After nearly a whole month of posting my regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday posts on my Facebook page, I’m pleased to say they seem to be really popular with everyone! So here’s my first round up of all the Musings Monday, Helpful Humpday and Photo Tips Friday posts in case you missed any. It also means that you can Pin these images if you wish (which of course you can’t do on Facebook – at least I don’t think you can).
Let me know if you’ve been following these posts and if you’ve found them interesting/useful – and if you have any ideas for future posts (Photo Tips Friday, for example) then mention that in your comment, too!
MUSINGS MONDAY
Is it just the fashions that make so many 40+ women look better now than they did in their 20s? Are we misled by the dated hair and make up of the 1980s/90s… or do we simply embrace a more youthful look these days? More…
Things I’ve never done that it seems everyone else has – my “Anti Bucket List”:
1. I’ve never seen a Harry Potter movie
2. I’ve never been to a hen [bachelorette] party – didn’t even have one myself
3. I’ve never eaten a KFC
4. I never permed my hair in the 80s (I was the perfect age for it)
Why in my head do I think I’m really, really smiling for a photo, then the photographer says “SMILE”?! I’m thinking that my face is looking more and more miserable as I’m getting older… does this happen to anyone else?
They’re beautiful but the pollen is EVIL! Cut them off as soon as the flower opens or your clothes will get covered in pollen if you brush against them. Best way to get rid of pollen if you do get it on your clothes? Don’t touch it – carefully use a vacuum to suck it up.
PLUS they’re toxic to cats so don’t let your kitty near them! Read here > http://www.stargazerlilies.net
HELPFUL HUMPDAY
Use just one profile pic (avatar) across ALL your social media platforms:
People need to recognise you from one place to the next!
Using six different pictures will make you look like six different people – and harder to get to know.
Ideally choose a clear head shot with strong graphic colours and shapes.
A smile and visible eyes (no sunglasses) tend to be more welcoming.
Top, top tip: Register your chosen avatar on http://en.gravatar.com so wherever you login or comment it’ll be recognised and show your profile pic.
Want to create your own little Favicon (a tab icon) for your blog? It’s quick, easy and instantly makes your blog look more like a brand!
1. Go to a favicon generator, e.g. www.favicon.co.uk to create a 16×16 .ico file
2. In Blogger, go to the Layout option (see below for WordPress)
3. Click on ‘Edit’ in the Favicon box
4. Choose and save the .ico file you have just created… done!
DO NOTE that it can take a few hours to show up in Chrome – try clearing your cookies and cache on your browser. Your new favicon will show up in Bookmarks too which = instant branding! (Here’s a “how to” for WordPress blogs: https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-favicon/)
It’s SO easy with Tweetdeck https://tweetdeck.twitter.com, a free social media dashboard application to manage your Twitter account(s). You can see columns of your favourite hashtags all at the same time, you’ll find Twitter chats easier and BEST OF ALL you can schedule Tweets – even with images. And lots more besides.
PHOTO TIPS FRIDAY
Pictures of accessories or jewellery (or any small object) can be improved in 3 easy steps:
1. Take a large sheet of wallpaper or patterned paper that contrasts with or complements your object.
2. Lay the object down flat and photograph it from above (ensure you have lots of natural, diffused daylight).
3. In Instagram, crop the picture and add a filter… Ta-da!
Photograph portraits during the golden hour (the hour before sunset or after sunrise) to get the softest, most flattering light. Wrinkles will disappear, skin will glow, and hair will look golden…!
Get creative with your selfies:
– Experiment with layers upon layers of filters (top left)
– Take advantage of low sun and create solar flare (top right)
– Use black & white for a change and increase contrast (bottom right)
– Get creative with viewpoints, like lying on the floor (bottom left)
1). Sunglasses – better than squinting in bright light
2). Spare charged camera battery
3). A UV or polarising filter on your lens also protects the lens from scratches
Linking up to: Let It Shine, Friday’s Fab Favourites
Yes, sometimes I face the same issue where my face gets more miserable as I get older. I'm trying my very best not to think much about it. Golden hours are my favourite time to take pictures too but lately our weather isn't too photography friendly so I'm hoping those golden hours would be back soon =)
P.S. You've been nominated the Versatile Blogger Award on my blog. If you'd like to participate, do have a look at my recent post. If not, it's ok too =D
Wow!! This is one heck of a round-up, dearest Catherine…I don't even know where to start!! The "golden hour" is something that my hubby and I have been taking advantage of a lot, recently; I'm already dreading the many months of rain we have coming!! I DO think that many women in their 40's are more attractive now than they used to be…updated hair and makeup can make a huge difference!! And I always wanted to know how to do the favicon thing…gonna get on that asap!! Thank you, thank you!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com
I saw that you did it!! Well done you x
love these tips!!
also you look amazing i thought you were in your 20s
http://carolinapinglo.blogspot.com/
Oh gosh Carolina – what a compliment, thank you!!! But it proves that my tip about photographing in the golden hour is right – it must be flattering if you though that 🙂
That top left selfie is so cool in all its Purple-ness!!! :o)
JJ
http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
That was my favourite selfie, JJ – it's got about 10 filters on it!
Great tips, Catherine, thank you! Something I have never done, but hope to some day: own a dog! xoxo
Oh gosh that would be lovely, Patti!
I love your flower crown in that first photo! Great tips, thanks for sharing :).
Tamara
http://www.trulytamara.com
I haven't worn it at all this year – I should dig it out, Tamara! Thanks hun x
Thanks for sharing these great tips/advice Catherine :). I also can't believe you've never watched Harry Potter! 😉 xx
You're welcome, Donna! The HP thing is out of choice…!!
There is nothing I like better than learning new things, and you are such a sourcer of knowledge and inspiration.
Great help ALWAYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Aww thanks, Sacramento! x
Another tip for pollen from lilles is sellotape, just dab the are with a piece of taught tape, works wonders but best of all is remove them before they start to furr.
I cant believe you've never watched Harry Potter!! xx
Oooh I never thought of sellotape for the pollen, Gail! Good tip. And the Harry Potter thing is out of choice, I avoid it like the plague 😉