I made the BEST dinner tonight.
Unfortunately the recipe has to remain a secret until it becomes revealed by The Mushroom Channel later this month. I still can’t believe how simple and delicious it was though!
Dessert was classic: a warm Vitamuffin topped with vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream. Can’t beat it.
This evening before I started cooking, I went over to my parent’s house to have a glass of red wine and watch Oprah with my mom. I also may have snacked on a few unpictured pretzels. 😉
Tomorrow is a big day. First of all, its tattoo day! I can’t wait to get my tattoo in my brother’s honor and I know he’s going to be laughing his head off up in heaven when he watches all three of us get inked up. Everyone keeps telling me not to get it on my wrist for professional reasons, but I’m going to go with my heart and do it anyway…its going to be small and I want to see it every single day, all day long.
The next big thing happening tomorrow is the grand opening of the brand new IKEA here in Tampa! Seriously, there have been people camping out outside of the store in sleeping bags…I had no idea this store was that big of a deal but I’m going to go tomorrow to see what all the hype is about. Ryan has basically put me in charge of redecorating the condo, which is my dream, but I’m on a very very very strict budget. I’m searching for a desk, bar stools, a coffee table and bookshelves, all for super cheap. We’ll see what I can find!
The final big thing about tomorrow is that it is the first RAW WEDNESDAY! What meal and snack are you planning on doing raw?! Right now I’m thinking breakfast but we’ll see. I can’t wait to hear about what you all come up with. I’m sure it will be fabulous!
Today I got TWO fun packages in the mail!
Raw goodies from Navitas Naturals! I can’t wait to try these raw cacao nibs, goji berries and acai. I’m thinking of a breakfast smoothie with the raw cacao but we’ll see…..looks delish!
And the peanut butter man stopped by….
This package made Ryan temporarily forgive me for overstocking our tiny kitchen. YUM!
See you in the morning!
ps—
check out Danica’s amazing giveaway to score some free Annie’s Mac & Cheese. Who doesn’t love this stuff…really now.
Shannon
May 5, 2009 at 6:35 pmI think that is a perfect spot for your tattoo. Can’t wait to see it. 🙂
Kristi @ Sweet Cheeks
May 5, 2009 at 6:46 pmGood for you for going with your heart on the tattoo issue! I bet it will turn out amazing! I’m so excited for you!
I am also excited about raw wednesday!!
have a good night Jenna!
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
May 5, 2009 at 6:49 pmI love the idea of the tattoo on your wrist!!! Professional or not, its the meaning that counts!
I”m beyond jealous of your packages 🙂
Heather
May 5, 2009 at 6:50 pmI think the wrist is just fine placement. If you ever *need* to cover it up, you can do it easily with a bracelet or watch.
Tomorrow I plan on doing green smoothie for breakfast, almond butter stuffed dates for snack and sprouted quinoa tabbouli & kale salad for lunch.
Maureen
May 5, 2009 at 6:55 pmJenna, check out Craigslist for some amazing deals on apartment furnishings, household appliances, and the like. Lamps for $5, etc. I don’t know if Tampa has a big Craigslist but it’s worth checking out!
Nicole
May 5, 2009 at 6:55 pmI can’t wait to see the tat! I’ll be at the tattoo shop tomorrow too, I’ll think of ya!
I think I’m going to have lunch at the raw food restaurant near the shop I’m going to!
Run Sarah
May 5, 2009 at 6:56 pmAwesome packages! I love vita & ice cream together, yum!
Lisa D
May 5, 2009 at 6:57 pmYour eats look awesome! And how can I get the Peanut Butter man to come visit me?!?!?!?!? What an awesome package!(that’s what she said?, or in your case apparently-that’s what HE said!) Enjoy getting inked tomorrow! Go for the wrist! Can’t wait to see it!
rhodeygirl
May 5, 2009 at 6:57 pmjenna i am happy you are following your heart. Ever since my mom passed away (a few years ago) I’ve REALLY wanted to get a teeny tattoo of a star on my wrist. I still haven’t done it but plan to after my wedding, and I think that location is perfect because you can always see it if you want, but can always cover it up too. good luck, and be brave!!!
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness)
May 5, 2009 at 7:02 pmYou will love IKEA! 😀
I have those goji berries and love them! I’ve got my Raw Wednesday meals all planned out for tomorrow.
I hope everything goes well with the tattoos. Keep following your heart!
Julie
May 5, 2009 at 7:02 pmTattoos are so mainstream now a days, I honestly don’t think work places are that strict about them anymore. Everyone has them! It’s 2009, not 1989 😉
Good luck tomorrow, I can’t wait to see how pretty it turns out!
Natalie
May 5, 2009 at 7:05 pmHi Jenna,
I just wanted to say I have 6 tattoos.. 2 are on my wrists.. 1 on each wrist. I understand people’s concern about professionalism but I work in a management position and it doesn’t matter much. I think its much more about how you carry yourself than what’s on your wrist. Being tattooed is much more common now than it was 10 years ago… most bosses aren’t surprised to see a person inked. I say be happy with your decision because its something that you want to do and it will make you feel good. Best of luck to you and your parents! fyi it WILL hurt if you’re getting something that requires being shaded in… just be prepared for that!
Greta
May 5, 2009 at 7:05 pmUhh that looks soo good. I love all of this Shroom Channel business
katie s
May 5, 2009 at 7:13 pmThat dinner looks AMAZING!! And definitely go with your heart! That tattoo has a very special meaning, don’t worry about anything else!!! GOOD LUCK!!! I’ve been dying to try those Navitas Naturals products so please let us know how they are!!!
Victoria
May 5, 2009 at 7:15 pmMmmm… dinner looks like mushroomy, risotto-esque goodness! Good luck with tattoo day tomorrow! And Ikea! Brent and I furnished our first apartment from Ikea for like a total $500.
Allie Katie
May 5, 2009 at 7:19 pmEek good luck with Ikea! I had to furnish an entire APT there once–the Ikea in South LA is nutso. It was slightly panic inducing–but lots of fun!
Good luck with the ink too–I am dying to see the pics. And, if you wouldn’t mind, could you explain a little bit about the pain levels re: tats? I really want one but I am a huge baby! Thanks so much!
xox
AK
Heather
May 5, 2009 at 7:31 pmOh girl. You are going to fall in LOVE with IKEA. It’s addictive but really great for a tight budget! Will be excited to hear your thoughts!
That PB is the BOMB! I am in love with the white & dark chocolate ones. Notice a trend? Really super yummy! Will be interested in your review of the spicy one!
Happy tattooing tomorrow! I think it’s fantastic!
Sleep well!
*Andrea*
May 5, 2009 at 7:32 pmi heart shrooms 😉
i think the tattoo on the wrist is a PERFECT spot for it.. you will see it all the time but it can definitely be covered for interviews with a cardigan/shirt. good luck –
Kailey (SnackFace)
May 5, 2009 at 7:32 pmMystery mushroom dinner looks amazing! I am so excited to see the tattoo tomorrow. Your wrist is the perfect place, as you and your heart already know.
Get ready for IKEA. Seriously, bring snacks and water because it can be draining! There is so much to look at and it’s all so affordable it’s shocking! My mom and I (ok, mostly my mom. I was just along to veto things) chose most of the furnishings of my first house outside my parents’ from IKEA. Two bedside tables, a coffee table, a large dresser, two throw rugs, three circular mini rugs and other little trinkets (pans, dishes, things like that) were all purchased for a bit over $200. Crazy! I hope you find some goodies there!
Shelby
May 5, 2009 at 7:34 pmAHHH AMAZING PB PACKAGE!!! I’m so jealous, I’m almost out of my stash =)
Abby
May 5, 2009 at 7:38 pmI think your wrist is the perfect place for your tattoo. I love wrist tattoos and think that something so important to you should be visible, screw professional reasons 🙂 IKEA is AMAZING and you will definitely find some great stuff. Can’t wait to see what you find!
Katie
May 5, 2009 at 7:41 pmi have a small star tattoo on my wrist that i got when my mom passed away (just like rhodeygirl!). i haven’t found the location to be a big deal in any of my professional situations- which says a lot because i teach 2nd grade!! i don’t cover it up and i have never heard any negative comments from school administration, other teachers, or students. if anything they are interested and ask questions about it. i agree with the other commenters who said that these days they aren’t a huge deal anymore and it’s not considered unprofessional if you have a small tasteful one- especially one that has such a significant meaning! so i say GO FOR IT! can’t wait to see the pictures 🙂
Lindsey (Mrs. LC)
May 5, 2009 at 7:42 pmIkea is definitely an experience. Be prepared for mad chaos tomorrow because it’ll probably be crazy packed the first couple weeks if it’s anything like the one in Orlando when it opened. You can get some cheap stuff there, (but not everything is cheap). I do know that my husband and I were able to get a really really cheap tall bookcase for something like $19.
The other thing I’d recommend for furniture is craigslist. We needed cheap for furniture for our first home together and found some great deals. I found a solid cherry wood table (with 2 leafs), 6 chairs, and 6 cherry shelves for $150! You just have to be patient with craigslist.
Jennifer
May 5, 2009 at 7:46 pmYay tattoos! I have a wrist tattoo and work in a pretty professional setting and I have never had a problem. The biggest annoyance is people will ALWAYS ask you about it. Most of the time I don’t mind, but I get a lot of rude comments when I tell them what it means (it is an ohm symbol). I get the same comments/questions over and over and over… but I still wouldn’t change where I got it!
Bec
May 5, 2009 at 7:48 pmAhh I love IKEA, have a blast shopping/decorating!
allijag
May 5, 2009 at 7:48 pmGO WITH YOUR WRIST!!! stick with your gut!
um – is that PB on the lower part – HOT SAUCE AND PB??? I think I may be in heaven if it is!
NJ
May 5, 2009 at 7:51 pmI LOVE that peanut butter. Lucky duck!
I would also recommend checking out Rooms to Go… the stuff is higher quality than ikea and you can get a card and make payments if you wanted to.. no interest.
I guess I am the lond dissenter… I would refrain from inking the wrist. I understand the motivation for getting the tatoo in honor of your bro, but I am not sure he would mind where you got it, right? I don’t know, I think it requires serious time to think about placement. Not being snarky, just lookin’ out. ;0
Brittney
May 5, 2009 at 7:52 pmI think getting the tattoo on your wrist is a good idea. I don’t know how big it’s going to be, but I imagine that it’s something that could be covered up with a chunky bracelet or something if you really needed to have it covered for some reason. Plus, tattoos are more common today, so it’s probably something you won’t even have to worry about. Can’t wait to see it!
Samantha
May 5, 2009 at 7:53 pmLucky lady!!! I have been dying to try the heat is on pb!
It’s already wed here and I’m doing the challenge, although I’m taking it a step further and attempting to go 100% raw every wed. Its an adjustment! I have to remind myself I can’t have string cheese or hard boiled eggs.
Your recipe looks delish…can’t wait for it to be posted!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
May 5, 2009 at 7:55 pmI’m so excited to see your tattoos! If you end up regretting the wrist, which I don’t think you will, it won’t be that hard to cover/remove. Ahh…your mom must be freaking out. Maybe she should have a glass of wine and watch Oprah before she goes 😉
I’m thinking raw juice breakfast and raw donut holes snack, yums!
megan
May 5, 2009 at 7:56 pmWhat great packages…especially the PB 🙂 PB & Co. is simply the greatest!! And your mushroom dinner looks so delicious…can’t wait for the recipe. And tomorrow seems to be quite the exciting day for you, dear. Tattoo, Ikea, AND Raw Wednesday!! Yippee. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night, Jenna!
Michelle
May 5, 2009 at 8:00 pmIKEA is amazing. But I promise you it will do your head in. There’s so much to look at. Just enjoy it while you’re in it. You could also visit their website and see if there are things on there that you’d like to get at the store..then you wont get as overwhelmed..that’s what I do. Oh yeah, you’ll buy WAY more then you wanted. Their candles are amazing.
Happy decorating.
Tammy
May 5, 2009 at 8:04 pmI happened upon your blog just after the passing of your brother. So, first off I must send my condolences. My heart hurts for your loss.
I think the tattoo you’re thinking of getting is an awesome memorial to your brother. Good for you, and your parents! You see, I have a tattoo on my wrist and it’s not all that obvious, but I know it’s there. I wear my watch on the tattoo’d wrist, but I keep my watch band very loose so I can still see my tattoo when I want.
I got my tattoo as a reminder of surviving a heartbreaking and ugly divorce. When life was tough throughout the divorce, I turtled. I tucked in my shelf to protect and defend myself, so in turn I got a little turtle on my left wrist. My suffering of a divorce and broken family is not anywhere near the depth of suffering you’re dealing with but a painful loss of my own. I chose this spot, because the wrist is a life spot to me and I survived and this my reminder.
Wishing you peace and healing tomorrow.
Fancy
May 5, 2009 at 8:04 pmI LOVE the Mighty Maple flavor….It is the best dessert ever. Just a small spoonful after dinner, YUM! Congratulations on starting your book, Jenna 🙂
Christina
May 5, 2009 at 8:06 pmomg so jealous of the pb package. I just picked up the cinnamon raisin today, it’s my favorite!
i’m excited for raw Wednesday tomorrow! I’m going with lunch as my raw meal.
Help Meghan Run
May 5, 2009 at 8:13 pmCannot wait to see the tattoo! 🙂 And I am incredibly jealous of that chocolate vitamuffin and the dark chocolate peanut butter!
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
Katie
May 5, 2009 at 8:30 pmGo with the wrist! I have a bumblebee on mine and I haven’t had a problem yet… you can always wear long sleeves and jewelery. Can’t wait to see what it looks like!
I can’t decide what to eat for my raw meal… I was thinking raw breakfast, too, but maybe I’ll wait and get some inspiration from you!
Sara
May 5, 2009 at 8:47 pmI’ve never had the Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter, but it sure would be a dangerous thing for me! Seriously, I’d eat it all in one sitting. Ikea is fun; enjoy!
Ashley
May 5, 2009 at 8:55 pmDid PB&Co send you those awesome samples?! You’ll love White Chocolate Wonderful! Good luck tomorrow!
Lynna
May 5, 2009 at 9:03 pmYou always get the best packages, I am totally jealous! Have you looked into craigslist.org yet for furniture? My roommates and I got a lot of the stuff to furnish our house at college from there and they have some great deals. You should check it out!
Kara
May 5, 2009 at 9:10 pmGood luck with the tattoo! Can’t wait to see it 🙂
And IKEA is AWESOME! I can stay in there all day. I hope it’s not too crowded for you, though. If it is, give it another chance on a non-busy day.
Whitney
May 5, 2009 at 9:21 pmIkea is amazing, but I can’t imagine going on an opening day. It will be crazy! My entire apt is IKEA (poor law student budget)
And I LOVE Cinnamon Raisin Swirl. Delish.
Danica
May 5, 2009 at 9:47 pmHi Jenna ~ Your mystery dish looks fabulous (my guess is a creamy spinach and mushroom risotto). Awesome packages – I LOVE PB& Co – it’s highly addicting.
Good luck tomorrow – I can’t wait to see the tatoos!
Thanks so much for the contest shout out, I really appreciate it. Don’t forget to stop by and enter as well for your chance to win 1 of the 4 prize packs!
runeatrepeat
May 5, 2009 at 9:56 pmI’m loving the PB&Co package!
Kori (All Things B.)
May 5, 2009 at 10:30 pmThat dish looks unbelievable! Can’t wait for the recipe!
Leah @ Simply Fabulous
May 6, 2009 at 12:22 amI can’t wait to see the tattoo 🙂
Lacey
May 6, 2009 at 1:45 amCan’t wait to see your tattoos. My mom told me about the Ikea opening up in Tampa. Its crazy what people will do. I dont see the point in camping out at the store lol. Ikea has good stuff and its cheap so its the place to go if you are on a budget. 😀
Sammie
May 6, 2009 at 2:26 amWe have an IKEA here in MA and it is always crazy busy. What great packages – PB & Co. is so yummy. I think your tattoo will look fabulous. I just shared one of mine with everyone so you can stop by and see if you like. I don’t regret it one bit. Good luck.
M
May 6, 2009 at 3:17 amI think the wrist is a perfect place for it.
(I am in a very conservative profession — I’m a lawyer — and I just cover my tattoos. A well positioned bracelet works fine.)
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
May 6, 2009 at 4:14 amHi there! IT’S TATTOO DAY!!!!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!! Pictures will be necessary, please and thank you, ma’am!
In a foodie note, holy mushroom-y goodness! Your dinner looks positively delightful.
IKEA- I will definitely be checking out the new IKEA in a few weeks when I move to Tampa! SOOO EXCITED!!!!
Last, but not least…. GET ON WITH YOUR BAD BOOK WRITING SELF!
Annie D.
May 6, 2009 at 4:30 amYummy!! I have good friends that live in Tampa (Wesley Chapel- I think I spelled that right?)- I’m sure they’re excited to have an IKEA too! What a great store!! We have one 2 hours from us, and it’s worth the trip!!
MizFit
May 6, 2009 at 4:42 amI love the tattoo idea.
My husband lost his sister (she was really young) and got a tattoo literally at the first place he saw.
it’s the worst tattoo ever aesthetically (he now can laugh at how bad the “artist” was) but my husbands favorite tattoo.
Lauren
May 6, 2009 at 5:48 amOoo your dinner DOES look yummy!
I think it’s great that you’re sticking with your original plan to get a tattoo on your wrist so you can look down at it whenever you want to, and think about John.
MyThy as in "Mighty" ;)
May 6, 2009 at 6:19 amTattoo Day, Raw Food Day and crazy-Ikea opening day!?! How exciting! Can’t wait to see you & your fam’s tattoo’s and what you decide to make for RFW (Raw Food Wednesday). I loved Ikea for decorating on a budget in college. Its like the Trader Joe’s of furniture shopping! I always treat myself to the FroYo after shopping, I mean, after all that walking, why not?!? Have fun!
gutenmegan
May 6, 2009 at 6:23 amBring a snack for IKEA! I’ve ended up wandering around that place for six hours …
Good luck with the tattoo!
Red Head, Yellow Dog
May 6, 2009 at 6:24 amJames and I found a GREAT coffee table on craigslist for 35 bucks! Definitely worth checking that site every once and a while..you might get lucky!!
mm that peanut butter package looks heavenly!
Beadie
May 6, 2009 at 6:46 amWow, so much to say about this post!!
Whatever that dish is looks FANTASTIC!! I can’t wait for the recipe reveal!!
Good luck with the tattoo and hoooray for fun packages!
And double hoooray for redecorating! That is one of the funnest parts of moving in!
Danielle
May 6, 2009 at 6:48 amGood luck with your tattoo today!
That dish looks fantastic!
Shelly
May 6, 2009 at 8:14 amOh my gosh I am addicted to the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter!!! I love it on bananas!
Michelle Hisae
May 6, 2009 at 9:01 amGo Raw Wednesday! I might have to start next wednesday because i forgot and didn’t see this post until after breakfast. Oops!
Jess
May 6, 2009 at 10:07 amI am SO jealous of your PB delivery. Wow.
I hate Ikea. We have one here, and it’s fun the first time you go if you’re just looking because they have lots of neat displays. It is awful if you’re just looking for a certain item and have to weave through the store. You’re extremely brave to go on the first day.
Kristilyn (The Food Journey)
May 6, 2009 at 10:24 amI love that peanut butter! I bought some of the White Chocolate Wonderful (one of 2 kinds I can find in Canada) and it’s delicious. I really want to try ‘The Heat is On’ or the raisin swirl one.
Good luck with your tattoo tomorrow!
Kristilyn
Liesl
May 6, 2009 at 10:43 amI am completely jealous of your peanut butter! We can’t get any of those flavors by us. 🙁
Good luck with your tattoo, should be fun!!
Also, I was wondering, would you mind posting your recipe for the raw Tabbouleh you made the other day? I would love it! 😉
Thanks Jenna!
Natural Nutritionist
May 6, 2009 at 12:28 pmI had a fruit salad for breakfast and raw “nacho’s” for lunch! YUM!
Lindsey (fiteats)
May 6, 2009 at 12:33 pmWhen Ikea opened here it was a mad house! It’s the perfect place to go when you’re on a budget. We better get to see before and after pics of the condo! Good luck with that and the tattoos!
Lauren
May 6, 2009 at 6:48 pmHoly Peanut Butter! You are one lucky girl! 🙂
Funnny, just before I read this post, I was on my way to the kitchen to make a vita muffin sundae. Haha, you read my mind and now I can’t wait to enjoy this scrumptious treat.
I can’t wait to see how your tatoo turned out. You are so strong girl and continue to shed incredible love, inspiration and true admiration to so many readers each and every day. God bless you and your family and may you continue to find peace and comfort with every passing day.
You are truly amazing!!!