Blogging Can Be Hard

31 July 2014

blog challenge

Blogging Can Be Hard

Today is the last day of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Faith, Allie, and Juliette. I am actually glad to say that I've actually completed a challenge! Technically I've conquered this challenge once this post is actually published... but you know what I mean. Today's topic is to share with you why blogging can be hard sometimes.
Like kudos to Carly @ The College Prepster  who literally blogs AT LEAST once a day. I don't know how bloggers like her actually even think of good and meaningful topics to blog about on a daily basis. I have to admit, I'm over here struggling to think about a topic the night before, and still have nothing the morning of.

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After almost a year of blogging, I've experienced days where I just think to myself, "who knew that blogging would actually be this hard?" Looking at today's blog prompt, I really sat down and reflected on days where I just gave up and decided not to blog on a few days. Then, I asked myself why. I came up with two reasons.
1) Creating new blog content Regardless of what kind of blog you run (i.e., Beauty, lifestyle, travel, etc.) you want to find something that is entertaining to your followers, meaningful, and new. This can be a very difficult task, especially if you're on the uncreative side and tend to google "What to blog about today". Then you are already experiencing the hard work that goes into a blog. 
Truthfully, creating new content can be hard especially if you don't want to sound like you're recycling your old material (which is a definite no). Not only that, trying to blog on a schedule adds more pressure about what to blog about the next day. Just thinking about what to blog itself is just a daunting task... We all go through our writer's block, some more than others. But nevertheless, we all go through this struggle for sure!
2) Time, effort and commitment Running a blog requires your attention and time. And, if you want to have a successful blog and have a lot of followers like many top blogs, you have to work just as hard as they did. Believe me when I say it does not happen over night. Blogging takes a lot of time when it comes to thinking about a possible blog post, and eventually writing it. As like other, I designed my entire blog template, which took a lot of time and effort. Why did I do it? Because I am committed to making my blog always look it's best and presentable for future and current readers. 
Many bloggers know some of their most commented and viewed work is because of their secret weapon - their effort they've put into their work. 
So, I know these are my weakness when it comes to blogging. As I prompt the 1st birthday of my blog, I really have to take time to think about how to change my strategies in order to continue the process of creating a successful blog. OR, just to at least get more daily readers who actually like to stop by and say hi!
I know I can't be the only one who struggles with blogging. In fact, I know this is how a lot of us feels on most days:

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Why do you find blogging hard? Let me know in the comments below! 

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#SorrynotSorry

30 July 2014

blog challenge

#SorrynotSorry

Hey fellow bloggers! Life lately is starting to become very intense. I don't know about all of you, but I know I do things that may annoy, frustrate or even piss of other people, but there are just time where I just do not care. #sorrynotsorry. That is why I decided to share with you all some of my sorry not sorry moments!
1) If I can't open plastic bags fast enough. At work, sometimes they need me at the front cashing people out. You don't know how frustrating it is when customers look annoyed at me just because I can't open a darn plastic bag fast enough. I'm pretty sure if you were in my position, you'd have a hard time trying to scan items, then placing them in plastic bags. #sorrynotsorry
2) If I go back to the same aisle over, and over again. When I go shopping, workers or I guess customers will get so annoyed of me just going back to the same aisle over and over again. I can't help it if I like an item, and then need to decided whether or not I want to purchase it. So, the best thing to do is to go walk around the store and if the item is still on my mind, I go back and look at it again. I tend to do this a lot, and honestly I don't even end up buying the darn item. #sorrynotsorry
3) Wanting to look good. There are days where I just want to dress up! So what if we go to a park and I wanna look like freaked Madonna. I feel like I want to look good, so I shall look good. I don't even care if I don't even have the proper attire that is appropriate for the environment. Deal with it. #sorrynotsorry.
4) I post up a lot of snap stories. My mentally is that if I download an app, and I have the option to create stories about myself, then I will indeed create stories to share. Do not complain, or joke around that I create soooooo many stories. So what? What's the point of having the snap story option if y'all don't want me to freaken use it. Be prepared to watch over 49 seconds of snap stories daily. #sorrynotsorry 
5) I post pictures about Penelope. Like I said in the previous point, why do you care if I post a billion photos of Penelope. This is my life, and if I choose to share photos of her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., then you really have to get over it. Why is there an option to share pictures with my social media friends if y'all gonna complain. I'll post photos of her if I want. Deal with it. #sorrynotsorry
6) I love spaghetti/pasta/lasagna. This is literally my favourite dish. When there is nothing to eat at home, I will always make it. I don't care if my family, cousins, friends get annoyed with me making them the same dish, I'm the one cooking... sooo yeah. #sorrynotsorry 

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Linking up with Allie, Faith and Juliette for the Blog Everyday in July Challenge and Bella from Dateless in Dallas!

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5 Things I Love About Myself

29 July 2014

blog challenge

5 Things I Love About Myself

Today is Day 29 of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Allie, Faith and Juliette. Today's blog prompt is a little bit more of the conceded side, so please accept my apologies ahead of time if I seem like I am extremely full of myself in this post. I'm actually a very humble person, but the today's prompt is to share 5 things I love about myself! 
My Hair

I love my hair when it was long, and I still love my hair short. I get a lot of compliments about my hair about how shiny and soft it looks and feel. My hair is something others, especially girls love to compliment me on. So, why not love something about me that other's also love? 
My Cooking Skills

I love to cook! And believe it or not, I actually have an imagination when it comes to taking a recipe and turning it into a completely different dish. I guess I could be a chef, but I don't have the culinary language and skills to be one - but who cares, I can make my family and myself food. And yum, I make delicious food!
My Dimples 

I love my dimples, Jay loves my dimples. Not, everyone has dimples so why not love something I have that many others don't? It's weird though, my right dimple is more apparent than my left dimple, but nevertheless, I like the way my dimples look when I smile. It add's a little something more in my pictures!
I really love others

I love my friends, family, Jay and Penelope. Whenever someone is in my life, I give them my 100% regardless if they give the same amount back. I care for others, and even tend to put them first. I love this about myself because I believe in good karma. What goes around comes around right?
I am a positive person.

I am a positive person, and I love being a positive person. You cannot live a life negatively. 

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3 Pictures

28 July 2014

blog challenge

3 Pictures

It is day 28 of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Allie, Faith, and Juliette . I decided to take the weekend off from the challenge because I just wanted to relax from a hard day at work, and just chill with the cousins. With that being said, that doesn't mean I've given up - in fact I will go stronger than every for the last few days that are left with this challenge. Today's blog prompt is to share 3 of my favourite photos - 1 of anything, 1 I took, and 1 selfie!
// My 1 of anything (well she is obviously not just anything to me!)

// My 1 of what I took (the beautiful view from Lakeshore)

// My 1 selfie (a candid shot)

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Weekly Wishes #26

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #26

Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes Recap -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last week, my wishes somewhat went well! I unfortunately missed a few days of blogging this past weekend, so my wish from last week obviously didn't go too well. I was surprisingly able to clean my room!!! Wohoo, it is finally clean, and I am pretty sure Penelope is enjoying the cleanness as well. And, those are mainly the high points from my wishes last week. Time to talk about this week's wishes!  This Week's Wishes -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Blog everyday! If I am correct, this is the last week of the blog everyday in July challenge hosted by Allie, Juliette, and Faith. I believe in total I've missed 4-6 days of blogging, and because the challenge is quickly coming to an end, I am determined to finish this challenge strong!  
2. Save money to buy Penelope a bigger cage! I love my bunny and I just love to spoil her. Its time for her to relax in a new and bigger cage. All I have to do is save my money for my little rabbit. 
3. Start doing research!  I have a paper due at the end of the course, and because essays/papers always require a lot of time for research, I really don't want to spend the night before staying up. It is time to do research.... ASAP!
4. Cut my portions in half. I am really determined to lose weight, and I know what I eat, and how often I eat has a lot to do with my weight. My plan for this week is to cut my portions in half. Perhaps this will help my weight drop a little, don't you think?
5. Run everyday in the morning. Since I don't go to school daily anymore, that means I don't go to the gym daily either. Instead of stressing at home about what I should be doing, I decided to run everyday. I will wake early in the morning and run around the neighbourhood. OR if anything, I'll run around the nice little pond we have near my neighbourhood, OR the high school track near by my place. I clearly have a lot of options, so there is really no excuse as to why I wouldn't be able to run in the morning. 

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

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Silent Sunday #31

27 July 2014

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #31

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Favourite Apps Lately!

25 July 2014

5 on friday

Favourite Apps Lately!

Hello bloggers! Sorry about posting this blog post later than usual. This morning I had work, and now I am home just trying to relax and eat! Today is the 25th day of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Faith, Allie, and Juliette. Today's blog prompt is to share with you all my favourite phone apps, and I decided to share 4 of my favourites! 

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Instagram

How can you not love this social media app? It is absolutely the best place to waste a lot of time posting photos, and even viewing other photos. I have not much to say with such a great app that nearly everyone uses. It is just seriously addictive!
Snapchat

I just recently downloaded this app, and honestly it is just the funnest app of communication I've ever had! It is literally like texting (restricted with the number of characters you can use) with pictures to others. You only see a picture the other person has sent for no more than 10 seconds, depending on how long the sender wants you to see it. After that, the picture is gone forever. I find it intriguing. 
Shazam

I love this app! Whenever I do not know a song, I just press the listen button, and this app listens to the song and identify's the song and artist. I think this is a very useful app, especially since I hardly can remember some of the song titles.
My Fitness Pal 

This app is an amazing app, especially if you are trying to watch your weight. You record what you eat, and how much you've exercised. This app keeps a chart of your weight to see your progress. The first time you noticed that you've lost weight encourages you so much more to continue the momentum!

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Blast From the Past

24 July 2014

blog challenge

Blast From the Past

It is day 24 of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Allie, Juliette, and Faith. I know I am a bit late in posting today's prompt, but my phone was acting up so I had to drive around to tried to get it fixed. It's still messed, but I'm still trying to figure things out. Enough small talk, today's blog prompt is to post pictures from the past!  I decided to share 5 of my favourite from the past. 

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Currently!

23 July 2014

currently

Currently!

This is day 23 of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Juliette, Faith, and Allie! Today's blog prompt is about what I'm currently doing. I have been missing from my blog here and there, but rest assure, I am honestly determined to finish this blog challenge!!!

C  U  R  R  E  N  T  L  Y  .  .  .
R E A D I N G: When I was working last night, I was cleaning the book section and I came across this book from Elizabeth Chandler called Everlasting. There was something so intriguing about the title and cover page... but I know that it's never right to judge a book by its cover, but I really am interested in this book... soooooo I bought the FIRST book, Kissed by an Angel and that is what I am currently reading!
W R I T I N G: Same old, same old. I am currently writing chapter textbook notes for my textbook. Want specifics? I am currently writing notes for chapter 6 of the textbook called Human Sexuality 4th edition by Levay and Baldwin.
L I S T E N I N G: To the beautiful sounds of the rain. It's been extremely hot and humid in Toronto, and I am just satisfied that the rain will just cool thing down a little!
T H I N K I N G: About plans for the weekend. Possibly doing something with the cousin and the boys? and Tuesday my friends BBQ for his birthday... It really does all depend on gas, and IF i have it. 
S M E L L I N G: Penelope's scent -.- It is starting to be very distinct in my room especially!
W I S H I N G: For more good news in my life!
H O P I N G: For a positive outcome for all that I do in my life!
W E A R I N G: Shorts and a t-shirt... I just woke up. 
L O V I N G: Life. I am actually happy... let's hope I didn't just jinx it. 

W A N T I N G: A milkshake! I think I'm going to make one just after this post! 

N E E D I N G: More sleep. My legs are just exhausted from yesterday - running, working (staring all day), and a walk around the neighbourhood with my father last night. 

F E E L I N G: Relax, happy, content. I'm feeling good! 

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Weekly Wishes #25

21 July 2014

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #25

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Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes Recap -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last week, my wishes somewhat went well! I wasn't able to maintain my clean room, mostly because my room wasn't clean to begin with. I didn't spend money last week, so saving up for a new cage is going well! I missed only 2 days of blogging this past week, which is great considering I've been blogging for 21 straight days now. I finally finished notes for 5 chapters of my textbook. And, I was able to spend time with the sister and cousins like I wanted! Yay! This Week's Wishes -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Blog everyday! Last week, I only missed two days of blogging - Thursday and Saturday (just in case you really wanted to know!) But, I intend to continue and finish this blogging challenge strong. If you're also interested in participating in the challenge, feel free to click HERE!
2. Actually clean my room. I am actually serious about this - I will clean my room Tuesday! I have nothing planned for that day, so I really have no excuse not to actually clean and reorganize my room. Yes, that means cleaning out the closet and my drawers as well. 
3. Save money to buy Penelope a bigger cage! I love my bunny and I just love to spoil her. Its time for her to relax in a new and bigger cage. All I have to do is save my money for my little rabbit. 
4. Ace my Test today!! I have a test today, and I am extremely nervous. There is a lot of information, so I really hope  do well today. Wish me luck to the fullest please! I am really aiming for a high mark in this course!
5. Start doing research!  I have a paper due at the end of the course, and because essays/papers always require a lot of time for research, I really don't want to spend the night before staying up. It is time to do research.... ASAP!

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

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Silent Sunday #30

20 July 2014

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #30

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Would You Rather?

blog challenge

Would You Rather?

Today is day 20 of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Allie, Faith and Juliette. The blog prompt for today is a fun little gam we all used to love to play when growing up! Would You Rather!

Let's Begin!

1. Be blind or be deaf: uhm... Deaf. I couldn't live if I couldn't see those whom I love.

2. Be taller than you are or shorter than you are: As of right now, I am short (5'1). But, I would really like to be taller... At least I wouldn't look so cubby with my average weight!

3. Be a teenager or a senior citizen for the rest of your life: Teenager... I'm actually starting my life now, and growing up is just scary. I rather have fun!

4. Have no hands or no legs: This one is hard... I guess no legs. If I'm on a wheelchair, at least I can either go anywhere on my own, or have someone help push my wheelchair around. Besides.. I need my hand to touch things, and I think feeling things with my hand is more important to me.

5. Lose your front teeth or both eyebrows: AHHH. Both are bad... I say no teeth. My eyebrows are like perfect, and I hate how drawed or tattooed eyebrows look (no offence to anyone...) but I can always put in fake teeth.

6. Eat a worm or a cockroach: WORM. Hell to the no with anything that has to do with a cockroach.

7. Spend a day in the Sahara or North Pole: Ahh... okay, I know I love the heart over the cold, but Sahara wouldn't have much to do... so I think in this case I'd pick the North Pole.

8. Have a personal chef or a personal driver: Personal driver! I actually love to cook! So, having a personal driving to go places wouldn't be so bad.

9. Always have to whisper or always have to shout: Whisper. At least I won't ruin my vocal cords.

10. Can't taste or can't smell: Can't smell. I wouldn't have to smell such horrible things anymore. Tasting food is whats more important. Though I wonder if having no smell would affect my taste receptors... would things taste differently?

11. Wipe with sandpaper or saran wrap: Saran wrap sound soo much more safer than sandpaper

12. Have Twitter shut down for a day or your blog disappear for a day: Have twitter shut down! I don't even use Twitter as much as I used to. I put so much hard work into my blog, I would be devastated if it disappeared!

13. Text of your blog is screwed up or all the pictures you post on your blog are blurry: Pictures I guess.

14. Never be able to post another GIF or never be able to receive comments on your posts: GIFs... I don't use GIFs on the daily anyway, so that doesn't matter to me.

15. Have a permanent wedgie or have the tag on your shirt constantly scratch your neck: The itchy neck I guess... Not about that wedgie life, even when I'm sleeping.

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Five Favourites!

18 July 2014

blog challenge

Five Favourites!

Happy Friday to all my blogger friends! Like the good blogger that I am, I prepared this post days ago, but failed to schedule the post to be uploaded. Because I am feeling very sick today, I just woke up and decided to just post it quickly and go back to sleep since I missed yesterday's prompt! (Please don't hold it against me!) But, if you have no idea what I am talking about, I am linking up with Allie, Juliette, and Faith for the Blog Everyday in July Challenge. Today's prompt is to share five favourites with y'all! 
1. Cousin Time! 

This summer, unlike other summers, my sister, my cousins and I have made more of an effort to spend A LOT of time with each other. That means sleepovers, going out, wasting money... just everything! But, that all doesn't matter because just the car rides alone are the best part of our cousin time. We make a lot of jokes, and we may yell a lot of each other - at the end of the day, we are family and what better way to spend our summer with family. Family = Love. 
2. The colour of blue and the car!

Jay went to the opening of ERFETA (something like that), which is like this huge car meet for the GTA (General Toronto Area). It was hosted in Mississauga or something, but I asked Jay to take pictures for me as I was unable to attend. Anyways, out of all the pictures, this car stood out to me. I really LOVE the colour of the car and the black rims on it. I find something intriguing about this car, and I cannot wait to attend this car meet to meet this car face-to-face soon!
3. This Candid Photo

When hanging out with the cousins early this week, my cousin took this candid photo of me - and I have to admit, this is my favourite candid photo of myself. Not only does my body actually look good, I'm smiling NATURALLY which makes the photo that much more pretty!
4. Love of Water

I took this photo of Lake Shore, located in Toronto. When I went to lake shore, I just thought the colour of the water was absolutely beautiful when the sun was setting. Just a beautiful and relaxing scene. The picture doesn't do justice to the real thing, but I really enjoyed the view!
5. You and I - John Legend (Nobody in the World)

The music video is actually so beautiful. Got me teary-eyed when I first watched it. A beautiful song, which a beautiful message, from a beautiful men to all the beautiful women! I hope you enjoyed this video just as much as I have!

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Top 3 Blogs To Check Out!

16 July 2014

blog challenge

Top 3 Blogs To Check Out!

Today I am participating in the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Juliette, Faith and Allie. This prompt was to share my 3 favourite blogs! So, without further ado, I am excited to introduce...

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Hayley @ A Beautiful Exchange Oh how I love her blog! She blogs daily about her sons and family and just her life with them. I think she has a cute blog which I love to read daily. Hayleys' blog posts are so sincere and you can tell that she actually took time to prepare them before posting. She also takes really great photos. And recently, she just changed her blog layout which is honestly the prettiest layout I've seen in forever. Me want it!!!

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Bailey Jean @ Brave Love Where can I start with this southern girl? She's from Texas and writes about her life in such an interesting way! Her take on life is so genuine which makes her blog posts that much more interesting! She actually turns 23 today, so Happy Birthday girl! :) Bailey's blog is honestly a great morning read!

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Kenzie @ Hello Neverland Where can I even start with Kenzie? I've been reading her blog way before I even had the courage to start up my own! Yes, I've been reading her blog when it used to to be called Chasing Happy. Kenzie continues to write so elegantly which I actually find intriguing. She mostly blogs about creativity, easy DIY projects, running a small business, books, journalling, and blogging tip (which I have to say are extremely helpful!) Take a look at her blog if you're ever stuck with blogging and need help!

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A Thank You Letter

15 July 2014

blog challenge

A Thank You Letter

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Today I am participating int he Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Juliette, Faith and Allie. This prompt was to write a letter to an inanimate object. I chose to write to my lovely Macbook Pro!

Dear Macbook Pro,
I just want to start off by saying thank you. I've always wanted you when I was younger, we just couldn't afford you at the time. But for first year of university, both my parents and I saved up and I was able to FINALLY get you! Now, you've been going through the ups and downs of school with me!
You've been a live saver for me at every class - from my french courses. to all my psychology courses. Because of you, I was able to save A LOT of trees by not printing out the profs lecture notes. Instead, all I had to do (with your help of course), was type beside the lecture notes the prof provided. And because of that, I've been able to study 10x better because I'm able to write down all the details the profs say in class.
I want to thank you for being a true survivor whenever I left the charger at home. I don't know how you did it, but I am seriously impressed whenever I have 36% battery left, and you're able to last up to 3 hours for me! IT really saves my ass from a heart attack about me taking notes in class.
I am very dependant on you with other things as well. You have all these pictures that you just keep for me, and you don't even care about the million of albums I have. Like, you don't even make fun of my selfies! That's amazing! aha
And, I also want to thank you for being apart of my blogging journey. I wrote my first blog post on the laptop, and the rest of my blog posts to be exact. I've done all my redesign here, and research all of my codes here. You've really been there for me, and that I am truly thankful.
I know I should clean you more often, and with that being said, I will clean your aluminum body right after I write this letter. I'm also thinking about spicy up your look again. You've been pink for a while... I'm thinking baby blue next? Let me know!
With Love,

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