#this series is an instant mood-lifter for me

[hotwaterandmilk]

Chapter 158 of Paripi Koumei is finally free and it opens with this.

😭😭😭

We haven't seen Kobayashi (or the rest of Fourth Kingdom, come to think of it) for a while during this arc, so it was great to see him chatting out Eiko's song worries with her.

[piningeddiediaz]

I’m still in my post-mi depression. What are your all time fave pynch fics? Also maybe some fics you think are underrated? Angst, fluff, smut, anything. I just need some new pynch content to get me through my funk 😅

hi!! i have two fic rec posts here and here but I'll find a couple more for you!

you can crash and burn and come back someone new (and that’s what I learnt from you) by @augustslandry is my current fave wip! 

I hopped the fence at seventeen, then I knew what I wanted by artemistics is also a recent fave! (it’s about the SHOES and the GLOVES!!!) 

(also by artemistics is i’d meet you where the spirit meets the bones which is a pynch reunion scene and it’s all I want from book 3!) 

Can I Talk To You About Something by dreamingofcows 

Not a Lie if its sarcasm by EtoileGarden 

left your taste in my mouth, all your words in my head by @cryingclubs is so soft and an instant mood lifter! also as the tags say, you can pry ‘Ro’ out of my cold, dead hands 

(honestly check out all her fics she never misses) 

my daddy loves you, Mr Lynch by @andrews-maserati

a persimmon and a child’s hand by @hklnvgl (dorypop) were both amazing! 

any of @kelliealtogether (KellieAltogether on ao3) fics are great! their Henrietta Farmers Market series were my emotional support fics after mi! 

[nbrook29]

💞 My ultimate Sobbe fic recs 💞

Recently, I have gone through Robbe/Sander tag on ao3 and I decided to compose a list of fics that are absolute gems for me. A few disclaimers first:

✔ I didn’t include works in progress (WIPs), however I did include fics that are only on tumblr

✔ the order of the fics below is random

✔ this is the list of my personal favorites so if your favorite fic is not on the list it doesn’t mean it’s bad or that I consider it bad - we just vibe with different things :)

✔ if there’s a fic on this list that you decided to give a shot and loved it, please remember about leaving a comment under it to let the author know that

✔ I’ve been trying to add the “read more” thingy but it doesn’t show, I’m sorry, I know long posts are annoying af

under 1k

we’re keeping it simple by noobishere | G

Summary: Sander comes over unannounced and attacks Robbe’s very person (a.k.a the one where Sander teases Robbe on Eenvoud)

This is a guaranteed mood lifter. It’s short, sweet, to the point, and oh so funny. The banter. And I’d die to see that in the show. 

1k - 5k

Fizzy Colas by Foxsake5 | M

Summary: Let’s say this is a clip (hopefully not as short as the standard 1:40 of this season) with Sander as the main on a ‘bros night out’ 🍻

This author is my queen/king alright? They take a simple idea and turn it into the most lovely/cute/soft story. This fic is exactly that. Sobbe’s chemistry here is out of this world and the banter is to die for.

high for this by flowersmaze (@bowieskam) | G

Summary: In which Sander remains a Flirt™ and in love with Robbe even when he can’t feel his face after a medical procedure

The summary says it all. Loopy Sander is the cutest and funniest thing.

Pull Me from the Dark by TheOceanIsMyInkwell (@theoceanismyinkwell) | T

Summary: Sander discovers that Robbe has recently been prescribed antidepressants, and Robbe opens up to him about the night he almost stepped off the bridge. Only love will show how much they’ve grown and pull them through.

This time, the boys talk about Robbe’s mental state which is unusual in fics. This oneshot is communication 101. And this line is just 👌🏻 “But after the dust of their first kiss and their first vows of commitment settled around them, Robbe took a look at the space in which he floated and realized, somewhere along the line, that finding the love of your life doesn’t fix you.”

diminuendo by noobishere

Summary: Waking up feels like an ordeal. His eyes are heavy, arms a dead weight, he isn’t sure if his limbs are even in the right places, but eventually, Sander comes to. (a.k.a a take on how Sander fairs after Robbe left for school.)

Sander’s POV after Dinsdag 7:27. It’s a great insight into his headspace during that time. This could be a scene in the show because it fits so well.

you’re wonder under summer sky by nothingbutniall | M

Summary: Two city boys go camping. What could go wrong? (Everything, apparently.)

Those boys are a chaotic mess okay? They’re such dorks. This fic has the best kind of grumpiness there is and sobbe is written so in character here.

if we can make it through december (maybe we’ll make it through forever) by nothingbutniall | G

Summary: Robbe and Sander at the Christmas market.

Can you imagine those two dorks at the Christmas market? Well you don’t have to anymore because this fic is everything you need and more. And this line “Couldn’t,” Sander sulks. “You can’t hold hands properly with mittens on.” makes me go all gooey inside every.single.time 😍

A New Sunday Feeling by Foxsake5 | M

Summary:  Sander before Robbe: Ugh, Sundays 😒 Sander after Robbe: 😏🥺🥰

The way this author writes sobbe’s intimate moments is just pure talent. They have such way with words.

memories painted with much brighter ink by nothingbutniall | G

Summary: Saint Nicholas is the perfect excuse for an evening of gifts and banter with the flatshare. (Basically all five of them being cute together, and then Robbe and Sander being cute with just the two of them.)

This is the perfect fic for an October evening, when Christmas is just around the corner and you’ve just made yourself a cup of coffee and want to read some heart-warming well-written christmassy fluff. 

5k - 10k

Let’s Dance by msleviss (@sander-driesen) | G

Summary: Robbe and his friends go to a club to check out Amber’s DJ cousin.

THIS PERSON PREDICTED DJ SANDER Y’ALL. And Robbe thirsts over him. And there is an instant connection. And Robbe dances. And it’s so cute.

video phone by tokyometropolis (@luludemauryyy) | E

Summary: AKA OH MY GOD, THEY WERE QUARANTINED…except not together, because life is cruel. Thankfully it’s 2020 and when Robbe has an…er…intense dream about Sander in the middle of the night, all he has to do is press one button and Facetime him about it. Thing is…sometimes FaceTiming isn’t enough.

Look. I get that smut fics are not everyone’s cup of tea. And that’s totally fine. But. If you’re looking for a well-written smut that’s in character and where you can feel the love between the characters, this is it. Hands down. Sorry not sorry 💁🏼‍♀️

10k - 20k

our camp of dreams by robbesanderx (@robbesdriesen) | M

Summary: a summer camp!AU where robbe and sander are both co-counselors

Misunderstandings lead to pining. Teenage angst at its finest. I really like camp stories, it’s my thing.

Falling For You by silver_etoile (@azozzoni) | T

Summary: Robbe only knows one thing about football: that Sander Dreisen is the hottest player on the FC Utrecht team. When Jens drags him to a match, the last thing Robbe expects is to meet someone so perfect, and it’s all he can do not to mess it up, but will he succeed?

Sobbe in a different setting with a bit different dynamic yet still having that special something. It’s a nicely written story of the development of their relationship, first meeting, falling in love, ups and down, all the best things in fics. And Sander as a soccer player is a pretty 🔥 concept (and I think Robbe agrees).

This isn’t our first time around by noobishere | E

Summary: One moment they are in the kitchen of their shared apartment, the next, they’re in this strange but familiar room.(a.k.a the au in which they accidentally go hopping through multiple universes)

The universe takes matters into their own hands and shows those silly boys that they are meant to be. Sign me up for the ride.

Coffee and Croques by peaceoutofthepieces (@peaceoutofthepieces) | G

Summary: Sander works at the on-campus coffee shop with Eliott, and he might just have a crush on the cute boy in the brown coat.

I’m a sucker for coffeshop fics. There is just something so good about them. This one is the coffeshop!AU that sobbe deserves. Oh the pining, and the secretive looks, the silly boys, and a pinch of Elu. Me likey ☕

The finest of the meadow by allforyoumylove | M

Summary: The universe brings two lonely boys together in a flowering meadow. They fall for each other fast and hard among delicate daisies, warm summer breezes, and shooting stars.

This is magical. My comment on the work was “So soft, so beautiful, so THEM, ugh.” and I MEANT that. This is just the right amount of sweetness. This is a must read. I’m not messing around. 

two side of the same coin series by MajorAccent (@acespaceacepilot) | E

Summary: the valleys and mountains of sander’s bpd

How the boys handle Sander’s ups and downs. Robbe being the best boyfriend ever. I love how good he is for Sander, being there for him, not treating him like a baby, and not controlling him. How much he tries to make it at least a little bit easier for him. If you don’t want to read explicit stories, at least give the first part a try since it’s not E rated. 

Zaterdag 9:58 by Foxsake5 | M

Summary: What happened after the croissants dropped to the floor 🥐🤭💕

I meant it when I said Foxsake5 has great way with words. Every single piece of theirs is just “chef’s kiss”. This fic is a definition of a domestic fic. Oh, and it happened. Totally. It’s my headcanon now.

its an unrequited love by eggsntoast | G

Summary: Sander works part-time at a museum every Sunday. Robbe is a frequent visitor.

A Sander POV fic. I was sold from the beginning. The development of their relationship here is so cute, and they’re being so stupid with their pining instead of just talking to each other and you just want to shake them but at the same time you’re rooting for them so hard. Oh and did I mention pining?

20k+

Jij Verliest series by ravenbrenna09 (@djsander) | M

Summary: For the past three months, Robbe’s life—and what it once was—had been stripped away and rearranged. Now, if anything, his life had become a bit repetitive: homework, stream, ignore Thomas’s Instagram, repeat. But one Friday evening, Robbe meets a hurricane in the form of a platinum-haired tattoo artist who just might show him everything that he’s been missing.

This is a long series okay? But oh so worth it. It’s captivating and you don’t want to stop until you finish. And once you finish you’re sad it’s over even though you’ve just spent 8 fucking hours reading it. It’s amazing. But you probably know that because it’s quite popular (rightfully so). The best thing is that you expect it to go bad halfway through because it’s difficult to keep the quality on the same level in a fic that long. But it doesn’t.

Visitations by lucidpantone (@lucidpantone) | E

Summary: Does Robbe and Sander’s relationship survive into adulthood. This fic takes place in two simultaneously timelines: the past and the present.The present occurs in one entire day. Both timelines are completely out of chronological order. Everything is in clips.You can be dropped in at anytime of the day in any timeline. So clip by clip you will need to piece together what happen to Sander & Robbe and why the present looks the way it does and what happened in the past that got them there.This love story is a journey. So be prepared.In the words of one of our Even’s. It’s a complicated love story between complicated people.

This is not a regular fic. The author put so much thought into it, there are so many gems, so many little things that you have to pay attention to because it.all.matters. And there is not one interpretation. Don’t you just love when a story forces you to think and use your brain? Cause I do. Not gonna lie: this story hurts, and like the author says themselves, it’s a journey. But oh my god get in because it’s amazing. And the ending is just sjsjsjsjsddhdhsdsgdsg 🤯

the night we met by themoongirl (@dearsander) | T

Summary: Robbe Ijzermans has a brain that won’t let him sleep, a chest that feels far too heavy and thoughts that never stop.During his first year of college he meets Sander Driesen. Robbe finds what he never went looking for.

A college AU. This fic is a journey of pain and fluff and humor. It has awesome friendships. And sobbe falling in love. And liminal spaces. I read it a while ago so I don’t remember it as well as the others but you know what? I still remember that it was great and I’m lowkey happy I don’t remember it that well because now I can go and read it again. 

The Stars Look Very Different by @peaceoutofthepieces 

Summary: Robbe is bored. He’s bored of listening to his friends talking about girls, and his other friends making out, and no one ever doing anything. He’s tired of having to put in all the work, of making his own fun. He’s tired of feeling nothing so he doesn’t have to feel like nothing. His party stunts are pushing the limit, his thrill seeking beginning to worry even his friends, and his carelessness is toeing the line of dangerous.

He’s a little tired of being ‘dangerous’, too.

Sander may or may not have a crush on the older boy with the apparent death wish. He wouldn’t mind a little danger.

Once I started reading this fic, each day I was waiting for an update at the edge of my seat which was a feeling I expected from s4 that did not deliver. TSLVD definitely delivered. My favorite sobbe social media AU

Ziggy Stardust Series by skamsnake (@skamsnake) | M/E

A collection of fics taking place throughout the season. Most of them are E rated so be aware of that but it’s a really cool mixture of fluff and spice *fans myself*

[electricshoebox]

catch up meme

Tagged by: @adventuresofmeghatron, thanks friend! 

Tagging (only if you feel like it): @maxdragonnb, @mechanicalism, @just-another-wasteland-merc, and @atombombbaddie

Five songs I’ve been listening to on repeat: - “12 Steps” by CXLOE - “I Take What I Want” by Unions (thanks to Megh <3) - “Prodigal” by Unions - “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X - “Good to Be Alive” by PVRIS

Currently watching: Well, my roommate’s watching through Supernatural start to finish because they’re making a watch guide, so I’m kinda along for the ride. On my own I just finished watching a couple documentary series, “This Is a Robbery” and “How to Fix a Drug Scandal,” which were both really interesting. And when I want something that’ll just kinda lift my mood without too much concentration, I’ve been putting on the Try Guys.

Last Movie: I am... genuinely not sure what the last movie I watched was, it’s been awhile. I think it might have been Muppet Treasure Island? Best instant mood lifter ever.  

Currently Reading: Okay shamefully, I have to confess I rarely read books anymore. It’s really really hard for me to hold my attention there. So mostly when I want to read, I turn to fanfiction. I’ve been very slowly poking at the Good Omens book when I travel, as planes seem to be the only exception to the concentration rule, thanks ADHD, but of course I haven’t been on a plane in over a year. 

[shrekster]

These are a few of my favorite (parks)

If you’ve moved to the city of San Francisco, you know you cannot sit at home when the weather is great. And the weather is great way too often. When I first moved here, I realized my AirBnB was located close to a park. Then I realized the second one was close to one as well. My current home is walking distance from 3 parks.

Suffice it to say, in the last four months, I have visited enough of them to develop a use case for each, and a bias to few. Some of my parameters include views, privacy, runner-friendliness and location.  Without much ado, I present to you my favorite parks in the city. 

#5 - San Francisco Maritime Historic Park

Perfect for when tourists are in town, this place is bustling with people and tourists but has enough space to not be a crowded fair (aka Dolores). The park is close to the Pier as well as Ghiradelli so you can plan an entire Sunday around it. Start off with a walk down the Pier, watch the sleepy sea lions, eat at Boudin and rest here for a quick pitstop before you hit Ghiradelli factory for dessert. 

Added bonus if you are a history geek: The place has a maritime museum and a collection of historic vessels you cannot miss!

#4 - Bernal Heights

I am biased to parks that end with gorgeous views of the city, and Bernal heights delivers and how! Perfect for runs and quiet time, this park has long winding roads that you could (almost) get lost in. Go on a sunny day and end with a stop at the Precita Park cafe for the nicest coffee and brunch options.

Added bonus: A gorgeous mid-air swing that’s quite Bali-esque.

#3 - Golden Gate park

This massive forest like place stretches close to 5 kilometres and has an abundance of lakes, gardens, nooks and small bridges. You can spend an entire day here. I usually like to sit on one of the benches by the lake. If you are lucky enough, you might see a family of ducks cross by! It is a massive park so I would recommend choosing your destination. If you are looking to wing it, be prepared to lose your way - which won’t be the worst thing considering how beautiful the surroundings are.

Added bonus: The gorgeous Japanese tea garden. This is paid entry but totally worth the colourful fauna that will envelop you.

#2 - Corona Heights

Two words - Dog park. This hill is a stone’s throw from my apartment and presents a convenient running trail that ends up in the high hills and a gorgeous view of the city. Turn your back to it and you’re exposed to a party filled with excited and well-behaved dogs. Coming here on a Sunday is an instant mood lifter. The views, the adrenaline rush that takes me there or the dogs that run around you (if it is a Sunday), this park is close to perfect!

#1 - Buena Vista

Multiple skyline views of the city (including the Golden Gate bridge) with a friendly running trail that spans through the most unique trees I’ve seen, Buena Vista is my number one. It gives you the perks of a massive, commercial park (close to restaurants, views of the city, pockets of picnic spots), with the privacy of a small hill (a place to sit by yourself, a reading nook). From adult friends to my 4-year-old cousin, I can rely on this place to have something for everyone. 

Added bonus: One of the trails ends up at Haight Ashbury, a walking distance from one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

Honourable mentions that didn’t make it to Top 5: Tank Hill and Mission Dolores

More from the ‘favorite’ series

These are a few of my favorite (hair) things

[movieanatomie]

Back to ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’

What an inspiring way to spend a Saturday (6th may) evening by myself! I went for a stroll at the Greater Kailash-1 market, not for shopping of course, but only to see if something catches my eye. And before I know, I am watching ‘Confessions of a shopaholic’ with a wheat chicken seek roll in my hand and bags of clothes and shoes around me. This complete chick flick package of 2009, based on a novel series named, guess what? ‘Shopaholic’. Written by Sophie Kinsella and directed by  P. J. Hogan.

The story of this movie matures along with the protagonist, Rebecca Bloomwood. The director brings out the irony of Rebecca’s personal life (as a debt holder of 9412 dollars, and a quarter), and professional life (as a budding journalist at ‘Successful Savings’, where she provide people financial advice) beautifully and with a tinge of humor. He also adds elements of romance with Luke Brandon (played by Hugh Dancy), without which any chick flick wouldn’t be complete. He is also able to develop all the characters within a span of 1 hour and 45 minutes, which includes Rebecca's best friend, Suze (played by Krysten Ritter), mother (played by Joan Cusack), father (played by John Goodman), and her evil rival, Alicia Billington (played by Leslie Bibb). Due to the short duration of the movie, the initial scenes seemed a bit choppy. But I think the director was able to highlight the essential aspects of the novel well.

This movie starts off with a woman voice recollecting her childhood; where her mother would only buy her brown shoes and clothes that would last her a long time. Whereas, other richer children of her age would buy colourful clothes and laugh at her. She then goes on to remember the dresses, gowns, and tiaras of the grown-up women, who pay for those things not with money, but with magic cards. Giving a physiological background to those people who didn’t read the novel. In the next scene, Coming to the present day, the audience sees the protagonist, Rebecca Bloomwood for the first time. Walking on a city street, naming her cards and the things she bought with them. She goes on to compare the sensual feelings, that one gets when they check out a cute guy to checking out a shopping store. Making the start of the movie, a wonder work and relatable for all the people who love shopping.

Rebecca Bloomwood a small town girl, initially shown as childish, living in a world of fantasy and fashion, brought down to reality by her debt collector Derek smeath and her recent coincidental change of a job, as a journalist at ‘Successful Savings’; ironically, giving people advice on how to save money. Coincidences play a major role in this movie, without which I don’t think that there would have been any connection between one series of events to the next, giving this movie a humorous tone, as well as a justifiable tag of a romantic fiction.

Another aspect that I noticed is the play of Rebecca's luck, anything that she does or says becomes hit with the public and people in general, such as her column “The Girl in the Green Scarf” became an instantaneous hit. She was also liked by all the people in her office party, even after she slapped one of the Finnish guests there. But unfortunately, the only thing that she desperately tries to avoid, escape and hide, follows her like a dark past; her (ex-boyfriend Derek Smeath!) addiction to shopping. Her avoidance enhances the plot's focus on Rebecca’s addition and makes the movie more streamlined and focus on the theme. Another instance of luck is when her potential romantic partner (Luke Brandon) and her boss gets to build his own company at the end of the movie, making her ‘company’ and vision inspiring and luck. Overall making this movie an instant mood lifter.  

Twist and turns in the movie is also nicely depicted. Keeping the audience engaged throughout the movie. For example, when Rebecca tries to use irrational and clumsy ways to avoid Derek Smeath, the audience jump with an urge to shut their one eye and cry out “no! Run”. And when, she had to choose between her dress for the television interview and her friend’s bridesmaid’s dress, for a split second, the audience is able to empathise with her dilemma. Last but not the least, the cold sweat that one experiences when Luke Brandon finds out about the true identity of Rebecca Bloomwood.

Isla Fisher, nominated for Choice Movie Actress: Comedy at the Teen Choice Awards 2009, seemed justified, as her performance appeared over the top. In every scene, her acting was engaging and was able to capture the audience's empathy for the character. Whereas, Hugh Dancy, though his on-screen time was short, could have done a better job at playing the character of Luke Brandon. And, all the other supporting actors and actresses, hit the mark with their respective characters. However, Leslie Bibb could have also improved her performance as her acting seemed a bit stiff, restricting her to dive into ‘the evil spider-legged rival’ character of Alicia Billington.

Even though this is a very old movie but watching it again made me realize that it still has the spark to influence my emotions and uplift me. Even though it has its fair share of frictional aspects but when mixed with aspects such as money crisis and addiction, makes it a perfect movie to loosen up and unwind. In this world where we need to take responsibility for everything and become a control freaks ourselves, this movie gives the viewer a chance to think about a life where coincident and fate leads the way, all one needs to do is follow their heart. Isn't that a good thought? Go watch and let me know.