February 21, 2013

Secrets

 (Photo via The Everygirl)

I've been wanting to write a post like this for a while and just always seem to keep putting it off. So last night as I was watching reruns of NCIS had a burst of inspiration, I sat down and got serious. I want to share some little inside secrets about social media and blogging with you today. Certain apps I use, websites that I frequent, and my filters of choice on instagram. I get so many questions like "how do you get those twinkles on your photo" that I decided I needed a post to direct readers and followers!

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(Photo via This is Glamorous)

1. Picfx
The app that can give your photos that sparkly effect (it's under the "light" option) - and lots of other cool effects! You can upload straight to instagram from the app and also apply the IG effects if you wish!

2. Cuptakes
A girly wallpaper app that's nearly too good to be true. This was one of the first apps I purchased, and I haven't looked back! The app is updated at the first of every month with new seasonal/holiday themed phone wallpapers.

3. Pic Jointer
 I just discovered this app! It's a quick and easy (and free for a limited time) way to make collages from your phone photos then save them or send them to your social media sites. (Couldn't find an online link for this one, sorry.)

4. My Instagram filters of choice:
Rise (most used) // Valencia // Sierra // And Willow if I'm in a black and white mood
I also love to use the focus/blur option to highlight a certain part of the photo.

5. PicMonkey
 The website that I use to edit my photos for the blog and create all my photo collages. Most of the bells and whistles you can access for free. However, for a small monthly payment you can do so much on this site. One feature I love is the facebook collage - you can create a photo collage that's just the right size for your FB cover photo!

6. Polyvore
This is where I create all my fashion/style/shoppable collages. I've just recently realized all that this site can do - it's a fashion blogger's dream! (Kinda cheesy but true!) You can follow me here.

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And now I feel completely exposed! There you have it, some of my secret (blogging) weapons. Hope you're inspired to check these out and utilize them for your own blog and social media!

As always, if there are other questions you have, email me. I love to talk!
julieleahblog@gmail.com

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19 comments

Rachel said...

I use Photoshop, but PicMonkey is a great alternative! Also, Polyvore is a life-saver!

Lili said...

i love polyvore too since i dont know photoshop (can you beleive that?) and i use Frametastic for collages and Roundgraphy for making my pics in round frames :)

Sadie + Stella said...

Thank you so much for sharing your ways with us!! This is awesome!

Albertina M. Cisneros said...

I just found out about Picfx...and love it....I'm to know your fave instagram filters..since I'm new to it I wasn't sure which worked/looked best...awesome and will explore the others as well! thanks!

Alyssa said...

I haven't heart of many of these–thanks for spilling for us! xo

Alyssa
The Glossy Life

What Kate Likes said...

I totally assumed you used Photoshop for all of your collages and things on the blog! Wow, definitely checking into PicMonkey now since sometimes Photoshop is so annoying to use.

Thanks for spilling a few secrets Julie!

Erin @ Currently Coveting said...

Great tips!

xx,
E
Currently Coveting

Southern Love/ City Lights said...

Thanks for the tips! As a new blogger I'm always looking for ways to edit photos and create collages!

I will definitely be bookmarking this post.

xx
Nicole
http://www.nicoleandtrentnyc.blogspot.com

Suburban Princess said...

Thanks for the tips! I keep forgetting about picmonkey!

Unknown said...

The PicFx rec made my day! I was JUST wondering where the sparkles come from on someone's Instagram feed. Now - sparkles on everything.

la petite fashionista said...

these are fantastic tips!! :) when i first started my blog i had zero photoshop know-how and polyvore was (& still is) such a timesaver!!

xoxo

Ivana said...

Thanks for sharing your secrets, Julie! I've been meaning to buy PicFX for ages, and now I have the right inspiration! I'm obsessed with Picmonkey, I use it to make all my collages, and to add writing and effects on my photos. It's so easy to use and with fabulous results!

xx Ivana

Macarons and Pearls

Heather said...

Can't wait to check out these apps! Thanks!

Tiffany Style Blog said...

Thank you thank you!! I've been wondering how you make everything so fabulous!!! I'm bookmarking this post, and I've already checked out PicMonkey, I think it's going to be my new secret weapon!! lol :) Thank you again!

Tiffany
www.tiffanystyleblog.com

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

Ok i need to check these out during the weekend, thanks!

Rebecca and Lori said...

Thanks for all the tips! I will have to check PicFx out, as I am still learning photoshop.
~Lori

Rebecca and Lori said...

Oops, I mean picmonkey!

vanessa • withgreatheart.com • attractive, affordable blog + web design said...

Add ipiccy.com!

Kathy said...

Thanks. Going to try out PicMonkey for this month!