I've Missed This.

24 October 2017

Blogging

I've Missed This.

I really do. 

It's been so loooooong since I've sat down and written on here. It's also been a while since I've had the urge to want to write on here. But lately, I've missed it.
I've also missed reading my favourite blogs. A lot of things has changed in the blogsphere, and unfortunately, that includes bloggers content. I'm all for fellow bloggers making cash flow. In fact, I try to do my best to help others out as much as I could. However, over the past couple of months/years, some of my favourite bloggers are constantly writing posts that are just so out of character... it no longer flows with their blog content. 
It actually just turns me off. I really don't want to learn how to make money on my blog.  I started my blog because I fell in love with the process - the fact that others shared their lives and interests with words. It was amazing. And, that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to express myself the way others did.
But, like I said, I've missed doing this. Even writing this post now makes me happy inside. But, I know deep down that I just won't have much to say afterwards.
I know. I suck.
But, hey. At least I still have the will and the want to come back on here. So much has happened, and it's actually quite different not sharing and documenting my experiences anymore. I even stopped taking pictures of my daily life. Very different.
So, what's next? I think I'm about to do a clean up with my followings. But, that might take long... I might just try to find new blogs to read with content I love and connect to. I think I'll even go back to writing blog content ideas in my agenda whenever something pops in my head. Or, I might just take a break and come back stronger than ever in 2018...
Who knows! We shall see where life takes me...
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Blogging Helped Me In School

15 February 2017

Blogging

Blogging Helped Me In School

Sometimes it's really cool to have different aspects of your life have a positive impact on other parts of your life. This past weekend, this is exactly what I experienced! Thanks to my experience with blogging, I was really able to apply what we do here to one of my assignments.
Say what? 
Yup, I'm serious. 

The assignment I was working on involved creating a mini-essay type of thing and posting it on our class discussion board. This part wasn't a big deal... Only took about 6 or more hours to write completely since I wanted it to be perfect.
But, the second part of the assignment was different. My teacher wanted to us to respond to at least 3 other students' content. It had to be meaningful and related back to the course since it would also be graded. Talk about pressure. Not really.
When I read this part of the instructions, I actually did not feel anxious at all. I saw this and immediately thought this was exactly like blogging! The whole reading others' posts and commenting on their content based on what they said, and somehow relate it back to you.... was exactly like blogging. Like entirely, but the gist of engaging with other bloggers.
So, it was definitely easy to read another students' content and reply back to them, in a friendly way of course. However, when I was reading others' comments, it reminded me when I first started blogging and where I was so awkward in my comments, and replying back to others. But, hey, it really does take time.
Also, some of us nursing students created a WhatsApp group, and I was surprised by a lot of them saying, "Can someone comment on mine! I'll return a comment back!" I mean, when it comes to blogging, I guess I've gotten used to having one post having a lot more views and comment over another. It doesn't phase me at all. It's quite normal for a lot of us bloggers actually. And, when we don't receive any comments at all, it doesn't us from blogging.
So, yay! Thanks, blogging! You've definitely prepared me for discussions and being friendly in school. Who would have guessed!?
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10 Holiday & End of the Year Blog Post Ideas

04 December 2015

blog prompts

10 Holiday & End of the Year Blog Post Ideas

It's December, and the Holidays are quickly approaching. I don't know about you, but I am seriously VERY excited! I cannot wait to just sit by the fireplace and sipping a good cup of warm almond milk, or even hot chocolate!

If you haven't heard, the other day I announced that I would attempt to do blogmas this year. I soon began to realize that it might be more of a struggle, especially since I want my post to have more of a Christmas/Holiday theme. So, I came up with a list of a few ideas to help get me started, and I decided to share it with you all! 

Here are 10, or maybe a few more, holiday prompts and end of the year prompts!

1. Christmas Wishlist

2. Gift guides for him/her/secret Santa

3. #tb to a white Christmas

4.  City decorations for the holiday!

5.  10 Reasons why you love (or hate) winter! 

6.  Share how you celebrated Christmas  

7. 2015 in review (pictures/favourite moments)

8. Reflect on your 2015 resolutions

9. Farewell letter to 2015

10. Goals for 2016

Have fun with these prompts, and have fun during the last month of 2015!!!

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This Time Last Year...

22 October 2015

Blogging

This Time Last Year...

Looking back in the past, it is sometimes amazing to see how much we've changed - from the cloths we wear to how we do our hair, or to the way we think and write. Something is always changing! And, when it comes to my blogging past, I noticed a lot of differences. The biggest difference being... Content

Heck yeah, my content is COMPLETELY different! This time last year, I was basically blogging everyday, conducting some sort of weekly idea, every day of the week. Doesn't make sense? Well, let me be more specific. From the looks of my archives:

• Mondays I blogged about my weekly goals
• Tuesdays-Thursdays I blogged about something random
• Fridays seemed to be about following a plan from You Version, and spreading it over the course of 12 weeks?
• Saturdays was about weekly confessions from school, and
• Sundays were Silent Sundays...

In comparison to now... 

I find myself blogging more about... well, me.  I've been more personal lately; talking about some of my inner thoughts and feelings, and sharing excerpts from my journal.. definitely a huge difference in my opinion. 

I also see a huge difference in my photography.  This time last year, I used little to none of my own photos. I usually just used free images from stocksnap, and then just linked it back to them. NOW, I'm using more and more of my own photos. I learnt how to edit, and better yet, - I learn how to take photos. I mean, it may not be a professional like other bloggers, but I mean, I definitely see a HUGE improvement.

Overall, I think it is safe to say that my blogging has changed over the course of 1 year. And, I'm not sure how you feel, but it makes me feel good - as if I am growing and branching out while exploring new thoughts and creative ideas that are in my mind. I likes these changes, and hopefully this path I am on will continue!

I personally love the direction I see my blog going towards!

What were you blogging about last year at this time? How have things changed?

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TWO YEARS + Blog Update!

10 August 2015

blog

TWO YEARS + Blog Update!

Hi, Hi! I have exciting news! As of yesterday, the I Write About You blog is officially 2 years old! Yay! Just yay! I honestly had no idea that I would actually last this long at the whole blogging thing. And, to be honest, it actually feels like I just started this blog just yesterday!.. literally.

So, to celebrate posting personal information for strangers all over the world to read, I decided to make this more legit.

I BOUGHT MY OWN CUSTOM DOMAIN! and I really couldn't be anymore happier! This was definitely a long time coming, and the entire process was actually just stressful as I was trying to decide whether to take this BIG step or not. The worst part was just trying to figure out who I would buy the custom domain from.

An even worser (I know, this isn't a word) part was when I trying to buy I Write About You a month ago, the name was taken! It was taken by someone, and the link wouldn't even load... So, I actually sought out to decide if I wanted to change my entire brand. I thought of some really great names, but I really didn't want to abandon I Write About You. So, I tried deciding whether or not I wanted the word "blog" at the end of my domain... but, it just didn't seem right.

Then, just last week when I realized two years was coming up, I decided to just buy the dang domain, because this is something I've been thinking about for while. To my surprise, the domain I wanted was available! I followed the steps, and I actually got my custom domain working 3 days ago! and then, ta-da! I Write About You was re-born!

As I said, I am really happy! And, to celebrate my "new" space, I decided to buy my first pre-made theme (as you can already see). Overall, I am ecstatic to see where this blog goes!

Just so you know, everything stayed the same! Bloglovin' actually helped transfer my followers from the old domain to my new custom domain (shout out to bloglovin'!), and my instagram stayed the same! Also, if you typed in my old domain, the one with .blogspot.com, it will automatically redirect you to iwriteaboutyou.com!

Has your blog undergone any recent changes? Leave me a link below, I would love to check it out! :)

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My Favourite Blogging Tools

12 May 2015

blog challenge

My Favourite Blogging Tools

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Hi guys! I'll just get straight into today's post instead of creating an introductory paragraph. By the title, and from the main picture for this post, today I will be sharing some of my favourite blogging tools! (these are not present in any particular order).

bloglovin'

I love bloglovin'! When I first started blogging, I usually used the old google blog search in order to find blogs that were more of my taste. Eventually, I found bloglovin' and honestly it made blogging, and finding blogs of similar taste so much easier. I love how I am able organize blog and posts into groups of my liking. 

Although, I've heard great things about Feedly, especially where people prefer feedly over bloglovin'... so, I'm definitely going to give that a try.

canva

This is an online editing website I used for pretty much all of my blog main pictures. It is very simple to use since they've pretty much have a lot of ready made template already available. All you would simply do is select a template, change the background to your liking, and then the text, font, colour, etc. 

unsplash

There are times where I find myself not using my own photos for some of my blog posts. And, due to copyright of a lot of pictures on google, I used to find myself in a rut when finding good quality photos to use. When I stumbled on unsplash, I was amazed at the HDR quality of the photo, with the added bonus of them being free without attribution! So, if your ever in need of a quick and free photo for you blog, unsplash is definitely the way to go!

evernote

I love evernote! It is honestly a huge part of my daily life, and without it, I'm sure my life would just be a hot mess. It is basically a digital notebook, and I just love how pretty I can organize my thoughts, ideas and plans. The best part is that my ideas and thoughts can be synced between my iPhone and other devices I've used. This is definetly a must have if you have yet to download this app!

Do you like some of these tools listed above? Are there any I should try? Let me know in the comments below!

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! & click HERE to see my posts for the challenge!

 

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A New Look for I Write About You

17 February 2015

blog

A New Look for I Write About You

So, if you guys haven't already noticed, I Write About You has a very new look! I am actually very happy about this new look, that I decided to share it with you all! And, before you scroll all the way to the bottom to see who designed this layout, it was actually me. I self-designd this blog with the the intention of having a more simpler look.
I noticed on some of my favourite bloggers that their blogs have a simply blog layout, which makes it easier to read some of the content. Then, when I would look back onto my blog, I realize there was just too much for me to even appreciate it. So, I'd imaged how other people would react to the bright and many colours my blogged had.
I've actually been wanting to change the blog layout for a while now, and I actually planned to do so next week when I'm off from school. But, I just really wanted to change it. Like, if your read one of my most recent blog tutorials How to Create Your Own Social Media Icons, I did mention that I was planning on changing the layout. So, as I was creating social media icons for that tutorial, I actually found a colour I fell in love with and just decided to sit down and play around!
I am actually not an expert at HTML coding. I am instead a very good google searcher, and actually founded everything I did on my blog on google! So, instead of spending $30.00 on a blog design that I knew I'd probably want to change in a few months or so, I decided to do it myself, just like I've done for the past 3 looks.
Want to do a throw back to see the past layouts I've designed? It's okay, I'm still going to show you! 

I had another blog design from before... I just don't know where I save it. Anyways, this is the new layout, and I am really happy with you. As you can tell from my past layouts, I am clearly a fan of yellow for blog layouts. I think it is just happy and sends out a positive vibe for you all!
So, I hope you enjoy the new and cleaner look for my blog! 

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Needing Some Inspiration...

16 January 2015

Blogging

Needing Some Inspiration...

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Have you ever had those days where you just want to blog, but you have absolutely no idea about what you want to blog about? Yeah... I'm currently in that phase.. well, I've been in this phase for the past month or so. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I actually do blame school. My creativity and openmindedness has been closed off. When it came to studying or re-learning something I didn't understand in class, you often would find me in my room alone, or at the library studying my butt off.
So, I guess it is fair to say that I've be uninspired lately. I want to blog about my life so bad, but nothing exciting is happening. Unless you guys like to hear about my days in class and then to the library reading textbook chapters upon chapters... I know, I live through it daily so I already know it is kinda boring.
Anyways, I thought you guys should know that although I want to be blogging, I just have nothing to blog about. Is that the same thing as writers block? I'm pretty sure it is. But, don't worry. I know once I get back into the school groove of the new semester, I'll probably be inspired once again.
But, if you're in the same boat as me, I actually found some helpful posts to become re-inspired. Take a look if your in need, just as I am!
31 Ways to Find Inspiration for Your Writing 50 Ways to Find Inspiration: Creation, Explore, Expand 9 Tips to Inspire Great Blog Post Ideas 5 Creative Cures for Writer's Block
I'll probably be reading more into these links in the weekend, thats if I have time. Oh, and if you're in a real need to catch up on posts in January, I actually found a link that has prompts for December if you're interested in that! (31 January Writing Prompts). Have a beautiful weekend! 

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Goodbye September, Hello October!

30 September 2014

Blogging

Goodbye September, Hello October!

Well here we are. Another month has past, and might I say extremely quickly! It just seemed like yesterday it was the first day of September and how I wasn't too excited about starting school. Now it is October and I'm desperately wanting time to slooooow down. I need way more time for everything - friends, cousins, family, school work, and relaxing time. It just seems like there is never enough time in the world to get anything done anymore.
Anyways, instead of completely complaining about things I want, I think it is a good opportunity to share with you guys some of my favourite posts from the past month! The posts I'm about to share with you are either some of the more viewed of the month, or some that I truly enjoyed writing. If you haven't read any of them, please grab your coffee mug and enjoy the read!
My Most Prized Possession I have a bunch of things to choose from that could be considered my prize possession. Truthfully, not only do I value every gift that has ever been given to me but I value all those that I've bought for myself. I can easily choose something sentimental that was given to me from my mom, or an object given to me by my dad. Or the tangible object from Jay (click HERE to read about that). There are many things to choose from. But, I really sat down and thought about it - I looked around my room to see if there is one object I really take care of - consciously or subconsciously... then it hit me. [Click here to read the rest!]
Let's Go On An Adventure Let's face it, summer is over. The weather knows it, all the children who used to play on the streets from morning until night know it, t.v. commercials are reminding us... summer is over and it is time to get ready to get back to school. I don't know how I'm exactly feeling about this at the moment, but I think it will hit after the first week of school when I miss just laying around at home doing absolutely nothing. [Click here to read the rest!]
Neighbourly Love Today is the 3rd day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started! Have I told y'all about the time I was betrayed? Until this day, I firmly believe it was a form of betrayal from a cousin... [Click here to read the rest!]
Most People Don't Know This But... Most people don't know but I'm actually okay with being alone. No, before you get ahead of yourself, I'm not antisocial, in fact I love the company of others in different situations. But when I talk about being alone I actually mean a lot of different things. [Click here to read the rest!]
What It Was Like Growing Up With Two Backgrounds Before some of you readers get mad at the title of this blog post, you must know now that I am talking from the experience of growing up... so when I was much more younger and pretty much didn't know anything. Anyways, for those of you who didn't already know, yes, I am mixed child. My mother was born in the Philippines while my dad was born in Sri Lanka. Making me half Filippina and half Sri Lankan. I know, crazy isn't it? [Click here to read the rest!]
Well, I hope you enjoyed reading my blog over the last month, especially considering how I've literally blogged everyday. I hope you're excited to continue to read for October! See you there!

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Need A Blogging Challenge?

02 September 2014

Blogging

Need A Blogging Challenge?

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Before you get excited, no I am not hosting a blog challenge this fact; in fact I won't be hosting one until I know I have larger and more participating readers. Nevertheless, I know what it is like to wake up feeling like you need to blog about something but not know exactly what to blog about. I also know what it is like going on google and typing in, "What to blog about today?" Lame? I know. 

But, I do know that participating in blog challenges are not only helpful about blog prompts, especially for those who want to blog daily; but is also fun meeting new bloggers and getting new  and more traffic on your blog. So why not help you guys out for the month? 

I actually found, not one, but TWO different blogs hosting two completely different blogging challenge for the month! So, it is up to you whether you'd like to participate in either, both or both here and there!

Blog Everyday in September hosted by The Observant Turtle

Click here to view the prompts for the month!

The Blog-Tember Challenge hosted by Brave Love

Click here to view the prompts for the month!

Rather than participating daily in any of these challenges, I have chosen to participate on selected days! So, I'll be looking forward to reading some of your posts along the way!

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Why I Still Blog

14 August 2014

Blogging

Why I Still Blog

It has been over a year since I've started this blog, and it is only NOW that I am sharing my blog with some friends outside the blogging world. By the way, when I say some, I literally mean like 4 friends. Why you may ask? That's another post for another day. But, I think it is appropriate to talk about why I blog, since it is literally the first question everyone asks me once they found out I have a blog. I really couldn't think of an answer right away that really explains why I like to blog... so I thought about it and decided to share my top 3 reasons as to why I still blog!
It is therapeutic What can I possibly mean by its therapeutic? Well, in a sense, blogging is cheaper than therapy! I am basically writing about the same things I could easily talk to a therapist for. The best part is, the blogging world has so many amazing people to provide different perspectives. So it is always interesting to get different opinions here and there. Besides having writer's block here and there, I also find blogging extremely relaxing in the sense that, I don't feel judged whenever I post something online. 
To share similar stories with others. We are all human, so of course we are going to experience similar things. So why not share them? Sometimes, it is honestly reassuring to know that there are others just like me going through similar things. And it is great, because, again, there are bloggers out there who really care and take the time to leave some encouragement on your blog. There are also bloggers who share what they've experienced and how they've handled the situation. Blogging just opens up my world to know that I am not alone, and there are others just like me out there.
To remember the little things! This is probably the number one reason I blog. I don't have super memory, so of course I am unable to remember every single thing that happened in my life. In fact, when I go through old post, I didn't remember half the events that occurred in my life until I read my actual post. Blogging helps me remember the good and the bad - and it's always great to remember the past with such clarity, instead of just guesses based on a picture. 

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ONE YEAR TODAY!

09 August 2014

Blogging

ONE YEAR TODAY!

Can anyone guess what day it is today? Can't figure it out? No worries, I'm actually excited to tell y'all! One year ago today I woke up deciding to create a blog. And for what reason? It was actually intended to share my everyday experiences, starting with the excitement I had when my cousins living in the States came to Toronto. But, of course that didn't happen. Looking back, I hardly blogged about my cousins visit! I bet you're interested in reading my first post, don't be shy. Just click HERE!
Let's not dwell on the past but rather celebrate what I've accomplished in the last year! In the past year, I had absolutely no idea that I would actually be dedicated to this blog. In fact, I didn't even realize how much I actually enjoyed blogging until I actually did it! After a year of blogging, I am actually excited to see what's left to come. 
Over the past year I've:

• Published 271 blog posts (including this one)
• Gained 110 followers (hopefully this will increase over the next year)
• Met a lot of new and AMAZING people!
• Been inspired by others

So, what's next to come for my blog? In the next year, I am hoping to gain more followers (of course), especially those who actually want to engage in my posts more. I am hoping to not only gain followers just for stats on my blog, but to actually create friendships and one day hopefully co-host a blog challenge! So, in order to accomplish this, the goal for me is to just put myself and heart out there, and hope that y'all will appreciate and love what I write. 

So without further ado, Happy first birthday I Write About You! and a huge thank you to all those who stop by. Every blog view and comment encourages me to keep blogging! So the past year is all thanks to you guys!

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July Favourites!

02 August 2014

Blogging

July Favourites!

Happy Saturday everyone! I honestly cannot believe how fast July past, like it is already August. That means my summer is quickly coming to an end, and I will be starting my third year of university in September! I know this is such a cliche, but I just can't help but be amazed at how fast time is quickly passing us. Just a great reminder to live in the moment.
Since I literally blogged every single day in July, I decided to take a small break from blogging yesterday just to relax. I actually wasn't planning on blogging today, but I decided to share some of my favourite posts from the month that you should all take the time to read on this lovely Saturday. So, get your coffee ready, and enjoy some of my favourite posts I published in July!
Canada Day + Rib Fest I talked about what I was doing for Canada day, and shared a lot of photos with the family and I at rib fest! Yummy Yum Yum Yum!
Finish the Sentence! Oh how I love this post because Jay actually wanted to be involved! So this one was exciting for myself and some of my blogger friends!
If I Had Super Powers This was also a fun post as it took my bloggers in a direction they've never been on my blog before. I talk about what super powers I would LOVE to have, and 5 things I would do with them!
Confessions: An Embarrassing Story I shared an embarrassing story with my blogger friends. I was kinda nervous about it, but turns out it happened to a lot of other women when they were younger!
Moving Out of My Comfort Zone I shared 5 things I've done so far this year that allowed me to move out of my comfort zone. Interested to see where my comfort zone actually stops? Check out this post! 

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