Friday
Sep172010
PFB Entry Number One: Why Me?
September 17, 2010 
I don't think I've yet made it explicit on this space that I'm participating in Project Food Blog 2010. Hosted by Foodbuzz, it's a challenge with almost two-thousand participants to find our Next Food Blog Star. This is my first entry for the contest, a sort of tribute to everything I know and love about blogging and an attempt to explain to you why I have what it takes to win the title. Bear with me for a short while, and hopefully by the end of this narrative I'll have you convinced.
When faced with the question, Why are you the next superstar?, my first reaction might be to show you my best and biggest smile, throw my hands in the air, strike a pose and proclaim, Because I AM! But after noticing the blank stares and furrowed brows of my intended audience, I may lower into a cross-legged seat, sit on my hands and think about it more, because this question is multifaceted and much too large to answer in one simple sentence. Therefore, I'm going to start with the basics. Why do I blog? What defines me as a blogger?
I'll attempt to keep this as uncomplicated as possible, for the sake of your delicate attention span. Of course, I could go into how I love making connections with strangers from all over the world, how I love a good challenge, how I believe in myself, how I will ruthlessly pursue self-improvement until I succeed, how I'm ignited by the unfamiliar... the list goes on. These statements are all legitimate and very true. But they are not what defines me, what makes me stand out, what makes The Chocolate Fig a blog you won't find duplicated. My prediction is that these are the statements we're going to find duplicated, and I don't want to risk repeating what you've heard before.
It has taken me weeks to figure out how to sum up The Chocolate Fig in a few words, hence this submission being dangerously close to the deadline, but here we go. I blog because I want to encourage your confidence in healthy cooking and baking. I want to show you all that it is really not as hard as it seems. If I can do it, believe me- everyone can. Moreover, I want to make you laugh. And smile. I want to inspire you. I want to make you feel good about being unsure! Take it from me, it's a ton of fun to have absolutely no idea what you're doing while you're in the middle of doing it. I want you to feel welcome here, to feel at home, to feel like this is a good place to be for a little food-obsession fix.
Sure, I really enjoy reading about what professional chefs manage to create out of thin air and what the most pristine restaurant reviewers have to say about trends in Foie Gras. But let's be honest, only a small amount of food bloggers can relate to this level of skill and prestige. What I think the blog world needs is someone who everyone can relate to. Someone who can let her taste buds and lust for flavor guide every single decision regardless of know-how, skill and training (or lackthereof). Someone who can laugh at herself, who isn't afraid to ask for advice, who values the experience over the end result.
When it really boils down (no pun intended), I love creating. Via The Chocolate Fig, my goal is to continue creating an organic environment for personal growth, for me as well as you. It's also to keep us all entertained, keep us laughing, keep us nodding our heads at the computer screen saying, Yeah girl, I know. I've been there. I hear you. That looks delicious, by the way. I want you here with me when I unsuccessfully replace spelt flour for all-purpose, having forgotten to adjust the liquid amounts. I want your input when I slave over Millet Risotto, disappointed that the inventive idea in my head did not play out as expected. I'm no nutritionist, I'm no chef, I'm no professional certified anything. What I value most is health, flavor, and a balanced gastronomic experience. Not only will you find simple and wholesome salads, you'll also find a particular Pineapple Upside-Down Cake that breaks all the rules. Nothing is off limits!
Finally, I want to provide you with some of the tools necessary to live Nourished Lives. As we embark on this adventure, remember that I'm learning along with you. I guess if a definition is what we're after, I'm defined by my curiosity.
So... have I convinced you that, when I throw my hands in the air and flash my pearly whites and sing a song and dance a jig and tell you that I AM THE NEXT FOOD BLOG STAR, I really, really mean it?
I hope so.
But just in case you need another reason, here I am singing to my salad. This is a little unbecoming... but I like you, and I trust you won't judge me. Thanks.
Reader Comments (16)
Great post! I think you are so right- my guess it the great majority of readers out there want practicality, simplicity....something they can truly re-create in the busyness of their own lives.
Love that- and love the singing salad shot! Best of luck!
Hey! So I love your entry, simple and sweet, honest and real. I think it is excellently written. I too, am dangerously close to the deadline... mine still is yet to be written. It's hard hey?!
I am really enjoying reading every post! Good luck!
Your spirit seems to shine through your words. Your passionate about food and cooking and will do well in the competition. Best of luck to you with PFB!!!
Awww this post is so sweet! Best of luck!! You are an awesome blogger :)
[...] PFB Entry Number One: Why Me? [...]
Loved learning more about you. I'll vote for you! Good Luck!
This was a lovely entry! Definitely prefering those who didn't give the same cliche answers. And your photos are gorgeous. Ill be adding you to my feed as well--always like food blogs with a little humor.
Just voted!
Great post! Love your pics. I voted for you! =)
Good luck!
Check out my PFB post: http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/503
Cleverly worded entry. You deserve to move on and I cast a vote for you.
Great post! Love your sense of humor Sarah - voted for you! Good luck with PFB!
I'm voting for you Sarah! Best of luck! Susan
After reading your post how could I not vote for you! I love the fact that you go into cooking to inspire people and show them that it's easy and fun to eat healthy. Having fun and laughing is so important, yet people tend to forget to smile, but you don't! Smiling is infectious :)
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