What was the last book that made you SOB? 😭 ⠀ What was the last book that made you SOB? 😭
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For me, it was WE ARE ALL SO GOOD AT SMILING by @ambsmcbride 📖 I read this in one sitting and cried crocodile tears through 80% of it 🐊
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This book - whew - it's heavy and haunting and simultaneously so beautiful and hopeful ✨ I've truly never read anything quite like it and I know I'll want to revisit it time and again, especially when I find myself struggling with the negative voices in my head 🤎 (Please note the content warnings before beginning your journey into this incredible story)
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Have you read this book or is it on your TBR? ☕️
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #fantasyreader #weareallsogoodatsmiling #mentalhealthbooks #novelinverse #mentalhealthawareness #diversestories #bipocauthors #ambermcbride #perfectespressopour
Based on your battery percentage, tell me which be Based on your battery percentage, tell me which bev you're enjoying while you read: 
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90-100%: hot coffee in a handcrafted thumb mug ☕️
70-89%: lavender vanilla loose-leaf tea in a clear teacup 🫖
50-69%: dry red wine in a square edge stemmed glass🍷
30-49%: taro milk tea with boba in a reusable tumbler 🧋
0-29%: spiced bourbon on the rocks in a crystal glass 🥃
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Aaaaand now I want to enjoy all of these in the near future 🤤 I normally always have the first three on hand, but ya girl wants to try making bubble tea at home and it's been a hot second since I've had a bourbon or whiskey 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Do you typically have a drink and snack with you when you read - or are you someone who prefers to eliminate any chance of a mess? 🙈
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #fallvibes #autumnvibes #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations  #inmyhanselmann #smallshop #drinkcoffeereadbooks #handmadeceramics #thumbcup #bookmaps #bookish
Recommend your favorite mysteries! 🔎 My mom ca Recommend your favorite mysteries! 🔎

My mom can confirm that when I was younger, I was constantly gobbling up mystery books 📖 As I got older, I found that so many books labeled as “mysteries” for YA and adults were more like thrillers - focusing on suspense and fear, rather than sleuthing (not my jam) 🙈

Now, I’m realizing that I must have just been looking in the wrong places for good mysteries, because they’re definitely out there 🙌🏼 I absolutely devoured The London Séance Society - enjoying the way it blended historical mystery, a healthy dose of suspense, and wild fantastical elements into just over 350 pages 🔮

Have you read this one yet? 🕯️

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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #thelondonseancesociety #mysterybooks #historicalfiction #bookstack
What are some childhood classics that you'd like t What are some childhood classics that you'd like to see reimagined? 🪞
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COVER REVEAL for The Looking-Glass Illusion by @saraellawrites 🤩 Swipe through to see the stunning cover and read the synopsis for the second book in The Curious Realities series 📚
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When I was a kid, the idea of tumbling down the rabbit hole or finding a way through the looking glass to Wonderland excited me to no end 🍄 As an adult, I get to enjoy this world in a new light, thanks to Sara's extraordinary imagination and creativity 💭
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I absolutely adored The Wonderland Trials and seriously can't wait to dive into the next book, coming in September 2023 🙌🏼 Will you be reading this classic-inspired sequel when it's released? 📖
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Using EMOJIS ONLY, describe how you feel about Sha Using EMOJIS ONLY, describe how you feel about Shadow and Bone season 2 📺
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My emotions are all over the place when it comes to this particular season of the show, so enjoy the chaotic range of emojis based on my premiere day binge sesh:
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🏴‍☠️🪓🫶🏼😳🧇🥵🤔🧨🔫☀️
🩹🌈⛓️🦋😭🌾💪🏼🤬😤😱
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That’s just scratching the surface, friends 😂 I posted over 100 spoiler-filled stories to my close friends list during premiere day as I binged all 8 episodes, so to say I had a lot of thoughts would be an understatement 🙈
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No matter what I thought though (positive or negative), I support this cast and Leigh with my whole heart 🤎 So, I’ll be continuing to stream the season like crazy to get that Crows spin-off/season 3 (and I suggest you do too)! 👌🏼
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If I compiled all my spoiler-y watch day videos into something I could share publicly, would you wanna see it? 👀
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#cozyaesthetic #perfectespressopour #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #darklina #shadowandbonenetflix #leighbardugo #shadowandboneseason2 #shadowandbonetrilogy #grishatrilogy #thesunsummoner #sixofcrows #malina #alinastarkov
How do YOU cure a book hangover? 🥴 ⠀⠀⠀⠀ How do YOU cure a book hangover? 🥴
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Ever since I finished my reread of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, I've found it so hard to get into anything else and all I want to do is just drop my entire TBR and continue rereading the rest of the Grishaverse 🫶🏼 
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Y'all, the S&B obsession is so real (again) for me right now and I don't know if tomorrow's premiere will help soothe me or make things even worse 🙈 Oh, who am I kidding? 😅 It’s gonna make me a thousand times more insufferable 🤷🏻‍♀️
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I've never been in a reading slump and I've only had a book hangover a couple of times, so I'm thinking that continuing with comfort reads of the same world/genre is going to be the most beneficial 📚 Off to open up Six of Crows next 🖤
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What was the last read that left you with a book hangover? 📖
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Which Shadow and Bone character(s) would you want Which Shadow and Bone character(s) would you want to invite to a watch party? 📺
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GOSH, I could not be more excited for season 2 of the show to premiere on Thursday (I even rebooked a dentist appointment for this - and gave myself the day off work 🙈) And I think I’m somehow even more excited since Daisy Head gave me a shoutout on the Netflix IG page and Ben Barnes replied to my Q&A comment on Reddit 😱 
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You all know Genya would be the first on my guest list, but of course, I'd also want to invite Alina, Jesper & Wylan, Tamar, and probably Inej as well 🙌🏼 And yes, yes, I'd love The Darkling to be there (if he can... behave himself? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Or maybe even if he can’t 😏)
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If you're looking for all the Grishaverse goodness, peep my blog for everything from merch (like my Sun Saint candle from @janzywaxco ☀️) to themed drinks (the Jurda Parem is my favorite 🍹) to a full dissection of The Darkling's character 🖤 And make sure to let me know what you're most excited for this season! 🫶🏼
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#cozyaesthetic #perfectespressopour #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #darklina #shadowandbonenetflix #leighbardugo #shadowandboneseason2 #shadowandbonetrilogy #grishatrilogy #thesunsummoner #signedbooks #sunsaint #alinastarkov
Tell me the last hyped book/series you read that D Tell me the last hyped book/series you read that DID live up to the hype and the last one that DIDN'T 📖
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Hyped books are funny things to me because I do read a decent amount of them, but I feel like very few of them actually live up to the praise they receive 🤷🏻‍♀️ 
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The last one I read and enjoyed was One Dark Window 🪟 The last one that absolutely did NOT live up was The Roughest Draft 👎🏼 The next on my radar is Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, so I hope I wind up loving it! 🤎
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Have you read any of these? 📚
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #hypedbooks #onedarkwindow #romancebooks #romancereader #readbooksdrinkcoffee #romancebookrecs #yaromancenovels #fantasybooks #fantasyreader
If you could create the perfect bookish subscripti If you could create the perfect bookish subscription box, what would be inside? 📦
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I think @litlovebox actually read my mind when they created the Coffee & Chocolate box ☕️ Each month, they send a gourmet bag of coffee (I chose whole beans so I can grind them for espresso), a delicious chocolate snack (walnut toffee and a chocolate lolly for me) and a newly released novel (Georgie, All Along - which sounds so cute) 🙌🏼
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If you want to indulge in this amazing box for yourself, use STEPH5 for a discount and enjoy all the books, coffee, and chocolate your heart desires 🤎
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Have you subscribed to any new book boxes lately? 📚
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #coffeeandchocolate #booksubscriptionbox #litlove #subscriptionboxlover #bookbox #georgieallalong #womanownedbusiness #romancereader #romancebooks
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Blogging · June 10, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Stories

Instagram stories are nearly as important as the content you post to the feed itself! Here are all the tips you need to take them to the next level.

I really love using Instagram stories to connect with my friends and followers. In fact, I sometimes enjoy stories way more than my feed because they allow me to be more candid, goofy, and vulnerable. This part of the app has allowed me to open up in ways a static photo never can, and typically my stories are viewed more frequently than my feed – so it’s a great space for me to share what’s on my mind.

Instagram has provided plenty of great in-app options to make your stories look fantastic, and I utilize them all on a regular basis! However, I also enjoy upping my game with outside apps to create cool templates, fun filters, or intriguing text designs. I want to give you a run-through of the best uses for both in-app content as well as alternative programs!

Instagram Story Tips and Tricks

You can use the eyedropper tool for text and marker color-choosing within the photo itself. You can also press down on one of the rainbow colors along the bottom of the screen to see the entire color palette.
Highlight any text, bring up the color palette, and undo your highlight with one hand while scrolling along the colors with the other to create an ombré effect!
Place your text in the most aesthetically-pleasing spot, and use text backgrounds or the marker tool to make it visible.
Gifs are fun too! Relate them to your photo or video, make them playful or sarcastic, and grab peoples’ attention by having them be extra bold or wordy!
Along the sides of your Instagram story screen are grid-lines. These light up in blue when you move text, gifs, or otherwise towards the outer edges of your screen. Don’t pass them! If you do, your content will be hidden by the top bar, bottom text bar, or sides when people are swiping through. Be mindful!
Take advantage of Instagram’s options. Polls, questions, ratings, and quizzes allow you to engage with your audience. Get sassy and fun with these, and add them whenever you can! The more people engage with your stories, the more you’ll show up at the top of their feed!
Music is awesome, but make sure to actually choose something specific, rather than just always opting for the top picks the app suggests for you. I like to search for songs that relate to the content, or use music that I’d like for my audience to discover!

The Top 10 Apps to Take Your Instagram Stories to the Next Level

Unfold

This app is my absolute favorite outside of Instagram itself when it comes to quality IG story content. There are tons of templates, fonts, and styles to choose from when it comes to curating something especially beautiful and aesthetically-pleasing on your story.

Canva

You can use this program for way more than just Instagram stories. I create all my Pinterest headers, infographics, and more with the desktop version – but it’s also fabulous for fun story templates and even story highlight covers!

StoriesEdit

This is an app created by Planoly and I love how you can really brand all your stories by using it regularly. I tend to pick and choose and not stick to a certain branding style for my stories, but it really is an excellent option for a modern look.

8mm

I downloaded this after seeing a couple of my favorite bloggers use a beautiful, film-like filter across their stories. I discovered it wasn’t a filter, but an app that allows you to capture professional video in an old-timey style.

SNOW

This is basically an alternative version of Snapchat that’s really popular in Asia, but I only use it for the filters. It makes your skin look really nice but gives you the option to turn up or down the intensity of the filters, unlike Snapchat or Instagram.

HUJI

This app was really popular for a while, letting you snap photos that look like they were taken on a Fujifilm Instax or Polaroid camera. I like it for the occasional artsy photo.

Storyluxe

Similar to Unfold, this app has templates that are incredibly aesthetically-pleasing. The only downside is that you can’t move the photos around or zoom them in the same way you can on Unfold – but there are way more template options.

Nichi

I just discovered this app recently and have yet to discover every fabulous thing about it, but I do know that it’s a lot of fun if you enjoy adding stickers to your stories (rather than just gifs). It also has some really cool font options and the styling is very ethereal and bohemian.

Filmm

Another recent download of mine, but I’ve been loving it for filming on IGTV especially (something I’m just now diving into). It gives you filters, effects, and tons more options for video and makes your content look really neat!

Splice

If you’ve filmed an especially long video and want to chop it up, add transitions, feature music, or include captioning – this is an awesome app option. Instagram stories seem to sometimes glitch and only allows you to upload 4 videos at a time, so this gives you the freedom to “splice” everything into 15-second intervals to upload in series!


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In: Blogging · Tagged: apps for instagram, blogging tips, guide to instagram stories, Instagram, instagram stories, RVA, social media

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Comments

  1. Hillary Conheady says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    This is such a great guide! I need to remember to use hashtags!

    Reply
  2. Summer says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    This is so good, Stephanie! I LOVE how you did the examples with the Story screenshots – so creative, girly! Love, love that. I have some new apps I need to download 🙂

    Reply
  3. Hillary Conheady says

    June 10, 2019 at 9:19 AM

    This is such a great guide! I need to remember to use hashtags!

    Reply
  4. Maggie says

    June 10, 2019 at 9:30 AM

    This guide is amazinggggg! I never thought of a lot of these, so I’m going to start doing them!

    Reply
  5. Summer says

    June 10, 2019 at 9:46 AM

    This is so good, Stephanie! I LOVE how you did the examples with the Story screenshots – so creative, girly! Love, love that. I have some new apps I need to download 🙂

    Reply
  6. Donna says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    Fantastic info!!!

    Reply
  7. Kasey Holloway says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    I use a lot of these apps and really enjoy them! I love using Unfold especially! Also, I always forget to put hashtags in my story, but I need to remember how important they are!

    Reply
  8. Lizzie says

    June 10, 2019 at 12:05 PM

    Okay, this is seriously the best post ever! Stories are not my strong point so I’m really excited to start implementing some of your tips!

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    Reply
  9. Donna says

    June 10, 2019 at 2:03 PM

    Fantastic info!!!

    Reply
  10. Lee says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    These are such great tips! I had no idea you could create ombre text like that- definitely going to try that!!

    Reply
  11. Kasey Holloway says

    June 10, 2019 at 3:23 PM

    I use a lot of these apps and really enjoy them! I love using Unfold especially! Also, I always forget to put hashtags in my story, but I need to remember how important they are!

    Reply
  12. Tanvi Rastogi says

    June 10, 2019 at 5:09 PM

    So many new apps to check out. Thanks lady!!! I didn’t know about a lot of them.

    ❥ tanvii.com

    Reply
  13. Alix Maza says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    Oooh so many IGS apps! I tend to just use Unfold, I’ll check the others out.

    Reply
  14. Azanique S Rawl says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    I totally need to up my story game! I currently use Canva but had no idea about these other apps. Thanks for sharing babe 🙂

    -xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com

    Reply
  15. Candace Hampton says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:02 PM

    This is really useful. Thanks you so much for such a detailed post. By reading I realized that there’s a lot of tools that I’m not using. Thanks for sharing your secrets<3

    Candace Hampton
    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

    Reply
  16. Lee says

    June 10, 2019 at 7:13 PM

    These are such great tips! I had no idea you could create ombre text like that- definitely going to try that!!

    Reply
  17. Lecy | A Simpler Grace says

    August 21, 2019 at 6:08 AM

    These are such fun tips! I have noticed that some people are spending more time on their stories rather than the pictures on their main feed. There are so many neat features to try!

    Reply
  18. Alix Maza says

    June 10, 2019 at 9:41 PM

    Oooh so many IGS apps! I tend to just use Unfold, I’ll check the others out.

    Reply
  19. Azanique S Rawl says

    June 10, 2019 at 9:44 PM

    I totally need to up my story game! I currently use Canva but had no idea about these other apps. Thanks for sharing babe 🙂

    -xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com

    Reply
  20. Kileen says

    June 10, 2019 at 9:49 PM

    I love this post babe, definitely need to check out and download all of these apps!! So helpful, thanks for sharing!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Reply
  21. Erin says

    June 10, 2019 at 10:12 PM

    I really suck at stories. I never use them. Your tips rock!

    Reply
  22. Candace Hampton says

    June 10, 2019 at 10:34 PM

    This is really useful. Thanks you so much for such a detailed post. By reading I realized that there’s a lot of tools that I’m not using. Thanks for sharing your secrets<3

    Candace Hampton
    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

    Reply
  23. Lecy | A Simpler Grace says

    June 10, 2019 at 11:53 PM

    These are such fun tips! I have noticed that some people are spending more time on their stories rather than the pictures on their main feed. There are so many neat features to try!

    Reply
  24. Greta says

    June 11, 2019 at 1:17 AM

    I have the worst time with Instagram stories. Your tips are so helpful!

    Reply
  25. Indya | The Small Adventurer says

    June 11, 2019 at 6:32 AM

    I have also fallen in love with Instagram Stories! I LOVE watching other people’s; it’s one of the first things I do when I come home from work 😂 I’m trying to make my Stories are aesthetically pleasing as my feed is though, as so far it really hasn’t been, so I’m downloading some of these apps now! Hope they help.

    Reply
  26. Carolyn says

    June 11, 2019 at 10:03 AM

    Wow, what a very helpful post! I learned about a lot of new apps that I didn’t know about before. I agree on that sometimes I love stories more, but I can get a bit lazy with it. Though being able to add fun gifs and polls is really cool!

    Reply
  27. Yolanda says

    June 11, 2019 at 11:25 AM

    This is such a fantastic resource and so helpful! I’ll be referring back to for sure. Instagram hasn’t been a big focus for me just yet, but I know that it will help secure more relationships, opportunities and engagement over time.

    Reply
  28. Sarah Lindner says

    June 11, 2019 at 12:15 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing this! I am always looking for new apps to try out!

    xoxo Sarah

    Reply
  29. Caila Quinn says

    June 11, 2019 at 1:02 PM

    Wait… this blog post was so helpful. Love how you combined fonts and made text stand out! Truly inspired 😀

    Reply
  30. rebecca says

    June 11, 2019 at 1:33 PM

    you always have the best tips!!!! so important

    xx reb

    Reply
  31. Becky says

    June 11, 2019 at 1:52 PM

    I am so bad at instagram stories. I’m never sure what to put on my feed and what to put in stories!

    Reply
  32. Em says

    June 11, 2019 at 5:14 PM

    This is such a fun post filled with helpful info!

    Reply
  33. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says

    June 12, 2019 at 12:34 AM

    Love these app suggestions! I really need to use them more when putting together Stories!

    Reply
  34. Anna English says

    June 12, 2019 at 9:31 AM

    Okay, I love this post! I’m heading on vacation tomorrow, so I just downloaded a few of these to create some fun new content! Thanks for sharing your secrets with us girl.

    Reply
  35. Taylor Mobley says

    June 12, 2019 at 9:32 AM

    Uhm ok story queen. I am the worst with pretty stories.

    Reply
  36. Deborah says

    June 12, 2019 at 10:52 AM

    These are such great tips! I tend to just share what I’m reading on Stories but I really need to get on that IG Stories game!
    I LOVE using Unfold for my stories!

    Reply
  37. Kristen says

    June 12, 2019 at 11:18 AM

    I love these tips. I always forget to add my location, such a great idea to do it and reach more of an audience.

    Reply
  38. Laura S says

    June 12, 2019 at 1:01 PM

    I LOVE this! As someone who is just jumping back in the game of IG stories, I definitely needed to read this today!

    Reply
  39. Lily says

    June 12, 2019 at 2:54 PM

    This was SO helpful! I tend to be a bit “boring” with my stories — but I rarely have the time to make everything look super pretty like you. I definitely need to amp up my game.

    Reply
  40. Carmen Edelson says

    June 12, 2019 at 3:29 PM

    Okay it’s good to know that Unfold is your favorite! I downloaded it recently and have been using that so far so good 🙂

    Reply
  41. Laura Leigh says

    June 12, 2019 at 6:29 PM

    You rock Instagram stories lady! And absolutely rocked it with this post. I love all of your advice and how you styled your Instagram stories.

    xo Laura Leigh
    http://www.louellareese.com

    Reply
  42. Jasmine Vargas says

    June 13, 2019 at 8:34 AM

    I just downloaded a few of these apps. I can’t wait to use them.

    Reply
  43. Kenzi - Life of a Sister says

    June 13, 2019 at 10:28 AM

    I just downloaded Nichi! I have some of these apps and I love them! I love “hiding” the hashtags so they don’t clog up the picture, I also hide them behind tags too.

    Reply
  44. Morgan says

    June 13, 2019 at 3:00 PM

    You’re an Insta story pro!! I only use Unfold to help me “up my game” but need to check out the other apps you mentioned!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Reply
  45. Tonya Morris says

    June 13, 2019 at 5:14 PM

    These are awesome tips! I love the stories you created as examples!

    Reply
  46. Deanie says

    June 14, 2019 at 2:55 PM

    These are such great tips!! I hate doing videos on Instagram stories 😂 Bookmarking this to reference when I need it.
    Xo, Deanie

    Reply
  47. Julia Comil says

    June 14, 2019 at 3:08 PM

    This is such a great post! IG story is so complicated with all its amazing functionalities!

    Reply
  48. Laura says

    June 15, 2019 at 10:04 PM

    Absolutely loved reading this post! I love your tips for utilizing Instastories to their full potential! And love the stories you created to help show what you’re talking about!

    xo, Laura

    Reply
  49. Denise Kokinis says

    June 17, 2019 at 2:05 PM

    This was seriously so helpful! So many good tips and tricks for stories! I love how you showed examples of how to do these, especially to show how you eliminate negative space. These tips are some I need to start using for my account and get a little bit better at.

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

    Reply
  50. lyn says

    June 18, 2019 at 10:03 PM

    This is such an awesome guide! I have to try to remember these tips. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  51. Nailil says

    June 18, 2019 at 10:54 PM

    This is an awesome IG Story guide. So many good points.

    Xx, Nailil
    http://thirtyminusone.com

    Reply
  52. Tanvi Rastogi says

    August 21, 2019 at 6:07 AM

    So many new apps to check out. Thanks lady!!! I didn’t know about a lot of them.

    ❥ tanvii.com

    Reply
  53. Kileen says

    August 21, 2019 at 6:08 AM

    I love this post babe, definitely need to check out and download all of these apps!! So helpful, thanks for sharing!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Reply
  54. Erin says

    August 21, 2019 at 6:08 AM

    I really suck at stories. I never use them. Your tips rock!

    Reply

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What was the last book that made you SOB? 😭 ⠀ What was the last book that made you SOB? 😭
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For me, it was WE ARE ALL SO GOOD AT SMILING by @ambsmcbride 📖 I read this in one sitting and cried crocodile tears through 80% of it 🐊
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This book - whew - it's heavy and haunting and simultaneously so beautiful and hopeful ✨ I've truly never read anything quite like it and I know I'll want to revisit it time and again, especially when I find myself struggling with the negative voices in my head 🤎 (Please note the content warnings before beginning your journey into this incredible story)
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Have you read this book or is it on your TBR? ☕️
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #fantasyreader #weareallsogoodatsmiling #mentalhealthbooks #novelinverse #mentalhealthawareness #diversestories #bipocauthors #ambermcbride #perfectespressopour
Based on your battery percentage, tell me which be Based on your battery percentage, tell me which bev you're enjoying while you read: 
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90-100%: hot coffee in a handcrafted thumb mug ☕️
70-89%: lavender vanilla loose-leaf tea in a clear teacup 🫖
50-69%: dry red wine in a square edge stemmed glass🍷
30-49%: taro milk tea with boba in a reusable tumbler 🧋
0-29%: spiced bourbon on the rocks in a crystal glass 🥃
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Aaaaand now I want to enjoy all of these in the near future 🤤 I normally always have the first three on hand, but ya girl wants to try making bubble tea at home and it's been a hot second since I've had a bourbon or whiskey 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Do you typically have a drink and snack with you when you read - or are you someone who prefers to eliminate any chance of a mess? 🙈
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #fallvibes #autumnvibes #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations  #inmyhanselmann #smallshop #drinkcoffeereadbooks #handmadeceramics #thumbcup #bookmaps #bookish
Recommend your favorite mysteries! 🔎 My mom ca Recommend your favorite mysteries! 🔎

My mom can confirm that when I was younger, I was constantly gobbling up mystery books 📖 As I got older, I found that so many books labeled as “mysteries” for YA and adults were more like thrillers - focusing on suspense and fear, rather than sleuthing (not my jam) 🙈

Now, I’m realizing that I must have just been looking in the wrong places for good mysteries, because they’re definitely out there 🙌🏼 I absolutely devoured The London Séance Society - enjoying the way it blended historical mystery, a healthy dose of suspense, and wild fantastical elements into just over 350 pages 🔮

Have you read this one yet? 🕯️

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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #thelondonseancesociety #mysterybooks #historicalfiction #bookstack
What are some childhood classics that you'd like t What are some childhood classics that you'd like to see reimagined? 🪞
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COVER REVEAL for The Looking-Glass Illusion by @saraellawrites 🤩 Swipe through to see the stunning cover and read the synopsis for the second book in The Curious Realities series 📚
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When I was a kid, the idea of tumbling down the rabbit hole or finding a way through the looking glass to Wonderland excited me to no end 🍄 As an adult, I get to enjoy this world in a new light, thanks to Sara's extraordinary imagination and creativity 💭
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I absolutely adored The Wonderland Trials and seriously can't wait to dive into the next book, coming in September 2023 🙌🏼 Will you be reading this classic-inspired sequel when it's released? 📖
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #perfectespressopour #classicretelling #coverreveal #thelookingglassillusion #saraella #thecuriousrealities #enclaveescape #enclavepublishing #yaretelling #yafantasy #yadystopian #aliceinwonderland
Using EMOJIS ONLY, describe how you feel about Sha Using EMOJIS ONLY, describe how you feel about Shadow and Bone season 2 📺
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My emotions are all over the place when it comes to this particular season of the show, so enjoy the chaotic range of emojis based on my premiere day binge sesh:
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🏴‍☠️🪓🫶🏼😳🧇🥵🤔🧨🔫☀️
🩹🌈⛓️🦋😭🌾💪🏼🤬😤😱
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That’s just scratching the surface, friends 😂 I posted over 100 spoiler-filled stories to my close friends list during premiere day as I binged all 8 episodes, so to say I had a lot of thoughts would be an understatement 🙈
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No matter what I thought though (positive or negative), I support this cast and Leigh with my whole heart 🤎 So, I’ll be continuing to stream the season like crazy to get that Crows spin-off/season 3 (and I suggest you do too)! 👌🏼
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If I compiled all my spoiler-y watch day videos into something I could share publicly, would you wanna see it? 👀
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#cozyaesthetic #perfectespressopour #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #darklina #shadowandbonenetflix #leighbardugo #shadowandboneseason2 #shadowandbonetrilogy #grishatrilogy #thesunsummoner #sixofcrows #malina #alinastarkov
How do YOU cure a book hangover? 🥴 ⠀⠀⠀⠀ How do YOU cure a book hangover? 🥴
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Ever since I finished my reread of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, I've found it so hard to get into anything else and all I want to do is just drop my entire TBR and continue rereading the rest of the Grishaverse 🫶🏼 
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Y'all, the S&B obsession is so real (again) for me right now and I don't know if tomorrow's premiere will help soothe me or make things even worse 🙈 Oh, who am I kidding? 😅 It’s gonna make me a thousand times more insufferable 🤷🏻‍♀️
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I've never been in a reading slump and I've only had a book hangover a couple of times, so I'm thinking that continuing with comfort reads of the same world/genre is going to be the most beneficial 📚 Off to open up Six of Crows next 🖤
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What was the last read that left you with a book hangover? 📖
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Which Shadow and Bone character(s) would you want Which Shadow and Bone character(s) would you want to invite to a watch party? 📺
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GOSH, I could not be more excited for season 2 of the show to premiere on Thursday (I even rebooked a dentist appointment for this - and gave myself the day off work 🙈) And I think I’m somehow even more excited since Daisy Head gave me a shoutout on the Netflix IG page and Ben Barnes replied to my Q&A comment on Reddit 😱 
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You all know Genya would be the first on my guest list, but of course, I'd also want to invite Alina, Jesper & Wylan, Tamar, and probably Inej as well 🙌🏼 And yes, yes, I'd love The Darkling to be there (if he can... behave himself? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Or maybe even if he can’t 😏)
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If you're looking for all the Grishaverse goodness, peep my blog for everything from merch (like my Sun Saint candle from @janzywaxco ☀️) to themed drinks (the Jurda Parem is my favorite 🍹) to a full dissection of The Darkling's character 🖤 And make sure to let me know what you're most excited for this season! 🫶🏼
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#cozyaesthetic #perfectespressopour #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #darklina #shadowandbonenetflix #leighbardugo #shadowandboneseason2 #shadowandbonetrilogy #grishatrilogy #thesunsummoner #signedbooks #sunsaint #alinastarkov
Tell me the last hyped book/series you read that D Tell me the last hyped book/series you read that DID live up to the hype and the last one that DIDN'T 📖
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Hyped books are funny things to me because I do read a decent amount of them, but I feel like very few of them actually live up to the praise they receive 🤷🏻‍♀️ 
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The last one I read and enjoyed was One Dark Window 🪟 The last one that absolutely did NOT live up was The Roughest Draft 👎🏼 The next on my radar is Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, so I hope I wind up loving it! 🤎
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Have you read any of these? 📚
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #hypedbooks #onedarkwindow #romancebooks #romancereader #readbooksdrinkcoffee #romancebookrecs #yaromancenovels #fantasybooks #fantasyreader
If you could create the perfect bookish subscripti If you could create the perfect bookish subscription box, what would be inside? 📦
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I think @litlovebox actually read my mind when they created the Coffee & Chocolate box ☕️ Each month, they send a gourmet bag of coffee (I chose whole beans so I can grind them for espresso), a delicious chocolate snack (walnut toffee and a chocolate lolly for me) and a newly released novel (Georgie, All Along - which sounds so cute) 🙌🏼
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If you want to indulge in this amazing box for yourself, use STEPH5 for a discount and enjoy all the books, coffee, and chocolate your heart desires 🤎
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Have you subscribed to any new book boxes lately? 📚
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#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #coffeeandchocolate #booksubscriptionbox #litlove #subscriptionboxlover #bookbox #georgieallalong #womanownedbusiness #romancereader #romancebooks
What are some of your favorite cozy fantasies? ☕ What are some of your favorite cozy fantasies? ☕️

I love that this is becoming more of a popular sub-genre because I am all about cozy vibes all the time 🤎 

I’ve read The House in the Cerulean Sea, adored A Psalm for the Wild-Built and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and I have been waiting for my copy of Legends and Lattes at the library for eons, so suggest something NEW! 😉

Have you read this book (or any of the ones I mentioned)? 📚

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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fallvibes #theverysecretsocietyofirregularwitches #cozyfantasy #cozyfantasybooks #lightfantasy

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