OK, I want to perfect my shifting, so I can have a smooth ride not hard on my tranny.

For first gear (daily driving), I let out the clutch while applying some gas, and add more gas the clutch is let out, I guess this is slipping? Anyway, sometimes when I do that, sometime in the beginning, as the clutch is almost out, it feels almost like I hit my brake, then it picks up some speed. Is the problem too much clutch, or too much gas? Also, I think I just figured out today how to do smooth shifts. Before I just had my foot resting on the dead pedal until I NEEDED to shift, then I quickly pushed in the clutch. Now, I have my foot ready to push the clutch in (not resting on it tho), and as soon as the clutch is in, I put it in gear and let the clutch out. Should I be adding gas during that? Thanks, and any tips will help me out!!!