Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
This weekend was a blast because of the Blog Well Summit. I’ve always wanted to go to a blog conference and even though this one was online, it was absolutely amazing. It’s been so crazy though, that the one thing I don’t have is cohesive thoughts for a post today. But, since most of you loved my thinking out loud post a couple Mondays ago, I thought you might enjoy another one, so bear with me as I let ‘er rip 😉
Further Musings of an ExSloth
1. Although I shared that one selfie last week, I’ve never been one to take pictures of myself and I barely let other people take pictures of me. I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin for a really, really long time, and sometimes it’s still hard, especially when I see pictures of myself.
One thing that came up a lot during the summit was how important it is to share pictures of yourself when you have a personal blog. It increases human connection and trustworthiness or something like that. I planned to share a selfie with this post, but I look like 5 million pictures and my eyes were closed in all. Please accept this clearly staged generic image of me instead, and know that increasing selfie production is now on the 5-year plan now. You can follow along on Instagram, just know that it’s gonna take a while.
2. Speaking of pictures, I’m still hunting for a new camera. During one of the Blog Well summit chats this weekend, someone mentioned that they worked in photography before and wouldn’t recommend a DSLR. I emailed her for more info and haven’t heard back yet, so I’m even more confused about life- at least as it relates to cameras for food photography. So, I’m gonna come right out and beg for help. Please take pity on me and offer up some camera suggestions, tips, pros, cons, whatever. I’m kinda losing it over here.
3. Other things driving me crazy: Christmas displays are up at the grocery store already and I’m freaking out. I am not ready for this year to be over yet!
It feels like I have so much left to accomplish and I’m running out of time. Weird, I know, since I can keep doing my thing in the new year. But since I graduate in 2015 I feel like my life should be in order by the end of this year. Clearly haven’t come to terms with this one yet.
4. I was on Facebook last night, and one of my friends who I haven’t spoken to in years messaged me for healthy eating advice. I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I’s still surprised when people I know openly compliment my food, and the same goes for my health and fitness. I don’t have this issue with new friends or people I’ve met through blogging, because this is all they know me as. But I spent so long being unhealthy Giselle – a.k.a. the sloth – it feels weird for people I’ve known almost all my life to view me as someone healthy, even though I much healthier now. Just another one of my weird quirks I guess.
5. Random share for the day: I curse like a sailor. Not sure how that’s relevant but I just thought of it. I have a serious issue with curse words when I’m around my friends or in a comfortable setting.
But, when I started the blog, I made a conscious decision NOT to curse in this space. Sometimes I wonder if I’m really being ‘me’, but I thought about it and realised that I don’t curse ALL the time. My blog voice is just my mostly PC version. It’s is how I’d talk in situations where cursing is a little taboo. Still sarcastic AF, just without most of the colourful language.
6. On the topic of being yourself: I’ve had friends take jabs at some of my less than healthy eating habits and I’ve been called a fraud for having a Subway cookie. I could write an entire post about this and maybe I will but here’s a super edited, no cursing version of my response:
I admit that I have an issue with people drinking things like diet coke or eating low fat whatever and thinking they’re being uber healthy, but that’s more an issue with mainstream health and fitness media rather than the individual. I eat most things in moderation, but I do not try to kid myself or anyone else when I’m being less than healthy.
Like this pizza I had last night or example. I definitely don’t think it was anywhere as healthy as sweet potato pizza but it was damn good. I never claimed to be a perfect eater, nor am I trying to sell that to anyone. My goal is to give people proper information so they can make informed decisions. If you’re making less than healthy food decisions, but know that you’re indulging and not the epitome of health in that moment I could give a f@#& because I do the same. #rantover
That last one was a doozy so I’m gonna end here before things get out of hand 😳
What about you?
Any camera/food photography tips? Do you take and share a lot of selfies? Are you always comfortable with putting your image out there? Do you tamper any parts of your personality when blogging? Ever get called out for your eating habits that don’t align with the rigid things people expect from you? Anything to share/rant about today?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was added to the following linkups: Thinking out Loud
I am always shocked by Christmas decorations before Halloween it’s so weird to me.
Renee @ Bendiful Blog recently posted…My New Obsession: iherb.com Shopping Sprees and a Giveaway
I think when you open yourself up to other people about your eating habits and will to be healthier some people see that as a license to police you too and that’s not cool! I know it’s hard to hear criticism but I try to block out comments that I know are not helpful and keep my head focused on my own goals. Annnddd no one eats perfect 100% of the time! What kind of life would that be?!?
Jill recently posted…Who Will You Wear Them For? Skechers for Breast Cancer Awareness
It really annoys me that they can’t let each holiday be its own holiday without throwing in then next right on top of it! Holidays have become one for retail instead of the fun they should be. Great post!
Trish
http://www.thetrishlist.com
Trish@TheTrishList recently posted…Halloween Decor on the Cheap!
It is way too early for Christmas displays! I love your selfie!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted…Weekend Snapshots 10.20
Candy canes! Yum 🙂 As for cameras, I’m not sure what else one would use if not a DSLR? IMHO you can’t achieve decent food photography with a point and shoot, or your phone, but I’m just a new blogger and not a photographer. I’ve been using an old Nikon D-80 for years now and I just bought a macro lens for food pics. Good luck in your camera search!
Ree recently posted…scrapbook: amsterdam
I too have the vocabulary of a sailor. It makes life more colorful and descriptive. IMO. I used to “alter” my personality because I didn’t want to offend anyone. Then I realized, my blog, my rules and people like it!
Earl-Leigh recently posted…Blogging, Detoxing & Flexing
#6 is literally the most annoying thing ever and I”m sorry that’s happened. People are ridiculous. As for #2, I don’t know what that person was talking about, but I think as a non photographer, a DSLR has truly helped me improve my skills. I feel like if I was naturally skilled then maybe I could make a point and shoot work, but a DSLR just has so many more capabilities! I use a Canon Rebel and luuuuurve it.
Erin @ The Almond Eater recently posted…Easy Veggie Bruschetta
I loved reading this post, my friend! Even when it’s just thoughts on your mind, you have a great way with words. Also, I LOVE the idea of curse words being “sentence enhancers”…this is SO true! Also also, seeing that selfie of you was so awesome! Not only are you totally gorgeous, but the depth of field in that picture…well, I’m totally jealous of people who know how to get the background to be all fuzzy. Someday I’ll learn!
Ashleigh recently posted…4 Things I Couldn’t Say About Myself 1 Year Ago
The other day I saw Santa hanging out next to some skeletons. It was very bizarre. And thank you for reminding me that I NEED to start sharing more pics of myself on Spoons as well. It’s been forever since I’ve shown my mug on there, and I definitely agree that showing more pics helps your readers develop a better connection with you. What’s say we work on that one together? 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. link love 10/19 .
Yeah I don’t know where 2014 went. I like yourself thought I’d have everything in order by the end of this year, after all I’ll be hitting a milestone this year in December (my birthday). I curse a lot myself. I’ve made a decision not to curse on my blog too. That pizza looks tasty! I had a cheeseburger pizza Saturday night and I’ve been eating salads & pretzels since, ha. Happy Monday!
Leslie recently posted…What Makes You Happy?
I have a hard time posting pictures of myself, too! Mostly because I’m always the one taking the photos, and I feel vain taking selfies! I really need to post more though, because I know that helps people connect to you.
I have a Sony Nex-5 (I think the Nex-6 is the new version). I highly recommend it. It takes stellar photos, and is very easy to learn to use. It’s a DSLR/point-and-shoot combo, is compact, and has a pretty competitive price! It was actually a gift… one that sat around for 3 years unused before I started blogging and realized what a treasure it was!
Ah, Christmas displays! It is pretty early. I always laugh when I’m back in the States at Christmas, and before I leave the first week of January, its all transitioning to Valentine’s Day already!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Super Green Watercress Pesto
Totally with on not being ready for all the holiday stuff! I used to start on Halloween and it’s just getting earlier and earlier every year! Wait your TURN, Christmas! We still have two holiday’s to get through first!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fitness Blogger Meet & Tweet
Guess which store in Australia put up Christmas trees in July? TARGET.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Spicy Honey Roasted Peanuts
I mostly use my i-Phone for pics and I have a smal canon that I will use on occassion. However, I have not graduated to a “big-girl” camera yet. I had always heard the DSLR was a gold standard. But then I read somewhere that the images are very large. So maybe that’s why they are not ideal fora blog.
Awesome that friends are reaching out to you about health advice. Keep working on the selfie game…it will get better over time. 🙂 I have been trying to improve mine too. I am finallly including my whole head and both arms. So…improvement! 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…R3 Prevention Summit
I’d love to go to a blog conference but haven’t just because they’re always out of my area. I’m with you on the early Christmas displays. I try not to even go into that area of a store.. It just makes me crazy! You should show more of your photos on your blog. You’re beautiful! I love your blog’s name, too. Have a great weekend!
Fran@BCDC recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #2
I feel you on the cursing thing. i work with a team of guys who have mouths like sailors. I always find myself deleting a bunch of four letter words from my comments and posts. While I sometimes feel inauthentic. It’s kind of a fun exercise.
But I’ll excuse myself from my swearing ban to say, fuck the type of people who expect your eating to be some kind of perfect. We’re humans. Pizza and subway cookies, and whatever else happen. My days are choices, and I’m allowed to not always be the pinnacle of health. As are you.
Kay @ Kay Bueno recently posted…What’s your motivation?
Thanks for submitting such an excellent article. I’m sure many people will learn a lot from reading this.