I always love reading blog related posts and seen as I've never done one before, today I thought I would talk all about my blogging essentials. I get quite a few questions about my camera, lighting etc so I'm going to cover everything from what I use to take my photos to how I plan and schedule my posts. I've also listed where to find amazing stationery and props!
Planners
I never knew how beneficial blog planners were until I started using them. I got mine from PaperChicPlans and I absolutely love them. They're so detailed and I love that I can tick things off as I go. I use them to schedule posts, make to-do lists and keep track of my social media stats. Unfortunately, Claudia is no longer making them but there are a few left in the sale on her website if you fancy getting one! Etsy and TK Maxx also have some great ones!
Computer
I use an iMac to write my blog posts and I love it! Of course, you can use any computer/laptop but I'm so glad I decided to bite the bullet and get an Apple computer. It's also super handy for making YouTube videos!
Camera & Lighting
I've had a bit of a rollercoaster ride when it comes to what to use for my blog photos but now, 99% of the time, I use my iPhone 6. It doesn't have the best camera in the world but it gets the job done. Lighting also plays a massive part in picture quality and I find natural/daylight works best.
Stationery
I've found so many cute stationery bits recently. Primark has lots of new stuff in at the moment including planners, notebooks, and sticky notes. Every blogger needs a gorgeous pen to write with and these ones from ICE London are absolutely stunning. I have the Rose Gold Pen Trio* and a few Royal/Magnetic Clip Pens* which are all embellished with Swarovski crystals. They literally make me feel like a princess!
Props
When I first started blogging I didn't really bother with props but I've recently realised what a difference they make. Some of my favourite things to use are magazines, plants, books and beauty tools. Primark, New Look, and TK Maxx are where I get most of mine!
Grammarly
Spelling mistakes really bother me so proofreading is not something I take lightly. I recently downloaded Grammarly and I'm so glad I did because it means I don't make any mistakes. This isn't essential but if you're a perfectionist like me, I would highly recommend trying it!
I never knew how beneficial blog planners were until I started using them. I got mine from PaperChicPlans and I absolutely love them. They're so detailed and I love that I can tick things off as I go. I use them to schedule posts, make to-do lists and keep track of my social media stats. Unfortunately, Claudia is no longer making them but there are a few left in the sale on her website if you fancy getting one! Etsy and TK Maxx also have some great ones!
Computer
I use an iMac to write my blog posts and I love it! Of course, you can use any computer/laptop but I'm so glad I decided to bite the bullet and get an Apple computer. It's also super handy for making YouTube videos!
Camera & Lighting
I've had a bit of a rollercoaster ride when it comes to what to use for my blog photos but now, 99% of the time, I use my iPhone 6. It doesn't have the best camera in the world but it gets the job done. Lighting also plays a massive part in picture quality and I find natural/daylight works best.
Stationery
I've found so many cute stationery bits recently. Primark has lots of new stuff in at the moment including planners, notebooks, and sticky notes. Every blogger needs a gorgeous pen to write with and these ones from ICE London are absolutely stunning. I have the Rose Gold Pen Trio* and a few Royal/Magnetic Clip Pens* which are all embellished with Swarovski crystals. They literally make me feel like a princess!
Props
When I first started blogging I didn't really bother with props but I've recently realised what a difference they make. Some of my favourite things to use are magazines, plants, books and beauty tools. Primark, New Look, and TK Maxx are where I get most of mine!
Grammarly
Spelling mistakes really bother me so proofreading is not something I take lightly. I recently downloaded Grammarly and I'm so glad I did because it means I don't make any mistakes. This isn't essential but if you're a perfectionist like me, I would highly recommend trying it!
What are your blogging essentials?
Maiya
You have so many pretty products! I just use my bullet journal xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
Thanks, Siobhan! I've considered starting a bullet journal but I think I'd get too caught up in trying to make it all fancy! Haha! xx
DeleteI need to invest in a blog planners! I also agree about natural lighting, it is what works best, I do all my pictures with my iPhone 5 so I know what you mean about the bad quality, but I find that if I use it just underneath a big window (and with a little bit of editing behind it), it isn't the worth camera in the world. Great post and thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
They're so handy! That's exactly what I do! I do have a proper camera but I feel like my phone takes better pictures. So weird, lol! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! xx
DeleteI love all the pretty products you have, and I'm kind of gutted I missed out on Claudia's planners. I had one in my basket and someone else brought the last one before I pressed pay. I'm so glad I got a Mac recently too.
ReplyDeleteKristy | www.thevioletblonde.com
Thanks, Kristy! Oh no! I hate it when that happens! Primark have some planners at the mo which are just gorgeous! I love my Mac! x
DeleteI am struggling with photography to be honest. I haven't invest in a ring light so comes Winter, I really struggle taking pictures due to lack of light. Thank you for the heads up on Grammarly, I definitely need to check it out.
ReplyDeleteShireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Your photos are gorgeous! I struggle with lighting too. No problem Hun! I hope you find it useful! x
DeleteI adore Grammarly, it is such a handy tool to have! x
ReplyDeleteIt really is! x
DeleteGreat great post! I wish I was more organised, but I am a last minute blogger just like I am a last minute person haha, hopefully this will change. Thanks for sharing xxx
ReplyDeleteALittleKiran | Bloglovin
Thank you Hun! Aw, haha! I have to plan everything! My pleasure! xxx
DeleteCan we just take a moment to appreciate how extra fab and lovely these photos are in this post! I don't own a planner but even so I find my notebook has definitely helped me with my blogging and planning. Those pens are beautiful, I always stick in planning in colour as it keeps things bright and interesting.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte / Charlotte's Picks
Awww!! Thank you Charlotte! Oh definitely! Before I had my planners I used a notebook and even that was extremely helpful! They're so pretty! Yes! xx
Deleteplanners and notepads are essential for my blogging because i need to write things down. obviously i also need my laptop.
ReplyDelete❤︎
www.elenaisabelle.com
They are for me too! I can't be without them! I really want a laptop so I can blog in bed as I tend to have sudden urges at night to write blog posts! Lol! x
DeleteThis has inspired me to pick up some more stationery. x
ReplyDeletefranklyflawless.com
These blog photos are just THE BEST!
ReplyDeletewww.upyourvlog.com
I really need one of those planners! They look so handy!
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
All of these are essentials for me as well! I haven't tried Grammarly though. Will have to check it out :)
ReplyDelete