» DECEMBER
A lot has changed, so many exciting things are happening and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.
As you may or may not know, I graduated this summer. Officially MSc now (in molecular biology). I started a new job and I’ve just been so busy with life (how cliche is that?).
I miss summer though, hence this super summery picture, where I literally was living in these ugly wide pants (so comfy and breezy) and a long sleeved tee. I got a thing for wide leg pants apparently. Should I do a style post? Do people still do that?
Sometimes I feel like I should talk about more important things. It’s not all about what you wear or what you bought. Life is so much deeper than that and I really don’t want this blog to turn into a superficial platform portraying the perfect life, because
my life is far from perfect.
So help me out, what would you like more of?
xox
» HAPPIEST TIME OF MY LIFE?
Picture from Lundakarnevalen 2018. Went to see Sabina Ddumba and Kaliffa and enjoy student life for the last time.
Guys I can't believe I'm graduating in a week! Well, the ceremony is in a week but my dissertation is in 3 weeks, but still.
6 years of mental breakdowns, juggling part-time jobs, a couple of re-takes, a semester abroad and some super cool nation brunches later I am graduating!
It hasn't been easy. In fact, it has been very challenging, both mentally and physically, with weight gain and weight loss, sleepless nights and 1 am phone calls trying to figure out the correct answer to the journal clubs questions. If I'm being completely honest, 8 times out of 10 I had no idea what I was doing. I never really fit in at Uni and completely hated my second year there, which ended up in me skipping all (not kidding: all!) lectures. Year 3-4 is when I found my place there and figured myself out.
I was 17 when I started (turned 18 20 days later) and had no idea what I was doing or if it was the right course for me. Now I can't imagine myself doing anything else (unless I can travel for a living, in that case I'm lying).
I really don't feel like this is the happiest time of my life. Stressful? Yes. Nervwracking? Yes. But happy? Maybe I'll get into the spirit soon, but either way.
This is the final countdown
(please sing it in your head while you're reading this).
Also, would you guys be interested in a vlog on my graduation day/ceremony?
xox,
Laila
» RAMADAN KAREEM
Another year, another Ramadan.
Ramadan Kareem my loves ♥
I wish you all a very blessed month.
//
Ännu ett år, ännu en Ramadan-månad.
Ramadan Kareem älsklingar ♥
Jag önskar er alla en välsignad månad.
» HOW TO MONDAY: STUDY FOR FINALS ON A HOLIDAY
We've all been there. Finals are coming up, you're stressed af and you've got a couple of days (or a week) to go through all the course material and ace your exam.
You decide to book a trip for that one week. What do you do?
I've put together this guide to help you study for your exams while you're on holiday. This won't work if you haven't done anything throughout your course because you'll need all your lecture notes and assignments, labs, whatever to get through this while also enjoying your holiday (this is mainly for sunny holidays, no big city getaways).
1. You've booked your trip and your exam is in a three weeks.
Start summarizing the chapters. Highlight everything important. Go over anything you didn't fully grasp with your friends or teachers.
2. Try to find as many old exams as possible.
Trust me on this one. They'll be crucial for passing your exam because they'll act as a guide so you'll know what type of questions to expect and how many details you should focus on.
3. You've gone through old exams and you've summarized the important chapters.
Start making a one week plan for when you're gonna be away. It could go like this: wake up at 8 and study for 2 hours, have some breakfast, go on a walk/swim/sunbathe and study until lunch and then keep studying till dinner and take the rest of the night off. That's pretty much what I did. And I managed to get in both activities, getting sunburnt, gym and all that good stuff.
4. Pack a small whiteboard and create a group chat.
The whiteboard is for you to make mind maps of everything important + saves on bringing paper. And the group chat is so you can ask questions/explain things for your classmates. Nothing prepares your for an exam more than having someone ask you to explain something.
5. Remember that it's more important to understand the material than to memorize it.
Let me know if this was helpful and if you'd like more uni-related posts in the future.
Happy studying!
xox
» MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas you guys!
I had a super cozy christmas eve with my family yesterday. Food and movie marathon included.
Hope you guys had a lovely Christmas.
xox
//
God jul hörni!
Jag hade en superhärlig julafton med familjen igår. Såklart med mat och en massa filmmys.
Hoppas att ni också har haft det mysigt.
xox
» HALLOWEEN 2017
Because of finals (as always), I wasn't very creative with my halloween costume this year so I opted for a makeup look instead. I decided to be melted ice cream/candy/diabetes aka the deadliest thing ever.
Sadly I don't have a blog friendly picture with the full outfit (aka just a dress because I'm boring).
What did you guys do for halloween?
xox
//
På grund av tentaperiod kunde jag inte vara så kreativ med min halloween outfit i år så jag körde bara på en sminkning istället. Jag var smält glass/godis/diabetes som också är det mest dödliga (läskigt sådär kanske?).
Såklart har jag ingen bild på hela outfiten som består av en vanlig klänning för jag är lite tråkig.
Vad gjorde ni på halloween?
xox
» WHAT DID I ACTUALLY DO IN LONDON?
Hey guys!
I've gotten a few questions lately about what I was doing in London and how I found it. So I thought why not write a blog post about this.
As many of you guys may or may not know, I'm still at uni (master's courses now though). I knew that the one thing I really wanted to do before graduating from university was to do a semester abroad.
And that's what I did in London.
Since my university (the one in Sweden) doesn't have any connections with universities in London (they have connections with UK, just not London specifically), and I had already specified what city I wanted to be in, I thought that I should do an internship/traineeship abroad. So I started emailing a bunch of universities in London last November. I literally found a list of universities and was emailing and calling them like crazy. By December, I got one offer from an amazing university that I could start my traineeship in January. But, as life is very unexpected, that didn't work out. So I started a new course at my home university and kept applying for traineeships. When I was about to give up, I got an offer from the university I went to this Spring/Summer.
That was the best decision I've ever made.
Once they've agreed and decided when I could start, I contacted my study councelor and the people responsible for Erasmus. Before I knew it, all the forms were signed and I was on a plane to London (you can read that story here).
I was working on a project there to look into whether or not head lice are a potential risk for infection. So we did DNA extractions, some cultivation (just one, because science never listens to your plans), and lots and lots of PCR. PCR has a soul of its own. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't - all depending on its mood.
I hope this post answered some of your questions.
xox,
Laila
//
Hej bloggen!
Jag har fått en hel del frågor om vad jag gjorde i London, och hur jag hittade det. Så jag tänkte skriva ett inlägg om detta.
Som många av er vet (eller inte), pluggar jag fortfarande på universitet. Jag visste att jag verkligen ville studera utomlands en termin innan jag tog examen, och det är exakt det jag gjorde i London.
Eftersom mitt universitet hemma inte hade några samarbeten med universitet i London (de hade samarbeten med andra universitet i UK), och eftersom jag verkligen visste vilken stad jag ville vara i (London), tänkte jag att jag istället borde praktisera utomlands. Jag började mejla en massa universitet i London förra november. Jag hittade en lista över alla universitet som fanns i London (och som jag var intresserad av), och började mejla och ringa dem. I December hade jag fått ett erbjudande av ett universitet och kunde påbörja praktiken i Januari. Men eftersom livet är väldigt oförutsägbart, funkade det inte. Så jag läste en ny kurs hemma och fortsatte söka efter praktik. När jag var nära på att ge upp, fick jag ett erbjudande från universitetet där jag praktiserade i år.
Det var det bästa beslutet någonsin.
När de hade bestämt när jag kunde börja, kontaktade jag min studievägledare och de som är ansvariga för Erasmus på min skola. Innan jag visste ordet av, hade alla papper skrivits under och jag var på ett flyg till London (ni kan läsa om detta här).
Jag jobbade på ett projekt där vi skulle kolla om huvudlöss kan vara en hälsorisk. Så det blev en hel del DNA extraktioner, kultiveringar, och en massa PCR.
Jag hoppas att detta besvarade en del av era frågor.
xox,
Laila
» TWENTYTHREE
It happened. Again. Yesterday was my birthday.
I'm 23 now. Let's try to remember that and not have a brain freeze whenever someone asks how old I am.
At 00:00, my babes threw stones (or was it something else?) on my window and sang me happy birthday with cake and presents. Then we ended up chilling all night, going out makeup-free (and in our hoodies) for some takeout in the middle of the night, and just watching a bunch of movies.
The next day (on my birthday morning), we had family brunch with lots of cake and coffee. Then we got ready to go to Copenhagen for dinner, which was lovely.
Basically I had a great birthday.
Thanks girls! ♥
» EID MUBARAK
This picture is an iPhone pic because everyone ended up bringing lots of food
» SHOPPING IN THE RAIN
Today I went to Oxford street because I have been on the hunt for a lightweight trenchcoat/duster for a while now. And I found the one - in a light grey. I also picked up a few other things like a flamingo lamp (?) and individual lashes from Primark because I've heard that they're as good as Ardell - my all time faves (I don't like full strip lashes, so I do individuals).
The reason I even decided to go in the rain was because I thought I'd be able to avoid the crowds. Obviously I was wrong..
Also, I can't believe that this is my last Wednesday in London. Where has time gone?
xox
//
Jag har nog fått världens jobbigaste huvudvärk efter att ha gått runt i regnet. Är jag den enda som får regn-relaterade huvudvärk?
Idag har jag gått runt i Oxford street på jakt efter en tunn trenchcoat, som jag hittade (i ljusgrå). Jag plockade även med mig ett par andra saker, som flamingolampan (?) och individuella ögonfransar från Primark för att jag har hört att de ska vara lika bra som Ardell - mina absoluta favoriter (jag gillar förresten inte en hel "strip" av ögonfransar på mig själv, därför kör jag alltid på individuella).
Anledningen till varför jag överhuvudtaget gick ut i regnet var för att jag trodde att jag skulle undivika folkmassorna. Såklart hade jag fel..
Jag kan inte fatta att detta är sista onsdagen i London. Vart tog tiden vägen?
xox
» RAMADAN KAREEM
Ramadan Kareem to all you beautiful people.
Thank you for sticking with me through my not so very active blogging moments. I'll try to update you more during Ramadan and plan some fun posts.
xox
//
Ramadan Kareem till alla ni vackra människor.
Tack för att ni står ut med min bloggtorka. Jag ska försöka uppdatera er mer under Ramadan och planera roliga inlägg.
xox
» VALBORG
I went home for the weekend! Obviously couldn't miss my brothers bday, my sister being there (= the whole family is reunited) and valborg (happens to be on my brothers birthday). Also, my cousin was visiting from NZ.
Does this justify me going home after six weeks in London? K thanks.
My weekend was lovely, and I have fun things planned for this weekend too (my friend is visiting me!).
Watch this space for more pictures and outfit posts.
How was your weekend?
xox
//
Jag åkte hem över helgen! Jag kunde självklart inte missa min brors födelsedag, att min syster också skulle vara hemma (= hela familjen är samlad) och valborg (råkar inträffa på brorsans födelsedag). Dessutom var min kusin på besök från NZ.
Jag vet inte vem det är jag försöker övertala, men ger detta mig rätt att åka hem efter sex veckor här? Tack.
Min helg har varit underbar, och jag har en del planerat denna helg med (min kompis kommer på besök!).
Håll utkik efter fler bilder och outfit inlägg.
Hur har er helg varit?
xox
» 170206
It's been such a long day with lectures and lab during lunch break and after lecture.. But it got better when I got home, because I just found out that I not only passed my thesis, but I got an A (VG)!!! Like what?!
Things are a bit hectic at the moment because of some exciting things later this month and in March. So stay tuned, I might even do a vlog!
Since you guys are increasing (THANK YOU!), I am thinking of maybe doing a Q&A soon (if someone has questions haha (imaginging an empty Q&A post)).
xox
//
Trevlig Måndag älsklingar!
Det har varit en väldigt lång dag med föreläsningar och labb under lunchen och efter föreläsning.. Men allt blev bättre när jag kom hem, för att jag fick reda på att jag inte bara blev godkänd på mitt examensarbete, men jag fick VG!!! Alltså va?!
Saker är lite hektiska i nuläget för att det händer spännande saker senare denna månad och i mars. Så håll utkik, jag kanske även gör en vlog!
Eftersom ni bara blir fler (TACK!), tänkte jag kanske göra en Q&A snart (om någon har några frågor haha (föreställer mig ett tomt Q&A inlägg)).
xox
» FIKA
Best word ever invented is 'fika'. And Ikea has awesome fika.
I finally got a mirror to my room, so I'm almost (10 years later..jk) done with it.
I've also had Quality Street candies and watched a movie today. It was a very needed lazy Saturday.
Btw, I'm thinking of starting to do an ootd on the blog. Would you guys be interested in that?
xx
//
Bästa ordet någonsin är 'fika'. Och Ikea har jättebra fika.
Äntligen köpte jag en spegel till mitt rum, så jag är nästan (10 år senare..skojar) klar med det.
Jag har också ätit Quality Street godis och tittat på film idag. Det var en välbehövd slapp-lördag.
Förresten, jag funderar på att börja med ootd på bloggen. Är ni intresserade av det?
xx
» 2:23 AM
» AVOCADO ON TOAST
You guys.. I LOVE LOVE LOVE avocado on toast. Could eat it all day every day..
Yesterday I had my thesis dissertation, which went surprisingly well. I'm so thankful for everything.
Let's talk about the good quality pics again, shall we?
New camera → I can take blog pics again!
I'm working on a few blog posts at the moment, so stay tuned. One of them should be up later today.
For now I think I might just go for a walk. Anyone else who completely cut out sugar (but obv not carbs) after Christmas? Seriously, the amount of food I ate, I'm surprised I didn't put on more than 1 kg.
Have a lovely Saturday!
xox,
Laila
» STUDY BLUES
Snapchat picture.
Hey guys!
I dropped my sister off at the airport today - sad times (if you read this: come back!!).
Then I got Red Bull and went to uni to study. If you've followed my blog for long, you might know (or realize) that I never have energy drinks. I don't like them, and I don't like what they do to your body. I've also never had a full energy drink before, only a sip here and there - you get the point.
Anyway, so I decided that since my thesis is due tomorrow (I just got an email saying that I got an extra day extension because the first version was sent to me a week later than everyone else, but that's another story. So since my thesis is due tomorrow (or tuesday), I thought that I'd need that energy drink to stay up late.
Also, can we talk about how insanely slippery the roads are? I keep driving 70km/h on 110km/h high ways..
Back to the energy drink: I had a couple of sips. And ofc I had to mess up and get the sugar free one, which meant that it was disgusting. I seriously don't understand how people keep drinking it. Moral of this story: don't try new things that you know don't work for you..
In general, I just feel super stressed out, so I don't really have anything exciting to blog about. Maybe I will do a makeup favs post? Or fav concealers - since I've been buying them like there's no tomorrow..
Goodnight lovelies.
Have a lovely first day at school/uni(/work) tomorrow/this week!
xox,
Laila
» ICE SKATING
Today I went ice skating with Mona and Adam - super fun.. ("fun").
We already went ice skating a couple weeks ago, but this time my skates felt a lot bigger than last time.
Super weird.
Nonetheless (love the sound of that word), it was a fun experience, despite everything.
I feel like the first 5-10 mins (or 20 in my case, lol) you have to gain courage and confidence to actually do your best, and to also remember how to not fall face first. And then you'll actually remember how to skate (lol).
Please tell me I'm not alone in this. Don't leave a (wo)man hanging.
Right now I'm trying to work on my thesis - final version is due on monday.. And I'm not even stressing, even though I should.
Goodnight lovelies!
xox,
Laila
//
Idag åkte jag skridskor med Mona och Adam - jättekul.. (eller "kul").
Vi åkte för ett par veckor sen, men denna gången kändes det som att mina skridskor var för stora än förra gången.
Jättekonstigt, men det var ändå kul.
Jag tycker att de första 5-10 minuterna (eller 20 i mitt fall, lol) måste man samla på sig lite mod och självförtroende för att kunna åka bra (eller försöka), och för att komma ihåg hur man inte ramlar. Sen brukar man (jag) minnas hur man åker.
Snälla säg att jag inte är den enda som gör så.
Just nu skriver jag på mitt arbete - slutversionen ska lämnas in på måndag.. Och jag är inte ens stressad än, trots att jag borde börja stressa.
Förresten, vad tycker ni om att jag skriver på både svenska och engelska? Ska jag göra såhär framöver?
Godnatt!
xox,
Laila
» 2017
I had a great ending of the year, celebrated with family (70 family members to be precise).
By 11pm, a bunch of us went down to the city for the countdown and to watch the fireworks - they are always amazing to watch.
For the first couple of days of this new year, I have been living in my workout leggings (because is there anything more comfy?), and been too lazy to put on any makeup. Let that skin breathe, right?
A year ago, I would never step a foot outside the house without makeup. It's funny how things can change in a year - thanks to antibiotics (ex acne girl).
I'm gonna keep doing absolutely nothing this week, and just hang out with my family. Maybe even throw in some study sessions. Most importantly, it's when you sit back and enjoy the ride, when great things tend to come your way.
Btw guys, I'm thinking about giving the blog a highly needed makeover and changing the name. Any ideas?
xox,
Laila
» GINGERBREAD HOUSE + NYE
I'm currently writing with a face mask on my face, and nails that I'm halfway through painting..
Can you guys believe that this year is almost over? It's crazy!
I'll write a post that sums up this year, which had been an amazing year for me. But I'm not sure if I can post it today. So stay tuned.
Have a lovely day you guys!
Love,
Laila