Behind The Butter

Confessions of a Food Blogger


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I’ve never changed my Brita filter

Instead of washing my apples, I just merely rub them on my jeans

I take walk breaks every five minutes whenever I run

I have four bars of Lindt Sea Salt Chocolate in my silverware drawer

I love raw cookie dough. Salmonella Smalmonella

I’m still addicted to the Little House on the Prairie books. Don’t tell me I’m the only one with a secret crush on Almanzo.


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And, I have an announcement!

I have come to a very important realization.

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These jeans obviously must have shrunk in the wash.

A piece of my heart chipped off when I threw them across the house last week with vengeance—I mean they are citizens and all—but clearly they just shrunk in the dryer. If you were holding your breath, you may exhale now.

That is all.

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  • Sally
    April 17, 2010 at 11:04 am

    You have always been a great blogger but may I say your posts lately have been extra awesome? And you seem really happy and peaceful? Could it be this gentleman lovah?

  • Tricia
    April 17, 2010 at 11:07 am

    hahaha! That was the best post you’ve done in a while, thanks so much for making me laugh outloud! I just about spit out my lunch laughing at your jean comment!

    (the dryer is evil!) haha

  • Lauren @ A Fit Foodie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:08 am

    I would have to agree with Sally. So glad you seem so happy, playful and still so honest without being too hard on yourself or a downer. You’re enjoying life and sometimes that means eating raw cookie dough. Who am I kidding? That means ALWAYS eating raw cookie dough and enjoying every bite.

  • Rachel
    April 17, 2010 at 11:08 am

    This is one of my favorite posts. Had to comment. I dont think you’re alone on any of those confessions. Especially the cookie dough and Alamanzo ones. As for the jeans, as we mourn the loss of one awesome pair, we know there are better ones to come.

    P.S. How often are we supposed to change the Brita? 😉

  • jen trinque
    April 17, 2010 at 11:08 am

    I’m going to be the second second to Sally’s comment – your posts and mood have been wonderful lately!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises
    April 17, 2010 at 11:09 am

    I totally never change my filter or wash my apples! And obviously your jeans shrunk. Damn dryer!

  • marie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:11 am

    jenna, your last few posts have been awesome.

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    April 17, 2010 at 11:12 am

    Love this 🙂
    I too don’t wash my apples… and most of my jeans have shrunk too.

  • eatmovelove
    April 17, 2010 at 11:13 am

    Love this! I did a “Confessional” myself…but yours are more interesting 🙂
    Damn jeans! All my pants have also “shrunk” and I am wearing pretty much the same pair of work pants to work…:(…I have to get to the mall – but I don’t have money to shop…this is not good…not good at all….
    Oh and I have at least 7 bars of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with caramel, a baggie of macaroons (addicted), smarties…holy cripes.

  • eatmovelove
    April 17, 2010 at 11:14 am

    oh…and I buy and eat Pillsbury cookie dough…I don’t even have to bake them…

  • Sarah
    April 17, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Haha! Love this post!!!! But seriously, change your Brita filter. LOL!

  • ashleigh
    April 17, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Haha i love this post! I never change my brita filter and sometimes I drink my water even though it has the black dots that come from the brita in it. I also am really anti washing fruits + veg.

  • Evan Thomas
    April 17, 2010 at 11:18 am

    I never wash my fruit or scrub my potatoes 🙂
    And I agree; the jeans shrunkn and can no longer handle the healthy and happy you

  • Jenny
    April 17, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Awesome post! I feel ya on the jeans;)

  • Rachel
    April 17, 2010 at 11:18 am

    This may be your most entertaining post ever! 😀 Love confessional posts, hehe.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
    April 17, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Jenna, you would have died– in my Freshman English classes on Thursday, I asked all three of my classes if any of them read the Little House books, and NONE OF THEM HAD. NOT A SINGLE STUDENT, IN 75 STUDENTS!!!! Arghghg!! I had a mini-stroke, and they looked at me like I was crazy (but they do that all the time). To grow up without the Ingalls family? Craziness!!! I told them to go home this weekend and read Little House in the Big Woods…but something tells me they might be busy doing other things 🙂

  • Hallie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:20 am

    LAUNDRY ELVES! They are out to get us, I swear.

    I’m bad about washing my produce sometimes too…I figure if it’s organic, a bit of dirt won’t kill me. Now the salmonella from the cookie dough I also eat might, but that’s a story for another day.

  • Jil
    April 17, 2010 at 11:20 am

    I *change* my brita filter…but it always stays in at least twice as long as it’s supposed to!! I usually do the same with apples, too – and I love that you take walk breaks.:)

  • Betsy
    April 17, 2010 at 11:23 am

    Don’t put your jeans in the dryer, lady!! That only causes bad things to happen.

    Also, who doesn’t love raw cookie dough? It’s the best.

  • Holly
    April 17, 2010 at 11:23 am

    You are a beautiful writer and reading your blog is such a pleasure. Thank you for everything you do 🙂

  • VeggieGirl
    April 17, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Love this post. You just made my afternoon 😀

    Chat soon, for sure.

  • Katie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:26 am

    I’ve started ignoring a lot of blogs I was reading as I approach finals. But I read every entry you post. Admittedly, it’s partially because they are short and sweet usually, but mostly it’s because you are AWESOME. I’m with everyone that your blog has been particularly funny lately. And as a perfectionist, it’s nice to be reminded that everyone is human…and it makes me feel better about my dark chocolate stash and walk breaks during my ‘runs’. Also…never wash produce of any sort, oops!

    (and will be looking into sea salt chocolate. sounds pretttty amazing)

  • Carolyn
    April 17, 2010 at 11:28 am

    Obviously they shrunk. And citizen’s are like the only kind of jeans i can wear- I feel you.

  • Karen
    April 17, 2010 at 11:29 am

    I thought the same thing as the first poster, your blogs seem different lately.. you can tell that you’re happy with life. you’re a great writer, looking forward to reading your book..:) Btw, I buy publix birthday cake, even when there’s not a birthday, I just have them write, just because…..love that butter cream icing….

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
    April 17, 2010 at 11:32 am

    This. Is. Amazing.

    Yes to all of the above. We have a strange number of things in common. 😀

    And major Little House love — I had a job interview with a publisher and when she asked my favorite book, I totally named that. (actually, Little House in the Big Woods)

  • jeannie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:33 am

    Ha! I am with ya on the first two! And the cookie dough…mmm..
    I will have to find the Lindt chocolate..sounds yum. I usually keep Trader Joes big pounder dark chocolate bars in the cabinet.

  • Rachel
    April 17, 2010 at 11:36 am

    Hahaha I loved this post!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers
    April 17, 2010 at 11:36 am

    Substitute Lindt with Twix and knock off Little House– I’m totally with you 😉

  • Jo
    April 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Someone above mentioned a difference in your posts and I have to agree, I’m loving them! I have snacks in my cutlery drawer too, can’t run for 5 minutes straight and have never changed my water filter either. Those things cost £12!

  • Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
    April 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Thank you for your confessions. I think we all have some confessions that we could make. I’m not good about washing some fruits and veggies also sometimes. I also love little house and a few others like the Waltons.

  • Deirdre
    April 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    I really loved this post. You have no idea how great it was to hear a blogger admit to walk breaks. Also, I was OBSESSED with Almanzo and the Little House books. He was such a hottie. A hottie who totally saved her family’s life during that horrible storm. The perfect package.

  • jennifer
    April 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Hi Jenna,
    I love your confession. Here is mine: I dont wash my grapes and strawberries and I dont think twice about licking battery beaters or a cookie dough spoon. I am nowhere near germaphobic and in fact, I think I have a phobia of germaphobes.
    Love how you’ve had a kick in your step and some subtle sass in your posts of late! Life is better in the spring, even if the jeans arent quite right…

  • Camille
    April 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    I am firmly convinced that we don’t outgrow our clothes… they must shrink in their old age. I know it.

  • Rach
    April 17, 2010 at 11:38 am

    I’ve had a burning love for Almanzo since I read the Little House on the Prairie series in 4th grade.

  • Michelle
    April 17, 2010 at 11:40 am

    This is one of my favorite posts ever….you are adorable!!!

  • Sharon
    April 17, 2010 at 11:41 am

    You are killing me today. I’m so glad to read you take walk breaks. I thought I was the only one. I have such runner…envy. I mean who can run all the way around Spring Lake and all those hills without an occasional break? ok lots of people, but not me. Raw cookie dough is so much better than actual baked cookies, duh. And I have on of my Little House collection of books on my nightstand AS I TYPE this. And the jeans thing is insane. I agree, it’s that pesky dryer.

  • Ashley
    April 17, 2010 at 11:41 am

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! That post made me laugh out loud (as did your one before)… Greatly appreciated as I cram for finals…. needed a laugh : )

  • Ashley
    April 17, 2010 at 11:42 am

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! That post made me laugh out loud (as did your one before)… Greatly appreciated as I cram for finals…. needed a laugh : )

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    April 17, 2010 at 11:44 am

    I’ll eat ANY batter with or without eggs. We’re still alive, right? 🙂

    Eff those jeans. Get ’em outta there!! Well, since they’re Citizens, maybe stuff them in the back of your closet for now.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    April 17, 2010 at 11:44 am

    I love that you take walk breaks. Make me feel great because I do too.

    And washing apples just is no fun. It’s way more fun to gamble with the possible germs. Its my only form of gambling…oh that and raw batters 🙂

  • Yvonne
    April 17, 2010 at 11:53 am

    Jenna, I’ve been reading your blog for years now but rarely comment… however this post made my heart smile 🙂 I don’t think I’ve dried a single pair of jeans in the dryer for about 8 years now, I just let them stretch and grow with me! That way if I get out of shape, so do they! Oh and P.S., Almanzo is super sexy.

  • Coley
    April 17, 2010 at 11:54 am

    All jeans shrink in the spring, why is that?!?!?! Such a relief to hear some of your confessions. Sometimes I think bloggers are idolized because we (the readers) don’t see a lot of the drama and “bad” parts of their day. It’s nice to see some of these confessions, I think all bloggers should do this!

  • Stephanie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:56 am

    I agree with Sally! You’re posts have been very creative and rhythmic (if you will). You’re prosody recently has been charming..it’s fantastic to read! This post was brilliant too! I longingly read about 5 blogs regularly (yours being a fav 🙂 ) and I always feel kind down about myself because I just can’t keep up with the image of perfection that ya’ll display…but heck this post reminded me that you’re only human! I loved it…..jeany apples are the best kind (god made dirt, dirt don’t hurt!) and jeans have collectively gathered and formed a rebellious conspiracy..allll shrinking and laughing at us when we revert to sweats..

    keep it up Jenna. you’re fantastic 🙂

  • Maggie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:57 am

    Um. You’re great.

  • Marie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:58 am

    Oh man, I laughed out loud along with everyone else– too funny! I just did a confessional myself, but this is short, sweet, and hilarious 🙂
    Also, SAME HERE to every single thing you confessed to! Except, I have a stash of Lindt Intense Orange hidden in the back of my pantry ;D You are not alone, haha.
    I love your photos! They’re always so beautiful–even if it’s just a pair of jeans. Sorry about those, by the way!

  • Ellie
    April 17, 2010 at 11:59 am

    LOL! I looooooooooooooooove the Little House on the Prairie books. LOVE. The year before I went to college, my mom and I (re)read our way through them slowly with her reading aloud to me before I went to sleep every night. We both cried a lot at These Happy Golden Years. It ‘s so emotional. Those are just some of the best books ever. The Long Winter especially.
    Your posts have been SO FUN lately–you seem so happy! I’m loving it! 🙂

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
    April 17, 2010 at 11:59 am

    Hah…you’re so cute Jenna. I love your posts…short and long. Coming from someone who was near death due to foodborne illness, don’t put food safety on the back burner ; )

  • Jocelyn
    April 17, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    a button popped off my jeans the other day…and i boiled it down to the evil dryer as well!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    April 17, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    Little House was written and published when ‘the girl’ was in her 60s! Isn’t that amazing? And a lot of things go into dryers that never come out besides the correct size. Hmmm.

  • Caitie
    April 17, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I’ve had salmonella, and it was most likely from a batter/cookie dough, and im still alive:)
    It was well worth it!!

  • Christina
    April 17, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Great post Jenna! your posts have been super hilarious lately You are an amazing blogger!

    And MMM to cookie dough 🙂

    xoxoxo

  • Veronica
    April 17, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    I think all that apple-rubbing has shrunk your jeans, most definitely.

    I’m convinced that I’ll be the type of dietitian who will finish consulting with a client, wave sweetly goodbye as they walk through my office door…look to the left…. then to the right, slowly reach my hand into the bottom drawer of my desk

    and pull out a huge snickers bar.

  • Sarah R
    April 17, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    Your posts these last couple of days have been so entertaining! I feel like you’ve got your mojo back or something–love it!

  • Lindsey
    April 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm

    Who is the little girl in the picture?? Wish I could find organic produce in my small town in Wyoming. I peel all of my apples :/ Raw cookie dough gets me through Fridays and almond butter is my new chocolate stash now thanks to you! I just started reading your blog a few weeks ago, bought my first jar on Wednesday, and I’m HOOKED.

  • Molly
    April 17, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    umm <3 this..

    THAT is such a bummer about your jeans :o(

    i never wash my apples either!

  • Molly
    April 17, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    umm <3 this..

    THAT is such a bummer about your jeans :o(

    i never wash my apples either!

  • Julia
    April 17, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    If I say I love this post, it’s an understatement…I LOVE it!

    And the apple thing? Yep! Same here…
    And the cookie dough? Also! And hey: they didn’t creathe the B&J cookie dough for nothing right? Cookie dough is the best!

    xxx Julia (taste of Living)

  • chelsea
    April 17, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    Dude-
    Real life Almanzo was hot! TV Almanzo is good looking, but not THAT good looking. Phew. Laura was a lucky and amazing woman. She herself was very pretty.

    I also secretly read the Anne of Green Gables books all the time. Ah, Gilbert Blythe. Siiiiiigh.

  • Christina V.
    April 17, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    FUNNIEST post i’ve read in a long time. You know what feels even better than throwing your Citizens across the room? SHOVING yourself in them and then doing one massive squat until they rip. “I’ll show YOU who’s boss, Mr. Jeans…clearly it’s not MY fault you shrunk” 🙂 Try it, it’s such a good stress reliever…except then your 200 dollar jeans have a huge crotch hole in them. Bummer.

  • brianna
    April 17, 2010 at 12:25 pm

    Gilbert Blyth! yes, totally!

  • Lindsay
    April 17, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    To echo some previous commenters, your past few posts have been just wonderful, Jenna. There’s such a sense of fun and whimsy to these posts….very refreshing. Thanks for sharing with us!

  • K
    April 17, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    I’ve been reading this blog for about a year and I just have to say .. you’re awesome. And funny. Keep it up, girl! It’s good to see you so happy. Now when can we meet this boy hmmmm.

  • Katie
    April 17, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Jenna, I love how your blog has taken a more creative turn lately! It has been very amusing and fun to read the last couple of days! 🙂

    Question – you get so many comments…do you read them all?

  • Katie
    April 17, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    Jenna, I love how your blog has taken a more creative turn lately. It’s been really amusing! 🙂

    Question – You get so many comments…do you read them all?

  • Kate
    April 17, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    Always read, rarely comment, but this was just TOO funny to pass by – I SO DO THE BRITA FILTER THING! Well, *did* do it when I had one. Too funny. And I had a total thing for both Almanzo and Gilbert Blythe, if you love LHOTP, you would love the Anne series.

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards)
    April 17, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Best post ever. Thanks for keeping it real, Jenna. Who washes apples, anyway?

  • Emilyeatsclean
    April 17, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Hilarious! Don’t you just hate dryers that eat socks AND shrink jeans!?!?!

    -emily

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness
    April 17, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Jenna, this post made me smile!

    My mom named me after Laura Ingalls Wilder, I LOVE her books and believe in the pioneer spirit – work your hide off and at the end of the day, celebrate. I totally blame Almanzo Wilder for my taste in ‘Manly’ men, and my boyfriend of 5+ years totally reminds me of Laura’s descriptions of him (LOL!). I think if I ever have a son I may have to consider his name!

    Thank you for this post, I can relate to every single thing you’ve ‘admitted 🙂

    p.s. Did someone mention Gilbert Blyth? Another hottie, haha!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    April 17, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    Your posts have been so amazing lately!!! So funny and cute 🙂

    I’m so so so SO obsessed with Little House on the Prairie and I used to dream of marrying Almanzo, swear. Best book EVER.

  • Danielle (Coffee Run)
    April 17, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    I agree with pretty much all your statments 😀 Especially the apple one…the way I see it, a little dirt makes you stronger haha

  • Teresa
    April 17, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Your posts latlely have been the best ever. Made me laugh that I even showed my nine and six year old daughters. They loved it and thought it was so funny. You are so creative! We all love you!

  • Amy
    April 17, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Love it. Love it. Love it. Love it! Seriously. Greatest.post.ever.

  • Olivia
    April 17, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Your recent posts have been particularly entertaining! Love it!!

  • CC
    April 17, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    Oh my gosh…that was laugh out loud funny. Great post. 🙂

  • Lisa
    April 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    I am loving these posts, and the laughter I produce from them. My jeans are currently kicked across the floor as well, oh well, chocolate cake is sometimes just worth it. Thanks for the good laughs!!!

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
    April 17, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    Awesome, awesome confessions! I have an entire 1/4 of my bottom shelf in my fridge devoted to dark chocolate, and I totally love cookie dough. Oh, and I own a Hello Kitty alarm clock at age 21. No big deal.

    We all have our little secrets 😉

    And that, my friend, is a VERY important realization. My shorts from last year shrank, too. And you know what? $80 from J Crew or what, I’m much happier than whan I wore them last year 🙂

    xo
    K

  • Brynn
    April 17, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    LOVE your confessions! We all have our funny things like that and it’s fun to read yours!

  • Kate
    April 17, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Hilarious–I love this post! You are the best, Jenna!

  • Laurel
    April 17, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Time to go shopping!! 🙂

  • Jin
    April 17, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    Your latest posts have been over the top!!keep ’em coming!!
    I’m so glad to have Found someone still in love with the little house series.my heart will always belong to it!
    I hope your days are just as happy and amusing as your posts make them seem!

  • kim
    April 17, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    THank you for this – loved it.

  • Andrea
    April 17, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    Oh Jenna,
    I was hoping you would confess who the new boyfriend is!!! I THINK I know who it is, but of course I could be TOTALLY off.

    Your recent posts have been hysterical!

  • Alexandra
    April 17, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    I thought you might like to know that I had a pair of favorite citizens that I wore for about three years, and they seemed to be getting tighter and tighter and tighter through the waist. I had gained a few lbs. (about 5, going from 120 to 125) so I never even considered that they shrank, but then even after I lost the 5lbs they still felt liek they were squeezing me to death by noon every day!I assumed they just weren’t right for my shape anymore and headed to the store to try new jeans. After about two sets of jeans and a moderate amount of success the sails girl started bringing me suggestions and she brought me citizens in the same size and style and wash I had walked in in and the most amazing thing happened… I put them on and they fit like a glove! No squeezing, no tightness through the tummy.. so I took them off and laid the old pair on top of the new pair and they were *considerably* smaller in the waist. They HAD been shrinking slowly over the years!! I would suggest that even if you are not in the market for new jeans go try a new pair of your old ones on… See if yours really shrank too!

  • Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
    April 17, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Why wash apples? We need to build up immune resistance to germs anyway…

    True confession: I sample WAY too many grapes at the store before I buy them.

  • Hanna
    April 17, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Citizens ALWAYS shrink in the dryer! always! but no worries, just squeeze em’ on and they will stretch out like crazy in 2-3 hours! I love my citizens, and i do the same vengeance throw every time i wash them haha, but i swear, they are so worth the initial stretching out period

  • caitlin
    April 17, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH JENNA PLEASE WASH YOUR APPLES.

    lol that is all.

  • Kat
    April 17, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    Jenna…seriously this post was the funniest ever!!! Thanks for making me smile!!!

  • M(a different M than the other M!!)
    April 17, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    I just want to say I really get a lot out of your blog, even when you may not be “happy” or are feeling down, your honesty is so refreshing.
    So yes we love to “feel” your happiness lately, but never ever feel you have to be “up” all ths time for your readers.
    I love your blog whatever peak or valley your day and life is in…
    but of course it is a good feeling reading that life is treating you well.

  • Alison
    April 17, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    You’re too cute! We must have the same dryer.
    I never change my Brita filter, either. Shhh, just don’t tell my husband.

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
    April 17, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    You always make me smile Jenna…always. Have a great Saturday!

  • Sabrina
    April 17, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    I must say I lol’d a lot at this one – BEST post! Thanks for the candor, love it!

  • Marie-Sophie
    April 17, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    Love that post!! 🙂 And thanks for confessing that you do take walking breaks when running … I’ve always felt like a big fat loser, especially when reading all those food blogs with everyone running… *sighofrelief*

    And hey, don’t we all keep obscene amounts of awesome chocolate in the safe places?!! 🙂

  • Val
    April 17, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    Devoted reader – never commented.

    LOVED this post (and am completely with you on every count), and your writing has been decidedly sharper, wittier, and lighter lately. Maybe it’s spring!

  • Mary
    April 17, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Loved this post, Jenna. We rarely see your funny side. Keep it up!

  • Mary
    April 17, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Loved this post, Jenna. We rarely see your funny side. Keep it up!

  • Cole
    April 17, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t follow the Brita filter changing rules!

  • katie
    April 17, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    I love cookie dough too. And I’d never remember to change my Brita filter if it didn’t have a timer on it.

  • Emmanuelle
    April 17, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    I’m not gonna be very original here but I have to agree to what’s already been said above: your posts have been epic lately, I love them 😀
    And who doesn’t keep chocolate in strange places, seriously?

  • Ann
    April 17, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    You rock Jenna…you do! 🙂

  • Kelly B (at Local Foodie Fight)
    April 17, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    hahaha I loved this.

  • Jen S.
    April 17, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    I really love this post. I feel like a bad runner whenever I stop to walk, so knowing someone like you, who I really look up to, does it as well, makes me feel so much better.

    And this reminded me that I was supposed to change the Brita filter three months ago. Whoops.

  • Heather C
    April 17, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    ha, I LOVED THIS. I don’t even own a Britta because of the hassle/extra expense of the filter. psh, you’re still alive and eat salmonella (like the rest of us) so you’re fiiiine 😉

  • Stephanie
    April 17, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    HA! I loved this post. Sometimes when we read fitness blogs it seems like everyone is so perfect- I love seeing that we all have harder days (and dryers that shrink pants!)

  • Julie
    April 17, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    Jenna I just have to say that I LOVE YOU!!!!! Thank you SO MUCH for this post, which came just as I needed it! I have just had way too much focus on my weight and my eating today, kicking myself for eating bread in the morning (which I love, but never do) and having mascarpone cream and strawberries for dessert. But I enjoyed it, so who the f*** cares? I think you just saved me from a (once again) growing food and weight obsession.

  • Danielle
    April 17, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Like so many others have commented before me, I LOVE THIS POST!
    P.S.
    I rarely put my jeans in the dryer and they only get washed every 5th or 6th wear 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
    April 17, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    I never, ever clean my apples either…bacteria is good for us, it strengthens the immuse system 😛

  • Rebecca Hoover
    April 17, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    I’m such a dork, I still have “dreams” where I am somehow transported back in time and am able to bring food to the Ingall’s during “The Long Winter”. He he, and my kid’s never read the books. 🙁

  • alyssa
    April 17, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    BEST. POST. EVER!

    literally laughing out loud. definitely made my day.

  • Steph
    April 17, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    It’s totally possible they shrunk depending on which ones you have. Just got some that are 98% cotton (citizens, also) and I plan on NEVER drying them.. just in case 😉
    My husband wrote a letter to nestle when he was younger, because his mom would yell at him over eating raw cookie dough. They sent him a letter back saying that while they don’t recommend it, they believe it should be okay since their eggs are pasteurized…? so it may be okay 😉

  • Div
    April 17, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    your post are so epic lately!! the boy should go out of town more to leave you with this kind of free time…i think your book is going to make for a splendid read!! so hilarious!

  • Div
    April 17, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    your post are so epic lately!! the boy should go out of town more to leave you with this kind of free time…i think your book is going to make for a splendid read!! so hilarious!

  • emilie
    April 17, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    i tend to be a quiet reader and rarely comment, but had to say: this is my favorite post on any blog of all time.

  • Abby
    April 17, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Darn dryer!! However, my jeans didn’t shrink…
    Regardless, I’ll still take your advice and hide some chocolate in the silverware drawer!!!! Hubby will never find it there!

  • Katie
    April 17, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    This is soooo weird, but my Citizens shrunk too!! It has nothing to do with the fact that I am not a size 28 anymore…definitely not that!

  • Jessica
    April 17, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    I am in agreement with many other readers…your posts have been quite epic lately. I have NEVER written a response to anything, EVER! But you have brought me out from under my rock to say YOU ROCK. Whatever new you are doing lately, please keep it up…I am entertained to death! Thanks!

  • diana@mymarblerye
    April 17, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    dear jenna,
    wash your apples or else you’ll feel sick.
    thx,
    Diana
    ps. My jeans are tight too. Can it be because we are in L<3ve?

  • Mallory
    April 17, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    you. are. amazing.

    that is all!

  • Nicole
    April 17, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Hi. I don’t believe I’ve commented before, so I am coming out of the woodwork to say: this post was indeed very funny. I haven’t reviewed all 117 of the comments before mine, but I did read the first few and while they said the same thing I just typed, I still wanted to let you know I really enjoyed this one. [Frankly, I simply enjoy your blog as a whole.] Thanks!!

  • Meg
    April 17, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Who cares about those jeans, life is best lived pantsless anyways! 🙂

  • Vanessa
    April 17, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    Don’t worry, I also have a crush on Almanzo! haha and I thought I was the only one.

  • Ashley
    April 17, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    Jenna,

    “Ok Seriously” God works in very mysterious ways because just today I put my jeans on and wondered what happened? Since I have been doing many things around the house this week, I have been wearing various yoga pants to stay comfy.. I am afraid the “YOGA” pants have allowed me to feel a little bit too comfy and enjoy far to many goodies :(…

    But today the jeans were tight which means that tomorrow they may be looser… I will make a proclaimation that today I, Ashley will only wear Yoga pants when I attend gym classes or sessions and hereby refuse to be lazy and wear them just because they allow me to eat more.. LOL…

    Jenna, God has truly used you to bless others.. You handle situations in a blessed manner and truly show others who follow your blog what life is really about ‘Faith, Good family, friends, Wine, Dark Chocolate and Love..

    Happy Blogging Jenna ~
    Ashley
    latteashley.blogspot.com

  • Christy
    April 17, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I was also going to say how extra amazing your posts have been lately, enjoying them SO much

    (I’ve never commented before, but read your blog faithfully)

  • maria
    April 17, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    Girl, you need to change that filter. They’re only good four about four months or so! 🙂

  • Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
    April 17, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Damn my jeans shrunk, too! 🙂

  • katie
    April 17, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    AHAH Jenna!! best post EVER. love it.
    PS- went to charleston for the family circle.. have you been there? LOVE it-so much fun!

  • Rachel S
    April 17, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    I used to be obsessed with the LTHOP books!! There’s something so satisfying and cozy about those books…I haven’t read them in years but I think I’d like to again. I totally had a crush on Almanzo too!!

  • Sarah
    April 17, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    I ate two handfuls of nacho chips, two caramel nut turtles, and a handful of skittles for dinner tonight, Jenna…and I keep my shrunk jeans neatly folded in the drawer as if they never shrunk at all.

  • Katie
    April 17, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    Haha, I LOVED this post! I totally agree, except I’m more of an “Anne of Green Gables” kind of gal 🙂

  • runnerforever
    April 17, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    Haha, I was just thinking about how my Brita filter has been showing me that it needs to be replaced for forever…

  • nora
    April 17, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    Beware of the chest of drawers and closets. They contain shrinking properties, also…
    I just finished a bar of the sea salt chocolate-mmmmmm.

  • Carrie @ I See Monsters
    April 17, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    This post is amazing. I relate, because I too have a blinking Brita filter and a pair of jeans that need to be chucked across the room. That darn dryer. 😉

  • Mackenzie @ The College Authentic
    April 17, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    Such a great post! You’ve been solid gold lately! 🙂

  • Laura
    April 17, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    what a refreshingly honest post 🙂

  • Brynne
    April 17, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    Lovelovelove this.

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
    April 17, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    I have been rereading the Little House Books recently. LOVE them – they take me back to my childhood. I used to imagine I was Laura, and Nellie infuriated my younger self!

  • Courtney
    April 17, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    Awesome. I’m totally wearing a pair of shrunken jeans at this very moment. And please do not even get me started on Almanzo. Not only did I crush all over him, I also crushed all over Rob Lowe whom Laura Ingalls Wilder was dating in real life. I had picture of all three of them up in my room. It was the strangest thing…

  • Tracy
    April 17, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Jenna I love you. Jeans always shrink in the wash. This is why I wash them infrequently, sometimes never. haha!

  • BakeMe
    April 17, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Jenna,

    Welcome back.

    This post had that sassiness we’ve missed for a while. Not that none of your other posts aren’t good but you’ve just heightened up the entertainment 😉

  • Jennifer
    April 17, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    I already commented today, but I’ll go ahead and echo the rest of the readers once more: your writing is wonderful. You should definitely do more confessionals, really. I know this is a food blog (and don’t stop photographing) but we all love knowing your struggles. You are not perfect, and that is why I continue to read. Your writing sounds very EAT PRAY LOVE. Does anyone else see that?

  • Jennifer
    April 17, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    I already commented today, but I’ll go ahead and echo the rest of the readers once more: your writing is wonderful. You should definitely do more confessionals, really. I know this is a food blog (and don’t stop photographing) but we all love knowing your struggles. You are not perfect, and that is why I continue to read. Your writing sounds very EAT PRAY LOVE. Does anyone else see that?

  • Jeni
    April 17, 2010 at 5:45 pm

    PERFECT POST!

  • Sharon
    April 17, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    You’re awesome…enough said!! 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    April 17, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    I am LOVING your posts lately!! I have lots of jeans that shrunk in the dryer. 😉

  • Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    April 17, 2010 at 5:48 pm

    haha love this post…definitely made me laugh

  • Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    April 17, 2010 at 5:48 pm

    haha love this post…definitely made me laugh

  • Tiffany
    April 17, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    OBVIOUSLY they must have shrunk, b/c I am almost 100% sure that my pair of citizens shrunk as well! =P

  • Kristen
    April 17, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Ahhh! Almanzo Wilder…SUCH a hottie.

  • Sarah
    April 17, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    I’ve never seen a picture of Almanzo before. He was manly. Little House on the Prairie are my comfort books.

  • Hilary
    April 17, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    epic.

    😀

  • Anna
    April 17, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    Ok, so I have been a long time reader, even though I have taken my own little break from blogging. I usually don’t comment on blogs that much anymore, but I HAD to for this post. You are just the best, seriously. Part of what frustrated me in the blogworld is the censorship of what people do. I know people are free to portray what they want about themselves, but so many bloggers try to only to convey they are consistently “clean” eaters, exercisers, whatever. I feel like everyone in blogland needs to do a post like this haha! Keep rockin on girl!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove
    April 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    My friend wanted to marry Michael Landon from The Little House tv series when we were little. We actually staged fake weddings, and when he died she was crushed. Great post! 🙂

  • natalie p
    April 17, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    bloody hell! who knew apple dirt makes jeans develop a shrinking effect!
    thanks for the warning.

    😉

  • Britt
    April 17, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    My goodness, with those confessions I’m pretty sure we’re the same person.

  • Midgetkeeper
    April 17, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Lol love this. Gotta hate those shrinking jeans.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com
    April 17, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    hahaha…I have many pairs of shrunk jeans.

  • Ashley
    April 17, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    I love this post! It made me laugh out loud and is SO true! I didn’t know you took walk breaks! 🙂 Also, do you want my Citizens that shrunk in the dryer? I’m sure they’d be right up your alley! 🙂

  • Katherine
    April 17, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    This post is great, and I haven’t changed my Brita filter in 7 months. Glad I’m not the only one.

  • SallyH @ accountablelife.wordpress.com
    April 17, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    You are responsible for my Lindt salted chocolate addiction–I searched the city right after you first raved about it on your blog and it was hard to find. Just tonight I was looking at them at Target and boo they didn’t have them.

    I so didn’t like the guy they had as Almonzo on the tv show and it kind of ruined him for me.

  • Jaimers
    April 17, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    So funny and refreshing. Gosh, I just hate that evil dryer.

  • Sarah
    April 18, 2010 at 1:16 am

    Does anyone change their Brita filter? I’m so with you on the cookie dough. And what are you doing putting your Citizen jeans in the dryer?! All jeans that are not Levis or Gap must be line dryed (or at least that’s what the fashionistas at Nordstrom say).

  • Megan
    April 18, 2010 at 6:23 am

    I had to write as well. This is my favorite “blogger” post I have *ever* read. (In the maybe 5 years of blogs I’ve been reading!) Jenna, you are truly hilarious and awesome.

  • Bella (Stilettos on the Streetcar)
    April 18, 2010 at 6:33 am

    This is a great post! Very fun to read your secrets.

    Confessions of a food blog reader…
    1. Since discovering food blogs I take more time to arrange my meals in an asthetically pleasing fashion.
    2. I can eat a family-sized bag of Mini Eggs on my own (which is why they aren’t allowed in my apartment).
    3. I only wash my fruit/veggies if my Mom is around.
    4. I write meal plans, but never follow them.

  • Joey
    April 18, 2010 at 8:23 am

    I love your confessions post! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • Haute Teapot
    April 18, 2010 at 9:07 am

    So I’m a little late in telling you how great this post is (clearly), but to echo the other ladies: LOVED it. You’re one funny bunny Jenna.

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats
    April 18, 2010 at 10:12 am

    oh i loved Little House on the Prairie 🙂 The tv show and the book had the most amazing story line.

  • leslie
    April 18, 2010 at 10:44 am

    i don’t usually comment when 200 other people already have, but i figure it can’t hurt to have another person tell you how nice your posts lately have been. you’re a breath of fresh air jenna, honestly.

    also, i haven’t changed my brita filter in 6 months and don’t feel like spending the cash to get a new one. oops.

  • Helen
    April 18, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I love Little House on the Prairie too. I remember reading them as a little girl and thinking how wonderful it would be to live in that era.

  • Maura
    April 18, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Simply put this post was amazing. I loved every minute of it because those confessions are so true for me as well. Hope you had a fabulous weekend Jenna!

  • allison @ thesundayflog
    April 18, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    i know i know i’m way late, but i wanted to agree with all of the above in saying that your posts have been great lately!! you’re being super funny and carefree and silly – i think this boy is a great addition to your life!! i even had to triple check to make sure you werent hosting a guest post or anything. im loving it!

  • pen (pen at peace)
    April 19, 2010 at 4:34 am

    I love that I’m not the only one who just rubs my apple on my jeans! 🙂

  • Colleen
    April 19, 2010 at 8:26 am

    oh the tv Almanzo had nothing on the real life Almanzo. my favorite books of all time, still rereading them at 42.
    I love your blog, I wish I had it together in my 20’s like you do. In spite of the loss you’ve had, you’re still out there inspiring, when most would just want to pull the covers over their head. Your parents must be very proud of you.
    God bless, and am looking forward to the publication of your book.

  • LindseyAnn
    April 19, 2010 at 9:07 am

    Oh, Almanzo was totally my first love, and I’ve read the entire Little House series no less than 20 times. I think I’m going to go back and re-read them all now. 🙂

  • Corinne
    April 19, 2010 at 10:08 am

    -does anyone seriouslyyy change their britta filter as often as required???
    -bahhhhh almanzo
    -number 1 rule of life: DON’T dry your jeans in the dryer. cmon! jenna. you know better 😉

    loved every word of this post. girl, you on fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiya

  • Natalie
    April 19, 2010 at 10:57 am

    This is one of your best posts ever. For reals… 😉

  • Red
    April 19, 2010 at 11:22 am

    Do you really walk during your runs? Because if you do, you’ve totally made my day lol. And I never wash apples and I drink tap water!

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
    April 19, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    Hey, when you find Lindt Sea Salt [or Chili] chocolate, you stock up!!! 🙂

    I feel ya on the jeans. I had a dr appointment this am and the doctor was like “did you know you gained like 8lbs?”. I was on vacation last week, buddy! Give me a break!

  • Elise
    April 20, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I’m just now getting around to reading this, but thank you for confessing that you take regular walk breaks during your run. I had been beating myself up lately because I am just TRYING to get into running and I feel guilty for taking so many walk breaks. I just ‘ran” a 5K this past weekend and my time was 45 minutes. UGH. But, now I don’t feel AS bad for stopping to walk several times:) It’s nice to know all you healthy food bloggers aren’t perfect 100% of the time!

  • Lisa
    April 27, 2010 at 8:52 am

    I love these confessions! I was surprised about your walking during runs! But I’m hearing more and more about that method being more effective for longer runs.

  • Scargosun
    June 29, 2010 at 10:06 am

    I just got the chance to read this post and although I am a foodie too, I was TOTALLY psyched that someone else STILL finds the Little House books so wonderful. They are so comforting.

  • Nicci@NiftyEats
    August 26, 2010 at 6:41 am

    I’ve seen every Little House on the Prairie and I can still watch the reruns. I still can’t stand Nelly though. lol

  • the veg meg
    September 23, 2010 at 11:30 am

    AMLANZO WILDER IS SO HOT. i wish i owned all of those books, i’d re-read them all the time!!!

  • cathleen
    September 23, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Just started to read your b. enjoy it!
    As per the confessions
    1)The Brita comes w/ a filter? who knew?
    2) as per apple.. god made dirt..dirt won’t hurt.
    3) try trader Joes brownies w/ sea salt! wow
    4)I am a no w/ LHP.. once halfpint put the apples down her shirt.. I was scarred for life
    5)NEVER EVER DRY YOUR JEANS!

  • Jessica
    October 19, 2010 at 11:11 am

    I just found your site, I love this!! you are such an awesome blogger. 🙂

  • g
    February 22, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Almanzo, I think he was my first true love…sigh

  • Kim @ Imperfectly Perfect
    February 24, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Another wonderful post. I need to learn from you. Mine are so wordy. You always have great pictures too!

    I used to watch Little House on the Prairie all the time growing up. I always had a crush on Amanzo. There was one episode with a clown that scarred me for life. We had burgers that night and I wouldn’t use ketchup b/c the color reminded me of the clown’s makeup. LOL. I have issues. 😉