Brighter Alleys | Life of a Teen: Blogging

22 Things I Did in 2022

January 01, 2023
By Gauri
10 Comments

Hello people, this is me🎺🎊 Happy new year to all! I am so glad to write a reminiscence post for 2022. It's kinda like a timeline, and a follow-up to my 2021 post and my 2020 post.

Firstly, last year was so power-packed. right from the beginning! I remember entering seeing a new class, seeing cheerful classmates sitting all around me, and people buzzing without restraints induced by the pandemic...Moreover, I participated in a lot of activities- a LOT! I spent more time in everything else than just scrutinizing myself. I met new people, read new books and cherished great times with my friends. I even enjoyed studying (there was a time I was just addicted to History!)

Now as I write it all, it seems so perfect to me that I want to rewind this year! But let's move forward and see what 2023 brings to us-more happiness, maybe?

Well, here's the list of 22 things I did in 2022:

(I am skipping January to March because they were mostly spent in exams and waiting for Class X)

APRIL

#1. I became a compere at a school programme for the first time. The script I prepared was so improper. that teacher corrected it every day!

MAY-JUNE

#2. I researched on universities and careers. I prepared for SATs for a month but then dumped the plan (or postponed it for later).

JULY

#3. I participated in a debate competition for the first time! I think it was one of the most enriching experiences of the year.

AUGUST

#4. I traveled by train without my parents, for the first time . Of course I was not alone- there were four other friends and a teacher. We stayed in another city for two days for a contest and then returned, only to realize that my Chemistry practicals were the same day!

#5. I went to a friend's birthday party at the last moment. But she wasn't even this annoyed!

SEPTEMBER

#6. I went cycling with my friends @ 6am everyday. This lasted for a week, then our school reopened. (P.S. This was my first time cycling on the road. Now don't judge me!)

#7. I celebrated a rooftop birthday party (compare it to my 2020 Birthday!) My friends were busy clicking their own pictures, but I, not being a fan of selfies, got the least pics clicked🤳

OCTOBER

#8. I gave a 6-hour-long coaching entrance test. I was sleepy by the end of 5th hour😴💤

#9. I became an anchor once again, this time for the Science and Art Exhibition. I met amazing seniors in the process ;)

#10. I played basketball for my House. And we won! What's the catch? We had not practiced for it at all😉

#11. Prepared a model with two friends for presenting at biology exhibition. We spent about a fortnight planning and creating it, and you won't believe it turned out so well!

#12. My entire class went to a water park as school picnic. It was the most fun-filled day of the year. We danced like mad in the bus(which was taking us) and at the water park💃🕺

NOVEMBER

#13. I went to the book shop and roamed for a long time, only to return with a single little book. You won't want to see the shopkeeper's face 👀

#14. My friends and I decorated the bulletin board of our class in less than two days. Big thanks to my lovely 7-member team!

#15. I participated in the School Sports Day. I represented my House in two races, but lost in both. Embarrassing!

#16. I got spectacles, and ironically, I am happy about it!

DECEMBER

#17. Read stories to my cousins. I had an exam next day, but they had come to India after five years-I could not study anyway!

#18. I wrote letters to my friends imagining that we all were twenty years older. (Something similar to my Twenty Years Older Letter Tag). They wrote one to me too, and all the letters I received were heartwarming. Maybe years later, they'll be worth much more🌟

#19. I conducted a survey of my classmates who would be choosing different streams next year. Results? Ask me ;)

#20. I gave a speech on Christmas at school. But the time I got to prepare my speech was just ONE day! It was adventurous to write a speech in the evening and deliver it the next morning📃

#21. I enjoyed in the School Fete and also volunteered for my class teacher. I asked my friends to jot down their experiences in my diary, so that I can keep their words safe. I built great memories with friends and classmates 🌸🌸🌸

ALL YEAR ROUND

#22. I read many self-help books throughout the year- Atomic Habits, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, Ikigai, You Can Win, and Rich Dad Poor Dad (yet to complete though).

That completes the list! I hope you enjoyed scrolling through the screen, just as I loved banging on the keys☺ Is there anything amazing/stupid that you did last year? Then come to the comments!

Wish you all a great year ahead 🎢🎉🎇

Cheers,

Gauri Xx

Blogging

Golden Post! My Blogging Journey + Notice

May 22, 2021
By Gauri
23 Comments

Hi everyone, how're you doin'? Guys, I am SUPER EXCITED to write this post! Can you believe I have reached the 🎉50 Posts Landmark🎉 so soon?!🥳 Yes, this is the 50th post on my blog, and I can't explain how happy I am while writing this up🤩 Today, I'll be sharing you the WHOLE of my blogging journey till now! It's a 1000+ words post, so be ready😉

MY JOURNEY OF BLOGGING

It has been a long time since my first-ever blog post was put up on this blog. Back then, I was just planning to make a 'static website' and count it as an achievement. But something better was kept in store... Well, I shared a portion of how I started blogging in the about section. But today, it is going to be MORE THAN A PORTION! Let's begin:

How The Idea Sprouted

It was in June-end 2020, when I was sitting at home in lockdown and waiting for schools to reopen. There was nothing I wanted to do, including my favourite CRAFT PROJECTS. Seeing me sitting disappointed by the pandemic, my dad said I should try exploring site-making. Of course I loved computers, but never thought that a website could be made from HOME😳 So, I went to the heavenly place called 'Google Sites' and started making a site right away!

But, I did not know ANYTHING about what to put in a website. So I thought it could be a self-help area and people would gather to get motivated. (All this I'm talking about is of the site I made on Google Sites, not this blog.)

After I was done with my so-called website, I came to know that it isn't going to be a 'www.xyz' type of site! Its URL wasn't of my choice. THUS, I searched and found this wonderland, Blogger👏

Coming to know about Blogging

Okay, when I found blogger.com, I was asked to put a blog's name and start making a site. I initially made my site with name 'Brighter Suns'. But it sounded common, and I wanted it to be unique. Okay, then I kept thinking of a better name....SOON AFTER, BRIGHTER ALLEYS WAS BORN! (🎺trumpet sound🎺)

Even then, I didn't know what REALLY a blog means. So I googled up the term, went through tons of website in the next few weeks, and finally liked the idea of blogging. Then I wrote my first post and published it on August 5. Then I waited for it to get viral😂

However, I realized that something was amiss... My blog wasn't looking the way 'other' sites do. Instead, mine was flat and dull, probably because of the original blogger theme I used. And also I was unaware of the whole 'blogger' stuff, so I couldn't figure out where the problem was...

New Looks and Makeover

I was determined to get my website the looks I desired. I got way too busy searching for 'Free Blogger Themes' online. I finally found one, applied it onto my blog and tadaaa! It was still not perfect😜 There were some minute things which I wanted to be better. I went to the html of my site and finally decided to try my hands over there!

I definitely was too daring, for I could've spoiled the whole website with a silly mistake!! Anyways, as the quote says, god himself helps those who dare. I went on and on for 30 to 40 days, improving my blog -day by day. As everything was looking better, I wondered if ANYONE actually knew about my blog. Now was the time some viewers showed up!

New Aim: Get Noticed

From June, it was October, and the only thing that changed was my blogging routine. I was posting more frequently, making my own cartoons and discovering tools for my blog. What remained same was the people who knew about my blog. Some friends, my own family and I were probably the only ones visiting my blog. I wanted to do something for it, but there was no 'Krabby Patty Secret Formula' for it!

I just had to wait, keep up the quality of my posts, and be consistent. Finally, a blogger contacted me to do a collab with her. I WAS THRILLED! I was finally going to get noticed. I soon put up my first collab, which gathered pretty much views.

How I Reached Here:

Slowly, I discovered other blogs and their way of writing. I took inspiration from almost all of them and just continued posting. I realised that when I starting interacting with other bloggers, both of us benefitted exponentially! But I also focused on posting more and more. There were some obstacles all this way, be it tests, procrastination, writer's block and everything a teen blogger could get.

The key was to keep going. I was also inspired by a blogger, who was blogging for the past 7 years!! (many of you might be already knowing her) That was a big motivation... And slowly, I felt more confident in writing my posts, was feeling better at all the images I created, and was very satisfied. That's how I reached here: (I mean the image below!)

Yes, it has been a long time, almost a year from when I initially started... And I am a bit proud of myself, although there's a long way to go! Now I am going to share a NOTICE with you all. It isn't that pleasing, but I hope you will acknowledge my decision:

Dear Viewers,

My blogging schedule is now changing. I have been having a lot of studies lately, as I am now in class ninth. It is also getting harder for me to post every four days, like my previous routine. So I have taken a tough decision for myself and my blog: I WILL BE BLOGGING JUST ONCE A MONTH OR NOT AT ALL.

However, this blog will remain active and I might even respond to comments. The only thing that'll change is the routine of posts. Also, I want to reply to my post 'Dear 20 Year Old Gauri' and that convinces me well enough to keep this blog till the end of time.

Gauri :))

Blogging

Blogger Shoutouts : Summer 2021

May 11, 2021
By Gauri
11 Comments

Hey Guys, welcome back to my blog! Today, I'm gonna give shout-out to some great bloggers I've known so far. I did a blogger shout-out in 2020 too, be sure to check it out as well! In this post, I'll be naming SEVEN bloggers with a little description and their blog's link. Just click and find out who has got the luck of shout-out this time!

Let's start, and remember the serial number does NOT mean its rank😉

1. Maith's Musings

Maith's Musing is a wonderful blog written by a teen girl, just like me. Her name is Maith, and she is VERY skilled at writing. Her posts, especially the Distracting Pathways, is really intriguing. And she has a love for books, which has probably made some significant impact on her writing too. Just a calm and enchanting blog, it's really worth visiting!

2. Annika Larraine

This is a blog by Annika, who owns a very aesthetic and sweet blog. She has a lot of posts related to her pets, and there are many real-life-heaven-like images too! I came to know her recently, when she commented on one of my posts. Talking about MY favourite post on her blog, it's Brax & Tika. If you read this post, you'll immediately fall in love with her lovely animals and her photography too!

3. Bubble Of Literature (Popped)

This is a blog by Soumya Kshirsagar. I'm giving her a shout-out because I think I could never have ignored her blog. If you go there, you'll see some awesome post ideas which you'll REALLY love! Her niche is similar to mine but her posts are slightly better than mine, I guess? Well, you'll get the answer on her blog itself, so go there, NOW!

4. Words Of Wonde r

Words Of Wonder is a great blog written by Tanuj Rathi. His blog is so intellectual and professional that it feels too good to be a teen's blog! I would REALLY suggest you to check out his blog, because his posts are very unique and engaging. He writes the posts error-free, and definitely requires to be known MUCH more!

5. Adventure Awaits

Adventure Awaits is a blog by Quinley, a girl whose art skills and writing skills are equally AMAZING! When you'll notice how lovely characters she has created for her blog, you'll immediately understand that her imagination is of next level! Her followers list is big too, something to aim for😉 Keep up the work, Quinley... If you didn't know her blog till now, it's not late, check it out now!

6. Lala Life Of Smeeha

Lala Life Of Smeeha is a blog by Smeeha, a very beautiful teen girl. Her blog bubbles with positivity and joy. You surely need to visit her blog is you want to raise up your mood! Her posts are too good and mostly focus on 'loving yourself the way you are'. She is known to me for a long time, so I couldn't exclude her from the shout-out list! Didn't you check out her blog till now?

7. Teenage Blogger

Last but not the least, Teenage Blogger is written by Adarsh. He mostly interviews other bloggers and posts it on his own blog. What I like about it, is that you get to know a lot of bloggers through his blog and the questioning skills of Adarsh shines too! Maybe he could be a great journalist or writer? Yes, you should check out his blog too!

Ending Lines

These were all the bloggers I wanted you to know. If some of them were new to you, be sure to check them out. And when you realise that my recommendation was good enough, comment and let me know! Well, are there some more bloggers whom I should know? Place their blog links in the comment section, I'll try checking them too.

And did you follow yet?!

Cheers,

Gauri

Blogging

Twenty Years Older: A Letter Tag

April 17, 2021
By Gauri
27 Comments

Hey Guys, welcome back to my blog🎉 Today, I'm participating in a blog tag-and I'm thrilled to participate! It is a topic of letter and I'll write my answer HERE, in this post. So, the tag is created by me, and the question is inspired from a book called "The Art Of Being A Brilliant Teenager".

Well, this 'tag' means a question or task, which I'll do first and then encourage other bloggers to do as well. The rules for this letter tag are:

i) Appreciate the blogger who nominated you.
ii) Mention Gauri@BrighterAlleys, creator of this letter tag.
iii) Answer the question, which is a task to write a letter.
iv) Now, nominate five bloggers who you think are worth it. Make sure they know that they are nominated.

And here's the letter topic:

Imagine yourself to be twenty years older than now. You have become what you always wanted to, and are living your dream. But suddenly, the 'current version of you' pops out of nowhere and asks for some tips. What tips will you give? Write a letter from the 'twenty years older you' to the 'current you' and tell how you reached your goals in twenty years.

This is the letter topic on which every amazing nominee (including me) has to write. So I have to think that I'm thirty-four year old now, and then write to my past (fourteen-year old) version. It's going to be tough!

Now, here's my letter:

Dear little Gauri,

I'm Gauri too, but your the thirty-four (14+20) year old version. I would like to tell you that in today's world, you're fabulous! I know I'm praising myself, but trust me, I'm who you always wanted to be. And you have a big house with the garden of your dreams. You live in a calm place, but the whole world knows you! I mean-you're really famous here😃

But little girl, you had originally asked for tips, and see what? I'm not telling you any! You see, I'm talkative even now. But let's come to the point: How can you reach here, where I am standing now? There's no one-word answer to it, and that's because my journey had several ups and downs. Sometimes things were tough and out of hand, and sometimes I thought to give up. But, as Babe Ruth said, "You can't defeat a person who never gives up", I too kept on working tirelessly.

I invested days and nights in studying, programming, working for my dreams... I will tell you one thing: there's nothing as "luck" in reality. Everything depends on how much effort you put into it. I want you to always be ambitious, and strive for success. I can guarantee you this: If you work real hard, and that MEANS real hard, no one can stop you from achieving your goals. But hard work should be complemented with smartness! Sometimes OTHERS may try to take advantage of your efforts, don't let them.

And always obey your parents. Even when their advices might not be what you prefer, they'll always think the right for you. Also, make good friends. You know what, your friends may be the best companions you'll ever need! Sometimes you might think that you're enough by yourself- but the support of loved ones can't be ignored sweetheart :)

I would now give you one last tip, or you'll think "how boring my thirty-four year version is!". Learn to be happy with yourself. If you feel that you'll be happy AFTER you accomplish something, or AFTER you get a top rank, you'll NEVER really be happy. It's actually quite the opposite: if you are happy NOW, you might easily accomplish something or get a top rank. Happiness is free, don't try to buy it ;)

Your BIG version,

The thirty-four year-old Gauri

So this was the letter I expect my thirty-four year verion to write. How was it? For me, it was a fun experience but also tricky at the same time! I had to think a LOT while writing it💦

Now here are my nominees, whom I think can write an even awesome letter:

1. Maith @ Maith's Musings

2. Vanya @ Chirps of a Forest Bird

3. Shanessa @ My Days in Montana

4. Evin @ A Curly Sue's Ramblings

5. Roshni @ Roshni's Random Thoughts

These were the amazing people whom I nominate. If you too are capable of writing a letter but are not in the list, don't worry! You can use this letter tag too, PROVIDED that you follow the rules. So, in a way, I nominate you too! Accept it- and continue this tag chain, dear blogger 😉

And be sure to tell me in the comments section if you enjoyed this post. It was unique for me, the first tag I've ever created! Try clicking the share buttons and make this post even unique😊 See you soon...

Cheers,

Gauri

Blogging

How I Write My Blog Posts

April 14, 2021
By Gauri
9 Comments

Hey Guys, welcome back to my blog! Recently I was thinking of some blog-post ideas and I thought why not share with you all HOW I make my posts?! So today, I'll tell you my whole procedure and share some quick tips of my own. Before starting, I would like to thank you all for your excellent response to my post Nominated for Mystery Blogger Award😊 It became my most famous post of 2021! Thank you all, and thanks Ivy for the nomination! Now let's get started, without my normally LONG INTRO!

The FIVE steps I follow for making my posts are:

The Basic Idea
Getting Creative (Typing)
Images- the Spices!
Schedule, Labels and Techie-jobs
Publish and Furnish

Let's be a little detailed on these topics, but I'll try to keep them short ;)

1. The Basic Idea

All the content you see on my blog started with a blueprint in my mind. I imagine of what words I'll include in the post, the catchy lines, and the headings I would use. After I've made my mind, I make a REALLY ROUGH draft in a notebook. It includes only the beginning lines and the names of every topic.

Then I put the rough draft onto my blogger homepage. If I'm not sure of what topics to include, I prefer writing your draft post as an essay, then divide it at the end :)

Quick Tip: When the "New Post" button is clicked, ensure not to leave the draft for too long. For me, if the draft becomes nearly a week-old, I forget the content which I would write!

2. Getting Creative (Typing)

Okay, so as you know, this is the major part for blogging. For me, I first type everything I can think of, related to the topic. But all the lines can NOT be good, that's why I remove the not-so-perfect lines before posting. Then, an important step would be to ensure the grammar is correct. Either I check it manually, or through a website Word Counter.

After the complete text is ready, I check the alignments, font style and text sizes. Then is the time to get creative! I roughly go through the paras and add hi-lights, italics, bolds, etc. There are some portions of text which I want to emphasize, so I put them in CAPITAL or BOLD. (Or both, like this one!)

Quick Tip: Use emojis to add a zing to the reading part. They might also help the reader know how you're feeling inside!

3. Images-The Spices!

If you've read my post How To Write An Effective Blog Post, I have talked of how important the images are for our blog. It has been a personal experience of mine that my posts with less than three images get comparatively lesser views than others. That makes images a MUST-HAVE for a blog to blow up, right?

Since I have talked so much about images in my above-linked post, you can go through it too😊

Quick Tip: If you want your images to not be used by anyone else, then try adding a copyright symbol and your website within the image. This can be done by any photo-editing app like Canva, Photoshop or Snapseed.

4. Schedule, Labels and Techie-jobs

While writing a post in blogger, you can see the techie stuff in the right side of the screen. I give them complete attention before publishing ANY of my posts. One of the most important things is "Search Description". If you already know it, brilliant! Otherwise, it's never too late ;)

Well, we use the Search Description to add a small part of our post in that text-box. This is important because the text you add here gets visible in google search. Like this:

And the second important thing for me is the 'schedule'. More professional bloggers publish posts on a VERY FIXED schedule, but you know, I'm not one😉. I still use it to put a fixed timing to my posts. I know the rest of the options in blogger are so common that everyone knows it better!!

5. Publish and Furnish

After everything is done, I'm left with a one-second job: Clicking the Publish button. One second, right?

Probably not.. Becoz after publishing, I open my website and SEE how my post turns out. There are many corrections that I notice only after my post is published; so it is important for me to re-check my published post. Once or twice might be enough (but some mistakes just don't stop from happening!)

Let me tell you an example: In my Second Collab, I put up a picture of 'happy new year' with an amazingly silly mistake! Instead of "Buh-bye 2020", I wrote "Buh-buy 2020"! It was my friend who told me the error and I corrected it...after FOUR days😂

Conclusion:

All right, so this was my process of writing a blog post. I really feel so happy to share it with you all. I wanted to write this post MONTHS AGO ~~but who would've read it back then?~~! I was hardly getting 50 views/week.

And I have a good news too: Brighter Alleys has crossed the 15k views mark on Blogger! Thanks to all of you💓 Hope you keep enjoying this blog, and I keep enjoying writing for you :)

Cheers,

Gauri

Blogging

Nominated for Mystery Blogger Award

April 06, 2021
By Gauri
17 Comments

Hey Guys, welcome back to my blog! This post is so fun to write, because I've been nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award -----Tadaaaa! 🎉🥳 And a big thanks to Ivy@Ivy's Scribbles for nominating me! Well, she nominated me in January 2021, and I was having some *school work* and I could not do the award then. But it's never too late to receive a blogger award, I guess?

I've also got the Liebster Award, and my post on Nominated For Liebster Award just blew up! But the award I'm getting NOW seems more exciting😤

Well, I should first tell you what the Mystery Blogger Award is, and why is it so exciting to me...Well, it's kinda an appreciation token that Ivy gave to me. I'll be answering some of her questions (a compulsory rule before accepting a Blogger Award😆). Then, I'll be nominating some bloggers, and they'll answer my questions. That's pretty much like a chain of bloggers getting awards for their work.

So here are the RULES that nominees must follow:

1.) Display the award logo on your blog.
2.) Mention Okoto Enigma, the creator of the award.
3.) Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4.) Answer 5 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
5.) Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.
6.) Share the link to your best post.
7.) Nominate 10 – 20 bloggers and notify them that they are nominated.
8.) Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice, including 1 weird or funny question.
9.) Continue the chain!!

And here comes the logo: (pretty, isn't it?)

Okay, now starting the questionnaire round:

Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.

I'll tell you three UNIQUE things (not really) about me:

1. I believe that early civilizations were more intelligent than modern man.

2. I love gardening, even when most of the seeds I plant don't come up.
3. I dislike leafy veggies (the essence is so un-exotic to me!)

Share the link to your best post.

This has been one of the most optimistic and top-read posts of mine: What Would my Ideal Day be Like. I have written so many posts which are my favourite, but your responses on this post make it just so special🌟✨

Answer 5 questions from the blogger who nominated you.

Vanilla or Chocolate ?

Definitely Chocolate🍫🍫 I think I can live all my life just by eating chocolates *ignore the big belly I'll gain*

Your least favourite Book/TV character ?

Tough Question! Okay, I got the answer after thinking for long: I hate Margaret and teacher Miss Battle in Horrid Henry. They're so rude! I think they could've been funnier instead... But the show is nonetheless fun!

What’s your favourite thing about blogging ?

I've always said about this thing: I love blogging because it is an outlet for my expressions and creativity. I get a chance to talk to the world, and connect to some of the most awesome bloggers ever! I now know quite a lot of bloggers, but when I had started, there was just me alone😀

If you had one super power, what would it be ?

That would be "the power to learn anything I want". That also gives me the complementary power, which is just the opposite: "the power to forget anything I wish to". They are a perfect match! All the not-so-cool memories erased, only paradise-ical memories in mind🌈

( Weird one ) If you could enter a book/ tv show, which character would you want to punish because of how oblivious they are?

I will be punishing mini doraemons😏 They're cute, but totally un-mindful! They do just one thing: michiefs, and then they'd say one thing-Doraraaaaa.....🎵🎶

So these all were my answers for the Mystery Blogger Award . Hope you liked them!

Now, I'll be nominating some bloggers to answer my questions. Here they are:

1. Isabella @Mizz Iz Blogs

2. Smeeha@ Lala Life Of Smeeha

3. Maya @ Pretty Little Scribbles

4. Tanuj Rathi @ Words Of Wonder

5. Vanya @ Chirps of a Forest Bird

6. Maith @ Maith's Musings

7. Adarsh @ Teenage Blogger

Lucky number seven!

Dear nominees, congratulations to you. Now it's your turn to participate in the event. Answer the below questions and accept the appreciation from me!

1. What would you prefer: Eating at a restaurant or Ordering at home?

2. The most unique cartoon character (according to you) is ____________.

3. What's the reason for choosing the title of your blog it's having now?

4. If given a chance to explore one planet or satellite of the Solar System, which one would you choose and why?

5. Time for the weird question! Would you prefer an encounter with a live mummy or visit a house full of creepy dolls? Why?

➖❌➖❌➖❌➖

Hope you liked this post. Well, if you are a blogger and I didn't nominate YOU, don't worry! Just drop me a comment (and give a follow if you haven't already). Then, I'll be nominating you the next time, when I get a chance. And for my awesome readers, I made a special question. Answer in the comments section : (and click the share buttons, if you can see them!!)

Where on earth would you like to travel if given an opportunity (and a free ticket)?

Cheers,

Gauri :))

Blogging

Not Posting Anything...But Why?

March 31, 2021
By Gauri
7 Comments

Hey there, I know I've not been posting for too long, and the first post of march is on the last day. I also believe I have been regular at blogging, but not anymore. There are definitely some reasons (but I don't want to justify myself, because I certainly was procrastinating to an extent) Okay, so I initially stopped writing on my blog because of my exams. They lasted for two weeks of march and I had decided to write a post after that. However, I changed my decision when my exams were over. I did not want to enjoy by an electronic this time. I wanted to play, run, laugh and jump-everything which I could not do during exams.

And then I wanted to blog too, but my priorities changed just suddenly. Although I have a love for blogging (I even said I am a blogger in a school interview!), but I still wanted a social media detox. I'm having it now, and I want to have it longer. I wish to explore myself and my surroundings more than I want to explore internet.

Like, I never enjoyed gardening until this year. But I don't know how I got my mind into it, and now I'm trying to grow chillies in my apartment! Similarly, I had always disliked reading long novels and books. But this year, I bought a book, and am just deep into the world of reading. (by the way, the book is "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari", do read if you want some soul-ful improvement!) Okay, that's just some part of my new priorities...

Here comes another question (I made it myself) : Would I now continue blogging?

I don't know. I'm not able to predict it. Whatever it maybe, I assure you it's not going to be a regular blogging from me. Or maybe I will. Huh! Why can't I be sure at any place?

I know you're getting pretty bored reading all this, but since you read till here, CONGRATULATIONS!! You are one of the loyal-most readers! Also I'll try to keep my posts shorter if I post it next. This one was short too, for it's ending now. It's a sudden end, but I guess I have no more to discuss, and I won't talk garbage, right? Ha! I did that before!!

Okay, bye readers!

Love from me <3

Blogging

Let's Know Me More: Revisit the Blogger!

February 18, 2021
By Gauri
8 Comments

Hey Guys, welcome back to my blog! This post is a bit of self-obsessed one, because I'll be talking just about myself. But wait, ain't my other posts just the same?! Not really, I didn't feel that while writing my previous posts, but for this one I do. I'll tell you things about me-things which you already know, and a few things new for you.

Reason for writing this post? Oh yes, there's a BIG reason! Well, I've been getting a lot of views recently (and I crossed 12k views with a monthly average of 2k+ views!!) And many of my viewers are pretty new to my blog, I came to know this from my survey. So for now, I'll be telling about myself again, and make sure my readers know me well.

Let's start, with the most basic questions first:

What is my name: Gauri

My age: As you can see my about section, I'm ~~4 years old~~ fourteen-year-old.

My hobbies: I absolutely love doing Programming, Sketching, Blogging, and a bit of Calligraphy. I also love Gardening, not to ignore!

My favourite Subject: I kinda enjoy Maths and Physics, but they should be more colourful with bigger letters! Just if all the subject had such books...

My favourite sports: I like playing Basketball, Badminton and all running games. But lockdown took away most of my stamina and I'm just doing some mob-games!

Some awesome books I read till now: Wow, that's the coolest question I asked myself! I've read The Art of Being a Brilliant Teenager, The Secret, Geronimo Stilton and a lot more. Well, I have a post on it: My Favourite Books of All Time. Do read it!

Why did I start blogging: I initially started blogging to spend my free time in lockdown. Then I, for few days thought to make money from blogging. But now, I blog as an outlet for creativity and fun. I also feel delighted to talk with you all, from the other side of the screen. I started blogging and feel it was one of the best decisions of my life!

What is the toughest part of blogging: I guess the toughest part is to get views and followers. I am getting them now, but in the beginning I had almost no views every day. I was pretty concerned for that, but hard work pays off! Now, it is not the tougher part but still something that every blogger wants to get more. I think the second toughest thing is to create appropriate images (illustrations and cartoons) for each post. It takes time, energy and most of all- creativity!

My blog's name: Oh boy, perhaps I shouldn't have included such a silly question! It is: Brighter Alleys. The link is: https://brighteralleys.blogspot.com (I have bookmarked the link on chrome, have you?!)

Date when my blog was launched: My first post was published on 5th August, 2020. I guess that's the launch date? Well my blog was so much "under-construction" then!

My first post: No, I didn't forget it. It's a post on Improve Maths in a Month; what a beautiful start! I think I wanted to put up an education blog back then, but changed my mind. Thank goodness!!

My most famous posts of all time: Yes, I have the most famous posts which I ddn't expect to blow up! They are: (Do read the ones which you find interesting)

1st: Nominated for Liebster Award

2nd: 7 Teen Lifestyle Bloggers You Need To Know

3rd: Twenty Things I did in 2020

My least famous posts of all time: Why to hide them from you? And they might be a good teacher for me to make better posts... So, the least popular posts on my blog are:

1st: Things That Keep Me Organised

2nd: Exams: Can I have Rest?

3rd: The Most Epic Failures of My Life

(Why do I feel that you'll click on these posts?!!)

My favourite Superhero: I think it's Tony Stark for me, and probably for most of us! I also appreciate Chris Hemsworth, uh, I mean Thor. Anyone left? Oh yes, Tom Holland (Peter Parker) and Hermione Granger(just if you could consider her a superhero too!)

Blogs I appreciate: Oh, there are a lot! I would basically give a shout-out this time, because I already have a post on 7 Teen Lifestyle Bloggers You Need To Know. Here are the names:

What if you want me answer more such questions: Hey, I think I would love a questionnaire round in the comment box! Just drop me a question below. If you don't have any, then tell me about how you thought of this post. What are your favourite blogs? Are you a teen? Are you interested in blogging too? Wow! Tell me in the comments box!

Blogging

Blogging Tools That I Use For My Blog

January 12, 2021
By Gauri
12 Comments

Hey Guys, I'm delighted that you're here! Today, I'll be discussing the blogging tools that I use for this blog. This post took me quite a long time, and I made sure the thing I'm telling are accurate according to me. But still, everything I'm writing is nothing but my own opinion(just telling☺️).

I know that blogging tools are what many would not wish to reveal. But here, I'll keep things OPEN, telling you most of the tools I use!

I know this post can not hold a big intro, so I'll simply start this post. The links for all these tools are mentioned at the end, so that you read about each tool and then go there at last. So here I present, the FOUR BLOGGING TOOLS THAT I USE FOR MY BLOG:

1. Google Analytics

Google analytics is an awesome tool for me. Like it has EVERYTHING you want to know about your blog views. I can see the number of users, most visited page of my blog, the post which is most liked (and disliked!) by readers and so on.

It is a very useful tool for bloggers, and I know I'm fourteen, but for all the teen and tween bloggers, it can be a useful tool. There are so many-many features on Google Analytics, even I haven't explored them all!

When I come to see that the users on my blog have decreased, I know my post wasn't a legend. But by the end of each month, they just blow up! That might be the same case for you, but if you don't use Google analytics, I bet you won't get those many features.

But if it's totally fine with the Blogger stats, who am I to suggest you another tool?! Anyways, I gave this tool the first rank in my list- so that's for some reason, right? Alright, here's the second MOST IMPORTANT tool:

2. Canva

If you are a blogger, and have been into it for more than a few months, I feel that you already know about canva- The Tool of All Graphics! If you don't know, that's fine, I'm here for telling you that! In my post How To Write An Effective Blog Post, I had said that 'Images are the spices for your blog'. This also means that if the spices are weak, the post won't be so tasty., uhh, I mean engaging for the reader!

And canva helps at all this! You can create images with thousands of backgrounds, illustrations, fonts, emojis, stickers giphys and what not?! There are so many features, and trust me: Canva is FREE! I mean what?

Yeah, it's free with limited features (but they are enough for me, and maybe you too). Click this link to join Canva. If you create an account using the link I'm giving you, both of us will get a premium icon for free; that's a win-win!

Anyways, here are my final words for canva: It is an all-in-one image creator, and those like me (who are not into graphic designing) can get real good help from Canva. Here's the third tool, which has received some unpopularity these days, but I'm lovin'it!

3. Feedburner

Okay, so as my blog is built on Blogger.com, I was given a feedburner account as default. Feedburner is a mailing service, which means that when you subscribe to a blog for getting updates on your email, a mailing service delivers you all updates on your email. Similarly, I too have a "Subscribe" option on my blog.

Now Feedburner is a great tool for me because of a few reasons:

1. There is no limit of no. of Subscribers.

2. I don't need to keep checking if it is working or not.

3. It automatically delivers emails, so I don't have to ask it all the time.

4. The mails sent are fully automated and the mail sent is not from my email address.

5. The users have the option to unsubscribe anytime.

6. It is FREE and is also a service of Google- one of the most trusted companies.

Well, there are many more services that might be BETTER than Feedburner, and I tried using them too! But they were not free, and again there were so many customising options that a school kid could hardly understand!

Well, which one do you use for your blog? Tell in the comments! Here's the fourth one:

4. Colour Wheel

Colour Wheel is powered by Canva (the first plus point). It seems to be just a wheel, but in fact is much more than that! It helps you pick one particular colour, and it will tell you the perfect combination you could use with it.

Where could you use it? On your blog! You see, the top most bar of my blog is of peach colour, right? And when you see the sidebar (the about me section and others), it has a bluish colour heading. That was what the colour wheel suggested!

Now it is not so dominant, as you can see on my blog- and I wanted the same. I had experimented with a lot lot colours in the beginning, and then chose the most soothing colour combination. It is the first impression when your reader can stick-or get off your blog.

So colours DO matter!

Conclusion:

So these were the four tools I had to tell you, and here are their respective links:

1. Google Analytics: https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics

2. Canva : https://www.canva.com/join/pen-geometric-sled (same link as the one I gave before)

3. Feedburner: https://feedburner.com

4. Colour Wheel: https://www.canva.com/colors/color-wheel

I want you to check out the most important ones from the list and tell me if they are useful. Which of these tools are you already using? Do you use any other tools too? Maybe better than mine! Tell in the comments if you do.

Cheers,

Gauri

Blogging

Collab: Meet a Girl from Her Wonderland!

December 29, 2020
By Gauri
3 Comments

Hey Guys, I'm delighted that you found this blog! Today, I am doing a collab with another Teen Blogger. And this is my second collab! I'll be asking her a few questions, and she will answer them. Well, who is the blogger?

It's Ria from riawonderland.blogspot.com. She is a sweet and kind blogger, and post unique stuff on her blog. Some of her ideas are so unique that I feel that why didn't I think of that earlier?!!!

Okay, so here's an intro of hers in her own voice (I mean in her own sentences!):

Hi guys

, I am Ria ,the author of Ria Wonderland blog. In my blog I write about teen lifestyle, fashion, gift guides etc... I am a teen with a big mouth who like chatting a lot. When I am not blogging, i like to read books , scroll through my phone and eat Doritos.I love writing, eating and organizing stuff.
I am very excited and happy for collaborating with Gauri. Hope you will love this post.

Okay, so I chose the best possible questions, and she answered them. She too asked me ten questions and you can find my answers in her blog. It's gonna be fun for you to read them! Let's start:

My questions:

What is your hobby? How do you like to spend your free time?
Which famous personality do you appreciate the most?
What do you wish to become when you grow up? Why?
What is your dream destination? What do you want to do there?
What is your favourite TV show/web series of all time?
Is there any movie that could’ve had a better ending? Which one?
Do you like sports? If yes, then which is the one you like the most?
If you become the principal of your school, what rule will you add or remove for your school?
Do you prefer studying from books or from videos?
Imagine you go abroad without any money or luggage. There you meet a generous person who offers you a help. He asks you to buy any ONE thing and he would pay the money. What ONE thing will you choose to buy? Why?

Her answers:

1. What is your hobby? How do you like to spend your free time?

My hobby is learning foreign languages. I love to learn foreign culture and traditions. I am currently learning Italian. Another hobby of mine is Gardening.

2. Which famous personality do you appreciate the most?

J. K. Rowling is my favourite. Her Harry potter series is one of my favourite books. She is a great inspiration for me because she didn't give up even though she got rejected lots of time.

3. What do you wish to become when you grow up? Why?

I want to become an IAS officer. Because I want to serve the people and also want to contribute to my country's development.

4. What is your dream destination? What do you want to do there?

My dream destination is Switzerland. I want to enjoy sky dining with my family. And I love Swiss chocolates.

5. What is your favourite TV show/web series of all time?

Stranger things is my favourite series.

6. Is there any movie that could’ve had a better ending? Which one?

Yeah. I wish Avengers End game had a happy ending. I literally cried when Tony died

7. Do you like sports? If yes, then which is the one you like the most?

Yeah , I like sports. Tennis is my favourite. Every weekend I play tennis with my family.

8. If you become the principal of your school, what rule will you add or remove for your school?

My school starts at 8'o clock and ends at 5.15p.m . I hate staying in the same place for 9 hours. So if I become the principal of my school, I will reduce the school time to 4'o clock.

9. Do you prefer studying from books or from videos?

For studying literature or a theorem ,I prefer to study from books by reading . But for learning physics or chemistry I prefer to learn from videos.

10. Imagine you go abroad without any money or luggage. There you meet a generous person who offers you a help. He asks you to buy any ONE thing and he would pay the money. What ONE thing will you choose to buy? Why?

I don't even want to imagine such a situation. And moreover I will never go to a country without their currency.

Hope you all liked this post. Weren't her answers superb?! Tell me if you liked this post in the comments box. I'm waiting! Also, since this is my last post of 2020, I wish to express my new year wishes to y'all.

Cheers,

Gauri

Pages

22 Things I Did in 2022

Golden Post! My Blogging Journey + Notice

Blogger Shoutouts : Summer 2021

Twenty Years Older: A Letter Tag

How I Write My Blog Posts

Nominated for Mystery Blogger Award

Not Posting Anything...But Why?

Let's Know Me More: Revisit the Blogger!

Blogging Tools That I Use For My Blog

Collab: Meet a Girl from Her Wonderland!

About Me

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