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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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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Would You Rather?

20 July 2014

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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Finish the Sentence

14 July 2014

blog challenge

Finish the Sentence

Happy Monday everyone! Today is day 14 of the Blog Everyday in July challenge! I've been blogging for a good 14 days straight! I personally find that a great accomplishment. Anyways, today's blog prompt is to finish the sentences. And today, Jay decided to FINALLY get involved with my blog and actually participate in today's prompt!
Ready for his debut on my blog?? Don't worry... we all know how men are and how they don't like to share too much. So that this post isn't short, I'll be sharing my answers as well! 

When I open the fridge, I always hope I find... Jay: Pizza because I like pizza.  Nessa: Cheeeese! I love cheese, and although my stomach doesn't like eating it on its own, I could make a bunch of things with cheese! Like last night, I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich. YUM.
My favourite article of clothing is... Jay: Shoes! My favourite types of shoes are vans but right now I am currently loving Polo's. Nessa: I love my high waisted shorts and pants! They just make my body look 10x better!
Last week I was really pissed when... Jay: I had to raise my car because the suspension was no good. And I love my car low #lowlife. Nessa: The guy I was suppose to meet with to buy my textbook did not show up. I waited for a good 30 minutes and I left. But, I couldn't get mad at him... lol I'm a nice person.
One thing nobody understands about me is... Jay: That me working on my car actually keeps me out of trouble and that I am a nice person. Nessa: That I actually don't trust easily because of my cousins who have done me wrong in the past. There is a reason why I am just completely honest about everything. 
One thing I don't understand is... Jay: I don't know...  Nessa: Why people find the need to lie. Just be honest you know.. 
The world would be a better place if... Jay: Everyone would just come together and stop the violence - just peace. Nessa: Everything was at a reasonable and affordable price. 
If I had a million dollars, I'd... Jay: Invest it all!  Nessa: Buy myself my own place, buy my parents their jeeps that they really want, and invest the rest for my future kids!
If I knew I'd die next week, this week I'd... Jay: Live my life to the fullest - stay out late, and spend time with Nessa of course Nessa: I'd spend my day and night with those I love - Jay, mom, dad, Ashley, and my cousins. And I would do everything that I was always too scared to do... Bungie Jumping!
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be... Jay: My confidence - I wish I had more of it and stop being so quiet.  Nessa: My face... I really do wish it wasn't as round as it is... Makes me look so much fatter than I really am. 
Something that can always make me happy is... Jay: Vanessa because I love her. She's the key to my sun. Nessa: Jay of course... he brings the positive out of everything in my life!
Something I'll never blog about is... Jay: Lol I don't know, I don't have a blog. Nessa: Personal and intimate details of my secret life with Jay.
If I could go anywhere I would go... Because... Jay: Florida or Miami just because I've never been there before. Nessa: The most romantic city for love ... Vienice, Italy!
If I were an animal I would be a... Jay: An eagle because I would be able to fly high in the sky and just go anywhere I want whenever I wanted. Nessa: A bunny just so I can finally communicate with Penelope and be a better friend for her!
A job I've always wanted is... Jay: To be my own manger and own my own automotive store. Nessa: to become a paediatric nurse/doctor. Anything in the medical field that is related to paediatrics.
My idea of a perfect day is... Jay: just chilling and relaxing. I'm always working and so whenever I get the chance to relax, I'll take it! Nessa: having a stress-free day. No school, no work, no answering to life. Just relaxing and enjoying the moment!

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One Thing I Cannot Live Without

13 July 2014

blog challenge

One Thing I Cannot Live Without

Today is day 13 of the Blog Everyday in July Challenge hosted by Allie, Faith and Juliette. It has honestly been a crazy 2 weeks of this challenge, and I am honestly excited that it will slowly, but surely be over! Today's blog topic is to write about "one thing you cannot live without". This does not include a person or animal... it has to be a thing.
I could easily talk about how I cannot live without my phone... but I think that would be a really first thought kind of answer to a heavy topic. So I really took time last night and this morning to really reflect upon life and the unappreciated important things that I cannot live without. Then it hit me!

Simple answer? I know. But, let really think about this for a minute. I drink water on a daily basis! It is to the point where I can literally tell the difference between the taste of water from different water bottles. Water is absolutely something I cannot live without since I need it to clench my thirst, clean myself, and of course clean/wash other objects. I think clean water is just a huge part of my life, and just living a day without water would just be horrible! Actually I went thought that during the 2014 Ice Storm here in Toronto...sooo, I do know  and went through the struggle.
Whats one thing you cannot live without? Let me know in the comments! 

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5 People I Want To Have Dinner With

12 July 2014

blog challenge

5 People I Want To Have Dinner With

Today's blog prompt is to write about 5 people (dead or alive) that I would like to have dinner with. I think this is really great prompt that actually requires a lot of thought and effort (well I would hope it does). This isn't just a silly topic... so I really took some time last night and this morning as this prompt really could mean so much more than it shows. Here are the five people I would love to have dinner with (in no particular order of course!)
// My Maternal Grandma My maternal grandmother passed away years ago. I didn't get a chance to spend a lot of time with her growing up she since lived in the states with my other cousins while we grew up here in Canada. As pictures show, my family did go to San Francisco a lot when I was younger, and I did get to spend time with her, but it's obviously hard to remember since I was a baby. The only really time I got to spend with her was when my family went down to San Francisco for my maternal grandfather's funeral. That's the only time I spent with her, and it was soo meaningful to me that I wish I spent MORE time with her before her passing. 
// My Paternal Grandma

Thankfully, my grandma is still alive and living safe back home in Sri Lanka. The last time I seen her was back in 2005. A really long time ago, but when I was there she was just so caring and loving with my sister and I, especially since it was the first time we've met. I wish I continued to learn my father's language so that I could communicate properly with her, but somehow our language barrier wasn't an issue. We were still able to spend time with other, and honestly she is just a beautiful and loving person. I would do anything to go back and see her again. 
// Jay

He's my best friend, and more! I would go to dinner with him anytime anywhere. We love adventures, and honestly, he pays for me every time we go out! Ahah, but I'm not a gold digger I swear, he just makes me laugh and brings out the best side of me!
P.S. I chose this photo of him because I know that's his facial expression if he read this blog post and read how he will always pay for dinner! HAHA
// Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is absolutely my idol! I don't care about rumour saying how she's a diva, or whatever, I grew up listening to her songs, and they were literally life changing. In fact, I actually stayed up last night watching old music videos I remember watching once or twice when I was younger! I would go to dinner with her and ask her for singing lessons and obviously a picture for instagram!
// My Sister

My sister has the privilege of going to Turkey for the next few weeks, and then when she returns, she will be moving to residence at her university. I would love to have dinner with her because soon we will be focused on school and probably not have a lot of sister time with each other, so it would be nice to have dinner with her full of jokes! 

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