crap no. 11
Welcome to Crap I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You About, 11th Edition: A Declaration.
A few months ago, Adam Roberts’ post on the evolution of food blogs from anything goes to magazine polished landed in my rss reader. I was seriously considering abandoning this space at that time, and his words really resonated with me. I started blogging back in 2004. My previous blog had nothing to do with food, and to be honest, was way more fun. Keeping up in today’s blogging world – the photography, networking, monetizing, and listening to people complain about facebook engagement – has become a real bummer. And I’m done. For many reasons, I’m jumping off the bandwagon.
Recently, 2.0 turned to me and said: why don’t you just do what you wanna do? Tell your stories. I like your stories. I’ll read ’em. It doesn’t seem like you’re having fun anymore.
Sometimes, 2.0 is pretty smart. So, I’m growin’ a set of lady parts and putting the FU back in fun. I declare this an unfoodblog. I simply don’t want to do it anymore – not following the current formula anyway. There are enough people out there doing that, and I’m getting bored. Aren’t you? I’d like to have fun again. Maybe you’d like that too.
I think there will be more stories here (because 2.0 likes ’em), and a lot less stressing about photography. Guess what? I don’t eat at a table strewn with foliage. I’m not a deer. I eat potato chips for dinner. On the couch. IN MY PYJAMAS. Maybe we could keep baking together, but have more fun doing it. And I’m just spitballin’ here, but I think I could really help some people out with dating and fast food. I do both like a boss. Other than that, I dunno. Maybe you’ve got some ideas you’d like to share.
. . .
So, as I formulate a mission statement, let’s bring Perusers’ Druthers back! This is a readers’ choice type deal, with a fancier name. Do you find ballet intimidating? Feel like you can’t contribute to dance talk at cocktail parties? Are you afraid to buy tickets to performances because you have difficulties understanding the inclusion of random cats and fairy entourages in most famous ballets? You’re not alone. Cast your vote for the next ballet to be demystified by yours truly…
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Poll will close in a couple of days. Whatever. Click here to read Swan Lake Part 1 & Part 2.
Oh gurl, you could write about spitballs, cats and fur balls, and I’d still read it. Food or no food, I’m all in. I adore your blog and I one billion percent agree with you… if it ain’t fun, don’t do it.
Love you to bits. Even without food bits. I just love ‘yer mug. xx
I loves ya right back, Lynne! I can’t wait to have more fun with ya…
Movita – I did come for zee food – but I STAYED for the sassy, funny, charming and livable YOU. You do you and if people don’t like it – throw raisins at them. But trust me – I’m sure the ones who matter are the ones who will love this more fun more you blog! 🙂
For someone so young, you’re pretty smart, Hope Grady. xox
I hear you, I feel you, I’m almost a little jealous, I might copy this bold move of yours one day, and even though I basically only read food blogs, I am confident that even as an UNfoodblog, I will enjoy your blog more than a thousand others out there — you know, the ones that care mostly about the networking, monetizing, and facebook engagement. (Because unlike many bloggers, at least you can WRITE! …and bake, and, presumably, dance…) My point is, I support this! More fun and less photography stress, all the way.
I can dance like a badass. All antifoodbloggers can. {Presumably it is because we have broken free from our Google overlords.}
Here’s to having fun. You go girl….
Agreed, Bonnie! Let’s have loads of fun!
Woo hoo! I just want to read what you write because you put a smile on my face. I laugh outloud when you share your stories and always wish you shared more. And we have celiacs, so we can’t eat your food anyway (but it’s delicious when we can!!).
Kara, I can assure you that there will be many more celiac friendly posts on this blog. Also, more stories about poop. Guaranteed.
Wow, I completely get how you feel. I haven’t posted on my blog in 6+ months for pretty much this same reason. It just stopped being fun. I know for many people food blogging IS their job, but I already have a job and I got tired of feeling like blogging was a second job for me.
Anyway, I will be reading no matter what you post about. I’m still trying to figure out what exactly I’m going to do with my blog, but I may wind up following your lead and turn mine into an “unfoodblog”, too. We’re doing this in our free time, so if we’re not enjoying it, there’s no point.
Here’s my prediction: there are going to be some big changes in blogging soon, a renaissance, if you will. There has to be. With millions of people doing the same thing – following formulas and emulating people who are already successful – soon blogging royalty will be those brave enough to do something different. The tides are changing. I can feel it in my bones. I’m not saying that I will be blogging royalty, but I’m betting I’m going to have a lot more fun in the coming months!
You write it, I’ll read it: I like to ooooh and aaaah over your fancy cake designs but the stories are the best. You never fail to make me laugh and cheer me up and we all need more blogs (and friends) like that in our lives. I say, more power to you!
Don’t worry: there will ALWAYS be cake!
I’m glad you’re my interfriend.
Whatever you write about, I’ll be reading it, and super envious of your ability to make anything funny, and getting away with crap and using the word “crap.” I’m jealous of that by the way. And I know what you mean about all of the pressure, etc, Thank goodness I have a day job so I don’t have to worry about/learn SEO and all of that crap. Woo. That felt good! Here’s to the FU in fun.
Karen, I can teach you how to use the word crap in almost all situations. Get in touch should you require advice…
I came for the stories and I stayed for the stories. The food is great and your cakes are amazing but the fun is in the stories. Thank you, thank you for following your heart.
Thank YOU, Maureen! You’re the bestest!
I come here for one reason and one reason only, because I adore YOU. You could write about taking a walk to the store and I’d want to hear it, you could write about polishing your sideboard at 11pm while eating an entire bag of ruffles and crying because you just finished all of the Downton Abbey’s and have to wait for another year for more, and I’d listen. Not that anyone does that, no way. Nope.
Point is you, and your fun lady parts, are a whole big bag of awesome. Or, if you want to be British about it (which I’m sort of obliged to do), you are brilliant my friend. So keep it real, or whatever it is home girls do these days but without the uncomfortable underwear, no lady parts deserve that.
Sending you a big virtual hug and a big snog for good measure. Adore you lady. A.d.o.r.e.
Thank you, dear, sweet friend! I adore you right back, and can’t wait to discuss Downton Abbey in person one day…
Hey I love the new direction! It is tiring to see the same old food blogs sometimes with the same props photography as whoever is “hot” at the moment. But I did note today, after reading a 2009 food magazine, that nearly all the food bloggers I follow could do better writing , recipes and photography than the magazine! No editors to stifle you! Go for it. Would love to learn more about ballet, etc. Saw lots of it in Germany as a child!!
Giselle just won the poll up above, so there will definitely be some more ballet coming your way! Ballet with super crazy lady folk…
Yay! I love ur stories ! The food was nice and well photographed but to be honest I would look at it but never make it. But I find myself retellng ur stories to me hubby cuz they are so funny.
This was so lovely to hear! Thanks, friend!
I don’t know I’ve ever commented here before but I just want to say, I don’t normally read food blogs. I come here for your stories. So screw the food and let’s have some fun. (although I did bake your chocolate cupcakes and they were delish)
Let’s do this, Marguerite! (I promise there will still be pretty baked treats in the mix – I did go to baking school, after all!)
I’m not a baker and don’t even much like cooking so you gotta know it wasn’t for the food advice that I kept coming back. (I could have coffee with toast and peanut butter for breakfast, every day of my life, and never get tired of it.) You’re a humdinger of a storyteller and a pint-sized sprite that has the gumption and the ability to do anything you set your mind to— that’s the reason I read your blog. xo
You should know that since reading your absolutely lovely comment, I’ve been eating toast with peanut butter for breakfast every day. I forgot HOW AWESOME IT IS. Sending you loads of love from the East Coast… xox
Movita, I started following your blog back in the day when you posted bout things like making a table out of a pallet and how you made curtains for some room I can’t recall but, they were white. I also enjoy your stories and your FU attitude and how you like to tell it like it is. I’ve missed receiving your posts in my inbox. I hope you keep blogging and forget about the BS that it come with it. Just do what you like to do and forget about the crap.
Thanks, Marsha! Isn’t blogging wonderful? We’ve been interfriends for such a long time! I hope all is well in your corner of the universe… xox
Does 2.0 know you are an expert in dating? 😉
I hear ya. I had the same revelation back in January. I’m only writing about what I want to write about because… it’s my blog and i get to make the rules. I ditched my ad network at the end of April. It felt soooo good. And you know what? the last few weeks I’ve actually felt like writing about food again – and making pretty pictures. Sometimes you just need to take a break and chill and do something else.
And for what it’s worth, I’ve always read your blog for the writing, not the recipes. (but I do love your photography too!). You make me laugh. I’ll read anything that makes me laugh.
Know what’s awesome? Your amazing blog re-do will carry over no matter what direction my blog takes. That’s a sign of great design! This happy space should be filled exclusively with fun. Thanks again, friend!
How fun! I love all of your stories so I’m super pumped to get to read more of them! I’m so excited for you and to see how the blog evolves from here ^_^ but, if you make something super tasty you could still share it ( even tho it’s not a ‘food blog’ 🙂
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
There will always be cake, Natalie. ALWAYS.
Write about anything you want…strange run-ins with famous French actors, freaking the freak out with no phone service, and mix in a cake or two. Make it enjoyable for you and this Movita-minion will follow along. Love your blog, no matter what.
Thanks, Monica! It’s nice to think I have minions…
This is so exciting! I mean, I enjoy your recipes and all, but I keep coming back for all the stories you tell. Yippee!!
Oh, there will be stories. LOTS OF STORIES!!
You are effing amazing and inspiring. You also hit the nail on the head with blogging. I’m always torn because I don’t have annoying themed posts or a certain time for a post every week. Thanks for making me feel better about being flustered, because I guess that’s how I am in real life anyway. ALSO I am excited for your stories. You are hilarious and a wonderful storyteller.
Meg, I sincerely believe that a change in blogging is coming! There’s too much of the same. Too much following formula. I think people who are brave and start doing new things are going to be very successful. Let’s do this!
Your blog should be whatever it is that makes your heart smile 🙂
Thanks, lady!
Dear Movita,
As long as you keep on telling your stories, I will be happy. I LOVE your stories, I have favorites that read over and over again, cuz a good Movita story can really turn a crappy day around.
Your loyal fan, Beth
Thanks, Beth! xox
AWESOME. When I first read that you were thinking about leaving this behind, I was utterly terrified at the idea of an Internet without Movita. As it turns out, a blog with less food and MORE Movita? YES. I do love your food (so I’m glad there will still be some treats!), but your voice is one in a million — the blog world would be a much dimmer place without it. So glad and happy that you’re making your blog the way you want it to be instead of the way you feel it should be — I think that’s a struggle we all face at some point and we’d all be lucky to make a decision as true to ourselves as you have.
In other words, ILOVEYOUNEVERLEAVEME. Casual.
I will never leave you.
Or buttercream.
I’m giving this post a big FUCK YES. I’ve only been blogging a year and a half or so, but I’m feeling like it’s getting a little stupid. Read: also seriously considering changing the direction my blog is going. So I’m right with you, sister. I’m really excited to see where you take this, because the thing is, food or not, you’re fucking hilarious and I love reading your shit.
I love your shit right back, lady.
Wait.
That sounds weird.
Whatever.
I’m pickin’ up what you’re puttin’ down.
Like others have mentioned, I came here for the food, but I stayed for you and your stories. Not to get all mushy and shit, but you’re one of the most engaging bloggers out there, and I’m certain success will follow you in whatever direction you take.
Thanks, Anne!
’bout time.
The profusion of food blogs (complete with requisite artsy photography) always confused me.
I like food,
I like (good) blogs.
But reading about food makes no sense to me (not at the level indulged in, in food blogs), especially when the photography takes over the content. It’s like looking at food and talking about food are more important than EATING THE FOOD.
And then it dawned on me: food blogs are for people who would rather talk about food and look at food than actually EAT THE FOOD.
Movita, it hurts me in a very real way to admit this, but you are an excellent writer. You use la-de-dah words where they are appropriate and you swear at the same time. Just like Hemingway, but with fewer bullfights (remind me to talk you about working some more bullfights into your blog).
Less food, more pictures of clueless dogs and scheming cats, more random slices of the life for which I’m sure you something awful to deserve.
More donkeys.
Maybe this is my problem with food blogging. I need to spent way more time eating the foods. I will, my friend, use fancy vocabulary whenever possible, and in all likelihood, swear more. I baked a cake last week that can only be described as Giant Balls Cake, and then gave it to someone who obviously did something awful to me. I think you will like it when I share it.
Also, I vow to include more ass. Lots more ass.
I don’t remember exactly when I first ‘found you’ but that particular entry was not about food. It was a story and I laughed so hard that tears were rolling my face and I kept having to stop reading until my vision cleared. Then I discovered you baked and that was icing on the cake (no pun intended). I have made several of your recipes as long as they didn’t involve icing (can’t ice a cake to save myself…) but I found that it isn’t the recipes that I come back for.
I have 30 minutes at the crack of dawn that I devote to coffee and my favorite blogs of which you are right at the top. Your stories most often make me laugh or smile and that is the way I want to start my day…so I hope that you will continue. Your humor and your writing style is a pure delight to read!
This comment absolutely made my day. Thank you so much for your kind words! Here’s to many more mornings spent together… xox
thank you for this. i’ve been feeling rather aimless of late and i find that i’ve bypassed a lot of the food blogs in my feed. you’ll be kept in my feed, everyone else… depending on the day, there’s potential they’re all gonna D I E.
I just deleted over 300 food bloggers from various social media platforms. Their offences? Automated recipe tweets (pumpkin pie via @movitabeaucoup http:…) and being boring. So, in essence, they have D I E D.
I’m so glad that you’re not going to disappear from the blogosphere – your blog is one of the few that I read religiously! It’s not for the recipes and photos (though they always look amazing) but for the stories and hilarity! I love all of your ballet posts and can’t wait for more of the same coming soon! It’s the best news I’ve heard all day!!! 🙂
We’re gunna be killin’ ballet, Mellissa! I’m so glad to have found you through our blogs, and can’t wait to share many more adventures with you! xox
Lots of people make pretty food – and you make some of the prettiest. And quite honestly I don’t come for that. I come here for YOU, and for the way I feel (all champagney) when I leave. You my dear are a joy making story weaving twinkly toed baker babe and I just love you! When YOU’re having fun, we are! So thank you for leaping at the news from your muse! As my Greek grandma would say, “You make it me too happy!” xo
You make it me too happy too, Spree! Here’s to many more stories and giggles! xox
I support you in this 100%. Plus, I think you just kicked about 40 of us in the pants who have been thinking the same exact thing but doing nothing about it. So thanks much for that, too! May wacky fun things meet us all on the road ahead.
Molly, I think lots of people are going to be making changes in the way blogging goes down. Mostly because they’ll have to! With so much of the same, the next Big Thing is going to be originality. You’re so freakin’ talented that you’ll have no trouble keeping up…
I look forward to reading anything you write. Anyone who can make shopping for a Dyson sound like a holiday is worth my time.
BTW, I made your chocolate buttercream frosting yesterday for an Italian Cream Cake a friend requested for his birthday but sans the cream cheese frosting. The frosting was perfect. I knew it would be.
Leslie, there will still be cake and buttercream here in the future, promise!
Of course you can do whatever you want with your blog/space/life!!! If you share, thank you. What you share is up to you! But gee, the contests were fun to vote for and view. I think your author voice is wicked fun.
Sandra, the contests are going no where!! I love them too! Pumpkin Carve-Off is next in October!
YES! THIS! I love you, Movita! It’s like you stole thoughts straight from my mind (wait…can you do that? Are you as magical and dastardly as I’ve always imagined you to be?!). I feel the same about blogging and I’ve only been doing it sporadically for 2 years. Why does everything have to be such a damn drag? WHY must I HAVE to engage on social media every half hour?! Why must my photos look perfect ‘n the same as everyone else’s?! I just want to tell my stories, make people laugh, whine ‘n bitch about stuff that pisses me off, and show off my imperfect life. I’ve been thinking about doing different photo series to mix it up and one series is going to show how shitty my kitchen looks when I bake and what a hot mess I am. What do you think? Would you read that? And lady, for the love of God, keep your stories coming. They make me feel a lot better about my life and for that I thank you 😉 Seriously, the recap about what was happening in your mind that night you were alone and afraid of being murdered is one of the best things I’ve read all year!
Yes, Nancy! A thousand times yes! Hot Mess Blogging should be the next big thing! I think we could be really good at it…
One side note, before commenting on your shift in priorities: I made your chocolate cake and frosting for my Dad’s birthday/father’s day and it was the best chocolate cake I have every made or tasted, thank you!
I am the stalker that has told you on more than one occasion, you remind me of my oldest daughter SO MUCH. Well, she changes directions when she is not enjoying where her life is taking her; so once again . . . you two are TWINS!!! Just saying’! Except for that two whole complicated separate families thing (however, her Dad does not like the huggy, show of any kinda luv either!!!!! maybe THEY are twins too!!!!) I LOVE to read your blog, food or not, KEEP WRITING!!! We all deserve to laugh every day and pee our pants a little . . . . . and then do the laundry . . . .
Ang, there will still be cake – promise! And there will be lots more writing – double promise!
Cool.
I was guessing you’d be making some sort of move, with what you’d written about on Shannon’s blog. Good on you, no need to not be having F. U. n.
Does this mean you are less busy now…. and maybe you’d like to show off your lovely non-city city sometime?
I’m thinking about starting a bus tour. It will guide you through points of interest from the time I almost pooped my pants on Spring Garden Road. I’ll give you a discount ticket, of course.
Yay for you! I’ve wanted to have my own “anything goes” blog forever, but it just seemed like so much work from the blogs that I read already – basically everything you listed in the beginning of your post, like the ads, the money, the photography, etc. And I don’t want blogging to be my “job” so I haven’t done it. You’ve given me courage…as long as I’m having fun, it doesn’t matter! I landed on your blog for a blueberry cake recipe, but I have come back again and again for your stories and devoured your previous posts from the un-food blog in the beginning. Can’t wait to see what you write about next!
Susan, I’ve been working on a lot of anything goes for the blog, and have been encouraging 2.0 to do ridiculous things on your behalf. (The man is gold.) Let’s be un-bloggers together!
I stumbled on your blog a few months ago (via other food blogs) and immediately fell in love (yes, another damn stalker) you are hilarious ~ I almost lost my job and eye site because for days all I did was read your blog (even found the link to your older blog and consumed that also). The way you look at and share your life is hysterical, and I’ve found it a bit dangerous to read whilst at work because I often snort out loud and have to try and explain myself to co-workers. To be honest, I have yet to try one of your recipes, though they all look great ~ and I really appreciate your tutorial on creating leaves/frosting cakes. obviously you are one talented woman but for gods sake do not stop blogging, I don’t care what it’s about your cats (sorry, I know you recently lost one), youth gangs on your street or your most recent ballet adventure. Yes, I realize this is selfish of me ~ but you have quite the talent and I like obviously many others truly appreciate it! Thanks
Susan, I’m so glad to hear I’m interfering with your job. And, it would seem that many of my readers in the same boat. (I wonder if I’m affecting the US economy?) Thank you so much for your comment – I promise to do lots more blogging/ruining your work life in the future…
Since I’m new here, I can’t comment on the change…though it was bliss reading about raisin cake. Nevertheless, I eagerly await your next recap of a night alone, fending off werewolves and serial killers. No pressure to snap pictures of the account…it’s hard to do if you’re huddled in a fetal position.
It’s like you WANT me to be bludgeoned. Or never sleep again. Still, I’m glad you (and Mellissa) are here. It’s nice to know I’m being supported in my quest to stay alive.
Bludgeoning is no bueno because murder is not funny. Freaking over nothing and pooping your leotards is funny.
You could always recycle my headless rabbit story.
That makes quite a change from cooking and baking…
NO.
Well, maybe…
I love you and all you do. That’s it, that’s all. Just write what you love and I’ll be here. Also, I’m scaling way way back in blogland and having fun in life that’s real. It’s a good thing! If I could throw in two cents, you know I want more cats. Always more cats!
I think all blogs could use more cats. I’m on it. I’m so glad that the interwebs has brought us together in our love of all things feline, food and fun! xox
Here here! FYI, I have my favorite blogs organized by type: recipes, work, etc. and yours has been squarely in the “Just for Fun” category ever since I discovered your wonderful corner of the net. Of course, the cakes are lovely, but let’s be real. It’s all about when you accidentally eat bug stuff.
Just for Fun?! This is a most honourable designation, and pleases me to no end! And, odds are, I’ll be eating more bugs in the future. It happens way more than it should. I FOUND A SLUG IN MY SALAD THE OTHER DAY.
I’m preparing myself for fun and stories. Stories require buckets of popcorn, so i’ll be bringing that as well.
You’re just so damn wise, Jennie. (Also, let’s just bring popcorn everywhere, okay?)
[…] you seen this blog? It’s my new […]
Amen to stories!! Found your blog at the perfect moment!
I kind of understand where you’re coming from, food blogging has morphed into something very different than what it used to be. It’s interesting to watch all the attention move from the actual blog to the different social media outlets. I’m glad you’re not leaving us because I will still continue to adore and love your writing. Cheers, friend and I look forward to your posts!
you speak the truth, rachael!!! it’s exhausting to have a “food blog” these days and i have been feeling the same sentiments!! i agree – all this perfection (and foliage, haha! which i’m guilty of ^__^)… is tiring, and all the perceived perfection is frankly boring! i love your writing voice, and i’m so glad that you’re in the blogosphere. looking forward to seeing the changes ahead! ^__^
I can feel a big change coming to the blogging world, Lyndsay! Big! There’s too much of the same out there, and people are going to start looking for more interesting things. That said, your cakes and blog inspire many – no one will ever bore of that – because you’re already unique and ûber fun. That’s what makes the interwebs way awesome. (By the way, 2.0 adores your Ron Swanson cake, and I believe I’ll be making a knock-off for his birthday in the fall. IT IS EPIC.)
Good for you, Movita Beaucoup! (I’m feeling rhyme-y this morning)! You know how much I love you, and I love that you are giving the finger to the standard formula. Cannot wait to see where this leads. <3
I loved reading this today. I’m reading a book about authenticity and I think the most important thing about blogging has to be that. I am also tired of looking at blogs about food written by people I don’t know. I would come here every day just to hear your stories and see your baking.. if you happened to have baked something (no pressure). There’s enough food blogs in the world but only one Movita:) xxxx
[…] & ig space. it’s nice to not carry around all that clutter. as pushed over the ledge by this read, from my fave ballerina […]
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