Blog

Making A Documentary

Posted on by simonscholes in Blog

So, I’ve been thinking about this project for a number of years now.  In fact pretty much ever since I started making the daily vlogs.

Over the years of making daily videos I’ve seen many people come and go as content creators.  However, there are a high number of creators who stick with it, through thick and thin.  Through all the pointless youtube / google alterations, through having Google + forced upon us we continue to make content…..but why?

Do we make a living from youtube? Well for most of us no. Personally I make enough to keep me in coffees now and again, certainly not enough to pay the rent or even more so, to give up working all together.

So what is it that keeps people like me making regular content on youtube.  It’s not the money that’s for sure.  Is it the passion, is it the need for a creative outlet, is it for the memories?

I’ve decided to create a documentary telling the story of the little guys on YOUTUBE. Those people who effectively have a 2nd job making content for youtube and find out why they do it.

So, in the next few weeks I’m going to be launching a campaign to get the money together to film this documentary. I’ll be visiting people around Europe and the States talking to them face to face to hear their story.

It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this but I’m excited about it and I hope you’ll join me on the journey and get excited along with me. STOPJABBAINGON

Easter Traditions

Posted on by simonscholes in Blog

I was recently thrust into the world of Easter traditions and got me wondering about the worldwide traditions for Easter, that people take part in.

In the UK and America we all seem very keen to hunt for Easter eggs left behind for us by a bunny of all things.

In Slovakia (where I was recently for the holiday) they obviously take the religious side of the holiday very seriously, however, on Easter Monday they celebrate in a very interesting way. The men set off, visiting the houses of local girls and splashing them with water for health and proceeding to beat them (lightly) with a stick.  The girls in return for this give the men a ribbon for their stick and a chocolate egg.

It’s the first time I’ve experienced anything like this, and for me (an outsider) it felt almost a little archaic, but who am I to say what traditions are right and which are wrong.

So how do you celebrate Easter in your country? I’d love to know, let me know in the comments.

SPRING FORWARD

Posted on by simonscholes in Blog

It’s that time of year again, Spring has finally arrived and tonight the nights start to appear longer when the clocks go forward.  All of this SHOULD mean that the weather should be on the change too.  However, strangely enough, it seems to have been knocked into reverse.

I’m not currently putting away the winter clothing but I’m still wearing it. I’m still staying warm currently in my KILLTEC IMOPUKO Ski Jacket, it’s comfy and light and even though it has got a little warmer lately, as it’s a ski jacket it’s not over bearing heat wise on a sunnier day. KILLTEC SKI JACKET

 

 

 

I’m also wearing my chuck taylors on a regular basis. So comfortable and they’re the best shoes for me.  They’re leather and perfect for winter and when summer arrives I’ll just slip back into my low top converse instead.

Converse, chuck taylors

 

 

 

What are your current go to items for staying warm but ready for Spring at the moment?

AMAZING SKIES #northernlights

Posted on by simonscholes in Blog

So, it’s a week of celestial amazingness this week.  We started the week off in the hope that St Patricks night was going to be a clear one so we could enjoy the delights of the Northern Lights putting on a show for the northern hemisphere.

Sadly here in Newbury, Berkshire we had nothing but clouds for most of the night and didn’t manage to capture anything.  Thankfully the rest of the world got to see some amazing sights.

Northern Lights 1

 

 

 

northern lights 2

 

 

 

northern lights 3

 

 

 

Tomorrow morning (19th March 2015) we’ve got the first eclipse of the new century in the south of England which I’ll be capturing on video so you can watch it safely and will be posted on my youtube page.

So how about you, I’d love to see what amazing content you managed to capture on Tuesday night or the photos and videos you captured from the eclipse.

ACT YOUR AGE, NOT YOUR #TSHIRT SIZE

Posted on by simonscholes in Blog

Do you have a collection you’re proud of? Now, I wouldn’t class myself as a fashion connoisseur, however, if you look in my wardrobe my collection of t-shirts would probably surprise you a little. As a guy in his late 30’s you’d maybe expect me to be a fan of polo or plain t-shirts that look professional and smart. Yeah, that’s not really the case, if you look in my drawers you’ll come across a selection of fun, classic and humorous t-shirts.

Chewbacca Surfing - Chunk Clothing
Chewbacca Surfing – Chunk Clothing
Super Friends - Chunk Clothing
Super Friends – Chunk Clothing
Star Wars, Garbage Pail Kids, Family Guy, Superman, Dangerous
A small sample of my t-shirt collection

My wife, when we first met didn’t understand my draw towards these fun t-shirts, and honestly, I can’t give a reason as to why I love them so much, but I do, and she still doesn’t understand 🙂 I love being a little quirky and silly at my age, and frankly I don’t want to grow up.  I’m quite happy being a little Peter Panesque in my clothing choices. You should see my DVD collection, but that’s for another blog. So, it begs the question,  what do you do to keep age at bay? Let me know in the comments I’d love to hear from you.

#MoneySaving Mothers Day Ideas

Posted on by simonscholes in Blog

So, today is the dreaded Friday 13th March 2015 and if you’re in the UK and didn’t already know (how could you not with advertising just about everywhere), this Sunday is Mothers Day.

Now, this is a great day to make your mum feel as special as she truly is, spoil her, look after her and generally make sure she knows how much you love her.  However, not everyone has the budget to go crazy at this time of year, including yours truly, but, I really want to make sure my mum feels special so I’ve searched the web to find some great gifts that won’t break the bank and a couple of free one’s too.

FLOWERS daffs

Now this would normally break the bank but several supermarkets are helping you afford the day so for just £1 you can get a bunch from, click the links below to find your closest local store.

 

  • £1 – Co-op for a bunch of daffodils.
  • £1 – M&S for a bunch of daffodils.
  • £1 – Morrisons for a bunch of daffodils.
  • £1 – Waitrose for a bunch of daffodils.

DINNER TIME Unknown

What about taking your mum for a meal.  This can be quite costly sometimes, however, many places love to give you a great deal on these special days.  For example Mums can eat ‘free’ at Harvester on Mother’s Day (Sun 15 Mar) after 6pm when at least one other main meal is ordered.

Mums can choose any main course from the menu (excluding shared platters and the £9.99 meal deal) and there’s no voucher needed, just turn up at your local Harvester and make sure you mention the freebie when you order your food.

Or how about registering with VoucherCodes* to get 25% off all main courses at all Hungry Horse restaurants till Fri 20 Mar, including Mother’s Day.

One voucher is OK for the whole table and you can print the voucher or show it on your smartphone instead using the VoucherCodes app.

However, if you’d rather not spend much at all.  Well you don’t need to buy a gift or take mum for a meal.  Do what I’m doing, I’ve made my mothers day card and got it in the post yesterday to make sure it arrives in time for Sunday, and then when mum next comes to visit I’ll treat her like the queen she is.  I’ll make her a meal and bake her favourite cake.

I’d love to know what you’re doing for Mother’s Day in the comments, especially if you’re saving money in your own way.

Whatever it is you’re going to do though, just make sure you tell your mum you love her and enjoy the day and time you have together.