Hello, all of you lovely human beings! ❄️
It’s been a while since my last (bookish) chat with you, and there’s so much I want to fill you in on—some of it incredible, and wonderful, and some of it less so—but that’s life, right?
This seemingly random GIF made my lips curl into a smile, and is similarly intended to make yours do the same.
For some reason, looking back on October, and September, and all the previous months, I was struck with the realization that my months seem to all start out relatively great, but end less than ideally—and I really hope November breaks with this unwanted “tradition”.
I’ve been more adamant than ever to spread more kindness in the world (wow, this sounds really dramatic), and have been thinking of ways in which I could do that. My mental health hasn’t been the best in the past couple of weeks, and months, and I know firsthand just how much a little compassion, and kindness, and just a few thoughtful words can brighten a day for me.
One small way I thought of (online) was giving back to the blogging community, and helping other bloggers get more recognition. I’ve decided for my own blog to become a platform to feature other bloggers, and a place where I boost marginalized (book) bloggers’ voices (Asian, POC, and LGBTQIAP+ bloggers, and mental illness advocates in particular).
There’s been an overwhelming amount of response, and I’m still in the process of going through all the applications, but you can still sign up for my Sprinkles of Dreams – Blogger Feature, if you want to be involved!
I had the honor of being selected to promote BlissPrintsUK‘s beautiful prints last month, and I’m so excited to show you the ones I picked out to decorate my room with.
The second print is supposed to hang above my bed, but I’m still waiting for my dad to drill a hole into the wall. 🐣
BlissPrintsUK recently added new prints to their website, many of them Christmas-themed, so definitely head over to their homepage! And don’t forget to use my code SPRINKLESOFDREAMS20 for 20% off your order—valid till 11/11.
I’ve also been meaning to invest (I say, because I’m a poor student) in some bookish merchandise for a while, mainly bookmarks, candles, and pins, so if you have any favorite stores—I’d especially like to support smaller ones—or items, please let me know! 💗
It’s been … (almost) six months since I started blogging, and I just want to use this occasion to say a huge thank you to every single one of you who’s been so welcoming, and supportive, and has made this entire experience so wonderful!
Your comments and messages, both here on my blog, on Twitter, on Instagram, &&. mean so much to me, and I’m really so thankful for everything that blogging has brought me, and above else, all the friendships I’ve formed.
I can’t believe I’m actually able to say this, but I received emails from three (!!!) different publishers this month, telling me that they’d be happy to send me physical ARCs of books I’m dying to read. I’m so grateful, and excited, and also anxious for them to arrive. Because, as you know, I won’t be able to believe that I’m actually this lucky, until they’re in my hands.
And in the interest of full disclosure, and being 100% honest with you; most of the publishing houses I approached (especially in the US) haven’t replied to me, or have replied saying that they don’t ship internationally, so please don’t get discouraged, if you don’t hear back right away (or ever), or get denied.
My road to these ARC approvals wasn’t paved with roses, and it pays off to be scrappy … like Monica.
Seriously, though, who gave people the right to be this kind to me. 😭💘
I’m also somewhat relieved that their release dates are all in 2019, because—and it’s honestly been a long time coming—I’ve decided to restrict myself to reading only a certain amount of books per month. I’m still unsure on the exact amount, but I know that it’ll definitely be less than fifteen, maybe even less than ten.
- I somehow fell into a reading slump that made me decide to binge watch Revenge. Honestly, I love Emily (the real Amanda Clarke) so much, and we need more strong, and confident women on TV. Even if her whole revenge-enda (hi, hello, hi, my puns are back) is a bit … well.
- Also, chatting with Kat made me all nostalgic, and reminisce about my childhood, which is why I ended up watching The Thief Lord. I absolutely adored the book as a kid, and it has one of the few movie adaptions that didn’t let me down. Everyone, please go watch it, if you haven’t yet, because it’s absolutely magical, and features the most wholesome friends group & relationship portrayal of siblings you’ve ever seen.
What have you been up to?
Anything exciting happening in your (blogging) life?
What are you currently reading? 💗
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Really enjoyed reading this post Lily! I can totally relate to what you said about the months starting off great but ending in a less than great way but I really hope this month ends wonderfully for you. Also congrats on getting sent a few physical ARCS! That’s such amazing news and just shows how much your hard work is getting appreciated, keep it up – I love your blog so I know these great things will continue to happen for you. You’re such a positive force and voice – much love!
Rumaanah x
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Ahh thank you so, so much, Rums, that means so much to me! 😭😭💛
This message genuinely made me tear up, and I really can’t thank you enough for your kind words.
Sending you all the positive vibes in the universe! 🌙🌟💫
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Ahh, congratulations on your physical arcs! That’s SO amazing, and I’m so so so happy for you and I really hope you enjoy them. 🙂
Also, congrats on almost six months of blogging! You’ve had so much success in such a small period of time and I think that really speaks to your kind, welcoming personality and your wonderful blog posts.💓
Sending you all the best vibes, always!
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Thank you, Olivia!! I’m honestly so nervous, and I really hope they’ll find their way to me safely. 🙈🙏🏻✨
Ahh I didn’t ask for these tears?? 😭 THANK YOU, from the very bottom of my heart, you’re so kind & I’m forever thankful to have you as my friend. 💖
Sending you the warmest thoughts and hugs!! ✨✨
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Congrats on the ARCs!! That’s amazing and I can’t wait to see your reviews!!
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Thank you, Meeghan! I’m so excited and nervous – thanks so much for your sweet message! 🌸
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I’m so happy you got approved for those three ARCs Lily! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Surina! ☺️🍁
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Congratulations on your half-year blogoversary! I think it’s incredible how much your blog has grown in such a short period of time! Also, getting physical ARCs sounds like a dream, I’m so happy for you! I’m currently (sort of) reading A Conjuring of Light by V E Schwab and Anna Karerina at the same time because whilst I love ACOL, I love it to much and I don’t really have enough time to commit to reading it because I know I won’t be able to stop! Whereas Anna Karerina I can only read a short part at the time as Russian Classics seem to be heavy on the description so I’m mainly focusing on that at the moment.
Debbie x
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Thank you so much, Debbie, that’s so sweet of you! 💗
Ohh, I really need to finish the A Darker Shade of Magic series, thanks for reminding me, haha – and I’ve been meaning to read Anna Karenina for a really long time, but somehow it never feels like it’s the right time, and I also get a bit intimidated, to be honest 🙈 – I totally relate to only being able to read classics like that in smaller bits and pieces! Do you like it so far, though? 🙂
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, and happy reading! 😊🌷
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I am liking it, though if you detach the rough story-line from the novel itself it can sound a bit like a trashy romance story which I find quite amusing, but I definitely don’t think it’s anything to shy away from!
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Ohh that’s good to hear, I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Debbie! And I feel like that’s the case for a lot of classics, in a way? Haha. But I definitely feel more eager to get to it myself now. 😀
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I always love reading your bookish chats, Lily, and this one is no exception! ☺️ I hope that your November is going well and that it’ll end on a good note, too! And you’re honestly so kind for doing this blogger feature and using your platform to boost other people’s voices. 💞 I’m so excited to read their posts!
And happy (almost) 6 months of blogging!! 😊 It’s incredible seeing how much you’ve accomplished as a blogger in only 6 months! It also amazes me that you’ve only been a book blogger for one month more than me, haha. Also, congratulations on the physical ARCs! You absolutely deserve this and so much more, Lily. Looking forward to all that you’ll achieve in the future as a blogger 💗
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Ahh you’re just the sweetest, Dezzy! 💗 Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoy these little chats, because I love writing them. :’)
I can’t wait to read everyone’s posts either – though I’m still in the process of getting back to everyone who signed up. 🙈 I hope I can get back to you by the end of the week, too!
Thank you!! I can’t believe it, to be honest, time really seems to fly. I’m really looking forward to seeing your blog continue to flourish as well, you’re doing so well, Dezzy! 🌟
Thanks so much for your kind words, always. I hope you have an amazing weekend ahead of you! 🤗🌷
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Omg, CONGRATS!!! I’m so happy you joined the blogging community!!! Looks like you’ve gotten so much done in that time!
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Thank you so much, Kaya! That’s so incredibly kind of you. I count myself very luck to be amongst such wonderful people like you. 💛💛
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❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you so much for this post! I am brand new to the book review blogosphere, so it was great for me to read about your experience approaching publishers for ARCs. Congrats on the ones that you’ll receive; I hope to get there too eventually! 🙂
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Ohh, welcome to the book blogging community, Kenzie! 🤗 I hope you’re having a wonderful time and experience already, and I’m so happy to hear that this post was helpful to you!
Thank you! I’m sure you’ll get there as well, and If you ever have any questions at all, you can always message me on Twitter or Instagram. ☺️💛
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Thank you much, I appreciate it! 😊 Will do!
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You’re welcome ☺️🌷
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[…] Danielle | Sahi | Lily […]
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Happy blog birthday 🙂 yay so happy you got those arcs!!!
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Thank you, Kay! And I’m so nervous and excited about them, haha, thank you so much! 💗💗
I hope your having a great day & an even better weekend. ✨
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Congratuations on getting physical ARCs, you’re so lucky and so popular with publishers, that’s fantastic 🙂 I’m really happy for you and curious to see which books they are, I have to say it haha 😀
I’m excited to see where this blogger feature takes you and to see the wonderful bloggers featured, too. I applied for it a little while ago but you must be drowning under applications, so… just a reminder that if you need any help or anything or would like me to help, I don’t know if I can be helpful in any way or not at all ahah, but throwing this out there, I’m here 🙂 excited to see where all of this takes you. you’re doing amazing xxxx
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Thank you so much, Marie! ❤
I'm such an anxious little bean until the books are actually in my hands, and I always feel like naming them is just tempting fate, when I don't know for *sure* they'll arrive. 🙈 But you already know about one of them, I guess. 🙂
Ahh that's so kind of you, thank you! I'm drowning a bit, yes, but I hope I'll manage to get back to you by the end of this week, fingers crossed!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead of you, Marie! And I'm sending you lots of inspiration and motivation for NaNo. 💗💗
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Oh don’t worry I am certain that they’ll arrive, you’re a rising star, books are coming into your hands always and will continue to 😉 ❤
Oh thank you, you're so sweet ❤ ❤
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Happy 6 month blogversary, Lily! You deserve everything you’ve got, and as an intl blogger, i’m so excited for you that you’re getting physical arcs of anticipated releases of yours. and, i have to say that b99 is everything. I also really love your efforts to boost marginalized bloggers – they are very heard and very appreciated ❤
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Ahh thank you, Taasia! You’re so sweet. 😢💜
Did you see that we have a premiere date for B99?? I am so happy sdnfjdsdfs;;
I’m really excited about it (and a little bit overwhelmed as well)! I hope I can get back to everyone by the end of the week. ✨
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Ahhhhh you’re such a gem!
Yes I saw the Brooklyn 99 news and got so excited! I was literally screaming about the whole day, haha! Take your time and don’t forget to take some time for yourself if you need ❤
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Such a great and inspiring post, Lily! 💜
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Thanks so much, Jen!! 🙂
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That’s so lovely that you’ve decided to do that feature 😀 It’s so wonderful that you’re enjoying blogging- happy half year bloggiversary! ❤
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Thank you!! 🧡 And I’m really excited about it, I hope I can help more bloggers find a bigger audience. 🙂
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Happy half year blogaversary Lily! I’m so happy for you and congratulations on getting those physical ARCS- can’t wait to read the reviews!
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Oh, thank you so much! That is so kind of you, I really appreciate it a whole lot! 💗💗
Thanks so much for your sweet message, I hope you’re having a lovely day! 🌷
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Ahhh I used to love Revenge! I only watched a couple of seasons of it but then got too stressed by it and had to stop. But I still love it and sometimes debate trying to watch it again because I do want to know what happens. It’s so good and dramatic and everyone is very attractive.
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Ahh I relate!! How far did you get? I still have the last few episodes of the series left, and I can’t bring myself to watch them because of the emotional turmoil that’s I’m sure awaits me.
Yes!! I love the cast, and I adore Emily/Nolan’s friendship so much. And I love Emily VanCamp’s acting in general, she’s so talented. ❤
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Ahh I really liked Nolan. I got up to where Amanda exits the show (thank goodness, I hated her) I need to find a place other than Netflix to watch it because now you’ve got me in the mood for it again!
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I love Nolan!! He’s the best + makes the best puns. And I remember disliking Amanda as well, but this time around I was a bit less annoyed by her, to be honest, haha.
Ohh definitely let me know when you watch it again & feel free to rant to me about it. 😀
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I am so happy our short convo sparked the nostalgia to go watch The Thief Lord again. It’s seriously so good and I still adore it with all my heart. Some things will never change, I think 😀
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I think so too! It’s such a magical and feel-good movie, and it makes me wish I was a child again, so much.
I love the line “Erwachsene erinnern sich nicht mehr, wie es war, ein Kind zu sein. Auch wenn sie es meinen, (…)” – I’m not quoting it 100% correctly, but I feel so nostalgic about it, because I still remember when I read it for the first time (and was still a child), and now I realize just how true it is, barely passing as a teen, but not really. :’)
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Oooh, I remember that quote!! I do relate to that as well, which I didn’t think I would. But honestly, I really don’t have any idea how it was to be a child haha
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HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! of course you would already be this successful and good at this after 6 months. figures.
also the b99 gif DID make me smile so THANKS. congrats on the arcs gf you deserveeee ittttt
& i hope november stays a good month for you ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you, dove 💞
Ahhh it made you smile, I feel very accomplished now. Thank you so much for your friendship, and being so wonderful to me, I don’t deserve you. 😭
I hope November is kind to you. ❤️❤️
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ahhhhh half a year since you started!!! im so proud of what you’ve accomplished in this short amount of time ❤ ❤ ❤
p.s. you deserve all the arcs and im so happy for youuuuuu
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Thank you so much, May, I’m honestly so, so thankful to you for being so supportive from the very beginning, and even before that. I’m so lucky to have a friend like you!! 💜💜
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😭😭😭 we’re being so soft what is this lily
you honestly deserve all the support and im glad i got to be a part of it ❤
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😭💜💜💜
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Happy half-year blogiversary, Lily ♥ I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for six months! You’re amazing!! I’ve been here for two years and I don’t feel half as put together as your blog is 😂 Congrats on the ARCs!!! I remember when I received my first one and it was so exciting 😀 Wishing you and your blog all the best for the future!!
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Thank you, Lauren! 💗
Ahh you’re too kind, your blog is wonderful!! Thank you so much for your sweet message, wishing you all the best in everything you do as well!! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. 🌷💕
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Happy Blogiversary and congratulations for physical ARCs…I know how hard it is as an international blogger…It’s been a year and I haven’t get any 😂….
P. S It’ll be great if you write a post sometimes which includes the list of publisher who ships internationally 😊
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Aw, thank you! And I know that words don’t always help in this situation, but … gentle reminder that ARCs don’t determine the value of your blog. 💗
I’m thinking of putting together a blog post, but also don’t feel “accomplished” enough to do so yet. 😅 There are already a lot of helpful blog posts that are written by much more experienced bloggers, though – if you want, I can send you links! 💞
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No it is not about value of blog, it just makes us international bloggers left out…
I’ll strongly encourage you write such post…you are accomplished enough to write one 😊
It is so kind of you 🙂
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Ooh, I’m so happy for you regarding the physical ARC’s! ❤ I know – we all know – book blogging isn't about the ARC's but it definitely helps a LOT on the road to feeling validated and feeling like your work is paying off somewhat. I've rarely requested physical ARC's simply because I'm scared to death of the rejections. Being international definitely sucks. 🙂 I also have zero confidence when it comes to HOW to request one and what my request should look like? [Look at me being all honest right now.. People seriously don't believe me when it comes to this because I've been blogging for "so long" but yup. Insecurity is present tons right here. :')]
ANYWAY.
I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed November ends brilliantly for you. You deserve to have months starting, being and ending on good notes – that's for sure. ❤
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Kathy, thank you so, so much! 😭
I know what you mean, being an international blogger really makes your chance to get a physical ARC much smaller. 😦 And I relate to your feelings a lot! I get really anxious requesting books as well, but if it’s a book I’m really passionate about, and want to promote, and help more people to notice, I just think of how much it’d pay off – especially when the book features aspects that are really close to my heart.
I can only whole-heartedly recommend trying your luck, and reaching out to publishers, though, you have nothing to lose. And there’s always a chance that they’ll send you an e-galley, if not the physical book. 🙂
Thank you so much for your lovely message, Kathy, I’m wishing for your November to absolutely amazing! x
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You’re very welcome!
That’s definitely true. I’ve only felt THAT passionate about one or two books I actually ended up requesting. And.. with one of those I got the reply they’d approve my NetGalley request since they were out of physical ARC’s but.. then they ended up denying my NG request and never replied to my mail asking whether something went wrong or.. idk.. I felt even worse after that whole ordeal so now I’m laying low even more so when it comes to ARC’s.. :’)
❤ You're very welcome, Lily!
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Ahh no I’m sorry you had this experience! 😔 It’s why I’m so hesitant to look forward to books, even after I get approved—I’ve heard so many stories where something didn’t work out after all.
If you ever feel like requesting again, don’t hesitate to message me! Even if I’m not an expert at this, either. 🙈💗💗
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Ugh, exactly! I understood immediately why you wouldn’t announce what ARC you got approved for when you first mentioned it [on Twitter, I think?] until you had received it. I would’ve done the same thing, really.
Awh, that’s sweet! Thank you! ❤
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Congrats, Lilly on six months of blogging! You have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time! AND OH GOODNESS MORE ARCS! SLAY THE FATTED PIG AND THROW IT ON THE FIRE THAT’S SO AMAZING!!!!! Really though, that’s so great and I am so happy for you! I hope that the books turn out to be as great as you are hoping them to be! Thanks for another GREAT and WONDERFUL post 🙂
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Ahh Kat, thank you so much! 🧡 You’re too kind. 😭😭
Thank you for being such a kind and wonderful presence in my blogging life, I’m so lucky to know you! I hope you have an absolutely fantastic weekend & sending you all the positive vibes, and lots of hugs!! 🧡
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Dawwwww 😭😭😭😭 I’m drowning in happy tears over here. That means so much to me, Lily! Good luck to you going forward from here 🙂
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THANK YOU 🧡🧡
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So happy to have discovered your blog! Here’s to another great 6 months 🙂
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Aw, thank you so much, that’s so sweet of you! 💞 Wishing you a wonderful weekend. ☺️✨✨
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[…] @ Blame Chocolate Steph @ Steph Loves Lily @ Sprinkles of Dreams Haley @ Fangirl Fury Paige @ Just One More […]
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I‘m keeping all my fingers crossed that this month ends on a better note for you! 💕
And happy half-year blogversary 🎉 I think your Blogger Feature is such a great idea!! (kindness is always important 💗) also yay for getting the Arcs, that’s amazing!! 😍
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Thank you so much, Caro, that means a lot! ✨💗
I’m so excited as well, I just hope everything runs smoothly. :’) I hope you’re having a wonderful week! 💞
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What an exciting time for the blog! I’m so pleased you’re seeing your hard work pay off 🙂
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Ahh thank you so, so much, Lydia! That is so kind of you. 😭💛💛
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Congratulations on six months of blogging, and for receiving three physical arc approvals! It warms my heart to see internationals get afforded this opportunity, and you deserve it! I hope November is a great month for you, sweets!
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[…] Sprinkle of Dreams, Zezee and Marie […]
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[…] (Bookish) Chats with Lily // My Half-Year Blogiversary Ft. a Reading Resolution & More Physical… […]
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