Breakfast/ Dessert/ Dinner/ Lunch

Pinching Myself

Hello!

I can’t believe I’m here!!!!!!!!!!

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How weird to say goodbye to Florida and the whole east coast….I’ve lived in Florida for the past 17 years and have been on the east coast my entire life. Incredibly excited for this new adventure out west…. Thanks for coming along with me for the ride! 🙂

It was bittersweet saying goodbye to my parents yesterday morning…..here’s my dad and I in front of my new car right before heading to the airport!

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My parents are packing up my car to the gills this weekend and then on Monday it’s being shipped off to the west coast. Crazy.

I waited until I was on the plane to eat a banana and then later in my flight I tried this new Amazing Grass bar + a honeycrisp apple:


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ohmygosh this bar was soooooo good!!!!!! 12 grams of protein and absolutely delicious. Probably one of the best protein bars I’ve tried and I love the simple, easy to read ingredient list. These were just released at Whole Foods so look for them there….seriously delicious.

One of my friends from yoga made me this amaaaaazing mix tape for my journey. Think iron & wine, bon iver, the national, nico stai, tiny vipers and more. Very “chill” airplane music. He also gave me a book of inspiring life quotations by Paulo Coelho, the author of The Alchemist. This one really hit me this morning as I was reading as my flight was taking off

whenever we need

to make a very important decision,

it is best to trust to impulse, to passion,

because reason usually tries

to remove us from our dream,

saying that the time is not yet right.

reason is afraid of defeat,

but intuition enjoys life and its challenges


Isn’t that awesome? I love this little book because I’m a quotation freak.

I made it to San Francisco right on time, changed my clothes and immediately got together with the fabulous BethT, who actually brought me CHAMPAGNE, chocolates, hummus and carrot sticks!!! 🙂

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At the airport, I ate a veggie burrito the size of my head……..I was sooooooooo hungry!!!!!!

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And then Kath and Tina arrived and we were off!!!! First stop to Beth’s house to drop off my whole life in suitcases and then we headed straight to Healdsburg and Michel Schlumberger!

I can’t believe I work here!!!

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We totally got spoiled……right when we got there, us four girls were whisked away to taste some totally delicious Michel Schlumberger wines. I loved them all (and there were many!) and we took a total tour of the estate. Seriously one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been in my whole life. I feel like I’m on vacation and have to remind myself that I actually get to wake up and go here every day for work. 😉

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On Fridays there’s live music outside so after our tour we just sat, ate some delicious cheese and drank MORE wine!

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Loved these cheeses……it was pretty much heaven on earth and everyone was so nice!

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And, I got reunited with my Murphy-Goode friends!!!!!!!! It’s just so crazy to be back. Feels like just yesterday we were all meeting for the first time in July.

It’s so funny because now five of us live here out of the original top ten. Slowly but surely we are all trickling back in….I guess Sonoma does that to you; once it gets under you skin you never want to leave! 🙂 I’m still pinching myself……I CAN’T BELIEVE I LIVE HERE!

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As for dinner, we ate at Zin, which was totally fabulous. I love the whole concept of this restaurant—-everything on the menu is seasonal and all the produce is grown on the restaurant’s farm! Since everything looks so good, we just decided to order every one of the appetizers (hehe), split two more bottles of vino and I ordered a bowl of the butternut squash apple soup.


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Everything was SO GOOD! I was so busy enjoying it all and catching up with friends that I really didn’t shoot as many food pictures as I should have….bad food blogger! Those little rolls are “figs in a blanket”, basically figs wrapped up in puff pastry……melted in my mouth.

And my soup, with lemon creme fraiche and bacon. This was divine. Y’all will have to refer to Kath and Tina’s blogs for more food pictures…they were much better at photo taking last night…!

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At about 10:15 after all this delicious food and wine, we started to crash. Fast. What a whirlwind day!! The alarm this morning went off at 5:50 and we raced to get ready, head back to SF and make it to BlogHer Food 09 on time. Grabbed some quick breakfast at the hotel before jumping back in the car.

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Banana, yogurt, hard boiled egg and peanut butter toast. I should have drank more water….feeling very dehydrated right now!

Finally……BlogHer Food 09!!!!!!!!

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This is my first BlogHer conference and I am super impressed so far…..everything is so nice (obviously, since it’s at the St.Regis!) and I’m about to listen to my first session on developing your visual voice. Later, I’m attending a session on photography that I’m really excited about as well! Fun!

I ate a big plate of fresh fruit first thing:

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Got to jet for the time being….laptop is about to die! Full BlogHer recap later!

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  • Matt
    September 26, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    Wow you are so lucky! Sounds like a great trip so far!

  • Food Makes Fun Fuel
    September 26, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    That’s a great quote. And that trip to wine country looks like the perfect way to start your new life!

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries
    September 26, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    WHAT A WORKPLACE. I am SO jealous, and happy for you… Congrats! And enjoy Blogher Food!

  • Leah @ Simply fabulous now
    September 26, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    You sound so happy Jenna (and you look so happy too!)!! I am really excited to see where this journey takes you! Your place of work is absolutely stunning! Enjoy it!

  • Sandy
    September 26, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    Congratulations! I am so happy that you get to go on this marvelous adventure in life. I am praying for you as you make the adjustment. I am especially praying for your parents as I know how hard it is going to be to have you sooooo far away and for their house to be empty now. I can’t wait to follow your blog as your life completely changes.

  • Lindsay
    September 26, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    What a beautiful place to work! It really would be like being on vacation every day!

  • Run Sarah
    September 26, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    WOW, it all looks SO amazing…the winery is gorgeous and the food is to die for! Can’t wait to read more recaps.

  • christie, honoring health
    September 26, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    Looks like you are having a blast. I can’t wait for the update later!!

  • Stephanie
    September 26, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    U r living a dream! 🙂 Looks fabulous so far!

  • Susan
    September 26, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Bahaha, that first pic is awesome. I’d be pinching myself too – such an amazing experience!! Wow, remind me never to go to Sonoma, I may never come home! 😛 Can’t wait to hear about the conference!

  • Island Girl Eats
    September 26, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    It all sounds so exciting! Think of the runs that you will do in that beautiful place – makes me so jealous!

  • crina
    September 26, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    Wow!! Just wow. WOW.
    So beautiful. That food!! I wish I could eat those pictures! o_O
    Congrats again, you totally deserved this. 🙂

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
    September 26, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Crazy!! You’re so lucky.

  • Kat (Kat's Daily Plate)
    September 26, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    Jenna,
    I am beyond excited for you! I read your blog religiously and I don’t “know” you- but feel like I do. This job and Northern Cal just seem so perfect for you. SO happy for you- I know you will do great things there!

  • shawna (balancing me)
    September 26, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    I still love those boots!:)

    Totally jealous of the BlogHer conference you girls are attending. Everything looks fabulous…especially at your meal last night!

  • angieinatlanta
    September 26, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Um, hello, your outfits are SO cute! Can I raid your closet?

    So glad to hear your new life is off to an awesome start!!

  • Julia
    September 26, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    What an amazing dinner, if I’m ever near Zin, I’ll definitely try it. I plan on recommending it and the Michel Schlumberger winery to my parents who will be in the Napa area in two weeks.
    Enjoy the conference!

  • Elsa
    September 26, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Jenna,
    I stumbled upon your blog just a few months ago and I have to say that I am hooked! I look forward to your postings everydayt… something I’ve never experienced before. Congratulations on all your achievements and good luck on your new endeavors in Cali. Oh yes, by the way… your life rocks! 🙂

  • Jenna
    September 26, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    jenna you are soooo lucky and i am so happy you moved to Cali 🙂 that is so awesome!
    looks like you are having so far a great time! can’t wait to hear all about it!
    jenna

  • Morgan (lifeafterbagels)
    September 26, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Jenna – I can’t believe you are on the west coast FOR GOOD. It’s so crazy. One of my favourite mantras is “Ready, Fire, Aim” and it seems you’re doing a way better job at this than me!

  • simpledaisy
    September 26, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    That is so great for you!!! Good luck on your new journey!!
    I am sure you’ll have a great time:)

  • Liz
    September 26, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Yay for California! Have fun at your awesome new home!

  • Fattie Fatterton
    September 26, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Great outfit for Blogher!! 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    September 26, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    I just love how excited and happy you look in all of these photos Jenna! I can totally tell how much you are just living in the moment. Sounds like everything is crazy busy on your end, but keep having a wonderful time! 🙂

  • KZ
    September 26, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Many congratulations on your new job and at such a fabulous location! Each time I saw you post ‘good news to come (etc)’ on your blog I kept hoping it was you accepting a job at a winery in CA. Glad Dexter is joining you too 🙂 I wouldnt survive without my kitty either. Good Luck, the world has wonderful things in store for you!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    September 26, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    That place is incredibly beautiful! I am so envious you are working there!

  • gina (fitnessista)
    September 26, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    OH MY. everything looks so amazing- it’s funny how everything works out the way it’s supposed to
    so happy for you my dear 😀

  • Wendy
    September 26, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    How exciting!
    Love your outfit too!

    Did your boyfriend come to Calif. w/you?

    • jenna
      September 26, 2009 at 5:56 pm

      Wendy,

      Hmmm….my boyfriend and I broke up at the beginning of August. I’m flyin’ solo!

  • Abby (Abby's VeGaN Eats)
    September 26, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    I love your blog!!! Always get some amazing ideas.. Cali looks super so far, enjoy! 🙂 Can’t wait to check back for more blogher updates!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    September 26, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Fantastic! Congrats! Looking forward to more!

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
    September 26, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    I just knew there would be exciting adventures in your future. I knew it all along. 🙂

  • Kelly Olexa
    September 26, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    I am SO happy for you!! and girl you KNOW we are having dinner when I’m out in SF soon!! 😉 WOOT!
    I am a quote freak too….I need to check out that book.

  • Allison (Balance in Bites)
    September 26, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    It sounds like you’re having a great time! I’m jealous =P Wish I could be there!

  • BroccoliHut
    September 26, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    Sometimes a burrito the size of your head is the perfect thing:)
    That choc PB bar sounds fantastic!
    PS Love your boots.

  • maria
    September 27, 2009 at 12:21 am

    Believe it girl because you deserve it! 🙂

    You are too cute in your little outfit for the conference, too!

  • Madelin
    September 27, 2009 at 3:45 am

    Looks like a beautiful winery!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
    September 27, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    OMG – that food looks ridiculously good – I am a little jealous of your eats 🙂 Wow!!

  • lindsey
    September 27, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    Love the blazer!

  • beerab
    September 28, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    Wow I am surprised the shipping company let you pack your car- when my friend moved from California to New Jersey she put her bicycle in her jeep and they made a stink about it!

    Congratulations on the new job and car! I loved when I bought my first car- it made me feel good!