Happy Thursday!
Sorry for my disappearing act last night but I didn’t get back until really late and figured a morning post would be better than a tired zombie blog post! 
Had fun at the party though…I have a love affair with the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center…
I’ve said this many times before, but my approach to holiday parties is eating something light beforehand so you won’t be tempted to eat (and drink!) everything in sight. I always like to be prepared because my worst nightmare is being starving so before I left I had a bowl of this soup—
With a quarter cup of black beans, hot curry powder, sea salt and cayenne (had to spice it up a bit!) plus a Trader Joe’s chicken burger with spicy apple mustard and hot sauce and a pear:
I really was NOT impressed by this soup at all. In fact, it was rather gross. I wouldn’t buy it again but it did the trick and filled me up for a few hours.
We stayed at the party for only about 30 minutes then I headed back to Adam and Rocky’s house so we could all go in one car to the Top Chef party. Plus, it was a chance to make some hot chocolate!
I don’t know if y’all know this, but I REALLY love marshmallows!!!!!!!
Rocky made some sort of sausage creation!
Some things never change….except for the fact that their house is a WHOLE lot cleaner now than it was when I lived on the futon.
***
Well, what did y’all think about the finale??!? As you might have guessed, I was a big Kevin fan but I know he is destined for truly great things regardless. It was fun to watch the show with a big group of friends….drank some delicious Cambria pinot and laughed a bunch. I’m pretty excited because we are all planning a big Tahoe trip in a few weeks….now I have never really skied or snowboarded in my life so I’m a little nervous… but excited to see SNOW!!!
Taking a rest day from the gym today because I’m pretty sore from all those crazy leaping squats I did yesterday. I also did combined lunges and bicep curls, hamstring curls on the stability ball, shoulder press, tricep kickbacks and seated row…plus a 40 minute walk (to and from the gym).
Off to get ready for work—have a wonderful day! I just ate an Ezekiel muffin with almond butter and jam with a couple egg whites to get going….I’m sleepy today!
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh Jenna you just reminded me of the hot cocoa we made all last winter! We heated milk and Ghirardelli chips and vanilla and a cinnamon stick and then added marshmallows in the cups – yum! Tahoe is so beautiful, you’ll love it!
I don’t have cable so I haven’t seen Top Chef this season
Hopefully I’ll catch up over winter break!
Marshmallows are pretty amazing. I didn’t know marshmallow fluff with pb was a common combo but apparently it is. I just tried it a few days ago and it was delicious!
You totally just did a huge spoiler for all the Canadian fans of Top Chef!!!!!
It doesn’t air till next Monday here. Maybe you should edit that part for now??
Sounds like a fun night! Have a great day at work.
I love marshmallows too…especially when they melt. Mmmmm.
I like your eat something light tip – I’m going to make a green monster before my party tonight!
What a bummer on the soup – it looked like it had so much potential!
I’m a fan of marshmallows, too, which is why they aren’t allowed in the house, LOL.
Gahhhh! Jenna! Canadians don’t watch it till MONDAY! Love marshmallows-burnt to a crisp. I HATE those small little colored marshmallows though…anyone?
Oh, my you will LOVE Tahoe. I live close to Tahoe and get the pleasure of seeing it many times a year(my eyes are totally spoiled because of this, not to mention the great outdoor stuff I get to do as well.) No matter what season and no matter how many times I see it in the year it always steals my breath away. You are in for a real treat.
I loved the final of Top Chef. I definitely thought they picked the right winner this time!!
Oh, my you will LOVE Tahoe. I live close to Tahoe and get the pleasure of seeing it many times a year(my eyes are totally spoiled because of this, not to mention the great outdoor stuff I get to do as well.) No matter what season and no matter how many times I see it in the year it always steals my breath away. You are in for a real treat.
I loved the final of Top Chef! I thought they picked the right winner this time!!
I wanted Kevin to win too! Oh well! He’s already a success!
So sad that soup was not good. It sounds good, sweet potato, yum! Oh well!!!
I LOOOOVE TAHOE!!! It’s magical in the winter time
I hope you try snowboarding/skiing and I hope you fall in love with Tahoe, just like I did!
I’ve tried imagine soups before and agree – they’re not that good! Kind of floury and don’t really taste like what they’re supposed to be! For packaged soup, I really like Pacific Foods soups – their tomato and tomato and roasted red pepper is really good (had some today with some flax and quinoa bread toasted and spread with goat cheese
I think you might have blogged about this brand before?
I love Ezekiel muffins! Have you ever tried layering egg whites, almond butter, and jam? It’s delicous!
sounds like a fun night! I love hot chocolate and end up having it a few times a week. it just makes a cold night so much better.
Even if you hate skiing and snowboarding, Tahoe is BEAUTIFUL– you can sit in the hottub all day drinking hot cocoa
Looks like a couple of great Christmas shindigs!
I think I am in love with your Guinness mug.
Hot cocoa & ‘mellows…mmmm! My favorite dessert
Um, to be honest, I thought the finale was really boring, especially compared to past finales. Really sweet to incorporate the moms & all, but, sheesh, I normally salivate my way through an episode and this one I couldn’t fast forward enough. I did think Michael would win from the start, though!
Snowboarding is such a blast- I love it! Its especially easy to pick up for someone who has surfed.
Love your blog. I started reading it from the beginning about a week ago and Im addicted…
It is about TIME you headed to Tahoe!
Going to North Shore or South Shore?
If South Shore head to SPROUTS for lunch. YUMMY organic goodness.
If North Shore then head to Tahoe City has Syd’s Baglery (yummy goodness there for breakfast OR lunch) or go toward Emerald Bay (a must see by the way) and stop at Sunnyside . . . although IDEAL in the spring/summer because you can sit on the deck the views of the lake are fantastic and they have some VERY yummy fries AND a seared ahi appetizer that is KILLER.
Note to self: Don’t buy that soup. I would have been totally disappointented. Anything ‘sweet potato’ I would automatically assume was fantastic.
This was the first season of Top Chef I’ve missed in a while! I have no idea why I didn’t watch it… now I’m sad
hmmm sorry the soup wasn’t amazing! Gross soup is so disgusting to me. I think soup in general is not my friend unless I make it exactly how I like it and it’s freezing cold outside. haha
I was a huge Kevin fan too!! I’m sure he is set out for great, great things. He seriously inspired me to try pork at a whole new level. Next time you talk to him, please tell him Kristin is willing to work for him… as soon as she finishes culinary school next September
Delicious eats, and I love marshmallows too!
You’ll love Tahoe! My brother lives there and I go visit at least once a year. It’s the perfect getaway because it has great activities all year! Have fun…
As a fellow southerner, I am excited to see snow this winter too. I am visiting family in Sweden this year! Lots and lots of snow!!
Marshmallows and hot chocolate. Is there really anything better on a cold day? Nope
My boyfriend and I are planning a ski trip coming up, but I’m also a southern girl who barely ever sees snow, let alone skis! I’ll think of you when I’m falling on my booty
Love your blog! You make me want to move to Northern Cali!
I was totally rooting for Kevin and sad that he lost! He just had a bad day, as he said. I was not a fan of Michael V’s attitude, but I get that he’s talented and it’s not a personality contest.
I think the overwhelming popularity Kevin has among fans will serve him well as he goes forward in his business!
I had my first hot cocoa of the season last night. One of my favorite things about winter!
I agree about eating something before parties, it’s the only way to go!
I never trust paper packaged soup…
but I trust the Plastic packaged Marshmallow! Love’em
Definitely cried after Kevin not winning. And truthfully, I liked Brian even more than Michael… but so is life and Kevin is totally going far in life (a lil jealous of his wifey).
Also a marshmallow lover… what makes your cocoa even more glorious was the guiness mug from which you sipped LOOVES IT!!
MA
Skiing is so much fun! (I can’t vouch for snowboarding but it looks like a lot of fun too- I’ve heard it is easier to learn but harder to master, if that makes sense.)
I learned to ski a couple of years ago and the best advice anyone gave me (aside from “You French-fry when you should pizza, you’re gonna have a bad time,” which is a great southpark reference) was GO TO SKI SCHOOL. I know it seems lame to not be with your friends who already know how to ski, but it’s generally just a couple hours a day. I know it costs money- but it is well worth it!
Your first time on skis can be really difficult (I cried) and ski school helps you learn a lot faster than you would on your own. Skiing can be exhilarating (it’s my favorite thing ever now), but it can also be really scary, tiring, and frustrating- and taking lessons really helps you get past that.
My friends who never took ski school hate skiing for the most part, and my friends who took ski school love skiing. Given that the first thing I did when I put on a pair of skis was fall on my face, I’m certain that if I hadn’t gone to ski school I certainly wouldn’t love it as much as I do now!
I’ve had the worst luck with soup lately
I think I’ll just stick with making my own!
OKAY – DON’T KILL ME BUT…I’ve never watched Top Chef!!! I don’t think I’ve ever had the channel…good thing probably I watch too much TV as is
…yeah, soups are a hit or miss. But marshmallows for the win!
We got a snowstorm yestereday Jenna – and your missing snow haha
Tahoe is so much fun. You’ll love skiing and snowboarding! I too wanted Kevin to win – so sad.
Yay for Tahoe! I grew up in Reno, NV, and was totally spoiled by the fact that “going to the lake” for the day meant Tahoe. It is seriously the most amazing lake in the world (ok I haven’t been to EVERY lake in the world, but Tahoe is truly amazing) be prepared to have your breath taken away!
You should have warned us about the Top Chef spoiler!
Tahoe is gorgeous–esp Emerald Bay. I used to be a ski nut…we’d take two week ski trips to Colorado and go from resort to resort…once even skiing the icy expert slope at Winter Park in a blizzard and in too short of skis for the condition and when no one was up there but my BF and I and some crazy hot-dogger teenaged boys. Nuts!!! But fun. You’ll have a blast.
I think I share a similar affection for/addiction to marshmallows! SOOOOO GOOD!
Even though I hate the cold, I LOVE the snow!
Not gonna lie, I was totally bummed by the finale!! But we all have our favorites, right?? I thought bringing the moms in was an awesome touch!!
I agree whole-heartedly about the sweet potato soup. I added lots and lots of curry to mine in order to make it pallatable.
Hey Jenna!
I love your blog! I love your philosophy on life, food, fun and friends! You balance your life so well, it’s reassuring to see a woman who has a passion for everything. I make sure to read your posts every day, I’m jealous of all the beautiful views you have! Your post always makes me want to go to a wine tasting or kick up my feet to relish life’s gifts. I look forward to reading about you more! Take care!
i wanted kevin to win, but michael is SO HOTTTTTTTTT.
Oh I love marshmallows. Sometimes I pull one out and get a fork and toast the marshmallow over my gas stove. Mmmm….
Ack!!! Please! No Top Chef spoilers!! I’m in Canada and we’re a week behind. I have to download it online to see it tonight.
Hot chocolate and marshmallows are so appropriate right now
Have fun skiing! I am really bad on the slopes lol but it helps to have even a 20 min private lesson (really not too expensive) if you’ve never skiied before. It’s pretty easy to pick up the basics if you have someone teaching you the proper form and (more importatntly) how to go slooow and STOP!
glad ya had a fun night!
jenna
Love the hot chocolate in the Guinness mug! And glad you are getting to see snow! I’ll stay here in Florida and look at the pictures! I’ve had enough snow in my life! I would agree to take a lesson or two! And I think you will love it!
Was rooting for Kevin, although I have never watched Top Chef!
Sorry the soup wasn’t good! As your winter weather is chilly, you will be eating lots of soup to warm yourself up!
K Money got robbed! It really bothered me that Michael was so cutthroat and then when he won he was like, “I was just so happy that I could be here in the Finals with my brother.” What?! You just spent the last three episodes saying how much you wanted him to go home!!! Grrr…. I need some marshmellow infested cocoa.
YAY for a Tahoe trip! If you need any recs let me know! If you were a bit closer I would let you borrow my gear.
NOOOOO… Dang you and your spoilers!
I love marshmallows, too!! I agree with your party tip, but I usually save room for one treat at the party, esp if it’s a holiday!
I just made plans for the boyfriend and I to go to tahoe over spring break! We’re staying at the Village at Squaw Valley and will be doing tons of skiing. You’ll love it!!
Spoiler alert may have been needed, haha. My fault, I read it before I could stop myself. Oh well, at least you didn’t name who won?
I’ll have to watch it tonight.
I love the eating a small meal before hand. It’s true while you should try and not overindulge you may also not have anything to eat! I will try that next time.
Mmmmm hot chocolate with marshmallows sounds pretty great right about now!
You’ll love skiiing…make sure you have some great gear before you go! Also, thanks for the honest opinion on the soup!
I had my fingers crossed for Kevin because he seemed like SUCH a nice guy… but alas!
Jenna,
Please let me know about your trip to tahoe! I live here and there is an awesome veggie restaurant I think you’d love!!
Eva
I am huge marshmellow fan. I use to make my own homemade smores in the microwave. Also a plus in hot chocolate like you did
you’ll love tahoe, its a great area to ski/board but then to have fun after you’re done skiing for the day too.
Looks like a great night! Tahoe is awesome
Wow! There are a lot of us who live at/near Tahoe! As a reno-ite it’s so great to hop in the car and be there within the hour…sooo beautiful. You will fall in love, for sure!
And yes, go to Sprouts if you can!!
Nothing hits the spot like marshmallows and hot chocolate. Yummm. Also, I loved your “how to” video that you posted way back when on how to make homemade marshmallows. That would be fun to try out sometime.
So what is your book about, hmmm?
Hi Jenna!!!
I love marshmallows too… which is why I made some for all my friends for Christmas!! If you feel like it I did a recap of the steps to make them on my latest post
They’re fairly easy to make!
My favorite toppings are raw honey, syrup, and blueberries! Yum!!!!
My favorite toppings are raw honey,syrup and blueberries! Yumm!