Last Blog Post of the Year

Wow... 24 more minutes left to the year. Those who are reading this are probably reading this is 2015, which, right now, totally seems like the not-so-distant future. And real soon, 2014 is going to be something of the past. Anyway, Happy New Year c: I really didn't think this through, I probably should've made some plans on what the last post of the year would be. Which reminds me- I've got a new blog schedule design, I'll post it later. 

Anyway, for now, Happy New Year. Welcome, 2015. Here is my year in review:

Meaghan Trainor is All About That Bass, I went shopping 2x in Seattle, I had an awesome booth @ Barter Fair. A huge party was thrown for my sister and I's birthdays, I went swimming A BUNCH. I went to Kawaii for spring break; I had a friend who also went there, at the same time, staying nearby. I still have not confirmed whether or not he is a stalker. I ordered fancy, professional markers, and we also got a popcorn machine, a soda machine, and a cotton candy machine. I started Rain on a Metal Roof, it's anniversary is in May. The first ever post was really lame but I'm not gonna delete it- yet. 

Thanks for reading. There is now 15 minutes left in the year. Happy New Year once again, readers c: Some dog shaming to kick off the new year. (To add to this, it's below freezing outside and, don't hate me, I'm watching Duck Dynasty)


 

6 Blogging Tips I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging

I don't think anyone rally knows what they're doing when they first start blogging, they just give it their best shot and hope for the best. At least, that's what I did, and I'm still kind of growing as a blogger. No one really stops growing. Anyway, I didn't know about ANY of these sweet tips when I first started, so my blog was kind of a bust. I just wrote a few posts and let it flow. But now that I have these, I can share these things with everyone so that beginners (and pros) can improve their blog. Like, TODAY. 

1. Aviary- my FAVORITE photo editing app. It's pretty much the best you can get, for free. There are some in-app purchases, but you can still do so much with what it comes with. I edit all of my photos with Aviary before posting them. I know a lot of people use Picmonkey and Canva, which are both also great for photo editing, and I really recommend them. 

2. Sharing on Pinterest. This is one of the best ways to advertise your blog for free. When I first started, I didn't have a Pinterest account, but now that I do, I have a Rain on a Metal Roof board and I Pin all of my posts. Now, GET THEE ON PINTEREST!

3. Be really consistent. Seriously, I've said this before, and I'll say it again- no one is going to read a blog that never has any new posts. You have to create a schedule, an stick to it. For example, a post a day, 3 times a week, once every Wednesday, whatever- just be consistent, or people aren't gonna come back. It's not like how you keep checking the fridge, thinking something new is gonna appear, every 5 minutes. People aren't gonna come back just to see that there's nothing new.

4. Comment on other people's blogs!!! This one is big. You've gotta have some favorite blogs, that you comment on every once in a while. Well, when you comment, you usually enter the address of your blog/website, right? This is how people can access your blog via other people's websites, by clicking on your name above the comment. It's kind of like free advertising, and I'm a big believer in it.

5. Being SEO savvy. If you use WordPress (I clearly don't), then there are plugins like Yoast that can really boost your pageviews. Also, adding labels and tagging your posts really help your SEO. There are also a lot of other plugins for Wordpress that can help with that, and other bloggers have created lists of the best ones- you just have to Google it. 

6. Have an easy-to use comment section. That means user-friendly, and sorry, but readers (like me) really don't like that pesky word-verification thing that makes you type in whatever is in the box. A lot of people click away to another site after seeing that and never get around to posting the comment. Also, there are plugins for WordPress that really help with this such as CommentLuv. So go one, get going! Use some of these tips to instantly improve your blog! 

If you have any blogging tips that you think I should post, then comment below!

The Best Feeling

Last night, I wore shorts to bed, so naturally my legs were cold when I woke up. Earlier, I had thrown my skinny jeans in the dryer, so I put them on this morning.... and that is just the best feeling ever. Warm denim on cold legs, fresh out of the dryer. Also, my mom's shirt, which is totally the softest thing EVER, feels like nothing I've ever touched before when it comes out of the dryer.

Lilo & Stitch Fanart

Stitch & Angel Fanart

Adorable Stitch Fanart

If you've ever seen the movie, Lilo & Stitch, then you know that Stitch fell in love with the story of The Ugly Duckling because the duckling didn't think he had a family, and how he was raised as "ugly" and "different"... just like Stitch.

Fish in a Jar Drawing

Cat Art

Cat Art

8 of My New Years Resolutions

I may have made many more New Years resolutions than last year, but that just means I have more that I'd like to accomplish. Writing a book is my biggest goal so far, I just have to finish the manuscript. Comment below whether or not you'd read a book I wrote.

1. Finish writing manuscript

2. Teach an art class

3. Fill up skectchbooks

4. Donate LOTS of stuff t Goodwill c:

5. Bring up page views on blog to 1000+ per month (readers, tell your friends!)

6. Improve drawing skills by 110%

7. Save up $500+

8. Be more fit (hiking)

What are your New Years resolutions? Comment below :D

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer- I LOVE It

If you're a fan of Burt's Bees products, such as lipbalm and other all-natural cosmetics, then you should try their Lip Shimmer! My mom got a pack of some lip shimmer for Christmas, and I love the grapefruit, which is what I'm wearing right now. It's a light pink, all-natural organic lip balm that moisturizes the lips and gives them some color and a little sparkle- whether you're going out on the town or shopping, or just staying home and blogging all day (like me), then this is the perfect lip product for you. You can get them online for $3-$5. I'm wearing the grapefruit right now, which is the lightest pink, and I love it. Feel free to request a photo (of the lip shimmer on my lips). c: xoxo

13 Must-See Miyazaki Movies

In case you don't know who Hayao Miyazaki is, he is my favorite movie writer and has made so many amazing Japanese films that I fell in love with at a very young age. My very favorite is My Neighbor Totoro, I have both a stuffed Totoro toy and also a catbus. Those words are going to seem very strange to you until you watch the movie.. Anyway, these are kind of listed from favorite to not as favorite.. Anyway, I love these movies, and I hope you do too c:

1. My Neighbor Totoro

2. Spirited Away

3. The Secret World of Arriety

4. Kiki's Delivery Service

5. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

6. Howl's Moving Castle

7. From Up on Poppy Hill

8. Castle in the Sky

9. Ponyo

10. Whisper of the Heart

11. The Cat Returns

12. Princess Mononoke

13. Castle of Cagliostro

Easy Peezy Squeezy of a Lemon HAIR HACKS

I have literally been looking for this post on Buzzfeed FOREVER just so that I could post it because every single girl ever who loves to do her hair should know about these. I'm dying to try some of these out today, I wore my hair up in a bun yesterday (I don't really ever put my hair up) and people said I looked French.. Not sure how I feel about that.. Anyway, here's the link, and one hack that I find useful:

More Nail Art (WITH SCOTCH TAPE!!)

I feel like the past few days have been kind of nail art themed... I love nail art, even though I've been totally procrastinating to do my nails. Anyway, these is related to my last post, but this is about doing your nails with Scotch tape. Chances are, you have some lying around, most likely in that junk drawer that you should probably clean out... Okay, now that's on my To-Do list, cleaning out the junk drawer, along with doing my nails. ANYWAY these are some awesome examples of nail art that you can do right now, in your own home, NOT at some nail place. Here's an awesome example, along with the link here:

DIY Super-Easy Nail Art Tips

While on Pinterest today, I came across these awesome nail hacks on Buzzfeed (there was a link on Pinterest) and I thought they were so cool, and that I should post a link. Anyway, here is an example on how to paint a simple heart with nail polish, something cute for Valentines Day... which isn't for 3 months, so quit getting all lovey-dovey. Here is the link, and an example:

Mary Doodles- Sketchbook Time!

Mary Doodles- Sketchbook Tour!

Washi Tape Crafts

This Christmas, I got 6 rolls of beautiful washi tape, that I can't wait to decorate everything with. And it turns out, Pinterest is FULL of amazing washi tape crafts, so I've provided one below- if you own washi tape, I recommend you get on Pinterest and look this stuff up. Tip #1- wrap it around candles for some extra decor c:

Pinterest Picks #15

Pinterest Picks #14

Pinterest Picks #13

11 Creative Blog Topics

If you're thinking of starting a blog, but don't really have any idea whatsoever to blog about, then I'm here to help. I've compiled a list of blog topics for you to collaborate with and to inspire you. I don't really know what topic this blog is about, but it's kind of a mix of many things- which I encourage you you to do. Anyway, the list, along with some examples:


1. Photography blog (like this one)

2. Art/drawing blog


3. Recipe/cooking/baking blog

4. Creative writing blog (like this one)

5. Fitness blog

6. DIY blog (like this one)

7. Blogging tips blog (like this one)

8. Fashion blog (like this one)

9. LOLCats/humor blog (like this one)

10. Stay @ Home Mom Blog (like this one)

11. Sewing/crafting blog (like this one)

**Above photo credit: Inhae's awesome blog, MY MILK TOOF**

Freekibble: Feed Dogs & Cats for FREE

I don't normally do this type of thing, but I really love this website- Freekibble. It's basically animal trivia, with dog and cat themes, and whether you get it right or not, you are donating food to shelter animals. I had a teacher where, every day when class started, we'd answer this trivia. We did this all year, and I'm pretty sure we donated A LOT of food to shelter animals. I do this every day, because you can do it for both dogs & cats, plus donating kitty litter. It's a win-win, you are donating to charity while also learning something.

Afternoon Tea

Yumm, there's nothing like a good cup of 4:00 tea on a gloomy day.. c:

Don't Forget to Share

  Don't forget to share blog posts on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and more simply by clicking one of the buttons at the bottom of every post! I'd really appreciate it, considering it could vastly increase the traffic on Rain on a Metal Roof. So come on, share the posts!! c: