Step by Step Guide: How I Edit My Instagram Pictures

Hey guys! Lately I've gotten a few questions from people asking how I edit my Instagram pictures. As a complete disclaimer, I'm relatively new to the whole 'theme' idea, but I'm certifiably obsessed with Instagram, so naturally I ran with the idea. When I first started, though, I looked to a thousand different sources to figure out what I was doing. The amount of YouTube videos on the matter is slightly embarrassing. I have compiled all of the knowledge I've learned on the matter and bring to you today the step by step process of how I edit my Instagram pictures.

SETTING
Without a doubt, where you take your pictures and the backgrounds you choose are crucial. I love white space in pictures. I think it gives a clean cut, more professional look to the pictures I take. For me, I gravitate to anything white--rugs, chairs, walls, ice cream, bedspread. Really anything. Once I have that clean base, I build from that. Color pops so much more when put up to a white surface. So whatever your theme and whatever you color scheme, find a setting/background that works with that. 




CAMERA+
Once the perfect picture is taken, then the real magic begins. Camera+ does cost money ($2.99 to be exact), but I've been using this app for the past year and no matter what my theme or style I've been trying to portray, this app has never failed.

           IN THE APP:
          1. 'The Lab'
          2. 'Clarity PRO'
          3. 'Intensity'-- I only bring the intensity up between 10 and 20. This is enough to make the edges pop, but isn't too overbearing.
          4. 'Brightness & Contrast'-- This can be found in 'The Lab', if you scroll to the right.
          5. 'Brightness' -- I bring the brightness up to varying degrees depending on the picture, but I love bright, light pictures, so I usually use a lot of brightness.




FACETUNE
After the picture is accurately intensified and brightened, I make my way over to Facetune. This is another purchased app. It runs at $3.99, but, again, this is such a lifesaver for me. Before the only way I could brighten pictures was through the 'brightness' button. While this worked in some cases, there were times I only wanted to brighten a section of the photo. I use this app to make my whites, whiter. I don't really use it to photoshop my face, although they do have really great features for that, also! For every day pictures the only feature I use is the 'Whiten' feature.





VSCO
This is every blogger/Youtuber's favorite editing app, and for good reason, too!

        IN THE APP:
      1.'HB1' -- My go-to filter, followed closely by 'HB2'. I always edit the strength depending on the picture.
      At this point, depending on the picture I may bring up the 'temperature', to give it a warmer look or bring down the 'saturation' if the picture has too much going on.






UNUM
I used to use VSCO to plan my pictures and how I wanted my page to flow, but after their recent update I had to look elsewhere. I found this beautiful app, that had the answer to all of my prayers! This free app links up the most recent pictures from you Instagram to help you get started. From there, you had add as many picture as you want in whatever order you want. Once added, you can hold down on the picture and rearrange things to see how the flow of your page would change. This app has been such a game changer for me. I always have at least four pictures ready to be posted to my IG and am able to switch the order around whenever I take a new picture. I am also able to see if the picture I just edited fits my theme, or if I need to tweak a few things before going live. This app is my planning savior! 100% recommend. 10/10

There you have it, my Step by Step Guide: How I Edit My Instagram Pictures! If this post has taught you anything, it's that I'm obsessed with IG and will go to great lengths to perfect a picture. Apart from my blog, though, IG is my only other creative outlet, so I love to keep things fun and dedicate time to it. If you have any apps or techniques that have been full proof for you I would love to hear about them in the comments below!  Thanks for reading and happy editing!

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat: rgolden75 / Bloglovin'

Top 5 Favorite Bloggers

Hi all! I feel like every time I write there's always a whirl wind of things going on. Life is crazy sometimes. Scratch that-- all of the time. Earlier this week, I had two interviews scheduled and a lot of my time was taken up with prep work and dealing with the aftermath of those interviews. "Aftermath??" you may be thinking. Yes, aftermath.

It was all very dramatic and my poor roommate had to listen to me very curtly argue with a difficult recruiter that attempted to convince me that "$12 an hour was a good salary". She was trying to take advantage of the wrong girl! I did all my research and knew exactly what was a fair market value salary for that position with my experience and the number was WAY more than the meager $12 an hour. I was actually able to take matters into my own hands and negotiate with the firm myself (instead of going through the agency) and to her surprise they were willing to raise the salary. Unfortunately, it was still not what I was looking for, so I had to turn down the offer. Moral of the story, do not use staffing agencies to find a job! Even if it's to supplement your own job hunt. They only have their bottom line in mind and will say whatever they can to devalue your worth and experience. Lesson learned!

As a result, I've honestly been feeling a little uninspired and stressed (to say the least). I've definitely been lagging in the blogging department lately. I did have a 'Yinzerita' for the first time last night to celebrate my victory over the agency and my strong conviction to stick to up for myself in the face of the mean 'real world'. I'm getting off topic. Oops!

But as a result of my lack of inspiration, today's post is going to be about my top 5 favorite bloggers to go to for inspiration. Ladies who I can visit this blog and have 15 new ideas bustling around my head in no time flat! I've come across all of these bloggers through different Facebook groups and immediately become obsessed! I hope you find as much inspiration and enjoyment from them as I do!

Image credit

Jasmine Maria

I've been following this lovely lady on Instagram for a while now, and her makeup photos are always so stunning! Putting on makeup is one of my favorite things to do. I like to think I have my routine down pretty well, but her makeup is phenomenal! Her pictures are so inspiring. I want to immediately run to my makeup bag and start experimenting. Her blog is just as inspiring, too!

Image Credit

Absolutely Annie

I've only recently been introduced to this blogger, but her style is right up my alley. Very clean cut and always so adorable! Her every day style matches right up with my own. I'm allll about that shirt dress! And how adorable are those sandals?!

Image Credit

Coffee with Summer

Coffee with Summer is one of those blogs I can visit for really anything. I love all of her posts about blogging. I've been blogging for two years now, but I feel like there are so many aspects I still have to learn about. Summer always has helpful tips. I know what I'm reading is quality information that will help me tackle whatever aspect of blogging I'm tying to figure out. And don't even get me started on her 'wedding' posts! The flower accents on her chairs and the darling 'find the key to your seat' idea?!? Wow. I'm tryna get married just to have a wedding as amazing as hers! 

Image Credit 

The Confused Millennial

This amazing blogger brings tips and inspiration about how to survive as a Millennial, because, lets be honest, we could all use as much advise to help us navigate the 'real world'. My favorite series she does is her "Inspiring Millennial Series". I first watched this series when it featured Stephanie O'Connell and was hooked!  Stephanie is an actress turned financial blogger living in NYC. During this episode, they talked a lot about what it was like for Stephanie to go from being a broke actress in NYC to writing her own book, "The Broke and Beautiful Life, and becoming a kick-ass entrepreneur! I love how honest and insightful all of Rachel's posts are. They seriously give me so much to think about and ways to improve my own life! 10/10. Hands down!

Image Credit

Twenties Girl Style
If you want a look into what future, financially stable Rachel will look like once she gets a full-time job, her wardrobe and blog will look pretty similar to Ashley's! All of her pieces are exactly what I would purchase if my wallet loved me. Every time I visit her page I have to immediately fight the urge to start online shopping. It's truly a terrible urge to fight. If you want to know the latest, affordable trends and spot on ways to style outfits, visit her page! 




This is by far not a comprehensive list of all the blogs I'm currently obsessing over. Lets be honest, there are just so many and I spend an obnoxious amount of time reading blogs and obsessing over bloggers that this list would stretch for MILES if I included everyone. So let me know who your favorite bloggers are in the comment below! Until next time.

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat: rgolden75 / Bloglovin' 

30 Thoughts Post Graduation

Hello, there! I hope you all are enjoying your week and catching as many Pokèmon as you can. Yes- I have been ensnared in the arms of this new fad. My boyfriend basically forced me to play, but after the first time, I was hooked! Anyway, earlier this summer I wrote a post about all the things I would rather do than accept the fact I've graduated. Since graduation, I've accumulated a list of thoughts concerning my life (or lack thereof) post-graduation. Today I am here to share some of those thoughts with you, partially out of humor and partially as a form of self-prescribed therapy. Enjoy!

30 Thoughts Post Graduation

1. What is 'job'?
2. How do I obtain said 'job'?
3. Is a LinkedIn account even important?
4. Why does it tell them I looked at their profile?
5. I can't creep without them knowing...
6. How many of my friends actually have a job? 
7. How did they get said job?
----
8. *Walking through Towers Lobby These Pitt Start kids seriously don't know where Antoon's is? Soon. Very soon.
9. I really hope they don't think I'm a freshman.
10. I kinda wish I were a freshman again..
11. I bought way too many phone cases freshman year.
12. I just spent way too much money, in general, Freshman year.
(It was the year I discovered Chipotle.)
13. Forget the Freshman 15, it's more like the post-grad 25. 
14. Can I still use my ID in the gym?
15. I really don't want to risk the embarrassment, and it's too hot outside, so I guess I'll be a sloth again today. 
16. Or I could just go for a walk, instead. 
*ends up at the nearest ice cream shop
17. Why am I gaining so much weight?
----
18. If I move back in with my parents I won't have to pay rent.
19. But then I'll have to live with my parents again..
20. I miss my cats.
21. I wonder how many cats it's acceptable to adopt within one month.
22. But I'd be "rescuing" them. Really, I'd be a hero.
23. Then I wouldn't technically be drinking alone.
They just invented wine cats can drink for a reason..
24. I'll just convince my boyfriend to adopt a cat, instead.
----
25. Remember when I thought I would only need to send in 15 applications tops?
Yikes. 
26. I should really be looking for jobs right now.
27. "Help me, I'm poor."
( On repeat. )
28. Can I just go back to undergrad again?
29. God, I'm hella in debt.
30. Guess I'll just go back to blogging! 
**Resolutely pretends all problems are fixed and there is nothing to worry about. 

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat: rgolden75 / Bloglovin'

10 Shows to Binge Watch This Summer

Hey, there! I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday. It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh and I'm enjoying my only day off with my lovely blog. I can't believe we're about halfway through the  summer! I feel like it has flown by and I haven't even accomplished half of the things I set out to do. So in commemoration of all the time I've wasted watching tv and binge watching shows and I decided to bring you a list of my favorite tv shows of all time. At least one of these shows is bound to be a hit with you! They are all "binge watch" worthy.

10 Shows to Binge Watch This Summer:

10. Grey's Anatomy

I binge watched 6 seasons in two months the summer after I graduated high school. Needless to say, I was obsessed.

On Netflix

9. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette

I actually wasn't a fan of these shows until this past year. Mainly because I had never watched them and thought they were stupid. Now, I still can't say these shows are cinematic revolutionaries, but they're hella addicting and very dramatic.

8. American Horror Story

So much horror, so little time. I've never actually watched a full season of this show. They always came out during the semester and I was always busy with finals. Must. Catch Up. 

On Netflix

7. Gossip Girl

SUCH a classic. I could watch this shows for days and never grow tired of it. Blair Waldorf is my spirit animal.

On Netflix

6. The Vampire Diaries

I've been watching this show for years now. I started the summer after I graduated high school (it was the summer of tv shows, I guess) and have been hooked ever since. There's a book series that go along with it and that's honestly where I got started. The books aren't anything like the series, but they're both soo good. Highly recommend!

On Netflix

5. The Catch

I talked about this show in my Friday Favorites post and there's only one season of it out so far. If you want to start a new show, but don't have enough time to devote to catching up on season after season, this is a quick watch and extremely entertaining! I got my boyfriend, his friend, and his friend's girlfriend hooked on this show! That should at least give me a little credibility!

4. Modern Family

Wow. Just wow. 

3. New Girl

I don't want to give any spoilers away, because if you haven't watched this show yet, you really should turn on the TV straight away and watch it, but Jess is me in real life. 

--Awkward, thinks she funny, isn't usually that funny, dorky. The whole nine yards!

On Netflix

2. Pretty Little Liars

I will forever be obsessed with this show. Shockingly, I have not read the books and I should probably get on that at some point. Aria is my favorite, by far, but all the girls are amazing. I want to meet whoever is the stylist of that show. A+ A+ A+

On Netflix

1. Game of Thrones

This is another show I didn't watch for the longest time. I had seen the books in the bookstore I worked at and wanted to read them and watch the series, but I never got around to either of them for the longest time. There's a reason why this show is the most talked about and the most watched show. It's all around not what I had expected, but everything I could possibly ask for. 

Writing this post is making me both hungry and itching to turn on my tv and ignore the piles of work I should be doing. We'll see how long I hold out. I'm always in the business of finding new shows to watch, so be sure to leave your favorites in the comments below and I will be sure to add them to my list! Don't forget to add me on all of the social medias. I like the color pink and retweet pictures of cats. So if that's your thing, I'm your girl! Until next time,

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat- rgolden 75 / Bloglovin'

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream

Hello, all! Today starts the end of the another crazy week. Thankfully this week was shortened due to the Fourth of July. I spent this year with my lovely boyfriend who surprised me with a fun trip to a place we had never been before. While I am currently sweltering in my apartment, my mind is wandering off to a place filled with ice cream and sorbet. A place called Millie's Homemade Ice Cream!

When I walked into this darling shop I was not disappointed! This ice cream parlor was picture perfect in every way. I knew I liked it even before I made it to the ice cream. The front walls were striped a fun pink and white with wood and white accents. Everything was so light and vibrant. On the wall, as you first walk in is their mission statement, boldly printed on the wall. Their mission is...

"To make ice cream the right way--from scratch, in small batches, without stabilizers or artificial additives. Just all-natural ice cream and sorbet, handcrafted from local dairy and the finest seasonal ingredients."

Not only does my stomach feel amazing while eating their ice cream, my mind can rest assured only quality ingredients were used to make this delicious treat. Bonus! 

One of my favorites things about summer is the abundance of strawberries. There are few things more delicious and simple than a juicy strawberry on a hot summer afternoon. As strawberry is one of my favorites, I immediately knew I was going with the strawberry sorbet. I still can't get over how vibrant the color of it was and how it very actually tasted like you were eating a strawberry. They weren't kidding when they said they use freshly picked, Pennsylvania organic strawberries! 

They make all of their waffle cones right behind the counter! 

My boyfriend and I were mesmerized by the process.

Check out their website to find out more about this darling shop and all of the other flavors they're 'currently scooping'. The next time I go I want to try the pineapple sorbet! I almost wish I would have switched things up and got both flavors instead of just the one, but you live and you learn. It gives me an excuse to go again! 

xoxo,

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Snapchat- rgolden75 / Bloglovin' 

Afternoon Tea Time .03

Happy Fourth of July!! Today is always such an exciting day and I'm even more excited to be spending the 4th in Pittsburgh for the first time. I'm still getting used to the idea of not living with my family anymore and this holiday definitely makes that feel a lot more real. Since this is a new month I wanted to update you on last month's goals and revamp them for July!

1. Read two books - I completed this goal! I thought this would be a breeze, but with all of the interviews I've been prepping for and applications I've been sending out, this one has proved to be a bit of a challenge. This month I read The Hollow Boy by Jonathan Stroud and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.
      Me Before You has been a very popular book lately. I have yet to see the movie because I wanted to finish the book before I saw the movie. I'm so glad I decided to do this. The book was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to watch the movie!
      The Hollow Boy, on the other hand, is less known. This is the final book in a children's horror trilogy, Lockwood and Co. It may be a children's series, but I actually had to read the first book in the series for a class I was taking in Undergrad. The book has a lot of interesting themes and is such an easy read. If you're in the mood to be scared, this is a series for you!


2. Exercise more - I honestly can't say I've been exercising more, it more or less has plateaued. The heat is still a huge deterrent for me and I haven't been going as much as I should. However, this past month I did have a huge burst of energy and ran 5 miles during one run, so I can't exactly say I'm slacking either.


3. Learn how to cook one new dish - I'm going to chalk this one up as a win. Although I didn't learn any fancy new recipe, I was able to make buffalo chicken dip for the first time. It was absolutely amazing and was such a win in my book. I'll definitely have to get more creative next month, though.


4. Drink more water - check!


5. Go for one walk a week - This was one of the simplest goals for the month, but it really helped with my mental health. At least once a week I've been able to take some time outside to just hangout. Summer in Pittsburgh is so lovely and these moments outside make it even better!


6. Finish Pretty Little Liars season 6 - Wow. Last season was so insane! I was not expecting any of the things that happened and this season is not letting me down, either! I'm so glad Ezra and Aria are back together. Aria is my spirit animal and Ezra is by far the hottest guy on the show. Power couple.


7. Spend more time with friends - I was so excited with how this goal panned out. June was filled with Bachelorette viewings, Hairspray watching and plenty of wine.


8. Reach 1500 followers on IG - I have unfortunately not been able to reach this goal. When I set out I had a little over 1,000 followers. Around 1030 and now I have over 1250! While I wasn't able to reach my goal of 1500 I think 200 followers in one month is pretty good!










I have no idea where June went or how it's already July! The time has flown by so quickly.

New month, new goals

1. Read two books - I'm keeping this goal the same as last month. I was debating on whether to up this goal to three books, but I have a feeling I'm going to be swamped with work, so I don't want to stretch myself out tooo thin.


2. Get in an exercise routine - Last month I made my exercising goal pretty vague. Creating a routine for my blog has really helped to keep me motivated and on track.  If I set up a routine, I know I'll be more likely to stick to it, instead of being sporadic with my workouts.


3. Learn how to cook one new dish - I kept this goal pretty simple last month, but I'm going to see how creative I can get this month!


4. Catch up on 'The Vampire Diaries' - Last month I caught up on PLL, but I'm equally obsessed with TVD. I know I have a lot of shows to keep track, but even if I just get it started I'll feel like I accomplished this goal. I was so sad Elena had to leave, but they ended her character in the best way possible.


5. Reach 1500 followers on IG - I'm so determined to make this number and I'm halfway to this goal already! One of the things I love about having this goal is the fact that I feel like I have a plan when it comes to my IG. My theme is perfected--I'm actually starting to feel like a real blogger now!


6. Start writing my weekly blog posts the weekend before I want to upload them - I've been reading a lot more about blogging and different tips and tricks to help you along the way. One of the tips that keep cropping up is writing your blogposts in advance. And not only in advance, but writing all of the posts for the following week at once. That way, when you go to upload them, there's not much you have to worry about the day of. I think this will really help me when I get super bogged down with work.


7. Research/ learn more about SEO - I still have no idea how to applies to my blog, but I keep hearing about it everywhere. I really need to get a good understanding of this and apply it to my blog/writing.


8. Finish two Summer Bucket List items - I can't believe the summer is halfway over! I still have so much I want to do with my time. I really want to get a cappuccino at a local coffee shop and go kayaking, but we'll see where July leads me!





I have a feeling July is going to fly by as quickly, if not more quickly than June, but hopefully I'll get all of my goals completed for the month. What are your goals for the month? I'd love to hear about them, so be sure to leave them in the comments below! That's all for now. I hope you all have a lovely Fourth of July! Until next time,

xoxo,