by | Jan 28, 2011 | Fashion, FBFF |
JT in Burgundy Fur Coat
1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc…)
Olympus SP-800UZ 14 Megapixel 30x optical zoom wide angle camera
Olympus SP-800UZ 14 Megapixel 30x optical zoom wide angle camera
Gateway 15 inch notebook
Mac Notebook
JVC Everio GZ-MG630SU Camcorder
Targus Tripod
2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage,photo editing tools, etc..)
WordPress self-hosted site through BlueHost
Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 for editing
WindowsMovie Maker for Youtube videos
iMovie for Youtube video editing
Keynote for slideshows
Photobucket.com for photo storage.
Flickr.com for photo storage.
Google Picasa picture editing on my PC. (This can be downloaded online for free).
Slideshow.com to insert slideshows in my blog.
Gravatar.com so my blog pic comes up when I write replies or comments.
favicon.ico.generator for my blog icon.
iconj.com for my blog icon.
Photoshop.com for photoediting. There’s a free version of photoshop that you can create an account online.
3. What is your process for taking pictures?
No process, just fun!
Outside
If the weather is nice and sunny I love taking my pictures outside. My hubby gets the camera and tripod and we go outside and scope out different spots that work best with the outfit and how the light effects the picture. Once I get situated on a certain pose, five or six shots may be taken. Additional poses are determined and then more shots are taken.
JT in NewPort News Coat w Embroidery
Inside
If it’s really cold or raining my hubby takes my pictures inside. I have favorite rooms in my house that I really like take pictures in because the lighting is really good. I’m not a model as you can tell and I really like to focus on the clothes and not me. I often tell my husband that he should just take a picture of the clothes, my face doesn’t need to be in that. He continually tells me know we are not going to do that.
JT 30 for 30
4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?
My backdrop is my backyard if I am outside and my home if I’m inside. I am still feeling awkward about taking pictures on off-site locations. Maybe one day I will get the nerve, but not at this point.
I don’t like looking into the camera, I guess it’s a self esteem thing that I am dealing with. I am not twenty anymore so sometimes I feel quite intimidated and awkward.
5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?
A MacPro 15 inch Computer
I use Mac’s and PC’s but I am going for the Mac.
MacPro Apple Computer
If you would like to read what other bloggers use to create fantastic posts please check out Katy Rose, Modlychic blog.
by | Jan 21, 2011 | FBFF |
First off lets define what authenticity means.
Authenticity is defined according to Dictionary.com as genuineness, legitimacy. Being true to who you are as a person no misconceptions or puffed up information.
Monday, January 17th we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If anyone epitomizes authenticity, it is him. I have include a video of Dr. King delivering his famous “I have A Dream Speech.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
When I hear the speech, I think about being a “for real person” in every area of my life. No, I am not perfect; but as I have said before, I’m a work in progress.
As I sit down to write, I think to myself when I put together posts for my blog.
What is real? What is a misconception of truth?
I have to think about what kind of content I want to put on my blog. My blog represents me, so it should have my voice. Well that’s what we are talking about this week on Friend Friday with Katy Rose of modlychic.
What does my blog say about me?
Question 1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?
Blogger authenticity is creating your own content and not using articles from other venues and calling them your own. Reposting an exact article does not seem authentic to me. In contrast, posting an article and putting my own personal spin on it makes it more authentic because I am expressing my opinion on how I feel about the subject matter. If an article is only regurgitated and there is nothing further, it is useless to me because I can look at the original article if I wanted to see that.
For example, WWD.com posted an article about Rachel Zoe on January 11th, entitled “Rachel Zoe: Mother of Invention.” The article, written by Jessica Iredale, informs the reader about Zoe’s new clothing line. Rachel Zoe is very popular as you know and a lot of people think that just the mention of her name in the title or linking that article will get some hits; but that is not necessarily the case. The title or the link may get a visitor to a particular site, but what’s going to make them stay there and eventually want to come back.
Rache Zoe WWD.com
A fashion merchandising course I had taken about a year ago encouraged me to read different articles and then write about what I thought in great detail. I had to take my own spin at writing a response to an article that had intrigued me. By doing that sort of assignment, it made me feel that it was my writing and I was being real.
Question 2. When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?
I think that getting my voice for this blog took some time. I am still growing; but I believe that when people read my blog they can get a little inkling of what’s in my makeup. I do not use this blog as a platform to discuss my personal life; but I do use it to showcase the pretty things I enjoy wearing, making or any other thing that may suit my fancy. By doing this I know that I stay true blue and real.
Question 3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest?
This is an odd question in regards to authenticity but I will answer to the best of my ability.
I have stopped following a couple in the last three months because:
1. The focus has changed a complete 360, so what I originally followed the blog for is no longer the blogger’s interest.
2. Conflict of personal style ethics.
3. I do not have time to read a lot of blogs and my Google reader was full.
Question 4. We can’t communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don’t live in real life… what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?
I have to write about the way I live my life. I think that it would be very hard for me to write a fairy tale and a half truth. I don’t pull any punches in life so I don’t hold back on my blog either. What you see is what you get, plain and simple. When I was younger I would see kids try to follow that cool kid and would try to imitate their persona. That is not the case with me. I have to be me and dress myself for what works for me and my body shape.
Question 5. Give a shout-out… Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?
This is a trick question, right? Okay really, I would hope that the majority of bloggers are genuinely real on their blogs.
I can see a deep and heavy discussion: Bloggers aren’t celebrities; but in some aspects there is a similarity because you don’t really know them unless you have met them personally. Is this true?
I can say that the bloggers I have come to know through reading their blogs are really special and I think they’re all genuine. How could I say different. I have met some of the nicest people who have either said something nice to keep me trudging along or helped me with my blog in some way. I am experiencing all this goodness because I created this little blog here in lifestyle blogdom.
It’s pretty amazing how a person through blogging lets you into a small fraction of their life, so I am not going to name names.
Seeing that small fraction of a person’s story is precious in itself.
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Postscript
I will be doing a future post on whom I think in the blogger community is truly authentic. After reading some comments I realize that it’s okay. I didn’t name names because sometimes people feel intimidated or ask questions of why didn’t you pick me but I don’t want people to feel that way instead I hope people will feel encouraged.
by | Jan 14, 2011 | FBFF |
Being organized in my life makes me feel better whether it’s my closet, my home, my JEEP or my office. It makes me want to stay a little longer in my sitting room and feel good that I am de-cluttering and improving my space.
My closet space is not large so I think that there has to be even more planning for organization because I have to seriously think about what works in a particular space and what doesn’t.
I have been mixing and matching clothes for years and I owe that honor to my Mother because she always said that when you remix it makes it look like you have this huge wardrobe. So the set of questions from Katy Rose was right up my alley. I am going to show you how planning my outfits a week in advance works for me.
Lets get to it!
Question 1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?
Me in front of my Closet
Planning My Wardrobe
Step 1
Saturday I go through my closet and look at pieces of clothing that appeal to me for that week. I keep a mental note of what I wore the week prior so I don’t have any repeats unless it’s something that I am layering underneath my main outfit like a turtleneck. I lay certain pieces on my bed and start mixing and matching what I think works with a particular outfit and then I proceed to style my outfits for the week.
Step 2
I proceed to iron and steam my outfits and I put them on hangers and line them up for the week.
Step 3
Look at accessories (belts, jewelry, handbags, earrings, etc.) and see what I would like to wear with each outfit.
Step 4
I hang each outfit neatly in my closet so they do not re-wrinkle.I don’t have a huge amount of space so I will put them back into my closet so that they do not wrinkle (No one wants to iron the same thing twice, especially me).
Question 2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,weekend?
I plan my outfits a week in advance which to me is really great because if I have a busy week or want to sleep a little later in the morning I can feel relaxed that my outfit is ready for the next day.
Question 3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don’t repeat?
I keep a mental note of my outfits that I wore the week prior. I do not write anything down. When I go through my closet I make an effort to pick out new items for the week to freshen things up.
Question 4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)
As I stated in the steps above I follow each weekend I will take different pieces out and match them together to see if they will work then I get undergarments, tights accessories and lastly shoes. I will also get out my necklaces to see how they will go or coordinate with certain outfits.
Sometimes if I want to see how certain pieces fit I will try them on and do a look over in the mirror or ask my husband who happens to be my best friend what he thinks.
Me in the Purple Sweater and Pants
Question 5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do
to cut down your dressing time?
Me showing my huggable hangers
Some ways I have streamlined my time and reduced my closet foot pattern:
Purchased a couple of years ago from HSN, Joy Mangano’s huggable hangers and they have been a real big help to reducing the bulk in my closet.
Huggable hangers are slim-lined hangers that reduce the amount of space in your closet because they are not as wide. Some hangers like coat hangers are so thick that they take up about a 1/2″ of space. Another advantage is I can hang my sweaters that I plan for the week on them I don’t get bumps on the shoulders (so not an attractive look). I have seen different hangers under other brands that are like these at TJ Maxx so HSN is not the only place you can get them.
I plan a week in advance my wardrobe which has help with the timing in my life. For example, I don’t have to iron in the morning because my outfit is already put together so I can get in some cardio or kickboxing.
Tips for Planning a Wardrobe a Week In Advance
Take a couple of hours out of your Saturday or Sunday and go into your closet and see what you have and start mixing and matching and you will be surprised how many outfits you come up with in a given time frame.
If you have clothes that you have not worn in a year, give them to someone who will wear them. If you have clothes with price tags on them and you have not worn them it’s time for you to think about if you really want to keep those items or not.
There are womens shelters, homeless shelters, Goodwill, the Salvation Army and many other kinds of places in your area who will gladly receive those clothes, shoes, belts, etc. and give them to people who need them. I know the Salvation Army and Goodwill charge a nominal amount for items donated to them.
I get such a joy to give away nice things. Please recycle garments that have holes in them or are ripped. Maybe you can make a headband from a ripped pair of jeans or a tie-belt.
There is always someone in need and if you have a garment that is to big or to small that you have not worn for a year or more start today and give it away!
by | Jan 7, 2011 | FBFF |
Photo Credit: Google image
I have a lot of goals, however my blogging goals is what I base for my mission in these questions. I do not make New Year’s resolutions because it’s almost like I’m setting myself up to fail. I hear so much about making resolutions to find that so many people do not follow up with them because they have already given up. I have learned a lot during the last year and it’s been a journey. The journey is still moving ahead; but this time I have a focus and direction.
I had to say that because blogging is not a competition for me. It’s a learning experience. I know that if I get caught up in doing this post to try to get people to comment, or wearing this outfit to make people comment is not the real me. Bubbling with Elegance and Grace was created because I love nice things and it has been a venue for me to show the world that everyone can have pretty things and you do not have to pay an arm and a leg for it.
I have quite a few readers who do not necessarily make comments. I am so wowed by that because someone is actually taking the time to read my blog. I’m so blessed and I appreciate it very much.
1. Have you ever looked at someone’s blog and thought yours will never measure up?
I have looked at blogs and was completely wowed by the professionalism and the crispness; but the feeling was not I will never measure up. My thoughts were in the form of questions like:
“How did they do that?”
“3,000 subscribers that’s amazing! How did they get that many people?”
“They write so well, they really connect with the reader. How do I get that connection?”
Those kinds of questions entered my mind’s eye because I always want to learn and grow. I am learning so much and it’s great to have a feeling of community and I’m not just out there by myself.
2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?
No pressure unless it’s pressure put on by myself. And the number one pressure was I never have enough time. Putting God first in my life, I work with my husband on projects at church which require hours of practicing, assignments needing to be done at work, piano, online classes and having a life outside of all those things. In 2011 I claim focus and direction. Time is what you make it, you have what you say. So I have enough time and I am creating a calendar to schedule that time.
Feelings of quitting because I do not have enough comments because no one is really reading my posts because either I don’t feel popular enough, young enough or whatever the case may be.
I know that I can’t get caught up in that statement above because it defeats what I started the blog for in the first place which is a venue for me to showcase a God given talent of creativity and fashion sense. Quitters never win and winners never quit.
3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?
I am crafty to begin with so I do quite a few of those things already. I recently wrote a post where I wore a skirt that I had made and I plan to do more of those kind of DIY posts. I also cook with my husband so I include recipes on my blog as well. I do these things because I am creative and it’s an enjoyment for me. That’s great that the so called, “successful bloggers” do all those things; but from my humble beginnings I know that I’m successful too.
I do not expect everyone to be crafty or a DIYer because we are all different.
Photo credit: Google Image
We each have our own road to travel so I can’t look over at you, because your road is completely different than mine. My mother use to tell me that comparison is dangerous because God only made one me, I am an original and I can’t be copied.
4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice – how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?
How am I developing my voice?
Being real to my readers, I have to be true to myself.
I give reviews on items that I have purchased. I did not get any items for free and if I get items for free I make sure I disclose that. And the item that’s free wouldn’t be treated any different if it wasn’t up to par.
Create posts, videos, on what I enjoy discussing whether it be hair, beauty products or fashion.
I will do a mental self-examination making sure I am focusing on the goals of my blog and not on another bloggers goals. I don’t want to get side-tracked.
I have to add a verse that helps me so much. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6) Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.
This works in every area of life.
To do a self examination make sure no TV or music is on. Get a piece of paper and a pencil and write:
1. Have I achieved any goals for this month?
2. Do I feel my blog (or whatever goal you would like to include) is reflecting my mission?
3. Do I want to learn a new photo software or create better vlogs?
4. Is there anything I don’t like about my blog? If so, how would I go about changing it?
After you write this down take a look at it and access it to see what are your next steps.
To help me reach my goals I will continue doing this once a month.
5. Toot your own horn… what’s one thing you do that is unique to you
and your blog?
I think that my blog has a lot to offer because it’s more than just a blog, it’s a lifestyle. Bubbling with Elegance and Grace means that we should feel good about ourselves from the inside out.
To feel this way I have to put God first, always growing in marriage because you get stronger as a couple through communication, eat right as much as I can and exercise.
On a fashion note we have to feel good in our own skin no matter what shape or size we may be and feel great about what we wear when we walk and face the world everyday. It’s so easy to get down and depressed and it’s time to change that and turn that frown upside down.
Oops! I named more than one thing, cut me some slack it’s my blog for heavens sake.
What gives your blog an edge?
I come from a long line of great fashion influencers, so it’s a great opportunity for me to share style tips and tricks of the trade.
My Grandmother
Also, I have studied fashion since I was in high school and I am taking courses in Fashion now. I believe by sharing my knowledge and street sense gives me the edge on my blog.
Great words of wisdom from my mother and grandmother is priceless. It’s such a gift to know that I can share that knowledge with the world.
Please check out Katy Rose at modlychic to see what other bloggers are saying on this topic.
by | Dec 31, 2010 | FBFF |
Photo Credit: JT
1. What’s the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?
I plan to delve more into the technological lingo since I am now hosting my own WordPress site. This has been a real accomplishment for me. Even though I consider myself tech-savvy, I am so happy that with God’s help, I was able to get my site up and running. I plan to do a future post because my path was from Blogger to WordPress.com, and then to self-hosted WordPress site. So it was a journey this year.
2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?
I began my blog on Blogger (BlogSpot) in the summer of 2009. At that time, I knew that I wanted a blog but I had no idea what I was doing. I spent the first few months researching web resources to see what I could learn. In 2010, I expanded my blogging-presence by joining several communities: FBFF, BlogFrog, SITS, and Lady Bloggers Society to name a few. Once I joined these communities, I immediately realized that blogging was not just about writing a post. Instead, it also meant that I had to consider its design, how to make connections, determining comment preferences, and so many other things that I had never knew.
I learned that I could broaden my horizons and reach for the stars. By reading Vahni’s blog Grit and Glamour, she showed me that WordPress was such a better platform than Blogger and that it really is not that hard to transfer over to a self-hosted blog. It took me some time to get my feet wet; but I eventually jumped in the water.
Beautifully Invisible with her Blogger to WordPress tutorial helped me a lot even though my path of steps was a little different because I was moving from WordPress.com to a WordPress self hosted instead of Blogger to WordPress. Her Blogger to WordPress tutorial gave me some direction and she made it look so easy. I will be writing a post relating my experience when going from WordPress.com to WordPress.org .
3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?
I would love to comment more and visit more blogs in the coming year. I keep remembering the one reason why I started blogging in the first place is because I enjoy it and I love discussing fashion and beauty topics.
The hair community (which I am still a part of) comments arena is quite different then the fashion blogging arena. If someone in the hair community said, “Cute hairstyle,” no one would assume that it is spam or that the commenter really didn’t read the content. And by being part of the hair community, you may reply to ten or more people and never be thought of as someone trying to market your blog. So this was a change for me. Writing and commenting on other blogger’s blog go hand in hand. The difference with the hair community is that you are part of a global community so very few will have a blog and the blog will be in someone elses site and you need a password to get in, like a Ning site. A Ning site is a free community website where there will be a main administrator and people can write blog post within the site. Your community can be about whatever you want it to be. The administrator has total control and usually has the main blog but community members can write blog posts which the one site I am a part of have to be approved before published in the community.
Another goal of mine is I would love to do more guest posts on other blogs. I swapped post for the first time this year (twice) and it was a great learning experience because I was able to guest write. So much fun so I would love to do it again.
I would also like to add a weekly post called “Handbag of the Week!” I consider myself a handbag collector and love all kinds of bags. This feature would spotlight a handbag from my closet or one that I may have seen at a boutique, a vintage shop or at an online store.
I may add some Shop-Style advertisements but it depends if my blog will look to busy. Other then that I may include my crafty headbands for purchase.
4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on?
I have met so many fascinating bloggers that I can not name only one that I would like to collaborate with at this time. I think each blogger that I have come in contact with in one way or another has been a good influence on me and I am so grateful for that.
I would love to collaborate and hopefully the bloggers would collaborate back. I have to remember that not to sound cliche that fashion is my passion and I am doing this because it’s in my blood. This is not about a popularity contest and it never has been.
5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?
I plan to comment more on blogs, connect more. This is a goal for me that I would like to read as many blogs as I can and comment on at least five or more blogger’s blogs and give good comments. I plan to set up a better schedule next year for writing, posting, replying to comments and reading blogs and giving comments.
I can’t overlook the small or big comments because the comments that relate to my posts are all good. Now if a blogger says “cute dress” and I had on pants, well that’s obvious. However that wouldn’t stop me from responding to you.
2010 was a blast and I have learned so much and 2011 will be even better.
Happy New Year Everyone!
by JTwisdom | Dec 24, 2010 | FBFF |
Me and Santa
Wow, this picture lets me know that faux fur has always been haute.
Right now I am listening to Mariah Carey Christmas CD and other smooth tunes. KEM sounds so soothing. Well I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays.
In my neck of the woods we received snow from above on Christmas Eve. I love it, so beautiful.
Happy Friend Friday !
1. Your favorite holiday memory:
Christmas at my Grandmother
My favorite holiday memory is my mother and grandmother preparing a feast for the whole family. Everything would look so good and it was such a wonderful time. I remember making rolls with my grandmother. She would show me how to roll them and how long it would take for them to get brown on top. My mother, grandmother and I would drive downtown Saint Louis to Ms. Hulling’s Cafeteria to pick up a German chocolate cake (yum yum) and a split lemon cake. My grandmother would also bake at least 9 sweet potato pies for each family member to take home with them. I have such fond memories of my Dad helping me put together my doll house and he would play tea time with me. I am the only child so my Dad and Mother would always be included in the re-enactments of the doll playing. I also remember leaving cookies for Santa and ice cold milk. I would try to stay up to see him but fell asleep. By morning the cookies and milk were always gone.
2. Were you ever a victim of those family Christmas party photo
shoots? What do you think about them now? Care to share an old photo?
I must admit that I look back and my clothes looked so big on me. In these pictures, clothes and being a fashion victim was the last thing on my mind. I was going through some things; but thank the Lord I went through them and I have overcome them. So now, I look and I don’t feel the least bad about any of it because I know that young girl in those photos had so much growing and learning to do so it’s okay. I am constantly learning and growing, we all are so that was just a moment in time.
Pictures of me and my Grandmother and I
3. Best Christmas gift you ever gave:
I must admit I don’t focus a lot on gifts for Christmas so I really have to think about this question. I have had to take care of both of my parents who are no longer with me now so that is the best gift I could give is me, that’s all I had to give. I have to give a big hug and thank you to my husband who helped me take care of my father, I couldn’t have done it without him.
4. Craziest/funniest holiday family tradition:
I will not say it is crazy or a funny holiday tradition; but it is very precious to my heart. My family would always have fun decorating the tree. In my grandmother’s case, she decorated at least two, sometimes three trees. She loved Christmas and I know because my family loved it so that the tradition has filled my heart and my husband’s heart. My Mother would always put under the tree my favorite Christmas coloring books and a Twas The Night Before Christmas book that she and my Dad gave to me as a young child. So many years later, I put these same books under the tree, on top of the tree skirt. My husband arranges the manger sets and other decorations while I put on the ornaments on the tree. This year we decided to start a new tradition by getting our first real tree, a balsam fir. We love it. This makes me feel so good inside.
Hubby with Balsam Fir
5. Favorite Cookie: Surprise Cookie
Evening Guild of St. Jacobi Lutheran Church Cookbook called a Surprise Cookie and it’s super easy.
1 Cup of Peanut Butter
1 Egg
1 Cup of White Sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla
Mix together and drop by ½ teaspoons on ungreased cookie sheet. I like to take a fork and do a criss- cross mark on each cookie. Bake in a 350 degree oven. Cook until lightly brown. The recipe does not tell you how long to cook them.
Favorite Peanut Brittle from Better Homes & Garden Dessert Cook book, ca. 1967.
Peanut Brittle
Peanut Brittle
2 cups Sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
2 cups unroasted (raw) Spanish peanuts
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon butter or margarine
¼ teaspoon soda
Slowly cook sugar, corn syrup and 1 cup water in heavy skillet, stirring till sugar dissolves. Cook to soft-ball stage (test a few drops in cold water). Add peanuts and salt. Cook to hard-crack stage, stirring constantly (remove from heat while testing). Add butter and soda; stir to blend. (Mixture will bubble). Pour onto butter splatters.
Cool partially by lifting edges with spatula. Keep spatula moving under mixture so it won’t stick. When firm but still warm, turn over; pull edges to make brittle thinner in center. Break in pieces when cold.
Or use unroasted Virginia peanuts, but you’ll need to blanch these ahead. Cover with boiling water, let stand 3 minutes; run under cold water. Remove coating.
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If you would like to see what others have to say please stop by Katy Rose blog www.modlychic.blogspot.com to check out other bloggers.
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