My Number One Instagram Tip

If you’re not on Instagram, you are seriously missing out.

And if you do have an Instagram account and aren’t following me, we’re fighting.

Hardcore.

When I first started out on Instagram my page was private, I didn’t follow anyone, was obsessed with using filters and pretty much just used it to tweak my photos before sharing them on Facebook.

I may not be all that well known in the blogosphere (yet), but 9 out of 10 times, when someone has heard of Twenty Something Plus, it’s because of my Instagram account.

My Number One Instagram Tip

The most common question I get asked about Instagram is what do I use for my white background. I recommend a basic white foam board that you can find in any office or craft store. But you can pretty much use anything white. Paper, fabric…I also use white (or off-white) walls, the top of a short white bookshelf that I have, and I now have a white tray I found at Target (similar here), which I like because I can also carry stuff on it and don’t have to worry too much about getting it dirty.

There are tons of articles and blog posts out there about Instagram tips, tricks, and apps. My number one Instagram tip is to use natural light.

Why?

Without Natural Light

With Natural Light

I mean, seriously, just look at the difference!

Both photos were taken with my iPhone 5s, are haven’t been edited, aside from being cropped to be square. The ONLY difference is that the second one was taken in front of a window and the other wasn’t. Natural light provides a much better starting point for editing. No?

When natural light isn’t an option, I use daylight light bulbs. They’re still not quite as good as using natural light, but believe me, they make a world of a difference. (So much so that my mom switched most of the lights in the house to daylight ones.)

Oh! And those things that roll around when you’re trying to do a flatlay like a boss? Painter’s tape. It’s cheap, and in my opinion, works the best, without tearing your board.

Painter's Tape for Instagram Flatlays

Want more tips?

Here’s some Instagram related blog posts that really helped me:
Cupcakes and Cashmere
Bloguettes
Zelma Rose
Who What Wear

xx

DIY Floral Arranging with Neatly Noted + Azalea Floral Design

I am not always the most creative person , so when I get the chance to learn how to do something new or crafty, I jump at it.

Like, almost literally.

Ladies Night DIY

A few weeks ago, I joined fellow Monarchs, Latanya of Sprinkles and Booze Whitney of Leopard Spots & Pineapple Dots for a DIY floral arranging ladies night event hosted by Ariel Nathan of Neatly Noted (a friend of a friend, I’d been dying to meet, plus secretly stalking on Facebook and Instagram…) and Shannon Gagnon of Azalea Floral Design.

Azalea Floral Design

Floral Arranging

Floral Arrangement DIY Night

There was SO much food, wine, and lots of shared laughs. I. HAD. SUCH. A. BLAST!

Food Spread

I managed not to cut myself and walked away with a super cute, flower filled Neatly Noted coffee mug.

Good Morning Gorgeous

I hope this was the first of many other craft events.

There was talk of a DIY flower crown night…
If so, count me in!

xx

 

If you’re not in CT, there’s no need to be too jealous, you can get your very own mug here. Photos via the Neatly Noted blog. Except for the last one, that was me.

Long Live Snail Mail!

Isn’t it nice that there are people who actually exist, that get how crappy the world can be and then work actively to go about making life better?

They may be about as rare as unicorns, but they do exist.

Mary is one of those people.

Who is Mary? She is one of the fabulous women I met at Monarch Workshop. If you check out her blog, you will have an idea of just how AWESOME she it. Well, she sent out some snail mail and it absolutely  made my day! Even though it wasn’t completely unexpected (she had to get the addresses somehow), it didn’t make getting mail that wasn’t a bill any less special.

Of course I had to share.

Snail Mail

A sweet note, stickers, temporary tattoos, and TONS of confetti!

Balloon Stickers
To say thank you, wouldn’t be enough.

You are beautiful.

There needs to be more of this.
Make it happen.

xx Bet

Using Photos and Screenshots Effectively as You Blog

When your boss is doing something as awesome as mine is, it only makes sense to want to be a part of it. So, when Ponn Sabra shared that Blogger Babes was holding a blog tour and I’d have the chance for her to guest post on Twenty Something Plus, I wanted in…

This post is a part of a month-long Blogger Babes blog tour which began here. To read this post in-context, we recommend starting at the beginning–then hop along with us for the full journey.

While the of blogging topic is rarely touched upon on this blog, I’d like to share a little story with you, how I think it’s relevant today:

I met Bethany at one of the Blogger Babes CT meetups 2 months ago. I immediately noticed an ambitious beauty and lifestyle blogger with a ton of potential. It was because of this potential and her follow-up (great networking skills are critical in the field of blogging), that I asked her if she wanted to work on a little Blogger Babes (BB) project.

That little project eventually turned into a position working for both brands: Blogger Babes and The Ambitionista (my co-founder, Heidi’s fashion blog). My point here is: if you have a dream of catapulting your hobby blogging to the next level, then follow Bethany’s lead

(1) show up and network with like-minded bloggers,

(2) practice good follow-up skills,

(3) offer to intern, and show your skills and personality off: be trainable, personable, determined and professional, and

(4) grow and get paid while you’re learning.

I know the lessons Bethany is gaining is unlike her startup blogging peers, because we’re teaching her how to achieve multiple streams of revenue while actively building publicity and awareness to the core brand: our blogs.

No matter what Heidi and I do, our blogs are our brands, and we must constantly write posts as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Beauty Blogs are Photo Rich – Don’t Let it Bog Down Your Blogging Process

Look for photos last (or first!)

Looking for photos can become very time consuming as you search for the perfect photo to go with your blog post. Set aside the time to look for images after you’ve written your first draft.

This strategy can be reversed – find inspiring photos from some of the free stock image sites and let them inspire your blog posts!

Use a screenshots effectively.  

If your post sharing that helpful information comes up short and is only 250 words long, bulk up its interest value by adding a teaser screenshot or infographic, highlighting some aspect of the resource that makes your reader want to read more.

Want to take your blog to the next level?

The above tips are an excerpt from our debut “21 Fast and Simple Tips to Write Blog Posts Faster” Guide, one of seven documents in our comprehensive Blogger Monthly Tutorials launching on May 1st. Each tutorial eKit comes with a tutorial, 21 tips sheet, worksheets, calendar, all our recommended tools, and much more!

For the price of your last unfinished premium coffee or tea, you can should invest in yourself and your blog. You know work-related educational materials are a tax write-off, right!? Yeah…taxes are still  on my mind… :-/

BBekit_promotional_button-500x5002

Click here to sign up for the Limited Time Only Early Bird special release of $5 per month!

Ponn Sabra is a best-selling author and homeschool mom of three tween and teen daughters, also bestselling authors and probloggers. The Managing Partner of Blogger Babes, Ponn is a lover of good photography–but not the one you’ll find in front of the camera nor behind it. So, rather than spend time on gazing at gorgeous blog photos, she delegates this task for quicker results. What can you delegate that’s time-consuming because you either love or despise the act?

A Year (Plus) and a Blogiversary Giveaway

Somebody totally forgot their one year blogiversary.

OK, it was me. But in my defense, I may have completely lost track of time because this wasn’t my first attempt to start Twenty Something Plus. The first one was very basic and I didn’t really do anything with it.

Also, I’ve been working on a side thing or two. I’m really excited about my future and the potential of what was initially something I began just to entertain myself.

All excuses aside, I’m making up for missing out on what could have been a giant celebration, by doing a belated blogiversary giveaway!

Target Makeup Bag

All products included are by brands that I use. If you don’t believe me, feel free to stalk my Instagram.

Yes To Face Wipes

EOS Lip Balm

Nivea Lotion

Dove Deodorant

OGX Shampoo + Conditioner

What was originally a rather basic prize bundle, got a MAJOR upgrade thanks to Alyssa of bba bracelets.

bba bracelets

It’s going to be SO hard giving all this stuff away. Especially this gorgeous beaded bracelet stack! I have my bba beaded tassel bracelet, which I LOVE, but these remind me of the ocean, so naturally, I’m obsessed.

BBA Beaded Bracelet Stack

BBA Beaded Bracelet Stack

BBA Beaded Bracelet Stack

BBA Beaded Bracelet Stack

SO pretty! You know you want to enter…

Giveaway Contents

Begins Wednesday, April 15, 2015 12:00AM EST and runs until Wednesday, April 22, 2015 12:00AM EST. Open to U.S. and Canada only. No purchase required. Winner will be selected at random and must respond within 48 after being contacted. This giveaway isn’t endorsed or associated by anyone but me. Good luck!

xx Bet

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What is Monarch Workshop?

A few times, I’ve mentioned Monarch Workshop, but I haven’t really talked about the full experience. After attending for the second time, some sharing needs to happen.

In the fall, Monarch Workshop was held in the B:Hive, this time we convened there in the AM for coffee, but then moved to The Bananaland.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

There was food provided by Whisk + Brush throughout the day.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

Yoga happened.

It was much needed.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

There were tons of raffle prizes.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

And swag. SO. MUCH. SWAG.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

We were inspired.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

We crafted.

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

We ‘grammed. A lot. I even got to take over the Stiletto Shoe Lounge Instagram Account!

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

And this is just in a nutshell.

Monarch Workshop is by far the most (if not the only) holistic workshop EVER. We talked about everything from nutrition to networking and then some. And even better? I can honestly say I’ve made some really great friends.

Plus, PHOTOBOOTH!

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

If you’re thinking about attending, I encourage you to treat yourself. And if you’re not thinking about attending, I think you should at least think about it…

View More: http://victoriagloria.pass.us/spring2015monarch

Thank you, MaddieJessica and Dream Team for another unbelievably empowering experience!

xx Bet

 

 

 

Every single one of these photos is from Victoria Gloria, because I love her oh so mucho and her photos totally put the ones I’d taken to shame.

Also, in case you needed a little more encouragement, here are some blog posts from other Monarch Workshop attendees (one of them is a video!):

Sami Jo of Poor & Pretty
Mary of Uncustomary Art
Christine of CrissCross Journeys
Whitney of Leopard Spots & Pineapple Dots
Kimberly of Happy Healthy Hearts
Melissa of the Haven Collective
Cassandra of Cassandra Madeline
Maya of Mojalvo

Striving for Progress

While I have been trying to progress in many aspects of my life, I can’t shake that feeling that I haven’t really accomplished much.

That is until I creeped on my own Instagram feed…

A few days ago I posted this selfie.

Fresh face and my Layla.

A photo posted by Bethany Everett (@twentysomethingplus) on

Less than a year ago I posted this one.

From no lashes to lashes like whoa! And, yes, #theyrereal! #benefit #realsies A photo posted by Bethany Everett (@twentysomethingplus) on

Notice a difference?
I sure do!

Eyebrow Progress Then Eyebrow Progess Now

Over-tweezing was one of my biggest beauty weaknesses. After coming to the realization that if I wanted thicker brows it meant I’d have to put the tweezers down, I stopped plucking. I have since learned restraint and only clean up very obvious stray hairs.

Would you believe me if I told you that in both photos my brows had been groomed? I am wearing eyebrow gel and brushed them to make sure they were their fullest. And get this, they were also both taken with the front camera on my iPhone!

These changes may not have been the most earth shattering, but they are proof that the things we want to achieve often take effort and happen over time.

Keep striving!

xx Bet

Birchbox Plus Because Sometimes More is More

I don’t consider myself to be greedy.

However, sometimes a girl just wants more.

Birchbox gets that. In addition to your monthly subscription box, you can now add-on items!

January Birchbox Plus

When I saw the January Birchbox Plus selection, I wanted them all. I had a little extra cash at the time, so I splurged. Hey, treat yo’self, right?

This is not a luxury I will be able to indulge in often but it was SO worth it! Had it not been for this option, and reduced pricing, there is probably next to no way that I’d have been lucky enough to get my hands on some of these coveted blogger favorites.

The Everygirl Travel Mug

The Everygirl Travel Mug | $18

Pointe Studio Socks Pointe Studio Socks

Pointe Studio Grip Sock Set | $10-12/pair

Bow & Drape Sweatshirt

Bow & Drape Sweatshirt | $48

And as an extra little added bonus they threw in a Tosi Almond Super Bites Mini and some Kusmi BB Detox Tea.Extra Gift Kusmi Tea BB DetoxI got all of this for under $60. Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me, and well worth the wait!

If you don’t have Birchbox and want it, sign up here.
Not convinced?
Check out some of my other Birchbox posts.

Also, make sure to stay tuned for my February Birchbox unboxing. I’m thinking about giving video another go…
Thoughts?

xx Bet

 

Home. Again…

Home, sweet, home.

O.K. So, I am now officially part of the Boomerang Generation.

Being back in my old bedroom comes with a set of decorating challenges that I did not see coming…

Home Again

For instance, the bed in my apartment was a different size than the room in my bedroom at my parents’ place.

New sheets had to happen.

I hate the dark burnt orange shag carpet.

An area rug is a must.

Downsizing from an apartment to a bedroom, seriously limits my options of where to put stuff.

Think inside the box…

A mirror for selfies, that doubles as storage.

Blogging in bed can be fun, but when you’re in it most of the day, a desk reminds you that it’s 2015 and this is your year!

Bedroom Update

Want? Target.

xx Bet

Happy New Year!

2014 has been pretty good to me.

I won a few contests, started blogging, got to attend a ton of fun events, quit my job

The list goes on.

IMG_5554Moët  + NYE DetailsHappy New Year

Aside from crossing off some more things off of my 30 before 30 list and making my life + blog better, I don’t really have any specific goals or resolutions.

None of that new year, new me stuff here. But I am still working on things…

A lot can happen in a year, can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store!

Countdown Nails

Have a happy New Year!

xx Bet