Confessions Of A Blogger Tag

Hey guys, I wasn't sure what to post for today so I decided to look on google for a tag to do and I found this one. I really liked this one as I felt like it was really unique and personal. Hope you like it   :)

1) When did you start your blog?

I started my blog on April 30th, 2016.

2) Why did you start your blog?

At that time, I felt like everything was going wrong in my life and I needed an outlet. I thought about it and since I like writing, I thought starting a blog was a good idea.

3) Have you had any past presence online?

Not a lot of people know this but I did have a YouTube channel where I did a few videos but I don't like public talking. I know that when you make videos you're not really talking to anyone and that you're basically talking to yourself but I have always hated my voice. For instance, I dislike leaving voice mails because I don't like my voice. Also, this might sound like a normal woman comment but I don't like how I look, Yes, I'll be honest and say that I compare myself to others but try not to do it as much these days. I decided to delete my channel earlier this year.  I also had another blog called Living life as an ordinary girl before but I didn't really pay much attention to it. I ended up deleting it. I don't know why I stopped posting on it because I really love blogging and writing.

4) When did you become serious about your blog?

I would say that I got pretty serious about my blog very quickly. I know that it might sound crazy but I try to write a post for each day. Now, I am human so I've missed some days and not all of my posts were amazing in my eyes and that some posts have just been short and tags but I wanted to have a post up for those who read my blog.

5) What was your first post?

My first post was titled "Reason For Starting This Blog", which you can read at Reason For Starting Blog. I will say when you read it if you're new to my blog that a lot of things have changed since then. I need to make an update post soon.

6) What is the biggest challenge you have faced whilst blogging?

I haven't had anything that I would consider a challenge except maybe writer's block when I don't know what to write for the day or the next day. A great tip to overcome writer's block is to just google blog posts ideas and write down any topics you would like to write a post about. For me, I created a calendar for each month and wrote down the post I want to write on each day. Yes, there are blank days but I can fill those days in at a later time or just have a few of those days "empty days" I would, call it. Now, my calendar isn't extreme at all. I just took white computer paper, a ruler, a black pen and different colored Paper Mate Flair M pens. I took the ruler and made a calendar template for each month, the wrote the month, the year on the top and the days of the week in the black pen. I then used a different colored pen for the dates. You can see here my calendar from May and get an idea of how to create your own calendar or/and get ideas for post about. You can see that my calendar isn't perfect as there are a few scribbles but that's part of the process of figuring out what to write about.

7) Where do you see your blog in one year?

Wow, a year is a long time to think about. I really hope I'm still blogging and doing a hobby that I love doing. In a year, I hope to be a better blogger and maybe be freelancing. If anyone has any tips on that, please leave them below.

8) What is the most rewarding thing to you about blogging?

To me, the most rewarding thing about blogging is that people actually read my blog posts. I have always liked writing but never really realize how good of a writer I am until people tell me. When I see my page views, I think to myself that I am a good writer and that people actually take the time out of their day to read what I write.

9) What's the most discouraging thing that happens to you?

Nothing has really discouraged me while blogging. I sometimes write a post that gets only a few number of page views and feel like not a lot of people are liking what I write but then I write my next post and get a lot more page views. Every blog post and reader are different and some topics might not sound interesting to some people.

10) What's your lasting inspiration or motivation?

My inspiration for blogging is my love for blogging and writing.  Even when I'm having a bad day and need to write a post to vent, I can. Bloggers form a community of online friends. When you don't think anyone is there for you, there are actually many people around the world who reads your blog. It's like having friendships connected by the love of blogging and writing.

<3 Amanda

Sadly,Another Mass Murder

I first just want to ask"Why can't people be nice?" This morning was the second day I woke up and found out on Facebook that there was yet another shooting that occurred, again Orlando, Florida.  This shooting was considered a mass murder. A man decided to go to a gay club and start shooting. Sadly, 50 people were killed and at least 53 people were injured (Fantz,, A., Karimi, F., & McLaughlin, E.,2016).That is unacceptable in my eyes as our as we are supposed to feel safe everywhere we are.  It is reported that this mass shooting is the worst terror attack in U.S. history since 9/11. While a shootout between the suspect and police, an officer suffered an eye injury when a bullet struck his helmet. His helmet saved his life ( (Fantz,, A., Karimi, F., & McLaughlin, E.,2016). 

It is said in the article (Fantz,, A., Karimi, F., & McLaughlin, E.,2016), that "Investigators have talked to Mateen's family, who indicated he had expressed anti-gay feelings." I just want to say I don't know if he decided to go mass shooting in a gay club because he disagrees with being gay but that is NOT acceptable. Everybody is different and that is what makes America unique because it would be very boring if everyone was the same.  In my opinion,people can love and be with whoever that want to be with. One of my brothers has a partner and I love them both,as they are. I don't see them in any other way. My brother will always be my brother and his partner is like a brother to me.I'm proud to say that I support same sex marriages.

Again in all serious, I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of lost ones and also with the family and friends of the people injured. There NEED to be an END to shootings!!

Reference:

Fantz,, A., Karimi, F., & McLaughlin, E. (2016). Police: 50 feared dead after Florida nightclub terror attack. Retrieved June 12, 2016, from http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting/



<3 Amanda 

The Sadness Of Tragedies In The World (R.I.P Christina Grimmie 1994-2016)

(http://moviepilot.com/posts/3961211)

When I woke up this morning, I of course went on my phone to check texts and e-mails,Facebook and Twitter.  The first thing that I saw on Facebook and sadly overflowed my Facebook was that Christina Grimmie was shot in Orlando, Florida while she was signing autographs for her fans. She was only 22 years old and had her whole life ahead of her.  She was a very talented young lady. It also said that her brother tackled the shooter. unfortunately, the shooter then shot himself so we will probably never get an answer as to why he shot and murdered her. Her brother should definitely be considered a hero.If he wasn't there, the shooter could have shot and murdered a lot more people.

Here is what I'm curious about tho, where were the security guards and metal detectors?  The security guards could have noticed that something was wrong and removed him before he had the opportunity to shoot and murder Christina. Also, at all of the concerts I've been to there has always been metal detectors to make sure nobody brought weapons into the venue. Where were the metal detectors at that concert?

In all serious, nobody knows when their last day on this world will be so we should be respectful to everyone we meet and treat them like we would like to be treated.  Everyone has bad days;that's a part of life; but a smile goes a long way or just simply a "Hello, how are you today?" People will take that and then spread it to more people they encountered throughout their day. Another idea, is when you see someone having a bad day on Facebook, write a post on their wall(or text them) and them them why you love having them in your life. You could even write posts on your friends' or family members' walls  just whenever you feel like it and tell them why you love them. 

<3 Amanda

Dear Bullies

Dear Bullies,

I first just want to say "I made it". I graduated high school,have my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development and currently going for my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development. I'm proud to tell you that during my Associate year and into my Bachelor's year, I have always been on either the President's List or Dean's List.

You may have thought since you bullied me,I would give up and not go for my dreams and goals but you thought wrong. I'm still going for my dreams and goals. They are my dreams and even if you think I won't achieve them, who cares what you think honestly? I don't need people in my life that pushes me down and tell me that I can't achieve my goals or can't reach for my dreams. I need supportive people and people who encourages me. I will achieve my goals and reach my dreams.

From: Amanda 

I hope all of the bullies I had in school decided to quit bullying because bullies are just a negative part of life. We need to put an end to bullying. There is no need to bully others because everyone is unique in their own way.


<3 Amanda

Blogger Interview: Junkyard Jezebel

I've been liking doing these interviews because I like helping promote other bloggers. The blogger for this portion of interviews is Jenifer, who lives in Arizona with her and has two adult daughters who also live in Arizona. Did I mentioned that her dog is adorable? You should check out her blog at http://www.junkyardjezebel.com/.

Q:What is the meaning behind your blog name?
A: I've always been about a bargain. I've always seen beauty in the "broken, battered, or bruised" pieces of life. About 5 years ago I started to develop a love...no...an obsession with vintage and vintage-inspired decorating. I loved the recycle-renew-reuse concept and felt the pull towards the past. Living in Arizona as a transplanted San Diegan I truly missed the value of the historical. Phoenix operates under the premise that anything over 20 yrs old must be knocked down and another built in it's place. Almost overnight I developed wanderlust. Unfortunately I did it alone. Not with my husband and partner. Coming from Philly, he has a much more dismissive approach to anything old. In fact, to him, new is much more desirable and is inspirational. So I found myself at odds with this and struggled to include him in my journey. So Junkyard was a natural for me....I love everything rusty and dusty, metal and wood. Shabby to industrial and everything in between. Jezebel to me represented everything forbidden, secretive, and felt...well...a little bit wicked! I wanted to be the "bad-girl" of junking...so what better name?

Q:What made you decide to start blogging?
A:Writing comes very easily to me. My father is an English professor and my mother is an attorney. Words were currency in my home and quick wit and sparkling banter were the norm. In my business I did all the blogging, marketing and communication with consumers and found that I enjoyed having something to say and saying it in a way that people related to. I consider my style more stream-of-consciousness and I heavily overuse punctuation. It's just my thing. So when I got a little weary of writing for business where I wasn't free to really be me...I decided to start blogging. 

Q:What do you blog about?
A: Junk-Paint-Shenanigans. Heavy on the Shenanigans. I think I'm considered a "personal experience" blogger. I write about things going on in my life. I write about my transition from a 60 hr a week job to my own business which is re-purposing old things and giving them fresh life. I also represent a line of furniture paint called DIY Chalk and Clay Paints and I blog about the treasures that I create with those. Right now I'm participating in a 30 day blogging challenge where I'm given a topic and then I write about it. I find that easy-peasy because my biggest struggle is what I have to say that someone might want to hear about. 

Q:How long have you been blogging?

A: I've been blogging for business 6 years now and blogging personally about 2 months.

Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?

A:My hobbies are travel, reading, helping others, and killing plants. Other people say gardening....but I might as well be totally transparent. 

Q:   Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?

A: I've never really experienced writer's block. I've experienced idea block. Frequently. What the heck do I have to say? Why would anyone want to read it? And then if I am foolish enough to try to think about what my "target market wants to read" then I'm bound to spin myself into a coma. As long as I have an idea or a spark I can write all day on it. Still may not be interesting....still may not be current or relevant...but there will be words. There will be lots of words 😀

Q: What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?

A: I have zero clues. I have less than zero clues. So I just write what inspires me or what I would be interested in reading. I really think readers are graphically driven and want to see beautiful photography. I am not a great photographer. I think people are loving videos and tutorials. I am not a great videographer....nor am I cute or perky on video (or this life...or any other) but I'm not afraid to talk so my plan is to do more videos in the near future.

Q:   Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

A: It will be thriving and growing by leaps and bounds. It will accurately reflect my lifestyle as well as my business life. It should be an inspiration to those that would like to quit their 9-5 and branch out on their own. It will include other bloggers and be actively involved in empowering other women. 

Q:What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?

A: I'm there! So I'm not sure what advice I'd give other than JUST DO IT! Thinking about it doesn't get you any closer to having a blog than herding crickets. If you wait until you are ready, you'll never do it. If you wait until you know what your brand is, you'll never do it. If you wait until you figure out danged Google Analytics, you'll never do it. JUST DO IT! 

Q:Do you have any other social media sites?

A: Yes I'm active you Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/junkyardjezebel/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/junkyard_jezebel/ and Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/jezebel0055/ 

Again, you should check out her blog at http://www.junkyardjezebel.com/. Thanks again, Jenifer for letting me interview you.

<3 Amanda 

Favorite Songs PlayList

I always search YouTube for new songs to listen to but I decided to show you what songs I have been liking in case you need a new playlist or want new songs to listen to. Some are newer songs while others are older songs.


1- "Try" : Pink
2- "7 Years": Lukas graham
3- "Southern Boy" Jordan Rager and Jason Aldean
4- "H.O,L.Y"; Florida Georgia Line
5- "Knockin'" - Freddie Stroma
6- "Circles"-Jana Kramer
7- "Turn My World Around"-Gloriana
8- "One Second Chance"- Jeff Bates
9- "You Won't Hurt Me Anymore"- Matt Kennon
10- "Hurry Home"-Jason Michael Carroll
11- "The Past Stops Here"- Matt Kennon
12- "Go Ahead And Break My Heart"- Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
13- " Used To Love You" - Gwen Stefani
14- "When You Believe"- Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
15- "I Will"- Jimmy Wayne

What songs are on your playlist? I'm always looking for new songs to listen to.

<3 Amanda

National Best Friend Day

(http://paulcpw.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-8-best-friends-day.html)

When I googled fun holiday dates, I read that June 8th is considered National Best Friend Day. Now I wouldn't say I only have just one best friend, Some of my female best friends have actually turned into unbiological sisters. I wanted to write little notes and tell them thank you. I'm only going to write the first letter of their names for their privacy (Side note: I have 2 best friends who starts with an "A", so I just included their second letter as well). 

I first have to start off with my dad though. Thank you for being an amazing father and one of my best friends. Since I'm your only daughter, we have a different bond than the bond you have with my brothers. You have always been one of the people who have stood by my side no matter what and I really appreciate that. I love you!

B- Since we are the closest in the family, I have considered you as one of my best friends for many years now. Like dad,I also know that you'll have my back no matter what. Since you moved out of state, we obviously can't talk in person but we still have phones and Facebook to communicate. It's fun having similar taste of TV shows and talking(you-complaining. Lol) about them. I love you.

J- We haven't hit our one month yet but I consider you as one of my best friends. Before we actually met in person, we talked for almost a month. With my terrible history of past relationships,I had sadly put up walls around me but there was something about you that I quickly tore them down when we met. Thanks for helping me with that. I can't wait to see what happens in the future.

Al- I'm so happy I met you in college. You're an amazing friend who quickly turned into an unbiological younger sister. I love our phone calls because it feels like I actually have a sister and I never experienced having a sister before. I promise we will meet one day.

B- We met a few years ago and our friendship started pretty quickly. I feel so loved by your family and pretty much feel like part of it. Thank you for being an older unbiological sister and not being annoyed when I come to you to vent or complain about things.

K- We too met through college.Thanks for always being there for me.  You're a great friend. 

Am-  We recently just became friends two months ago but whenever I text you, you're always there for me. I really appreciate getting advice from pretty much from an unbiological older sister.



<3 Amanda