Bloggers Tell All Tag

This post is especially good for anyone wanting to know the behind-the-scenes of blogging AND for anyone who is thinking about starting their own blog.  It’s not as easy as it seems and a lot of hard work goes into even the simplest of posts.  So I thought it would be fun and interesting to put together a Bloggers Tell All Tag.  

Here are my answers!  I might actually even do a video about this so I can show some examples of things and go into more detail!  If this is something that you’d like, let me know in the comments below!

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Bloggers Tell All Tag

What was my first post about?

My first post was an introduction and it was without any pictures.  Oh yeah.  My second post, that I’d consider my first “real” post in the blogging world was titled, “Fall is in the air!” and well, at least this one had pictures.  These posts were noting amazing, BUT they were amazing to me at the time because I had the courage to hit publish!  We all have to start somewhere!

 

Keeping it real with this throwback!! From one of my first posts!

 

 What is the meaning behind my blog name?

My full name is Christine, but my Husband has always called me Stine, short for Christine.  The name, Simply Stine just kind of stuck with me when I was trying to come up with names for the blog.  It’s mispronounced most of the time, instead of St-ENE, most people pronounce it St-INE.  Now you know!

 

Who/What inspires your work?

I feel like I’m always gathering ideas for blog posts.  When I’m watching TV, reading Magazines, even out to dinner with my friends.  I pay attention to trends that are current, I try to keep up with what people are talking about or asking questions about. When I go into stores, visuals will inspire me.  I keep a section in my phone and in my planner where I jot all of these down and go back to them when I’m planning my editorial calendar.  

 

Proudest blogging accomplishment

I honestly think that I’ve had several feelings of accomplishment, both personal and professionally.  Personally, to be able to work with brands that I admire and look up to, is huge for me.  Sometimes I still pinch myself when I see emails where they are telling me that they love my blog and want to work with me. It’s a dream come true honestly.

Professionally, I think having my work actually be beneficial to others is HUGE! Helping women feel better about themselves and to have the ability to open up and share parts of my life that I struggle with, so that others don’t feel like they’re alone is the best part of blogging.  

 

Do you have a tip for staying organized

 If you could walk into my office (aka beauty room) I’d hope you’d be super impressed by my organizing skills because sometimes it’s a little overwhelming being a blogger.  You get sent PR packages, you buy things yourself and just with camera equipment, lighting, backdrops, props for photos and what-not, it can be a lot!  My office is organized into different areas.  I photograph in one area.  I have my products in Ikea drawers and I have an area for products to be tested.  Then there is my desk and my makeup area.  

It’s always a work in progress, but I’ve found that actually only keeping items that I am using and not just hoarding everything is so, so helpful! 

 

Explain how you prepare for a blog post

It depends on what type of post I’m working on.  A lot of the times, if it’s beauty related, I need to actually test out the product and use it so I can see what I think about it.  So I’ll start using a product and I take notes and keep using it until I feel confident that I have a good, honest review for you guys.  Then I photograph it.  I finish by putting my notes together and coming up with an actual post.  Then I edit my photos and insert them into the post.  

If I’m working on a food recipe, lifestyle post or say fashion themed post, then I have to pre-plan and make sure I have the ingredients that are needed, I need to make  sure I can photograph my outfits and the recipes so I have those done ahead of time.  Then I wrote the posts and insert the edited photos.  

Honestly, it can be different for each post.  Lately, I’ve been doing an entire day of photography, editing the photos and then writing the posts. 

 

Favorite/Worst part of blogging

My favorite part of blogging is just the fact that this is my site.  It’s amazing seeing that I’ve started this blog and got it to this point.  It’s also amazing when you have readers who have been a loyal reader for so long.  I can think of several people who comment, like and share my posts all of the time and that means everything to me!  Also, developing friendships with other bloggers has been amazing.  Honestly, they’ve become such a huge part of my life.  

The worst part of blogging. I’d have to say that for me, it’s about being your worst critic.  Comparing your work to others can be so destructive to yourself.  I think it’s hard to be on social media and see everyone else and what they’re doing and wondering why you didn’t get that PR package or why you didn’t get invited to that event.  Just stay focused on your own game! Oh and if you meet bloggers in real life, don’t be offended if they aren’t as nice to you in person as they are online.  It happens A LOT! #SadButTrue

 

What camera do you use/Other equipment

I have a Canon Rebel T5i.  I’m trying to constantly up my camera game because I want my photos to look a certain way, but it takes talent and skills.  Both of which I’m trying really hard to improve!

I also have lighting equipment! Who knew I’d have to have this kind of stuff when I started a blog, ha.  I have a ring light and two umbrella lights. 

I think I’ll do an entire post on this if you guys want to see it! 

 

Biggest mistake you’ve made blogging

Not realizing how important photography was to my blog.  I am promising you that I am on top of it now!  I am doing my best to learn and improve my photography because I want the photos I take to really tell a story on their own!  My pictures before were small and in horrible lighting.  Guess what?!? I was a newbie and am still learning!!! I think my pictures have improved just a tad, ha!

 

Then……

Yep, that photo actually happened. 

 

 

 

 

Now….

 

 

 

 

 

 

How has your blog changed

My voice has changed as I’ve changed.  I’ve been doing this whole blogging thing for almost five years and I’ve learned a lot.  I’m sharing different types of posts on a variety of topics.  Even the way my blog looks has changed.   I’ve got some really exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to show you! 

 

 

 

Have you attended any blog conferences

I haven’t and I really want to change that next year!  Any tips or advice for ones that I should look into? 

 

Best tip for anyone thinking of starting a blog

DO NOT DO IT FOR THE MONEY OR THE FREE PRODUCTS.  I promise you that if that is the only reason you’re starting a blog, you won’t make it.  Blogging is hard work.  You’re responsible for producing content, reaching out to brands and working with them, staying on schedule and also somehow trying to attract viewers and followers on social media.  Don’t think it’s easy. Don’t think you’ll become instantly famous and have viewers and brands working with you as soon as you start.  It takes time, patience and a lot of hard work! 

 

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I know that all bloggers have different ways of working on their blog and we can all learn from one another.  So I hope you find this fun and interesting! I also hope that you’ll want to do this tag as well!  Just make sure tag me in the post so I can go and read your answers!