Cosette’s Pantry – Wellbeing & Dark Tales

Why booking a downsize consultation matters more than you might think

2026-10-30T10:15:43.371+01:00

Hello, everyone!

If you’ve had a new piercing in the last few months — especially a cartilage one like a helix, flat, conch or tragus — you’ve probably been told to leave the original jewellery in place for a good while. That longer “initial post” or bar is there for a reason: it leaves room for the normal swelling that happens in the early weeks.

But once the swelling has settled, that extra length can start working against you.

Long initial jewellery moves more, catches on hair, headphones, scarves or pillowcases, and creates constant tiny friction. Over time that friction is one of the most common reasons people develop irritation bumps (sometimes called friction bumps or hypertrophic bumps). These aren’t usually infections, but they can be stubborn, uncomfortable, and slow to calm down if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

Why a professional downsize appointment is so important

A proper downsize consultation with an experienced piercer isn’t just about swapping to a prettier piece of jewellery. It’s a check-in that includes:

Assessing how well the piercing has healed so far
Measuring the exact length needed now that swelling has reduced
Choosing the right style and material for the next stage of healing
Checking that the angle and placement are still ideal
Catching any early signs of irritation before they become bigger problems

Trying to downsize yourself (or waiting too long) often means the jewellery continues to move more than it should. That extra movement keeps the tissue slightly irritated and can prolong the whole healing process — especially with cartilage, which already takes its time.

I wrote about normal healing signs versus warning signs a few weeks ago (Signs your piercing is healing well vs. when to worry). One of the simplest ways to keep things in the “healing well” column is to get the jewellery length adjusted at the right moment.

When is the right time?

Most piercers recommend a first downsize somewhere between 4–12 weeks, depending on the placement and how your body is responding. Cartilage piercings (like my own recent helix) usually need longer than lobes. Your piercer will look at the actual tissue rather than just the calendar.

If you’ve already noticed a small bump forming, or if the jewellery feels like it’s shifting a lot, it’s worth booking sooner rather than later. In many cases, simply switching to a shorter, snugger post is enough to let the irritation settle.

A few practical notes

Always go back to a reputable professional piercer rather than attempting it at home.
Implant-grade titanium or solid gold are still the safest choices while healing continues.
After the downsize, keep up the gentle saline care and avoid unnecessary touching.
If a bump is already present, your piercer may also advise on aftercare adjustments or whether the jewellery style itself needs changing.

Downsizing isn’t an optional extra or a purely cosmetic step. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce mechanical stress on a healing piercing and give it the best chance of settling smoothly.

Have you already had a downsize appointment for a recent piercing, or are you still waiting for the right moment? I’d love to hear how it’s going for you in the comments.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves (and your piercings).

With love,

The Splendid Hotel: Valletta’s Murdered Ghost

2026-10-25T15:53:21.254+01:00

In the heart of Valletta, on the once-notorious Strait Street, stands a building that has lived many lives.

The Splendid Hotel.

For decades it operated as a brothel in the city’s old red-light district. Then, one night in the late 1960s, violence tore through its upper floors.

An argument broke out between a prostitute and her client. In the bathroom of a first-floor room, he stabbed her to death.

The hotel closed its doors not long after the murder. But according to local legend, she never left.

Her restless spirit is said to still walk the empty hallways of the Splendid. Witnesses over the years have reported furniture being hurled across rooms, doors slamming with no one there, and a heavy, angry presence that lingers in the air long after the lights go out.

Today the building has been given a new purpose. It hosts art exhibitions, theatre performances, and creative events. During the day it feels almost ordinary. But when the crowds leave and the corridors fall silent, the past seems to stir again.

Some places never truly let go of what happened within their walls.

I shared a short version of this story here:
The Splendid Hotel: Valletta’s Murdered Ghost

Have you ever been inside the Splendid, or walked Strait Street after dark? Did anything feel… off? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Until next time…
Walk carefully through Valletta’s quieter streets.

Easy Halloween costumes you can still pull off

2026-10-19T23:36:25.609+02:00

Hello, everyone!

Halloween is nearly here and, as usual, some of us are still deciding what to wear. I’ve shared quite a few easy costume ideas over the years (including the thrifty list from last October and older favourites like Rosie the Riveter and Where’s Wally), so today I’m keeping things different and focusing on a few less-repeated options — with one very timely special.

Carrie White (the standout this year)

Since I recently watched the new 2026 Carrie series and wrote about all the adaptations, this feels like the perfect year to lean into it.

What you need:

A simple pale or white dress, slip, or nightgown
Red fabric paint, diluted red food colouring, or red lipstick mixed with a little water
Slightly messy or damp hair

How to create it: Put the dress on. Starting from the shoulders or top of the dress, pour or splash the red liquid so it runs down the front and sleeves — the more it looks like it was dumped from above, the better. Leave your hair a little wild. Optional extras: a cheap plastic tiara or a paper “prom queen” sash. Instantly recognisable and surprisingly low-effort.

A few other last-minute ideas that feel a bit different

1. The Quiet Librarian / Bookish Ghost All black or grey clothing + a pair of glasses + a book held open in front of your face. Add a light dusting of white powder on your face and hands for a faded look. Very low-key and atmospheric.

2. Fog / Mist Person Layer several light grey, white or sheer scarves and tops. Keep the silhouette soft and floaty. No face makeup needed if you prefer — just let the fabric move.

3. Vintage Photo / Sepia Figure Wear neutral or brown-toned clothes, dust your face and hair lightly with translucent powder or flour, and hold an old-looking frame or empty picture frame in front of you. Simple and strangely effective in photos.

4. The Unfinished Costume Lean into the chaos: put on half a costume (one cat ear, half-done makeup, a single vampire fang) and carry a “To-Do” list or a shopping bag labelled “Costume Supplies.” It’s funny, honest, and requires almost nothing.

These should feel a little fresher than the classics I’ve covered before.

Are you going the Carrie route this year, or do you already have something else planned? I’d love to know what you’re wearing (or not wearing) this Halloween.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

Weekly roundup: October films, Maltese legends, and Carrie

2026-10-18T20:08:26.880+02:00

Hello, everyone!

Here’s a quick look at what went live this week on the blog and on the YouTube channels.

On the blog

Monday 12th October: Mood over scares: Films and series for October
A selection of atmospheric films and series that favour quiet tension and lingering mood.
Read the full post here

Wednesday 14th October: The Headless Bride of Mdina & The Hitchhiking Girl of the “Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu”
Two of Malta’s most chilling urban legends.
Read the full post here

Friday 16th October: Carrie on screen: How the adaptations compare to Stephen King’s novel
A comparison of the 1976, 2002, 2013 and 2026 adaptations with the original book.
Read the full post here

YouTube Shorts this week

Eerie Tales with Cosette

True Crime Tales with Cosette

I’ve continued sharing short-form videos on both channels. If you enjoy them, feel free to subscribe to Eerie Tales with Cosette and True Crime Tales with Cosette on YouTube, and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and X (@cosettezammit).

Thank you for reading and watching — it really means a lot.

What did you enjoy most this week? Or is there a topic you’d like to see next? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

Carrie on screen: How the adaptations compare to Stephen King’s novel

2026-10-16T21:52:49.352+02:00

Hello, everyone!

I just finished watching the new Carrie miniseries (2026) on Prime Video, directed by Mike Flanagan, and it sent me straight back to the book. Stephen King’s 1974 debut novel remains one of the most influential horror stories ever written — a raw, epistolary tale of isolation, religious extremism, teenage cruelty, and telekinetic rage.

Over the years, Carrie has been adapted several times. Each version takes something different from the source material. Here’s a look at how the main screen adaptations compare to the novel, with a particular focus on the newest one.

The novel (1974)

King’s book is told through a mix of narrative, newspaper clippings, scientific reports, and survivor accounts. Carrie is described as overweight, awkward, and heavily pimpled — a genuinely overlooked and unattractive outsider. Her mother Margaret is a fanatical, abusive figure. The bullying is relentless and often petty. The prom night blood-dumping leads to a full-scale massacre, and both Carrie and Margaret die. The book also hints that telekinetic abilities may run in families and that other “gifted” people exist.

Carrie (1976) – Brian De Palma

Still the most iconic version for many. Sissy Spacek’s performance is extraordinary — fragile, otherworldly, and ultimately terrifying. The film leans into operatic style, split-screen, and visual flair. It softens Carrie’s physical appearance and makes Margaret (Piper Laurie) more theatrical. The ending is slightly more dramatic than the book, with the house collapsing on Carrie. It captures the emotional core brilliantly, even if it diverges in details and tone.

Carrie (2002) – TV movie

Starring Angela Bettis, this version is often overlooked but has its strengths. It stays relatively close to the book’s structure and includes more of the documentary-style framing. One of the biggest changes: Carrie survives. Sue helps her escape after the prom. The tone is more grounded and less stylised than De Palma’s film.

Carrie (2013) – Kimberly Peirce

Chloë Grace Moretz plays a more conventionally pretty Carrie, and the film updates the story with early social media (a viral video of the locker-room incident). Julianne Moore’s Margaret is intense and tragic. It tries to be more faithful in some plot points but never quite escapes the shadow of the 1976 film. The ending follows the book more closely than the 2002 version — Carrie dies.

Carrie (2026) – Mike Flanagan miniseries

This is the most substantial reimagining so far. Set firmly in the present day, it incorporates smartphones, social media, cyberbullying, and the modern high-school experience (including the background threat of school violence).

Key differences from the book:

Carrie has been homeschooled for most of her life and only enters public school after her father’s death.
Margaret is still deeply religious and controlling, but the relationship is more complex and layered than the pure fanaticism of the novel.
New characters are introduced, including Emaline, who becomes significant to Carrie’s journey.
The series expands the mythology of telekinetic powers and other people who possess them.
Most notably, Carrie survives the events of prom night.

Flanagan’s version feels less like a straightforward remake and more like a reinvention that uses the novel as a foundation. It gives the story more room to breathe across eight episodes and focuses heavily on the emotional and psychological toll of isolation and cruelty in a digital age.

Final thoughts

No adaptation has fully captured every element of the book — particularly Carrie’s original physical description and the full epistolary structure. Each version reflects the time it was made. De Palma’s remains the most stylish and iconic. The 2002 film is the most underrated. The 2013 version feels the most like a traditional remake. And the 2026 series is the boldest in terms of changes, especially regarding Carrie’s fate and the modern context.

I found Flanagan’s take compelling, even when it diverged significantly. It respects the emotional truth of the story while making it feel relevant to today.

Have you watched the new series? Which Carrie adaptation is your favourite, and how do you feel it compares to the book? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Until next time, take care of yourselves.

With love,

The Headless Bride of Mdina & The Hitchhiking Girl of the "Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu"

2026-10-14T13:48:20.266+02:00

Two of Malta’s most chilling urban legends

Malta’s narrow limestone streets and lonely hill roads hold more than history. They hold stories that refuse to stay buried. Two of the island’s most enduring ghost legends continue to surface in whispered conversations, tourist photographs, and late-night drives.

The Headless Bride of Mdina

In the Silent City of Mdina, a bride still walks the streets after dark.

Her name was Katerina. Centuries ago she was attacked by a Knight of St John. In the struggle she killed him in self-defence. The courts showed no mercy and sentenced her to death by beheading. Her final wish was granted: she was allowed to marry the man she truly loved. She walked to the altar in her wedding dress… and was led to the executioner’s block shortly afterwards.

Now she returns — headless, still wearing her bridal gown (sometimes described with the traditional Maltese għonnella). She drifts through the dark alleys of Mdina, occasionally beckoning strangers to follow her, or appearing in the background of tourist photographs. The most famous modern encounter came in 1979, when a visitor named Bill McGregor captured what many believe is her image on a Polaroid.

She is known as the Headless Bride of Mdina.

Watch the YouTube short here: Headless Bride of Mdina

The Hitchhiking Girl of the Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu

On the lonely hill road that climbs from Salina to Naxxar — known as the Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu — drivers sometimes see a teenage girl.

She appears at the roadside, stumbling, waving for help. Those who stop say she vanishes the moment the car door opens. Those who keep driving look into the rear-view mirror and find her already sitting in the back seat — silent, watching.

This classic phantom hitchhiker legend has been reported on that quiet stretch of road for years. The girl never speaks. She simply appears… and then is gone.

Watch the YouTube short here: Hitchhiking Girl of the Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu

These two legends share something deeper than fear. Both are stories of young women cut down too soon, still trying to reach a destination they never arrived at in life — a marriage, a home, safety. In a country as small and densely layered with history as Malta, the past has a way of stepping into the present.

Have you ever driven the Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu at night, or walked Mdina’s empty streets after the day-trippers leave? Did anything unusual happen? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Until next time…
Drive carefully on lonely roads, and think twice before following a figure in white down a dark alley.

Mood over scares: Films and series for October

2026-10-12T17:33:05.807+02:00

Hello, everyone!

Over the years I’ve shared a few Halloween viewing lists:

Six must-watch ghost movies (2021)
Ten scary shows to binge-watch (2022)
Ten true crime dramas to binge-watch (2022)

This year I wanted to put together a fresh selection of films and series that favour atmosphere, quiet tension and lingering mood — the kind of stories that feel especially suited to the longer evenings of October.

Films

The Witch (2015)
Slow, stark and deeply atmospheric folk horror. It relies on tension and unease rather than jump scares.

A Ghost Story (2017)
A quiet, melancholic meditation on time, presence and loss. More reflective than frightening, but perfect for an autumn evening.

Nosferatu (2024)
The recent version offers rich visuals and a strong sense of dread. A worthwhile modern take on the classic story.

Saint Maud (2019)
Intense and psychologically unsettling. A powerful character study that stays with you long after it ends.

His House (2020)
A powerful blend of supernatural horror and emotional weight. Beautifully shot and deeply affecting.

Series

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Still one of the strongest modern ghost stories. Emotional, carefully layered, and full of moments that linger.

Midnight Mass (2021)
Slower and more contemplative. Best watched when you have time to sit with its atmosphere and themes.

Over the Garden Wall (2014)
A short animated series that feels like a strange autumn folk tale. Gentle, melancholic and ideal for October.

The Terror (Season 1)
Isolated, historical and full of creeping dread. Based on the real Franklin expedition.

Marianne (2019)
A French series with a strong sense of folk horror and mounting unease. Dark, stylish and very effective.

I still prefer stories that create a lasting mood over those built on constant shocks. Most of the suggestions above lean in that direction.

Are you planning to watch anything special this Halloween month? I’d love to hear your favourites in the comments.

Until next time, take care of yourselves — and maybe leave a light on.

With love,

Weekly roundup: Privacy, autumn light, and this week’s Shorts

2026-10-11T23:42:20.383+02:00

Hello, everyone!

Here’s a quick look at what went live this week on the blog and on the YouTube channels.

Monday 5th October: The quiet benefits of keeping some things private

A reflective post about the value of holding certain experiences and thoughts just for yourself in a world that often encourages constant sharing.

Read the full post here

Friday 9th October: Small ways to welcome autumn without forcing a big seasonal reset

Gentle, low-effort ways to acknowledge the softer light and earlier evenings without needing a complete seasonal overhaul.

Read the full post here

YouTube Shorts this week

Eerie Tales with Cosette

- Don’t Turn Around - Watch here

- The Headless Bride of Mdina - Watch here

True Crime Tales with Cosette

- Man jailed for life over Marsa murder after whiskey row - Watch here

- Christa Pike is Awake and Talking - Watch here

I’ve continued sharing short-form videos on both channels. If you enjoy them, feel free to subscribe to Eerie Tales with Cosette and True Crime Tales with Cosette on YouTube, and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and X (@cosettezammit).

Thank you for reading and watching — it really means a lot.

What did you enjoy most this week? Or is there a topic you’d like to see next? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

Small ways to welcome autumn without forcing a big seasonal reset

2026-10-09T21:17:17.767+02:00

Hello, everyone!

The light has started to change. The evenings arrive a little earlier, the air feels softer in the mornings, and even here in Malta the intense summer heat has finally eased. It’s that gentle turning point we call autumn — and yet it can be easy to feel pressure to mark it with a complete overhaul of routines, wardrobe, or habits.

I’ve never been very good at big seasonal resets. They often feel forced and rarely last. What works better for me are small, realistic shifts that quietly acknowledge the change without demanding a new version of myself.

Here are a few low-effort ways I’ve been welcoming autumn this year.

Notice the light without rearranging everything

The softer, lower light of October is one of the loveliest parts of the season. I’ve been leaving the curtains open a little longer in the late afternoon just to sit with it for a few minutes. No special ritual required — just a short pause to register that the day is closing earlier.

Adjust one or two everyday details

Instead of changing my whole routine, I’ve made tiny tweaks. A slightly warmer drink in the evening. A light long-sleeved top ready by the bed for cooler mornings. Moving a small lamp to a different corner so the room feels softer after dark. These small changes signal the season without turning into a project.

Let rest take a slightly different shape

With the earlier evenings, I’ve been allowing myself to wind down sooner on some nights. Not a strict new schedule — just permission to stop a little earlier when the light fades. It feels more natural than trying to keep summer’s longer days going artificially.

Keep expectations gentle

Autumn can bring a quiet urge to “get organised” or “start fresh.” I’ve been practising the opposite: letting this transition stay soft. Some days the only seasonal thing I do is open the window for cooler air or put on a pair of socks. That still counts.

Bring in one comforting texture or scent

A slightly thicker throw over the chair, a familiar moisturiser that feels more nourishing now the air is less humid, or a simple herbal tea in the evening. One small sensory shift is often enough to make the season feel present.

None of these require shopping, planning, or perfect consistency. They are simply ways of noticing that the season has turned and responding with a little kindness rather than a full reset.

I’ve found that when I stop trying to make autumn look a certain way, it becomes easier to actually enjoy it.

How are you noticing the shift into autumn this year? Have you made any small changes, or are you keeping things much the same? I’d love to hear in the comments.

Until next time, take the season gently.

With love,

The quiet benefits of keeping some things private

2026-10-05T20:28:54.241+02:00

Hello, everyone!

In a time when sharing has become almost automatic, keeping certain things private can feel unusual — even slightly radical. Yet there is a quiet value in holding some experiences, thoughts and parts of life just for yourself.

Today I want to explore the gentle benefits of not sharing everything.

Why privacy still matters

When we share something, it changes slightly. It becomes shaped by how it might be received, by the comments it could attract, or by the version of ourselves we want others to see. Keeping something private allows it to remain exactly as it is — unfinished, ordinary, or deeply personal — without adjustment.

Privacy gives experiences room to breathe. A quiet walk, a new interest, a difficult feeling, or a small joy can exist without being turned into content, explanation or performance.

The quieter benefits

1. A stronger sense of self
When not everything is reflected back through other people’s reactions, it becomes easier to notice what you actually think and feel.

2. Less pressure
Some things lose their lightness once they are made public. Keeping them private can protect the simple pleasure of doing or feeling them.

3. Emotional safety
Not every thought or season of life needs an audience. Privacy can offer a soft place for uncertainty, sadness, or change to exist without scrutiny.

4. More genuine connection
Ironically, when we share more selectively, the things we do choose to share often feel more meaningful — both for us and for the people we share them with.

5. Room for growth
Trying something new or working through something hard can be easier when it isn’t being observed or evaluated in real time.

A gentle approach

This isn’t about secrecy or withdrawal. It’s about discernment. Some things are meant to be shared; others feel better when they stay close.

You might notice certain areas of life where privacy feels especially supportive — a hobby, a personal goal, a relationship dynamic, or simply the details of your day. You’re allowed to keep those close without needing to justify why.

If you follow me on Instagram (@cosettezammit or @zammitcosette), you’ll already know that I spent the past week in Calabria and stepped away from posting here on the blog. I only shared photos of the scenery and places I visited, and kept the rest private — and that balance felt right.

In a culture that often equates openness with honesty and sharing with connection, choosing privacy can be a quiet form of care. It leaves space for a private inner life that belongs only to you.

Do you find it easy to keep some things private, or does it feel more natural to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments if you feel like offering them.

Until next time, may you keep whatever needs keeping.

With love,

Weekly roundup: Piercing healing, reclaiming hobbies, and this week’s Shorts

2026-09-27T20:54:31.891+02:00

Hello, everyone!

It’s been a practical and gentle week here at Cosette’s Pantry – Wellbeing & Dark Tales. Here’s a quick recap of the posts that went live, plus a note on the Shorts and Reels.

Monday 21st September: Signs your piercing is healing well vs. when to worry

A clear, reassuring guide to the normal signs of piercing healing and the ones that mean you should pay closer attention — especially useful for cartilage piercings like the helix.
Read the full post here

Saturday 26th September: Reclaiming hobbies you abandoned

Gentle thoughts on picking up something you used to enjoy without pressure to be good at it, improve quickly, or turn it into content.
Read the full post here

Shorts & Reels this week

I’ve continued posting Shorts on both YouTube channels and Reels on Instagram (@cosettezammit). If you enjoy short-form true crime updates and other quick videos, you’ll find them there. Feel free to follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X as well.

Thank you for reading and watching. It really does mean a lot.

What was your favourite post this week? Or is there a topic you’d like to see next? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

Reclaiming hobbies you abandoned

2026-09-26T18:05:59.292+02:00

Hello, everyone!

So many of us have old hobbies sitting quietly in the background — things we used to enjoy but somehow stopped doing. Maybe life got busy, maybe we lost confidence, or maybe we started feeling like everything had to be productive or shareable.

Today I want to talk about gently reclaiming those abandoned hobbies, without pressure to be good at them or turn them into content.

Why we abandon things we once loved

It rarely happens overnight. Often it starts with less time, then longer gaps, then a feeling that we’ve “fallen behind.” Sometimes comparison creeps in — we see other people’s polished versions and decide our own attempts aren’t worth returning to. Other times we simply outgrow the version of ourselves that used to do that activity, and it feels awkward to begin again.

Whatever the reason, the hobby is still there, waiting.

Starting again without pressure

The most important shift is giving yourself permission to be a beginner again (or simply rusty). You don’t need to catch up, improve quickly, or show anyone. The point is not progress. The point is the small pleasure of doing it.

A few gentle ways to return:

Make it small. Instead of committing to a long session, try ten or fifteen minutes. A single page, a short walk with your camera, a few rows of knitting, one song on the instrument.
Remove the audience. Keep it private at first. No posting, no sharing, no explaining. Let it belong only to you for a while.
Lower the standard on purpose. Allow it to be messy, imperfect, or slower than it used to be. The goal is contact with the activity, not a good result.
Reconnect with what you liked about it. Was it the quiet focus? The tactile feeling? The sense of making something? Let that original pull guide you more than any idea of achievement.
Let it stay small if it wants to. Not every reclaimed hobby needs to become a regular practice. Sometimes a brief return is enough.

A personal note

I’ve had several hobbies drift away over the years. Each time I’ve returned to one, the hardest part has been quieting the voice that says it should look a certain way by now. When I manage to set that voice aside, even for a short while, the activity feels lighter again.

There’s something quietly restorative about doing something purely because you once liked it — and might still like it — without needing it to justify itself.

Is there a hobby you’ve been thinking of returning to? What stopped you, and what might make it feel possible again? I’d love to hear in the comments if you feel like sharing.

Until next time, may you find a little space for something that once made you happy.

With love,

Signs your piercing is healing well vs. when to worry

2026-09-21T19:45:20.627+02:00

Hello, everyone!

As many of you know, I recently got an upper helix piercing, so healing is very much on my mind at the moment. Cartilage piercings in particular can be slow and sometimes unpredictable, which makes it easy to overthink every little change.

Today I want to share a clear, reassuring guide to the signs that a piercing is healing well — and the ones that mean it’s time to pay closer attention or seek advice.

Image credit

Signs your piercing is healing well

A healthy healing process is rarely dramatic. These are the things that usually indicate things are progressing as they should:

Mild redness and tenderness in the first few days to a couple of weeks that gradually decreases
Clear or slightly whitish fluid (lymph) that forms light crusts — this is normal
Slight swelling that goes down over time, especially in the mornings
Itching as the skin repairs itself (as long as it’s not intense or accompanied by other symptoms)
The jewellery sits comfortably and the skin around it looks more settled as weeks pass
No increasing pain after the first few days

For cartilage piercings like the helix, remember that full healing can take 6–12 months (sometimes longer). Progress is often slow and steady rather than quick.

When to keep an eye on things or seek advice

Most healing bumps and quirks are temporary, but these signs are worth taking seriously:

Increasing pain, warmth or redness after the initial healing period
Yellow, green or foul-smelling discharge
Significant swelling that appears suddenly or keeps getting worse
A bump that grows quickly, becomes very red, or feels hot
Red streaks moving away from the piercing
Fever or a general feeling of being unwell
The jewellery becoming embedded or the piercing looking distorted

If you notice any of these, it’s better to check with your piercer or a doctor early rather than wait. Most issues are manageable when caught promptly.

A few gentle reminders while healing

Clean with sterile saline only (unless your piercer advised otherwise)
Avoid touching, twisting or sleeping directly on the piercing
Be patient with cartilage — it simply takes longer than lobes
Leave the original jewellery in until your piercer says it’s safe to change

Every piercing and every body is different. What matters most is noticing the overall direction: is it slowly improving, or is it getting worse?

I’m currently watching my own helix carefully and trying to stay patient. If you’re healing a piercing at the moment too, I hope this helps you feel a little more confident about what’s normal and what isn’t.

Are you healing a piercing right now? How is it going? Feel free to share in the comments — I always enjoy hearing your experiences.

Until next time, take care of yourselves (and your piercings!).

With love,

Weekly roundup: Enough lists, short solitude, and a channel update

2026-09-20T21:08:49.627+02:00

Hello, everyone!

It’s been a quieter, more reflective week here at Cosette’s Pantry – Wellbeing & Dark Tales. Here’s a quick recap of what went live, along with a small update on the YouTube channels.

Monday 14th September: Building a personal “enough” list

I explored how to decide what is actually enough for you in different areas of life — work, socialising, productivity, rest and more — and why defining your own measure can reduce the constant pressure to do or be more.
Read the full post here

Friday 18th September: The overlooked benefits of short solitude

Even 10–15 minutes alone can help reset the nervous system. I shared why these brief pauses matter and some simple, realistic ways to protect them in everyday life.
Read the full post here

A small update on Eerie Tales and True Crime Tales

I didn’t post a full Eerie Tales with Cosette episode last Wednesday, and I also decided not to post a longer True Crime Tales with Cosette video this weekend. The recent view counts on both channels have been much lower than I’d hoped, and I’ll admit it’s left me feeling a little discouraged.

I’ve realised that trying to stick to a regular full-length schedule while feeling disheartened isn’t sustainable for me right now. So I’ll be posting longer episodes less frequently for a while. When I do share them, I want them to be more detailed and given the proper time and care.

That said, I am still posting Shorts on both YouTube channels and will continue to do so. This week I shared a multi-part series on the Lizzie Borden case and an original horror story. If you enjoy the content, I’d be really grateful if you would:

Subscribe to Eerie Tales with Cosette and True Crime Tales with Cosette on YouTube
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and X: @cosettezammit

This doesn’t mean I’m stopping the longer episodes. I still love these stories. It simply means I’ll be moving at a slower, kinder pace for the full videos while keeping the Shorts going.

Thank you for reading and for your continued support. It really does mean a lot.

What was your favourite post this week? Or is there a topic you’d like to see next? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

The overlooked benefits of short solitude

2026-09-18T18:10:12.110+02:00

Hello, everyone!

In a world that constantly pulls us toward connection, noise and input, short periods of solitude are easy to overlook. Yet even 10–15 minutes alone can quietly reset the nervous system and leave us feeling clearer.

Today I want to explore why these brief pauses matter, and share simple ways to protect them in everyday life.

Why short solitude helps

When we’re around people, screens or constant stimulation, the nervous system stays mildly activated. Short solitude gives it a chance to settle. Research on attention and stress recovery shows that even brief time alone can lower mental fatigue, reduce overstimulation, and improve focus afterward.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic or lengthy. The benefit comes from the absence of demands — no conversation, no notifications, no performance. Just space.

Easy ways to protect 10–15 minutes

You don’t need a perfect setting or a long free evening. Small, realistic windows work best:

1. Claim a daily transition moment
Use the time just after waking, after arriving home, or before starting the evening routine. Even sitting with a drink in silence for ten minutes can create a clear boundary between one part of the day and the next.

2. Step outside without your phone
A short walk around the block or simply standing on a balcony without scrolling gives both solitude and a change of scenery.

3. Create a “do not disturb” pocket
Put your phone in another room and set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes. Use the time to sit, stretch, look out of the window, or do nothing in particular.

4. Use existing alone time more intentionally
If you already have moments alone (early morning, late evening, or while someone else is out), protect them from being immediately filled with podcasts, messages or tasks.

5. Keep it low-pressure
Solitude doesn’t have to be productive or meditative. Staring into space, listening to the room, or simply resting your eyes still counts.

A gentle note

Some people find solitude easy and restorative. Others find it uncomfortable at first, especially if they’re used to constant input. If that is the case for you, start smaller — even five minutes — and let it grow naturally.

I’ve noticed that on the days I protect even a short stretch of solitude, everything else feels a little less crowded. The mind has space to settle, and the rest of the day often runs more smoothly as a result.

Do you already make time for short solitude, or does it feel difficult to protect? I’d love to hear how it works (or doesn’t) for you in the comments.

Until next time, may you find a few quiet minutes of your own.

With love,

Building a personal “enough” list

2026-09-14T21:08:58.697+02:00

Hello, everyone!

Lately I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to keep adding things — more tasks, more plans, more goals, more social commitments — without ever stopping to ask whether what we already have is enough. In a culture that often praises more, it can feel almost rebellious to decide that something is sufficient.

Today I want to explore the idea of creating a personal “enough” list: a simple way to clarify what is actually enough for you in different areas of life.

Why an “enough” list helps

Without a sense of enough, it’s easy to live in a low-level state of scarcity or pressure. We can feel behind even when we’re doing reasonably well. An “enough” list isn’t about settling or lowering standards. It’s about defining your own measure so that external expectations have less power over how you feel.

Areas worth considering

You don’t need to cover everything at once. Start with the areas that currently feel most crowded or unclear:

Work / Productivity
What does enough look like here? It might be a certain number of focused hours, completing the most important task of the day, or simply finishing work at a set time without guilt.

Socialising
How much connection feels nourishing rather than draining? For some people it’s one meaningful conversation a week. For others it’s a few low-key plans spread across the month. Enough is personal.

Rest
This one is often the most neglected. Enough rest might mean a full night’s sleep most nights, one slower morning a week, or protecting a short wind-down in the evening. Define it clearly so it becomes non-negotiable.

Input (information, media, scrolling)
How much news, social media, or content is enough before it starts to leave you feeling scattered or tense?

Home / Daily life
What level of tidiness, cooking, or organisation feels manageable rather than demanding?

How to create your list

Keep it simple. Take a notebook or the notes app on your phone and write a short sentence for each area. Examples:

Work: “Enough is doing the three most important tasks and stopping at 5:30.”
Socialising: “Enough is one proper catch-up and a few light messages a week.”
Rest: “Enough is being in bed by 11 and having one screen-free hour in the evening.”

Revisit the list every few months. What felt like enough in one season may need adjusting in another.

A gentle reminder

Your “enough” doesn’t have to look impressive to anyone else. It only has to feel sustainable and true for you. Some days you may fall short of even that, and that is still okay. The list is a guide, not another stick to measure yourself against.

I’ve started drafting my own quietly. Already it has made certain decisions easier — especially the decision to stop when I reach what I decided was sufficient.

Would you find it helpful to create an “enough” list of your own? Which area of life currently feels hardest to define? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Until next time, may you find your own version of enough.

With love,

Weekly roundup: Evening wind-downs, Baba Yaga, a new helix piercing and a suitcase murder

2026-09-13T20:36:13.007+02:00

Hello, everyone!

It’s been another varied week here at Cosette’s Pantry – Wellbeing & Dark Tales. We’ve had a gentle lifestyle post, a classic piece of folklore, a personal piercing update, and a dark true crime case. If you missed anything, here’s a quick recap of what went live.

Monday 7th September: Creating a low-effort evening wind-down ritual

I shared simple, realistic ways to signal to your body and mind that the day is ending — without complicated routines or long lists of steps. Small cues that still work even on tired evenings.
Read the full post here

Wednesday 9th September: Eerie Tales with Cosette

Midweek we met one of the most iconic figures in Slavic folklore with Baba Yaga: The Witch Who Lives in a Hut on Chicken Legs (Episode 22). The full transcript is available alongside the YouTube video.
Read the tale / watch the video here

Friday 11th September: Finally got my helix piercing

After first writing about wanting a helix piercing back in 2020, I finally got it this week — making it my seventh piercing. I also shared my plan to switch to a cluster once it’s fully healed.
Read the full post here

Sunday 13th September: True Crime Tales with Cosette

Today’s case took us to 1960s San Francisco with The Cole Valley suitcase murder: A confession over dinner. A disturbing story that began with a neighbour’s grim discovery.
Read the full post / watch the video here

It’s felt good to keep the mix of wellbeing, personal updates and darker tales going this week. Thank you for reading, watching, and supporting Cosette’s Pantry.

What was your favourite post this week? Or is there a topic you’d love to see next? Let me know in the comments — I always enjoy hearing from you.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

The Cole Valley suitcase murder: A confession over dinner

2026-09-13T18:08:25.569+02:00

(YouTube video transcript)

In February 1964, a neighbour in a Cole Valley rooming house in San Francisco heard disturbing sounds coming through the ceiling.

First came a young woman’s voice, crying out about her missing dog. Then screams, the sounds of a struggle, repeated flushing of a toilet… and finally the noise of a saw.

Weeks later, on the 3rd of March 1964, two scorched suitcases were found beside Highway 1 near San Gregorio.
Inside were the dismembered remains of 21-year-old Elinor Ann “Elly” Kahn.

The woman who killed her would later confess to the crime — during a dinner date.

This is the Cole Valley Suitcase Murder.

Intro

Welcome to True Crime Tales with Cosette.
Viewer discretion is advised.

The Setting

The house still stands at 826 Ashbury Street in Cole Valley, San Francisco. In 1964 it was a rooming house, just a short distance from the corner of Haight and Ashbury — an area that would become famous a few years later during the Summer of Love.

Jean Marie Toman, then 35, managed the property. She was a twice-divorced mother of six.
One of the people living there was 21-year-old Elinor Kahn, known as Elly.

Who Was Elly Kahn?

Elly Kahn had a difficult early life. She had spent time at the Homewood Terrace orphanage as a child. She later lived in Long Beach, attended college there, and eventually returned to San Francisco.

She worked as a pharmacy clerk and as a real estate salesperson, and she took night classes with the hope of becoming a veterinarian. Friends said she loved animals, especially her black cocker spaniel named Judy.

She also struggled with personal problems, including issues with medication and her mental health. Her father had previously sought psychiatric care for her.

Watch on YouTube

The Crime

According to later accounts, the fatal quarrel took place on or around the 7th of February 1964.

The neighbour downstairs, Kovita Cox, heard Elly shouting about her missing dog: “What did you do with my dog? It’s the only one that loves me.” Then came screams, the sounds of a struggle, and later the unmistakable noise of sawing.

When Cox asked Toman about the noise, Toman claimed she had been sawing the legs off a table.

Toman later told a different story. She claimed that during a violent argument Elly had become hysterical. Toman said she tied the young woman to a chair and gagged her to stop her screaming, and that Elly died in the process.

She kept the body in the apartment for several days. She then used a saw to dismember it and packed the remains into two suitcases.

Disposal of the Body

Toman drove south along Highway 1 to a lonely gully near San Gregorio. There she poured kerosene over the suitcases and set them on fire.

The Dinner Date Confession

Some time later, Toman met a local writer named Arnold Kottwitz at a laundromat in the Haight-Ashbury. After several encounters, he invited her to his apartment for dinner.

That evening he cooked chicken and opened a bottle of wine. Toman arrived nervous. She spoke about suicide, saying she had to “face the music” and that there was “no way out but the bridge.”

After Kottwitz calmed her down, she began talking about “Elly.” She told him she had killed a girl who stayed at her rooming house, kept the body for days, cut it apart, and burned the remains in suitcases by the side of the road.

Kottwitz was deeply unsettled. After thinking about it over the weekend, he contacted the police on the Monday.

Investigation and Arrest

Police questioned Toman at the Ashbury Street house. She denied the confession and said Elly had simply gone out of town. Officers found bloodstains and two saws in the flat, but they did not arrest her that day.

The next day, the burned suitcases were discovered near San Gregorio. By then, Toman had disappeared.

An anonymous tip later directed police to Room 501 of the Ambassador Hotel in the Tenderloin district. There they found and arrested her.

The Trial

Jean Toman was charged with murder.
She waived her right to a jury trial. The case was heard by Judge Harry J. Neubarth.

A psychiatrist testified that Toman was mentally ill and not legally responsible at the time of the killing. Toman herself repeatedly insisted that she was sane.

The judge found her guilty of second-degree murder but not guilty by reason of insanity. She was committed to Mendocino State Hospital.

Aftermath

Years later, hospital doctors reported that Toman had improved and was ready to return to society. Prosecutors opposed her release, but further psychiatric examinations were ordered.

She was eventually released. Available information indicates that she later lived a quiet life in Santa Barbara County and was never arrested again.

The house at 826 Ashbury Street remains standing today.

Outro

A missing dog.
The sound of a saw through the ceiling.
Two burned suitcases by the highway.
And a murder confession over dinner in 1964.

This has been True Crime Tales with Cosette.
If this story stayed with you, please like the video and subscribe.

Until next time… stay safe.

Finally got my helix piercing

2026-09-11T21:03:58.124+02:00

Hello, everyone!

After thinking about it for years, I finally got my helix piercing today — and it is officially my seventh ear piercing.

Back in May 2020 I wrote a post called New ear piercing and future piercings? where I shared that I wanted two more: a flat in my right ear and a helix in my left. At the time I said those two would complete the look I had in mind. Six years later, the helix is finally here.

It feels a bit strange (and lovely) to look back at that old post and realise how long the idea has been sitting quietly in the background. Life, healing timelines, timing, and simply not feeling ready all played their part. Today the timing finally felt right.

My left ear - double lobe, tragus and helix piercings

Once the helix has fully healed, I’d like to swap the starter stud for a curved zirconia cluster.

The piercing itself

I kept it simple. A clean helix piercing on the left ear with a small, good-quality stud to start the healing process. Nothing dramatic — just the placement I’ve been picturing for years.

As many of you know, I recently mentioned that I had six piercings with a seventh on the way. Today that seventh piercing became real. Adding the helix feels like a natural next step rather than a sudden decision.

What happens next

I’m treating this one with the same patience I give all my piercings. That means:

Cleaning with sterile saline as advised
Being careful with hair, headphones and sleeping position
No unnecessary touching or jewellery changes while it heals
Accepting that cartilage takes its time

I’ll share healing updates if there’s anything useful to report along the way.

My right ear - double lode and upper lobe piercings

It’s funny how some ideas stay with us for years until the moment simply feels right. I’m glad I waited until it did.

Have you ever gone back to an old plan or wish and finally followed through on it years later? Or is there a piercing you’ve been thinking about for a long time? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

Until next time, take care of yourselves (and your piercings!).

With love,

Baba Yaga: The Witch Who Lives in a Hut on Chicken Legs (Episode 22)

2026-09-09T21:20:36.686+02:00

(Blog post / YouTube script for Eerie Tales with Cosette)

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel

Deep in the dark forests of Eastern Europe, there is a house that walks on chicken legs.

It turns when spoken to.
Its fence is made of human bones.
And inside lives one of the most powerful and unpredictable figures in Slavic folklore.

Baba Yaga.

Welcome back to Eerie Tales with Cosette. I’m Cosette, and tonight we step into the woods to meet the wild old woman who is both helper and devourer, wise woman and terrifying witch.

Who is Baba Yaga?

Baba Yaga is a central figure in Slavic folklore, especially in the tales of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and surrounding regions. Her name roughly means “Old Woman Yaga” or “Grandmother Yaga,” though the exact meaning of “Yaga” is still debated by scholars. Some link it to words for disease, terror, or even ancient goddesses of death and rebirth.

She is usually described as a thin, bony old woman with iron teeth, a long nose, and wild hair. One of her legs is often said to be pure bone — earning her the epithet “Baba Yaga Bony Leg.”

But she is never just a simple witch.

The Hut on Chicken Legs

Baba Yaga lives in a strange wooden hut that stands on giant chicken legs. The hut can turn, walk, and spin. When a visitor approaches, the door and windows are often facing away. To enter, one must speak the correct words:

“Little hut, little hut, turn your back to the forest and your front to me.”

Only then does it rotate and allow entry. Around the hut stands a fence made of human bones, topped with glowing skulls that light the darkness.

Watch video on YouTube

How She Travels

Unlike the witches of Western Europe who ride broomsticks, Baba Yaga flies through the air in a giant mortar. She steers with a pestle and sweeps away her tracks behind her with a broom made of birch. When she flies, storms and wind often follow.

Helper or Devourer?

What makes Baba Yaga so fascinating is her dual nature.

In many stories she is a terrifying cannibal who eats those who fail her tests — especially rude or lazy children. In others, she becomes a powerful helper, giving magical gifts, advice, or protection to heroes and heroines who show courage, politeness, and cleverness.

She is a guardian of the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead, a tester of character, and a force of wild, untamed nature.

Some scholars believe she may be a faded memory of an ancient Slavic goddess of death, fertility, and the forest — a figure too powerful and complex to be reduced to a simple villain.

I already shared a short version of this tale — you can find it on the channel under the title linked in the description.

Have you encountered Baba Yaga in stories, films, or books before? Which version of her fascinates you most — the devourer, the helper, or something in between? Tell me in the comments.

Until next time…
If you ever find yourself lost in a dark forest and come upon a hut standing on chicken legs… choose your words carefully.

Creating a low-effort evening wind-down ritual

2026-09-07T15:20:31.383+02:00

Hello, everyone!

I hope this post finds you well. Many of us end the day still carrying the mental noise of everything that happened — messages, tasks, conversations, and unfinished thoughts. A complicated evening routine can feel like one more thing to fail at, especially when energy is already low. What often works better is a low-effort wind-down: a few small, realistic steps that gently signal to the body and mind that the day is coming to a close.

Today I want to share some simple ideas that don’t require special products, long time slots, or perfect consistency.

Why a wind-down matters

The nervous system doesn’t switch off the moment we decide we’re done for the day. It needs cues. Without them, it’s easy to stay in a half-alert state — scrolling, replaying conversations, or jumping between small tasks until it’s suddenly much later than planned. A short wind-down helps create a clearer boundary between “day” and “evening.”

Keep it deliberately small

The most sustainable rituals are the ones that still feel doable on tired nights. Aim for ten to twenty minutes at most. You can always do more when you have the energy, but the baseline should stay light.

Simple steps that work well

1. Choose a consistent starting signal
This could be as straightforward as washing your face, changing into comfortable clothes, or making a warm (or cool) drink. The action itself matters less than repeating it most evenings so your mind starts to recognise the cue.

2. Dim the lights
Lower lighting is one of the easiest ways to tell the brain that the active part of the day is over. Even switching off brighter overhead lights and using a lamp can make a noticeable difference.

3. Put the phone out of easy reach
You don’t have to give up screens entirely. Simply placing the phone on the other side of the room or in another space for a short while reduces the pull of notifications and endless scrolling.

4. Do one calming physical action
This might be applying moisturiser slowly, stretching for a few minutes, brushing your hair, or washing your hands and face with cooler water. Gentle, repetitive movements help the body shift gear.

5. Give the mind a soft landing
Some people like to write down three things that went okay that day, or any tasks that can wait until tomorrow. Others prefer a few pages of a book, a short piece of music, or simply sitting quietly with a drink. The aim is to avoid stimulating content right before sleep.

6. Keep the same rough order
You don’t need a strict schedule. Following the steps in a similar sequence most nights helps the ritual become automatic, which means it requires less decision-making when you’re already tired.

What it doesn’t need to be

It doesn’t need to be aesthetic, long, or the same every single night. It doesn’t need candles, supplements, or a perfectly tidy room. On some evenings the wind-down might last four minutes. That still counts.

I’ve found that the nights I do even a shortened version of this feel clearer than the ones where I move straight from activity into bed while my mind is still racing.

A low-effort evening ritual is less about optimisation and more about kindness — giving yourself a gentle bridge between the demands of the day and rest.

Do you already have a simple way of marking the end of the day, or is this something you’d like to try? I’d love to hear what works for you (or what feels difficult) in the comments.

Until next time, take the evenings gently.

With love,

Weekly roundup: Heatwave mornings, a Scandinavian spirit, single-tasking and a Maltese true crime case

2026-09-06T17:44:43.834+02:00

Hello, everyone!

It’s been another interesting week here at Cosette’s Pantry – Wellbeing & Dark Tales. We’ve had practical advice for coping with the heat, a heartbreaking piece of Nordic folklore, a gentle invitation to slow down, and a chilling local true crime case. If you missed anything, here’s a quick recap of the posts that went live this week.

Monday 31st August: Staying cool – Gentle morning routines during Malta’s heatwave

With temperatures climbing toward 40°C and the constant worry of power cuts, I shared the small, adapted morning habits that have been helping me stay grounded in Tarxien. From hydrating starts and light Mediterranean-style breakfasts to protecting a few quiet minutes and preparing for possible blackouts, this post is about finding gentleness even in extreme heat.

Read the full post here

Wednesday 2nd September: Eerie Tales with Cosette

Midweek we travelled north with The Myling: Scandinavia’s Restless Child Spirit (Episode 21). This is one of the saddest and most unsettling figures in Nordic folklore — the spirit of an unbaptised, improperly buried child who seeks someone to carry it to consecrated ground. The full transcript is available alongside the YouTube video.

Read the tale / watch the video here

Friday 4th September: The quiet power of single-tasking

In a world that constantly pulls our attention in every direction, I explored why doing just one thing at a time can feel so difficult — and how small, practical steps can help us reclaim a little calm and focus in everyday life.

Read the full post here

Friday 4th September: True Crime Tales with Cosette

We also examined a deeply disturbing Maltese case with Thrown in the Well: The Murder of a Mother and Baby in Birżebbuġa. In November 2001, a young mother and her toddler were killed and their bodies concealed in a courtyard well. The full story, including the investigation and trial, is now up on the blog.

Read the full post/watch video here

It’s felt good to keep the mix of wellbeing and dark tales flowing this week. Thank you for reading, watching, and supporting Cosette’s Pantry.

What was your favourite post this week? Or is there a beauty, wellbeing or dark-tales topic you’d love to see next? Let me know in the comments — I always enjoy hearing from you.

Until next time, stay radiant, stay curious, and take care of yourselves.

With love,

Thrown in the Well: The Murder of a Mother and Baby in Birżebbuġa

2026-09-04T19:34:44.944+02:00

(YouTube video transcript)

In November 2001, in the town of Birżebbuġa, Malta, a young mother and her baby daughter were killed inside a rented house. Their bodies were later found at the bottom of a well in the courtyard. The man responsible was Alfred Azzopardi, a 47-year-old from Żejtun. He would eventually be sentenced to life in prison for what the court described as a vile and macabre crime.

This is the story of the Birżebbuġa well murders.

Intro

Welcome to True Crime Tales with Cosette. Viewer discretion is advised. This is a true crime case from Malta. Some of the images used in this video are AI-generated and are not actual photographs of the crime scene.

Background

Alfred Azzopardi was 43 years old at the time of the crime. He was from Żejtun, married and living with his wife at the time of the murders. Azzopardi was also a father.

He worked as an auxiliary worker with the Armed Forces of Malta. Specifically, he was employed as a cleaner at the Air Squadron, a position he had held for approximately 16 years leading up to the events of 2001.

In the months before the murders, he had rented a house in Birżebbuġa. According to the prosecution, he used this property as a private place to meet women.

Vanessa Grech was just 22 years old. She was a young mother to a 17-month-old little girl named Ailey. Ailey was Vanessa's daughter from a previous relationship.

Vanessa had been struggling with personal difficulties, including addiction issues. She and Alfred Azzopardi had known each other for about a year and a half. Their relationship involved him giving her money on several occasions.

The Day of the Crime

On the 12th of November 2001, Alfred Azzopardi contacted Vanessa and asked her to come to the house in Birżebbuġa. She agreed and brought her young daughter with her.

What happened inside the house that day ended in the deaths of both Vanessa and Ailey. Azzopardi stabbed both the mother and the toddler to death. According to the prosecution, after the killings, Azzopardi made efforts to clean the scene. He then moved the bodies of the mother and her baby and placed them in a well located in the courtyard of the property.

He also put other items connected to the crime into the well, including clothing and personal belongings, before leaving the house.

Watch on YouTube

The Discovery

Two days later, on the 14th of November, the bodies were discovered. Police were called to the property in Birżebbuġa. Officers faced the difficult task of recovering the remains of Vanessa Grech and her little daughter from the well.

The discovery shocked the local community and the country.

The Arrest and Investigation

Alfred Azzopardi was arrested shortly afterwards. He was charged with the wilful homicide of both Vanessa Grech and her daughter Ailey, as well as with concealing their bodies.

The case drew significant attention. It was one of the rare cases in Malta involving the killing of both a mother and her young child.

The Trial

The trial by jury took place in December 2005 before Judge Joseph Galea Debono.

The prosecution described the crime as vile and macabre. During the trial, the prosecution established that Azzopardi committed the crimes specifically because he feared the affair would destroy his marriage. Vanessa Grech had threatened to go directly to his wife to expose their secret relationship, which drove him to murder both Vanessa and her toddler in an attempt to keep his married life intact.

After hearing the evidence, the jury found Alfred Azzopardi guilty of the murders by eight votes to one. They also found him guilty of concealing the bodies.

On the 15th of December 2005, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Azzopardi later appealed both the conviction and the sentence. In 2007, the Court of Criminal Appeal rejected his appeal and confirmed the life sentence. The judges described the killings as cruel and carried out in a macabre manner.

The Aftermath

The murders of Vanessa Grech and her 17-month-old daughter Ailey remain one of the most disturbing cases in modern Maltese criminal history.

A young mother and her baby lost their lives, and their bodies were hidden in a well. Alfred Azzopardi has been serving a life sentence since his conviction.

Outro

A mother.
A baby.
A well in Birżebbuġa.
And a life sentence that still stands.

This has been True Crime Tales with Cosette.
If this story stayed with you, please like the video, subscribe, and let me know your thoughts respectfully in the comments.

Until next time… stay safe.

The quiet power of single-tasking

2026-09-04T10:15:44.423+02:00

Hello, everyone!

I hope this post finds you well. Lately I’ve been thinking about how rarely we do just one thing at a time. Most of us move through the day switching between tasks, tabs, conversations and notifications almost without noticing. Single-tasking — giving one activity our full attention — sounds simple, yet it often feels strangely difficult.

Today I want to explore why that is, and share a few gentle ways to practise it in everyday life.

Why single-tasking feels harder than it used to

Our brains have adapted to constant input. Many of us have grown used to checking messages while cooking, listening to podcasts while walking, or scrolling while watching something. The result is that sustained focus can feel uncomfortable, even boring at first.

There’s also a quiet pressure to be efficient. Doing one thing at a time can feel slow or unproductive when we’re used to filling every spare moment. Yet research and lived experience both suggest that switching constantly comes at a cost: more mental fatigue, more mistakes, and a lingering sense of never quite finishing anything.

Single-tasking isn’t about becoming ultra-disciplined. It’s about giving the mind a chance to settle.

Simple ways to practise it

You don’t need long stretches of uninterrupted time. Small moments are enough to begin with.

1. Choose one ordinary activity

Pick something you already do daily — making coffee, washing up, walking to the shop, or applying moisturiser. For those few minutes, do only that. Notice the temperature of the water, the sound of the kettle, the feeling of the cream on your skin. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back.

2. Create short focus windows

Set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes and work on one task only. No checking the phone, no opening new tabs. When the timer ends, you can decide whether to continue or switch. These short windows often feel more manageable than trying to focus for an hour.

3. Protect transitions

Instead of immediately reaching for your phone when one activity ends, pause for thirty seconds. Let the previous task finish in your mind before moving to the next. This small gap reduces the sense of constant rushing.

4. Keep one space device-free

Choose a place — the dinner table, the bathroom, or a particular chair — where phones and screens stay away. Even a few device-free zones in the day help the nervous system reset.

5. Notice the urge to switch

When you feel the pull to check something else, pause and name it. “There’s the urge to look at my phone.” Simply noticing without acting on it builds awareness over time.

What starts to change

People who practise single-tasking often notice they feel less scattered by the end of the day. Tasks take less mental energy. Ordinary moments — a cup of tea, a short walk, a conversation — become more satisfying because they’re not competing with half a dozen other inputs.

It doesn’t mean you’ll never multitask again. Life sometimes requires it. But choosing single-tasking more often creates pockets of calm that add up.

I’ve been experimenting with this myself in small ways, and I’m surprised by how much lighter the day feels when I’m not constantly splitting my attention.

Do you find single-tasking easy or difficult? Have you noticed any difference when you give one thing your full focus? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Until next time, take things one step at a time.

With love,

The Myling: Scandinavia’s Restless Child Spirit (Episode 21 of Eerie Tales with Cosette)

2026-09-02T15:45:47.907+02:00

(Blog post / YouTube script for Eerie Tales with Cosette)

Have you ever been walking alone at night and felt a sudden weight settle on your shoulders… as if something small, cold, and desperate had just climbed onto your back?

In the forests and lonely paths of Scandinavia, that feeling has a name: The Myling.

Welcome back to Eerie Tales with Cosette. I’m Cosette, and tonight we travel north to one of the most heartbreaking and terrifying figures in Nordic folklore.

What is a Myling?

A myling is the restless spirit of a child who died without baptism and without a proper burial. Most often, these were unwanted infants — born out of wedlock, or into families who could not support them — who were secretly killed or abandoned and left to die in the wilderness, under floorboards, in marshes, or among the trees.

Because they were never named and never laid to rest in consecrated ground, their souls could not move on. They remained tied to the place where their bodies were hidden, crying in the night, singing of the crime that created them, and searching for someone who would finally carry them to a churchyard.

In Norwegian tradition the same spirit is known as the utburd — “that which is carried outside.” In Iceland it is the útburður, and similar beings appear in Finnish folklore under names such as liekkiö.

The Encounter

The classic meeting with a myling is chillingly simple.

A lone traveller is walking a dark forest path or a lonely road. Suddenly a small figure appears — sometimes looking like a pale child, sometimes only felt as a presence. It leaps onto the traveller’s back and clings tightly, demanding to be carried to the nearest graveyard so it can finally rest in hallowed ground.

At first the weight is light. But with every step toward the churchyard the myling grows heavier… and heavier… until it feels as if the person is carrying a stone, or a grown man, or something even greater. Many who tried never reached the gate. Those who failed were said to be crushed or killed in the spirit’s rage.

Some stories say that if you manage to reach the consecrated ground, the myling will release you and find peace. Others claim that simply giving the spirit a name can free it.

Watch on YouTube

A Spirit of Grief and Accusation

The myling is not only dangerous — it is also an accuser. In many tales it sings or speaks of its mother’s crime, revealing the secret that was meant to stay buried. There are stories of mylings appearing at their mother’s wedding, rising from under the floorboards during the dance and demanding to join in… with deadly results.

It is one of the saddest figures in Scandinavian folklore: a child denied both life and rest, forced to wander until the living show it the mercy it never received.

I already shared a short version of this tale — you can find it on the channel under the title linked in the description.

Have you ever heard of the myling before? Or do you know similar legends of restless child spirits from other cultures? Tell me in the comments — I always love hearing the stories that stay with you long after the lights go out.

Until next time…
Walk carefully on lonely paths.
And if something small and cold climbs onto your back… keep walking toward the light.