Hobonichi Techo Flip Through Video: February 2017

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Time sure does fly when you’re busy! Between putting the pedal to the metal on my thesis and the slew of video game releases that came out over the past couple weeks, it’s already nearly been a week since I posted my February Hobonichi Techo flip through video! But since I like to make sure everyone is able to see it, I’m going to take the opportunity to share it here:

As you’ll see in the video, in February I started using watercolors in my Hobonichi Techo! I was extremely impressed by how well watercolor worked with the paper. The paper in the Hobonichi Techo is by far the best I’ve ever seen in a planner – you really can’t tell until you see it for your yourself!

I started out with a cheap water color set I bought locally but was pretty unhappy with the colors, so I upgraded to the Sakura Koi set of 24 watercolors that I’ve heard tons of positive things about from both hobby and professional artists. The brush, which you actually store water in, is really amazing!

I hope you’re enjoying these videos as much as I’m enjoying making and sharing them! I would love to know how you fill out your monthly journal if you keep one, whether it’s a Hobonichi Techo or not!

Play All Your Retro Games in 12 in 1 Gaming Console Retro Freak

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The impressive 12 in 1 gaming console Retro Freak has finally been released in Europe exclusively through retro game retailer Funstock.co.uk at a retail price of £169.99 ($208.54) for the standard version! Developed by Japanese company CYBERGadget, Retro Freak supports physical cartridges from 12 retro video game systems: PC engine, TruboGrafix-16, Super Grafx, NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, SEGA Genesis, SEGA Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. In addition, games can be installed to an SD card to be played off the console without the need of a cartridge, meaning you don’t have to be constantly swapping out cartridges or cluttering up your living room with the aftermath of your latest gaming session. To put it mildly, I’m very intrigued!

March 2017 Community Game-Along: Monster Hunter-likes

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It’s March, and that can only mean one thing… It’s #MonMonth! Every year, there are two Community Game-Alongs that are so popular I keep bringing them back, MonMonth and JRPGJuly. While JRPGJuly is pretty self-explanatory, MonMonth requires a slightly longer introduction.

The theme of MonMonth is to play Monster Hunter-like titles, since the series and games it has inspired are practically their own subgenre at this point. The key defining aspects of Monster Hunter-like games are action RPG gameplay with tons of gear and boss battles where learning the enemy’s patterns are essential to victory.

If you’re keen on importing and want to stick to Monster Hunter games, Monster Hunter XX comes out in Japan on the 18th. Otherwise, Monster Hunter Generations for the Nintendo 3DS is the latest and greatest title in the series available in English. If you’re looking for a Monster Hunter-like game for PS4, God Eater 2: Rage Burst is a great option. There are a surprising number of titles that fit this month’s theme, so have a look at my previous MonMonth posts if you need some more ideas! There’s even a Final Fantasy game that qualifies!

To participate, just choose a game that fits the theme and play it sometime in March. Share your experience with your game selection through blog posts, let’s plays, or just tweeting your impressions with #MonMonth! Happy hunting!

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Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging Part 4: Money Matters

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Welcome to the final installment of Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging! In the first week, I gave tips on how to start a blog and narrow your blog’s focus to fit into a niche that’s perfect for you. The second week was full of specific post ideas, and how to keep going when the going gets tough. Then, in week three, I shared my favorite social media strategies and tips for cultivating an audience who will keep coming back to your blog.

For my final post, I’ll be tackling a somewhat touchy subject: making money off blogging. Can you earn a living off your blog? When, if ever, should you start trying? How can you ask for money without seeming tacky? I’ll be covering everything from affiliates, Patreon, ad revenue, and selling your own products. Plus, I’ve teamed up with Lauren Orsini from Otaku Journalist to give away a copy of her Affiliate Linking for $$$ Guide! Read on for details!

January 2017 Favorites: Hobonichi and Ys

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Well look at that! It’s nearly the end of February, but here I am posting about my January favorites. When I took on the (self-imposed) task of posting a 4-part guide to blogging every week for the month of February, I may have underestimated how much time would be involved… But I wouldn’t want to miss out on sharing my favorite things from last month! This month’s favorites will be short and sweet since my February favorites will go up in two weeks, but there’s still a lot to be excited about!

Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging Part 3: Growing Your Audience

2 / 21 / 17

If you’ve been following my Ultimate Guide to Blogging series, by now you may have set up your blog, published a couple of posts, or thought of ways to spice up your existing blog. You might even be breathing a sigh of relief, thinking your hard work is done… But no! The hard work is only just beginning! No matter how great your blog is, it won’t be much fun (or make you any money, etc., depending on what your blogging goals are) if no one reads it, right?

That’s why, in Part 3 of Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging, I’ll be sharing my tips on how to gain new readers, navigating the thorny underbrush that is social media, and cultivate an audience for your particular niche. This part is likely the most intimidating because it means really putting yourself out there, but don’t worry! I’ve included actionable steps for you to take to get the word out about your awesome blog, whether you’re just starting or have been writing for years.