Hello, readers!! I hope you all are doing well, as it is the beginning of Summer vacation (for me, anyways — I’m officially a high schooler now yay) and this time of the year is always kinda fun. Today’s blog post is something that I’ve seen quite a few bloggers doing lately, and so I decided to try it out (credit for most of the ideas goes to either Pinterest or other bloggers <3). In the second part of this post, I’ll be showing you all my recent digital art (I’ve recently been getting into digital art).
My Summer Bucket List
Do a cottagecore photoshoot
Start a podcast
Watch fireworks
Watch a sunrise
Compliment 3 random strangers
Refresh my skincare routine for Summer
Make one new friend
Stargazing
Read in the park
Make popsicles
Go thrifting
Take one photo a week
Go swimsuit shopping
Plant a flower garden
Read 3 Jane Austen novels
Try to journal every day
Have a tea party
Make a smoothie bowl
Paint wood slats
Finish my novel
Watch period dramas
Chalk drawing on driveway
Write a letter
Paint rocks
Go on a bike ride
Read all the Anne of Green Gables books
Make friendship bracelets
Recent Digital Art
I think I’m slowly getting better at drawing on my iPad, so that’s exciting!! Here’s some of my favorites that I’ve made so far!
What’s on your Summer bucket list? Do you do digital art? Let me know in the comments!!
If you’re enjoying my blog and/or this post, please don’t forget to like it, comment, and follow me!! And of course, please check out my other posts!!
Hii guys, I’m so excited for today’s post. I was nominated for two awards (both of them twice!), and guys it is SUCH an honor to have been nominated. Although I was nominated with four awards, I’ll only be nominating 6 bloggers <3. Let’s get started with the post!!
The Aesthete Blogger Award
Rules:
Use the official logo/graphic of the award and display it on your blog.
List the rules.
Show some love to the one who nominated you!
Thank you so SO much, @Lotus and @Amber, for nominating me, I hope you’re both having a lovely day <3.
Tell me a something about this world that you admire.
Probably the fact that there are still kind people in the world. There are still good things that exist. We haven’t lost hope yet.
What is your favorite form of creativity?
Honestly, just like doodling or writing snippets of poems or writing stories or doing other creative things. I like almost anything creative.
Nominate 7 lovely people and notify them by commenting on their posts; spread some love!
Ask your nominees 4 questions.
Share something you created. (can be anything!)
I recently wrote this poem (it’s not incredible but it was fun to write):
heaven is the explanation for everything
the gaps in the sky
are heaven shining down
the rain that pounds so hard
are the angels weeping
and the moon lighting up
the dead night
is God lighting up
our dead souls
And lastly, just so you know: I LOVE YOUR CREATIONS!
Questions (from Lotus):
If you could travel to any place in the world, and live there for a period of time, where would you go?
Ooh probably Europe, specifically Italy. Or maybe London. Both have quite a few Catholic chapels and also I think it’d be cool to study art there.
What is the book you’re most excited to read next?
Ahh there are too many, probably either The House On Mango Street or Get A Grip, Vivy Cohen (it’s about a girl with autism !!). Honestly though there are so many, I can’t decide haha.
Would you rather be able to play every instrument or speak every language?
Honestly, probably play every instrument because then maybe I could be a good music artist. Although, speaking every language would be cool because then I could read books in other languages.
What time of day do you like best and why?
The morning!! I always feel super happy and excited and ready for the day!!
Questions (from Amber):
What is you favorite type of creative art and why?
Ahh probably words, I love writing stories, poetry, songs, letters, literally anything. Like, I love other creative art forms, but words will always be my favorite.
Do you like reading or listening to audio books better?
Reading!! I have the attention span of a maggot, and unless I’m actually doing something (like sketching), I can’t focus on audio books. Plus, audio book narrators typically annoy me haha.
When is the last time you created something?
This morning, I was bullet journaling and that was really fun.
What inspires you the most in life?
Literally everything, it just depends on my mood. Typically inspiring quotes, bible verses, and poetry inspire me the most though.
The Outstanding Blogger Award
Thanks so much, @Liesl and @Amber for nominating me!!
Nominate 10 bloggers. Ensure that they are aware of their nomination. Neither the award’s creator, nor the blogger that nominated you may be nominated.
At the end of 2021, every blog that pingbacks the creator’s original post will be entered to win the 2021 Outstanding Blogger award.
Questions (from Liesl):
Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Yes, maybe, I don’t know. That’s a really hard question to answer. I think it would depend on how much this law I’d be breaking would go against my morals.
How many states (in the US) have you visited? (Yes, Americans, the one where you live counts.)
Uhh not very many, I think I’ve been to the one I live in (obviously) and a few others. Although I have been to quite a few foreign countries (China, Albania, England), so that’s cool.
What do you collect, if anything?
Random pieces of papers and stuff like that. I have box where I put all my important stuff in, inside it I have random little notes, sketches, stories I’ve written, and the like.
How would you describe your style?
Ooh I like this question haha. I think my style is like cozy feminine vintage bohemian with lots of neutrals and pale pinks. I really like knitted sweaters, flowy dresses, skirts, pearl necklaces, and more stuff like that.
Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s the first thing on it?
No, I don’t, unfortunately.
What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?
Haha I used to really like peanut butter and cheerios, now I like parmesan pretzels and green tea lattes mixed together (yes, I know it’s weird).
How comfortable are you with public speaking?
Fairly comfortable, I usually have a lot of anxiety beforehand, but once I’m on stage, I’m pretty good. Although I do get really anxious talking in front of a camera or for a recorder (like for youtube videos or podcast stuff — both of which I want to start, but I get too nervous unfortunately).
How do you normally spend New Year’s Eve?
Every year it’s different. This year I stayed up until 10:00 (because my anxiety would get bad if I stayed up any later) with my online friends so that was fun.
What’s your favorite meal?
Ooh probably grilled chicken with peas and potatoes. Or maybe a green tea drink and a parmesan pretzel from Jamba Juice.
Where do you usually sit to write your blog posts?
Either my bed, or my parent’s bed, or the couch downstairs. Pretty much wherever’s convenient, honestly.
If you could have any pet–and I mean anything, no matter how outlandish or impossible–what would it be and what would you name it?
Ahh this question is so fun. It’d probably be the bluebirds from Cinderella or maybe a puppy to cuddle with.
Questions (from Amber):
What has given you the most inspiration/encouragement during a really rough time?
Well, I mean, I won’t lie, 2020 was a really rough year (I struggled with religion, mental health, my diagnosis with autism, and problems from my old school. I’ll maybe elaborate on this in another post, I don’t know). I think that realizing that God is there for me was really helpful, reading stuff online from other people who struggled with the same stuff I struggled with, and also reading inspiring quotes online.
What are you most grateful for about 2021 so far?
Probably the fact that I finally understand a bit more about myself. As I just mentioned, 2020 was really hard for me, I should also mention that I spent 2020 (and the years before) masking a lot of stuff and to finally understand myself and be myself, it’s so refreshing. I’ve discovered Catholicism, that I’m an introvert, and that I’m really emotionally sensitive. I’m really glad that I’m finally starting to discover what okay means (I really need to write a post about this).
If you could play any instrument and you would be guaranteed that you could play it successfully, What instrument would it be?
Ahh I’d probably choose to play the ukulele or the guitar. A lot of music artists that I like play these instruments, so that’d be cool.
Top 3 favorite books of all time?
But this is such a hard choice-
I’d probably have to say the Main Street books, by Ann M Martin, The Mother Daughter Book Club books, and there is probably another one but I can’t choose haha.
And finally, if you could only see 1 color for the rest of your life, what color would you choose?
Ooh probably really muted pink tones. Like soft pastel colors that are neutrals. I don’t know, is that more then one color?
My questions for you all:
Who is your favorite music artist?
What do you consider to be your aesthetic?
What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Who are your top 5 favorite literary characters?
If you could permanently relocate to any time period, which would you choose?
My nominees (you guys can choose to do one award, or both):
Hii readers! Today, I’m bringing you all another glimpse into my life as a teenager with autism. This post is something that I’m so excited for. It’ll hopefully it help you understand a bit more about living with autism.
As I mentioned in my last post about autism, one of the big things about my autism (for me anyways), is my sensory stuff. My sensory stuff affects almost everything in my life. Most of my fears are because of sensory stuff. I only eat certain foods because of sensory stuff (which is why Trader Joes is a lifesaver — they carry healthy versions of foods that I like). I can’t watch certain movies because of sensory overload. The list goes on and on (maybe one day I’ll do a day in my life post, and you guys’ll see what I mean). As a result of my sensory issues, a lot of “traditional” self care stuff doesn’t work for me.
I’ve tried so many traditional self care things. I’ve tried doing face masks (the skincare kind — I’m fine with the Covid ones, my germaphobic self is in love with the Covid ones haha), they felt icky and I did not like them. I’ve tried shaving my legs, I hate it so much, I literally almost vomit every time I shave my legs (although I still force myself to because I like the end result). I’ve tried so many things, and they usually freak me out.
For me, self care looks a bit more nonconventional. It looks like watching a tv show that I’m hyperfixating on (currently that show is ‘Big Shot’, on Disney+ — I recommend it. Although, be aware that there is quite a bit of swearing and also some inappropriate humor and mature storylines. But like if you’re mature enough to handle it — or are watching it with a parent, which is what I’ve been doing, I think it’s okay). It looks like reading articles online that have to do with things that fascinate me. It looks like reading books that make me feel happy. It looks like reading poetry online. It looks like looking at aesthetic images. It looks like bullet journaling. It looks like stimming. It looks like cleaning my room. It looks like reading encouraging stuff online. It looks like getting ready and making myself look pretty. It looks like doing sensory safe skincare. It looks like listening to a stim song on repeat (basically, a song that has a sound in it that I really like and that I’ll listen to until I’m sick of it). This is what self care looks like for me (there are more things I do for self care, but if I listed them all, this post would be too long).
For every autistic person, self care looks different. For someone else, my self care routine might sound horrible. That’s okay, we’re all diverse and have different self care stuff. Life would be pretty dull if we were all the same.
If you’re enjoying my blog and/or this post, please don’t forget to like it, comment, and follow me.
What does self care look like for you? If you’re autistic, did you relate to anything I said? Let me know in the comments!
XOXO,
Liesl ♡
*Credit for the poem in the photos in this post goes to Morgan Harper Nicholes. I got her book at the library (All Along You Were Blooming) and I’m loving it, and since she’s autistic (she talked about it here), I figured I’d feature her book in my photos for this post <3.
Hii readers. I realized something recently, I have ‘random ramblings of a slightly bookish teenager’ as my blog tagline, but haven’t done any book related posts haha. So!! I’m finally writing a bookish post, yay!! Also this is random, but I’m listening to the song Just 14, by Bella Lambert, and guys it’s making me emotional ahh. Anyways, let’s get into the post, it’s all about my Summer reading list (well, a short snippet of it anyways :P).
Disclaimer: I actually don’t know the appropriateness level of these books, so like if you end up reading them, just be aware that I haven’t read any of these and therefore cannot say that they are appropriate. Once I finish reading these though (or at least the ones that turn out to be clean), I’ll hopefully write some book reviews and post them here.
When Lori’s Dorothy Parker–loving grandmother dies, Lori’s world is turned upside down. Grandma Sheryl was everything to Lori—and not just because Sheryl raised Lori when Lori’s mom got a job out of town. Now Lori’s mom is insisting on moving her away from her beloved Boston right before senior year. Desperate to stay for as long as possible, Lori insists on honoring her grandmother’s last request before she moves: to scatter Sheryl’s ashes near things that grow.
Along with her uncle Seth and Chris, best friend and love-of-her-life crush, Lori sets off on a road trip to visit her grandmother’s favorite gardens. Dodging forest bathers, scandalized volunteers, and angry homeowners, they come to terms with the shape of life after Grandma Sheryl. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but Lori might just find a way to move forward surrounded by the people she loves.
Paris is a labyrinth of twisted streets filled with beggars and thieves, revolutionaries and magicians. Camille Durbonne is one of them. She wishes she weren’t…
When smallpox kills her parents, Camille must find a way to provide for her younger sister while managing her volatile brother. Relying on magic, Camille painstakingly transforms scraps of metal into money to buy food and medicine they need. But when the coins won’t hold their shape and her brother disappears with the family’s savings, Camille pursues a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Using dark magic forbidden by her mother, Camille transforms herself into a baroness and is swept up into life at the Palace of Versailles, where aristocrats both fear and hunger for magic. As she struggles to reconcile her resentment of the rich with the allure of glamour and excess, Camille meets a handsome young inventor, and begins to believe that love and liberty may both be possible.
But magic has its costs, and soon Camille loses control of her secrets. And when revolution erupts, Camille must choose―love or loyalty, democracy or aristocracy, reality or magic―before Paris burns.
Shadow Of The Batgirl, by Sarah Kuhn// I’m a bit nervous to read this, because it looks dark and potentially gory. But also like it seems like the main character is really conflicted and complicated and, guys, I love complex characters because they tend to be more realistic and relatable.
Cassandra Cain, teenage assassin, isn’t exactly Batgirl material…yet. Will she step out of the shadows and overcome her greatest obstacle–that voice inside her head telling her she can never be a hero?
Lucky for Cass, she won’t have to defy her destiny alone. With the help of her new mentors, noodle shop owner Jackie Fujikawa Yoneyama and a librarian named Barbara Gordon, she’ll attempt to answer this question the only way she knows how: learning everything she possibly can about her favorite hero. The only problem is that Batgirl hasn’t been seen in Gotham for years…Can Cass find Batgirl before her father destroys the world she has grown to love? Or will shehave to take on a heroic mantle of her very own?
Accompanied by the edgy art style of Nicole Goux, Sarah Kuhn, author of Heroine Complex and I Love You So Mochi, tells the harrowing story of a girl who overcomes the odds to find her unique identity.
We Dream Of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly// This is MG (middle grade), so it might be a bit more aimed at younger readers, but it also seems interesting and it doesn’t hurt to try it haha. Also, MG tends to be more clean so that’s good.
Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas are three siblings in seventh grade together in Park, Delaware. In 1986, as the country waits expectantly for the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, they each struggle with their own personal anxieties. Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing.
The Nelson Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.
Told in three alternating points of view, We Dream of Spaceis an unforgettable and thematically rich novel for middle grade readers.
Wild Bird, by Wendelin Van Draanen// I read Flipped a while ago and really enjoyed it, and since this is by the same author, I’m hoping that it’s just as lovely of a read as Flipped was.
From the award-winning author of The Running Dream and Flipped comes a remarkable portrait of a girl who has hit rock bottom but begins a climb back to herself at a wilderness survival camp.
3:47 a.m. That’s when they come for Wren Clemmens. She’s hustled out of her house and into a waiting car, then a plane, and then taken on a forced march into the desert. This is what happens to kids who’ve gone so far off the rails, their parents don’t know what to do with them anymore. This is wilderness therapy camp. Eight weeks of survivalist camping in the desert. Eight weeks to turn your life around. Yeah, right.
The Wren who arrives in the Utah desert is angry and bitter, and blaming everyone but herself. But angry can’t put up a tent. And bitter won’t start a fire. Wren’s going to have to admit she needs help if she’s going to survive.
Pride And Prejudice, by Jane Austen// Haha this book is like something every reader has read, so I figured I’d try it this Summer. Plus, because my mom really likes Jane Austen books, my Mothers Day gift to her was offering to read this with her.
First published in 1813, “Pride and Prejudice” is a story set in the English countryside outside of London during the early 19th century which centers on the life of Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five sisters who are all unmarried. When a wealthy and sociable young gentleman, Charles Bingley, rents the nearby manor of Netherfield Park the opportunity to find husbands presents itself. While attending a ball the Bennets meet Charles Bingley and his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy for the first time. Charles and Jane, Elizabeth’s older sister, form a quick friendship, while Fitzwilliam shows little interest in Elizabeth by refusing to dance with her. Darcy is a wealthy handsome intelligent young gentleman who suffers from a social awkwardness that makes him appear to be overly prideful. In the weeks that follow Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves repeatedly forced into each other’s company allowing Elizabeth to overcome the prejudice of her first impression and open herself up to the idea of a romance between the two. A classic novel of manners, “Pride and Prejudice” is arguably Jane Austen’s most popular novel.
The House On Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros// This is a poetry book, and it’s a coming of age autobiography (literally I love reading those ahh), so I’m really excited to read it.
Acclaimed by critics, beloved by readers of all ages, taught everywhere from inner-city grade schools to universities across the country, and translated all over the world, The House on Mango Street is the remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero.
Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. Few other books in our time have touched so many readers.
What Happened To Goodbye, by Sarah Dessen// Haha so, funny story, I started this book a few months ago, but I never finished it. So! I’m hoping that I end up finishing it, the plotline looked really good and also it’s by Sarah Dessen so obviously it’s *perfect* for summer.
A new day. A new place. A new life.
In the past few years, Mclean has pretended to be so many different people that she hardly remembers who she really is anymore.
The adorable guy next door might be able to help her figure it out.
But is she ready for it?
Christian/Catholic Books
A Nuns Story, by Sister Agatha// I’ve been thinking that maybe God is calling me to become a nun? Like, I know I sound insane but I don’t know. Anyways, this book looks really good and maybe it’ll be helpful for me.
One happy day, in the midst of writing to her fiancee, her hand stopped writing unbidden; then it continued by itself, etching the words which would change her life forever: ‘…but there’s no point now, as I am going to be a nun.’That bolt from the blue set events in motion that caused Shirley to lose her mother and sisters, her husband to be, her horses, her parties and life of ease. Within months, Shirley had become Sister Agatha. But her faith in her choice never faltered, despite years of great difficulty when her Convent was close to bankruptcy. Her belief took her to London to knock on the infamously intimidating and tight-fisted Sir Paul Getty’s door to secure the money to ensure her community would not lose their home…and getting it. Now eighty-five, she looks back on an incredible life of love, loss and belief. This is at once a deeply poignant tale of doomed romance, and a heart-warming story of taking a leap of faith and finding a meaning in life beyond the wealth and comfort she was born into.Whether a believer or not, Sister Agatha’s momentous life will touch and inspire, whilst reminding us that it is perhaps better to accept that not everything in the world is yet explained.
Dressing With Dignity, by Colleen Hammond// I’ve been reading quite a few books about modesty and Biblical femininity lately, and this one looks like a really good read.
In this ground-breaking book, Colleen Hammond challenges today’s fashions and provides you the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones from the onslaught of tasteless, immodest clothing. Colleen Hammond shares real-life examples of how women can accentuate the grace and beauty of their femininity, and she shows that modest definitely does not mean frumpy !! DRESSING WITH DIGNITY covers it all . . . The history and forces behind the changes in fashion. How to talk to teenagers about the privilege of femininity so they will want to dress with dignity. How to awaken chivalry in men and be treated with respect. How to regain and teach the lost charm of interior and exterior femininity! How to dress in an attractive, dignified, classy manner! Specific documents about manners of dress from the Magisterium, the Popes and the Saints. Comprehensive guidelines for choosing tasteful attire. Resources on where to find beautiful, modest clothing. And much, much more!
Authentic Beauty, by Leslie Ludy// Ahh I love Leslie Ludy’s books, they’re so amazing and have really helped me to understand a bit more about Biblical femininity.
In a culture that mocks our longing for tender romance, in a world where fairy tales never seem to come true — do we dare hope for more? For every young woman asking that question, this book is an invitation. With refreshing candor and vulnerability, bestselling author Leslie Ludy reveals how, starting today, you can experience the passion and intimacy you long for. You can begin a never-ending love story with your true Prince. Discover the authentic beauty of a life fully set-apart for Him. Experience a romance that will transform every part of your existence and fulfill the deepest longings of your feminine heart.
If you have not read Heather King before, her honesty may shock you. In this remarkable memoir, you will see how a convert with a checkered past spends a year reflecting upon St. Thérèse of Lisieux—and discovers the radical faith, true love, and abundant life of a cloistered 19th-century French nun.
Let Me Be A Woman, by Elisabeth Elliot// My dad has been trying to get me to read some of Elisabeth Elliot’s books for a while, and I’m finally going to. This one looked like it’s right up my alley.
“In order to learn what it means to be a woman, we must start with the One who made her.” Working from Scripture, well-known speaker and author Elisabeth Elliot shares her observations and experiences in a number of essays on what it means to be a Christian woman, whether single, married, or widowed.
A celebration of hope. An encounter with grace. A restoration of the heart. A healing of wounds. An anthem of freedom. All Along You Were Blooming is the ultimate love letter from the pen of popular Instagram poet Morgan Harper Nichols to your mind, heart, soul, and body.
On Instagram @morganharpernicols, Morgan has over a million followers. Fans can add Morgan’s beautiful artwork and thoughts for boundless living to their library.
All Along You Were Blooming is a striking collection of illustrated poetry and prose, inviting you to “stumble into the sunlight” and delight in the wild and boundless grace you’ve been given.
That’s kinda it, guys!! I might do a part two, we’ll see haha.
If you’re enjoying my blog and/or this post, please don’t forget to like it, comment, and follow me.
What books are on your Summer reading list? Have you read any of these? Do you have any book recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments!
Hii readers!! I hope that you all are doing lovely and are having a blessed Saturday. Today’s blog post is inspired by quite a few blog posts that I have seen online, I am so excited to be doing this post (and yes, I do say that about almost every post)! Some of my favorite posts that I do on here are my shopping posts, they’re just so much fun!
Price range: All under $20 (so yes, they’re all extremely affordable)
*Not sponsored
Spring Target Finds
Sketchbook // $11.99 // I recently bought myself a sketchbook, but the problem is that the ink I use bleeds through, so I can only use pencils in it. So! I’m really hoping that if I end up purchasing this sketchbook, it’ll be higher quality.
Linen Journal // $12.99 // Guyss I already own one of these (mine is the ‘note to self’ one) and I love it so much. It’s so pretty and Spring-y and I’m really hoping to buy another one similar to it.
White Door Mirror // $7.00 // These mirrors are literally so trendy right now, and this one is super affordable and ahh guys I want ittt
White Wire Basket // $8.00 // I have one of these in a smaller size and I need more because these are literally so cute and aesthetic and amazing ahhh.
Peach Colored Letter Board // $15.00 // I need one of these, letter boards are another super trendy thing right now that are just. so. cute.
Lemon and Mint Room Spray // $4.49 // I need a new room spray, my old one is a body spray from Bath & Beauty Works and while I love it, it just isn’t all natural. I don’t want to be breathing in chemicals, you know?
LED Fairy Lights With Clips // $10.00 // These clips are so cute, I already have too much stuff on my walls, but like guys these are cute and would be so fun to put aesthetic photos on.
Throw Pillow // $10.00 // Another thing that I don’t really need, but I really want. This throw pillow looks so soft ahh (let’s ignore the fact that it doesn’t match my bedding…).
Ankle Strap Sandles // $19.99 // These are ADORABLE and I need new shoes and just ahh I need these.
Thank you so much for reading this!! I hope you have a wonderful day <3. Also! In a few days (or weeks, depending on my schedule), I’ll be updating my blog domain (hopefully removing the numbers and .wordpress!!) and changing my blog theme, so!! Keep an eye out for that!
Also, guys, life is getting kinda crazy so!! For the next few weeks, my posting schedule might be a bit random.
If you’re enjoying my blog and/or this post, please don’t forget to like it, comment, and follow me.
What are you currently eyeing at Target? Let me know in the comments!
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