What kind of camera do you use?
I love when I get asked this, because then I get to divulge that I’ve been relying on an iPhone 7 Plus for all of my photos! I very recently (March 2019) began to use a beginner DSLR camera, but I still take some photos with a newer iPhone XR. But seriously, if you’re just starting out, or you know next to nothing about photography, there is no shame in using your phone to take photos for Instagram (or even your blog!).
Do you have any Instagram tips?
Plan your content as far ahead as possible. I know. This is hard. Especially if you have a full-time job or have a child/children to watch full-time. But it’s always such a relief when I have a week’s worth of posts already planned out. I use the app UNUM to plan my feed. That way I can see how my photos will look before posting!
Instagram is really a lot of trial and error. I’ve learned that creating quality content with your followers in mind is so so important. Engage with your followers and post often (but don’t go crazy!). Find the posting times that work best for you, be genuine, and have fun!
Do you have any photography tips?
I’m still learning so much about how to take good photos, but I do know that natural light + well-lit photos is super important. Set yourself up near a window with great, non-direct light (you don’t want the sun shining on your object). And remember that the more you practice, the more you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t and how to get those good shots. Find a style that works for you. Use a filter or preset if you want – just remember that those are starting off points. Each individual photo and shoot will require editing tweaks.
How do you stay fit with all the sweets?
I don’t eat everything I bake! And I try to move my body. One thing I miss about living in the Bay Area is all the walking I did. I used to move so much. But here in Missouri it’s not that easy to just walk to a grocery store or to a doctor’s appointment, even in the city. I do what I can to get home workouts in 3-4 times a week. My husband is a strength coach, so he creates workout programs for me. I’m also a hard gainer, so I struggle to put on weight (without eating junk food all the time). But being naturally thin doesn’t mean I can eat whatever I want. I eat four to five meals a day instead of three, which means I don’t need to snack as often. I usually eat a second lunch in the afternoon and a second dinner a bit before heading to bed.
How often do you bake?
It really depends on the week and how much content I have available. I try to post a new recipe to the blog at least once a week, and sometimes I need to recipe test a few times before getting it right. I like to test multiple recipes in a week. If I go four or five days without baking, I will definitely be itching to whip something up (and snack on it)!
Do you eat everything you bake?
Definitely not. If it’s something I really love then it will probably get eaten over the course of a few days, though that doesn’t happen too often. Sometimes Nathan will take stuff to work. Other times, I’ll save and freeze something for the future, or wait until the day of a family event to bake. If I bake muffins or chocolate chip cookies, those will usually get eaten!