Hello!
Time for one of my favorite posts of the month! In this post, I’ll share with you guys what I’m loving right now. It’s a fun break from the typical Monday morning recipe, right? I think so.
Let’s get started!
Latte mug + spoon from NS Pottery and Jessica N Designs — featured above. Natalie is a friend of mine and everything she makes is just so beautiful. I wrote about the necklace I got from her last Fall! Well, she knows how much I love tea so she decided to gift me this gorgeous {huge!!} mug in a pretty bright coral color. I’ve used it every single day since I got it, no life. And the spoon from Jessica N Designs? Don’t get me started. I mean, how cute is that? I love how two talented artists teamed up to make this sweet set! It’d make for the perfect gift for someone special, me thinks.
The Ruth Bracelet. This sucker hasn’t left my wrist lately. I love the neutral paper beads because it goes with anything! This bracelet is made in Uganda and is named for Ruth, who was orphaned at age six and sent to become a servant in her oldest step-sister’s home {can you imagine?!? It’s like Cinderella}. When Ruth was just ten years old, her step-sister passed away leaving her to take care of her three small children on her own. Years later, Ruth got a second chance at life when the pastor of the church she attended invited her to come live with his family in the city. This pastor also helped Ruth get a job at African Style, the artisan group we buy from in Uganda. With the money she earns making jewelry, Ruth is able to help send her siblings to school. How’s that for a redemption story?
This book by Jen Hatmaker. Wow, this book struck a chord with me. Basically, Jen identified seven areas of excess in her life and then spent seven months working to remove each. I think I told y’all this already, but after reading her chapter on clothes, I pretty much gave half my closet away. I loved that this book didn’t come off preachy AT ALL though! Jen writes with a funny authentic tone and, by the end, you really feel like her best friend. Actually, by the end I really felt like her friend because I realized halfway through that her real life best friend’s husband is the guy marrying Adam and I in May. We’ve been friends with their family for years. Small world!
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in “Sweet Tart”. Such a fun hot pink {but not ridiculous} lipstick for spring!
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Honey Mint. Folks, these will change your life. RUN to buy them right now!!!!
Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm. I think this was one of those “waiting in line at Sephora” impulse purchases. You know how they have all that cool stuff right next to the register?! Yep. Guilty as charged. But I love this stuff! I keep it on my desk and reapply all day. Rose is my favorite scent and I love how smooth it makes my lips.
Love this quinoa! I make quinoa instead of rice all the time for a bit of a protein boost. Plus — random fact? The UN declared 2013 the “International Year of Quinoa”. All the more reason to enjoy it, I suppose. Every year is the year of quinoa in my house, though!
Old Fashioned. You guys, who am I?! I’ve never had a taste for bourbon at ALL but lately I’ve been loving ordering an Old Fashioned on the rare occasion that I’m actually out at a bar. I seriously don’t know who I am anymore but blame my fiance, who is a bourbon fanatic, for this new found love.
Miss Kim
March 18, 2013 at 3:25 amLovely! It’s always the simpler things in life that can bring us the greatest joy. I really love the hot pink shade of the “Sweet Tart” lipstick. I don’t really use Revlon for lipsticks, but that spring tone looks really pretty. And OMG…I have been craving chocolate all day today, and the Dark Chocolate Honey Mints sound amazing. I’ve never tried them before, but just the fact that they are dark chocolate and mint, really does make me want to go out and run to buy them right now. But too bad Trader Joe’s is closed at this hour.
Live Love Yum
March 18, 2013 at 4:00 amHave heard great things about that book. Donating is a true gift – I wish more people understood what it’s like to be without and how blessed most of us really are.
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 18, 2013 at 4:00 amThe only way I could simply more, is to become a nun and give away the cat. The nun, possible, the cat–she wouldn’t go for that. And as we all know, the cat must be obeyed. 😉
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 18, 2013 at 4:01 amThat’s ‘simplify’….spell woman! 😉
Clair Norman
March 18, 2013 at 4:06 amJust a gorgeous site!! I really enjoyed it.
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 4:28 amGood morning Jenna,
I hope you had a lovely weekend.
I just adore these more personal posts, it’s great to know what your favorites are.
I did notice one typo in the sentence – “. I’ve used it every single day since I got it, no life”. Had to point it out.
In Australia it’s quite late so I shall now sleep.
ruth
March 18, 2013 at 5:43 amAlso, it’s “Adam and me” not “Adam and I” in the context above. And a few posts ago I think you said, “error on the side of…” and I’m sure you meant, “err on the side of.” It may seem trivial, but if written word is your medium you owe it to your readers to be correct.
Sidenote: I recently read “Proof of Heaven — a Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife” which touches on the scientific basis for the existence of heaven/afterlife. Thought you might enjoy.
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 18, 2013 at 10:52 amDear Ruth,
As a blogger myself, I appreciate when people offer corrections, but not with an added judgement.
A one woman blogging operation is a tremendously time consuming, often stressful, free/goodwill service. Mistakes happen.
Having mentioned Heaven, you might want to contemplate on the gulf between ‘trivial’… and ‘petty’–i.e. in the case of ‘you owe it to your readers to be correct’.
Bloggers owe readers their best–not utter perfection. They cannot afford onboard editors as do major sites; which even then make frequent errors. In case you’ve not noticed, mistakes are a human occupation–i.e. the spacecraft Challenger explosion was the result of the failure of a tiny O-ring–and despite hundreds of technicians, specialists, and inspections checking that craft repeatedly to ensure safety of the flight crew.
ruth
March 18, 2013 at 12:20 pmSuzanne,
I appreciate your comment. I apologize if mine came off as judgmental; that was certainly not my intent. I’ve been reading this blog for awhile now and know that Jenna doesn’t report to a boss or supervisor, and thought some honest feedback may be helpful since she may not receive it from an editor, as you mention. I truly appreciate the medium of the written word and was just trying to get that across. Again, I’m sorry if my comment came off as “petty.”
(Funny you should mention the Challenger explosion. I had/have a major side interest in that entire story and know *exactly* what you’re talking about with the o-ring. Perfect analogy. )
Live Love Yum
March 19, 2013 at 1:24 amLove this response Ruth!
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 19, 2013 at 11:55 amGuy Kawasaki is one of most popular venture capitalists of the Silicon Valley. A best-selling author of 12 books, former chief evangelist of Apple. With has a BA from Stanford and MBA from UCLA.
In his latest book, ‘Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur’ he wrote:
“You’ve undoubtedly heard it said, or experienced yourself, writing is often a lonely, difficult process.” He then added that self-publishing (i.e. blogs etc.) adds to writing the equivalent of an entrepreneur with a start-up….who must creates product, raises money (i.e. one must eat/pay rent/run a car, etc. while providing the free service of a blog), find specialists to assist, and customers (readers)….and in Jenna’s case….while giving back, planning a wedding, teaching yoga, marketing a book, creating recipes for PBS, Barefoot, etc etc etc.
He added that he and his co-author together and alongside hired guns reread the latest book in manuscript form hundreds of times, and there were still a boatload of errors found when he put the manuscript out to a large group of readers.
I think every blogger/writer appreciates the help of, “BTW misspell in line #3…” Distinguished from, “And a few posts ago … i.e. going back in time to add another alleged mistake, when not even bothering to double-check the ‘evidence’ oneself and then adding, “If written word is your medium you owe it to your readers *to be correct*.”
It’s like the subtext of every cosmetic advertisement (to spur women to buy product): ‘You owe it to your man to be perfect.’ Setting unattainable standards (perfection being the airbrushed, professionally styled model on the package), alongside overly critical evaluations , that often lead to depression when people fail to meet the ‘correct’ ideal.
Anne
March 18, 2013 at 4:37 amOhhh I’ve never heard of pearl quinoa before. While I’m not a big fan of regular couscous, I love pearl couscous, so I’m very excited to try the quinoa!
De @ Cooking for the Other Half
March 18, 2013 at 4:44 amI love your monthly favorite posts! Those honey chocolate mints look incredible and I need to get to Trader Joe’s to buy them, stat.
jane
March 18, 2013 at 4:45 amgreat redemption story! i see why you are involved in that organization. you know, i was thinking about what commenters were saying the other day when you mentioned you were going to be working with the organization now. people were giving you flack for making some money. but you are making a difference-maybe small, maybe huge to just one person. and isnt that enough? sometimes i feel like my contribution will be too small to make a difference, but if we all just threw up our hands and didnt do anything because it felt too insignificant then nothing would ever get done! and no one would ever be helped. so yea, dont know where i was going with this….but good for you 🙂 i am inspired to get involved with a local charity so if anything you made a difference to me..and that’s how it all starts!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
March 18, 2013 at 4:47 amI had those mints IN MY HAND!!!! at TJ’s over the weekend and put them back. I am the queen of buying ‘gimmicky’ things and then getting them home and being like…meh about them. I asked the sales guy checking me out if he liked them and he said yes, they’re great but I didn’t fully believe him. Guess I should have. Will be picking them up next TJs run – thanks for the tip!
Stacey
March 18, 2013 at 10:35 amThe last 4 times the person at TJ’s checking me out has RAVED about something I’m buying, I’ve ended up being majorly disappointed in it. Boo! Maybe I’m broken.
Andrea
March 18, 2013 at 4:49 amLove that lip balm myself and it’s local to me as a Marylander…in fact, Woodsboro is right down the road from me. I have a vanilla scented one that I keep in my nighstand. THE BEST LIP BALM EVER!!!!! Totally agree with you.
Bruna @morgbu.com
March 18, 2013 at 4:53 amI have been eating quinoa instead of rice too, and the exactly same brand, I love it! Fun to know it’s the year of quinoa, will sure remember that every time I make it 🙂 And that lipstick looks really pretty!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
March 18, 2013 at 5:05 amYour favourites are some of my favourite posts Jenna! I love your cute little spoon and that book sounds very interesting – something I think we could all do with reading! I moved to a new house a couple of months ago and realized at that time how much crap I had that I didn’t need. There were tons of trips to the Salvation Army and I’m feeling much lighter now!
Karen
March 18, 2013 at 5:26 amWhat a funny/awesome world story…I’ve heard terrific things re. that book as well. You just inspired me to order it. And, I too bought that lip balm at Sephora on a whim and then fell instantly in love! Finally, I make a big pot of quinoa on the weekends and then plop it into my salads throughout the week; it’s especially important to be certain re. the origin of your quinoa these days w/all the recent concerns raised over crop contamination and working conditions, and that brand is a favorite. I’ve been especially loving their slightly denser tasting, deeper hued red quinoa this winter.
Billie
March 18, 2013 at 5:36 amI hate to being such “Debby’s down-ness” to a post with so many links to charitable associations, however, did you happen to catch the articles latey about quinoa consumption increasing prices for native Bolivians and Chikeans to levels they can’t afford… Because our western consumption is driving up the prices. Bummer because I, too, love me some quinoa, but I guess it’s time we have to become more mindful of our consumption for now.
Lauren
March 18, 2013 at 12:48 pmHi Billie! The brand Jenna is showing is a company called Alter Eco that works with and for Fair Trade Certified indigenous quinoa growers. Choosing Fair Trade is actually a way to change that story and support quinoa growing communities. With the Fair Trade community development premiums, farmers are able to invest in quality and productivity, ensuring that there will be enough quinoa for all who want and need it for generations to come. You can read more in the following articles:
– http://fairtradeusa.org/blog/its-ok-to-eat-fair-trade-certified-quinoa
– http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2013/01/quinoa_bad_for_bolivian_and_peruvian_farmers_ignore_the_media_hand_wringing.html
Jon
March 18, 2013 at 5:44 amDid you know that quinoa has become so popular that the countries that grow it can no longer afford the outrageous price?
http://www.npr.org/2011/01/13/132878264/demand-for-quinoa-a-boon-for-bolivian-farmers
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/world/americas/20bolivia.html?_r=0
Lauren
March 18, 2013 at 12:50 pmHi Jon! The brand Jenna is showing is a company called Alter Eco that works with and for Fair Trade Certified indigenous quinoa growers. Choosing Fair Trade is actually a way to change that story and support quinoa growing communities. With the Fair Trade community development premiums, farmers are able to invest in quality and productivity, ensuring that there will be enough quinoa for all who want and need it for generations to come. You can read more in the following articles:
– http://fairtradeusa.org/blog/its-ok-to-eat-fair-trade-certified-quinoa
– http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2013/01/quinoa_bad_for_bolivian_and_peruvian_farmers_ignore_the_media_hand_wringing.html
(Sorry for the responding the same thing as the comment above yours, but I wanted to make sure you saw this response too!)
Tieghan
March 18, 2013 at 5:45 amOk, I love that bracelet and you now made me even more jealous that you are in CA with Trader Joes everywhere and I am in CO with NO Traders Joes! Seriously, CO needs to get some Trader Joes ASAP! Also, The lipstick is so pretty!
Gretchen
March 18, 2013 at 5:58 amI don’t know what part of CO you’re in, but supposedly both Denver and Boulder are getting one soon!
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2012/09/12/trader-joes.html?page=all
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
March 18, 2013 at 6:52 amI love that bracelet! I can’t wait to do some shopping at the launch party!
Brianna
March 18, 2013 at 7:07 amAhhh…I am a sucker for cool-stuff-at-the-register purchases, and minted rose lip balm? I probably would have grabbed it…put it back…grabbed it….then bought it only to find out it was a good purchase. Then I would have associated all register purchases as a good idea…and so the cycle repeats…geez. haha. Thanks for posting this!
Makenzie Ann
March 18, 2013 at 7:23 amDark chocolate honey mints….I want to try those! Thanks for the fun post Jenna! 🙂
Jennifer
March 18, 2013 at 7:28 amI am happy to read this post! My next comment is not meant to be “bad” or insulting in anyway…. however, I would like to take notice of your mention of giving up “waste” etc in your life….. I have always admired your strength, but you do seem to have a flair for the expensive stuff in life…. Especially clothes from places like Anthropologie, North Face, Marmont, etc… And the very very expensive facial products you use (I actually love these posts too!), the many many shoes, subscriptions to things like Birchbox and Stitchfix, etc… but it does seem like you have very expensive taste and this change of heart it seems you are going through… well, it will be interesting to see if any these things change.
jenna
March 18, 2013 at 7:42 amThis is a fair comment! But what if I told you that I was working on my heart on all this “stuff” and don’t have it all figured out yet? I’m human and have a selfish human heart as a result. I could also tell you, though, that I recognize this in myself and am trying to pray through a change. I don’t get birchbox anymore, donate my Stitchfix to the shelter I volunteer at and have significantly cut down on the “stuff” in my life.
But..I am only human and I do like nice things, you’re right. However, I’m making changes where I feel convicted to make changes and that’s enough for me.
Jon
March 18, 2013 at 7:47 amDonate stitchfix? Why wouldn’t you donate the money that you spend on it or donate clothes from a cheaper source to really help more people. A money donation to a good organization goes a lot further than a few pieces of clothing that are overpriced in the first place.
jenna
March 18, 2013 at 7:53 amJon, the way Stitchfix works is that I have a lasting credit with the company from referring so many people to the brand. I can’t access that money — I can only use it to “buy” clothes from them. So, instead of just letting that credit go to waste, I take the clothes and give them to people who really need them. I can’t see how that is a bad thing.
Jennifer
March 18, 2013 at 7:59 amThat is awesome…. I wish I could do the same, and am working on it as well… it is hard as you say.
Amy
March 18, 2013 at 2:11 pmJenna,
I really relate with you. I like nice things and am constantly torn between the craving of those things and my heart knowing that my treasure should be in Christ. It’s hard….way easier saying than doing. Being human is tough. I admire your honesty in all of this and your desire to cut out the excess. Your willingness to share is inspiring to others and greatly appreciated. I often say that I wish I could be hypnotized out of caring about all the ‘stuff’! LOL
I know the voids can’t be filled with things and that the satisfaction they give is fleeting. It’s still HARD! Especially when so many people around us seek more and more and more. Anyway~ thanks for sharing. I relate…..very very much.
Karen
March 19, 2013 at 6:58 amChange requires a rational plan and old fashioned discipline…turning this burden over to some higher power seems like a rather passive approach to a task that is all about self accountability. So, make a plan (i.e. read books re. making life changes, counseling, etc.) and then make day to day decisions that support your goal. What does prayer or your religion have to do w/the matter?
Sarah @ Yogi in Action
March 18, 2013 at 7:33 amI definitely am adding that book to my reading list- it’s exactly what I need as I gear up to move. It’s always amazing once you start packing how much “Stuff” you realize you own- and how useless most of it is!
And I want those dark chocolate honey mints immediately. If only I lived by a Trader Joe!
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
March 18, 2013 at 7:37 amMy friend bought those chocolate honey mints on Saturday when we were at Trader Joe’s, and I could literally smell the mint the second she removed the wrapper!
Loooove these posts!
Maria
March 18, 2013 at 7:53 amLove these posts! And I love that latte mug and spoon. I’ve seen those all over the place and the are adorable.
Krystina
March 18, 2013 at 7:56 amNot to be rude, but how can you post about loving a book that aims at limiting excess and then write a post where every other item is a material or superficial possession?
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 8:14 amOMG why do people have to complain so much?! If they have a problem then stop reading! I don’t read your blog or other blogs for their proper use of the English language. Of course you will have a typo now and again and your posts are in a conversational tone, not meant to be proper!
And I for one do not care if you have “expensive tastes” 🙂
erin @hooleywithaz
March 18, 2013 at 8:16 amyikes, lots of, how shall we say…opinions…in the comments today. i just want to say that i have so enjoyed seeing you blossom in the past years of this blog. the thoughtfulness you exude is contagious, and as someone who is in the same season of her life as you, it’s refreshing to have you as a “peer” of sorts. xo.
(also, to your newfound bourbon love, i was also pulled in when i met my now-husband, and haven’t gone back 🙂 )
Becky
March 18, 2013 at 8:17 amI’m a longtime reader and infrequent commenter, but I wanted to say thank you for handling with grace and tact some of the more insensitive and judgmental comments left by your readers. It’s certainly easy to cast the first stone at someone who puts herself out there for the world to scrutinize, and not as easy to respond to the naysayers with the patience and consideration you display. You do a great job on here, and I always enjoy the few moments of my day when I get to peek into your life and kitchen.
mom
March 18, 2013 at 5:09 pmI so agree Becky
Corey
March 18, 2013 at 6:55 pmJenna,
You are a beautiful daughter of God, and you are encouraging, caring, and have a truly giving heart. I know when you went out of your way to email me with something I was worried about, even though you don’t even know me, simply b/c God created you to love and that’s what you do, that I felt Him through you. I LOVE your posts and love your giving nature . . .thank you!! For all of the negative comments, which you respond to gracefully, know that people will judge, but you ARE making a difference. And judging is something we all struggle with, I think, but in my opinion God is using you in awesome ways . . .and, girl, let’s be real, Revlon lip butter is the balm and NOT expensive:)
Corey
March 18, 2013 at 7:00 pmOops sorry bomb not balm:)
Elisabeth
March 18, 2013 at 7:43 pmI, too, want to say thank you! I loved what you had to say in response to the earlier comments & think you handled it perfectly. Thank you for being you 🙂
a farmer in the dell
March 18, 2013 at 8:57 amI’m a fan of a tasty old fashioned. They are my go-to drink on the rare occasion that I’m out at a bar 🙂
Cara
March 18, 2013 at 9:04 amI never read the comments, but decided to leave a comment, and see that it has already been left by many others. You talk about wanting to simplify, waste less, etc. yet you tend to often show new clothes, scarves, jewelry all over your blog and instagram. Of course it is nice to have new things, but I do think your food blog definitely centers on new things and ‘stuff’ a lot! Living in the Bay Area, I can’t imagine where you find room to put all this stuff in the teeny places that we tend to live in, nor the money to buy it all with a food bloggers salary. That’s not really my business, but don’t talk the talk without walking the walk. And selling the jewelry? That’s fine and dandy, but why make it sound like you are doing so much to give back, when really it is just another route for income. No shame in that, but tell it like it is.
Sonal
March 18, 2013 at 9:24 amThat story about Ruth’s bracelet is amazing 🙂 and I will definitely be checking out that book! Love the lipstick too.
Sara
March 18, 2013 at 9:49 amAh! I love these “monthly favorites”. What you are doing for that jewelry site is so awesome… I think you are making a difference by selling the jewelry because it provides extra revenue, so keep it up! ALSO that book. I NEED to read that! It sounds awesome. I am a slow reader, so I am still reading the Happiness Project…. which I recommend! 🙂 Keep up the good work Jenna, I just started to read your blog and I am pretty much in love w/ it. I appreciate you keep going forward with what you like to post about even though its not well received by some, I enjoy every word or every post! 🙂
Sara
March 18, 2013 at 9:51 amExtra revenue for the people who are making the jewelry is what I was trying to say 🙂
Janelle
March 18, 2013 at 9:55 amOoh, you should have Adam write about his favorite bourbons. My husband has started to get into bourbon too. And, he’s been all about making the perfect Manhattan these days. 🙂
Dana
March 18, 2013 at 10:14 amI LOVE those latte mugs and spoons! How adorable!?!
Tara
March 18, 2013 at 10:48 amI loveeeeee these monthly posts! Please please please keep them coming! I would love to learn more about noonday—sounds like an awesome cause. You are certainly an inspiration! P.S. I made your recent curry recipe last night and it was sooooo good!
Sam
March 18, 2013 at 11:30 amI have heard great things about the book by Jen Hatmaker. It is on my “to read” list. Glad to hear about another person liking the book.
I don’t want to labeled as a person that “shouldn’t read this blog because I am a hater”, but I was really put off by your comment about Ruth. I am sure you are inspired by her story and the opportunity she has to now provide for the family. But it irks that you compare her to Cinderella. I am going to guess that this girls life is nothing like that of a Disney princess. She likely lives in a environment of extreme poverity and oppression; I think it is really insensitive to fantasize her life to that of a fairy tale when the conditions that she lives in are anything but.
amy
March 18, 2013 at 12:06 pmI don’t have a blog, so I can only imagine how I would deal with excessively nit-picky criticism on my blog posts, which, in Jenna’s case, seems to multiply whenever she mentions something she is doing to help others or for purposes of self-improvement. Although I can sometimes understand the feelings behind such criticisms, in this case, I would encourage you, Sam, to read the original Grimms’ version of Cinderella. It wasn’t insensitive to compare the girl’s plight to that of Cinderella. The Disneyified fantasy princess life that you associate with Cinderella was not invoked by Jenna. You made that association on your own. And even in the Disney version, Cinderella’s life sucks for most of the fairy tale.
Sam
March 19, 2013 at 10:16 amJenna, I don’t mean to be overly critical. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and I was uncomfortable with the comment, not with you as a person.
Amy, yes it is fair to say that I made the association myself. I think most of us perceive what others say and write through the lens of our own life experience. Having done mission work in Mexico, it is just hard for ME to make a connection between what these young girls/women face and Cinderella, even the Brothers Grimm version. That is just my opinion and Jenna has allowed me to express it by letting my comment through.
You mention that my comment is nit-picky and only comes up because she is doing something for others or self-improvement. I never said such a thing. I think it is a wonderful that Jenna is seeking the Lord to guide her to make a real impact with helping women on a global level.
Katie @ Live Half Full
March 18, 2013 at 1:28 pmI’ve been drinking Bourbon cocktails lately too! The other night I had an “Elderfashioned,” which is an Old Fashioned made with St. Germain. After four years, my husband’s drinking tastes have gotten to me!
Sarah
March 18, 2013 at 1:53 pmJenna –
I truly enjoy your blog, however I will admit that sometimes your comments regarding women from the third world come across a tad condescending. I gather from your blog that you are indeed a very lovely young women who I imagine means no ill will, however I think it can be helpful to be cognizant of how one comes across when talking about people from backgrounds we truly know very little about. I say this having made blunders of my own in the past as a well meaning, however slightly ignorant human rights legal advisor a couple years back (had a couple superiors inform me of how I came across). I think its laudable that you’re all about self improvement and continuous learning, and I do enjoy the blog, just food for thought from one well meaning girl to another =)
Jane @ Not Plain So Jane
March 18, 2013 at 2:19 pmThe rose lip balm is the best because you can leave it in your car or bag in the heat & it doesn’t matter! It can melt & just re-harden in the tin!
Also, love those spoons. They would make a great personalized wedding gift for a couple.
I must go try those chocolates from TJ’s!
Cat
March 18, 2013 at 3:05 pmI loved the Ruth bracelet so much I hoped onto the website straight away to purchase – no shipping to Australia 🙁
Jenny Michelle
March 18, 2013 at 3:33 pmI’d really like to read that book! It looks very interesting, and I love finding out new ways to simplify my life. Possessions don’t = happiness!
Great post as usual (:
Emily @ Life on Food
March 18, 2013 at 4:54 pmOh I want that mug!
Mrs. C
March 18, 2013 at 5:28 pmImagine my surprise to see my longtime favorite lip balm right from my hometown on your blog! Made me smile!
Hilary
March 18, 2013 at 6:01 pmHey Jenna,
While we don’t share the same occupation in the slightest, I can easily sympathize with putting your heart and soul into something only to have it criticized. I don’t means to allude to any particular reply on this post, but I can only imagine the discouragement and insecurity that words can bring. There is purpose behind what you do, and it’s loved and appreciate by many!
As a side note- “7” wrecked me, ha. I sat on my couch crying and mumbling about how I was the rich young ruler and had more stuff that I ever needed. My hubby thought I’d gone crazy 😉 So thankful for that little book’s impact, though.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
March 18, 2013 at 7:36 pm2013 is the International Year of Quinoa?!? Who knew? That is totally awesome, though, since I LOVE quinoa! 🙂
jan
March 18, 2013 at 8:48 pmI am ready to cry my eyes out that we don’t have a Trader Joe’s after seeing those mints! YUM! I must see if I can find them online.
The book sounds intriguing. I’m going to look for that one.
Sarah
March 18, 2013 at 11:34 pmWhen you focus on enjoying less, you focus on full enjoyment. You learn to be content with little, and when you do that, a life of happiness is at your disposal. The only limit to your happiness, then, is how much you can learn to enjoy less.
Kara
March 19, 2013 at 6:17 amWow, Jenna! How does it feel to have such “perfect” readers? Must be nice to know that they have nothing to work on in their own lives so they can point out things in your posts…like grammar, expensive taste, and tone. I can’t believe how rude and judgmental some of these comments are. I could never have a blog if this is what it’s like. I’d be curled up in a ball. Thanks for having thicker skin than I do and continuing to post. I love your blog!
Sharon
March 19, 2013 at 8:00 amAgreed with the bracelet. Just bought one!!
dixya@food, pleasure, and health
March 19, 2013 at 8:34 amI wish we had TJ’s close by. That lipstick is so pretty.
Sallie
March 19, 2013 at 10:19 amOh my goodness! I’m sorry there are so many negative comments on here. I just want to say that I love your blog, love your recipes, love that you write about your favorites (expensive and not expensive alike…no one is twisting my arm to buy them) and your heart for Christ. You’re a-okay in my book Miss Jenna and I appreciate you. Hang in there and please continue to do exactly what you’ve been doing. I will keep reading!
Caroline L.
March 19, 2013 at 10:43 amI always love reading your monthly favorites! Love both of the lip products you posted, and that story about Ruth tugged at my heartstrings! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lillian
March 19, 2013 at 11:24 amI love an old fashioned! (I think Mad Men did this to me.)
I have to say that over the past few weeks I’ve been almost shocked by the amount of aggressive criticism you’ve been getting, Jenna—on everything from imperfect grammar and syntax, to getting involved with charities, to eating quinoa! Kudos for keeping on keeping on. It’s admirable!
Lisa
March 19, 2013 at 12:08 pmWhere is the “like” button on this! Great comment, Lillian.
jenna
March 19, 2013 at 12:14 pmThanks girls – I take it as a life lesson…you can’t please everyone no matter how hard you try. There will always be negative comments in this life and people trying to bring you down…but — I know my heart, my friends & family know my heart and most importantly, God knows my heart. That’s all that really matters in the long-run.
I appreciate your encouragement!
Lauren C
March 19, 2013 at 5:41 pmLike, like, like, like, like, like, like!! 🙂
ruth
March 19, 2013 at 4:40 pmI’m one of the people who commented on the grammar, and looking back the way I phrased my comment was in poor taste. Again, I’m sorry. I feel bad that I could have made you, Jenna, feel bad. Best of luck!
Malkire
March 19, 2013 at 7:18 pmlove your pick from etsy. Those spoons are delightful!
olviya
March 19, 2013 at 8:58 pmI love that bracelet and these favorites posts! I’ve heard good things about 7. Need to pick up a copy.
Your grace is inspiring.
Juliana
March 20, 2013 at 11:29 amMy guess is the “people” writing these horrible comments are probably the same person pretending to be different people. Someone bitter at life and in need of an outlet to vent. The Internet is a scary place because people can say things without anyone knowing who they are. I love reading food blogs as a way to find ideas, learn something new and see how other people live their life. If Jenna wants to discuss religion, something she values and finds very important in her life, then that is her right. Just like it is your right to post rude, negative and unnecessary comments. The mean people in this world are just louder than the rest who are normal, caring, nice people. Keep your head up Jenna. What you do is appreciated and beautiful.
And to those editing and correcting grammar on a blog…that is ridiculous. Do you have nothing better to do with your time?
Michelle
March 22, 2013 at 11:22 amI was never a bourbon lover either until my boyfriend introduced me to it. Old Fashioned’s are our JAM now and we love making them at home with Luxardo cherries. Try a whiskey sour or mint julep next!
Mary Beth Albrechtsen
March 24, 2013 at 8:52 pmReally liked that book by Hatmaker. I just finished One Thousand Gifts that you recommended and am reading it for the second time. Thanks for sharing.
Noonday (Looking Good and Doing Good) | Gospel Girls
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