Collection of ‘Things’ from April 2025

favourite read

The Ten Thousand Doors of January: Alix Harrow

This book brought me on an adventure seeking love I did not know I could go on. It is truly a masterpiece, being able to go to so many places. Harrow’s writing is both heartbreaking and haunting, with the ending being quite satisfying, honestly. The book touches on racist themes such as slavery, so be forewarned.

TOPIC obsession

Pressed flowers

I have been going around picking wildflowers to press. I think it would be beautiful to have a few local dried blooms in a frame, hung on the wall. Art out of nature.

I watched a whole bunch of videos on how to do it, and they said to simply take watercolour paper and press it, but after my first batch went mouldy, I am now trying to dry them first out in the open with their blooms facing down on the watercolour paper page, then to arrange them later.

FAVOURITE WATCH

Apartment DIY on a budget

As in… how to create beautiful spaces that are practical, functional and RENTER-FRIENDLY in many cases!!! I love these two creators the best: Alexandra Gater and Caroline Winkler.

Gater started off a bit shaky in her DIYs, but once she found Graham the Handyman (he has his own channel too and he is very sweet) she has really exploded now that she can make these DIY project ideas come to life, or to customize a wall or area with her vision rather than trying to rely on just a few screws in a wall and some paint (which by the way, is also awesome for those of us without a carpenter / handyman..)

My favourite episodes are the following (though I have many more):

Source: Dark academia office

Source: Total apartment makeover

Source: Super tiny pink bathroom

Source: Cottagecore living room

I like that she shows you how to finish a room, she gives me ideas on how to position items, and in general, she is so much fun (her team as well) to watch.

 

Moving on!

Winkler doesn’t just do home décor, so I don’t watch her other videos, but I like these ones relating to home decor and organization because she helps you pinpoint what is wrong, or at least how to analyze what is wrong with your space:

Source: Home organization for ADHD people

Source: This is why your room feels off

Source: Vibey room makeover without buying anything

I like that she does episodes where you don’t buy anything new but just change the space up, paint a little, slap on some curtains, drop a rug and call it a day.

OOTD INSPO

LAYERS UPON LAYERS

Where I do even begin? Layers with layers on LAYERS. I love the mix of colours, patterns, print… and yet it is all cohesive.

The belt cinches in the waist to give volume, the texture of the green organza overlay dress thing gives a different vibe to an otherwise normal looking striped skirt/dress thing.

It is all in the layering of items that brings the dress (?) to life.

It finishes with a massive necklace which goes with the look, but I would personally not wear, though I would pick a similar shape for sure.

FAVOURITE purchase

GLOBE LIGHT

Who effing knew a globe light would be on my list of things to buy? It is simple, elegant…  I love it. It turns on and gives an instant vibe to the room, kind of like a moon but without being one. I almost want to buy another one to place elsewhere in my room. Is that crazy? I think I am gonna do it.

ON THE HUNT FOR…

Blue + white porcelain

Or ceramics. Doesn’t need to be Asian-inspired. Just needs to vibe with the rest of my pieces and be functional, either as a vase or a little holder so I can put my USB-C adapters in there, my page turners, etc. I love the way they look all grouped together as well.

Want more?

Here are all the previous months’ posts…