December/Christmas Book Haul Pt.1

HI GUYS !!! HOW YA DOIN.......

*crickets chirping*

Alright looks like it's going to be tough crowd tonight.

Oh you wanna know why this is split into 2 parts and why there's more than 10 books in the first half... well let me just explain: IT WAS FRICKIN CHRISTMAS AND MOST OF THESE ARE FROM ME TO ME because i think i worked pretty hard this year. And the best present to myself is of course books. I seriously regret nothing. Judge me all you want but a girl deserves to treat herself every once in a while.

So without further ado, my first Christmas book haul of extravagance.
Enjoy.(:♥

1. The 5th Wave

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Thriftbooks

I checked this out at the library a while back, but never finished it. And what I read was pretty good. For the longest time I've been meaning to buy this as well as the second book so I finally say I completed reading 5th Wave. But I kept putting it off. Until one miraculous cold day, I was rummaging through Thirftbooks, as a bored person does, and found this beautiful gem available and just begging me to buy it. So I did. And this is where our ginormous book haul begins....

2/3. Code Verity/Rose Under Fire

Goodreads •  Goodreads
Buy it • Buy it
Source: Thriftbooks

I finally FINALLY was able to get my hands on these. And guess where I found them...
I mean you could just look at the source link...

But yeah.... I love thriftbooks... sometimes. Anyway, I've been wanting to read/buy these for a while now. I'm so glad i was finally able to do so.



4. Percy Jackson's Greek Gods
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Barnes and Noble

I GOT IT I FINALLY HAVE IT IN MY HANDS!!! I don't think you know how happy i am about this. The art in this book is so spectacular. On top of the pretty pictures, Percy is narrating so that just basically makes the book 1000 times better and I'm gonna cherish it 5evr.






5. The Young Elites
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Gift


Once upon a time, I read The Legend trilogy by Marie Lu and loved every little bit of it.... except the ending of the last book... LIKE WHY ?!!! Ugh. My heart

Okay I'm gonna calm down.

The trilogy was really fantastic so when I found out Marie was coming out with another one, I knew it was fate and I just had to have it. But like my previous books, I had to keep putting them off until I had more money or until i was bought my priority books. Luckily Christmas rolls around, my Mommie asks me what I want as gifts and any logically person would say: books. I give a list and lo and behold, Christmas day I unwrap a present with this beautiful thing beneath the paper.

I'm really intrigued to read this. So far, I've heard some pretty good things. I'm not one person for fantasy, but since this is Marie Lu, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love every bit of it.



6. The Bone Season
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Book Outlet

I decided to by this book because it was reviewed and praised by Reagan from PeruseProject on Booktube. I'm not entirely sure what it's about. But I trust Reagan, plus it was on Book Outlet for like 3 bucks... how the crap do you expect to say no?







7. My True Love Gave to Me
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Barnes and Noble

OMG I'm so glad I finally bought this. I'm a sucker for a good short stories. After being on Wattpad and Figment for so many years I just miss the feel of going into a story and knowing, within a few minutes, there's going to be an ending. On top of this being a collection of little Christmas treats, it's written by a bajillion great authors. THEN 
 and then

AND THEN

it's edited by freaking Stephanie Perkins.... LIKE YAAASSS !!!!

8. Snow Hunters
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Book Outlet

Honestly, I picked this book to fill my cart. But then I read the synopsis and was like "meh, okay. I could use some more good historical fiction displayed on my shelf."

9. The Clockwork Prince
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Thriftbooks

I'VE FINALLY COMPLETED THE SERIES !!! I can now binge all 3 books in utter merriment.











10. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
  Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Gift

This was on my christmas book list. My dearest mommie bought it for me. Sucks, she bought the paperback though. Oh well. I still appreciate the gesture. ♥




11. Lexicon
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Book Outlet

This cover is really cool in person, you guys.

Besides that Reagan, once again, hauled this. It has pretty decent reviews on Goodreads, so why not?

12. The Enchanted
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Book Outlet

So funny story... I found this book on sale as an ebook... I bought it cuz it was reviewed by Reagan (surprise surprise). But then I go on Book Outlet to fill up my cart and I find the hardcover version.

LIKE WTF ???

Needless to say, I was a little irritated. But then I realized, "Lyric, what the crap are you angry about? Because now you can read the book wherever you are. On your phone and at home...."

So moral of the story: Books are bae.

I don't know

13. Brutal Youth

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Book Outlet

To be perfectly honest, I saw the Stephen King review and knew I had to have it. From the looks of it it's mostly about a boy at a boarding school. Those aren't necessarily my forte, but what the hell? I mean I liked Looking for Alaska. Pretty much the same thing right?
RIGHT?

 14/15. Outpost/ Horde

Goodreads • Goodreads

Buy it • Buy it
Source: Book Outlet

I've been wanting to read/purchase these for the longest time. I LURV zombie books. Sucks I couldn't find the 1st book in the trilogy on sale anywhere.

December/Christmas Book Haul Pt. 2

16-20. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

new paperback boxset

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Gift

I FINALLY HAVE IT IN MY POSSESSION AND THAT'S WHERE IT SHALL STAY !!! THANK YOU MOMMIE ILUHYOUSOMUCH ♥♥♥

21/22. Glass/Fallout

Goodreads • Goodreads

Buy it • Buy it

Source: Book Outlet

These covers are so much prettier in person. Turns out they're normal sized compared to the old way Ellen Hopkins published her previous books. Which means I don't have matching covers. Which means I'm going to have to buy the matching covers to every single one of her books. 

*insert evil laugh here*

I'm sorry

23. Since You've Been Gone

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Book Outlet

Ugh I'm so relieved I finally have this book in my hands! Like since the summer I've been wanting to read and buy this but I kept putting it off because life and money. Thank the Lord for Book Outlet and their wonderful wonderful prices.

24. Best Loved Fairy Tales

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Book Outlet

All of our fave fairy tales in one big gorgeous book. Need I ask for more? 

Mhmmm 
I thought so

25. Sekret

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Book Outlet

Reagan....

I have a problem. Her good eye for books is going to be the end of me, I swear.

26. The One and Only Ivan

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Book Outlet

This book looks so cute. It has pictures! And a monkey and a baby elephant like.... DUDE. Plus it's an award winner. Can never go wrong with those.

Lol.

I've been wanting this for a while. So glad I found it on trusty old Book Outlet.

Maybe I'll read it to my baby sister.

I dunno

27. Point of Retreat
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Barnes and Noble

I'm honestly curious as to why only the second book is on sale on like every website... I'm not really complaining. But still. 

the question marks floating above my head 

Oh well. 
 I guess now that i have it I have no other choice but to buy the 1st and 3rd.




28. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
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Source: Barnes and Noble

I know for sure this is a movie. So I'm going to be a good little reader and read the book before I watch it. When the movie was coming out I heard pretty great things regarding the story. So when I saw it on B&N for only 3 bucks I couldn't pass it up.

29. The Host
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Source: Barnes and Noble

I freaking bought the mass production version of this when the movie came out, right before spring break of 2013. Turns out I hate mass production. I never read the book because the pages and the tiny letters irritated me to know end. I ended up giving this away or something... I honestly don't remember. But then I kept seeing it around but i never bought it again. Until just recently when I saw it on sale for 4 bucks. 


THANK 

YOU BARNES AND NOBLES FOR YOUR FICKLE SALES.

30. All That is Solid Melts Into Air
Goodreads • Buy it
Source: Barnes and Noble

When Reagan hauled this months ago I was honestly drawn by the beautiful title. Then I read the synopsis and I was completely sold. To top it off, it was also on sale. The holidays are such a glorious time of the year.

30. Night Film

Goodreads • Buy it

Source: Barnes and Noble

You should be able to guess by now how and why I picked up this book. If not, let me break it down for you:
1. Reagan
2. Reagan's high praise
3. I wanted it but could never purchase
4. Sale

Now that I have this, I'm kind of excited to read it because I don't read a lot of mysteries.

31/32. 

 Siege and Storm/ Ruin and Rising

Goodreads • Goodreads

Buy it • Buy it
Source: Book Outlet

Last but not least, these two... I mean it's about flipping time! I bought the 1st book so long ago. Never picked it because I wanted all 3. Now I have them and I can't wait to find time to just sit down and binge.




Oh my lord you guys! I have never in my life spent so much money on books. I'm scared to see what my book haul will look like around this time next year when I have double the amount of money to spend. >:D

Honestly, this was the worst holiday for me. 
A lot of stuff went down all at one time and I didn't know how to deal. So I took out my frustration and depression on my bank account. And I honestly regret nothing. Books bring me so much peace. Every time a new box comes in it immediately brightens my day. 

Anyway, I hope every single one of you had a fantastic holiday. That you got all your wishes wrapped in a glittering bow. 

I love you all.

Hugs and Candy,

Lyric♥

Fave Books of 2014

Wow....

Is 2014 seriously over?

I really have no words for much of a whirlwind this year has been. So many ups.

Unfortunately, quite a few downs.

But I made it... we all made it out alive and kicking more than ever for the new year.

And I seriously can't wait to see what 2015 has to offer.

My reading this year wasn't really what I wanted to be but there were a few books that really caused to feel the full force of all the feels. There were a few gems in the field of hay.

Here they are:





1. Anna and the French Kiss
My Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ (4.40)
Goodreads • Buy it
Quote: "Madamoiselle Oliphant. It translates to "Point zero of the roads of France." 

In other words, it's the point from which all other distances in 

France are measured." St. Clair clears his throat. 

"It's the beginning of everything."

I look up at him. He's smiling.

"Welcome to Paris, Anna. I'm glad you've come."

I fell for it. I fell right into the Stephanie Perkins trap. I didn't stand a bit of a chance.

Omg you guys I loved pretty much every inch of this book. It was so relatable, so easy to read. Anna and Etienne have officially made the list of my OTPs. There were times when I wanted to throttle both of them, but then I thought of Paris and Anna and how much all three entities should stay together forever.

Stephanie Perkins' writing contains the very best of the feels - homey and genuinely bubbly. The entire time I was reading, I literally felt like i was in Paris with Anna as she explored and worried and began to love Etienne despite his faults. My heart beat with Anna every time she met someone or tasted a foreign food. The journey was wonderful and I can't wait to go on it again.




2. How to Love
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4.15)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: "I wasn't shy exactly. That's never what I was. I just didn't know how to do this, is all, that clang and chatter of high school. And more than that, I didn't particularly want to learn. My whole life Cade had teased me for my inability to handle more than one or two friends at a time; ten minutes in Allie's crowded kitchen left me feeling like some wild animal dropped into a completely foreign habitat... I wasn't unpopular exactly. I was just... unequipped."

I loved this book for many different reasons. I went into it kind of expecting to be the typical teen mom cliche where the dad comes back, the mom falls in love again, and everything is happily ever after. I didn't expect, in anyway, for this story to impact me the way it has. While i was reading this, my mind warped and I basically became Rena. In the sense, I pictured myself in Rena's shoes if I don't get my shit together. Like myself, Rena wants to travel and become a journalist. She has everything planned and set out for her. But then she meets Sawyer and as they clumsily in love one thing leads to another and Rena finds out she's pregnant just as Sawyer decides to pack his things and leave. Now I don't think I'll end up a teen mom because I know from personal experience how hard it is to raise a kid at such a young age, but I do know that if I want my goals to become reality and not end up stuck in my hometown for the rest of my life, I can't just sit back and expect things to just fall in my lap.

Anyway, this story was beautiful. I'm glad I picked it up. I'm glad I got read about Rena's life. She's a strong character I think I emulate. If Rena and I ever met in real life I'd like to think we'd be good friends.




3. Angelfall
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4.1)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: "I knew from the start your loyalty would get you killed. I just never thought it would be your loyalty to me that would do it."

This story was so entertaining. It was really different. And i didn't expect it to make me think. There was so much more than just your average Angel Apocalypse (because that's something we always read about). There were a lot of political and religious aspects that really had my brain ticking.

Besides that though, my main love fell with the characters, of course. Raffe and Penryn are on my OTP list. Despite the fact Raffe tries very hard not to fall for Penryn, by the end of the story you see how much he was starting to care for her. Penryn, sassy and kick-ass as can be, doesn't take any shit from Raffe. She's set on one goal and one goal only: to find and take back her sister who was kidnapped from an evil angel during the battle at the beginning of the story. And she plans to use Raffe to as much of her advantage as she can.

Even if it kills them both.

This first story was just really fun and I was smiling and laughing whenever the opportunity presented itself, completely enjoying every second of it.




4. Halo
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4.44)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: "It wasn't up to you when they put this on you. You wearing this is something they did to you. If you put if back on, they're winning, okay? And you're letting them. You say this is your choice, Kit, and you're right. I'm begging you not to choose this. Choose something else. Choose the possibility that there could be something else worth feeling all the bad for. Choose me."

Soooooo I read this book for my jobs bookclub in request from one my managers. And when she told us to think Hunger Games on crack, I didn't really expect what I got.

THIS BOOK IS SO EPIC OH MY GAWD I JUST CAN'T DEAL

yeah

It follows the story of Kit, who is a fighting prodigy for her country called the Sanctuary. But here's the twist, all the fighters for this country wear a special device called a Halo that prevents them from feeling all the emotions we get to experience everyday, without consequence. So when her fighting partner removes Kit's halo, shit starts exploding (not in the literal sense).

As Kit tries to escape the Sanctuary she runs into the very sexy, very snarky Ryka.

And this is where our story really begins.

Kit is basically my spirit animal. She's smart and brave and she don't need no man. Even though Ryka is everything I want in a guy. I... ugh.... I don't know how to explain. I just need you to read so we can fangirl together.

Okay?
Okay.

(yes I went there.)



5. Dorothy Must Die
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4.09)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: "You don't need wheels on your house to get somewhere better. All you need is something to give you have extra push."

This was so much fun. It was a breath of fresh air.

As a child I always loved the Wizard of Oz. Pretty sure I've seen every rendition. My favorite is probably the one with Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.

All happy and hopeful and full of life lessons. They went down the yellow brick road and lived happily ever after.

Well in Dorothy Must Die, it's the exact opposite. Like forrealz. In this psychotic thriller, Dorothy has returned to Oz, with an attitude and the heaviest thirst for blood and power.

And that's exactly what she gets. Then we meet our heroine and our story skyrockets in a puddle of monkey shit and crazy fairies.

In other words, this story is fantastic and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.



6. If I Stay
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4. 21)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: "And that's just it, isn't? That's how we manage to survive the loss. Because love, it never dies, it never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hold on to it."

Once upon a time I "read" this. And in no way did I appreciate what was written on these pages. But then I picked it up again, in lieu of the movies premiere, and decided to really invest myself in what was being said.

So yeah, I went into the story knowing what Mia chose. But I didn't fully grasp what was happening when I "read" it all those years ago.

Now that I have, I'm glad I did because this book was wonderful. It was touching, heart-crushing, and just all around thoughtful. I sincerely enjoyed this and am so glad I finally got around to it this year.



7. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (4.45)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: ""How is you have friends, Noah?"

        "I ask myself that daily." He chomped...""

A
TOTAL
MIND
FUCK.

In the best way possible, of course.

And that's all I'm gonna say.







8. Ignite Me
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (4.54)
Goodreads • Buy it

Quote: "And we are quotation marks, inverted and upside down, clinging to one another at the end of this life sentence. Trapped by lives we did not choose."

My heart hurts at the idea of this series actually being over. I joined this bandwaggon right when the book came out. When I finished, my world was never the same. The Shatter Me series is what inspired me to write.... to truly take my life as a writer into serious consideration.

And i am forever grateful that this series has pushed me to become a better writer, helping me discover what was truly out there is this crazy world as a young writer.

So because this book has brought so much inspiration, I plan on re-reading it this year to jump start my writing again. I miss it.

I miss my fingers clicking against the keys.

I miss carrying my notebooks everywhere just so I can jot down those random bouts of inspiration.

I fell off so hard this year and it's time to return to my one place comfort.


Okay anyway, I'm really sad this is over. But that doesn't mean I can't return to Juliette's world again and again.



And that's I have for you guys.

I am in utter shock at how fast 2014 has flown by. Everything has happened so suddenly and now I'm at the point where I'm gonna be graduating from high school and my world will really begin.

I have no idea how any of that is gonna turn out for me.

But luckily, I have my blog, my books and my writing to keep me steady.

And I can't wait to see what's up next on this rocky road I call my life.

So I hope you enjoyed my 2014 favorites.

It's 2015 and I have lots of stuff coming up. Stay tuned.

So until next time, kiddies.


Hugs and Candy,
Lyric♥

September - November Collective Book Haul

OH HELLO THERE!

Long time no see, darlings.

Seriously though it's been like 3 months.

And you don't know how sorry I am about that.

Truly - from the bottom of my heart, please forgive me.

I promise I wasn't abandoning you. Things have just been really crazy. With school, family, work - I just literally come home and pass out. My mind all out of sorts and unable to comprehend what's in front of me.

Well, I take that back, no really. I've honestly been doing nothing but work. I come home, sleep, then put my uniform right back on. No time to really chill. Oh well. At least I'm making that MONAY! Which means I'll be able to buy ALL THE BOOKS.

JK.

I wish I had that kind of money.

Anyway, here is my long over due, collective book haul. It's not much, but like I said, I've had no time and my money has been going toward nothing but school things and food... mostly food.

Haha.

So here we go, let's get started.(:





1.Where Things Come Back
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    I've been eyeing this book for a while. Around the booktubes, I'd heard some pretty good reviews. Plus, it's Printz awarded. So I got some birthday money from my God Parents and finally bought it. Can't wait to read it.









2. Blood of Olympus
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    I am so incredibly late with this thing! I finally bought it. I finally had enough money to press the purchase button and not feel guilty about it later

    ....
    wait

    what am I talking about?! This is Percy Jackson! The very last of     him at that.

    Omg! It just hit me. I'm going to cry.

    just... just give me a moment please

3. Eleanor and Park Exclusive Collector's Edition
Goodreads • Buy it
    I mean did you really expect anything less from me?! How could i say no....?







4. For Darkness Show's the Stars (ebook)
Goodreads • Buy it
    Epic Reads is such a great and magically place. I mean if it wasn't for them I wouldn't own half the ebooks I have. Thank you God for Epic Reads Epic Deals. ILUHYOU!

    Anyway, I'd heard some pretty great things about this book. So when I saw it for just $1.99 I couldn't not press the purchase button.

5. Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales
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    My mommie is so nice to me. Like she took me to Barnes and Noble on my birthday and just let me run free... sort of. I mean she gave me a $60 limit. Which was more than enough. I found this entire collection for just 20 bucks. Like... what?! So yeah I grabbed it and lived happily ever after. I can't wait to actually get into so I can play some of these stories off in my own writing.






6. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour (ebook)
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    I mean it's about time. Even though it's an ebook, I was finally able to purchase. I honestly don't know how long I've book wanting to buy this book. Guess since the summer. I dunno. But it was on sale on Amazon and  I nearly cried. I'll probably end up reading this at the beginning of the year. We'll see. I want to. Cuz I've heard so many great things about this story.

7. The Retribution of Mara Dyer
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    My.
    Heart.

        I can't believe it's over. I purchased this with Heroes of Olympus and when the box came in I nearly cried. Then I read it and almost cried too. I do have a few complaints. But that can wait until I do my trilogy review next year. I'm so glad I finally have a physically copy of at least one of the books. I have yet to purchase the first 2 hardcovers. In due time though.





8. World After
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    I bought this on a whim. I mean I was honestly just gonna wait until the last book comes out in January but it was still on sale so I was like "meh, why not." So it's in my kindle app, waiting for me to read.

9. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Other Stories
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    This cover though. Like how on Earth do you expect me not to buy. This was one of my birthday purchases. THANK YOU, MOTHER! I might read this in bits and pieces; share a few stories with my baby sister. But for now it's just a collectible. It's so so pretty. Like you don't even know.










PHEW! So glad this is off my chest. It's been so long, I'm kind of rusty. Hope you enjoyed my collective bookhaul. I mean in 3 months, it's not a lot but I'm a high school student trying to get ready for life outside of high school. My time is literally split in bits and pieces. Anyway, more to come. I triple pinky swear this time. 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! So I'm expecting lots of Barnes and Nobles gift cards to buy all the books! 

Sort of.

Haha.

So get ready for that book haul.

I love you guys. See you soon.

Hugs and candy,
Lyric♥

August Book Haul

And the numbers just keep dwindling down.

Can you believe it ??

My book number isn't in the double digits. *insert extreme gasp*

I know I know. I 'm about as shocked as you guys. Never thought I'd see the day where I maintained the ultimate kind of restraint.

Grant it, I was still broke by the end of the month, but only because I actually needed things. Not that books aren't a MAJOR necessity. No, I just needed stuff for school... food.... sanity... more food. Stuff like that.

Anyway, since I have only 5 books to show you, this post shouldn't be that long.

Enjoy.♥

1. If I Stay
 Goodreads • Buy it
        Like I mentioned in my August TBR, I'd already read this book. Well more like skimmed through it cuz my brain was too impatient to find out what happens. So yes, I already know what the outcome is in the end; I know what choice she makes. But like I said, I didn't really "read" the book like i should have. I didn't appreciate what my eyes were glancing over. So in lu of the movie's debut, I decided I would read it before I watched the movie (as any good reader should). I can't wait to read it because i've been hearing nothing but great things about it 

2. Night Circus
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        This was my job's book club pick of the month. I do actually already own the e-book version of it, but because I'm not necessarily the biggest e-book fan, I decided to just go ahead and buy the physical copy. I haven't read the book yet unfortunately, and the reason it's not in my book haul snap shot it because my friend is borrowing it. And from her, I've heard that it's pretty great. In fact, she says "it's probably one of her favorite books in life." So whenever she gives it back, I'll give it go, since we pretty much have the same taste in books.




3/4/5. The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy
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        I was initially going to check these books out at the library, read them, then see how much I liked what i read before I bought them. But circumstances made me impatient. So for days I contemplated and strategized my Barnes and Noble buys. Until the time came where I just decided to check out Thrift Books to see what they had to offer. And lo and behold they came through. The total package cost for all three books was estimated to about $9.50. Not bad, eh? And when my package came in, I found a few treasures in one of my books.... A plane ticket and a couple old receipts. Obviously they're expired, but I thought it was pretty cool how things get passed around. Anyway, I have the books, but I have yet to read them...
Story of my life.


Now I know August is already over, but I've had a lot going on towards the end of the month: School starting (-__-), college prep, work, family.

I'm here to stay though. 

Even though this is my last year of high school and around this time next year I'll be out on my own, this blog will always be in the corners of my mind. I'll try as hard as I can to find time to keep posting.

Summer blog writing has been fantastic ride for me, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has to hold.

I love you all.

Hugs and Candy,
Lyric♥