Eat the Damn Cake

See? Cake!

And….We’re back! Here’s the second half of Gena’s awesomely insightful post. Gena blogs at Choosing Raw. I’m thrilled to have her over here at Cake, and invite any newcomers to check out some of the other stuff I offer over here, like discussions about the problem with ugliness,  being homeschooled,  wedding gown shopping, the way mirrors always lie, and the flat stomach police. And if you like any of this stuff, please subscribe! It’ll make me really happy. But enough about me.

Here’s the fabulous Gena:

Let me be clear about something: there’s a big difference between wanting to look nice, and being obsessed with it. You can wear makeup and love fashion and still love yourself. I know this. I know, too, that there’s a world of difference between athleticism and body-hatred. This little monologue runs a heavy risk of sounding anti-fitness, and I don’t mean for it to. I like to work out. And I know quite well that one can yearn for physical strength without yearning for aesthetic perfection. But for me, the difference between interest in looking good and downright fixation with it was rather slippery. Continue Reading »

This is Gena. Even her black-and-white photo is kinda inspirational. She’s good at that. She can’t help it, she just goes around inspiring people. People she sits near on the subway stop scowling and offer their seats to the next elderly or pregnant person who gets on. People she walks by on the street improve their posture and smile a little, at how beautiful the world is. And people like me go out and get some cake to eat. Kinda ironic, given that her blog is Choosing Raw, but empowerment towards healthiness comes in many different forms. For me, emotional health involves a generous helping of dessert. Not that I wouldn’t try one of those goat cheese wraps…

Anyway, I’m going to stop talking now. Here’s Gena: Continue Reading »

I had already eaten dinner. A lot of it. Shortly before, My father sent me an article in the Healthy and Smart People Times (or something like that) about how it’s not fat that is killing everyone, it’s carbs. It’s sugar. And after reading this, I’d eaten several slices of sourdough bread, a hotdog, a waffle with a generous dousing of syrup, and a bag of M&Ms. I’m exaggerating. But I’d eaten a bunch of carbs, and I was very full. I was out with a friend, and she said, “Hey, want to get ice cream?” And I said, “Sure!”

(Cue ominous music.) Continue Reading »

I just learned about cross-posting, and in the spirit of adventure, I’m trying it. Below is a post that Virginia has just put up on her blog Beauty Schooled. Virginia is the one who’s been posting about her beauty routine, and she’s fabulous, as you’ll soon see, if you haven’t already been to her blog. One of my posts will be appearing simultaneously on both of our blogs soon. After I write it. Which will be really soon. My fiancé just bought me a box of donuts, so I have plenty of material to work with. Continue Reading »

My mom was in the city to help with wedding planning. We met with some florists. This wedding stuff is hilarious! You can sit there and with a completely straight face say things like, “Yes, I am interested in creating an enchanted forest palette—I’m seeing big strokes of jewel tones, accented by a frothy white and soft pink.” None of which should mean anything at all. But they nod very seriously and say, “Definitely. We can definitely do that.”

I found myself getting into it. I was getting really excited about crabapple* branches. I kept saying, “Wow! That’s exactly right! That’s exactly what the card table needs! Branches! Yes!” I said this to a succession of florists, all of whom were suggesting different types of branches. Continue Reading »

Virginia over at Beauty Schooled has been writing about her “beauty labor.” She’s been making me think about what kinds of beauty routines I might have and what beauty routines are all about. We all have them, right?

I sort of get the feeling I have less than many women. I don’t really wear makeup. Sometimes I try, but I’m bad at it. I swear, it requires a TON of training. Years of practice. I didn’t put in the time. This is my mom’s fault, obviously. Continue Reading »

This is Elise. She is awesome. Would I feature un-awesome people on Cake? Of course not! But seriously, she’s one of those people who makes the blogging world feel like a supportive, happy community. And she makes me laugh. Continue Reading »