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30 YouTube Channels I Adore: Business, Health, Books, Beauty and More

- March 9, 2017 | by April -

We live in this wonderful world filled with free information on building successful businesses, cooking healthy meals, money-saving DIYs, 20-minute yoga routines, learning how to fishtail braid your hair and more.

I’m a huge fan of YouTube and the creators who put tons of effort into publishing videos that are filled with knowledge and entertainment.

It’s not an easy task to come up with a catchy title, brainstorm what you want to say, set up the lighting, film a test video, adjust things, film another test video, adjust again, film the actual video, edit the video, find music for the background, etc.

So, I’m acknowledging my 30 favorite YouTube channels for today’s post. Some are related to business, some aren’t, but I’m sure you’ll find something in this list that you adore as well.

Happy viewing!

Business Channels

1. Lewis Howes

Lewis films his podcast episodes and publishes the videos on his YouTube channel. I enjoy the videos more than the podcasts and usually play them while I’m watercoloring or bullet journaling.

My favorite episode is this interview with Sara Blakely, the creator of Spanx. Her story of how she built her business inspired me to work harder every single day. It’s a must-watch (or listen) for all entrepreneurs.

2. Gary Vaynerchuk

I don’t work or live by the same values of 16-hour days, but I’m incredibly inspired by Gary’s hustle. If I’m feeling a little lazy, I watch one of Gary’s videos and it snaps me out of that fog.

3. Chase Jarvis

I started watching Chase’s channel when he hosted the 30 Days of Genius series, and I pretty much loved every episode. My top three favorites (if I have to choose) are: 30 Days of Genius with Seth Godin, 30 Days of Genius with Austin Kleon and 30 Days of Genius with Tim Ferris.

4. Marie TV

Marie’s videos are professionally made which makes them such a joy to watch. My favorites are the interviews, like this one with Cheryl Strayed. If you’re a writer and you haven’t watched that interview, stop everything immediately, brew a cup of tea (I recommend Liquorice and Mint by Tea Pigs) and dig in. It’s worth every single second.

Planning and Bullet Journaling Channels

5. Boho Berry

If you’ve been interested in bullet journaling but you don’t know where to start, I suggest watching some of Kara’s videos. Because a lot of entrepreneurs prioritize their businesses over themselves, one of her videos I really enjoyed was about tracking self care.

6. Full Flourish

This channel focuses on bullet journaling and minimalism and why she decided to make those changes in her life. She talks openly about depression and anxiety which I think a lot of people can relate to. Watch one of her ‘plan with me’ videos to see if you like her style.

7. The Reset Girl

Oh my goodness…I could spend all day watching her planning videos (and she creates and sells amazing planning stickers). Here’s an example of one of her fun ‘plan with me’ videos.

Crafty Channels

8. The Sorry Girls

They have a bunch of DIYs that are just plain fun but they have some that could really help your business while saving you money, like this DIY video backdrop.

9. Amy Tangerine

Amy puts up lots of different crafty videos, but I love her most recent video on bullet journaling and her videos on hand-lettering like this one.

10. Shayda Campbell

On this channel, you’ll find artsy tips, hand-lettering tutorials and fun DIYs. Here are three videos I reallllllllly like: 1) 10 Tips to Improve Your Painting 2) Styling Your Art for Social Media and 3) Hand Lettering with Pigma Micron Pens.

Lifestyle Channels

11. Mimi Ikonn

I’m a homebody but I enjoy watching travel vlogs to transport myself to that beautiful place without actually going there. I haven’t found another channel that even compares to how amazing this channel is with their travel videos. I suggest this one and this one and this one.

12. Amelia Liana

I started watching Amelia’s videos because I loved her style and then I realized that she has health issues and I could relate to her personal videos. Plus, this outfit challenge was so much fun to watch.

13. Sarah Nourse

Sarah’s channel is filled with daily vlogs, advice on how to save money and travel videos. Here are two of my favorites: Why I Went Vegan and Getting Debt Free Changed My Life.

14. In the Frow

Victoria is a fashion, beauty and travel vlogger. Her hair is the most beautiful shade and her luxury looks for less videos are incredible if you’re on a budget but love her luxury looks.

15. Claire Marshall

Love her voice. Love her style. Love her videos. This is one of my favs.

16. Christine Kobzeff

On Christine’s channel, you’ll find tips on building a capsule wardrobe, DIY aromatherapy ideas, and plant-based recipes.

17. Rachel Aust

The first video of Rachel’s I watched was 10 tidy habits that will change your life and I was hooked.

18. Tanya Burr

Tanya’s channel always gives me a boost of happiness. She’s always positive and upbeat. Two of my favorite videos are: 1) Most Worn Items In My Wardrobe and 2)  Khloe Kardashian Blue Smoky Eye Makeup Tutorial.

Book Channels

19. Books and Lala

If you’ve been a Blacksburg Belle reader for a bit, you know that I’m a reading addict. One of my favorite moments of the day is when I’m snuggling my husband and reading in bed. And, this is my go-to channel for book recommendations. Every month, she posts a video all about bookish news such as cover reveals and movie adaptations. Watch this video to see all the books she read in 2016.

20. Squibbles Reads

Joss at Squibbles Reads talks a lot about thrillers and mysteries and in the past year, I’ve picked up a bunch of thrillers that I’ve really enjoyed based on her recommendations. Check out her favorite books of 2016 to see if you have a similar taste in books.

21. Peace Love Books

Jess reads mainly romance novels and I’m a sucker for a good romance novel. Whenever I’m in the mood to read a book with lots of romance, I go to her channel. Through her channel, I found my favorite new adult romance writer, Samantha Young. Anybody else enjoy watching videos about other peoples’ reading goals?

22. Between Chapters

I’m pretty sure I’ve watched every single video on Trina’s channel. Because of her review of Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis, I picked it up, read it and really enjoyed it.

Health Channels

23. Niomi Smart

Niomi eats a plant-based diet and I enjoy her ‘what I eat in a day’ videos. The food always looks delicious and she gives me lots of ideas for healthy meals.

24. Yoga with Adriene

If you’re a complete beginner to yoga, Adriene has a great exercise video for you. Her teaching style is very soothing.

25. Boho Beautiful

If you often find yourself feeling anxious, you might get a lot of this channel, especially this yoga for anxiety video.

26. Tone It Up

If I’m not doing yoga or taking a walk for my exercise, I usually turn to the gals from Tone It Up. Ummmmm…yes I want a bombshell booty!

Beauty Channels

27. Kathleen Lights

Kathleen is hilarious, she’s honest (and will tell you when she doesn’t like something) and she creates makeup tutorials that seem doable for beginners. If I had to pick one video of hers for you to watch, it would be this one.

28. Jessica Braun

Jessica does a great job using drugstore products as well as high-end  products. If there’s a deal or a drugstore product that’s just as good as a luxury product, she’ll tell you. I’ve bought a handful of products based on her reviews and have liked all of them. My favorite videos are when she talks about products she’s used up like this one. I also love that she’s a teacher and creates killer videos every week.

29. Luxy Hair

If I’m ever hankering for a new hairstyle, this is my go-to channel. It’s how I learned to fishtail braid my hair and how to double fishtail braid my hair.

30. Casey Holmes

I adore her spirit and attitude. My favorites are her hits and misses like this one.

YOUR TURN! What’s your favorite YouTube channel? Share it in the comments below to spread the love.

16 Comments · Filed Under: Beauty, Creative Business Development, Creative Process, Creative Tutorials, Creativity, DIY, Health, Inspiration, Lifestyle

101 Creative Habits to Explore: Add More Creativity to Your Daily Life

- January 15, 2014 | by April -

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Working with creatives, I’ve found that: a) many wish they had more time for creative activities b) it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget why you started your business in the first place which is usually because you love to make stuff c) many daydream about finding time for creative hobbies unrelated to their business.

I’ve found that the best way to be more creative {and up your happiness} is to build habits. Pick your most favorite creative pursuits and do them regularly—daily, weekly or even monthly.

When you constantly practice being creative, you tend to explode with new ideas, find inspiration for your work and feel more fulfilled.

I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s a new year. It’s time to make changes and focus on what makes you feel giddy like you used to feel when you were five and you opened up a new box of crayons. Don’t you want more of that?

I do. That’s why I made a commitment to play in my art journal every day for the next year, and I can already tell it’s making a difference.

Add More Creativity to Your Daily Life

Want some ideas of creative habits you can build in 2014? I thought you might. Find 101 of them below! Now you don’t have anymore “but I’m not sure what to do” excuses.

1. Use your daily planner to art journal a little bit each day.

2. Follow this pattern, knitting one hexagon a day for a year and you’ll have a quilt at the end. {I’m gonna try this pattern and I can’t wait!}

3. Take one picture every day for 365 days. At the end, compile them in a book for a great memory.

4. For relaxation, Zentangle in the evening.

5. Try a new recipe every day. {Wanna invite me over for dinner?}

6. Publish a blog post every Tuesday {or Wednesday or Friday or Sunday…}.

7. Complete one home project {like painting your bathroom, re-arranging the furniture in your living room, constructing honeycomb shelves or custom stenciling a wall} every month.

8. Go somewhere new every week and take pictures or sketch your surroundings.

9. Create an artist trading card every day. {Remember to carry some with you at all times.}

10. Write in a journal for ten minutes in the morning while sipping tea or coffee.

11. Work on a piece of clothing with appliqué each evening.

12. If you keep a food journal, sketch the food each day.

13. Complete one knitted project every month.

14. Write one page of a novel every day for a year.

15. Find a good quote each day and keep a list of them. At the end, you’ll have a list of amazing quotes to pull from. {Maybe share them on Facebook or Twitter?}

16. While watching tv in the evening, knit or crochet.

17. Invent a new DIY project each month and publish step-by-step directions on your blog.

18. Film a video the same day each week for a year. {And share them on your blog!}

19. Write a short poem in bed when you first wake up.

20. Switch out the decorations in your living room every month.

21. Create a mini painting {like the size of a playing card} every day.

22. Write a note or send a card to someone every Friday. It’ll brighten up their Mondays.

101 Creative Habits to Explore

23. Carefully select your outfits each and every day.

24. Create a weekly collage.

25. Listen to a TED talk every Monday morning to start your week inspired and motivated. {Some of my favorites: Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Susan Cain, and Elizabeth Gilbert.}

26. Learn a new word each day.

27. Read one new book each week. If you picked one subject, you’d be an expert by the end of the year. Pretty cool.

28. Learn a new language by practicing for fifteen minutes each day.

29. Listen to podcasts on your daily walks.

30. Practice the piano each day for thirty minutes.

31. Sew something new every week.

32. Collect stuff on your daily walks and make monthly shadowboxes.

33. Make a batch of your own lip balm, facial toner, oil and cleanser and hair spray each month. Don’t forget to add fun labels.

34. Use washi tape in a new way every day. {I love black and white polka dot.}

35. Carve a rubber stamp every Tuesday.

36. Take a weekly ceramics class.

37. Make a sock monkey each week.

38. Try to recreate a famous artist’s piece of work every week for a year–just to learn, not to copycat.

39. Take a picture of your pet every day for the next year and combine them all into a book.

40. Create a new pattern each day.

41. Post a new illustration on your blog every day.

42. Practice calligraphy every day.

43. Take part in Project Life.

101 Creative Ideas

44. Spend $10 a week to put together a rocking outfit from your local thrift stores. {That’s 52 outfits for $520! Pretty rad. I’m not sure the last time I said the word, “rad.” Moving on…}

45. Give handmade cards for every holiday this year.

46. Cook a luxurious meal for your man every Saturday night.

47. Try out different types of image transfers every Wednesday afternoon.

48. Practice embroidery every evening while watching tv with your spouse.

49. Take a weekly sewing course.

50. Bind your own journals.

51. Make your own gift wrapping.

52. Complete a DIY decorating project for your home every week.

53. Make one new piece of jewelry each week.

54. Work on a quilt for thirty minutes every day.

55. Create a new floral arrangement for your home every Friday, so you have a beautiful centerpiece to look at all weekend.

56. Work on a craft with your child every Sunday afternoon.

57. Learn a new Illustrator technique each day and practice it.

58. Learn a new Photoshop technique each day and practice it.

59. Sketch something you come across on your daily walks.

101 Creative Habits to Try

60. Take up needle felting.

61. Make your own art journals.

62. Take a weekly watercolor class.

63. Learn about printmaking.

64. Work your way through an entire book of recipes ala Julie an Julia.

65. Draw a flower every day.

66. Draw an animal every day.

67. Paint a memory from your week every Sunday.

68. Take yourself on an artist’s date every week.

69. Make a card every day.

70. Use stamps every day.

71. Practice creative lettering every day.

72. Bake a different type of cupcakes every week. {Just make sure you keep your gym membership, too!}

73. Bake a different batch of cookies every week.

74. Bake a different type of pie every week.

75. Work your way through this book or this book.

76. Learn how to make candles and make a batch every month to give to friends and family. {They’ll love you.}

77. Post a picture on Facebook every day.

78. Post a picture on Instagram every day.

79. Color in a grownup coloring book every evening.

80. Go to a museum every month.

Be More Creative: 101 Ideas

81. Scour the fabric store every Tuesday. Look for inspiring patterns and color combinations that you love.

82. Get the latest edition of this magazine and pick twelve projects to complete–one for each month of the year.

83. Subscribe to this magazine for regular blogging inspiration.

84. Read one blog post on copywriting every day and practice the technique or use the idea.

85. Crochet a doll every month.

86. Learn a new hairstyle every Saturday morning.

87. Knit a scarf every week.

88. Learn to make soap and make a new batch for your family every month.

89. Take a weekly photography class.

90. Make one Christmas present every week over the next year and you won’t have any shopping to do!

91. Make a DIY project every month for your kids–like this one and this one.

92. Write one chapter of your book each month {or week if you’re super ambitious!}.

93. Upcycle something every week.

94. Turn on the radio and sketch while three songs play.

95. Try a new recipe from Pinterest every weekend.

96. Create a piece of jewelry for a friend’s birthday every month.

97. Sew something made of tulle every month.

98. Paint {or decorate} every package that you send to friends and family.

Up Your Creativity: 101 Ideas

99. Sketch the weather every day in your planner.

100. Take a picture of your baby every day for the year. Combine them into a book for all the grandparents for Christmas.

101. Create your own creative habit!

What are your creative habits? Are you trying something new this year? Anything from the list above spark your interest? Any creative habit that you’ve thought about but haven’t put into practice yet? Please share in the comments below!

566 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY

Another Knitted Gift

- December 9, 2013 | by April -

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY

Knitted Gifts

- December 8, 2013 | by April -

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Every day last week, you could find me knitting some gifts! I’ve got lots more to go…

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY

This Week In My Craft Studio: Sewing Christmas Gifts

- December 7, 2013 | by April -

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY

Yarn Shopping

- December 5, 2013 | by April -

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I went yarn shopping last month, so I could stock up for the Christmas gifts I’m making this season. I love yarn shopping–almost as much as I love shopping at Anthropologie.

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6 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY

This Week In My Craft Studio: Embroidery Sampler

- November 26, 2013 | by April -

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Each year I like to make something different for Christmas presents for my family. I’ve knitted, created black and white canvas transfers, made yummy smelling body scrubs and put together scrapbooks. This year, I wanted to incorporate embroidery into some gifts, and I’m really excited. I started by completing this embroidery sampler, because I only knew a couple stitches and wanted to learn more to use on the gifts.

If you want to learn embroidery, you can take this class at Creative Bug and use this same sampler.

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2 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY

This Week In My Craft Studio: My First Knitted Hat

- November 19, 2013 | by April -

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I’ve knit a cowl in the round before, but I’ve never tackled a hat until now! I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

4 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY, Knitting

Knitted Christmas Present in the Making

- November 18, 2013 | by April -

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I can’t tell you what it is or who it’s for {she’s probably reading this post!}, but I wanted to share some pictures of this knitted Christmas gift in the making. Are you making any of your holiday gifts?

2 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY, Knitting

Clay Date

- October 10, 2013 | by April -

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In February, my husband and I attended a gala. They had a silent auction for charity, so we bid on a day in the studio with a pottery artist. It was a package for four to spend the day learning about clay and making something like pinch pots in this artist’s studio. We won with the highest bid and we were really excited.

When we tried to set up a day with the artist, we soon found out that she wasn’t really excited about having us in her studio. She was rude and kinda mean, so we decided to pass on the day in the studio with her.

I told my mother-in-law about it and she suggested we come over to her house and she’d teach us how to make pinch pots or whatever we wanted to create with clay. We asked a couple friends to join us, brought margaritas and snacks, and had a lot of fun at my mother-in-law’s house getting our hands dirty with clay. I worked on making these spoons {see below}–they still need to be fired/glazed/painted. We’ll be meeting again for a glaze party after they’re fired!

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9 Comments · Filed Under: Creativity, DIY, Handmade

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