Vlogging (video blogging): Why you should and how to create a simple vlog for your blog

You might notice a few bloggers create the occasional vlog. I love watching these because it makes me feel like I know them a little better after hearing them and seeing them in motion. Earlier this year, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go. I knew NOTHING and I was terrified. I have now made a few and have gotten over the stage fright but I am far from a skilled professional.

Why YOU should vlog
1. It gives your readers a chance to get to know you a little better;
2. It improves your google ranking;
3. It can save time when you are time poor;
4. You can reach a new audience using a new medium; and
5. Sometimes it's easier to say something than it is to write it.

Tools you need to get started
1. I started with just my iPad but many people just use their iPhone; and
2. I would strongly recommend an external microphone,  like this Belkin one. It improves the sound dramatically.

Plus
1. A quiet area that you won't get disturbed;
2. A neat background or backdrop. A messy room or grotty toilet might distract from your awesome message;
3. Check the lighting; and
4. An idea of what you are going to say. I prefer not to practice or be scripted but maybe have points or products ready. You will seem too stiff if it's over rehearsed.

Tips
1. Speak clearly and not too fast;
2. Pretend you are talking to your sister or a friend;
3. Keep it short. People are more likely to watch a shorter video;
4. Say hello and goodbye; and
5. I always brush my teeth beforehand. I am not sure why, but it works.

You made your video, now what?
1. Create a YouTube channel. For consistency I would recommend using the same name as your blog. Here's mine: Redcliffe Style;
2. Load your video. I usually load it onto my computer first then onto YouTube;
3. Name your vlog and complete necessary details; and
4. Share it.

I haven't gotten into the editing of videos, this isn't always necessary and is a longer tutorial.

Blogger makes it very easy to load your video from your Youtube channel directly into your post. I am sure Wordpress would have a similar way but I know squat about Wordpress.

Do you vlog? What tips can you share?

Vlog examples
This is my very first without an external microphone. You can tell the sound isn't very good and I'm pretty friggin' nervous. The original post is here.

External Microphone and a backdrop and getting use to the camera. The original post is here.

Botox: Your Questions Answered

Many people had questions about botox when I wrote about it last time.  There were many, many quietly asked questions. Lots of whispers to me in the school yard, texts, messages and phone calls. Lots of queries about where? how much? and how long does it last?

I am not an expert, but I am happy to over share.

I had botox for the first time mid February, seven months later I was ready to go again. I certainly could have gone earlier but I didn't. Just over two weeks ago I visited COZmedics in Ascot for some more injections. I still only had the very angry lines between my brows injected.

So to answer some questions I have been asked a lot:

Would I do it again?
Yes
How often?
I would be happy with twice a year
How much did it cost?
It was $300 for that area
Was it worth it?
I think so. I love not having my angry lines but I am happy with all the happy lines
Would I do more than botox?
Hmm, maybe. I don't want to look frozen and I don't want to reverse ageing but I would be interested in learning more about temporary, simple, cost effective ways to look less angry and a little refreshed.
Why did you do it?
All I could see were those two angry lines and I felt like I looked angry all the time. I hated the impression I was giving because it didn't reflect how I was feeling.

Clean the area...

then cool it with a phallic icicle.

Needles. I didn't feel a thing and the marks faded immediately

Pat the botox through, making sure it's setting in the right area

Before: very angry and frowny and obviously very worried

Vlog: 2 weeks post botox injections, showing frowning in motion

Botox! Would you? Have you?

This is not a sponsored post. I have not been paid to review this business or product

On Tuesdays I link up with IBOT 

What happens to naughty fairies...

On my travels during the week I came across this colourful, gaudy, cheap-as-chips bracelet and I couldn't resist it. I thought I could buy it as a gift for someone, anyone. But, later that day it made it onto my wrist.

It's made with colourful, little, skulls beads. I told my daughters that they are fairy princess skulls. When fairies are naughty they met their end and their delicate little skulls are made into bracelets for really cool people. I told them the green one was Tinkerbell. She is pretty naughty, it was bound to happen eventually.

Here is a vlog about nothing :).

I tried very hard not say 'ummm' every 2 seconds or play with my hair

Vlog - Reviewing Finding Nemo 3D

Yes I have vlogged about 'Finding Nemo' 3D. You do have to wonder if I have too much time on my hands.

Yesterday we took the girls to Hoyts Kippa Ring to watch 'Finding Nemo' 3D. We had probably seen it about 300 times between us, but decided to pay about $100 to see it again in 3D.  Was it worth it? Well, you will have to watch the vlog to find out. ***Spoiler alert***

Magazine Freebies and maybe a giveaway

It's time for another vlog before I forget how to or lose my camera confidence. Here are a few great products and maybe, just maybe, there is a little giveaway at the end for one lucky person. But you'll never know if you don't make it through the 3mins.

Edit: The winner of the Pedi-sox has been notified by email.

PS: Products mentioned in the above vlog

MAC Lipstick in Matte Russian Red

BECCA Eye tint

IMAGE skincare

Pedi-sox

Pedi-sox Australian distributor is CNE Beauty salon supplies 

03 9484 1889

www.creativesnewedge.com.au 

PS: I am joining up for Wordless Wednesday at My Little Drummer Boys

This is not a sponsored post and I have not received any payment. All product have been bought by me except for the Pedi-sox. These samples were received as a gift from Pedi-sox.  I will only share products I like but I am also a bit of a product floozie and I fall hard and often.

Things that made me smile today...

These tiny little flowers my daughter picked and put into a shot glass. There are lots of things that are really great in shot glasses but I think for breakfast time this was excellent.

 This gorgeous pink cauliflower I found in Coles. 

My 6yo "it kinda freaks me out". 

Me "Toughen up and eat your pink cauliflower. This is what a Disney Princess would eat"

 The sequinned backdrop my husband made for my vlogging.

It's like a disco for a really, lonely, sad lady.

Magazine freebies, woo hoo....

and here is a vlog about the freebies in front of my disco background.

10 Things - Reasons I love grocery shopping....

Every Saturday morning we pack up the kids and go grocery shopping at Bluewater in Redcliffe. Here are 10 reasons why I love grocery shopping.

1. The coffee we grab from Zarraffa's to take around with us;
2. The challenge of guiding a trolley with wonky wheels. It's like a butt workout, but it usually works out one cheek more than the other;
3. All the gorgeous seasonal fruit and vegetables. Thanks to Masterchef I am even more inspired by them. It's such a pity they just end up wilted at the bottom of my crisper;
4. Because I see and hear so many screaming children. It reminds me how wonderful my girls are;
5. The warm bread from the bakery. I love fresh bread so much I want to cuddle and breast feed it;
6. Smelling all the cleaning products. I love this aisle. I open and smell all of them until I find my scent of the week;
7. Just the knowing that all my cupboards will be fully stocked;
8. The little treats I can find for my girls in the Stationery aisle;
9. The little treats I can find for my dog in the pet aisle; and
Most importantly....
10. The little treats I can find for myself in the beauty aisle.....

The products mentioned in the above vlog are:
Napoleon Luxe Lip Gloss in Perfect Peach- free with Marie Claire this month
Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Gothic
Garnier Ultra Lift Eyes
Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh SPF 15

Great bargain beauty Products!

When we are grocery shopping I always try to sneak a few products into the trolley while my husband's back is turned. I am like a kid trying to sneak lollies into the trolley.

I hope you made it through the 2 minutes & 52 seconds. If you didn't, well what are you going to put on your eyebrows now? You will never know the great bargain I found and use. 

If you have any questions you would like to ask, please do, and I will happily answer them in my next vlog.


Edit: The products talked about in the above vlog are
1. L'Oreal UV Perfect Daily Moisturising Lotion
2. Palmer's Foot Magic with Peppermint Oil and Mango Butter
3. Nivea Daily Essentials Facial Cleansing wipes (great for the car)
4. Maybelline Define-a-brow in Dark blonde

Grocery Shopping Beauty Bargains

This is my second attempt at vlogging. I am talking about some great bargain beauty buys that you can find in your local supermarket. There is nothing I love more than a bargain.

Things I am loving. Vlog #1

I also considered naming this 2:47 seconds you will never get back.

As you know, sometimes I just do things for fun. This is one of these times. I have attempted my first vlog (video blog).  I am talking about things I am loving at the moment. I hope to learn and improve and be able to vlog about things I am loving regularly.

I hope you enjoyed my first vlogging attempt.

On Tuesdays I link up with Diary of a SAHM