When I blog, I love writing personal posts and enjoy reading them. I wanted to do a feature that’ll allow me to share personal parts of my life and Jessi from Novel Heartbeat‘s feature, Life Of A Blogger, did that, until it sadly ended. That’s when I decided to create my own feature sharing snippets of my life, calling it “What Is A Kelly” because as most of you know, that’s my twitter handle. In What Is A Kelly, I want to share parts of my life with you guys!
As you guys have probably noticed, I haven’t been posting much, if anything at all, these past few days. I’m sure you guys have been curious what I’ve been up to these past few days/weeks, and well, today I tell all! Well, nearly all.
I went to ALA in San Francisco and FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLLLLY met one of my best friends!
As I’ve mentioned in my last update, I would be going to San Francisco, meeting Cee from The Novel Hermit, and attending ALA! Well, this did happen and I wrote about my experience – as you can see, I didn’t remember a lot of things – and also compared BEA with ALA.
I’ve been watching Empress Ki
For those of you who don’t know, Empress Ki is a 51 episode historical Korean drama that is OH SO GOOD. There’s murder, betrayal, politics, a love triangle that is not annoying, and drama. There is definitely plenty of that. I love the beginning of Empress Ki – it was so dramatic and addicting – but by the end of the 38th episode, I wanted it to be over already.
I am currently working at my summer job!
Like I’ve mentioned in my last update, I have a summer job! I am working Monday to Thursdays and barely have any time to myself. I am finding it harder and harder to find time to read, blog, and do all the things I enjoy and like, which leads me to my next point…
…And I am taking a blog hiatus!
Instead of feeling guilty about not posting in a long time, I have finally decided to take a blog hiatus instead. I will still be posting a bit as those posts are already written and schedule, but I will still be taking a hiatus. Therefore, I will feel no guilt about not posting until I have the time to.
I am planning to be back at full blast on August 19th. As for now, make sure you enter the giveaway below!
Enter to win all the ARCs pictured below – my Charmander plush not included in the prize!
Terms & Conditions:
- This contest is open INTERNATIONALLY.
- The giveaway will run until August 19, 2015.
- You must be 18 years or older, or have parents’ permission to enter.
- All your entries will be disqualified if you pickup entries for something you haven’t done. (I had to do this for so many of my last giveaways, please don’t make me do this again.)
- If you only use ONE account to do all these tasks and enter under different names, they will still only constitute as ONE entry.
- If the winner does not respond to my e-mail within 48 hours, I will have to choose another winner.
- I am not responsible for any items lost in the mail.
Thanks for hosting a giveaway! A blog haitus can really clear your mind but I look forward to when you’re back!
No big plans this summer. Reading, gardening and barbacue! Thank you
I don’t have any specific plans other than going out for dinner and a movie with my mom and best friend for my birthday :P
Bieke @ Istyria book blog recently posted…{From Page to Screen} Marvel vs DC ~ Why I love Marvel more
I’m planning to spend some time in London with some friends for my birthday! ;)
You like anime. That is great! Well, I am sad your taking a blog hiatus but when this happens for us bloggers it is only because it is needed.
P.S. I will be looking into Empress Ki. Sounds pretty interesting. If I like it enough, Empress Ki, might turn out to be my first first K Drama.
Cassandra @ The Huge Anime Fan blog recently posted…Real Neat Blog Award Nomination!
We have a lake behind our house, and are there almost every day with the grand kids.
I have spent my Summer reading Ebooks and watching movies/tv shows on Netflix.
Summer’s been a bit tame this year, most of it spent working or reading. Some plans to go to Wonderland and FanExpo will certainly mix it up. Enjoy your summer Kelly!
My plans include reading, prepping for school, and lots of sleeping. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
My plans for the summer include reading, writing, and trying to get prepared for school to start up again. Sleeping is also on the list. Thank you for the giveaway!
So far I’ve read a ton of book, and I plan on reading away my last few weeks of freedom. Thanks for the giveaway!
I hope I can go to a lot of pools and cute second hand book stores :D
No major plans except survive the summer so I an send the little energy suckers- aka my kids- back to school!
I know. It’s hard to post regularly in the summer! I’m just working, exciting stuff. Thanks for sharing these great books! I can’t wait to read Ice Like Fire!!
Molly Mortensen recently posted…The Edge of Forever
By Melissa E. Hurst
Hugs. <3 You should never feel quilty about not posting :) I adore all your posts, but if you need to take breaks, I don't mind that at all. You are awesome :) Hope you are having an awesome summer Kelly. <3 All the things you have done so far sounds aamazing :) I'm jealous, lol. I have done nothing so far this summer. Sigh. Because we have had a cold summer so far. Hmph. So mean :( And barely any sun, which is not usual. Sigh. But I'm going on a short roadtrip to Sweden next monday :) will be fun. Thank you so so so so much for this precious giveaway. <3 I want to win so badly :) You are the kindest.
Carina Olsen recently posted…In My Mailbox #194
My family and I went home to St. Louis on vacation. It had been 2 years since we had been home and it was awesome!
Not summer here so I’m staying at home and read all day. It’s not a bad plan. ☺ If it was summer, I’ll probably camp in an island or do Trekking.
Im trying not to drool on the screen….Thanks so much for this chance!! Also your chibi Charmander is ADORABLE!!!
Heehhh, this is possibly one of the best giveaways I’ve entered this summer, merci beaucoup.
I don’t really have any plans for this summer other than school work and watching my two kids under 2. That is a job in itself. Going to enjoy those days when I have school to look forward to :)
Don’t feel bad about not posting! Everyone needs a break every once in a while. My summer has been pretty dead beat and Im sure that what’s left of it won’t be any different lol. Thanks for the lovely giveaway, Kelly. Enjoy your break!
Sophie @ Seamless Reader recently posted…Book Review: Everything You and I Could Have Been If We Weren’t You and I by Albert Espinosa
My plans this summer are kind of wonky! I intended to finish another manuscript but never got the chance because of mishaps and surprise plans. You sound like you’ve been just as busy! And thanks for the giveaway. :)
Nothing much, probably read lots of books and hang out with friends!
Besides work (ugh), just read and binge on shows mostly.
So far this summer I’ve done a lot of reading and being overly hot and bothered and ya know…getting loads of jokes about how pale I am. For the rest of the summer, I want to do the Chapter 5 summer reading challenge, get some classics read, finish Game of Thrones, hopefully get some more acting jobs, but they’ll most likely be extras jobs seeing as I’m still in search of an agent! Aaaannnd I need to clear through clothes and everything, and I think I might register to do an online Ancient History and Archaeology degree as a backup for acting! I’ll be pretty busy hopefully haha!
Don’t feel bad about not posting. We all have to take blog hiatus’s every once in a while. We are human and sometimes taking a break is necessary. I like your Charmandar Plush. Where did you get him? I want to get one for myself.
Grace @ Books of Love
Grace Fonseca recently posted…Stacking The Shelves, Bought, Borrowed and Bagged, plus Trailers galore
Empress Ki is soooo good right? I loved seeing a bad ass woman take control in a series like that. My family was hooked to that show last month! I think taking a hiatus is healthy once in a while! We are getting into the rainy moths here in my country so I guess I’ll be gobbling up books again! love your blog!
Taking a brake is always a good thing! Thanks for the chance to read one of these lovelies!
It happens to almost all bloggers out there, real life does get in the way…and i can totally understand. I am now working full time and boy it even cuts through my reading time! But I absolutely adore your ARCs giveaway…i’m keeping my fingers cross. I really want them bad!!! you have a good summer! it’s no longer summer in my part of my world. It’s actually rainy season here..and school year just started in June.
Had an extra long summer because of early exams! Got my first job! Whoop!
But other than that, lots and lots of reading. (Red Rising right now!)
Sadly no summer plans! Just work, trying to avoid the heat & reading. Thanks so much for the giveaway. I don’t think you should ever be worried about taking a hiatus, by the way. If the rest of us non-bloggers can get away with it without any guilt, so should you!
Thank you for this most awesome giveaway!
Going to the gym and read a lot :D
I’ve just been working this summer.. Nothing too exciting. Although I did go to RT earlier this year and that was fun! This stack of books looks amazing! Especially Soundless! Thanks for the chance to win!
Raquel Romero recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #13
All those book sound awesome. I’ve also wanted to go to ALA, maybe one day…
Read, go to the library go to supercon.
I hope you are having a lovely summer so far. I been having a ton this year. I went on a road trip to Orlando, Florida to visit Harry Potter :) I also went to Daytona beach. Just recently I went Camping. Hopefully I will go on more :) Thanks for your amazing giveaway. Have a great summer xoxo
Helena Reads (@BookNerdAddict) recently posted…TTT: Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession
Haven’t done much this summer since we had to cancel our trip to London. Just studying and reading.
Your summer sounds busy! So far, I’ve mostly been working and going to the movies quite a bit. I’ve also got quite a lot of reading in. Thanks for the giveaway! I hope you have a nice blog hiatus and look forward to when you come back! :)
Ooh!! I can’t wait for Vengeance Road and Soundless and also Walk on Earth & is it me or the cover of Dreamstrider is so gorgeous.
And also, so far I read more than I did than any summer and when I don’t read, most likely I’ll be on Twitter or YouTube or Snapchat…or Instagram.
I read a lot of books and entered an art contest. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve just been working on my giant TBR pile this summer! Thanks for the giveaway!
I don’t have any big plans for the summer. I’m just going to relax, enjoy the sun and read a lot!
Reading fanfiction and playing Dragon Age Inquisition. I’m going to start watching Penny Dreadful and Sense8 soon.
Ayanami Faerudo recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zakus
We went camping. Did some R&R (relaxation & reading)!
I haven’t done much this summer, but I plan on going to Disneyland and also I am moving sometime soon.
Jacklin Updegraft recently posted…“Waiting On” Wednesday: Six of Crows
There’s a Rubber Duck racing event in Chicago I’m excited about. There’s prizes and stuff.
Empress ki!!!!! Gaaaah I loved watching the Koreanovela as well! I remember how I loved the bad ass attitude of Ki. I wished there were more heroines like her. You should try more koreanovelas! A lot of them are actually awesome without drama usually found in angsty books! haha. I’d recommend Moon Embracing the Sun because I cried buckets of tears there. There is a love triangle tho so I’m not sure you’re up to that haha.
Jules recently posted…HI GUYS. I’M ALIVE!
It’s technically not summer here anymore in the Philippines, but I have been busy with my thesis at most, really. I would like to attend a concert or maybe go to a film festival that’s gonna happen soon.
Jayvee @ Writer For Misfits recently posted…Stacking The Shelves #10: Spring And Summer Haul
Thanks for the great giveaway! Been dying to read ‘Ice Like Fire’ heard so many great reviews.
And love your blog so hope its a short hiatus but enjoy your summer :)
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m excited to see what you have planned for when you return from hiatus.
Amanda recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I Recently Acquired
No big summer plans, mostly just reading. Enjoy your hiatus! And thanks for the generous giveaway.
It’s winter here in South Africa, but luckily our winters are mild. I have spent the break from school trying to make a dent in my pile of books!
sue @ crushingcinders recently posted…Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor – YA Book Review
Trying to stay cool! It gets way too hot here
Thanks so much for the giveaway! I am not doing much this summer except trying to survive the heat. It’s 105 degrees here. Ugh
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books recently posted…Scotland!
My summer plans? Summer seems so far away from down here in the Southern Hemisphere! It is SO cold right now :(
Thanks for the amazing giveaway – especially for making it international!! I really appreciate the chance to get ARCs that aren’t available here
I hope you have a wonderful, much needed, and deserved break! Enjoy your summer and have lots of ice cream and fun! I don’t have many plans at all despite my birthday being next week :P I still have to work blah.
Thanks so much for the amazing giveaway! Those are pretty much all of the books I desperately need in life, all in one bundle, so I’m crossing my fingers!
I’ve mostly been adulting this summer- bleh. I did get married at the end of May though, so my summer started with a two week vacation to Europe! Since then though- work. I’ve been at my job just over a year now, so I had my first annual evaluation. The rest of the summer looks like it has so far too- work.
This summer I’ve had pool days with friends, read books a lot, and watched a lot of TV series! Also a bit of preparation for college since I start in a month :)
OMG YOU GET TO GO TO BEA! :P I am from Australia by the way, Melbourne to make matter worse. I mean I am proud to be an Aussie YA Blogger and Reviewer. But we don’t have anything as awesome as BEA! Like I watch all booktubers raved about their AMAZING hauls and AWESOME authors they get to meet. Well, good on you for living at US! :D One day I am just going to fly to U.S. just to go to the BEA. :P
I also sympathise with your hiatus. I mean, I am in my final year of high school and it’s really hectic as it determines your future and whatnot. Being born into a typical Asian family, their (my parents) expectations of me are quite high..urgh same as my hundreds of relatives…Oh well, after this year then I get to start everything all over again! :P
Happy Reading,
Kristy.
Kristy recently posted…Matched (Matched #1) – Ally Condie
Congrats on making the decision to take a hiatus! I know how hard it can be to force yourself to take a step back from something you love, but sometimes it’s critical for our sanity! Especially if you are someone who puts your whole heart and soul into what you’re doing, and it seems like you are. I *totally* know what you mean about worrying over things not getting done and feeling like you’re constantly apologizing for not having a certain thing finished when promised, and at that point taking a break, if you can, is often the single best thing you can do for yourself. Good for you!
As to your actual question… I have a 7yo son, so we spent the summer mostly at the pool! He did swim team for the first time this year and it lasts six or seven weeks, so we ended up being at the pool pretty much every day (not that im complaining). He’s back in school as.of Monday (he’s on a year-round calendar), so the past few days I’ve pretty much done nothing but READ!!!
Take care, and I hope you have a wonderful hiatus! Oh, amd also, THANK YOU for the chance to win this bundle — I would so love to win these ARCs! :-)
The most fun thing I did this Summer was go hiking on Mount Lemmon. It was absolutely beautiful and I challenged myself. I really hope I can go again soon and also bring a book for when I get to the top. It’d be an amazing place to sit and read.
Gabriella M. recently posted…The Pact Review
Reading books :”> and swimming.
Sad that you’re taking a hiatus, but I hope it helps you out! Also, thanks for the giveaway. This summer, I was hoping to get a lot of reading done… but instead I’ve found my love for slurpees, Unison League, and doing nothing. (The last one always existed but it’s become a hobby this summer!)
In my country, our summer break’s on April to June, which means I’m in school right now. Anyway, I worked as an intern in a drug manufacturing company and planned to read as many books as I could (obviously, I failed to do that. LOL).
Thanks for the giveaway. I have actually been spending my summer trying to catch up on my reading/blogging and looking for a job.
April @ Between the Pages recently posted…I am trying to patiently wait for Glass Sword (Red Queen 2) by Victoria Aveyard
I haven’t done much this summer, but I did visit Atlanta and Charleston. I love going to different cities because where I live, we barely have any indie bookstores or really, any bookstores at all. There was a really cool one right outside of Atlanta that I can’t wait to visit again.
I actually just got back from our summer vacation- we went to Calgary, Canada! Now I’m trying to catch up with all my duties at work, and a few house issues, as well as chores. The rest of my summer is basically chores, errands, work, problem-fixing, etc….so the fun part is over! ;)
Beth W recently posted…Friday Confessional & Nail Files
This summer I’m working on my dissertation, so I don’t really have other plans except for reading a lot during my limited free time :)
I actually worked most of the summer, on a little vaca right now.
Lisa Bretherick recently posted…Shacking the Shelves #2
My plans to read get hijacked regularly, b/c of the beautiful weather and tempting outdoor activities. I’m not complaining, though. I live in the lovely Pacific Northwest and enjoy hiking, visiting the city and the ocean on a regular basis.
Thank you for the giveaway. I have been working all summer but I have taken a trip to the beach and have been catching up on reading :)
Steph recently posted…Recent Reads: Atlantis Glacial Tides by Allie Burton
I plan to read new releases books this year and also to attend music festivals! :)
Great giveaway! :)
Thank you!
We did so much this summer! Arizona trip to see family
Quick Denver trip, Zoo / Aquarium
lots of pool/ reading time.
Im very happy to say its almost over and the kids are headed back to school! Wahoo
So far this summer we have celebrated our eldest daughter’s 16th birthday, the hubs and I spent a three day weekend in Louisville for our anniversary, went to a family reunion, put a fence up around our yard, and I have lost count of the amount of books I have read!!
Summer is already half over and I admit I haven’t done much! Even with my birthday just passed, I’ve mostly just worked on the house. Painted our kitchen, took down a lot of 70s wallpaper, things like that. My wife and I did take a day trip up to Chicago which was amazing. We spent over four hours in the Art Institute of Chicago, I may have cried more than once. I’m not sure what the rest of the summer is going to hold, the last week has been rough, to say the least.
Skylee @ thenightgirl recently posted…Surprise Mini Haul!
My oldest dog’s been sick, so I’ve been spending a ton of time with him – lots of walks, swimming, homemade dog biscuits, treat balls. He is one spoiled guy.
With the shift in our school calendar, sadly we had classes over the summer. Summer here is March-May. My friends and I managed to sneak some pool hangouts during weekends just to relieve the heat. Hahaha!
Inah @ The Bibliophile Confessions recently posted…All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Hi!, omg i feel you on the blog hiatus, i’ve recently come up from one. See Ramadan came this summer so i too a break from reading to really focus and plus all the books i’ve read before wasn’t really doing it for me and i hate leaving half meh flounced reviews. My summer was alright, went to family reunion and now job searching again and trying to read just as much as last year
Not much planned, I recently just started blogging once I finished from university or college and now catching up on some reading while I still have the chance and before the holidays end! :)
Book Lover recently posted…Book Blitz: Destroying Angel
I am hoping to get my Bachelor’s degree!
I have worked this summer for the first time in 9 years. (I used to be a teacher.)
go to the beach
I stayed at home and read a bunch of books!!!! I also volunteered at a local hospital.
I’ve worked as an extra on 2 TV series (Banshee and Outsiders) this summer that is filming near where I live.
Thanks for this giveaway opportunity!
Went fishing with husband a couple of times, and strol at the mall
Plans for summer?? Um, reading, reviewing, reading… As you can tell, I’m a VERY active person when it comes to summer ^.^
To be honest I don’t really have any plans. I usually spend my summer on the computer hiding from society.
Claudia Victoria recently posted…Dear Publishers
So far in the summer I have survived a couple of reading and blogging slumps, read a ton of books and finally watched Once Upon A Time. How has your summer been?
Fantasy Angel recently posted…Flight and Wasteland by Lindsay Leggett – Review
So far this summer I have participated in two read-a-thons. The biannual bibliothon and now currently the booktube-a-thon. So lots of reading and challenges. I took a mini vacation from work and did a lot of shopping and fun things as well, and I had a friend from Chicago come visit me and that was fun. I also finally got contacts, and that is my big summer news.
So jealous that you went to ALA!!!!
Thank you so much for this opportunity <33
Isha @ Two Sisters Bloggin recently posted…// updates with isha + hanna: exploring iloilo
This summer I’ve travelled to two different countries. I was in America for the very first time! It was so exciting, trying everything and going to places for the very first time <333 I kind of went overboard with the books, I was only there for a month but ended up with 19 books omg. Now I'm in the Philippines to spend time with my mom's relatives. I hope you're having a good summer as well x
Isha @ Two Sisters Bloggin recently posted…// updates with isha + hanna: exploring iloilo
Awesome giveaway! It’s definitely hard to maintain a blog and make time to post and read and review while having a job though. Also…… charmander!! <3
Brittany recently posted…Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell ARC Review *MAJOR SPOILERS*
Awesome giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity.
This summer we are fixing up our house and building bigger bookshelves! Yay! So far it’s been great!
Thanks for the giveaway!
This summer, I have read so many books. I also visited several colleges with my sister who will be graduating at the end of this school year!
Came across your blog via a retweet for the giveaway so quite random really! This summer has been dominated by my neice’s wedding so now that I have more time will be getting stuck into the virtual stack of ebooks I currently have and carry on ignoring my family’s requests for regular meals lol!
I’m dying for an ARC of Ice Like Fire, so thanks for the giveaway!
I moved this summer, took a class online, and I’ve been doing a lot of reading and writing. My fall semester starts in a week, so I’ve been busy packing for that recently.
Emma recently posted…Rewind & Review #43
Such a great giveaway! There is definitely a few of these that I need =)
Read a ton of books and eagerly awaiting the release for a ton more! I’m super excited for this giveaway! And I’m planning on hanging out with a few of my friends on my birthday.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Emma recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: Court of Fives
As it is winter here, I have no summer plans and instead plan to stay in bed and stay as warm as possible :D
So far I’ve done a lot of reading. I don’t have any big plans. Though I am having surgery at the end of this month.
Denise H recently posted…Book Recommendation → Dirty Magic
Basically all I’ve been doing this summer is read and watch TV shows. Lazy days. The rest of summer will be spent catching up with school work and preparing for next semester!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kayla (Michaela) recently posted…Grey by E.L. James (Fifty Shades #4)
School has started here, so I’m pretty busy studying right now xD I’m planning to take a hiatus too though since I really need to get a good grades :D
Sadly I have no holidays left to take time off work this summer to go travelling, so instead I am having a weekend away with the bf to the seaside here in the UK. My main plan for this summer is to FINALLY read the Lunar Chronicles, which I just got back after lending them to my bookish bestie! :)
Hannah @ Broc’s Bookcase recently posted…Review “Because You’ll Never Meet Me” – Leah Thomas
Thanks for doing this giveaway!!!
Veronica recently posted…Booktube-A-Thon Wrap-Up
My summer plans were to go to the beach and read a lot. But there have been a lot of shark sightings at the beaches I go to that none of my friends wanted to go. I’ve done the reading thing though so that is one win! Hope you are having a great summer Kelly! :)
This summer I enjoyed going to the beach with some of my closest friends. Its been a while since I last went, and it was great! I have also spent a good majority of my summer devouring YA books. I really wish summer didn’t have to end so abruptly.
So far this summer I’ve read a ton of books, gotten a ton of book mail and watched a couple of new shows. I also visited my family so all in all, it’s been pretty good.
Fantasy Angel recently posted…Join Me For #ARE15
I have worked all summer long… no awesome vacations to speak of. It has been seriously, ridiculously hot outside, so it stinks even going out for a second. I am ready for an awesome fall with a hopefully amazing vacation! Thank you for the fantastic giveaway!
Jaime Lester recently posted…Jaime Reviews ~ Serpentine by Cindy Pon
Summer ended for me two months ago, actually so what I’m back at college and it’s hell.
Angel recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: How to Love by Katie Cotugno
It has been my usual summer, summer at home. What I mostly did was lie on my bed, internet surfing, eating but not gaining any weight (I’m so slim, I’m telling you!), watch tv and of course, read!! Yeah, it hasn’t been a fun summer, unfortunately. I’m making my plans for my next summer because I’m graduating college!! I’m just so happy.
Elle (@bookcatastrophe) recently posted…Hey guys, Fay is having a massive giveaway, 10 books for 1…
I spent a lot of time at local festivals, outdoor concerts and sitting on the beach, reading.