The problem with Instagram is that I constantly get the feeling that I want to share more, while simultaneously feeling like I’ve probably shared too much. (HI, 1,361 PHOTOS AND COUNTING).
Here’s the thing: I don’t just use the photo-sharing app for food, or fashion, or cute babies, or selfies, or pretty landscapes, or night’s out with my friends. I USE IT FOR ALL OF THAT. And then some. So for those who follow me on Instagram and don’t quite grasp the frequency of my uploads: I have no answer for you. Other than, I just love it. I love it more than Twitter because GOD STOP RETWEETING STUFF I DON’T WANT TO READ, more than Facebook (I mean, screw you Facebook, who even likes you anymore?) more than Pinterest, because really we’re all just going to end up with identical weddings and white home offices, and definitely more than this new Vine app that I may actually delete soon because if I can’t look at it at work, then WHAT GOOD IS IT?
Viva la Instagram.
As a blogger, I feel like there’s a lot of opportunity to brand yourself through social media, and finding that thing that is so uniquely you, and sharing that, and having people respond positively to it, well, it’s extremely fulfilling in a strange-social-media-makes-me-happier-than-human-interaction-sometimes kind of way.
Chalkboard Paleo began because I stopped creating recipes for the blog. You probably noticed. I didn’t plan it, it just sort of happened. I don’t have the time or the resources or the lighting to take beautiful food photos during the week – and I got to a point where I thought, if I can’t put out really good-quality food photography, I don’t want to put out any at all. So I stopped. But then I felt this strange emptiness because the blog is called The Paleo Project and eating clean is a huge, if not vital, part of my life.
Enter: Chalkboard Paleo.
Essentially, whenever I create a recipe that isn’t too intense as far as instructions go, I “Chalkboard Paleo” the crap out of it. First, I write the name of the dish on the chalkboard. I arrange the food and chalkboard up in my kitchen where I have this white counter top and beige wall. It makes a nice clean backdrop. I snap a photo, add a filter, then, in the caption part, I detail the instructions. I find it to be a happy medium because I’m able to share Paleo food creations, but not have to spend hours cooking/photographing/blogging about a simple recipe. I hope you find it useful, if not refreshing from the abundance of selfies I’m commonly guilty of taking.
For the above ‘recipes’, and more where those came from, search:
Username: @ThePaleoProject *
Hashtags: #chalkboardpaleo #showusyourpaleo
I changed my Instagram username from @Jentonelli to @ThePaleoProject to match the branding of this blog, my Facebook and Twitter handles, and any other app that might come out in the near future.
14 comments :
I love this post, and I love instagram. I have the same problem of feeling like I over share, but then it’s like…it’s INSTAGRAM! Isn’t that the point??
Totally with you on Facebook…it’s not so great anymore.
Yes!! It is the point! I’ve just accepted that people should unfollow me if they don’t like it! It’s easier for them to unfollow than for me to change my ways.
1. “because really we’re all just going to end up with identical weddings and white home offices”
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA. SO true.
2. I love this idea. LOVE. And am now resisting the urge to buy my own blackboard. Just so you know.
Go buy one!! They’re so charming!!
Honestly, I get a little overwhelmed by social media…I love it, but then (like you said) I’m like…am I sharing too much? Not enough? And I’m pretty new to blogging in general, so when there aren’t as many people to talk to, you’re sort of wondering what you’re doing. Haha
But this looks really fun! I’ll definitely follow you so I can check out these creations.
Well, feel free to ask me anytime, although I may not be the best go-to as I literally share so much it’s embarrassing sometimes. Thanks for following me on IG though, I hope you stick around
Instagram is by far my favorite form of social media. Next the twitter. And Facebook? Just NO.
I love that you’re doing the chalkboard paleo, and don’t mind so much that your not doing many recipes on the blog. But that makes sense because i’m more into your writing/pretty life than your eating habits.
What I’m trying to say is: I love your blog. And your instagram. Keep doing what you’re doing!
(also, love your selfies. Always.)
TOTALLY with you on Instagram.. and i’m the same with food photography — i have learned i’m just NOT that kind of blogger. I love those photos on other blogs, but i honestly don’t have the time or lighting to make them as lovely as they deserve on a full-time basis. i’m more the “share your life experience” sorta blogger.
Exactly! Your more of a lifestyle/healthy living blogger and that’s perfect!!
I love your chalkboard paleo! I look forward to when you post them.
agreed on facebook. i feel like a tool because i told all my friends to jump on vine and i’m already ready to delete it. why did i feel like adding more social media was necessary? it is not.
ahah literally, no more apps can be invented, I can’t handle the pressure to keep up.
I’m a big fan of instagram as well! There is so much to keep up with and I’m not loving Vine.
yah, like, what is VINE? It’s like… loud and awkward if you keep your sound on, and it’s even more awkward if you turn your phone on mute. I don’t get it.
I love your chalkboard paleo photos on Instagram! I recently made a butter latte and loved it! keep them coming please