By this point we all know that what we see on Instagram is not the full story. Aside from the filters, staging and styling and posing, the EMOTIONS and life behind the camera can never be captured. Captions do help, but it’s not as raw as a blog post, video or, the obvious, a conversation with someone offline.
Behind my Instagram is a confused millennial (how many times have I used that annoying description?) who tends to over think the simple yet often all-consuming world of social media. Behind my Instagram is a someone who usually eats cold (not pretty) leftovers but somehow has a food-based account. Behind my Instagram is a blogger who preaches authenticity but wonders if she should admit to having a mental breakdown last night or keep the caption short and sweet and save the story for the blog.
Behind my Instagram is a young adult slightly overwhelmed with life. She posts when she can and what she wants (now more than ever) and still LOVES the creative aspect of social media. She planned to take over the world, but got a little tired. She’s not going anywhere but constantly re-evaluating and improving.
What’s behind YOUR Instagram?
Now for the stories of some recent photos…food and not. I love that other people have started sharing their Behind The Instagrams, too! If you post one, tag me so I can help spread the non-filtered love.
Behind The Instagram #9
See previous Behind the Instagram posts here
1. This was Election Day and I, like everyone else in the country, was a bit on edge. CNN had been on (my own fault) for like 48 hours at this point and I think that lunch was the first time I muted it. I did not admit this in the caption (out of embarrassment and frustration) but I dropped some avocado slices on the floor. Avocados were like $5 each at this time so I 3-second-ruled the ish out of that. I couldn’t deal with the election and the thought of wasting an overpriced avocado.
Oh, and as I wrote in my caption, I listened to Dr. Mark Hyman’s Fat Summit online. I highly recommend following him if you have an interest in functional medicine and/or gut health.
Vote yes for healthy fats ✅??. I’m temporarily muting CNN and tuning in to day 2 of @markhymanmd’s Fat Summit. Highly suggest if you’re interested in taking back (and learning more about) your health. A variety of topics and engaging speakers! #lunch
2. Can you tell I had just gotten a manicure? Trust me, if my nails look good, Instagram followers will know. This was the result of a very subtle outdoor smoothie photoshoot. There weren’t any good, solid backgrounds so a small flower-pot next to the garbage can was my best bet.
Sunny and 90 degrees is enough justification for this purchase. I try to make smoothies at home ($$) but I’ve been out and about all day ??♀️My go-to combo: almond milk, spinach, kale, 1/2 avocado, strawberries, cinnamon, almond butter ??#smoothie #fallinflorida
3. One day I will live in a house with both regular and white brick walls because both are prime Instagram backgrounds. This was taken in a *public place* with *LOTS* of people around. Go me? I sucked up the awkwardness because I wanted the background. At least four people commented that they thought it was a good set-up so that was a confidence boost.
Today is a day to smile, stand tall and spread love. Less hate, more athleisure ??? #thatsthespirit #ad
4. I was driving home one evening and went slightly over the speed limit to catch the end of the sunset. I left groceries in the car and sprinted in flip-flops out to the dock to take this photo. Let me repeat that…I sprinted out to the dock. As someone who hasn’t run (fast or much at all) in months, that was a workout. It was probably .25 mile from my car and I was embarrassingly out of breath. Sunsets wait for no one.
It was worth it…this view was everything I needed at the end of a mentally stressful day. It was God’s way of calming me down, although I had to hurry up to get there. I can’t decide if I like sunrises or sunsets better, but luckily I don’t have to choose.
She was a beauty tonight ✨No matter how often I see a sunset on the water (and I’m so lucky to see them every night), I’m always in awe…it’s magical. Friendly reminder to stop and smell the roses, watch the sunset or pet the dog. There is joy in life’s simple pleasures :) #tampa #hometownlove #unlocktampabay
5. My mom bought me this glass at Home Goods a few weeks before Halloween to take a seasonal photo (an awesome $2 find!). I tried THREE times to make a somewhat appetizing orange-colored smoothie. After I finally nailed it (and it didn’t taste too pumpkin-y) I thought I was being so cool by saving the photo to post on National Pumpkin Day. After I eventually posted it, I realized I got the date wrong. Those damn DUMB food holidays. Not the worst thing in the world but it would have been much easier to just fill the glass with Gingerade kombucha for Halloween.
Cheers, witches ? . Pumpkin smoothie: -Almond milk -1 large scoop of pumpkin purée -Frozen strawberries -1 (large) spoonful of coconut butter -2 scoops of @vitalproteins collagen -Cinnamon -Ice #smoothie #goodmoodfood #nationalpumpkinday
Linking up to Thinking Out Loud. Thanks, Amanda!
I did a photo shoot in downtown Detroit along the water, which just so happened to be the first warm day of 2016 so EVERYONE was out and about. I didn’t feel too awkward (even though I normally do), but was more annoyed with how hard it was to get a picture when people kept walking in front of the camera.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #13: Un-Motivated, Self Care, & Link Love
We did a public photo shoot at the Bean for my first Prana campaign, and we are going to be doing one very soon for Spyder! I love that picture of you at the brick wall. Maybe one of my favorites of you.
And I do the 3-5-10 second rule with dry things. Moist/wet things, not so much, but if it is on the hardwood rather than the carpet, we will consider it.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Big News, Changes, Anniversaries, Yoshi
My nails are currently done and I’m wondering just what I need pictures of while that has happened, haha. Yay for sunsets no matter what you had to do for it. I do love reading about what goes on in your posts. Totally makes me laugh some days (like the dumb holidays. I swear National Cookie day was like 2 different days this week. I partook in both, though)
Heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…{Motherhood} How I Dropped Bottles
I need a manicure…LOL! And I always love these posts…Have a wonderful day friend! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Island Girls Podcast – A Nantucket Gentleman
Thank you for thinking food holidays are dumb, too. I mean, I kind of like them, but I get the date wrong like 50% of the time.
I always get food holidays wrong lol. There has been at least 3 occasions where I have posted a day late, whoops!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Fudge {Vegan + Gluten-free}
I always mess up food holidays, but I swear it’s not *entirely* my fault, since sometimes I get two different dates from the internet… and then I give up and eat/post whatever I want. :P
And as long as I’m in the mood to have my picture taken, I don’t mind in public! Lots of people tend to realize you’ve picked a good spot and then they start their own little shoots :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #75
I love how you do these and keep meaning to copy the idea ;) good think about food holidays is that they seem to be every other week so I’m sure someone could have also claimed it pumpkin day!
Kaitlin @ CA Enless Summer recently posted…72 Hours in San Francisco Bay
These are my favorite posts of yours. That is all. I totally do the sprint from the car to catch the sunset thing. No shame. At least your family is on board ;)
Hehe… Food holidays are funny things; they can kind of stress me out because I try to celebrate all of them; but that kind of defeats the point right? :)
I love Instagram so much, and I love this because it opens up the story behind the gram. That sunset? Wow. That was so worth capturing, a delightful restful way to end a long day.
Emily recently posted…Why I’m Thankful for the Food Blogger And Recent Recover Struggles
Oh my gosh I hate taking photos in public. I’ve discovered that my arms suddenly feel too long for my body and I have no idea where to put them so they don’t look awkward. hahaha
Megan recently posted…I wish I had known I don’t have to be…
What a fun post! I love the honesty about what it takes to get that perfect shot!
Kristina @ Ms.Modify recently posted…Christmas Gift Ideas for Someone Who’s Gluten Free
Haha, you are SO much braver than I! I can never take photos with people looking at me or I just feel and look awkward, ha!
Life behind my instagram is definitely very ordinary – but then so is my instagram! :P
Kristy from Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Cold Sesame Noodle Salad (GF + Vegan)
love reading these posts. i’m the same way when i get a manicure: gotta show it off!
Alyssa recently posted…Friday Rambles 12/2/16
I love this idea for a post! And that sunset picture. <3
I love your behind the Instagram posts! You’re so right- IG is a great outlet to be creative, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. And I totally agree with ya about the nails!! Love that red color. And yes to not wasting avocado! Have a great weekend Em!
xoxo Cailee!
Cailee recently posted…Hello Healthy Bowl Food!
Thank you, Cailee! One of my favorites to write and share :) Hope you had a great weekend!