Hi!
Oh gosh, I hate to gush but I’ve just had the best luck today! As I’m sure many of you have caught on by now I am a total girlie girl and love to shop! That being said, I am also a HUGE bargain hunter and love a goode deal (hehe). Even though my typical uniform is yoga pants, workout top and flops, I still adore fashion and shopping ALMOST as much as food. Not quite, but almost. I’d still rather go to a grocery store than the mall but hey, that’s me. 😉
That being said, I do look for any (and I mean any) excuse to go shopping. Caitlin, Meghann and I have been talking about shopping for the Summit now for months (hehe). So obviously, the biggest job interview of my life calls for some new apparel, no?
If you can even believe, I found ALL of this stuff (including the blazer) for under $200. I thought that was quite good when you consider I got a nice blouse, three cardigans, 1 pair of shorts and a blazer. The blouse and blazer were both from Ann Taylor (the blazer was on sale about $200 off!), the green and blue cardigan were from Zara ($9.50 each!) and the shorts and grey cardigan were from Banana. Honestly the shorts were such an amazing deal and fit so well I’m tempted to go back and get one in every color. But I shall save that for if I actually GET the job. Hehe 😉
The white blouse from Ann Taylor was definitely a splurge but its really well made and fits perfectly…and, I’ll admit it, its my only white blouse! I never buy white because I have the tendency to, err, spill all over myself. A good white blouse should be a staple in every women’s wardrobe though. I just need to remember to bring my Tide To Go pen everywhere. Especially in wine country.
Mid shopping fiasco, I snacked on this Pure Bar from my purse—-
Perfect fuel.
Once home I putzed around for awhile then started dinner around 7:30. I’ll admit it, I don’t know what yall think but usually I don’t eat dinner at the same time as Ryan. You might think so because I often blog both our meals but truthfully, he doesn’t get home at night until sometimes 9:00 and I just get SO famished!!!!!! So, we compromise and I eat dessert while he eats dinner. However, since I ate such a late lunch today I was able to make it until an 8:15 dinnertime.
Tonight I made the Shrimp Po’Boys from this month’s issue of Cooking Light. On the side we had the most perfect corn ever! The secret to cooking corn is to add a little bit of butter, minced garlic, salt and pepper to the cooking water and then only boil it for about five minutes before turning it off and letting the corn sit in the hot water for a few more minutes. Mushy corn is right up there with applesauce in cupcakes on my pet peeve list so I always make sure to cook the corn so its still a bit crisp.
Megan (Runner's Kitchen)
July 8, 2009 at 9:13 pmSales at Banana Republic are the best – I picked up a pencil skirt and two shirts for under $50 last week. woo-hoo! And it’s the perfect time of year for ice cream – I have some Edy’s in the fridge calling my name 🙂
Maria
July 8, 2009 at 9:18 pmI am such a girly girl too, and love all the stuff you bought. Haha, I never buy things at regular price, and I get super excited if it’s a gazillion percent off ;). The blazer looks lovely on you! Oh yeah, I totally need Tide to go for white blouses…it is an essential!
Oooh all that sauce in the pita looks so delish! Love the dessert too 😀
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
July 8, 2009 at 9:19 pmGlad you had such a great day! Love the new duds…I too look for ANY excuse to shop!! In fact, I bought two pairs of the new yoga pants we put out at the studio this morning. Oops!
I saw that recipe too…looks wonderful! Need to try it for sure. I’m obsessed with shrimp these days. YUM!
Have a GOODE night!
Still Life in Buenos Aires
July 8, 2009 at 9:19 pmI am so impressed by your sales finds, Jenna. All of those clothes for under $200! I think the blazer is the best deal of all.
You have to love Ann Taylor business clothes. Oohh, now I want to go shopping.
Lauren
July 8, 2009 at 9:21 pmWhat gorgeous finds! I get so excited when I find bargins too. I am the girl who won’t spend more than 10$ for a shirt, so anytime I find something super cute and its on sale, I know it’s meant to be.
Congratulations Jenna on everything! You deserve all of this wonderful luck. You know what though, I don’t think it’s luck. I think it’s all because you are such an amazing girl who truly deservers every blessing that life is handing you.
Take care hun!
Matt
July 8, 2009 at 9:22 pmDo you know if that recipe is published online? I can’t seem to find it!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
July 8, 2009 at 9:28 pmOh heeey, you shopped at a store I’m working at this summer break! Looks like you got some fab purchases! Ps. How great are those Newman’s Own products? Mmmm!
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
July 8, 2009 at 9:32 pmGreat finds – I just love Ann Taylor as they have a great petite selection 🙂 If you like the MG Alexander Valley Merlot – you should try the Alexander Valley Cab – it is AWESOME!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
July 8, 2009 at 9:40 pmI totally believe that looking the part makes you so much more confident and prepared for what’s to come. I’m sure you’ll do amazing in your interview… especially in those sweet outfits! 😉
Those pitas do look awesome! What a quick, yummy dinner!
Heather
July 8, 2009 at 9:41 pmHey Jenna, I LOVE the clothes!! I was wondering how much a scoop of the amazing meal is. Do you know how many tablespoons? I know it’s 26 grams or 1 packet, but that’s all. How do you measure it? Thanks!
jenna
July 8, 2009 at 9:51 pmHeather,
there’s actually a scoop IN the amazing meal so it makes it easy. I’m not sure how many tbsp it ends up to be though!
Danielle C.
July 8, 2009 at 9:43 pmOoh, I love that blazer and what a steal for all the stuff you got! I admit, I don’t have a good white blouse either for the same reason (every time I wear white I spill).
I’m going to have to go pickup Cooking Light, those po boys look amazing.
Bec
July 8, 2009 at 9:52 pmwow those are some fabulous finds love everything!
Jess
July 8, 2009 at 9:55 pmBeautiful clothes and at a good(e) price too! Score 🙂 I have the tendency to spill things on myself too. That’s what I get for being “creative..” Haha!
Have a good(e, okay I’m done) night!
<3
Mara @ What's for Dinner?
July 8, 2009 at 9:57 pmWhat amazing clothes at a great deal!!!! WOOHOO!!
Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)
July 8, 2009 at 9:59 pmCute clothes and that dinner looks great!
Madelin @ What is for Breakfast?
July 8, 2009 at 10:00 pmI hardly ever eat at the same time as my boyfriend either during the week. He gets home at 8 and I get home at 5!
Christina
July 8, 2009 at 10:02 pmI love that Blazer! I’m going to buy the ingredients for the Shrimp Po Boy and make it this week because it is totally making my mouth water!! Good luck with your interview!!!!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
July 8, 2009 at 10:03 pmCUTE blazer!!
And I totally agree that every girl needs a cute, fitting white blouse. 😀
Becky@I Heart Running & Food
July 8, 2009 at 10:15 pmWow that is an unbelievable deal on the clothes! Bargain-hunting is the way to go f.s. The Shrimp Po Boys look delish 🙂
Karen Teague
July 8, 2009 at 10:21 pmJust made your blueberry muffins for my company, big hit….They baked up really quick, only 16 minutes, I was afraid that the center would be mushy but they were fine.
That’s a great jacket on you and I love your hair back with the headband, very cute, and chic….
Kati
July 8, 2009 at 10:25 pmCute clothes and scrumptious looking dinner!!
leslie
July 8, 2009 at 10:37 pmglad you got some good deals! dinner looks great – corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer treats. and i agree, mushy corn is basically a sin!
Angela
July 8, 2009 at 10:44 pmOh wow are you ever going to dazzle them in the interview (not that you wouldn’t without the clothes, but ya know! 😉 I honestly think a new outfit for an interview is so key…it gives you that extra boost of confidence and calms the nerves knowing you look your best!
Emily
July 8, 2009 at 10:46 pmI love your new clothes! I’m feeling like I may need to do some shopping for the summit too. 🙂 I can’t wait!
Whitney
July 8, 2009 at 10:47 pmCute clothes! You so deserve to treat yourself! Best of luck in the interview!
Amber
July 8, 2009 at 10:47 pmI will purchase some murphey goodde when I come and visit you when you working there =)
Help Meghan Run
July 8, 2009 at 10:56 pmThat’s so funny because I have my own Ann Taylor blazer that I bought for more than $200 off. 🙂 Love the bargains!
HelpMeghanRun.com
Emily
July 8, 2009 at 10:58 pmLooks like you found some great deals today, Jenna! I’m also a huge bargain shopper and will hunt forever to find the best deals.
Good luck with your finalist interviews!
Jenna
July 8, 2009 at 11:16 pmI’m completely astonished that you got all of that for under $200!!!!!!
🙂 I’m glad to hear you had such a great day! Your dinner looks fab!
Rebeca
July 8, 2009 at 11:45 pmI wish there was a Zara around me… love that store
What great deals! Goode job 🙂
Rebecca
July 8, 2009 at 11:50 pmI love clothes shopping! Great job on finding all of those deals! I’m not a big wine drinker but my brother is and I’ll definitely recommend this one to him! 🙂
Chloe (Naturally Frugal)
July 9, 2009 at 12:13 amWow! Those clothes are awesome and I can’t believe you got them for under $200. I LOVE banana and ann taylor, the clothes there are made so well you know they will last you a long time. Hooray for shopping!
Caroline
July 9, 2009 at 12:15 amAwesome bargains, girl! I don’t have a white blouse either, come to think of it. I don’t wear white because of my pale skin–it would all just blend in!
Tay
July 9, 2009 at 12:37 amI go crazy with good deals! And probably end up spending way more than I would have pre-sale!
And your ice cream looks soooooooooo good!!
Samantha
July 9, 2009 at 3:03 amZara is one of my absolute FAVORITES. Good prices for good quality. Is this your first time to the Napa/Sonoma area?? You will LOVE it, it is so beautiful… one of my most favorite spots in Cali 🙂
Kiki
July 9, 2009 at 4:36 amI am in love with that blazer – looks fab!
U’re spot on, clothes bargains are almost as good as food bargains!
Madelin @ What is for breakfast?
July 9, 2009 at 5:37 amI love Zara too! I just wish we had it in Australia 🙁 Probably a good thing for my bank balance that we don’t though…
Christie @ Quit Your Diet
July 9, 2009 at 5:44 amI am with on going to the grocery store rather than the mall 🙂
You got some really cute things, you are going to rock that interview!
runjen
July 9, 2009 at 7:02 amWow!! Great finds! I can’t believe you scored all of that for under 2 hundy!
Carolyn (sandyfeeteats.wordpress.com)
July 9, 2009 at 7:53 amyou look so professional, you’re a shoe-in for that job! go get ’em!
Krissy - Single Serving
July 9, 2009 at 8:25 amThose Po Boys look delicious and way to go on the shopping deals! You’ll look great for the interview!
Stacy (Eating To Live Love Laugh Tri)
July 9, 2009 at 8:28 amOh man, I wish I lived in Tampa because you and I have almost identical taste in clothing. We would make great shopping buddies! : ) I love love love that blazer! Worth every penny!
meghan
July 9, 2009 at 8:38 ami’m so jealous you have a zara! the only one in chicago is in the burbs, but they’re finally opening one on michigan soon.
fingers are already crossed for your interview!
Ally
July 9, 2009 at 10:11 amWhat a successful shopping day!!
Becci L.
July 9, 2009 at 10:20 amAwesome deals! You ended up with such versitle pieces, too!!
Morgan (Does This Blog Make My Butt Look Fast)
July 9, 2009 at 10:57 amDang, I wish I had that much luck while shopping!
Also, have you been keeping up with the New York Times’ daily blogs of running? The articles are very interesting.
Jennifer
July 9, 2009 at 1:19 pmMurphy Goode wines are rock solid. I learned about them when I worked in fine dining during college. Love good wine! Good luck with the job.
Sarah
July 9, 2009 at 1:24 pmI love the clothes! I need to do some shopping myself 😉
I have never tried Murphy Goode wine but I may give it a shot based off of your recommendation. Good luck with your trip and interview!
skinnyrunner
July 9, 2009 at 2:24 pmcute clothes and cute pics!
Samantha
July 9, 2009 at 2:50 pmFrom the Sacramento Bee newspaper this morning: thought you may be interested:
Goode times
The top 10 finalists have been named for the coolest of job openings: a six-month stint as social marketing guru for the Murphy-Goode Winery in Healdsburg.
Sadly, while two locals made the top 50 cut two weeks ago, neither got to the final 10.
The finalists travel to Sonoma County later this month for several days of “hijinks, excursions and poker, ” says winery spokesman Mark Osmun, along with more traditional job interviews. The temporary position pays $10,000 monthly and includes free lodging.
One of the two local runners-up is Kris Vera-Phillips, 31, a KCRA producer.
The self-described wine novice works behind the scenes at KCRA. Submitting a video application for the winery job gave her a rare chance to be in front of the camera.
She’s taking the job rejection in stride. “I was tickled,” she says, “to get this far.”
Heather
July 9, 2009 at 3:03 pmhmm… my scoop must be lost in the mix!!!!! Uh oh!
Katie
July 9, 2009 at 3:21 pmYou got some amazing deals!
Don’t feel bad about eating apart from Ryan. If my husband is going to be home after 7:30, I eat without him.
Veronica
July 10, 2009 at 8:12 amYou look so great! I’m so excited for your Goode opportunity. Thank you very much for plugging the Pure Bar. I would love to send you more and maybe do a giveaway to your readers if you’d like. Also a funny bit of info, my cousin is also a finalist for the Goode job. She is Rachel Reenstra 🙂 Either of you would be terrific!!
Veronica
Rachel Reenstra
July 10, 2009 at 12:37 pmYeay for plugging my cousins PURE bars!! They are awesome!! I will bring a bunch with me to Sonoma when we meet next week!!
I am so excited to be in the top 10 too I think we are all going to have a BLAST!!!! 🙂
Se you in 10 days!!
🙂
Rachel Reenstra