in no particular order~

🎄Snowman mug

Out of the Christmas mugs I have, this is the first one I've bought and it's also the newest one. Last week, I bought matching mugs for me, my sister and mom and had them over to drink hot ponche, use the mugs and then everyone could theirs home. I like, not only because it is obviously cute but also because it's pretty big. Perfect for coffee in the morning.

🎄Stainless steel Christmas cup

This is one of my oldest ones. I received it as a gift from a student I think. I'm almost sure, hehe. The design is pretty simple, yet cute. It has a retro vibe to it 

Since it is small, I use it for tea or even eggnog, it's too small for my morning coffee. The only thing i don't like about it is that, since it's made of stainless steel, it gets super hot with the drinks.

🎄Message mug

Even tho the message is not super Christmassy, it is a seasonal mug with holly plant thingies around the "Be Awesome Today & Everyday" quote. 

This was a gift from my sister back in 2018 when I came back from Spain. It is a pretty big and heavy mug that I started using a lot more this year. 

🎄Dallas Cowboys Christmas Mug

So, some of you might already know this, thanks to my dad, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. Years ago, one of my former students went to the Dallas Cowboys stadium and bought this one for me. It's pretty simple and clean but still pretty and festive. Size is pretty good too.

🎄Santa & snowman red cups

And lastly, we have these two. I think one is my mom's but I'm not sure which one. They were also presents from students. I don't really used them much because they are pretty small. Then again, maybe for tea, eggnog, ponche~ 

Right now they're just decorating my coffee station.

And, that is it! My small collection. I also have some reusable cups, tumblers and mason jars I didn't include here. Let me know if you'd like to see them too.

See you next time~!🤍