Top Ten Tuesday (45) - Ten Websites I Love That Aren't About Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists there at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love us to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share.  If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. 

The topic this week is:

Ten Websites I Love That Aren't About Books

I don't really go on a lot of websites that aren't about books, but the ones I do are pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.  I'm going to break it down into categories in order to show off some more specific things.  These are all sites/channels/places of awesome I visit on the regular!

Bloggers:

Girl's Gone Child 

I know it's weird that I read a "mom" blog when I'm not even a parent, but there is just something so beautiful about Rebecca's family.  She also writes about being woman, being confused/scared, life in general.  And those entries are the ones I really love.

The Militant Baker

Jes is a body positivity badass, and one of my role models for sure.  Her outlook on fatphobia, and a fat woman's place in society is very empowering.  She has helped me deal with some of my issues, and she is just fucking hilarious!

Miss Geeky

I am a self-affirmed geek (I mean you can't love books as much as I do without being a geek).  Therefore, I love Melinda's blog because she reviews all the fun geeky stuff I'm into, and introduces me to things I might not know about yet!

Vloggers/YouTubers:

Sarah Snitch

Sarah is the first vlogger I saw on YouTube that talked so much about Disney.  I love her humor, her enthusiasm, and her heart.  She does really interesting videos all over the geeky spectrum, but her Disney content is top notch, and brings me back every time!

Casey Neistat

Let's talk motherfucking amazing content.  Casey does a vlog every. single. day. of. the. year.  And they aren't shitty, or uninteresting.  He lives his life authentically, and puts his mad-video skills to great gain.  If you never watch any other vlogger/YouTuber other than Casey, you'll be set.

Grace Helbig

Please go watch Grace.  Please!!  She is hilarious, smart, and unapologetic.  Her humor is so original, and she just is such a fun person to watch.  The ideas she comes up with sometimes, I don't even know.  Each video, even if it's premise is the stupidest thing ever, is great.  She makes it great.

Fleur De Force

Hands down the sweetest beauty guru out there.  I love Fleur because it never feels like she makes her videos just to be "on top".  If you watch beauty gurus like I do, you'll know what I mean.  She is genuine, with both her reviews and her product endorsements.  Also her vlog channel (Fleurdevlog) is full of super cute day in the life, starring her, her very handsome husband, and there three adorable puppies!  Love her so much!

Bits and Bobs:

Check Please!

HOCKEY! ROMANCE! SHENANIGANS!  This webcomic has it all!  It is my favorite thing ever, and has taken over my tumblr for real.  It is so so so good, and you should check it out if you haven't already!

Texts From Last Night

Humor gold. The things that people text under the influence (alcohol, drugs, or stupidity - take your pick) is crazy.  If I want a quick chuckle, I definitely head over here.

Instagram

This site is my life blood.  I am obsessed with posting photos, and I love seeing my friends lives through photos when I can't be there with them.  I've always been an obsessive photographer ever since middle school, so finally having somewhere to post those photos is amazing.

As you can tell, I love the Internet.  I am constantly hooked in, and I know some people think that's horrible, but that is how I experience the world at large.  I get to "meet" new people, sometimes half way around the world.  I get to read interesting posts and learn about new things.  I get to share a piece of my life with people who may need that connection. 

Please check out the websites I shared; they're all pretty great in different ways.  Leave me suggestions of your favorite websites (both about books and not about books ;) ) in the comments!

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Bookin' It Around the Web (5)

In Bookin' It Round the Web  I've found some interesting articles or fun posts that I've found while on my daily internet adventures.  Feel free to do this over on your blogs, and leave me links to any cool articles or posts in the comments!

• Oooooh, listen up!  Booktubers are pairing up with some of the hottest YA authors out there for a brand new anthology, called Because You Love to Hate Me, that will focus solely on villains!  Super excited to read this one!
  
  
• This list of 8 reasons why people buy books pretty much hits like all my reasons for buying books at one point or another within my life.
  
  
• Libraries are still an important part of the community, and in this growing digital age, here are some ways libraries are staying relevant and the go-to for all people.
  
  
• For all of us who weren't able to go to Yallwest, check out this photo wrap-up from Publishers Weekley.
  
  
• I am currently watching the documentary Twinsters on Freeform, and it is fascinating.  Very The Parent Trap-esque, two girls discover they are twins separated at birth.
  
  
• If you are a Beyoncé fan and you fell in love with Lemonade, then you have to check out the LibGuide so you can understand all the connections between the poetry, historical figures, and cultural references riddled throughout.  This elevates this masterpiece even more!
  
  
• The American Library Association just released their annual State of America's Libraries report.

Got any great links to share?

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Bookin' It Round the Web (4)

Everything about books intrigues me.  Because of this I'm subscribed to couple magazines, like American Libraries and the Chronicle of Higher Education, as well as a frequent troller of EW's Shelf Life, Publishers Weekly, NPR Books, and The New York Times Book section.   

That's why Bookin' It Round the Web was born!  Below are links to some interesting articles or some fun graphics that I've found while on my daily internet adventures.  Feel free to do this over on your blogs, and leave me links to any cool articles or posts in the comments!

•  Tahereh Mafi gives the scoop on Unravel Me, the second book in her Shatter Me trilogy!
• Neil Gaiman speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about his favorite television and movies.
• We all have that awkward moment when the book you're reading makes you burst into tears; well here's some advice on how to handle certain levels of crying in public.
• Newsflash: libraries weren't always free.  Here's a concise overview about this unimaginable history.
• Hollywood Crush has the cover reveal of The Shadowhunter's Codex up for us all to adore.
• Didn't get to go to ALA Midwinter (me either), but we can enjoy elementary school librarian Travis Jonker's Instagram journey.  I love pictures of conferences; it helps me believe I was there!
• If you love fairytale retellings as much as I do, you'll want to check out this list of must read books by librarian Joy Fleishhacker.
• Want to start a book club?  Wallace Yovetich has some essential tips to help that happen!
• Speaking of book clubs, check out this list of great fantasy books from School Library Journal; maybe pick one up for your next read!
• Have you checked out some of the YA lists YALSA has put out for 2013? If not, go already: 2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2013 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2013 Quick Picks for Reluctant YA Readers, 2013 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2013 Fabulous Films for Young Adults,  & 2013 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults.

Got any great links to share?

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Bookin' It Round the Web (3)

Everything about books intrigues me.  Because of this I'm subscribed to couple magazines, like American Libraries and the Chronicle of Higher Education, as well as a frequent troller of EW's Shelf Life, Publishers Weekly, NPR Books, and The New York Times Book section.   

That's why Bookin' It Round the Web was born!  Below are links to some interesting articles or some fun graphics that I've found while on my daily internet adventures.  Feel free to do this over on your blogs, and leave me links to any cool articles or your posts in the comments!

• An Epic Reads user, EpicGirl, has created an amazing map of "The United States of YA" highlighting books from each state, so you can read your way across America!
  
  
• EW has an awesome interview with Chris Colfer, and a clip from his new YA book, Struck By Lightning.
  
  
• Here's an New York Times blog post about how people view reading and "guilty pleasure" books.
  
  
• Remember Barbar, King of the Elephants? Well if not, you soon will be as the 80th anniversary of the beloved children's series comes around with a huge promotional push.
  
  
• Author Jacqueline Kelly, author of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, is writing a sequel to The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame titled Return to the Willows.
  
  
• Love it or hate it, Twilight made a lasting impact on the YA lit world.
  
  
• The Hub has a great article about impersonation in YA lit, including a nice book list.
  
  
• Check out this lovely interview of one of my FAVORITE authors, Ellen Wittlinger!!
  
  
• What does the Penguin-Random merger mean for the economy? The New York Times looks back to the turn of the century for some insight.

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Dear Teen Me Blog Tour: The Extras!

My awesome week of Dear Teen Me posts are almost done!  I've had so much fun this week, and I hope you all have as well!  For this post, it's what it says on the tin: I'm going to be posting some extra things from the Dear Teen Me blog that I think add to the experience!

After looking over this, head to my giveaway, my review, and my interview with one of the editors, E. Kristin Anderson, to get even more Dear Teen Me!  Don't forget to pick up a copy of the book either, on sale October 30!

The Book Trailers!

More Dear Teen Me Letters!

Dear Teen Me, from Lisa and Lauren Roecker, authors of The Liar Society

Dear Teen Me, from Adele Griffin, author of Tighter

Dear Teen Me, from Shelley Coriell, author of Welcome Caller, This is Chloe

Dear Teen Me, from E.C. Myers, author of Fair Coin

Dear Teen Me, from Kody Keplinger, author of The D.U.F.F.

Dear Teen Me, from Jennifer Nielsen, author of The False Prince

Dear Teen Me, from Daniel Marks, author of Velveteen 

Of course there are plenty more letters over at the Dear Teen Me blog for you to check out!

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Celebrate NPM with Some Great Poetry Sites

For my continued celebration of National Poetry Month, I'm bringing you some links that you could use in your own life, and the teens in your life.  

For Reading

Poets.org

Poem-A-Day

Poetry N Progress

Young Adult Fiction in Verse

Poetry 180

Writing Tips & Exercises

Back to Basics: Poetry Writing Exercises

Writing Forward: Poetry Writing Exercises

36 Poetry Writing Tips

How to Write Poems for Beginners

Writing Prompts

Rhyme and Stress

Daily Writing Tips

How-Tos

How to Write a Sonnet

How to Write an Imagist Poem

Roundup of Haiku Writing Tips

The Different Types of Poems

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Top Ten Tuesday (14)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: Top Ten Tips For New Book Bloggers


I suppose I could call myself a seasoned book blogger (even after just a year and 4 months), but I'm still trying to get the hang of this thing.  Believe me there are a ton of bloggers out there way more savvy then me, BUT I do have some advice to impart on you younglings!!

1. Figure out which blogging platform works best for you!  There are two main ones which people use: Blogger and Wordpress.  Both of these have their pros and cons, but it's really what works best for you.  I'd read some reviews of both to gain a feel for them.  Both are free to use and web-based, so they're simple to start with.  
2. Set up a separate email account for your blog!  It is easier to have all your blog comments, email inquires, and review requests come to the same email.  This helps avoid you missing something, and if you ever stop blogging you still have your personal email intact.  This also makes it easier to set up other social networking sites which I will talk about as well.
3. Get on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Youtube, and Pinterest!  Social networking is you friend; it can help you reach a larger audience and allows you to post content in a multitude of places.  If you have to pick one go with Twitter!  It is the fasest way to get information out, and to connect with other bloggers.  Then after that I'd go with Facebook.  The other three are fun, but not as important from the get go.
4. Browse other book blogs and find ones you like!  Do a Google or Twitter search to find relevant blogs.  And there are all kinds out there.  Some specialize in certain genres, others certain age groups, and others that are a mixed bag.  For instance, I read mostly YA book blogs because that's my interest.  To keep all of the blogs you find organized, you can use a feedburner.  there are several out there, but the one I use is Netvibes.  Super simple, and keeps all my blogs in order!
5. Comment, comment, comment!  Once you find those blogs you like, start commenting!  This is a fast way to get followers yourself, and to make friends within the blogosphere.  It's also good manners to comment on a post; the blogger puts time and effort in posting and it's nice to be appreciated.
6. Make a schedule you can keep!  Don't try and be super blogger because you'll burn out.  It may seem easy at first, especially if you start during a slow time in your life, but as you get more and more busy, it becomes harder and harder to keep up.  That's why I suggest keeping a schedule.  Pick days or times you write posts that work with your life.  And don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a post.  This needs to be fun not just for the reader, but for you as the writer; a schedule helps with that!  Some online options are: Remember the Milk, Day Viewer, & picoBeat
7. Write extra posts early!  If you have a free couple of hours then I suggest writing extra posts up and scheduling them to post.  This saves my butt a ton of times!  Usually there's a schedule button that you use to choose both date and time of post.  Very convenient for vacations or busy times .
8. Don't focus so much on what you don't have yet!  This could include the number of followers you have or getting ARCs for review.  This stuff will come, believe me!  Ask any season blogger, and they'll let you know that those things didn't come right away!  It takes perseverance, and time to show how awesome you are!  Because we all know it, but sometimes it takes publishers a little bit of time to find out ; )  Also, if you do the comments thing, you should be getting reciprocal action.  See it's all part of the circle of blogging!
9. Features are fun, but try to find your own thing too!  There are a TON of features to choose from all over the blogosphere (including this one).  Some of my favorites are In My Mailbox, Top Ten Tuesday, Teaser Tuesday, and Waiting on Wednesday.  There are other awesome ones as well.  They are great for pageviews, but original content is really what makes followers stay.  Think of things you really love, and blog about those!  If you like movies, go ahead and blog it up!  Knitting your thing?  Then let us know what it's all about!  When you're a book blogger remember that's not the only thing you are, and your followers are just as diverse!
10. Have fun!  The last thing I have to tell you is just to have fun with it all!  Seriously, that is the one thing I hope the most that you take away from this little list!

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Things That Make Me Smile (5)

The internet is such an awesome place full of community and cool things. TTMMS is my place to share that with all of you! Leave me a comment with what made you smile, I always love getting new things to smile at!

+ This is the best Star Wars music video ever! The Piano Guys are awessome!

 

+ This is a very heart-touching video about Marriage Equality. I suggest everyone watches it, because it is time.

+ Dara Scully is living out some amazing storybook fantasies. I'd love to be there with her!

+ This is why I have such a shaky relationship with the library.  I NEVER WANT TO LET THEM GOOOOOOOOO!

+ I want to sign-up for this so bad! Lost Crates is a service where you can get awesome office supply samples sent directly to you door!  How freaking cool is that?  I have an office supply addiction.

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In My Mailbox (33)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren and inspired by one of her friends, Alea of Pop Culture Junkie where we get to post about the books we receive each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests won, and libraries.

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Check out these links!

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Mastiff Review: http://dft.ba/-tpm

Random Buzzers: http://dft.ba/-rbuzz

Girls in the Stacks: http://dft.ba/-stack

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In My Mailbox (25)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren and inspired by one of her friends, Alea of Pop Culture Junkie where we get to post about the books we receive each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests won, and libraries.

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What's in your mailbox?

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VALA: DAY 4

 Full of books, birds, and biscuits.


LINKS!
Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story
You Do the Dishes
Biscoff








Disclaimer: I have NOT been paid or contacted to endorse ANY of the things talked about or linked to in this blog/vlog post.  These are all my own opinions.

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Harry Potter Extravaganza: Day 6 Part 2!

Did you know....

• ...that Arabella Figg makes her living by breeding Kneazles?
• ...that Fabius Watkins, legendary Captain and Chaser of the Montrose Magpies, died in a freak collision with a helicopter?
• ...that many recipes traditionally served at Hogwarts feasts originated from Helga Hufflepuff?
• ...that Daisy Dodderidge (1467-1555) was the first landlady of the Leaky Cauldron?
• ...that Hogsmeade was founded by a medieval wizard named Hengist of Woodcroft when he was fleeing persecution by Muggles?
• ...that Lucius Malfoy attempted to have the story The Fountain of Fair Fortune censored at Hogwarts because it depicted the marriage between a witch and a Muggle?

(Factoids courtesy of the Harry Potter Wiki)

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Things That Make Me Smile (01)

New thing I'm trying out.  Similar to Daily Dose hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly and Tilt: Things I Love Thursday hosted by Gala Darling (You guys should check out both blogs. GGMH is an awesome book blog and GD is an inspiring lifestyle blog).  So in "Things That Make Me Smile" I'm going to be posting pictures, videos, links to things that make me smile or that I've been loving lately.  Please enjoy and feel free to link to your Daily Dose or Tilt or anything you do on your blog that makes you smile!

1. The FREE Angry Bird app for Google Chrome!  I can't stop playing, it's an obsession. 
2. Watched RENT for the 25th time today!  La Vie Boheme is my favorite scene and everyone should watch it once.
   
3. Black and WTF.  This is the funniest Tumblr.  It shows weird ass black and white pictures, and they are super entertaining.
4. Plume Feather Hair Extensions!  I WANT!!!!!  They looks so cool and this is pretty much the last summer I can have something crazy like this in my hair.
5. Florida roll, Florida roll Florida roll.  This sushi is delicious. I must go to Soho Sushi like twice a week at least.
   
   
6. What's In My Bag meme.  This one from Elsie at A Beautiful Mess is one of my favorites.  I watch them all the time on Youtube as well.  It is sad.

Let me know what you guys think about the new feature!

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