6 Tips For Taking The Perfect Instagram Picture of Food

I like food, you like food, we all like food. We all want to see each others food, we only want to eat the most instagrammable food, and we certainly don't go without taking pictures. Because how can you possibly eat a slice of cake and not take a picture? I'm getting a rash just thinking of it. On Instagram, food pictures are completely split, you get the perfectly put together ones, laid out to perfection, and the one's where it looks like 2 weeks worth of leftovers have been slopped onto a plate. No thank you.

I'm obsessed. I cannot eat without taking a picture without thinking of the gram, and I almost always opt for the most instagrammable thing on the menu regardless to its price, how it tastes and if it will make me ill. But if it 'looks good' then who cares, right?

There's more to food flatlay photography than you think, this post if for you if you want to nail that shot to perfection!

#1. Choose Wisely

I'm 100% sure I'm not alone here that I will always choose the nicest looking thing over the fact whether it actually tastes any good. Someone gotta do it. For me, brunch always looks good as I pretty much eat pancakes and anything sweet. Sweet stuff always seems to get the most likes over something like a fried breakfast or scrambled eggs. Just ask yourself, if it came up on my feed 'would I like it?'.

#2. The Lighting

Lighting is everything. There's nothing worse than having the most appeasing dish delivered to your table when you realise that your table is situated in a place darker than a dementors soul or you got all the spotlight going on. Get a table that can do both. You need to consider the table you choose too, plastic table cloths are a no no.

#3. No Hands In Shot

Harder than it sounds believe me. Bribe your guests if you have to, or better yet eat alone so you don't have to worry about it. Let their food go cold in the process to get that perfect shot. Hands in photos, bites already being taken are real life, yes, but it ruins the photo. Less is more here.

#4. Lay It Out

Turn your dishes around, move the pot of flowers over into the shot, move your plates closer, do your thing. Just like you play around with products or items for a flatlay the same should apply for any food shots. Keep changing it around until you get it right. Waiters/waitresses are inconsiderate and will not take Insta needs into mind so this part is up to you.

#5. Grab Some Props

I love me some props for a food flatlay. I haven't got to the stage of taking my own props in a bag yet, but it is going that way. Use what's around you, but some things that are perfect for foodie flatlays are; newspapers, magazines, sunglasses, flowers, quote cards (in case you got a spare one in your bag..), laptops, hands & watches etc, etc.

#6. Aerial View

Get the aerial view going. Standing up to take photos of dishes is common place now, everyone is getting in on the act and there is no need to be embarrassed. Embrace the food shots! Standing up will always give you the cleanest, laid out look, you can then shoot as much or as little in it as you want. 

Have you got any tips for nailing the perfect food shot?

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What I Do For My Day Job

Yup, that's right. I'm not a full time blogger, Influencer or whatever else they're called these days. Much to the surprise of people that only lurk on my social media platforms, I actually do have a day job. As my Instagram posts dwindle during the week, and about 20 Insta stories go out on Saturday, it suddenly starts to make sense, no?

My working life is something I haven't really ever put the spotlight on, it's something I have and do like to keep private from my 'online life'. My online life is my escape from my not as interesting every day life. What is there to say about sitting in an office Monday-Friday 9-5pm, huh? Answers on a postcard plz. But I thought I would finally answer that question that so many people ask me in one blog post, also one for my boyfriend and family who seem to change what my profession is every time they get asked, this one's for you guys.

What's My Job Title?

Much to most people's surprise, I'm not entering my third year at Hogwarts. Believe me, I'm surprised too. 

Anyway, back to me. I'm an Ecommerce Partnership Manager which basically means nothing to you all, am I right? In basic terms I'm a digital marketing manager, essentially, plus some. I work at a company based in Plymouth called Vertical Plus. I get to do social media too, and blogging sometimes, so that's nice.

What Does My Job Involve?

Where do I start... At Vertical Plus we work with ecommerce companies to build their websites and help to grow their online presence and sales. I account manage around 12 websites from companies that sell homemade fudge and sea charts to condoms, I know everything from trim condoms and dental dams to glow in the dark condoms, so there's that. I also do agency style social media work for companies too which I love to do, it helps to keep me grounded. 

Then I do everything and anything. We work closely with the sites on growth strategies and manage their online growth in any way that we can, from SEO, social media, google Adwords (PPC), blogging, content writing, amazon & eBay and inventory. It's a very varied role which isn't something you would find at a traditional agency where you would just specialise in one area. It's fast paced, hard work, but I also kinda like it. I guess that always helps.

I've not yet been asked to go on a work trip to New York or Milan, but I will keep you posted on that. Besides the above, I usually have about 3 snacks and some before 11am, I'm in from 9 to 5:30 every day too. I really am living the 9-5 dream.

How Did I Get My Job?

I'd like to think it was because of my little blog, and I think 80% of the reason they first employed me as an ecommerce partnership coordinator of the company, that it was. It showed that I did something a little bit different to the other candidates and employed my time into something I loved, as well as hopefully showing my flair and passion for writing. I guess having a degree also helped.

Having a blog has and will always be a talking point, of intrigue and mystery at times. The readership isn't what it used to be, but it's my own creative outlet online that will always be mine. It helped me get my job today, so for that I am very grateful. 

So, there we go. A tiny, yet hopefully good insight into what I really do Monday to Friday. Tweet me or drop me a comment with any other questions. I will be back with a day in the life of 'moi' post very soon...

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5 Things You Need To Get From The New Summer Lush Collection

When it comes to the summer I take my foot off the Lush pedal *slightly*, but still secretly long for those cold, winter nights and the releases of the Halloween collection - because is there really any better time of the year, am I right?

In between deciding how I'm going to position my Christmas tree in my new place, I went to Lush Plymouth's blogger evening last week to learn about the new collection. I had seen little snippets of what was coming out on Instagram, and I was incredibly excited to pick up some bits too. There are quite a few products that sadly won't make it into our store, so to give you a quick snapshot of the evening and new ranges, here are 5 things that you totally need to get your hands on this summer!

#1. Jelly Face Masks

I know what you're thinking, HOW? I am loving this take on the jelly shower gels, but believe me it's easier to apply and use than you think. This twist on a traditional face mask is fun and pretty cool. To use, you simply break a piece off and rub together in your hands before applying.

There are currently 4 in the range which all help to target different problem areas, the range includes; Just To Clarify, Bunny Moon, 1000 Millihelens and The Birth of Venus. I picked up Just To Clarify which is juicy, zesty and helps to brighten up the skin. You only need to leave it on for 5-10 mins to reap the benefits. I always end up wearing them whilst I'm doing the washing up or some other adult chore, mask time is up before you know it! What are your initial thoughts on these?!

2. Hot Oil Conditioners

Okay, so these aren't exactly new, but there is a new gal to the collection and I a) never knew these existed and b) have never used one - I blame it on my penchant for bath bombs and nothing else, but it looks like I've been missing out.

There are 5 hot oil conditions in the range now, all targeted specifically at the needs of different hair types. Whether you have bleached or coloured hair that needs a little bit of nourishment and tender loving care or flat hair that needs a bit of oomph, then they have you covered.

They're so easy to use and you simply stir them into boiling hot water to form a 'sort of' thick paste. Dependent on the amount of hair you have, any excess product can be put into a tub to keep in the fridge which can last up to 6-8 weeks. 

I picked the Huge Hot Oil Conditioner to try out which smells like spearmint chewing gum, HELLO. It's the one for fine or flat hair that needs some serious oomph. It contains sea salt for shine and volume and peppermint powder to reduce the drop rate in hair and strengthen the scalp. I'll have to get back to you on the results of this one!

3. Rump Cream

I remember seeing this on Instagram and think WHUT? Before I'd even looked into what the product was. It sounded vaguely familiar to Trump, don't you think? And that is where this idea for this product has come from. It's the product that has got everyone talking who's anyone, to prove that with any cracks, come light.

Designed to soothe, soften and help with chafing, whilst making 'your bum great again' it's a perfect product for cyclists or those who just want, well, a smooth derrier. Without revealing too much about this product, just go in store and read the product packaging, it's really quite clever!

4. Rocket Science Bath Bomb

I mean, come on, what's not to love about this new cutie on the bath scene? I feel like I haven't had a chance to properly enjoy a lush bath bomb in so long and I am sorry for that because that type of 'me time' is so precious and so needed on a day to day basis for me!

Anyway, enough about that. In less than 5 seconds this bath bomb is gonna transport you to another world, filled with bergamot and lemon, it's a serious zesty and delicious scent. I think it's gonna be a new favourite.

5. The Comforter Bubble Bar

So. it's not really a newbie, but this was one of the integral parts of the blogger evening and it made me remember just how much I love this classic bubble bar. We got to make our OWN comforter bars from scratch, I really don't think there is another job I would love more than making Lush products all day every day, imagine just how good you would smell?

It's hot pink, so instantly ticks all the boxes and I love how big it is as it ends up lasting a good few baths. If you've never used it before, it has the most delicious fruity scent that will have your bath filled with blankets of bubbles for slipping under in no time!

So there we have it, my top 5 Lush products you need to be putting into your basket! What are you loving from their new collection?

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7 Things That Made Me Happy In July

I'm going to save you the whole 'OMG, how is it even July, life is just flying by' for you this time, because A) I say it every month and B) It's a fact of life. So yeah, July has been pretty great. I've already started working through my 25 things before I'm 25 list and it's been an all round really good month.

After wondering how I would ever fill that empty void in my life that was Love Island, it clicked at around 8pm tonight that I used to actually blog, so here we are now. So yay for no more rushing around to get everything done before 9pm. Altough I'm secretly counting down the days until it starts again net year, and I'm not even sorry.

Between the Love Island sessions these 10 things made July for me, let's hope August is just as good!

#1. She arrived!  

She's here and oh boy is she bloomin' beautiful. I waited 10 weeks for this new pink gal (Blush Frame Armchair from Made.com) to be made and delivered and it was worth every single second. I nearly had a heart attack when the chair 'almost' didn't fit through the door, but it's been plain sailing ever since.

I'm too scared to sit on the chair, because LOOK, but I feel like it completes my living room and it looks pretty good on Instagram too so I'm A-OK with that <3

#2. I Donated My First Pint Of Blood

I did it. I really did it. I didn't faint, I ate lots of biscuits and I feel amazing for doing it. Donating blood has been something I have wanted to do for so long and it was the push from my friend that finally made me do it. It wasn't scary, it wasn't really painful and I am so proud of myself for doing such a wonderful and selfless thing. 

I only had to spare 1 hour of my time, and my pint of blood could help to save one adult or 8 babies which really is bloody amazing. I also found out that I'm A+ blood group which is pretty cool, I'm still waiting on the text to see where my blood has been administered to, but I already know it's something I'm 100% going to do again. 

#3. Beach Day

Beautiful weather in Plymouth on the weekend naturally means a beach day and it's not something I have done for soooo long. We headed to Whitsand Bay at the start of the month, probably one of the best beaches near Plymouth, and it was perfect.

The beach is so long that there was barely anyone around, we sunbathed, listened to music and ate milk bottle chews, and oh my it was the best day ever. More days like this in August please.

#4. Bloggers Brunch

I look forward to the #PlymBlogBrunch every month, the Plymouth blogging community is wonderful. I love spending one Sunday each month with some of the loveliest people, whilst they'll nearly always be pancakes consumed, by me at least.

This month we headed to Bistrot Pierre, and it also means I can grab some outfit pictures afterwards too which is always a bonus!

#5. I Booked A Holiday!

This year saw me make my biggest purchase to date (I'm talking about you new home) so I wasn't too sure where or if I would be going on holiday this year. Despite realising I probably spend more money on food than my mortgage each month, I've managed to book a weeks holiday to Mallorca at the end of August, much excite!

I'm not even lying when I say I'm literally going to sunbathe, relax and eat for the whole week. Is there any other way to do it?

#6. Croissants In Bed

They don't lie when they say the little things in life really are the best. Croissants in crisp white bed sheets with strawberry jam and dominos on the sofa with Inbetweeners on 100% trumps going out for food at the moment for me. It's my comfort blanket, my safe place. 

It's probably because I look forward to breaking the monotony of porridge in the week days, but it's such a bitter sweet feeling. Jut FYI, Lidl Bakery do the best croissants and they're super cheap too.

#7. I Won A Trip To Paris!!

Wait. What??? So this probably scoops the award for what made me happiest in July, or it may have been June but I'm only telling you now, sooo... Remember the Unboxing Plymouth VLOG I did back at the start of the year, well mine won! The prize was a weekend city break to anywhere in Europe for up to £500. 

Naturally, I picked Paris! I've never been before and it's always been on my to travel list so I really cannot wait. We go the weekend before my birthday in September, so expect lots of snaps and some blog posts on my return. If you have any recommendations for things to see off the beaten track, and of course the best food places in Paris then comment below or tweet me!!

P.S Have I nailed the candid laughing look yet? (see top picture).

What made you happy in July?

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