It’s almost summer, and most people are taking a break from work and heading off on holiday. I’m not one of those people this year. I’ll be working all summer, but I don’t really mind because the overall vibe is much more relaxed. I’ll probably still have plenty of time to unwind and do some fun things.

After all, it’s summer! Even though I have to work, I still want to make the most of the season and enjoy myself. That’s why I decided to create my Summer Bucket List for 2026. It’s a list of fun activities, small goals, and experiences I want to enjoy over the next few months. Just because I’m not going on holiday doesn’t mean I can’t have an amazing summer.

My Summer Bucket List

1. Thrift Shopping
   One thing I always love to do is visit thrift stores. Most of the time, you won’t find anything special, but every now and then, you come across an amazing find, and that’s what makes thrifting so much fun. Usually, I visit the same thrift stores over and over again, but lately I’ve been thinking about taking a long bike ride into the city and exploring some different ones. I have a feeling that the thrift stores in the city will be much more interesting than the small-town shops I’m used to.
   
   I’m currently looking for a few specific clothing items, but as always, I can’t resist checking out the book, CD, and DVD sections. You never know what hidden gems you might find.
   
2. Reading
   I’m reducing my screen time, and I definitely don’t want to spend my summer glued to my phone. That’s why I’ve made a long list of books I want to read over the next few months. I’ve added a mix of romance, dark romance, and thrillers, so I can always pick a book that fits my current mood.
   
   Reading is one of my favorite hobbies because it has genuinely changed my life. It helps me slow down, relax, and escape from the constant distractions of everyday life. I also notice a huge difference in my sleep when I read before bed instead of scrolling on my phone. I fall asleep more easily, sleep better, and wake up feeling much more refreshed. For me, there’s no better way to spend a quiet summer evening than with a good book.
   
3. Walk
   Of course, I don’t want to spend all my time indoors. I also want to enjoy the (hopefully) warm and sunny weather. I love taking walks around the neighborhood and seeing what everyone else is up to. There’s something relaxing about strolling through the streets and simply observing everyday life.
   
   I’m also lucky to live close to nature, so I can easily go for a longer walk whenever I feel like it. Whether it’s through the countryside, a park, or a quiet trail, being outside always helps me clear my mind and recharge.
   
   And, of course, walking is the best way to meet the neighborhood cats. You never know which furry friend you’ll run into along the way, and honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of going for a walk.
   
4. Build a Lego Set
   I have never built a LEGO set before, but I really want to give it a try. Hopefully, I won’t get addicted, because LEGO is definitely not the cheapest hobby. Still, I absolutely love the Stitch and Angel LEGO sets. Those building sets are very high on my wishlist.
   
   I think LEGO is the perfect hobby for rainy days. It seems like a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon, especially when the weather isn’t great and you feel like staying indoors. Plus, there’s something satisfying about creating something piece by piece and seeing it come together in the end.
   
5. Coloring
   For my birthday in May, I got a lot of coloring books because I specifically asked for them. I love being able to sit outside in the shade and just color for a few hours. It’s such a simple, relaxing activity that helps me slow down and enjoy a quiet moment.
   
6. Write
   I also want to write more. I really love writing, whether it’s for my blog or for creating fictional stories. I definitely want to write more fiction, because it has been on my to-do list for a long time, and I have so many story ideas.
   It’s time to actually start putting them into words and maybe, eventually, publish them somewhere if I feel they are good enough.
   
7. Diy/Crafting
   I also want to be more creative again. The other day, I realized that I’m barely creative anymore. I want to create more and consume less. Creating a bullet journal sounds fun, and I’ve also thought about trying knitting. I’m not sure which creative activity I’m going to pick yet. Maybe I’ll even paint a wall a different color. Who knows!

Photo by Perfecto Capucine on Unsplash

The post My Summer Bucket List | 2026 first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post My Summer Bucket List | 2026 first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

I think I might have finally hit my quarter-life crisis. It happened not too long ago. I started thinking about my life, and I realized that this isn’t the life I wanted. Every day was exactly the same. I would wake up at 7, work from 9 until 7 or later, then come home, have dinner, read a little, and go back to bed at 10. I’ve been living like this for years. I wasn’t just living at all. I was just surviving.

I have to admit that this kind of routine isn’t great if you want to have a social life. My social life is practically nonexistent. And it’s not because my job is so amazing, it really isn’t. It’s just how I grew up. I was taught that I should do nothing because that was considered lazy.

But honestly, the moment I started reflecting on my life, I realized that I don’t even like it that much. As I mentioned, my social life is gone, I’m not the biggest fan of my job, and everything else just feels… meh. I understand that some unpleasant things are simply part of life. But I still have the power to make different decisions. I can choose myself: work fewer hours, rebuild my social life, and do all the things I’ve always wanted to do.

That’s why I decided to start posting on Substack again. I want to write about this journey of self-discovery and wanting to change my life. Another reason is that I think it would be fun to keep a diary of it all.

Sure, my life won’t change overnight. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take the first step toward my dream life today. One of the things I definitely want to improve is reducing doomscrolling and getting better sleep.

Photo by Dwidiyo Hanung on Unsplash

The post Why I Decided to Change My Life and Start Over first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Why I Decided to Change My Life and Start Over first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

I love making lists, including putting things on my wishlist, and I’ve decided to share the items on my wishlist with you. Right now, spring is around the corner, so you will mostly find spring and summer items on my list. I am so ready for more sunshine and warmer weather.

I also have a few other items on my wishlist—physical media, actually. I love using CDs because they bring back a lot of good memories. I also found a game that I would love to have on my Nintendo Switch 2.

Things on my Wishlist

1. Flowy dresses: I’m already thinking about the warmer weather, and that means flowy dresses. I would love to find one or two long, flowy dresses.
2. Trousers: I found these on a webshop (Takko Fashion), and they had them in several colors. I really liked this one. Unfortunately, it’s only available online. I hope they will also become available in stores, or maybe I’ll find something similar at thrift stores.
3. Cute tops: I wear dark colors most of the time. Most of the time you will see me wearing black. But I’m ready to start wearing some color, and I really liked the color of this top.
4. Tiered maxi skirt: I have been looking for something similar for so long. I don’t want to buy clothes online, so I hope I will find one in a physical store in my size.
5. Shorts: These look pretty short, to be honest. I prefer them to be a bit longer. Maybe I could also find a pair of long jeans and cut the legs off.
6. Keeps Gettin’ Better: A Decade of Hits: I loved Christina Aguilera when I was a kid, and I would love to have her greatest hits on one album.

1. Pink items: Pink doesn’t always look great on me because warmer, darker colors suit me better. But I thought maybe bright pink jeans or something similar could look nice with a dark or black top.
2. Flowy tops: I love cute, flowy tops, so hopefully I can find something similar as well.
3. Blouses: I love wearing blouses. I usually wear them open with a shirt underneath. I found this one and they had so many beautiful colors. Right now, I really like the purple/lilac one.
4. T-shirts with a little bit of color: It’s easy to create a simple look with a T-shirt like this and still look great. They’re comfy as well.
5. The Essential Britney Spears: I also loved Britney Spears growing up, and I would love to have her greatest hits on one album.
6. Pokopia: Last but not least. This game was released pretty recently. I wanted to wait and see if I would like it. I’ve watched some videos, and I think this might be the perfect game for me.

What is on your wishlist?

The post Things On My Wishlist (March 2026) first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Things On My Wishlist (March 2026) first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

Spring is around the corner, and it’s my favorite season. It’s not too hot, but also not too cold anymore. Everything starts to grow, there are cute baby animals everywhere, and we get to spend more time outside. As you can tell, I’m pretty excited for this new season. Over the last couple of months, I’ve spent a lot of time indoors because of the cold, and maybe I was a little affected by seasonal depression as well. But I’m definitely going to make the most of spring.

Things I want to do this Spring

1. Flea markets: One good thing about higher temperatures is that flea market season begins again. I love looking for special things at thrift stores, but now I can hunt for treasures outdoors at flea markets. Unfortunately, there are no fitting rooms at flea markets, so I’ll probably only look for CDs and books.
2. Walk: I wanted to spend more time outside during the winter, but the cold, snow, and seasonal depression kept me indoors. Now, I’m so ready to go for more walks on the weekends. Even just a simple walk to the stores sounds like the perfect plan.
3. Read lots of books: I was in a big reading slump around January and February because I wasn’t in a great mood. But now I’m back! Every night before bed I read, and on the weekends I read even more. It’s so relaxing, and reading really helps improve my mood. If the weather allows, I’d also love to read outside.
4. Be more creative: Apparently, according to Human Design, I am a Manifesting Generator, which basically means I have a lot of interests — and that is so true. I want to try building a LEGO set (Lilo & Stitch), I’d love to make something for my shelves, and I’d love to learn to play a song on my ukulele. I’ll never get bored!
5. Redecorate for spring: I want to (maybe) find something to store my growing CD collection, but I also want to add a little bit of spring decoration to my place. Right now, I’m obsessed with the color purple.
6. Shopping for colorful spring items: Of course, I’m going to check thrift stores first, because sometimes you find the best things. I’m an autumn type, which means that with my brown hair and green eyes, warm colors look best on me. But at the same time, I really want to wear more colorful pieces. So I’m going to look for colorful items that still suit me. I’m so excited to add some color to my closet — most of the time, I wear very dark colors or black.
7. Trying new food things: I think I’m going to dedicate at least one weekend to trying new foods and recipes. I always eat the same things, but maybe I’ll discover something delicious — a new favorite recipe or just something fun to try.
8. My birthday: My birthday is at the end of May, but I’m already excited! I don’t have to work, and it’s a long weekend, which means I can celebrate my birthday for three days straight. I’m not sure what my exact plans will be, but it will probably be something like this: eating chocolate cake and apple pie, reading a lot of books, opening my gifts, and just doing whatever I want.
9. Less doomscrolling: Do you know how hard it can be to stop doomscrolling? All of the social media apps are designed to keep you hooked, so it’s very addictive. But I want to stop doomscrolling and spend more time in the real world, living my life.
10. Decluttering: Spring is the perfect season to start fresh. Spring cleaning is something most people do, and I’m going to do it too. First, I’ll get rid of things I don’t need or use anymore. Then, I’ll do a deep clean so that everything is sparkling and fresh again.
11. Work on mental health: This winter was hard on my mental health. I was feeling extremely down, but of course I don’t want this seasonal depression to turn into something more serious, so I’m committed to doing the work to take care of myself.
12. Look for mini libraries: I’m not sure if this exists everywhere, but here in the Netherlands, you can put a mini library in your front yard. Other people can leave their books there, and you can take books too. I would love to visit a few of these mini libraries — maybe I should plan a bike trip to see several of them.
13. Celebrate holidays: I don’t know why, but somehow most of the holidays fall in spring. We have Easter coming up very soon, but there’s also King’s Day, Ascension, and Whit Sunday/Monday (which is on my birthday as well). I’m most excited for Easter because of the chocolate eggs — I love chocolate! — and I’m also excited for King’s Day. I don’t really go to the parties; I just enjoy visiting the flea markets.
14. Cozy Movie Nights: I haven’t done this in a while, and I really should bring my movie nights back. Sometimes people join me, and other times it’s just me — and that’s totally okay. I always make snacks and drinks, settle into my cozy spot, and enjoy the movie. This season is perfect for a romcom — love is in the air!
15. Do more Spa days at home: I’m imagining a cozy Sunday morning where you take a shower, put on a face mask, and maybe a foot mask so your feet are ready for flip-flop season. Painting your (toe)nails and doing all those little self-care things makes it so relaxing and fun.
16. Coloring books: Coloring books are super trendy right now, and I’ve been doing them for over ten years. Lately, I’m obsessed with the cute, themed coloring pages. Which is perfect, because I can probably find a spring-themed coloring book. It’s very relaxing, and that’s exactly what free time should be.
17. Create mocktails: I don’t drink alcohol, so I’m sticking to mocktails. Honestly, I’ve never tried making them before, but wouldn’t it be fun to make mocktails for my movie nights or a cozy reading day?
18. Try something new: I already want to try new recipes and foods — maybe some Korean or Mexican dishes — but I also think it would be good to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely new. I’m not exactly sure what my plan will be yet.
19. Maybe try a new game on my Switch 2: Right now, I’m mostly playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and I’m obsessed — I love that game! But I also want to try something different. I’ve been thinking about Tiny Bookshop or maybe Pokopia, which came out this month. I’ll probably wait for a discount or sale before picking it up.
20. Take better care of myself: I have days or even weeks when I go into self-destruction mode. I doomscroll, then I can’t sleep, and I end up super tired and hungry — which leads to eating a lot of junk food. I definitely want to start taking better care of myself.

The post Things I want to do this Spring first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Things I want to do this Spring first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

There’s something magical about a fresh year, a blank page full of possibilities. 2026 feels like the perfect time to focus on creating a more meaningful, cozy, and joyful life. I don’t want to rush or chase trends; I want to slow down, explore new things, and enjoy the little moments that make life feel special.

So, here are 26 things I want to do in 2026. It is a mix of personal goals, adventures, and habits to make the year feel intentional and full of growth.

26 Things I Want To Do in 2026

1. Read 100 Books: Reading makes me feel grounded and inspired. I want to get lost in stories, learn new things, and fall back in love with the simple joy of reading. I read every single day before bed and on the weekends a little bit more and I love it. And of course I am going to write reviews about those books too. You can find my book reviews here.
2. Go on 3 City Trips: Exploring new cities always gives me a fresh perspective. I’d love to wander through pretty streets, discover cafés, and soak up the energy of different places. I definitely want to go back to London and Paris, but I also want to visit Barcelona and an Italian city.
3. Go to 5–10 Concerts or Festivals: Live music makes me feel alive. I want to go to more concerts and festivals, big or small, and just enjoy being in the moment. I have nothing planned yet, but hopefully soon I will buy my first concert/festival tickets.
4. Bake More Often: I want to bake something every month. Cakes, cookies, bread, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about slowing down, making something cozy, and filling my home with that delicious smell.
5. Try New Foods and Recipes: This year, I want to try more Korean, Japanese, and Mexican dishes. Cooking is such a fun way to explore new cultures and flavors.
6. Write a Book: It’s a big dream, but I want to start writing my own book, even if it’s just a draft. Something personal, creative, and meaningful.
7. Visit a Museum: I’d love to spend a quiet afternoon at a museum, learning something new or getting lost in art and history.
8. Create a Capsule Wardrobe: Less clutter, more confidence. I want to simplify my closet and build a capsule wardrobe full of timeless pieces that make me feel like me.
9. Visit Beautiful Bookstores: There are so many stunning bookstores I want to visit, especially in Zwolle and Maastricht (both in The Netherlands). I could spend hours just browsing.
10. Be More Confident: Confidence doesn’t come overnight, but I want to trust myself more, speak up, and believe I’m capable.
11. Go to a Sports Game: I used to go to football games often, but I stopped going for several reasons. But I would love to go one again and maybe even watch a hockey game.
12. Make New Friends: Meeting kind, like-minded people is something I really hope for this year. Real friendships that feel easy and genuine.
13. Do More Things Alone: I want to take myself out more, to cafés, cinemas, concerts, or restaurants. Learning to enjoy my own company feels empowering. It can feel strange to do things alone, but it is actually not that bad.
14. Go to a Musical: I am not even sure if I have ever seen a musical live. But I think it is time. I am not sure what musicals are playing this year but I hope something fun is playing.
15. Create My Dream Home: Whether it’s redecorating or moving somewhere new, I want to create a cozy, inspiring space that feels like my safe place.
16. Get Over My Fear of Flying: This one’s big, but I want to finally feel calm and confident on a plane, so I can explore more of the world.
17. Go to 5 Events: Not just concerts or festivals but talks, markets, book events, or creative workshops. I want to say yes to experiences.
18. Post More on YouTube: I want to share more of my life online. I already have ideas what I want to create but somehow I am waiting for the perfect moment. But let’s be honest, the perfect moment to begin is always NOW.
19. Go to London to Buy Books: It’s such a dream of mine to spend a weekend in London just exploring bookshops and coming home with a suitcase full of stories. Books are a lot cheaper in London, so I will bring an empty suitcase and bring back lots of books.
20. Learn to Play a Song on the Ukulele: Just one song, simple, fun, and something that makes me smile.
21. Stick to My Sleep Schedule: No screens after 8:30, read before bed, and fall asleep between 10 and 11. I know good sleep changes everything. It is good for my mood, energy, and focus.
22. Simplify My Life : I want to let go of the need to do it all, no 10-step skincare, no endless scrolling, no trendy pressure. Just minimalism, calm, and saying no to protect my peace.
23. No Social Media Sundays: One day every week without screens. To read, rest, cook, or simply be. It doesn’t have to be a Sunday, but I feel like it is the easiest day to disconnect.
24. Do Something I Haven’t Done in Years: Like ice skating, roller skating, or anything nostalgic. I want to bring back small joys I’ve forgotten. And of course I also want to try something new.
25. Romanticize My Life: Drink tea from a pretty cup, dress up nicely, light candles, and make every ordinary day feel special.
26. Keep a Gratitude List: Every day or week, I want to write down things I’m thankful for. My mind often focuses on the negative, but I already feel it shifting and I want that to grow.

The post 26 Things I Want to Do in 2026 first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post 26 Things I Want to Do in 2026 first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

Christmas is over, and 2026 is around the corner. This time of year is the perfect moment to reflect on the past year and think about what you want in the year ahead. Who do you want to be in 2026? What wasn’t really working for you? What went wrong this year? These are a few questions I asked myself. Eventually, I made a list of things I am leaving behind in 2025.

Things I am Leaving Behind In 2025

Negative self-talk
I started paying attention to what I was actually thinking, and that’s when I realized how negative my thoughts often are. I had negative thoughts about myself and about life in general. I know I won’t change that overnight, but I’m going to do my best to start thinking more positively about myself. I am much more capable than I think. I want to stop being so hard on myself — it’s really not necessary.

Doomscrolling
Compared to some other people, my screen time wasn’t that bad. My average screen time was around 4 to 5 hours every single day. Even though that might be below average, I still think it’s way too much — especially when I realized that most of that time was spent doomscrolling. It won’t be easy to stop, but I’m going to try. I’m keeping my social media apps because I enjoy creating content, but I’ll only use my phone for content creation or staying in touch with friends and family — not for mindless scrolling.

Toxic people
I’ve had enough of people who drain my energy. I’ve tried so hard to change them, but this year I finally realized that I never will be able to. What I can control is how I respond. I can walk away from toxic relationships. In 2026, I’m choosing myself. I want to live in peace and surround myself with people who respect me, care about me, and love me. I deserve that.

Comparing myself to others
Social media can be fun, but it also has its downsides — and comparing yourself to others is one of them. Sometimes I think someone is prettier than me, happier than me, or has something I want, and I feel jealous. But I am already good enough. And just because someone only posts selfies and is always smiling doesn’t mean they’re actually happy. They can still struggle with depression or anxiety.

Procrastinating
I procrastinated a lot this past year, and I’m done with that. Now that it’s the end of 2025, I’m already making sure I stay focused. I make daily to-do lists and still leave room for fun, because balance is important. But I’m done putting things off — I’m working on my dreams.

Overconsumption
To be honest, I bought quite a few things this year that I didn’t really need. Some of them were beauty items I never used. Whenever I saw something cute or pretty, I felt the urge to buy it. In 2026, I want to be more mindful. I’ll only buy things I truly love. No impulse buying. If I see something I like, I’ll put it on a wishlist — and if I still want it after weeks or months, then maybe I’ll buy it.

Trying to change others
Like I mentioned before, I’m someone who wants to help when I see people struggling. But people can only change if they want to. Otherwise, it won’t work. I’m no longer wasting my energy trying to fix others unless they ask for help.

The post Things I am Leaving Behind in 2025 first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Things I am Leaving Behind in 2025 first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

It’s December, and that means a new season has officially begun. It is officially winter. Winter is my least favorite season because of the endless grey skies and the lack of sunlight. But this year, I’m trying to stay a little more positive. This winter, I’m focusing on myself: taking care of my mind and body, and making more time for fun. So this a list of things I want to do this winter.

Things I want to do this winter

Celebrate Christmas: December means the holiday season, and I am so ready for it. I love everything about this time of year and the cozy vibe that comes with it.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve: The last day of the year might be my favorite. It’s always a very cozy and lazy day. I’m going to watch some fun movies and read a bit. Instead of making a full meal, we’re going to make a charcuterie board like we do every year, eat ice cream, and snack on a few treats. At midnight we watch the fireworks, and then go to bed around 2 or 3.
Christmas Markets: December also means Christmas markets, and I’m planning to visit two this year.
Enjoy My Work-Free Weeks: From December 6 until the end of the month, I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. No work. Just Christmas movies all day if I feel like it.
Walk More: I want to go for a walk every single day during my vacation, and hopefully continue the habit afterward.
Less Screen Time: I’m addicted to my phone, and it’s hard to stay off it. I’m planning a few intentional moments each day when I can check my phone for a couple of minutes.
Read a Lot: Since I want to spend less time on my phone, I’ll probably have more time to read. And during my vacation, I’ll have plenty of time for books.
Declutter: I want to get rid of things I no longer like or use. This time of year is perfect for cleaning your whole space and starting 2026 fresh.
Make a Vision Board: I do this every year. I make a vision board with Canva and use it as the wallpaper on my phone, tablet, and laptop so I see it all the time.
Create the Perfect Wardrobe: I want to go through all my clothes, donate the items I won’t wear anymore, and maybe add a few new pieces. My style has changed, and I still have items from years ago. I want more basics.
Take Winter Photos: If we’re lucky, we might get some snow. And even though I don’t love the cold, I do love how magical everything looks when the world is covered in white. I love taking photos of snowy days.
Stay Focused on My Goals: I have good and bad days, and that’s normal. But on the bad days, I often forget about my healthy new habits and slip back into the old version of myself.
Create a Gratitude Journal: I always hear people talk about keeping a gratitude journal. I want to try it and see if it actually helps my mental health.
Watch the Winter Olympics: I always love watching the Olympics. I’ll probably watch speed skating and short track because those are my favorite winter sports, but maybe I’ll try watching a few others as well.

Photo by Bryony Elena on Unsplash

The post Things I Want To Do This Winter first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Things I Want To Do This Winter first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

It is almost my birthday (May 25th) and I am pretty excited. I am so excited I took the whole off from work to celebrate it. I am not even kidding. A week long, I am just going to do whatever I want to do and eat whatever I want to ear. Of course, when it is your birthday, it is likely that you will receive some gifts. I love receiving (and giving) gifts. To be honest, I already have everything I need. But I still decided to make a birthday wishlist, because I love making (wish)lists.

Birthday Wishlist

As you can see, my birthday wishlist this year is not so long or big.

1. Coloring books: I love these kinds of coloring books! The pages are cute and not too complicated—I like simplicity. You can find tons of them on Amazon, and I’m obsessed.
2. Books: I love reading, so any book or even a book gift card is always a great gift.
3. CD Rosie: I absolutely love Rosé’s voice. I’ve been a fan since the beginning of BLACKPINK, and I was so happy when she released a full album. Her voice is just so angelic.
4. CD Gracie Abrams: I listen to this album all the time on Spotify and would love to add a physical copy to my CD collection. My rule for CDs is that I only buy them if I truly love the whole album—and I still listen to this one months later.
5. Animal Crossing: I know a few people who have this game on the Nintendo Switch, and I’m obsessed. It was super popular during the pandemic, so I’m a bit late to the trend—but I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t get bored of it quickly!
6. Nintendo Switch 2: This new version comes out about a week and a half after my birthday. I’ve wanted a Nintendo Switch for over a year, so I’ve decided to wait a little longer and go for the upgraded version.
7. Tiered Skirt: These skirts are all over social media right now! I love the look, but I’ve never found the one in stores or thrift shops. I saw only one at Primark once, but it was see-through—so I passed. I don’t love shopping online, so this is still on my list.
8. Essence Orange Nail polish: I always do my nails myself and love using Essence nail polish. It’s super affordable and lasts a long time. My orange bottle is empty now, so I’d love a new one.

The post Birthday Wishlist (May 2025) first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Birthday Wishlist (May 2025) first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

Hey you!

It feels surreal to be typing up a blog post again. If you’ve been following me on social media, you already know I haven’t exactly disappeared. I’ve still been active on TikTok and Instagram, sharing quotes, relatable moments, little joys, and the occasional haul or aesthetic post. But something’s been missing — and that something is this. Writing.

Blogging has always been a space where I can slow down and reflect, not just scroll and post. It’s where I can truly be myself, share stories behind the scenes, go deeper than a 60-second video, and connect with you in a way that feels more personal. And after taking a break (or… maybe a detour?), I’ve realized just how much I’ve missed it.

So, here we are — back at it.

And since I’ve grown and changed a little (okay, a lot) since the last time I was consistently blogging, I figured a reintroduction was in order. Whether you’ve been following me for years or just recently stumbled upon this corner of the internet, here are 10 fun, personal, and maybe a little random facts about me to kick things off!

10 Facts about me

1. I have way too many hobbies
Well, maybe the real problem is that I just don’t have enough time for all of them. I love watching Netflix to relax, reading lots of books, and I recently bought some cute coloring books. I also have a ukulele that I still need to learn how to play. Other things I enjoy include scrolling through Pinterest and giving myself spa treatments at home (clay masks, doing my nails, etc.). And of course, I’ve decided to add another hobby to my already very long list. My birthday is at the end of May, and I thought it would be a great idea to ask for money so I can buy the Nintendo Switch 2. I really want to play Mario and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

2. I mostly watch and read romance
Honestly, 99% of the content I consume is romance—books, shows, and movies. I just love the happy vibes it gives me. There’s something so comforting and heartwarming about watching or reading people fall in love. It makes me genuinely happy.

3. Trying lots of new things
I stayed in my comfort zone for such a long time, and for a while, I was okay with that. But now I’m craving new experiences. I’ve been trying new recipes and foods, attending events by myself, and more—and surprisingly, I’m actually enjoying it. Sure, I might discover that I don’t like certain things, but at least I can say I tried.

4. I have a creative mind
Yes, I have way too many thoughts during the day, but some of them are actually fun! I create random stories in my head (I really need to start writing them down—maybe on Wattpad?). I also make up silly songs while doing things around the house. If you’ve ever watched New Girl, you’ll know how Jess (Zooey Deschanel) does that—yeah, I do the same. My mind is always coming up with something new, whether it’s a goofy song, a story idea, or content for my blog and socials.

5. I want to learn new languages
Again, time is the issue. I know I can’t become fluent overnight, but I’d love to improve my French and German, and also learn Spanish and Italian. I try to use Duolingo every day—it’s tough to remember, but somehow I’ve managed to keep a 814-day streak (as of May 1st)!

6. I love many things about Italy
Even though I’ve never been to Italy (hopefully soon!), I already love so much about it. First of all: the food. I could probably live on Italian food for a year and be totally fine. I also love the language (which is why I want to learn it). Italian music sounds absolutely beautiful, even if I have no idea what they’re singing about.

7. I have a very strict sleep routine
I’ve dealt with sleep issues for years. There was a time when I barely slept for months—it seriously affected my mental health. I had a few meltdowns, usually late at night. But now I finally have a routine that kind of works. I avoid screens after 8:30 PM (except for my e-reader), go to bed at the same time every night, and try not to overthink. After 8 PM, I start winding down with journaling, writing a to-do list for the next day, and doing some self-care. Then I read in bed. I also sometimes take magnesium supplements to help me sleep deeper.

8. I had a small role in a music video
Okay, the band doesn’t exist anymore, but it was such a cool experience! Yes, there was a lot of waiting around between takes, and we had to do multiple retakes. It was a super long day—I started in the morning and didn’t get home until after midnight. But I had so much fun and would definitely do it again. I’ve been thinking about getting into that kind of thing again, even if it’s just as an extra.

9. I can be a little bit old school
I bought a CD player last year and honestly, I love listening to my CDs. Sometimes I like to go offline for a day or two—which means no Spotify, no scrolling. I have a Galaxy S24, but I mostly use it to create content. That’s why I sometimes reply to texts late. I’m working on having a healthier relationship with my phone, so I check messages only about 3–4 times a day.

10. The perfect day
My perfect day would look something like this: I wake up between 7 and 8 AM, walk to the supermarket to grab some delicious bakery treats (and get a bit of exercise), then come home and read a cute romance novel in the garden while doing some self-care (face mask, painting my nails). In the early afternoon, I’d go out and do something fun—maybe visit a thrift store, a bookshop, or just go shopping. Later, I’d head home, eat something Italian for dinner, and watch an episode of whatever show I’m currently into. I’d end the night with a little snack (cheese or chocolate, depending on my mood), turn off all screens after 8 PM, and read before bed.

The post 10 Facts About Me (Because I’m Officially Back!) first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post 10 Facts About Me (Because I’m Officially Back!) first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

I love making lists, but especially wishlists. This doesn’t have to mean that I will buy all of the things that are on my wishlist or get the exact thing. I prefer to think about the things I want to buy, so I won’t buy it and then never use it or hate it. But right now I have quite a few things on my wishlist. Some things have been on my wishlist for forever at this point, and other things are pretty new on my wishlist because I recently went to the Ikea and saw a couple of things, and other things are on this list because I am in a spring and/or cozy mood.

My wishlist

HOME WISHLIST

As I mentioned, I went to the Ikea the other day and saw a couple of things.

1. Besta. Storage combination. At first I was looking for the Eket model. I saw that one everywhere on TikTok and it looked really nice. I wanted to use it to store my CDs. But right now, I think this Besta is just prettier and more functional.
2. Step stool. I am the shortest, but I am below average, and it is hard to reach for certain things/spots to clean. I am not sure if I would go for this one however. I think a foldable is just smarter, since I won’t be using it all the time.
3. Set of 3 bowls. This one is also from the Ikea, and I wanted to buy it, but I couldn’t find it except for the show models. But these are useful for dips etcetera.
4. Mirror. This is the Ikornnes mirror from the Ikea, and I liked this one. It is big enough. It is 167 cm long, which is full length for me. And you can hang your outfit for the next day on the back of the mirror.
5. Duvet covers. I really need new duvet covers. I’ve been using the same ones for many years now and you can tell. The other days, I saw a couple of holes in it. So yes, I think it is time to replace them.
6. Ikea 365 food container. Always useful for storing food and I had one, but now I don’t anymore. And I really want to store my food.

Wishlist for Fun

Of course, I have a couple of things on my wishlist that I like to have, just for fun.

1. Rosie CD. I love Blackpink and I love Rosie’s solo album. I just love her voice and her songs.
2. Gracie Abrams CD. This is another CD I would like to add to my collection. I love her voice as well and the songs are pretty good and fun.
3. Flowy Maxi Skirt. I don’t know what a skirt like this is called, but I love it and I have been looking for one for such a long time now. I always look for it at the thrift stores and when I go shopping at the Primark/H&M, but still no luck so far. But spring/summer season is almost here, so I guess I will have more luck then. And I know I can order things online, but I prefer not to. I only order online when it is necessary.
4. Essence Nailpolish. I always wear nailpolish, but it makes me outfit complete. And since it is basically spring, I definitely want to add more colorful nailpolishes to my collection. In case you are wonder, the names of these nailpolishes are (from left to right): Isn’t she minty, Aloha Papaya, Pinkventures, I lilac you, Yellow there. Essence in my favorite brand. It is cheap, they have a great collection of colors and the quality is not too bad.
5. Coloring books. I recently found a couple of coloring books that look simply amazing and cute. A couple of my favorite coloring book brands are: Coco Wyo, Bogiki, Jade Summer, Vivi Tinta, Smith and Daisy.

The post My Wishlist | March 2025 first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post My Wishlist | March 2025 first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>