Well, we had two brilliant days of sunshine out here on the coast and then today is the foggy NorCal weather we all know and love. It’s okay though…perfect weather for reading under blankets! 😉
This morning I woke up incredibly early and made a yummy bowl of oatmeal:
I used 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup water, 2 egg whites, 1 banana and 1 T almond butter. The egg whites made the oatmeal extra fluffy and added protein…this might become a new standard!
I read for a couple hours while my oats digested and then did another 90 minute yoga podcast. And, while in forearm balance saw another WHALE! I love whales! I think seeing whales (and sea lions!) has made my entire trip. I mean, what’s cooler than a whale? Really now.
I snacked on some unpictured almonds + an apple and then went to this cute local sandwich shop with my parents for lunch.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
December 26, 2009 at 12:45 pmA gray day + reading under the covers = my version of a perfect day 🙂 Gotta love us English majors 🙂
That sandwich looks awesome! Glad you’re enjoying your family “retreat!”
eatmovelove
December 26, 2009 at 12:49 pmAre you still working now as well Jenna??
I don’t know how you get time to write, read, work-out, entertain…oh my – I waste tons of time and always feel so bad about it. Life isn’t simple is it?
Take care girl.
Karla
December 26, 2009 at 1:00 pmThat’s so exciting that you’ve seen whales!!! Also your sandwich looks fantastic! I love veggie sandwiches!!
Laura H.
December 26, 2009 at 1:03 pmLooks like you’re having fun! How did you incorporate the egg whites in to your oatmeal without them turning in to scrambled eggs?
jenna
December 26, 2009 at 2:55 pmLaura H,
I just add the egg whites with the water when I cook the oats on the stove.
Jenna
December 26, 2009 at 1:06 pmi need to try egg whites in oats asap!
sammie looks delish!
Madelin @ What is for Breakfast?
December 26, 2009 at 1:11 pmHmm I will have to try the egg whites in the oats very soon, great idea! Looks like you are having a lovely break. I love whales too, we see them quite often in Australia :).
Mama Pea
December 26, 2009 at 1:24 pmI’m convinced I need to invent a hummus flask, so that I can take it with me wherever I go.
Kailey
December 26, 2009 at 1:31 pmyay for a successful veggie sammie!! your so right though – they are usually hits or misses.
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen
December 26, 2009 at 1:35 pmGood thing it was a good one, but that shop looks like it probably know what it’s doing 😉 Lucky girl, getting to see all of those whales! Last time I saw one was on Maui, and that was 3 years ago!
Suzanne de Cornelia
December 26, 2009 at 1:39 pmYesterday was beautiful, now today is foggy, drizzly on Monterey Coast, too. Tomorrow sun is to return. Love the window seat/ cute photo! Whales, dolphins, sea-gulls etc so cool. Sea Otters are very interesting, too. There are a lot of them here. When their populations threatened, eco-systems are too because they eat sea urchins and keep those populations under control, otherwise the urchins eat all the kelp and underwater becomes a desert that can’t sustain other forms of sea life and fish. A great walk here is from the Monterey Aquarium towards Pebble Beach…can walk forever on the coast and the environment constantly changes, esp in Spring lots of wildflowers and parts very rugged. Here’s part of the sea otter pup rescue program:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MontereyBayAquarium#p/u/19/Pt46EHqJXu0
Kelly
December 26, 2009 at 1:40 pmI love how much reading you have been doing, I need to get motivated to spend some time reading. I always love to do it but it’s hard to make time.
I also love your adorable hair styles lately 🙂
Foy
December 26, 2009 at 1:44 pmWhat do you do with the egg yolks?
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete
December 26, 2009 at 1:49 pmYay for reading underneath some covers. It is quite easily one of my favorite things to do. It’s good that you are enjoying your holiday! Run all over that fort tomorrow!!! 😉
Katie (Life Discombobulated)
December 26, 2009 at 1:57 pmJenna,
I have loved looking at all of your pictures from this trip! It sounds absolutely amazing – calm, peaceful, and beautiful. It makes me very much want to book a trip out to the NW coast PRONTO! Enjoy the rest of your trip and a late Merry Christmas!
Chloe
December 26, 2009 at 1:57 pmI was wondering what yoga podcasts you have been doing. I love dave farmer but I am looking for a new, but still challenging podcast.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
December 26, 2009 at 2:06 pmThat sandwich looks delicious!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
December 26, 2009 at 2:18 pmReading under blankets on drizzly days is the best! I just finished A Strong West Wind – loved it 🙂
Glad the veg sammie was a good one!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
December 26, 2009 at 2:18 pmMmm veg sandwich! Yum!
Freddie
December 26, 2009 at 2:20 pmI can’t believe you keep seeing whales while doing yoga. That is incredibly cool 🙂
Keri
December 26, 2009 at 2:22 pmGood luck on finishing your book!! BTW- that sandwich looks GREAT! I will have to try to make one. Enjoy the rest of your trip…
daintyvegan
December 26, 2009 at 2:25 pmHow long do you get to stay at this house? It seems like such a perfect place!
That sandwich looks sooooooo good. Everything looks extremely fresh!
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
December 26, 2009 at 2:28 pmJenna,
I love egg white fluff. Adding them to anything and everything these days.
Happy to hear you had a good Christmas and that you’re enjoying your time your with your parents. 🙂
You scored on the veggie. Nothing worse than a “veggie sandwich” consisting of lame-o bread with cheese, and iceberg!
woman&warrior
December 26, 2009 at 2:32 pmHi Jenna! Looks like a an awesome holiday break and I’m sure your folks are loving their time with you too.
Quick question: what town is the house you’re renting in? i’ve been looking for a coastal get away for the Spring. Last year, we spent it in Fort Bragg/Mendocino, but we’re looking for something new.
You can email if you prefer!
jenna
December 26, 2009 at 2:54 pmDana,
I have a tattoo of a cross in the waves on the wrist that i got for my brother, who passed away last spring.
Woman&warrior:
The Sea Ranch on the Mendocino coast…its gorgeous here!
Legalstyle:
The grass is always greener on the other side, I promise you!
daintyvegan,
we are leaving tomorrow morning!
Chloe,
Still doin’ Dave Farmar…he never gets old in my book and always kicks my booty!
Foy,
Toss ’em.
Eatmovelove,
I’m working on my book/blogging as my full time job and work at the winery about once a week
legalstyle
December 26, 2009 at 2:44 pmI’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I want your life, Jenna. Looks like the absolute perfect day.
Jenny
December 26, 2009 at 2:44 pmSomedays cloudy days are a welcome day to relax 🙂
I’ve heard that about adding egg whites to oats all over the place! Still haven’t gotten around to tryin’ it…
Have a great evening Jenna!
Ilana
December 26, 2009 at 2:50 pmJenna, I am super jealous. This looks like absolute PERFECTION.
And whales are just amazing.
Janice (O.S.M.B.)
December 26, 2009 at 2:51 pmThe scenery there is so beautiful, and I’m made even more jealous by the whale sightings! I’ve visited Maine every summer of my life, and have never seen one!
Also love the idea of eggs in the oatmeal…am going to try this tomorrow 🙂
Dana
December 26, 2009 at 2:52 pmJenna,
Do you have a tatoo on your wrist?! if so, what is it/
your pics look absoultely amazing!
happy holidays!!!
Maria (realfitmama)
December 26, 2009 at 2:53 pmThat bowl of oats looked really good and the veggie sandwich looked even better. I know what you mean about them though…being a vegetarian lets you in on those little secrets that most people don’t know! Happy December 26th…
Emily Eats and Exercises
December 26, 2009 at 2:58 pmI adore good veggie sandwiches – nothing better. Glad you’re having such a great time with the family.
Emily Eats and Exercises
December 26, 2009 at 2:58 pmI adore good veggie sandwiches – nothing better. Glad you’re having such a great time with the family.
lauren
December 26, 2009 at 3:18 pmsoo, I basically want to live in South California. It looks soooooo beautiful! simply breathtaking. you are very lucky 🙂
Paige (Running Around Normal)
December 26, 2009 at 3:48 pmWow…I think seeing a whale while doing yoga would be about the perfect thing. I was thinking how lucky I was to watch the snow falling outside during my morning yoga class…I can only imagine staring out into an ocean, let alone see a whale in the ocean.
Courtney
December 26, 2009 at 3:49 pmThat sounds so nice!!
And I like whales too. =D
Ashley C
December 26, 2009 at 3:54 pmIt looks so relaxing & nice! I like your nails from what I can see of them in the sandwich pic 🙂
eatmovelove
December 26, 2009 at 4:37 pm!!! Really! Amazing – I guess they (publishers??) give you an “advance” or something so you have money to live off of?? Otherwise, how would you do it? Sorry…I have to figure out the pragmatic in everything don’t I…;)
Carolyn
December 26, 2009 at 4:37 pmWow! It seems like you just announced the book deal and now you’re already almost done!? Congrats!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
December 26, 2009 at 5:05 pmI love drizzly days solely for the excuse of bundling up in blankets, reading, and blissing out while doing a whole lot of nothing.
That veggie sandwich looks divine!
Sharon
December 26, 2009 at 5:05 pmI am so happy for you. Please enjoy this Christmas season and your family. You truely know what joy is.
Cynthia (It All Changes)
December 26, 2009 at 5:07 pmI am always apprehensive about a veggie sandwich too. Sometimes it’s just lettuce tomato and cheese. Not my idea of filling. But that sandwich looks great.
Kelly from Bridges and Bites
December 26, 2009 at 5:20 pmI just have to say that those pictures of you are adorable and you look so cozy in your blanket!
Lauren @ louisianagrown
December 26, 2009 at 5:29 pmI always wonder what books you are talking about when you say you’re reading. You should share more often!
Heather @ Sugar & Spice
December 26, 2009 at 5:41 pmThe veggie sandwich looks amazing! So glad it was one of the great veggie sandwiches and not one of the bad ones – those always stinks! 😀
diana(mymarble rye)
December 26, 2009 at 6:45 pmThe vegetarian sandwiches offered in SF are RIDICULOUSLY large fresh and delicious!!! Glad you having a relaxing time with your ‘rents. 🙂
Shannon, Tropical Treats
December 26, 2009 at 6:51 pmI love catching up on all of your posts 🙂 The rocky coastline and water looks so amazing there.. a lot different that the water in the gulf! Glad you had a wonderful Christmas with your parents.. that veggie sandwich sure does look yummy. Roasted red pepper and avocado are my fave 🙂
Kristine
December 26, 2009 at 7:08 pmyummy oatmeal and veggie sandwich. “Enjoy” the bad weather…haha that sounds funny! 🙂
Jamie
December 26, 2009 at 7:55 pmYou look really pretty in those pics Jenna!
CalliNae
December 26, 2009 at 8:17 pmI’m from Cali originally, and we always would go up to North Cal instead of South. SLU, Morro bay, Cambria… I miss the cold beaches and foggy weather (which I used to HATE when I was younger. Where’s the sun?!)
Hope you’re having a great time.
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad
December 26, 2009 at 8:18 pmtotally agree about veggie sandwiches being either really good or really bad. unfortunately, usually they are really bad. glad to hear you found a good one!
Ashley
December 26, 2009 at 11:21 pmWith you on the veggie samiches for sure! Egg whites in oatmeal??? Genius!
Erica H.
December 27, 2009 at 5:56 amHahaha it cracked me up when you said that sandwich needed hummus. I would have said the same thing! I feel like most veggie sandwiches need hummus. But that looks delicious. I’m jealous of all this reading time you’re getting!
B
December 27, 2009 at 12:09 pmHi,
I’m so glad your enjoying the Pacific. I grew up in Oregon (no live in Maine) and loved the coast and sea animals. Your pictures bring back memories.
I have a quick question. Do you only use Xanthum in your protein ice cream because that is all I can find. I can’t figure out the difference guar gum would make or if you just need one to “turn it into ice cream”. Any thoughts. Keep enjoying your family and holidays.
B
B
December 27, 2009 at 12:09 pmHi,
I’m so glad your enjoying the Pacific. I grew up in Oregon (no live in Maine) and loved the coast and sea animals. Your pictures bring back memories.
I have a quick question. Do you only use Xanthum in your protein ice cream because that is all I can find. I can’t figure out the difference guar gum would make or if you just need one to “turn it into ice cream”. Any thoughts. Keep enjoying your family and holidays.
B
Jil
December 27, 2009 at 3:41 pmI agree with you — veggie sandwiches are either hit or miss…most the time misses — at least in my experience. Glad to hear that yours was good..it looks it!