Finally Getting a POV Camera: Learning to Feel More Comfortable Creating Content

If you’ve ever watched content creators confidently filming in public, chatting to the camera like nobody’s watching, or effortlessly documenting their day, you might assume they were born comfortable doing it. Meanwhile, some of us are standing off to the side, trying not to be seen, quietly wondering how on earth people do it without feeling awkward.

That has been me for a very long time.

I have never been someone who loves being in photos or videos. In fact, if I’m honest, I’ve spent years preferring to stay safely behind the camera. I love capturing moments, sharing stories, taking pictures of my family, my pets, DIY projects, reviews, and everyday life—but putting myself in front of the lens? That’s a completely different story.

Content creation is something I genuinely enjoy, but there has always been this uncomfortable feeling that comes with it. Sometimes I feel awkward filming in public. Sometimes I feel like an outcast while everyone else seems confident and polished. Sometimes I overthink everything—how I look, who might be watching, or whether I look silly talking to a camera. 

The funny thing is, I know I’m probably not alone in feeling this way.

That’s why I am ridiculously excited about something that might seem small to some people: I finally bought a POV camera.

And honestly? I think this little purchase is going to make a huge difference for me.

According to the younger generation being able to scroll through Facebook feeds, Instagram reels, and TikTok’s is a much more convenient way to watch content then read blogs. So I have no choice but to change up my methods and add video content to all of my blog posts. I will not lose viewers and followers because I didn’t hop on the dopamine trend of video feeds. So here we go!

Why a POV Camera Feels Like a Game-Changer

For anyone who doesn’t know, a POV (point-of-view) camera lets you film from your perspective instead of constantly holding a camera in front of your face or setting up awkward shots.

For someone like me, who feels much more comfortable behind the camera, this feels like the perfect middle ground.

I still get to create content.

I still get to share experiences.

But I don’t feel so exposed while doing it.

Instead of feeling like everyone is staring at me filming, I can simply capture moments naturally from my own perspective. Whether I’m out shopping, working on DIY projects, exploring, filming reviews, spending time with family, or even just sharing little everyday moments, it feels so much less intimidating.

And honestly? That feels exciting.

Baby Steps Toward Feeling More Comfortable

I want to be real here—I’m still learning to get more comfortable being in pictures and videos.

I’m not suddenly going to wake up tomorrow and become one of those people confidently filming themselves in the middle of a crowded parking lot without a second thought.

But growth does not have to happen all at once.

Sometimes it happens in little steps.

Maybe today that means filming from a POV perspective.

Maybe tomorrow it means popping into a quick clip.

Maybe someday I’ll feel confident enough to talk freely on camera without overthinking every tiny thing.

The important part is that I’m trying.

And honestly, creating content should feel fun—not terrifying.

The Camera Deal That Made Me Even More Excited

One of the things that made this purchase feel even better was finding such a great deal.

I found an amazing POV camera on Amazon for around $150, and it came with a ton of accessories and an SD card, which honestly felt like a win. Usually it feels like you buy tech and then immediately realize you still need ten extra things before you can even use it.

Not this time.

This one came ready to go, which makes me even more excited to dive in and start experimenting.

I’m already imagining all the fun content ideas—DIY projects, family moments, cat chaos (because let’s be honest, the cats deserve their own camera crew), reviews, day-in-the-life clips, outdoor adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments that feel more real and natural.

I got a cheaper POV camera for Brooke to use while she rides her e bike as well and another one for Chris to wear while he is roofing to teach people how to roof.

Creating Content Without Feeling Like an Outsider

I think one of the hardest parts of starting content creation is feeling like everyone else belongs and you somehow missed the memo.

You see polished creators who look confident, comfortable, and effortless, and meanwhile you’re wondering if people are judging you for holding a camera.

But here’s something I’m slowly realizing: most people probably start awkward.

Most people learn confidence by doing.

Most creators probably had moments where they felt uncomfortable, nervous, or out of place too.

Confidence seems to come from repetition—not perfection.

And maybe this POV camera is my stepping stone toward that.

Maybe it helps me stop feeling like an outsider and start feeling more comfortable documenting life in a way that feels authentic to me.

Here’s to Trying Something New

So here I am—equal parts nervous and excited.

I finally got a POV camera, and I genuinely cannot wait to start making content with it.

Will everything be perfect? Definitely not.

Will I still feel awkward sometimes? Probably.

Will I overthink clips and cringe at myself occasionally? Almost guaranteed.

But I’m excited anyway.

Because creating memories, telling stories, sharing life, and stepping outside my comfort zone feels worth it.

And if this little camera helps me feel more confident while doing it, then I already know it was money well spent.

Here’s to learning, growing, and finally feeling a little more comfortable in front of (and behind) the camera.

How to Tan a Bear Hide: A Step-by-Step Guide From Field to Finished Pelt

Tanning a bear hide is a rewarding process that preserves not only the fur but also the memories tied to a successful hunt. While it takes patience, attention to detail, and a bit of hard work, learning to tan your own hide can save money and leave you with a beautiful keepsake to display for years to come.

Whether your goal is a soft rug, wall mount, or keepsake hide, the process starts long before tanning solution ever touches the skin. From fleshing and salting to sewing bullet holes and applying tanning formula, every step matters.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to tan a bear hide using Deer Hunters & Trappers Hide Tanning Formula.

Step 1: Skinning and Initial Preparation

The first step begins immediately after harvesting the bear. If you plan to tan the hide yourself, careful skinning is essential.

Try to make clean cuts and avoid slicing into the fur side whenever possible. Depending on your final plans, you may skin the bear for a rug, life-size mount, or traditional pelt.

Once removed, keep the hide cool. Heat is the enemy of hide preservation and bacteria can begin breaking down the skin quickly.

If you can’t begin working on the hide right away, freeze it or salt it immediately.

Step 2: Fleshing the Hide

Before tanning can begin, all fat, meat, connective tissue, and membrane must be removed.

Lay the hide flesh-side up on a fleshing beam, table, or smooth working surface.

Using a fleshing knife or scraper:

• Remove all visible meat and fat
• Scrape away membrane and tissue
• Pay extra attention to thick areas around the neck, shoulders, and rump
• Remove grease pockets carefully

Bear hides are especially greasy compared to deer hides, so thorough fleshing is extremely important. Any leftover fat can spoil the hide or interfere with tanning absorption.

Take your time here—this step can make or break the final result.

Step 3: Sewing Bullet Holes and Damage Repair

Before salting or tanning, inspect the hide for cuts, tears, or bullet holes.

Use heavy-duty thread, artificial sinew, or waxed thread along with a curved leather needle.

Tips for sewing:

• Stitch from the flesh side whenever possible
• Pull edges together gently without puckering
• Use small, tight stitches for a cleaner appearance
• Avoid over-tightening, which can distort the fur

Repairing holes early makes finishing much easier later and helps the hide lay flatter once dried.

Step 4: Salting the Hide

Salting removes moisture and prevents bacteria growth while helping preserve the hide.

Spread the hide flesh-side up and generously cover every inch with non-iodized salt.

You’ll want to:

• Use a heavy layer (don’t be shy)
• Rub salt into folds, edges, paws, neck, and thick areas
• Pay special attention to ears, lips, and facial areas if attached

Let the hide sit for 24 hours in a cool, dry place.

After the first salting:

1. Shake off wet salt
2. Re-scrape if needed to remove loosened tissue
3. Apply a second fresh layer of salt

Leave it another 24–48 hours until the hide feels firm and dry.

The hide should no longer feel wet or slippery.

Step 5: Scraping and Final Cleaning

Once salted, inspect the hide again.

Salt often reveals remaining membrane or fat that was missed during fleshing.

Scrape off:

• Leftover membrane
• Grease
• Fat pockets
• Thick tissue

A clean hide absorbs tanning solution more evenly and helps prevent rot later.

This stage is all about patience and detail.

Step 6: Washing the Hide

Before applying tanning solution, wash away salt, blood, grease, and dirt.

Fill a large tub with cool water and add a mild degreasing soap if needed.

Bear hides tend to hold oils, so washing is important.

Gently agitate the hide and rinse thoroughly.

Avoid:

• Hot water (which can damage the hide or slip hair)
• Harsh detergents
• Aggressive scrubbing

After washing, squeeze out excess water and allow the hide to drain.

The hide should be damp—not dripping—before tanning.

Step 7: Applying Deer Hunters & Trappers Hide Tanning Formula

At this stage, you’re ready for tanning.

Apply the tanning formula evenly to the flesh side of the damp hide.

Work it in thoroughly:

• Massage into all areas
• Focus on thicker sections like shoulders and neck
• Reapply to dry spots as needed
• Ensure edges and repaired areas are fully coated

Fold flesh-to-flesh and allow the tanning formula time to penetrate according to product instructions.

Some hunters place the folded hide in a plastic bag or wrap it to slow drying while the solution absorbs.

Follow the timing recommended on your specific tanning formula packaging.

Step 8: Stretching and Softening the Hide

Once tanning solution has penetrated, the hide needs to dry while being stretched and worked.

This is the part many people underestimate.

As the hide dries:

• Pull and stretch it repeatedly
• Work stiff sections over a beam, cable, rounded board, or edge
• Keep breaking fibers until the leather softens

If left untouched during drying, the hide can become stiff and board-like.

Working it repeatedly helps create a softer, more flexible finished hide.

Step 9: Final Grooming and Finishing

When fully dry:

• Brush debris from fur
• Trim loose threads from sewn areas
• Spot clean stained fur if necessary
• Brush the coat for a finished appearance

At this stage, your bear hide is ready for display as a rug, wall hanging, or treasured hunting keepsake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not fleshing thoroughly
Remaining fat or membrane can cause spoilage and uneven tanning.

Using too little salt
Skimping on salt leaves moisture trapped in the hide.

Skipping repairs
Sewing holes early gives cleaner results.

Not degreasing enough
Bear hides are oily and need extra cleaning.

Letting the hide dry without working it
This often results in a stiff, hard hide.

Final Thoughts

Tanning a bear hide yourself takes time and effort, but it can be incredibly satisfying. Every scrape, stitch, and stretch helps transform a raw hide into something meaningful and long-lasting. With patience, proper fleshing, generous salting, careful washing, and a trusted tanning formula like Deer Hunters & Trappers Hide Tanning Formula, you can preserve both the hide and the story behind it for years to come.

Good Vacuum VS Bad Vacuum

 If you run a daycare, you already know your vacuum is basically a full-time employee. It deals with crushed crackers, rice explosions, dirt trails, pet hair, craft glitter, sand, fuzzies, and whatever mystery crumbs kids somehow create out of thin air. And lately, mine has been seriously failing the job interview.

Right now, I use a Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum and honestly… I have a love-hate relationship with it.

On the positive side, it’s lightweight, simple, and easy to grab during daycare chaos. It glides from vinyl flooring to carpet to shag rugs without complaining, and because it’s corded, I never have to wait for batteries to charge. That matters when you’re cleaning up mess number seventeen before lunch.

Upstairs in my living space I have a Frankenstein Shark Navigator vacuum that has had so many replacement parts I can’t remember its original colour. Why have I kept it instead of replacing? It has the best suction out of any vacuum I have ever had.

We replaced the hose twice, the filters numerous times, the front air filter is a bit more difficult as the whole thing needs to be replaced so we used JB Weld resin and fixed the plastic and it lasted longer than the other parts, that stuff is amazing. 

The shark parts are cheapest on Amazon just search for the model number and you are given multiple options. Way cheaper than ordering from the Shark website. Their customer service is amazing though. 

But the suction of the Bissel?

Absolutely not.

The final straw was a pile of rice. I vacuumed over the same little pile FIVE TIMES. Five! The rice just danced around the floor like it was mocking me. Eventually I gave up, grabbed the broom and dustpan, and questioned every life decision that led me here.

The tiny vacuum head means cleaning takes forever in a busy daycare space. By the time I finish one room, another child has exploded crackers in the hallway. And while the Featherweight is affordable and convenient, it just doesn’t have the deep-clean power needed for heavy daily traffic. Especially with rugs, food crumbs, and all the random debris kids track inside.

After looking into reviews and hearing what parents, pet owners, and busy households swear by, a few vacuums keep coming up over and over again.

The Dyson V15 Detect seems to be the dream machine everyone talks about. People love the powerful suction, laser dust light, smart dirt sensors, and ability to handle both carpet and hard floors without losing performance. Apparently it can pick up debris in a single pass, which honestly sounds life-changing right now.

The downside? The price hurts my soul a little.

The Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum keeps showing up as a more affordable option with amazing suction and anti-hair-wrap technology. A lot of reviewers say Shark vacuums are workhorses for busy family homes because they clean hard floors and carpets well without constantly clogging.

Then there’s the Tineco Pure ONE S15 Pet Smart Vacuum, which people seem to love for quick daily cleaning. Many users say it makes everyday messes easier to deal with compared to dragging around a heavy corded vacuum.

And honestly? That’s exactly what daycare life needs.

Fast cleanup. Strong suction. Less frustration.

The biggest difference I’m noticing between cheaper stick vacuums and premium ones is how many passes you need to make. When you’re vacuuming an entire daycare every single day, that matters more than almost anything else.

At this point, I need something powerful enough to survive snack time, sensory bins, rainy days, and the endless trail of crumbs kids somehow leave behind every single hour.

Because honestly, if I have to chase one more grain of rice across the floor, I might lose my mind.

So now I want to know — what vacuum do you swear by? Are Dyson vacuums really worth the hype? Is Shark the better budget option? Or is there another hidden gem out there that can survive the chaos of daycare life?