Behind The Butter

May Favorites

Why hello there!

I like you guys a lot. A whole lot….just in case you didn’t know. I feel like we all would be such great real-life friends! Is it weird that I’ve met the majority of my friends on the internet? kinda maybe don’t answer that.

I love writing these posts because hopefully they give you more of a glimpse of the girl behind the laptop screen. Recipes are fun, but sometimes you just needΒ  a dose of real-life…you know? Hopefully you take away that from this post.

On that note, here’s some stuff I’m really loving now (all photos taken by iphone)!

These. YES.

I snapped this photo last night seconds after coming through the door after a yoga class. I don’t want to know if it’s normal or not to think about margaritas all throughout savasana, but it happened and I’m sure it won’t be the last time. So many of you asked for the exact recipe of the strawberry rhubarb margaritas I kept waxing so eloquently about last week so here it is (to serve one):

2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, juice of 1 lime, 1.5 oz strawberry rhubarb simple syrup. To make, mix all ingredients together and shake well over ice. Serve with lime or strawberry wedges and enjoy every.last.sip.

ps- I’m currently drinking this as I write this blog post so if things start to fall apart at the end, you’ll know why.

pps- are you still technically “drinking alone” if your cat is curled up next to you? I told my mom you’re not.

Pho! This is an oldie but a goodie and something I’m loving right now after that killer sinus infection last week. Sinus infection + allergies in Sonoma county = the need for gallons of pho. If this soup doesn’t make you feel better, you definitely need to see a doctor.

Soooooooooo, I just learned yesterday that next month I’ll be traveling down to Southern California for The American Library Association’s annual convention and that I have to give a fifteen minute speech introducing myself and my new book to about 300 librarians.

Needless to say, I’m already sweating.

If you’re a librarian and you’re going….I love you and I apologize in advance for any awkward body language, laughs and long pauses in my presentation.

That all being said, I found this dress at Banana Republic on sale from $140 to $30 and think it’s perfect for the event. I’m also thinking it needs a bright belt though…any ideas?

Last week, I had the pleasure of having lunch in the city with Tracy! She’s amazing. We chatted for over two hours and ate lots of kale salad. Her blog inspires me in so many ways…and have you heard her and Joy’s podcast??! It will make your day.

Along with the rest of the world, I’m loving bright skinny jeans right now. These are from a local store here, but you can find similar jeans here. I wore them to a cookbook event last week with nude pumps, a navy top and a blazer.

This creamy blush came in last month’s Birchbox and I just love it!! It doesn’t make me break out and is great also on your lips. The color is very warm and neutral—it just gives you that little sun-kissed glow.

David’s Tea was totally a winning Pinterest find (I fell in love with a pinned image of their glass travel mug!). Since then, I have gone and ordered a handful of their teas and this “organic cream of earl grey” is my absolute favorite. I love, love, LOVE this tea. I drink it every day, sweetened with a little bit of simple syrup, and just ordered my second bag last night. There’s obviously no real cream in this tea, but it smells and tastes like a very vanilla version of traditional earl grey tea. I also drink their mother’s little helper herbal tea every night before bed and love bear trap iced during yoga.

Any tea company that makes an ice cream cake and birthday cake flavored tea is a favorite of mine…and totally worth the Canadian shipment!

That’s about it! I’ll write another post later on about what I’ve been reading lately because it’s good stuff and deserves a post by itself.

Have a lovely Tuesday!

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  • Blog is the New Black
    May 8, 2012 at 3:08 am

    I love your iphone case, too! πŸ˜‰

  • Kristen @ notsodomesticated
    May 8, 2012 at 3:21 am

    Love the dress and the jeans! I wish you could come be my personal stylist! πŸ˜‰

  • Shannon (thedailybalance)
    May 8, 2012 at 3:28 am

    That tea is legit. Love it!

  • laura
    May 8, 2012 at 3:37 am

    i love these posts and as you said, i like getting to know the girl behind the screen.

  • polly
    May 8, 2012 at 4:05 am

    hi love!!!
    i love this post, and well… all of them. I want to see more of Adam and you all happy and cute, however. Those posts just make my day. πŸ˜‰

    i wanted to tell you that i bet your yoga students are now totally lovin’ it and you being the bright light to bring them that joy is just so awesome! Jesus is using you, sweet friend. I yoga teacher that i just love shared that verse in Matthew that talks about why we should NOT worry… then she said a quote that stuck with me, and maybe you can use it in your next class.

    “regret looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks UP.”

    loved it! You are so loved today, and say hello to your mom for me! I have a feeling she and i would be friends, just like you and i! someday we shall meet… one way or another we will! hugs await!!!!!

    XOXO
    big sis

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 7:06 am

      love you! xoxo

  • Chelsea
    May 8, 2012 at 4:08 am

    As a librarian, I was a little sad to be missing the ALA conference, but now I’m totally bummed! I’m sure you’ll do great!

  • Samantha
    May 8, 2012 at 4:18 am

    Dress would look great with maybe a coral colored belt? That or yellow! Those margaritas look amazing!

  • HM
    May 8, 2012 at 4:18 am

    Love this post! Also, a bright (neon) yellon or green skinny belt would be perfect with that dress!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    May 8, 2012 at 4:21 am

    Fun post!
    I thought that that dress was from BR based on the dressing room door. Is it sad that I can identify that?

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 7:07 am

      I think that’s a very good sign actually.

  • Teddie
    May 8, 2012 at 4:26 am

    Oh man, I just have to say that I made your pho last week when my husband was sick and it was soo GOOD. I’m usually not a chicken noodle soup person, but the flavor in the pho was amazing. He also felt better almost immediately, so I’m thinking this will be a new “go to” for when one of us has a cold. Thanks for sharing!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
    May 8, 2012 at 4:31 am

    Strawberry-rhubarb is such a great combination. Our CSA starts this week and I can’t wait to pick up some local rhubarb and strawberries to make crisps and crumbles, lemonade and, now, this margarita.

  • Mallory
    May 8, 2012 at 4:33 am

    You had lunch with Tracy! I don’t know her, but I feel like I do…I am in love with her blog and the podcast (as well as Joy!). There are so many food bloggers from the Bay area…I was wondering if you guys ever went out for lunch…and you do! Love the dress too, good find! Have a great Tuesday!

  • AJ
    May 8, 2012 at 4:40 am

    What color blush did you try?

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 7:07 am

      this is the “sunkissed”…it’s more of a nude shade. I think it would look pretty on anyone!

  • Em
    May 8, 2012 at 4:50 am

    Great post. πŸ™‚
    And great dress! I think it would be super cute with a happy yellow belt!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    May 8, 2012 at 4:54 am

    Oooooh I’m sooo glad you love David’s Tea! I’m in Ontario so fortunately there’s one just up the road from my house, and I’m there ALL.the.time. I’m actually currently sitting in my room (with bright purple jeans on, coincidentally) sipping Forever Nuts, which is my all-time fave. It’s organic and caffeine free, and it’s got bits of almond and apple in it, as well as small pieces of beetroot which turn it a lovely pink colour. If you’re going to order another one, make sure you try this because it’s delicious – and one of their bestsellers too!

  • jenna
    May 8, 2012 at 5:26 am

    You need to order yourself some ‘kiss my lips’, ‘butter rum’, and ‘jelly bean’ tea from David’s….. honestly they are all good enough to fool you into thinking you ate dessert πŸ™‚ so. good. Big fan of the forever nuts, too!

  • Anne
    May 8, 2012 at 5:31 am

    No belt, the dress is beautiful and chic like this. I’m in Canada and I prefer Camelia Sinensis for special teas… David’s Tea is too, I don’t know, loud and candy-ish.

    • Jen
      May 8, 2012 at 5:44 am

      I agree about the no belt. It’ll come off as trying too much – keep it simple πŸ™‚

      • Christie B.
        May 8, 2012 at 8:23 am

        Yes, I agree about no belt. The dress is beautiful as is… I think a bright belt might transform it from classy and professional to slightly tacky.

    • Dominique
      May 13, 2012 at 5:31 pm

      I have to agree with you Anne, Camelia Sinensis for me too! I find David’s Tea to be a little too…flavorful? Can’t find the tea in my cup!
      As for the dress if you want to look professional no belt or black belt would be nice. If you want to put some of your personnality in the outfit, go for a yellow or red belt.

  • Marcy
    May 8, 2012 at 5:33 am

    The school I teach at is about 2 minutes down the road from a David’s. It’s addictive and hard not to go everyday but I limit myself to once or twice a week… that being said, I am going today at lunch! You need to try forever nuts and toasted walnut. They are my faaaves!!!!

  • Errign
    May 8, 2012 at 5:36 am

    Love these little glimpses into your life, Jenna,

    That dress is pretty! I think a bright belt would be nice or even just a bright pair of pumps would work too. πŸ™‚

    Earl Grey tea is my favorite and when I work at coffee shops, I like to make myself the occasional Earl Grey latte with a teeny bit of vanilla syrup and foamy milk…so good.

  • Emily
    May 8, 2012 at 5:42 am

    Love these types of posts!

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
    May 8, 2012 at 5:42 am

    I love those hot pink jeans! I want a pair of fun jeans for summer.

  • Caitlin
    May 8, 2012 at 5:51 am

    I bought that dress too!!! I wore it to an event I was invited to at the Denver Zoo last weekend and it was perfect. Definitely a great, versatile dress.

  • Leila
    May 8, 2012 at 6:05 am

    Just pre-ordered your book!

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 7:00 am

      thank you SO much, Leila!!

  • Alicia
    May 8, 2012 at 6:06 am

    Hi, Congrats on the ALA gig! I am a librarian myself. Just a gentle correction- It’s the American Library (not Librarian) Association. πŸ™‚

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 7:00 am

      ooo thank you!

  • Nicole
    May 8, 2012 at 6:08 am

    Ohh SUPER cute dress, and what a steal! I think it would look awesome with a bright yellow belt!

    And I need to make the strawberry rhubarb simple syrup above and put it in a mojito!

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 7:17 am

      strawberry rhubarb mojitos sound amazing!!! I think I need to go buy some rum…

  • Cait's Plate
    May 8, 2012 at 6:13 am

    LOVE Shutterbean’s blog! And that “mature” dress πŸ™‚

  • Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
    May 8, 2012 at 6:18 am

    Have fun at ALA! I’m sure you’ll be great. πŸ™‚

  • Linda
    May 8, 2012 at 6:19 am

    I second the creamy earl grey….delicious!

  • Allyn
    May 8, 2012 at 6:32 am

    I love that you’re a librarian! When I was a kid, my image of heaven was a huge library of my own (very Beauty and the Beast). So yeah, you’re basically living my dream.
    My husband and I are going to be in San Francisco in September and I’d love it if you could post your favorite restaurants and hole in the wall places (especially Asian).
    Oh, and I’ll be making that pho. Soon.

  • Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove
    May 8, 2012 at 6:33 am

    So many exciting things! I love the dress you grabbed from Banana. Maybe you can get a neon yellow or pink belt? This post also reminds me that I’m failing at buying color jeans. I’ll have to resume that hunt.

    Good luck at the convention! I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job!

  • Christine @ Take with Food
    May 8, 2012 at 6:33 am

    The dress is beautiful – by itself, or with a yellow belt! A bright blue would also be nice.

    Of course, shoes to go with too πŸ™‚ I’m actually partial to Clarks Cynthia Avant in Tan right now… wore them for a wedding and reception and lots of walking – so comfy! Highly recommended

  • Barbara
    May 8, 2012 at 6:38 am

    Do you have any other good recipes for rhubarb? I’m kind of tired of making rhubarb crisps or pies, and would love another option! I was thinking of some kind of rhubarb butter/jam spread but every recipe I find adds so much sugar!.

    Great list by the way! I’m a huge fan of your blog πŸ™‚

    • Barbara
      May 8, 2012 at 10:03 am

      Barbara,

      Warm Vanilla Sugar posted a rhubarb muffin recipe recently that looks really good! I haven’t tried it yet, but I plan to.

  • cel
    May 8, 2012 at 6:42 am

    a thin yellow belt would be perfect!

  • Rachel
    May 8, 2012 at 6:43 am

    I love this! I miss the more personal posts…keep them coming! πŸ™‚ Love the dress BTW.

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    May 8, 2012 at 6:43 am

    Totally love that you love David’s Tea. I’ve got a couple of packages up in my cupboard that I’m excited to try. It’s great to be Canadian! Haha.
    Ps. LOOOOOOVE your BR dress. $30?! Fantastic deal.

  • Maria
    May 8, 2012 at 6:59 am

    I went to Banana soon after you instagramed that pic bc I love their dresses and I especially love their dresses on sale. Found an adorable coral one that was not marked down as yours but I fell in love. Curses! Also, I’m jealous I’m not going to ALA bc I would love to go to your talk. Curses again!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape
    May 8, 2012 at 7:03 am

    That dress is so cute! Very Mad Men! I would stick with a black belt, personally. For color, though, a red would probably look nice.

  • Shelley
    May 8, 2012 at 7:16 am

    BIRTHDAY CAKE TEA????

    That may be better news than the birthday cake blizzard-of-the-month (which is totally going to be my lunch today).

    Hi, I have an unhealthy obsession with all things cake.

    Also, I bought cake vodka, and I’m trying to think of a good cake cocktail. If you have any ideas, let me know.

    • Barbara
      May 8, 2012 at 9:59 am

      Shelley,

      I share your obsession with cake!!

    • Jenn
      May 8, 2012 at 2:24 pm

      Cake vodka is SO good!

  • Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac
    May 8, 2012 at 7:18 am

    Love that dress! I think a pale yellow belt would make it pop! I really want to get on the skinny bright jean boat, I keep walking by a bright pink pair near my office, they’re calling out to me!

  • Sheryl
    May 8, 2012 at 7:18 am

    Being a Canadian from Toronto, I love that one of your favourite things is David’s Tea!! A great find!!

  • Tash @ Dairy Free Chick
    May 8, 2012 at 7:20 am

    I vote mustard or red for the belt… gotta be bold!

  • Ali @ Gimme Some Oven
    May 8, 2012 at 7:22 am

    LOVE the dress! You will be wonderful!! πŸ™‚

  • Cait H.
    May 8, 2012 at 7:22 am

    Yes! I have lots of fresh green onions and I’m getting bok choy in my produce box this week. Pho – here we come.

  • Ashley
    May 8, 2012 at 7:32 am

    I love the dress, what a steal for only $30! I agree with the comments above, no belt! Maybe just a colorful clutch and shoes for a pop of color.

  • Julia {The Roasted Root}
    May 8, 2012 at 7:37 am

    The “mature dress” is my favorite…not only because it is adorable (and looks great on you, btw), but because I myself am needing to add a “mature dress” to my wardrobe. ::sigh:: growing up is real tough, I tell ya. πŸ™‚

  • Krista
    May 8, 2012 at 7:42 am

    Love the jeans! Color is so much fun! Your photos are great too, iphone does some good stuff with a pixel. Looking forward to the post on what you’re reading.

  • Jessica
    May 8, 2012 at 8:00 am

    I bought a similar pair of cute jeans from Loft this week- love them!

    I am jealous of two things here: First, you are attending/speaking at the ALA conference (I am a librarian-in-training and would love to go one year). Second, you met Tracy, who is friends with Joy, who made my favorite cookbook this year! Have fun at the conference; can’t wait to read your book πŸ™‚

  • Lauren
    May 8, 2012 at 8:01 am

    Totally getting on the birchbox train!! Love it!

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    May 8, 2012 at 8:01 am

    I love this post, Jenna! If you’re going to be in SoCal in the San Diego area, I would totally go to your book event, even though I’m not a librarian. They are lucky to have you.

    And those pink pants…love them! And the pho, margaritas, the whole post…I want.

    Congrats on your book events. How exciting for you!

  • Michelle
    May 8, 2012 at 8:02 am

    I’ve been dreaming of margaritas since the weekend too. The strawberry – rhubarb one looks delicious! Hmm I might have to celebrate again this weekend with one. I’m just getting into them. What’s your go to tequila?

    The dress looks perfect for the occasion. I would suggest maybe a yellow belt?! or maybe beige. I think it would look great though without anything.

  • Breanna
    May 8, 2012 at 8:07 am

    Love your blog…just thought you should know πŸ™‚

  • Stesha
    May 8, 2012 at 8:09 am

    Amazing! Even your iPhone photos are gorgeous. Do you mind sharing the apps you use? And I would belt that lovely dress with a skinny yellow belt.

    Hugs and Mocha,
    Stesha

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 8:11 am

      I used Instragram for most of these and then added text in Pixelator (a photoshop-like program for Macs).

  • Amanda L.
    May 8, 2012 at 8:13 am

    I look forward to your posts, they are fun, inspiring and make my day. Looking forward to trying those margaritas!

    My suggestion re: the dress is for “more mature”‘ no belt (although bright shoes would be pretty), and for “less mature” add a belt πŸ™‚

  • Gavin S.
    May 8, 2012 at 8:15 am

    You should try a kelly green patent skinny belt with that dress!

  • Emilie @ Emilie's Enjoyables
    May 8, 2012 at 8:24 am

    love those bright colored jeans as well! And that dress from BR is super cute and very “grown up” πŸ™‚

  • Liz @ IHeartVegetables
    May 8, 2012 at 8:27 am

    I love that “mature” dress! haha I definitely have dresses that are “me” and then dresses that are “for-work-so-I’m-taken-seriously” dresses πŸ˜‰

  • Margarita
    May 8, 2012 at 8:27 am

    Strawberry-rhubarb combinations are amazing! But strawberry-rhubarb margaritas are something else… I don’t blame you for thinking about it during savasana.

    Those bright pants are the thing now. I read Mama Pea’s post about her tight pink and electric blue pants and was totally jealous. But I work at a high school and if I do come to work wearing tight pink pants, students would think I have gone crazy. These would have to wait until the summer and hope I don’t run into any of my students! πŸ˜‰

  • Marissa
    May 8, 2012 at 8:37 am

    I love this post! I have the same iPhone case, but mine got all stretched out and I had to switch to a new one. Does yours stay on your phone ok?

  • Corrie Anne
    May 8, 2012 at 8:37 am

    Perfect dress for the librarian event!!! Good luck!! I’d be dying!!

  • Chelsea
    May 8, 2012 at 8:49 am

    Just pre-ordered you book, Jenna! So exciting!!

  • Jaclyn
    May 8, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Thanks for reposting your pho recipe! I knew you had to have one but couldn’t find it the other day in your recipe log or through search. I’m a pho-natic but many of the recipes I have found take hours and I cant wait to try this quick one! Thanks!

  • Emma
    May 8, 2012 at 9:02 am

    I am a librarian who will, sadly, not be attending ALA in lovely California this year. But I can tell you that librarians are an incredibly diverse crowd, and that cute clothes will not go unnoticed. Something bright with that dress (pumps?) would be lovely. You’ll do great, I’m sure, and I’m looking forward to seeing your book come through my Midwestern library!

  • Lauren
    May 8, 2012 at 9:03 am

    Do you know what color Freedom Glow you’ve been using? Looks like they have bronzed, blushed, and sunkissed! I really want to get it (and also Birch Box)!

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 9:05 am

      Sunkissed!

      • Lauren
        May 10, 2012 at 6:19 am

        thanks!

  • Caroline
    May 8, 2012 at 9:18 am

    Annnd, the thought of pho is making me want to eat my lunch now! Is 9am too early for spaghetti and meatballs?

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 9:18 am

      definitely not!

  • laura
    May 8, 2012 at 9:22 am

    i love these types of posts to show off your quirky personality (and that is meant to be a compliment!) yes, recipes are fun, but i like a glimpse of your world every now and then. i think a hot pink or neon yellow skinny thin belt would look great with that dress… a pop of color is a must. you should do a podcast with joy… or better yet, yall should book tour together (i know her book is already out, but….)

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

      thank you, laura!

  • Liz
    May 8, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Ok,..I knew about the book, I mean I do read your blog πŸ™‚ but I had no idea it was basically ready/done/available on amazon (almost) kind of done! I guess I missed a post. Congrats! Now get that bad boy Kindle ready!

  • Laura @ She Eats Well
    May 8, 2012 at 9:55 am

    Pho is always, always good in my book. So yummy. Also, that dress is so adorable. I think it’d be great with some bright red lipstick. Very Mad Men!

  • Isabel
    May 8, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Jenna, I’ve never made loose leaf tea- what tea pot/tea maker do you use?

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 10:07 am

      I have a couple different ones. If you have a Teavana near you, they sell great infusers that aren’t very expensive at all. You can also get them online! I also have a small tazo tea pot that fills up one of my glass water bottles perfectly so I’ll brew the tea then pour it in my water bottle and stick it in the fridge overnight for iced tea in the morning!

      • Isabel
        May 8, 2012 at 10:32 am

        Great! How long does a bag of looseleaf tea last you? Contemplating ordering the bag or tin.

        • jenna
          May 8, 2012 at 10:34 am

          It depends on how fast you drink your tea! One bag lasts me anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. πŸ™‚

  • Allison
    May 8, 2012 at 9:58 am

    I love everything about this post!
    1. As a so-cal girl living in SF I never get tired of the landmarks, such as the beautiful ferry building. (After 7 years of living here, The Golden Gate Bridge still makes me swoon. Is that weird?)
    2. I made the strawberry syrup this weekend (but only for Italian sodas because I was also getting over a sinus infection) and have been making up excuses to drink it ever since. Syrup in my morning Green Monster? Why not?!
    3. I love that dress! I think a belt would look good but maybe a colorful necklace would work in place of a belt just as well?
    4. Every time you post something about the Birchbox I ask myself why I have not signed up to get one. I think today I’m doing it!
    In the interest of not making this a 1 million page comment I will stop now.

  • Kelly
    May 8, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Have you tried the Forever Nuts tea from David’s Tea? It is as delicious as it sounds!

    One of my best friends actually went to high school with David’s Tea which I always think is pretty cool. Makes me think it could be me too! πŸ˜‰

    I love the Cream of Earl Grey. Anything Earl Grey related is always my favourite!

    I think that dress would look great with a skinny kelly green belt!

    • Kelly
      May 8, 2012 at 10:22 am

      haha – obviously she went to school with DAVID of David’s Tea, not the company itself. D’oh!

  • Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
    May 8, 2012 at 10:33 am

    I love your Favorites posts Jenna. It’s always so much fun to see what you are digging! Everything looks fab!

  • Maia
    May 8, 2012 at 10:39 am

    LOVE David’s Tea! Love too that I am in Vancouver and it is right down the street from my house πŸ™‚ The Creamed Earl Grey is one of my favorites, but you MUST try the one called Glitter and Gold. It is a spiced black tea with hints of orange and cinnamon, plus actual golden SPARKLES in your tea, they shimmer when you pour the water in and as you are drinking it! It is so good and so addicting!

  • Meghan
    May 8, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Hi Jenna,

    Is there a reason you started truncating your blog posts? Just as an FYI, I read far fewer of them since you’ve done this as it’s a bit of a hassle to pull them up outside of my Google Reader. I do not blog and so there may be a reason I’m missing, but I just figured I’d let you know.

  • Juliann
    May 8, 2012 at 10:56 am

    So excited that you’ll be at ALA! When & where are you speaking? I’m hoping it doesn’t conflict with one of my meetings but I’d love to hear you speak. Will there be advanced reader copies of your book available at the conference?

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 11:37 am

      Yes and yes! I’ll be speaking on June 24th probably around 11am but I’m not quite sure the details yet..and there will definitely be advanced reading copies available!

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
    May 8, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Your skinny jeans are so cute! I love mixing navy and bright pink together.

  • Heather M
    May 8, 2012 at 11:29 am

    Jenna-

    I love these posts and just absolutely love your blog. I have never commented before, but start my day by reading your beautiful posts! I am confident if we were ever to meet in person that we would be very good friends. Sometimes, when explaining to my husband why I am reading a certain book, or trying a certain lipgloss, I will tell him it is because “Jenna recommended it.” To which he replies something like, “Jenna who?” Men… I hope you are having a fantastic day and know just how many lives you touch and inspire with your beautiful spirit!

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 11:36 am

      Thank you, heather!! Reading this brought a huge smile to my face.

  • Ashley
    May 8, 2012 at 11:37 am

    Thanks for sharing the ‘behind the scenes’ Jenna! Love these posts!! πŸ™‚

    Good luck at your presentation, I bet you will do tremendously <3

  • joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    May 8, 2012 at 11:50 am

    Although I usually love your recipe posts, THESE behind the scences type of posts are my fav. πŸ™‚ I still need to get into this Birchbox thing – sounds like an awesome deal! PS. where’d you find your blazer you mentioned? I’m having the hardest time finding a cute one (esp because I’m petite).

  • britt
    May 8, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    i love your recipes and photos and EVERYTHING but sometimes i miss the lifestyle side of your blog from the past so i’m totally loving these “favorites” posts.

  • Kate
    May 8, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    Ok seriously – am I the only one to notice that ring on your left finger in the pic with that pretty mature dress? πŸ™‚ I do like these posts!

    • jenna
      May 8, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      Ummmmm yes— because you noticed it even before ME, which is pretty amazing. (that’s my right hand in the photo)

      • Kate
        May 8, 2012 at 2:27 pm

        Oh! haha – i forget – mirror image πŸ™‚

        • Lisa
          May 8, 2012 at 5:52 pm

          Oh I got so excited there for a minute lol Sorry Jenna totally forgot you were standing in front of a mirror too! No pressure or anything! πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

  • Monique
    May 8, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    Bright pink skinny jeans. Yes!

  • Alex
    May 8, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Hey Jenna – if you love the bear trap tea, you should try Kanpe. It is SO DELICIOUS and every single penny of proceeds goes to sustainable development in Haiti.
    aaaand here’s a list of my other faves:
    like others have said: forever nuts. Great iced or hot
    Orange blossom – mmmm creamy and orangey.
    Lime Gelato – good hot, but SOOOO DELICIOUS ICED
    If you like spicy food (I think you do if i remember right), you should try spiced up fennel. It was almost too spicy for me to drink (my tolerance is lower for spice though πŸ™‚ )
    Goji Pop is another great fruity one
    Licorice Twist is great – i don’t like licorice, but I LOVE this tea, and with the chilis its got a nice spice to it
    Le Digestif is great – good for you, and tastes delicious. One of my top faves.
    Organic LaLa Lemon is great iced
    And buttered rum is my favourite black tea (if you’re feeling adventurous, add milk, honey and some rum. mmmmmmm)

    Sorry for writing a novel, but Davids Tea gets me super excited, i loooove them :).
    I’m from Ottawa and we’re lucky to have Davids Tea aplenty! Hope you enjoy trying all the flavours!

  • Michal
    May 8, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    “Cream of Earl Gray”? I must buy that for my friend. She’s obsessed with Earl Grey. Thanks for sharing!

  • Michal
    May 8, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    “Cream of Earl Gray”? I must buy that for my friend. She’s obsessed with Earl Grey – I even made her Early Gray cupcakes for her birthday. Thanks for sharing!

  • Michal
    May 8, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    “Cream of Earl Gray”? I must buy that for my friend. She’s obsessed with Earl Grey – I even made her Early Gray cupcakes for her birthday. Thanks for sharing!
    (I hope this didn’t post multiple times…. my browser is doing strange things.)

    • Michal
      May 8, 2012 at 2:03 pm

      Crud, it did. I’m sorry!

  • Sasha
    May 8, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    I think an orange belt would look great with that! Even a skinny one..
    Love the new pants as well πŸ™‚

  • tracy
    May 8, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    I loooooooved meeting you! So stoked that I’ll be closer and we can do more stuff! yay!

  • Christie
    May 8, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    You need to try the ‘Movie Night’ tea from David’s tea… so delicious! I love their stuff – the Jumpy Monkey is really good as well, and O Canada (maple rooibos).. I pass a retail outlet on my way home every day and its become an addiction!
    And their ‘timolino’ travel mugs – buy one.

  • Mary
    May 8, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    I’m a librarian and sadly not making it to ALA this year. If I was going, I would definitely go hear you talk about your book!

    The dress is great–pair it with some TOMS wedges and a skinny belt in a fun color!

  • Mel
    May 8, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    I love when you write these posts! I always derive a little inspiration. πŸ™‚

    I think your dress is fabulous! Is it a navy blue? I think a red or yellow belt would be absolutely fitting. Also, since you love tea so much you should come to Morocco! All they drink is tea. PS- I’ve also decided that upon my return to the State’s I am jumping on the Birchbox bandwagon! Hope you have a lovely day!

  • Erin
    May 8, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    See you at ALA! Can’t wait to buy your book : )

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    May 8, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    Too many good things. I honestly don’t know where to start. I love these posts.

  • Shannon @ books.food.fun.
    May 8, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    I will have to check out that tea! I recently picked up a black Cream flavored tea at Adagio teas. I look forward to hearing about what you are reading!

  • Alyssa [SocraTeas]
    May 8, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    I will have to check out David’s Teas. I love Earl Grey, but a vanilla version sounds absolutely delightful. Those bright jeans are excellent as well by the way!

  • Em (Wine and Butter)
    May 8, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    Woo – Jenna – I guess from all the responses Im totally not the only person to love this post. And I doooo! It’s so cute and happy and makes me want to wear pink jeans, and awesome makeup and have amazing carrot soups (?!) and kale salads for lunch.

    Super love your blog always. Something about it just makes me happy!

  • Sharon
    May 8, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Love the idea of a bright green, yellow or even pink belt with that dress. Like a skinny J Crew patent belt kind of belt…and thanks for posting the margarita recipe! I am still so bummed that I missed on the AG Stevies in Kelly Green that Anthro had last year…I would love to get on the bright jean bandwagon.

  • Allison
    May 8, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    Jenna-

    My sister shipped me a few different varieties of David’s black tea (early grey–lavender, china breakfast and some others I can’t think of off the top of my head). Last night, rather than making the usual nightly cup of tea, I made homemade yogurt infused with early grey lavender tea! Tomorrow, the breakfast plan is yogurt drizzled with honey, fresh fruit and some cinnamon granola. Thought I would share the wonderful joys of these teas aside from actual TEA! πŸ™‚

  • Darien
    May 8, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    I live in so-cal! (so does Sophia from burp and slurp, who I also havent met in person) I wonder if we cod arrange a fun meetup. Maybe for a Temecula wine country tasting?

  • Nae
    May 8, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    So very jealous of your homemade pho!

    And as someone lurking around in Londontown, I can tell ya that bright jeans are -all- the rage πŸ™‚

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  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    May 9, 2012 at 5:14 am

    I’m a library assistant so I’m not going to ALA but if I hear of any of my co-workers going, I will have to tell them about you πŸ™‚ I’m sure you will do great!

  • Liz
    May 9, 2012 at 8:47 am

    Great post! I love that dress, you’ll look great for your talk.

  • Kim @ The Family Practice
    May 9, 2012 at 10:29 am

    I love the favorites posts you do! Love the dress and agree a colorful belt would do well. I saw a faux metallic silver belt (really suede) at Target – that might look nice. Hard to tell the coloring of your dress for sure…just a thought!

  • Rachel
    May 9, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    I am a librarian, and a lot of people from my office are going but I’m not! I was already bummed to be missing a trip to California, and now I’m even more bummed. I would have loved to have seen your talk! I’m sure you’ll do amazing, and hopefully have fun!

  • Sam @ Fit for My Fork
    May 10, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    I love the dress! And I’ve had tea from David’s Tea before. It’s wonderful stuff.

    If I had a margarita like that to look forward to after yoga, I would definitely be dreaming about it all through savasana too. Yum!

  • Karen @Books Beside My Bed
    May 10, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    I will not be at ALA but I know librarians that are going. We are a pretty forgiving crowd. You will do fine. πŸ™‚

  • Erin
    May 11, 2012 at 7:29 am

    Jenna! Congratulations on your opportunity at The American Library Association’s annual convention! And great tip on the BR sale. I bopped on over to my local Banana and picked up one myself. Should I wear it while reading your book or would that be weird πŸ™‚ Best of luck!

    • jenna
      May 11, 2012 at 7:29 am

      not weird…awesome!

  • Natalie
    May 11, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    Haha..you have found all your Canadians readers, myself included. Love David’s Tea. Cream of Earl Grey is a regular staple for me. I’m also enjoying Forever Nuts and Vanilla Oolong.

  • Sarah
    May 12, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    I don’t know if I should thank you or not for introducing me to the David’s Tea website…just placed my first order, including two of your recommendations. I guess I will thank you for now! πŸ™‚

  • Natalie
    May 14, 2012 at 2:51 am

    Things I am lovin right now. I reading your blog again!
    It has been too long sweets.

    I miss you.

    You are the first ever blog I started reading and that was about 3 years ago.

  • Natalie
    May 14, 2012 at 2:51 am

    Things I am lovin right now. Number one: reading your blog again!

    It has been too long sweets.

    I miss you.

    You are the first ever blog I started reading and that was about 3 years ago.

  • Debbie
    May 15, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Love the dress…I work at Banana Republic so I recognized it right away! It looks fabulous on you! You don’t NEED a belt, but if so…..a rich red or even pink belt would be awesome, depending on the shoes of course πŸ˜‰

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  • Erin
    May 23, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    Jenna! I just added your presentation to my ALA scheduler. It was the first one I added…as opposed to, you know, one of the 100 billion presentations that actually pertains to my daily job : ) Priorities are fully in check, obs.

  • marisaday
    May 26, 2012 at 5:37 am

    Thank you so much for posting the pho recipe. My husband is obsessed. Adding this to our family list of noms!

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  • Becky
    June 7, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    I have looked at lots of blogs and YOURS is the BEST! I must say that I love reading and clicking! I love reading also and your taste in books is right up my alley. I also love yoga and running. So, I guess I can say we have similar interests. Thanks for sharing your life.
    Becky

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