My appetite is super funky this evening. After lunch I never got hungry again! Very, very unlike me. Its funny, and I think I’ve mentioned before, but in the midst of traumatic situations I usually am the only one still hungry. Some people get anxious and physically cannot eat but I am the opposite….the one reaching for a slice of cake or cookies. Perhaps that explains my banana bread quest this afternoon?
I’m just going to go ahead and say that Ryan has it pretty good.
He comes home to a homemade dinner AND banana bread?! I obviously won’t have time to do this forever, but it feels great to be able to cook food for someone other than myself and have them really enjoy it. I honestly get so much satisfaction in feeding others. I love seeing their smile and the look in their eyes when you tell them you made it yourself! Don’t you love that?!
Anyways, I’m going to be bold and say this was the best banana bread I’ve ever made. It just screams church bake sales and grandma’s kitchen. Cookbook can be found here. It’s worth it for this one recipe, I promise. 
I haven’t actually had a slice but I did pick at it a bit and taste the batter and, yep, it’s freakin unbelievable. It has a whole stick of buttah in it and lots of brown sugar and tastes more like a sweet moist banana cake. I’m saving my slice for breakfast tomorrow and you better believe I have the entire meal already planned in my head! Ryan is digging into it tonight though–he’s so excited!
I was able to squeeze in some much needed yoga this afternoon. I was planning on doing an hour long Yoga to the People download (LOVE these) but it cut off 30 minutes in and so for the next 10 minutes or so I just free flowed on my own and got some nice deep stretches in. It felt wonderful….especially those tricky pigeons!
Afterwards I wanted a snack…still wasn’t hungry but wanted one anyways! I had made an earlier batch of crack Kristin’s Holiday Chia Pudding and couldn’t wait to dive in.
I seriously could live off this stuff! I love the texture (kind of crunchy!) and the sweet spicy taste. On top of it all, it is very very filling! My kind of snack 
After a brief conference call (yay Blog Summit!), I set to work on dinner. I made Rachel Ray’s recipe for Mexican Lasagna but used extra lean ground turkey instead of chicken. It was incredibly easy to throw together (it only took 20 minutes, start to finish) and Ryan adored it.
Here’s his portion—-
As for me though, I wasn’t really feeling it. I honestly could have just skipped dinner and been fine but know how active I am and know I need to eat so I don’t lose weight. I didn’t feel like anything hot or heavy so I settled on leftover raw Thai Vegetable Rolls
The collards were easier to wrap today because they had sort of wilted in the fridge overnight. I liked the rolls better yesterday when they were fresh but they were still tasty tonight!
After I ate I reached for the carbs and indulged in one of the last VeggieGirl Vegan Chocolate Chip Almond Fig Blondies. Oh, I’m going to miss these!!!
The best vegan baked good EVER. Love you, Liz—have a fabuuuuuulous time in Sin City!!!
Ryan and I are just flipping around the movie channels right now but I think I’m going to read soon. I want to finish Angels and Demons before the movie comes out tomorrow! Honestly though, I’m about 200 pages in and not very impressed. I thought the Da Vinci Code was entertaining but this book has yet to grip me. Anyone?! Does it get better??
My Grandpa continues to stay in ICU on life support tonight. Things aren’t looking very positive in that regard and I’m just praying he makes it through the night. You guys are so great for sticking with me here even when (I think) the blog is depressing! I need some good news….asap! 
Banana bread + Spinning in the morning! =)
In the meantime, click here to vote for Jenna as the new Murphy-Goode Wine Girl!!
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I’ll be keeping your grandpa in my thoughts. I’m ordering some chia seeds next paycheck so I can make that pudding!
That dinner and banana bread look amazing!! Do not ever worry about being depressing, Jenna, because in the midst of all this trauma, you still remain such an upbeat, energetic person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. And on a side note, as for a GREAT movie to watch which I think you will really enjoy after your comment about how you love to watch people enjoy the food you bake (I am the SAME way and ADORE this movie)… Stranger than Fiction. Have you seen it?? It has Will Farrell but it isn’t his typical genre. Seriously, rent it asap!!! SO GOOD!
Oh that looks delish! Can’t wait to see what you do with the banana bread tomorrow.
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
I just made that mexican lasagna and put it on my blog last week! It was so easy to make and my husband loved it.
aw don’t worry about the blog.. it’s not depressing, plus it’s yours to with what you want, we’ll still read! those wraps look so great and so does the casserole.
by the way, you’ve inspired me to by a juicer! i need to go cheaper than a breville but i can’t wait to make some beet juice
I know exactly what you mean! Baking is so satisfying because it makes others so happy to see a plate of baked goods made with love just for them.
I made some chocolate & peanut butter chip cookies for the boyfriend today, and we’re going to sandwich them with vanilla bean ice cream and have a rest day from this hectic week of exams. Heaven!
Your banana bread looks AMAZINGLY tall. Mine always comes out so dense and squat! I might just have to look into that book.
And lastly, I’ll absolutely keep your grandfather in my prayers tonight. I know how much I treasure my own grandpa.
I loved The Davinci Code but Angels and Demons didn’t do much for me! It took me a while to finally finish it because I was so uninterested.
i totally spoil my husband and i love it
your banana bread looks lovely!
Ryan better appreciate you honey! Baking is so therapeutic and I love getting compliments. It makes me feel special:) like “I DID THAT! I made somebody feel good!”
Angels and Demons does not compare to DaVinci Code but it is still interesting. Not too painful a read.
praying for grandpa. XOXO Love you, spinning banana bread girl.
I am thinking about your grandpa and family. I hope he is comfortable. Hang in there– you are doing beautifully and your blog is NOT depressing, it’s life! All the ups and downs.
Oooh lucky Ryan! What delicous meals you made! I must try that Mexican Lasagna. YUM!
I really liked Angels and Demons. It was a great book! I’m hoping you will like it soon =)
Have a great night! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Enjoy spinning in the morning!!!
Girl, you are not depressing! You are just a real life girl with real life issues and we love you either way! We’d love you more if you’d send us each a loaf of that kick ass banana bread, though!
My thoughts are with your grandpa
Ryan is super lucky to get to come home to you and all of that delicious food!
And your blog is your place to write about your life and your experiences…not depressing by any means. I’m hoping for your grandpa
Oh Jenna, I am so sorry, I am incredibly close to my g-pa, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am sending you every ounce of the very best kharma i have in me your way. I lost three very important people in a very short amount of time, so I am going to pray like crazy that you won’t have to go through that. xo brit
I’m praying for you and your family. I’m glad you have such a strong support group to get you through these difficult times.
If you are looking for a GREAT book..i HIGHLY reccomend CRAZY LOVE. http://www.crazylovebook.com. It’s definately worth the read!
Lauren
“I’m just going to go ahead and say that Ryan has it pretty good.” Not to mention the beautiful blonde there too
I’ll be praying for your grandpa!!!
i didn’t like angels and demons either!
praying for your family jenna.
Prayers for your grandpa. Try to get a good night’s sleep tonight, if you can!
Your honesty alone is why I keep coming back. You and your family, especially your Grandfather are in my thoughts.
Oh Jenna – I’m so sorry that your family is going through difficult times again.
You and your family are in my prayers! I promise!
Mmm… I adore cooking for my husband, so much so that I often make things he’ll love even if I don’t care for them. I’ve noticed a lot of Rachel Ray’s recipes are very man-friendly, I guess because they’re kid-friendly and men eat a lot like children. I hope things turn around for your grandfather.
the banana bread and Mexican lasagna both look amazing!
I never got hungry after lunch today either. Hm…
BTW… we may have to have a banana bread bake off. That’s right! I just challenged the professionally trained baker to a bake off! HA!
And most importantly… praying hard my dear, praying hard!
Hope you are doing well Jenna!
Just wanted to let you know that I voted for you.
I really really hope you win
XO,
Jessica
Angles & Demons…I wasn’t impressed either. I put it down half way through. I liked the DaVinci Code much better.
I agree, boyfriend got it GOOD when their girlfriends love to serenade them with goodies and home-cooked meals. I always make sure my boy’s tummy is happy!
Your food looks awesome! I’m amazed that you can make banana bread and not eat three slices right as it’s out of the oven! Now, that’s impressive!
Brian started cooking after he found out I was pureeing veggies in his food
But yes, Ryan has it easy!
Mmm the banana bread AND the dinner you made for Ryan look delish! I wouldn’t be able to resist!!
Hugs and love and warm fuzzy thoughts to you and your family… and you know? I’m always the hungry one too…
Hey Jenna,
I have been reading your blog for awhile and I just wanted to say that I love how open you are on here and how much of your life you share. I really look forward to reading your blog each day even if you are having a hard time. You are always very real about what you’re going through and you always seem to have faith. It’s very impressive and I just wanted to let you know I’ve been enjoying reading!
Thanks,
Lynna
not impressed by the book. really not impressed with the ending. put it down now! da vinci code was much better!
Angels and Demons was a terrible book. It was just so repetitive … figured out a riddle, rush to the location, just go there in time! x100!!!
Another movie recommendation is Lars and the Real Girl (http://www.larsandtherealgirl-themovie.com/). The story sounds really weird (e.g. it’s about a sex doll), but it’s actually a wonderful and very heartwarming movie. (I can’t believe I used the words “sex doll” and “heartwarming” in the same sentence!)
hey Jenna!
I just found your blog and I honestly am so in love with you! (haha, in a totally non-creeper food blogger way) your food philosophy and constant optimism is extremely inspiring.. and you are just absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to continue reading
p.s. I will be sure to keep your grandpa in my prayers, girl. Stay strong <3
with love,
Jenny
Mmm, banana bread. I love banana bread, I think you just inspired me to bake some real soon. I can relate to what you said about loving to cook for others. It’s so rewarding when someone enjoys the meal you prepared for them, isn’t it?
I will keep your grandpa in my thoughts.
That banana bread does look terrific!
Thinking of you and your family, Jenna.
Thoughts & prayers for you & your family.
Banana bread is my go-to comfort food to bake and share. It’s always so well received! I am definitely making a vegetarian version of the mexican lasagna, so yummy looking!
Too bad about Angels and Demons. I haven’t read it yet. My dad thought it was better than Da Vinci Code. I’m not much of a thriller person. Give me Twilight any day to make me happy.
Love the Mexican lasagna and the thai rolls. You can’t go wrong with two good dinner options.
Those fig blondies look amazing every time you post them!!! And the banana bread…OH WOW! Coming from a baking fiend, it looks wonderful. Ryan IS a lucky guy.
I have to agree…the chia pudding is like crack. I eat it probably 4-5 days out of 7 for bfast…one batch is 3 servings for me. Its perfect!
Everything looks great, especially that VeggieGirl blondie!
I have been in the same place; I am praying for your dear grandpa.
Your blog isn’t depressing, it’s just life that gets depressing for everyone sometimes. But that’s no reason to abandon anyone
I’m so sorry things have been so hard for you and your family lately, you are all in my thoughts.
Oh Jenna, when it rains it pours. I hope you are able to save a big slab of that yummy looking bread for your mom. I pray that things start going a whole lot more smoothly for you, hon.
This blog is definitely NOT depressing. Unfortunately life has hurled some massive tragedies at you lately, but somehow through all of it you manage to write in such an uplifting way! I honestly don’t know/read anyone who could remain so poised and write so beautifully despite everything that is going on in your life!
MMM banana bread! So tasty. Ryan is a lucky man! I’m still praying for your grandpa, I hope he pulls through for your family’s sake, especially your mom.
I really liked Angels & Demons, in fact I just bought another copy of it, because the one I had was one of those crappy mass market paperback ones and I wanted a good one! The movie isn’t going to follow the book very closely though, so see it even if you don’t like the book. You might think the movie is better.
I’m praying for your grandpa, I hope everything turns out ok!
Ryan does indeed have it good! Seems like you guys have a great relationship!
Hope your big slice of banana bread gets your Friday started off in the best way possible
That Mexican Lasagne looks awesome. Are those spinach noodles? They looked green in the pic. I’ll be praying for your grandfather.
He’s got it good indeed! Love that mexican lasagna!
Hey Jenna
When I turned 18 my mom (whose mother did the same) gave me a Betty Crocker Cookbook with the best and most amazing baked recipes…including one for banana bread (and banana cake). Every time someone does something nice for me (watches the cats when I go away, etc) I will surprise them with one of these bad boys and they’ve always been more than willing to help me again. Old fashioned baking recipes are a sure fire way to put a smile on someone’s face
I am going to look into this book because that bread looks awesome! Ryan does have it good!!
C’mon Grandpa. Hang in there!
There are no words to describe that bread. I want some now. Delish.
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