It’s only October 3rd but I feel like the month is over.
Dramatic is my middle name, what’s yours? But really, blink and fall is gone! Not cool. That being said, I hope you had a nice fall weekend. I have a few fun things on the horizon so this week is extra busy. Actually, it’s only one fun (big) thing…I’ll share more soon!
Not so subtly switching gears…time for my bi-monthly “Behind the Instagram” post. For new readers, I started this series last year as a reminder (to myself and everyone else) that social media is typically a highlight reel. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Instagram, but a little dose of #reallife doesn’t hurt either. The theme of this round, and all the posts in the series: there’s more to the photo than meets the eye.
See previous posts in the series here.
Behind the Instagram #8
1. I have my normal breakfast routine down to a science, yet for some reason (on a Monday) decided to break out the cast iron skillet and make a hash. Three failures here: 1) the potatoes and carrots got a little (or a lotta) charred, 2) I burned my thumb after taking the photo (cast iron skillets are no joke), 3) by the time I cleaned up and was ready to eat, I had to reheat everything in the microwave. At least it looked somewhat decent?
When your potatoes get a little too happy in the cast iron ? Extra charred but still so good. Make it a great Monday ?? #breakfast #goodmoodfood
2. Confession: Posting this photo relied 100% on nailing the avocado rose. You have to have the perfect avocado (not too ripe) and I just had a good feeling with this one. So I made the rose first, decided it was half decent, and then made the rest of the salad look OK. Big time #diditfortheinsta.
I feel like I’m cheating on fall food with this lunch ? Berries are still pretty good down here so I’ll take em while I can. Also, three cheers for some much needed progress on my avocado rose ?? Hope you’re having a great Friday! #lunch #goodmoodfood
3. *Serious talk alert* The caption does not do this smoothie or that moment justice. More than a rainy Monday morning, which stinks in itself, I had also just received some defeating news from a company (aka a “no” on the job front). This one hit hard because I was far along in the process and didn’t expect to hear at 9 a.m. that day. Even though it wasn’t my first (or last) rejection, they all sting a bit.
My mom, who moonlights as a Smoothie Queen, helped to turn things around. The smoothie was literally a bright spot on a dreary day. Full credit to her for working some layered magic and always having my back. A trick for smoothie layers: make in batches and freeze.
Overflowing layered bliss. Much needed on this rainy Monday ?? . Bottom layer- blueberries, chia seed and @califiafarms almond milk // middle- strawberries, banana, almond milk // top- spinach and almond milk. #smoothie
I always struggle with what to share, both here and on Instagram. Truthfully, it’s hard to put a positive spin on everything so I often refrain from posting too much detail. It’s a balance between wanting to stay optimistic and honest while also keeping personal things to myself. Sometimes I get the itch to write long captions and explain everything, but other times I just want to keep it concise…and try to be funny. Side note: I read this article about empowering quotes and it home.
4. Staying (somewhat) serious for one more photo…Saturday and Sunday mornings are hard when you’re an injured runner. (I still consider myself injured even though I’m run/walking a few times a week). While I joke around and say things like “my eggs run more than I do” and “lazy weekends are the best” I obviously miss the sport so much. I’m doing what I can, when I can and trying to look at the bigger picture: longterm health.
Anyway, I still (naturally) wake up early on the weekends so I have a lot of time to kill. That time has gone to cooking. Instead of running I’m in the kitchen chopping and roasting vegetables at 7 a.m. If only I could master omelette flipping/cooking.
Everyone’s out running, I’m here eating…This was better though ?. . A makeshift omelette/scramble with two @vitalfarms eggs, kale and zoodles. Roasted carrots and sweet potatoes on the side ??#breakfast
5. Sweet potato toast…such a social media favorite. I suppose I exaggerated by calling it “toast” since I don’t own a toaster and just baked the potato in thin slices. Am I missing out on the actual toasted version? I like the concept but I need a lot of “slices” (and toppings) to fill me up. After this photo, I turned these slices into “sandwiches” by adding another sweet potato to the top. I think I prefer my potato roasted and stuffed with almond butter.
Also, I bought that hardboiled egg from the Whole Foods salad bar. Laziness at its finest.
Two sweet potato toast pictures in a row…I obviously have a slight addiction ? . I’ve loved reading your comments on my last post. Thank you to everyone who has entered the giveaway (ends tonight!) and shared something positive ☺️ Happy football Sunday ? #breakfast #goodmoodfood
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Loooove that sweet potato toast picture! I’m usually a fan of longer captions, but not when they are unnecessary. Sometimes you just need to get to the point and keep it short, but other times a longer story is good.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon Training Weeks 3 + 4
Exactly. Depends on the photo and situation! This past week was all short captions for me, but I have a feeling after a week off I’ll have more to say.
You pictures are gorgeous, and I love the stories behind them. I think that IG captions should be what you need them to be! And if nothing else, save the explanations for stories or Snap, if you want to keep certain things a little more personal.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Deliciousness Delivered, Fitness with Friends, and Alex!
Good point! Snap and Insta stories help to personalize it more.
To be honest, I don’t like long instagram captions. I never click “more” if the caption is too long, so I appreciate that you keep it short and sweet! It’s much better (for me) to come to your blog and read more about what’s going on. That’s just me though!
Gretchen recently posted…Towpath Half Marathon Training : Week 6
Thank you for sharing that, Gretchen! I see both sides so I try to do a mix :)
I don’t mind long Instagram captions at all! In fact, I am usually a bit in awe of people who can type out whole paragraphs of deep thoughts; I never feel like I have that much to say, haha :P
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Life Lately: September 2016
I can relate! Sometimes I can just formulate a sentence or two. Depends on the day, I guess!
I like long captions! I always seek out the photos that have a story (even if it has nothing to do with the photo!) It just feels at least a little more meaningful :P
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Purple Sweet Potato Tater Tots
I do appreciate long captions when they tell a story! You’re right- it doesn’t have to relate to the photo.
Love that you do this! I like looking a pretty pictures of food and trails on my Instagram and know the best ones are staffed, just like in magazines. And there’s nothing wrong with that! But I do like the realness you explain here :)
Bri recently posted…October Goals
You’re right, there is nothing wrong with that! So many people post photos from DSLR’s too. Thanks for reading :)
:'( So I’m sad that you didn’t get that job, but I guess that means that it wasn’t meant to be. Your mom was so sweet to support you and help you make a delicious beautiful looking smoothie. I really love that you do these Em, because they help me appreciate all the work and love Instagrammers put into their photos. Keep doing them; they inspire gratefulness in me! :)
Emily recently posted…What I’ve Been Eating Lately + Favorite Links!
I could go for one of those smoothies right about now! Hey- you’re one of those people too, Em. Give yourself some credit :) xoxo
girl your insta game is so strong! That avo tho… so pretty hehe. Same with the sweet potato toast! I need to step up my insta game, but dorm room lighting doesn’t help :P
Alyssa recently posted…I skipped the gym… and I’m okay
Dorm room lighting is the worst! I didn’t have my blog when I lived in the dorms so I can only imagine that frustration.
Sorry to hear about the job but something right WILL come along and when it does, I know you will be amazing at it. :)
I feel you on the running front though and my first thought on Sunday mornings is still ‘time for the long run’ before I stand up out of bed and realise I am not going anywhere…
Your mum is indeed the smoothie queen as that (and all of your other food!) looks absolutely amazing (and worth all of the battle scars it took to perfect the photos ;) )
xx
In the moment, I love sleeping in on the weekends, but I really miss the feeling of accomplishing so much by 9 a.m. We will both get back there :) xo
Great pics! And I love the rawness of what is happening behind the scene. :)
Thanks, Ashley! I love combining both platforms (Instagram and blog) to tell a story.
I’m pretty sure I burnt myself using a cast iron skillet over 5 times and it sucks lol. I always forget that the handle is hot too! Anyways, I give you major credit for that avocado rose because those things are so hard, hence why I haven’t posted one yet haha.
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…55+ Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Recipes
Definitely don’t attempt it when you are hungry…I always mess up in that case!
Everything looks delicious! Great pictures.
Thanks, Betsy! Hope you have a great weekend.
I love long instagram captions but I usually only read them if I’m friends with the person or super bored. I feel like nobody likes to read long captions though. But they should…because you get a whole lot more personality from them ;)
Megan recently posted…Monday must-reads!
I agree! I read the longer captions depending on both the person/account and the moment. If I’m just quickly scrolling, I likely won’t click “read more”, but that doesn’t mean I won’t go back later.
Always love this series! And those sweet potato toasts sound delish!
Thanks, Casey :) Looking forward to making a big batch this weekend!
I love this idea and this blog theme…I read an article about a highly successful athlete (this was in ESPN mag) that had a highly popular Instagram account on campus and seemed so positive then committed suicide and no one knew she was battling deep depression…it’s SO important to keep it all in perspective!
I read that article too. If not used in a healthy mental state, social media can become a very negative force. So sad. In my case, I hope to provide both light-hearted and “deeper” feelings that relate to the Instagram or day of posting.
I kind of go back and forth with my captions…I try to do short, but then I want to tell a story and inspire and put the true thought behind the photo and why I posted it. So I guess I do long, because my short captions are never really short…LOL!
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Wellness Tips For October
I like both long and short captions for different reasons. Yours are always a favorite regardless :)
sweet potato toast!? I need to get on that! As always, love hearing the behind the scenes !
Heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…Low Key Fall Weekend: October 2, 2016
I eat so many sweet potatoes that it’s a nice change up I guess :)
I’m sorry to hear about the “no” on the job front. I bet it means there’s something even better in store for you :) In the meantime, you’re working that Insta and I’m enjoying your blog as always!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…September Highlights
Thanks, Liv. I’m hopeful that will happen :) Hope you have a great weekend!
I love these behind the scenes! I can relate to so many of them… if only people knew what goes on on the other side of the gram :-)
Thanks, Carly! It’s never as picture-perfect as the photo looks.
Weekends definitely feel weirder without running. First, the gym at school doesn’t open until 8 on weekends, so usually I’d just go for a run when I was ready, but now I lounge around and do some work before I go work out. The order just feels weird. Also, my dad started running more when I was running this summer, so he’ll text me his new speeds and distances. While I’m SO HAPPY he’s loving it and pushing himself, I want to be doing the same. Soon! It’ll happen soon.
Anyway, you know how I feel about transparency and therefore that I love this post. Hope your week is big and exciting :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
That sounds like my weekend mornings too. Eat, lounge and then start my day. And I feel you with the sense of FOMO…it will happen. For both of us!
Sorry about the job, girl! I’ve had the same thing happen to me and looking back on it, it was for the best. The first few months after I was so bummed, but over time I came to the realization. Sending you big hugs <3
Edye recently posted…Veggie Tales “Every Day With God” Devotional + Giveaway!
Thanks, Edye :) I know there are better things to come, even if it was very frustrating in the moment.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who reheats food post photos :P Jesse always laughs because I’ll photograph whatever I’m eating, come inside and stick it in the microwave to reheat whilst I pack all my camera stuff away :P
As for captions – I think it all depends on what you’re sharing!
Kristy from Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Creamy Asparagus Pasta Sauce (Healthy & Gluten Free)
I don’t mind certain foods cold, but not that egg hash! Needed that one warm.