books

the books dear to my heart

1:14 PM

I always love to read, but when the weather outside my window is wet and foggy, there is nothing I would rather do than read a novel. Below are my 5 favorites of all time which I will read and re-read for the rest of my life. Brew yourself a warm espresso and enjoy. x

1. "Wuthering Heights" -Emily Brönte 

There are few things in this world that I cherish more than this beautiful novel. The words on every page make me feel every way a heart can feel: broken, loved, lost, healed. Every time, its beauty and tragedy sweeps me into Catherine and Heathcliff's world of woe. My precious copy of this novel is filled with tear-stained pages and blurred ink. For me, nothing on this earth compares to this gem. 

I love my old, vintage copy of this novel. The pages are rustic and beige, adding a certain sweetness to it. 

2. "Lolita" -Vladimir Nabokov 

Something about this classic work of art grasped my curiosity after the first few paragraphs. I was instantly drawn in by the strong words and feelings expressed by Humbert Humbert. He is dangerous and capable of murder, yet his beautiful, soft language seduces every reader. If you are a lover of English language at its finest as well as a passionate plot about love, this is the novel for you. 


3. "The Great Gatsby" -F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing is so lovely and compelling; always inspires me to pick up my pen and start composing. Set in the Roaring 20's and filled with love, passion, and life, 'Gatsby' is one of those novels I always have by my bedside. The characters' distinct personalities allow the reader to connect on a more personal & detailed level which adds to the richness of this alluring story. 






4. "Anne of Green Gables" -L.M. Montgomery  

When I use the phrase 'dear to my heart' I instantly think of the Anne series. Since I was a little girl, Anne was one girl/person I tried to model my life after. When my mother first read the books to me at 6 years old, I instantly connected with Anne's character as I felt she and I were kindred spirits, just like her and Diana. And now, 10 years later, the similarities have only increased. You see, I have a Gilbert in my own life...this in itself makes this enchanting story feel as though it belongs to my heart. 



5. "The Gorgeous Nothings: envelope poems" - Emily Dickinson

Poetry, in my opinion, is the most exquisite and marvelous form of writing. It has the marvelous power to reach the reader's soul in so few words, which I find so fascinating and enigmatic. Emily Dickinson knew how to create the smallest yet most beautiful poems which touch my soul softly yet lovingly. If you ever see me sitting in a corner of a little coffee shop sipping a cappuccino, I will most always have this little booklet of her envelope poems in my hand... 


xoxo, Viktoria 

body care

the little things that make me happy

2:10 PM

I find joy in the little things in everyday life such the warm, flickering flame of a candle or the smell of a book when you flip through its pages for the first time. In such a vast world, beauty shines brightest in the smallest nooks and crannies where you wouldn't expect it to. As I'm curled up by the fire on this rainy Monday morning, I thought I would share with you some of the lovely things that I find comforting. Days like this is when I cherish these things the most..

I. a good book


Anyone who knows me, knows very well that reading (literature) is one my favorite things in the world next to writing and dancing. I especially have a special place in my heart for old classic novels as well as poetry. There's nothing like that feeling of being swept away into a world where anything feels possible; words have the power to make us feel anything and I find that so mesmerizing.

II. candles 


Candles are such gorgeous elements that can make any room dreamy. Just like the fireplace I'm sitting next to at the moment, they fill not only the room, but my whole insides with warmth. If I'm ever in a down mood, lighting a few candles(and reading a novel,of course) instantly make me feel healed. 

III. art 

Art is something I've loved and felt inspired by ever since I was a little girl. I've been to a large number of the major museums around the world and I can assure you, looking at paintings is something I could never tire of. It's so incredible to me that a mere paintbrush or pencil in a hand is capable of creating such perfection. 

IV. skin care 

When a was a little girl, I remember going to my grandmother's house to visit and watching her get ready in the morning. I absolutely loved watching her apply all her skin care! Funny, I know because it's such a simple thing, but she would use so many moisturizers & creams and I was always in awe of them. Even now, applying my own onto my skin makes me feel so sophisticated, I just love it! 

V. rainy days 

Ah, nothing thrills me more than a rainy day. Sitting by my window in candlelight, watching the droplets roll down my window like tears,& just thinking about anything and everything. I don't know, I guess it just makes me feel free..like there are no boundaries; it's just me, the rain, and my thoughts. I know that this might seem like such a simple thing but, if you think about it, is it really? xx


P.S. Thank you to Christie Tyler (nycbambi)for inspiring me in every way and giving me the confidence to begin this blog which I've been wanting to do for a few years now. I owe so much to you. x