Have you done a mid-year reading check-in yet? πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
What a wild year 2022 has been so far πŸ˜΅β€πŸ’« I've found new favorite authors, made progress on my original TBR, checked out some great backlist books, and hit some super exciting goals! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I'm not going to *just* share my faves or least faves, but instead I'm going to share some of the fun stats from my reading year so far! 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
- Out of the 30 books I just *HAD TO* read this year, I've read 24
- Out of my numerical goal of 120 for the whole year, I've read 119
- I've rated 44 books with 4.5/5 stars (hence my struggle when someone asks for a favorite from the year so far)
- I've read 16 ARCs from 12 different publishers (this makes me want to bawl with happiness because this was such a massive goal for me when I began book blogging!)
- I've participated in 10 buddy-reads
- I've added 38 books to my shelves (either purchased by me after I read and loved a book, given as a gift, or sent by a generous author/publisher)
- I've discovered that there's a chance I *might* like romance more than fantasy now and that's totally okay!
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
What has your reading looked like in 2022? β˜•οΈ 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #midyearreadingchallenge #readinggoals #storygraph #readingstats #perfectespressopour
Which of your childhood favorites would you like t Which of your childhood favorites would you like to see reimagined? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
When I found out that GALLANT had The Secret Garden vibes, I was really excited because that was one of my favorites as a kid ⛲️ I think it would be really neat to see this story retold by a few other authors as well (looking at you, Marissa Meyer) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Some of the other stories I loved as a kid that I'd like to see "adulted" are:
πŸ‘‘ A Little Princess
πŸ§žβ€β™‚οΈ Aladdin
 🐁 Stuart Little (it could be cute okay? like some kind of fantasy?)
πŸ‘’ Madeline
⚜️ Rumplestiltskin (I've only seen this done once and I wasn’t obsessed so I need more!)
β˜‚οΈ Mary Poppins
🐎 Misty of Chincoteague
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Did you enjoy any of those stories as a kid? 🀎 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#veschwab #gallant #veschwabfeatures #schwabstagram #readersofinstagram #booksofig #bookgrammer #bookgram #instabooks #bookgasm #fantasybooks #bookishfeatures #booktography #booklover #bibliophilelife #readersofig #readersgonnaread #bookaesthetic #instareads #readerlife #bookishlove #bookstagram #thesecretgarden #retelling #90sbooks #childhoodbooks #childhoodbooksrevisited #bookflatlay
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Long story short, I joined bookstagram in 2020 because I love books and I love talking about books, but I never had a space to do that πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ After years of fashion blogging and feeling out of place because of my interests, I wound up on this side of IG and realized that it felt like home 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I schemed up a name (something to do with coffee and books that didn't have the words "coffee" or "books" in it), took a few photos, created a profile, and went to town πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It wasn't long before I completely FELL IN LOVE with the supportive community, safe space to find new books and talk about the ones I love, and really cultivate my photography skills (which had been lying dormant for far too long) πŸ™ˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Now, I'm thrilled to have connected with favorite authors, created my own hashtag (hey there #perfectespressopour β˜•οΈ), reviewed incredible books, launched my own line of merch, and made tons of new friends 🫢🏼 When I begin to feel down about the numbers or the lack of inspiration, I remind myself of why I started in the first place and I find myself falling in love all over again πŸ₯Ή
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Thank you for being part of my bookstagram journey πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstagram #booktography #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #booksta #bookphotography #bookswithmagic #booksaremagic #booknerdigan
Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author and which book made you fall in love with their work πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
A couple months back, I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of The Wonderland Trials by @saraellawrites... and I immediately fell head over heels in love 😍 Needless to say, I instantly added her entire backlist to my TBR πŸ™ˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Lately, I've been feeling a bit disappointed with fantasy (which has always been my favorite genre) πŸ˜• It seems like each time I pick one up, I'm either completely uninterested in the story or it just falls flat - but The Wonderland Trials absolutely blew me away! 🀯 If you're looking for something that really stands out amongst the rest, you certainly need to pick this one up! 🫢🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any great Alice in Wonderland reimaginings? πŸ‡ 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
-
-
-
-
-
#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thewonderlandtrials #aliceinwonderland #fantasybookrecs #yafantasybooks #fairytaleretellings
Recommend me an underrated queer book! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
In my world, every month is #pridemonth and I always, always have queer books on my TBR (not just white mlm, but a wide range of lgbtqia+ stories) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It's important to me to constantly be diversifying my shelves, learning more about the people around me, and continuing to create a safe environment for everyone in my little corner of the web 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
My goal for June was to pack my TBR with as many queer books as I could in CELEBRATION of Pride Month, so I've already read 4 books with lgbtq rep:
πŸ¦‰ Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
🌎 The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
πŸ“Ί The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
🌌 Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefluer
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I'm currently reading 3:
πŸ«– A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
🩸 Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
πŸ–Œ Portrait of a Thief by Grace D Li
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
 And I have 2 more on my immediate list:
πŸ₯€ Malice by Heather Walter
β˜€οΈ Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these? πŸ“š 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #queerbooks #readqueerallyear #queerreads #lgbtbooks #queeryourshelves #flippingpages
Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌 β €β €β € Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I'm officially considering this Shadow and Bone week, between celebrating the 10th anniversary of the book and finding out about Ben narrating the Demon in the Wood audiobook! πŸ₯‚ 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Also, catch me counting down the days until when I get to see my babies on-screen again (can we get a season 2 premiere date, please?) πŸ“Ί
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
To answer my own question, Genya is my very favorite Shadow and Bone character 🀍 In fact, I have plans for a Genya tattoo in the near future πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Are you as excited for the audiobook and season 2 of the show as I am? 🀩 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #shadowandbone #grishaverse #genyasafin #leighbardugo #grishaversary #binbons
Do you have a favorite book dedication? ✍🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I've found a few recently that have definitely stood out to me πŸ‘€ Sometimes a dedication sets the mood for the book and that's something I really love! 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
A few that have blown my mind recently are:
πŸͺž GALLANT (pictured) by VE Schwab
πŸ‘‘ FOR THE THRONE (actually, both of The Wilderwood books have fabulous dedications) by Hannah Whitten
πŸ›« EARLY DEPARTURES by Justin A. Reynolds
πŸ“– THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig
πŸ’” ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART by Stephanie Garber
πŸ₯˜ WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these magnificent books? πŸ“š 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #bookdedications #gallant #veschwab #gallantbook #fantasybooks #fantasyreader
Is there a book you've read this year that is unli Is there a book you've read this year that is unlike anything else you've ever read? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
When I read THE ATLAS SIX in April, I was blown away by how unique it was! 🀯 I have never in my life read another book like it and that's part of why it got 5 stars from me ⭐️ Sure, it started at a slower pace but the further the story progressed, the more fascinating it was (and the pacing at the beginning made far more sense because it led to absolute BRILLIANCE) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I don't read much dark academia, so recommend some titles to me (THAT AREN'T AS WELL KNOWN) that you've enjoyed! πŸ›
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
-
-
-
-
-
#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #darkacademia #theatlassix #darkacademiabooks
Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vib Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vibes✨?
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I definitely do! 🫢🏼 In the past few years, I've read more and more books like this and they always leave me feeling utterly fascinated (and maybe a little confused?) πŸ€” I gotta say that writing reviews for them can be a bit tough, but reading them is a lot of fun πŸ™ˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Books I enjoy that are no plot, just vibes:
🐝 The Starless Sea
πŸŽͺ The Night Circus
πŸ’ƒπŸ» Where Dreams Descend
πŸͺΆ The Raven Cycle
πŸšͺ The Ten Thousand Doors of January
πŸ§™πŸ»β€β™€οΈ The Once and Future Witches
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these? πŸ“– 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
-
-
-
-
-
#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #noplotjustvibes #turningpages #booktography #bookphotography
  • Home
  • Books
    • Reviews
    • Monthly Wrap-Ups
    • New Releases
  • Lifestyle
    • Self Care
    • Food
    • Home
    • Blogging
  • Fashion
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Books
    • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • About
  • Subscribe

The Espresso Edition

Cozy Lifestyle Blog

  • Home
  • Categories
    • Books
    • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • About
  • Subscribe

Home, Lifestyle · October 29, 2021

How to Totally Transform an Old Kitchen on a Budget

We’re finally settled into our new house and I’m really thrilled to begin sharing all of the home content! I wanted to begin by sharing how to transform an old kitchen, because seeing the difference between where we started and where we wound up just makes me so happy!

Whew, this 1970’s-turned-modern-farmhouse kitchen was a labor of love, that’s for sure. Before I decided to tackle it, there were at least three different shades of warm/orange wood between the faux wood paneling, faux wood floor, and the cabinets. There were peach-toned bi-fold doors on the utility room, dark and ugly countertops, and let’s not forget the major eyesore that was the breaker box in the kitchen (like – who thought that was a good idea?).

I really didn’t think that I would wind up loving my kitchen as much as I do now. I spend nearly all day in this room, starting by making a hot cup of coffee in the morning sunshine, then I do all of my work at the dining table (since I still have yet to add a small desk to my library), and I love pouring a glass of wine and dancing while making dinner in the evenings with my husband. It has become such a bright and inviting space!

Take a peek at what it looked like before I began to work a little DIY magic!

It was kind of a tragic kitchen – a little dull and definitely showing its age – but I just knew it had so much potential!

Now you can fully appreciate the total transformation!

It took me about twelve days to give this room a total makeover (and that’s not including building the dining table, microwave cart, etc. and decorating). We knew we wanted to change the cabinets and countertops, but we weren’t sure if we could do that on a budget. I did a ton of research (aka, I spent several days on Pinterest) and found articles about chalk-painting cabinets and using appliance epoxy on counters! After picking the cabinet color (Quiet Mint by Krylon), I decided to go with a palette of soft greens, white, black, and dark wood for the entire kitchen.

There were really just three simple steps to transform this old kitchen into something brand new. They were just somewhat time-consuming tasks. The first step was painting the whole room. It took one day of priming all of the walls and trim, four days giving the paneling three coats of white paint, and three days covering the trim two coats of white paint. The second step was painting the cabinets. I spent three days prepping, applying two coats of chalk paint, and wax-sealing the cabinets. The third and final step was painting the countertops. It took me one day to apply three coats of appliance epoxy to the countertops. I plan to write up separate posts on how I chalk-painted the cabinets and how I applied the epoxy to the counters.

Our laundry closet has very strange dimensions and I went back-and-forth about a trillion times about how to cover the doorway. Originally, I wanted sliding barn doors, but the doorframe and size of the wall just didn’t work with them at all. I also considered French doors, but those got in the way of the dining table and just took up a lot of space. Finally, my husband suggested curtains. I wasn’t excited about them at first, but then I found these gorgeous sage-colored linen curtains and they just matched so perfectly with our cabinets! At first, I thought they would be a temporary fix until we thought of something else, but now I love them!

There are a few things we’d still like to add or change in the future. An entryway rug by the door, a farmhouse sink, nicer overhead lights, and newer appliances are on our wishlist! However, I’m beyond satisfied with the way everything is right now. I wanted a bright and modern farmhouse kitchen and that’s exactly what I got, while still somehow adhering to a pretty tight budget!


shop the post
“Quiet Mint” chalk paint // clear matte wax finish // chalk paint brush // degreaser // sanding sponge // white appliance epoxy // “Ultra White” satin paint // “Ultra White” semi-gloss trim paint // 52×84 green linen curtains // 36-72″ black curtain rod // dining table & chairs // microwave cart // espresso machine // tea kettle // spice rack // clear canisters // oil dispensers // microwave // toaster oven // coffee pot // Google Home // similar letterboard // similar hand towels // washer + dryer

What do you like most about our kitchen makeover?


pin for later

In: Home, Lifestyle · Tagged: affordable home decor, budget decor, DIY kitchen, home decor, home renovation, how to paint kitchen cabinets, how to paint kitchen countertops, how to transform a kitchen on a budget, kitchen makeover, kitchen renovation, new house

never miss a post

You’ll Also Love

Why You Should Have a Cozy Multipurpose Room
How to Create a Master Bedroom Suite on a Budget
Cozy Blanket With TreatsHow to Make Your Reading Nook Spectacularly Cozy

Comments

  1. Sydney says

    November 1, 2021 at 9:37 PM

    What an absolutely gorgeous transformation! The end result is so beautiful, light, and airy. Honestly a perfect minimalist kitchen vibe. Do you think you’ll keep the new look for the rest of the time you live there, or do you anticipate adding anything to it in the future? Thank you for sharing!

    xoxo,
    Sydney

    http://www.thelotuslist.com

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      November 2, 2021 at 9:34 AM

      Well, we hope that this will be our lifelong home, so there’s a chance it’ll change over time for sure – but I plan to keep it like this for quite a while! I really love it πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Charity says

    November 3, 2021 at 7:35 PM

    I love this transformation! Everything looks so good. You did an incredible job!

    Reply
  3. Jenny in Neverland says

    November 6, 2021 at 5:53 AM

    What a transformation! I don’t think it was *that* bad before – I’ve certainly seen worse – but I agree, it did show it’s age a bit and with it being such a great size it really did have so much potential and you’ve brought that potential out of it! I love the curtain that you put up in the doorway of the little pantry area, that’s a really cute and homey touch!

    Reply
  4. Simona says

    February 22, 2022 at 1:28 PM

    What a transformation, Stephanie! I am starting to think about helping our parents re-do the kitchen at the back of their house and we’re talking about loads of wood as well over there, so your kitchen here gives me plenty of hope!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Next Post >

How to Style an Open Cardigan for Autumn

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy lifestyle blog. Looking for book reviews, hygge home decor, or comfortable and classic outfit ideas? I've got you covered.

Bookish Shops

  • Janzy Wax Co. (Discount Code: ESPRESSO10)
  • The Seasonal Pages (Discount Code: ESPRESSO15)
  • Storiarts (Discount Code: ESPRESSO)
  • Wicked Whimsy Boutique (Discount Code: ESPRESSO10)

Archives

become a vip

My Rating System

Where I’m Connected

Professional Reader

Blog Meets Brand

Blogging Resources

17th Avenue - Feminine & Stylish WordPress Themes
PLANOLY

instagram

follow @theespressoedition

Have you done a mid-year reading check-in yet? πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
What a wild year 2022 has been so far πŸ˜΅β€πŸ’« I've found new favorite authors, made progress on my original TBR, checked out some great backlist books, and hit some super exciting goals! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I'm not going to *just* share my faves or least faves, but instead I'm going to share some of the fun stats from my reading year so far! 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
- Out of the 30 books I just *HAD TO* read this year, I've read 24
- Out of my numerical goal of 120 for the whole year, I've read 119
- I've rated 44 books with 4.5/5 stars (hence my struggle when someone asks for a favorite from the year so far)
- I've read 16 ARCs from 12 different publishers (this makes me want to bawl with happiness because this was such a massive goal for me when I began book blogging!)
- I've participated in 10 buddy-reads
- I've added 38 books to my shelves (either purchased by me after I read and loved a book, given as a gift, or sent by a generous author/publisher)
- I've discovered that there's a chance I *might* like romance more than fantasy now and that's totally okay!
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
What has your reading looked like in 2022? β˜•οΈ 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #midyearreadingchallenge #readinggoals #storygraph #readingstats #perfectespressopour
Which of your childhood favorites would you like t Which of your childhood favorites would you like to see reimagined? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
When I found out that GALLANT had The Secret Garden vibes, I was really excited because that was one of my favorites as a kid ⛲️ I think it would be really neat to see this story retold by a few other authors as well (looking at you, Marissa Meyer) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Some of the other stories I loved as a kid that I'd like to see "adulted" are:
πŸ‘‘ A Little Princess
πŸ§žβ€β™‚οΈ Aladdin
 🐁 Stuart Little (it could be cute okay? like some kind of fantasy?)
πŸ‘’ Madeline
⚜️ Rumplestiltskin (I've only seen this done once and I wasn’t obsessed so I need more!)
β˜‚οΈ Mary Poppins
🐎 Misty of Chincoteague
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Did you enjoy any of those stories as a kid? 🀎 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#veschwab #gallant #veschwabfeatures #schwabstagram #readersofinstagram #booksofig #bookgrammer #bookgram #instabooks #bookgasm #fantasybooks #bookishfeatures #booktography #booklover #bibliophilelife #readersofig #readersgonnaread #bookaesthetic #instareads #readerlife #bookishlove #bookstagram #thesecretgarden #retelling #90sbooks #childhoodbooks #childhoodbooksrevisited #bookflatlay
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Long story short, I joined bookstagram in 2020 because I love books and I love talking about books, but I never had a space to do that πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ After years of fashion blogging and feeling out of place because of my interests, I wound up on this side of IG and realized that it felt like home 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I schemed up a name (something to do with coffee and books that didn't have the words "coffee" or "books" in it), took a few photos, created a profile, and went to town πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It wasn't long before I completely FELL IN LOVE with the supportive community, safe space to find new books and talk about the ones I love, and really cultivate my photography skills (which had been lying dormant for far too long) πŸ™ˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Now, I'm thrilled to have connected with favorite authors, created my own hashtag (hey there #perfectespressopour β˜•οΈ), reviewed incredible books, launched my own line of merch, and made tons of new friends 🫢🏼 When I begin to feel down about the numbers or the lack of inspiration, I remind myself of why I started in the first place and I find myself falling in love all over again πŸ₯Ή
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Thank you for being part of my bookstagram journey πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstagram #booktography #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #booksta #bookphotography #bookswithmagic #booksaremagic #booknerdigan
Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author Tell me your most recent "new-to-you" fave author and which book made you fall in love with their work πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
A couple months back, I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of The Wonderland Trials by @saraellawrites... and I immediately fell head over heels in love 😍 Needless to say, I instantly added her entire backlist to my TBR πŸ™ˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Lately, I've been feeling a bit disappointed with fantasy (which has always been my favorite genre) πŸ˜• It seems like each time I pick one up, I'm either completely uninterested in the story or it just falls flat - but The Wonderland Trials absolutely blew me away! 🀯 If you're looking for something that really stands out amongst the rest, you certainly need to pick this one up! 🫢🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any great Alice in Wonderland reimaginings? πŸ‡ 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
-
-
-
-
-
#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thewonderlandtrials #aliceinwonderland #fantasybookrecs #yafantasybooks #fairytaleretellings
Recommend me an underrated queer book! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
In my world, every month is #pridemonth and I always, always have queer books on my TBR (not just white mlm, but a wide range of lgbtqia+ stories) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ It's important to me to constantly be diversifying my shelves, learning more about the people around me, and continuing to create a safe environment for everyone in my little corner of the web 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
My goal for June was to pack my TBR with as many queer books as I could in CELEBRATION of Pride Month, so I've already read 4 books with lgbtq rep:
πŸ¦‰ Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
🌎 The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
πŸ“Ί The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
🌌 Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefluer
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I'm currently reading 3:
πŸ«– A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
🩸 Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
πŸ–Œ Portrait of a Thief by Grace D Li
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
 And I have 2 more on my immediate list:
πŸ₯€ Malice by Heather Walter
β˜€οΈ Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these? πŸ“š 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #queerbooks #readqueerallyear #queerreads #lgbtbooks #queeryourshelves #flippingpages
Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌 β €β €β € Favorite Shadow and Bone character? 🦌
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I'm officially considering this Shadow and Bone week, between celebrating the 10th anniversary of the book and finding out about Ben narrating the Demon in the Wood audiobook! πŸ₯‚ 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Also, catch me counting down the days until when I get to see my babies on-screen again (can we get a season 2 premiere date, please?) πŸ“Ί
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
To answer my own question, Genya is my very favorite Shadow and Bone character 🀍 In fact, I have plans for a Genya tattoo in the near future πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Are you as excited for the audiobook and season 2 of the show as I am? 🀩 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #shadowandbone #grishaverse #genyasafin #leighbardugo #grishaversary #binbons
Do you have a favorite book dedication? ✍🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I've found a few recently that have definitely stood out to me πŸ‘€ Sometimes a dedication sets the mood for the book and that's something I really love! 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
A few that have blown my mind recently are:
πŸͺž GALLANT (pictured) by VE Schwab
πŸ‘‘ FOR THE THRONE (actually, both of The Wilderwood books have fabulous dedications) by Hannah Whitten
πŸ›« EARLY DEPARTURES by Justin A. Reynolds
πŸ“– THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig
πŸ’” ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART by Stephanie Garber
πŸ₯˜ WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these magnificent books? πŸ“š 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #bookdedications #gallant #veschwab #gallantbook #fantasybooks #fantasyreader
Is there a book you've read this year that is unli Is there a book you've read this year that is unlike anything else you've ever read? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
When I read THE ATLAS SIX in April, I was blown away by how unique it was! 🀯 I have never in my life read another book like it and that's part of why it got 5 stars from me ⭐️ Sure, it started at a slower pace but the further the story progressed, the more fascinating it was (and the pacing at the beginning made far more sense because it led to absolute BRILLIANCE) πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I don't read much dark academia, so recommend some titles to me (THAT AREN'T AS WELL KNOWN) that you've enjoyed! πŸ›
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
-
-
-
-
-
#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #darkacademia #theatlassix #darkacademiabooks
Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vib Do you enjoy books that are less plot, more ✨vibes✨?
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I definitely do! 🫢🏼 In the past few years, I've read more and more books like this and they always leave me feeling utterly fascinated (and maybe a little confused?) πŸ€” I gotta say that writing reviews for them can be a bit tough, but reading them is a lot of fun πŸ™ˆ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Books I enjoy that are no plot, just vibes:
🐝 The Starless Sea
πŸŽͺ The Night Circus
πŸ’ƒπŸ» Where Dreams Descend
πŸͺΆ The Raven Cycle
πŸšͺ The Ten Thousand Doors of January
πŸ§™πŸ»β€β™€οΈ The Once and Future Witches
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these? πŸ“– 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
-
-
-
-
-
#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #noplotjustvibes #turningpages #booktography #bookphotography
Do you enjoy books with illustrations? πŸ–Œ β €β € Do you enjoy books with illustrations? πŸ–Œ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I definitely do! πŸ™‹πŸ»β€β™€οΈ One of the most pleasant surprises when I opened up GALLANT was seeing the hauntingly beautiful pieces of art inside πŸ–€ It made the story feel more alive and helped me understand the way the character's mind worked 🧠
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
There was a similar feeling when I first read THE ATLAS SIX and saw the character art 🎨 It gave the cast so much more depth and it made me wish that more books included pieces like this πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Other additions that make books stand out to me:
πŸ“° Unique chapter breaks (I read a basketball book that was divided into 4 quarters, and a book about an actor divided into acts, things like that)
πŸ’¬ Text messages
πŸ—Ί Maps
✍🏼 Handwriting (especially in the form of letters or lists)
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
What are some unique things you like seeing in books? πŸ“š 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #autumnvibes #fallvibes #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #readersofinstagram #bookrecs #gallant #gallantbook #veschwab #bookillustrations #bookart #characterart #booktography

Copyright © 2022 The Espresso Edition · Theme by 17th Avenue