How I Edit Instagram Photos and Nerdy Flatlays

3 / 21 / 17

Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how I edit my Instagram photos and compose pictures for #nerdyflatlay, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a post to explain my process! I’m definitely not a professional photographer, but I have learned some things about lighting, composition, and editing that I take into account when prepping photos for Instagram, and I’m happy to share my tips with you.

If you find this post helpful, please consider buying me a coffee through my new Ko-fi account! It’s a great way to give back if you enjoy my writing since I don’t get paid just to post cute pictures (I wish!). But for now, let me break down exactly how I go about taking photos and nerdy flatlays for Instagram!

February Favorites: Pokemon Stickers and Folding Clothes

3 / 14 / 17

I love how my February Favorites roundup is at two extremes: on one end, I purchased a sticker book that is meant for children, and on the other, I’m perfecting the very boring yet adult art of organizing my clothes. At least I keep things interesting! This month’s post will be shorter than previous Favorites, but you may be surprised to read what I have to say about each one of my picks!

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

3 / 7 / 173 / 7 / 17

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!

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

2 / 28 / 173 / 15 / 17

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.

Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging Part 2: The Nuts and Bolts

2 / 14 / 172 / 15 / 17

So, you’ve got your brand new nerdy blog all ready to go, but there’s just one problem… Where’s all the content?! When I asked Twitter what kinds of blogging tips they’d like to hear most, how to stay motivated and think of things to write about was by far the most common suggestion. That’s why, for part 2 of my Ultimate Guide to Blogging series, I’ll be sharing some of my top writing tips, as well as the nuts and bolts of how to make what you’ve written appealing to readers through images and catchy titles.