Project Food Blog #1: Ready, Set, Blog!
“For the very first Project Food Blog Challenge, we're asking you to create a blog post that defines you as a food blogger and makes it clear why you think you have what it takes to be the next food blog star. Consider what makes your blog unique and sets you apart from other food blog brands: is it your foolproof recipes, your mouthwatering photos, or your perspective on family meals? Write a post that comes from the heart and is true to you and your blog.”
The kitchen is my playground.
In many ways I am like a child still struggling to reach the counter on her tip toes or hungrily licking the beaters clean of icing. The kitchen still holds that sense of child-like wonder for me. It's a place where magic is made. Souffles rise, egg whites transform into candy and mousse sets like a cloud.
I don't consider myself the sort of person who takes chances. In fact, I'm very cautious by nature and I think things through. The kitchen is the one place where I take risks and experiment. When I step into the kitchen I become that child who still believes in faeries and lacks any reason for fear or doubt.
Without anything holding me back I can accomplish things I never would have thought possible like being able to fly with the birds or breathe underwater. Not all of my experiments are a success. Sometimes my cheesecakes crack. Sometimes my custard doesn't set. Sometimes my tarts don't turn out. I discovered long ago that I couldn't fly, but that didn't stop me from jumping down the stairs with nothing but my happy thought. I'm not going to hide that from you. I learn from my mistakes and I move forward with the knowledge that I've gained.
Ever since I was a child I've been very creative and artistic. I've always strove to create art in all that I do. What started as drawing stick figures and beaming suns in the sand as a toddler has transformed into cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Instead of a paintbrush or a putty knife I choose a whisk and a pastry bag as my preferred artistic tools. I sculpt with cake. I paint with buttercream. I print with peaches. How often do they let you touch the artwork in a gallery let alone eat it?
Hot Polka Dot is all about playing with your food. Like the recipes that I make it's sweet, cute, daring, creative and, above all, whimsical. I show people that it's alright to approach food with the same childish innocence that you'd apply to a sand castle or a snow ball fight.
September 16th, 2010 - 22:10
I absolutely LOVE your post. It’s one of the best I’ve read! Good luck, you’re going to do amazing.
September 16th, 2010 - 22:12
Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me.
September 16th, 2010 - 22:12
I absolutely LOVE your post!! It’s definitely one of the best I’ve read. Good luck with the challenge, you’re going to do amazing. I feel the same way when I step into the kitchen, I take risks and feel so much more creative.
September 16th, 2010 - 22:13
Oops sorry about the double post!
September 16th, 2010 - 22:16
No worries. I’ll forgive you because you have a cool name.
September 17th, 2010 - 00:10
Great post! It makes me want to really get my hands dirty in the kitchen then lick the bowl! Best of luck with PFB!!!
September 17th, 2010 - 00:21
Wonderful post, and I esp love those colorful popsicles!
I agree that the kitchen is like a playground for me too… but more in the sense that I get to experiment with lots of stuff and have fun! Good luck with PFB!
September 17th, 2010 - 00:36
Lindsey, your reply to Lindsey really cracked me up! LOL. I like your post, so true to yourself. And your kitchen cations really reflect the kind of person you are – cute, daring, playful. All the qualities I love in a person! Best of luck for PFB. Will be posting my entry tomorrow, still thinking what to lay on the table!
September 17th, 2010 - 08:52
Thanks very much! I think it’s important to keep food fun.
September 17th, 2010 - 00:38
Cations, is that a new word? What I meant was “creations”. I was in such a hurry to post my comment, oops.
September 17th, 2010 - 08:52
Lol no worries.
September 17th, 2010 - 04:40
I feel like a child playing in the kitchen too
Love this post <3 Good luck on this one!
September 17th, 2010 - 05:26
I sense a winner!
Voting starts September 20th, yes? And you will post a link with instructions on how we can vote for you?
September 17th, 2010 - 08:52
I certainly will. I won’t let anyone forget.
September 17th, 2010 - 06:09
Love the post!! And I know exactly what you mean
You’ll do fabulous!! Good luck and I’ll be cheering you on!!
September 17th, 2010 - 06:27
Fabulous photos – I can picture you trying to reach for that counter!
September 17th, 2010 - 08:54
I’m quite tall now, but it wasn’t always so back when I had chubby cheeks and a frame of ringlets.
September 17th, 2010 - 13:12
I have SUCH a cute picture of you with ringlets on the beach being creative with sand castles. Can’t seem to upload it in this reply so I sent it to you via email. You are the webmaster. Perhaps you can post it?
September 17th, 2010 - 13:40
Lol awesome. I just might!
September 17th, 2010 - 10:31
I came to check out the competition and you look strong! It’s going to be a fun contest. Good Luck. GREG
September 17th, 2010 - 15:20
I love the post! It completely sums up why I love being in the kitchen. I’m really cautious by nature, like you, but I find that being in the kitchen lets me take risks without really having to worry about severe consequences.
September 17th, 2010 - 15:25
Lindsey, beautiful post! I really hope you will make it to the next round. I’ll be cheering you on, best of luck
)
September 17th, 2010 - 17:35
You rocked it, girl. I would be tres surprised if you don’t make it to the second round.
September 17th, 2010 - 17:37
Well done Lindsey! Best one I’ve read so far
)
I’ll be watching for you in the next round!
September 19th, 2010 - 17:49
Wow thank you Lisa!
September 17th, 2010 - 17:59
really nice entry–i always enjoy reading your blog & will def cast one of my FP votes for you
September 19th, 2010 - 17:48
Thanks lady! I’ll do the same for you.
September 17th, 2010 - 21:40
Thank you for sharing your life with me. I am really excited about hearing everyone’s stories. I am going to publish my food buzz challenge tomorrow. If you get a chance stop by and check it out and let me know what you think. Have a great day.
Ashlee
http://www.ashandlewplus2.com
September 18th, 2010 - 07:27
Great post! There are so many good ones out there but I think you may have gotten it! This is exciting. Good job.
September 18th, 2010 - 07:33
Great post- and of course I am all about playing with food!! Good luck in PFB-you are off to a roaring start!
September 18th, 2010 - 16:37
Fab post! I love your motto
I think all bloggers should bring a childlike attitude to cooking/baking because beyond the deliciousness of the food it should always be fun!
September 19th, 2010 - 00:11
Great Post Lindsey! Wishing you the best of luck! So nice to get to know you better!
-Gina-
September 19th, 2010 - 00:53
Great job on the post. I love your attitude about food and blogging. Those are some of my favorite things about you, especially the fearless!!
September 19th, 2010 - 21:40
great post!
I kept meaning to apply for project foodlog but then I missed the deadline :/ oh well…maybe next year! GOOD LUCK 
September 19th, 2010 - 22:15
Thanks very much! Too bad about the deadline though!
September 20th, 2010 - 03:40
Great post Lindsey !! Wishing you the best of luck
September 20th, 2010 - 11:07
I voted for you….and liked it too….good luck to us
))
September 20th, 2010 - 18:30
Voted!!
September 20th, 2010 - 20:27
Just voted – good luck!!
September 20th, 2010 - 22:08
Thanks lady!
September 20th, 2010 - 20:38
you got my vote! love it! I just read Peter Pan to my kids tonight before bed and read that part about “thinking happy thoughts” and pixie dust….wish it were that easy.
September 20th, 2010 - 22:08
Thanks! I promise, if I figure out how to fly you’ll be first to know.
September 21st, 2010 - 06:05
best of luck
September 21st, 2010 - 14:31
Lovely, lovely, lovely. You’ve definitely got creativity and my vote. Very nice.
September 22nd, 2010 - 17:10
So much fun – definitely voting and best of luck. The adjective/food pairings were most delicious!
September 22nd, 2010 - 19:50
Great post… love it! Good luck w PFB!
September 23rd, 2010 - 17:02
Who says we can’t play when we get older? I love how you’ve made the kitchen your new playground. Just voted, keep playing, and good luck!
September 23rd, 2010 - 18:30
Thanks!