Fruit, veg and Hydration key to a long life? 102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream

Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso woman Dorothy Smith's lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the entire  world.   

Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October this year when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. 

Moved by Dorothy's heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey. 

Reflecting on her motivation to travel and spend time in Sydney, Dorothy said: "Travel's really important to me because it's a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don't want to miss anything! 

“I loved visiting Sydney; it's a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is absolutely wonderful, and even the weather is nice!"

She went on to say: "We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!” 

A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia's resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy's own journey of exploration and discovery. 

With the support of Qantas's, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in considerable comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cockpit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. 

Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she'd always dreamed of seeing for herself.

Ammar Kandil, who is the co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy's story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we're incredibly happy to be able to help her achieve her lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of fAustralia as her seventh and final continent.   

“Our mantra is 'seek discomfort' and embrace adventure, and Dorothy's journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles might be.” 

Dorothy's time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included: 

An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. 

An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo who is also named Dorothy!  

A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey. 

A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world's most famous beaches. 

And Dorothy's secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you'll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there's anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”  

To follow Dorothy's journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory's latest video here:- https://youtu.be/38PwG3zGDDI

For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit https://www.sydney.com

How to Become a Successful Food Vlogger: A Comprehensive Guide

With the rise of digital media, food vlogging has become a popular way for culinary enthusiasts to share their passion. Whether you're a professional chef, a home cook, or simply a food lover, vlogging offers a platform to showcase your culinary adventures.

This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a successful food vlogger, from planning your content to engaging with your audience.

1. Define Your Niche

The first step in becoming a food vlogger is to define your niche. This will help you stand out in a crowded field and attract a dedicated audience. Some popular niches include:

Recipe Tutorials: Demonstrating how to prepare various dishes.

Restaurant Reviews: Visiting and reviewing local eateries.

Food Challenges: Participating in or creating unique food challenges.

Culinary Travels: Exploring food cultures and cuisines from around the world.

Healthy Eating: Focusing on nutritious and healthy recipes.

Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise.

2. Set Up Your Equipment

You don't need the most expensive gear to start vlogging, but having the right equipment can significantly improve the quality of your videos.

Camera: A good quality camera is essential. Many vloggers use DSLRs, but a high-quality smartphone can also do the trick.

Microphone: Clear audio is crucial. Consider investing in a lapel mic or a shotgun mic.

Lighting: Natural light is great, but for consistency, invest in some softbox lights or ring lights.

Tripod: A sturdy tripod will keep your shots steady.

Editing Software: Programmes like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even iMovie can help you edit your videos professionally.

3. Plan Your Content

Consistency is key in vlogging. Plan your content in advance to ensure a steady stream of videos. Create a content calendar to organise your ideas and set a realistic posting schedule, whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

4. Create Engaging Content

To attract and retain viewers, your content needs to be engaging. Here are some tips:

Be Yourself: Authenticity resonates with viewers. Let your personality shine through.

Tell a Story: Structure your videos with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This keeps viewers interested.

Keep It Concise: Attention spans are short. Aim for videos that are 5-15 minutes long.

Use Attractive Thumbnails: A compelling thumbnail can entice viewers to click on your video.

Optimise Titles and Descriptions: Use relevant keywords to help your videos appear in search results.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Building a community is essential for a successful vlog. Engage with your audience by:

Responding to Comments: Show appreciation and address questions or feedback.

Using Social Media: Promote your videos on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Collaborating with Other Vloggers: This can help you reach a broader audience.

Hosting Giveaways or Contests: Encourage viewers to participate and share your content.

6. Monetise Your Channel

Once you've built a substantial following, you can start monetising your channel. Here are some ways to earn money:

Ad Revenue: Enable ads on your YouTube channel.

Sponsored Content: Partner with brands for sponsored videos.

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission on sales.

Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise to your fans.

7. Stay Updated and Adapt

The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and adapt your content accordingly. Attend workshops, join vlogger communities, and continuously seek feedback to improve your skills.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful food vlogger requires passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. By defining your niche, investing in the right equipment, planning and creating engaging content, and building a community, you can turn your culinary passion into a thriving vlogging career. Remember, consistency and authenticity are key. Happy food vlogging!

How to Become a Food and Drink Influencer: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming a food and drink influencer is an exciting journey that combines passion, creativity, and strategic planning. 

If you have a love for culinary delights and beverages and want to share your experiences with a wider audience, this guide will help you navigate the path to becoming a successful influencer in the food and drink industry.

1. Identify Your Niche

The first step is to identify your specific niche within the broad food and drink category. Do you have a penchant for vegan cuisine, gourmet dishes, street food, or craft cocktails? Perhaps you are passionate about healthy eating, baking, or exploring international cuisines. Defining your niche will help you target your audience more effectively and establish your unique voice.

2. Create High-Quality Content

Content is king in the world of influencers. Focus on creating high-quality, visually appealing content that resonates with your audience. Invest in a good camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera. Learn basic photography and editing skills to make your food and drink photos look irresistible. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and backgrounds to make your images stand out.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Building a loyal following requires consistent engagement with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage your followers to share their thoughts and experiences. Use polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive stories on social media platforms to create a sense of community. Engagement is crucial for building trust and loyalty among your followers.

4. Leverage Social Media Platforms

Different social media platforms have different strengths. Instagram is a visual platform ideal for sharing photos and short videos, while YouTube is perfect for longer, more detailed video content such as recipe tutorials and food reviews. TikTok is great for short, engaging clips that can go viral quickly. Tailor your content to fit the platform and maximise your reach.

5. Collaborate with Other Influencers and Brands

Networking is a powerful tool for growth. Collaborate with other influencers in your niche to reach a broader audience. Partner with brands that align with your values and niche to create sponsored content. These collaborations can provide additional exposure and credibility. Always disclose partnerships to maintain transparency with your audience.

6. Stay Authentic

Authenticity is key to gaining and retaining followers. Share your genuine experiences and opinions about food and drink. Avoid overly staged content and be honest in your reviews. Followers appreciate authenticity and are more likely to trust and engage with influencers who are genuine.

7. Stay Informed and Adapt

The food and drink industry is dynamic, with new trends emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest trends and adapt your content accordingly. Attend food festivals, follow industry news, and keep an eye on social media trends. Staying current will keep your content relevant and interesting.

8. Monetise Your Influence

Once you have built a substantial following, explore ways to monetise your influence. This can include sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, creating and selling your products, or offering premium content through platforms like Patreon. Diversifying your income streams can provide financial stability and support your growth as an influencer.

9. Stay Consistent

Consistency is crucial in maintaining and growing your follower base. Develop a content calendar and stick to a regular posting schedule. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, consistency helps keep your audience engaged and looking forward to your next post.

10. Evaluate and Adjust

Regularly evaluate your performance using analytics tools available on social media platforms. Assess which types of content perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be open to feedback and continuously look for ways to improve your content and engagement.

Becoming a food and drink influencer is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, creativity, and strategic planning. By identifying your niche, creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, leveraging social media platforms, collaborating with others, staying authentic, adapting to trends, monetising your influence, staying consistent, and continuously evaluating your performance, you can carve out a successful space for yourself in the vibrant world of food and drink influencers. Happy influencing!

Our first livestream on YouTube!

Hi, yes, this is our first livestream video for That's Food and Drink on our YouTube channel.

We'll be looking at doing video presentations of cookery demonstrations, product reviews and that sort of thing.

It's obviously very early days at the moment. We'll have to address factors such as audio quality, video quality and lighting, but this is the first time I have used our new Trust Tyro webcam which comes complete with it's own decent little tripod. Maybe do a review on that? That's certainly something I could think about. 

Please do take a look at the video.

As for the thumbnail? Just a random image of random people enjoying some random beers!

That's Food and Drink Video channel launches

The first video is up, as you can see. However, the sound quality will be addressed, as will the possibility of broadcasting livestream programming in the very near future. 

This is all new to me and very exciting, obviously!