I absolutely love that Instagram as a way of micro-blogging, even when we don't realize we are doing it. I've always felt satisfied being able to take cute pictures that I'm proud of, taking far too long to come up with a witty caption, and adding it to a feed that keeps getting better (hopefully.) 

I think we have all be colossally stuck on a particular number of followers and even if engagement seems good, that damn number never moves more than a few figures either way. It's a burden we all must face, but nevertheless I stay loyal to Instagram as I pathetically couldn't live without it. 

I've been rather uninspired for a while, as you do, but lately I've had that wonderful spark of creativity and motivation that has me running to Pinterest for ideas. 

I started brainstorming all the ways I could not only grow my Instagram naturally, but to also feel less lonely on the app too. Will it work? Only time and maybe some magic fairy dust will tell. 

1. Post Everyday

Even if it's a throwback to my vacation last year, I want to make sure content is going up on a daily basis. The people I remember most on Instagram are the ones that post stories everyday and pictures to go with it. The effort is there and it seems to be paying off for a lot of people. My life isn't that exciting for me to be going out everyday for lunch to take food pics, so I will be planning each day in a notebook and keep weekend photos/ideas at the ready. 

2. Be Proud Of My Content

Who doesn't enjoy that satisfying feeling of clicking onto your icon, seeing the pictures you've posted lately and absolutely loving it? 

I do!

It feels bloody amazing to be proud of what you're sharing with the world. Getting the right angle/lighting/editing it just right takes a lot of skill. I need to be putting as much effort into my photos as the poor fashion bloggers who are freezing cold in their gorgeous outfits to get the gram.  

Legends. 

3. Creative Food Photography

This is an area I have been wanting to dive in to for quite some time now and it feels like the right path. I used to love doing baking posts, mainly for displaying my final product and taking mouthwatering photos of it all. I have so many ideas saved on Pinterest boards for when I have the time to really practice my skills. I want to be trying new recipes and setting up beautiful pics to go with them. 

4. Start Sharing Recipes

This is one of the main reasons I will follow certain food bloggers on Instagram, as I feel like they offer you a lot of value for simply following them. They normally give you secret recipes you won't find in a cookbook, and it's almost always good for you. I love seeing what other people use to make protein pancakes, banana bread, or how they flavor different meats (obvs to keep the boyfriend happy.) I want to be able to offer my followers the same secret recipes, so look forward to lots of ideas in the coming future!

5. Engage More

I've always found it fun to surf through hashtags and see what other bloggers/food enthusiasts are posting about. I'll always go through and like a whole bunch, as well as follow new peeps, but I need to get better at leaving comments. I always appreciate comments on my own pictures, meaning they were good enough for someone to stop scrolling. Engagement is always up to you and I'm gonna work hard on it.

Who else has been hit with motivation for Instagram lately? It's a tricky app, I know. But I love it all the same.

Do you have any tips for a better Instagram?

BTW you can find me here! Steph x.

Whose Instagram Stories I'm Watching

I'm definitely that girl who can spend her whole lunch break watching stories on her phone. I wasn't a fan when Instagram first released their stories, but when I fell out of love with Snapchat I realized what all the hype was about. 

So damn easy to use. 

So addictive to keep watching the next story along. 

And no tacky club scenes like on SnapChat. We keep it classy over here. 

So who's icons do I click on first? 

Daniella Monet 

You may recognize this beauty from the Nick show Victorious. I honestly wasn't a fan of her character on the show, but started following her on Instagram somehow. And she's so cool! A dog lover, vegan foodie, and effortlessly stylish. She posts on stories pretty much everyday and I just love seeing her LA lifestyle. 

Acacia Brinley

Such a flawless girl, with #couplegoals (he proposed at Disney under the fireworks <3 ) and a beautiful daughter. She has been trying to eat less meat and I've really enjoyed seeing what vegetarian recipes she has put together. She makes me want to go through my closet and enjoy a comfy hippie style.

Katrin Davidsdottir

I love keeping up with all the CrossFit athletes on Instagram. I'm always curious to how they're training, what they're eating, and what other athletes they're hanging out with. Yeah Katrin is a total badass in the gym, but she's also a big foodie and LOVES shopping. 

Hannah Gale 

Who doesn't watch Hannah's stories? She's the type of blogger you're stoked is successful. She's funny, stylish, relatable, and man she is awesome at writing. She often share's her favorite products in her stories, and we get glimpses of her beautiful little boy!


Norman Cook 

aka Kaley Kuoco

The girl from The Big Bang Theory that's even cuter in real life. Lots of horses, adorable rescue dogs and banter with her future husband.


whereiskirstie 

Disney adventurer, story pics that look better than my feed every will, and the cutest stories that will brighten your day. Go swoon over the talent of this lovely gal!




There you go guys, just some of my favs that I love to watch. Let me know some of yours in comments so I can check them out!

I've also made an Instagram for our new puppy Enzo if you would like to see him grow :)

Steph x.

Five Other Ways To Use Instagram

Whether you love it, hate it, or you sit somewhere in between, Instagram is a massive part of the blogging world. I try to avoid any negativity I can and just enjoy it for being an awesome creative platform. I love posting photos and I love seeing others with their beautiful content. It calms me, gives me inspiration, and it's a fun extension of the blogging world.

But is it just for posting and looking at photos? Definitely not. That's just the start of the fun. 

Plan your travels

My family and I have made a few trips the US over the last five years and I have found Instagram to be so damn useful for finding great spots. By searching through hashtags and finding some local accounts, you'll find some awesome recommendations. Foodie places, where to hang out, and most importantly, where to take the best pics for your Insta. You always wanna know where the locals go.


Cafe Reviews

Ever since the earthquakes took out a lot of our city life back in 2012, there has been room for plenty of up and coming cafes to come onto the scene. There's a girl I follow called Christchurch Foodie who tries all the new spots and shares her favorite spots. I get excited whenever I see her post so I can plan where to check out at the weekend. Local Instas are the best for seeing what's good in your city. Even when she does trips to other parts of the country, I take note for when I might visit and follow the epic places she eats at. Find people who specialize in your area and use them as your city guide.


Celebrate your pet

I'm a sucker for animal Instagrams and there are some talented people out there that rock at it. And who doesn't love looking at pictures of cute cats and dogs? This is really fun way to work on your photography skills and show the world why your pet is cutest ever. You can bet I'll be making one for my future dog!


Find new bloggers

I spend quite a bit of time going through different hashtags (#lbloggers #thegirlgang) and spread some love with likes. If I like someone's style I will go check out the link to their blog and it's led me to finding some really awesome new bloggers to follow. We all know how hard it is (impossible even) to grow an audience on Instagram, so showing a little support here and there can mean the world to someone.


Healthy Recipe Ideas

There have been a few people over the years that I've followed for their fitness inspiration, especially if they remain big foodies too. You can find awesome recipes for smoothies, protein waffles, cookies, almost anything! I normally take a screenshot and use it as inspiration for the next time I wanna try out something new.

Well there you go! Five fun new ways to explore Instagram and renew your love for the platform. 

These are pretty much my favorites and what I do on an average Sunday afternoon. 

What's your favorite way to use Instagram?

Steph x. 

Magical Disney Instagram Accounts You Need To See!

Hello, Everyone!

I've been wanting to do this post for so long now and I'm finally making the time to sit down and write it. You should know by now that I'm Instagram obsessed. I know a lot of bloggers don't feel the same, but it's like a second creative platform for me. Not to mention how many hours I've scrolled through looking at beautiful pictures. I just love it! 

One of my recent favorite things about Instagram has been Disney accounts. I've come across some truly stunning ones and I really wanted to showcase some of the amazing talent in this genre. 

adisneydreamforever 

You don't see many guys running Disney accounts, but Nick has a serious gift! He captures lots of characters and really highlights the happy expressions on their faces. Each row in his feed seems to match in color, which I find really satisfying. He's just started posting Halloween shots and I'm really happy about it!

whereiskirstie

This is definitely one of my favorite accounts I've found so far. It's just so beautiful to look at! She posts a lot of beautiful details she finds at the parks, or even her outfits that she wears. She has a real eye for it and I just love how she edits her pics.

evetaylorr

The special thing about Eve's account is capturing fun moments at Disney. For those of us who have been lucky enough to visit, there's always those moments that make your face light up from being so happy. Her snaps really capture the fun of Disney and why it might be the happiest place on earth.

dolewhipdani

The prettiest feed you ever did see! There's a major color scheme going on and it's so gorgeous to look at. She has a real mix of characters and park details that are just as pretty to look at. There's a lot of effort going into this account and it pays off.

disneywithabi

I really love the tone of color and softness to Abigail's pictures. She shows a lot of different locations in each of the parks, which is awesome. Most accounts focus on the main attractions, but this one's a true explorer.

windsintheeast

For some reason this account just screams magic to me. It might be the combination of brilliant editing and princess' smile at their adoring fans. Lexi also captures the beautiful colors of Disney and what the do for the experience. I don't know how she was able to capture so many amazing moments with the cast, but she rocks at it.

princepogiatdisney

If you're in the mood for some Disney Halloween pics, this guy is for you! He's been capturing some of the great things about the parks in October, and always looks like he's been having the time of his life. I really adore this one for the pure joy of it.

I really hope you find some new favorites among these! They really are some of the most stunning accounts I follow on Instagram of any genre. They're just so fun and remind me of why I need to go back as soon as I can. 

Who are some of your favorite Disney Insta/bloggers to follow?

Steph x. 

Animal Instagram Accounts I Adore!

I have to admit that when I fell back in love with Instagram, finding the right accounts to follow was what made all the difference. Most of the time it's food pictures from cafes around the world, or my favorite athletes in lifting videos. But then I dove into the magical genre of pet accounts and discovered a whole new way to enjoy the app. 

You all know what a massive animal lover I am, and I honestly find scrolling through these accounts so relaxing. They just make me happy! And yes, when I get my first dog they will have their own Instagram to show off their cuteness. 

the_3_weenies

Winnie, Finn and Teddy are the most adorable little Wiener family. Whenever I see their Mom post an Instagram story I have to check it out immediately because I know it's going to be good. They get up to lots of mischief and know how to rock bow ties. I can't resist their little faces!

smoothiethecat 

Have you ever seen a prettier cat in your life? I grew up with a Persian/Chinchilla, so these kinds of cats always make my heart melt. And just look at those eyes! She could get away with anything. 

hokus_theo

There are a few dog breeds that I am obsessed with, and French Bull-Dogs are most definitely one of them. This little guy is from Japan and his parents celebrate him with gorgeous photography. Theo seems to be the sweetest pup and they even dress him in the cutest hats! Love seeing his little face on my timeline. 

otto.cockerspaniel

My heart definitely lies with the Spaniel breed, with their long curly ears and kissable noses. Otto is definitely one of the most beautiful dogs on Instagram, and his family are doing his justice with their photos. The quality has increases so much over the past month and it's seriously make me wish I had a pup to take pictures of!


ralphie_the_newf_and_the_boss

These gentle giants will just warm your heart every time they pop up on your feed. Ralphie and Boss help take care of their three human brothers, and basically just make everyone happy. There's such a fun/family vibe to this account and it's really sweet. I just want to cuddle both of them!


mapleandlacie

In case you were wondering, my first dog is hopefully going to be a beautiful golden cocker spaniel, just like Maple here. Of course when I decided on this breed I had to immediately follow any accounts on Insta. This one has probably turned out to be my favorite of all of them. I can't handle how beautiful these photos are!



Let me know if you have any favorite animal accounts and I'll happily check them out!
Steph x.

Instagram Fit Chicks & Health Gurus You Need To Follow!

I absolutely love that my Instagram feed is full of amazing people doing amazing things. I get a lot of inspiration from scrolling through it during the day. Lately I've really been getting into the health/fitness side of Instagram and it's helped me stay on track with my own goals. Whether it's colorful fruit bowls, protein pancakes or workout options, I'm all over it!

I've found some amazing feeds lately and since they inspire me so much, I thought you guys might enjoy finding some new accounts to check out. It's not all just green goodness and squats either, wait until you see these macro friendly desserts...

Courtney Swan / realfoodology 

Photos: realfoodology Instagram

This amazing gal is on a mission to change the world...through food! Her feed is full of delicious and colorful eats that will inspire your healthy side. She's also a nutrition student, so some of her posts are accompanied by facts to help us all understand our food better. They're also incredibly beautiful and make me want to go out and buy green smoothies all day long. If that's not a positive influence, I don't know what is!

Kristina Mathewson / kmathewsonn

Photos: kmathewsonn Instagram

Look at those guns! Kristina is amazing for including her workout routine in her posts, with reps and all. I'm always on the lookout for ways to change up my routine, so I love her for this. She's also a massive fan of protein doughnuts (who isn't?) and other macro-friendly treats. I find her posts super-motivating and she's just a lovely gal!


Michelle / madlymish

Photos: madlymish Instagram

If you're looking for some killer gym-inspiration with moves to match, Michelle is your girl! She posts a lot of videos of exercises that you can incorporate into your own routine. Her captions are always worth a read as well. She gives details on reps, how she's feeling, and awesome advice. If you need meal prep inspo, Michelle will often share what she's eating too! Relatable and lovely, this girl is so worth the follow.


Sarah / eat.and.repeat

Photos: eat.and.repeat Instagram

You may be thinking "How can she eat desserts like that and look so good?" Well, she is one smart cookie! Sarah knows how to create macro-friendly treats that will make your mouth water. She's also amazing for encouraging her followers to never feel guilty about eating your favorite foods. We all need a healthy relationship with nutrition, and this gal will really help you with that. Anyone who is a fan of protein pancakes is a superstar in my books!


Heidi Somers / BuffBunny

Photos: BuffBunny Instagram

How could I not include Heidi in this list? She has become a big inspiration for me and is basically every girl's fitness BFF. She may be a famous model/YouTuber, but Heidi is really down to earth and is always honest about her struggles. She's goofy and also a total gym bad ass. I love the workouts that she shares and her Insta captions are often filled with motivational advice that can pick you up on a rough day. Never under-estimate her blonde locks and hot bod, she is one hard-working gal!


Jordan / thejordyjourney

Photos: thejordyjourney Instagram

This girl does not have the follower count she deserves for having such great content on her Instagram. If you're looking to follow someone who is passionate about health and fitness, then Jordan is perfect. She shares deliciously healthy snack ideas, plus lessons she is learning along her fitness journey. Such a lovely girl that you'll want to cheer for and feel inspired to make a few changes yourself. BTW, that transformation picture is only a year apart!


Natalay / fitnhealthy_

Photos: fitnhealthy_ Instagram

While Natalay loves fitness, you'll mostly find her passion for food on her feed. And it's a good thing too, because she is constantly creating the most amazing food that I want to make immediately. Her colorful snaps come with recipes for you to try out. She makes healthy eating beautiful and easy to create, even in a rush. If you're struggling for food ideas, Natalay is a perfect follow for you.


I hope you guys find as much inspiration as I do with these lovely ladies. I think it's awesome that Instagram is a place for all of us to come together and share our love of health and fitness.

Who are some of your favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration?
Steph x.


You can check out my fitness journey on Instagram here!

March Instagram Roundup

Hello Everyone

Wow March just flew by! I hope you all had a great month. Not sure how I feel about my Instagram feed this month, but I will aim to do even better in April! I got brave and posted a few selfies since I have decided to update you more on how my fitness progress is going. I also started using a new editing app called Photogene, which is amazing for brightening up photos.

In other good news, I hit 300 Instagram followers this month! It made me so happy. A big thank you to everyone who follows me : )

Get ready for more pictures of food, books and coffee in April! 

You can find me on Instagram here. 

Leave me your Instagram links in the comments and I will check them out!

Steph x.