Behind The Butter

September Favorites

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Ahhhhhh fall has arrived and I LOVE it!

I just want to wrap myself in a quilt, eat a bowl of stew and burn pumpkin spice candles all throughout the house. It’s still pretty hot in the Bay Area but I am stubbornly wearing my boots everywhere just because. I hope y’all enjoy this month’s favorites post! It’s been a pretty awesome month, actually. I’m looking forward to a quick trip to Portland in a few weeks {my first time — any pointers?!}, more Noonday trunk shows, Thanksgiving in Texas and Christmas at my parent’s new place in West Virginia. Also some really fun new projects that I’m excited to fill y’all in on soon!

Happy Monday! What are you loving so far this month?

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The Influence Conference! This year I am speaking and my hubby is coming along as A/V director. I hope to meet some of you there this week in Indianapolis!! It’s an amazing, life-changing weekend and I’ve been looking forward to it all year.

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Β This book. I just started reading it and cannot put it down!!

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This clutch. Handmade in Ethiopia, this leather clutch has not left my side since the day I got it. I absolutely adore it and it fits all the essentials. Plus, I love knowing that my purchase really makes a difference in helping create sustainable jobs in Ethiopia.

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Solibeat. My friend, Gina, just released this amazing high energy dance workout dvd! It’s super fun and a really great workout. I’m so proud of her!

starbucksThis large Starbucks water tumbler. I got this to remind myself to drink more water throughout the day and love it. It’s huge and I’ve been taking it everywhere with me.

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These socks. These are “happy socks” from Madewell and come in a variety of colors and patterns. I just love them! I bought a few different pairs to wear under boots this fall and, well, they make me pretty happy. I actually have a pair on as I type this right now. They are comfy and not-too-tall-not-too-short. In other words, perfect socks. A must.

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Teeccino. Have y’all tried this stuff yet? It’s caffeine-free herbal “coffee” {made from ground chicory, dates, almonds and figs}. A friend from church got me hooked on it and lately I’ve been loving having a cup after dinner. It definitely is something that grows on you. I wasn’t sure how I felt after my initial cup but now I’m addicted! Especially when you brew it strong then add a little sugar.

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This snickerdoodle recipe.Β I made a batch the other day and they are absolutely the best snickerdoodles I’ve ever had. Seriously. Make some tonight. You won’t regret it. They taste like fall!

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Pumpkin candles. It’s a given. I am in love with this time of year — fall is my absolute favorite season! Look for great pumpkin candles at Wal-Mart and TJ Maxx.

 

 

 

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  • Sheila
    September 23, 2013 at 3:43 am

    Hello – the link for the snickerdoodle recipe is not working πŸ™

    • Elisabeth
      September 23, 2013 at 5:34 am

      Yep – broken link. Please post the right link when you get a chance; I’d love a good snickerdoodle recipe! πŸ™‚

  • brittany @ brittany cooks
    September 23, 2013 at 3:51 am

    I love those socks!!!

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
    September 23, 2013 at 3:53 am

    Love that clutch — looks like the perfect size! And the cookies look amazing πŸ™‚

    Happy Monday!

  • Lauren @ The Highlands Life
    September 23, 2013 at 4:31 am

    I am loving the thought of a weekend celebrating my son’s first birthday and having all our family and friends to help celebrate. Along with 3 pots of different chili and lots of cornbread. Yum.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    September 23, 2013 at 4:50 am

    Mmmm pumpkin candles are the best!!! I have a couple still hanging around from last fall but am going to need to re-stock. Also the Starbucks tumbler is great! I can’t remember how I got mine but like you said, it’s a great reminder to stay hydrated during the day, which can be so hard to want to do when it’s cold outside. Great finds, Jenna!

  • Kristin @ FoodFash
    September 23, 2013 at 5:08 am

    I’m the same way with boots. Thankfully we had a rainy weekend in ATX and I was able to pull out my Hunters. As far as Portland goes, I really enjoyed Clyde Common when I was there!

  • Nicole
    September 23, 2013 at 5:54 am

    Love those socks! It’s still pretty warm here as well (at least in during the day) so I like to enjoy the cool mornings with lots of tea!

  • Austin
    September 23, 2013 at 6:05 am

    I live in Portland. Some tips: You’ll definitely want to go to Powell’s (independent bookstore; largest in the country), and if you’re here over the weekend, check out Saturday Market (largest open-air market in the country) and the PSU Farmers Market. The Pearl District offers some great boutique shopping and some good microbreweries (Portland is microbrew capital of the US). NW 23rd offers some great restaurants and shopping as well. To offer a few recommendations: Papa Haydn (amazing dessert!), Moonstruck (local chocolatier), Taste on 23rd (wine bar), and Blue Olive (fantastic Mediterranean food).

    Also, I’d recommend the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden. Hope you enjoy your visit!

    • Audrey
      September 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm

      GREAT recommendations! Also Voodoo Donuts for a funky treat πŸ™‚

  • Tam
    September 23, 2013 at 6:08 am

    Love the socks, it’s the stripes.
    Portland- Pine State Biscuits on NE Alberta, The Reggie Deluxe is what I ate and oh my be still my heart. Down the street is a fabulous bakery Petite Provence save room and they have good coffee. It’s my favorite place to visit in town.

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
    September 23, 2013 at 6:34 am

    I live in the Indianapolis area, but since I went to the Healthy Living Summit, The Influence Conference isn’t in the budget. Have a great time in my city — it should be a beautiful weekend!

  • Becki @ Bites 'n Brews
    September 23, 2013 at 6:36 am

    Definitely go to Deschutes Brewery for a flight and delicious sweet potato fries and then plan to spend at least two hours in Powell’s Bookstore. You’ll be in total, overwhelming bliss.

  • erin @hooleywithaz
    September 23, 2013 at 6:40 am

    love the socks. love the clutch. also, i NEED that teeccino. i recently gave up coffee during the week, but i miss the taste so much, and tee just doesn’t always do it for me. and sometimes i just really want to put my girl scout coffee creamer in my morning beverage!

  • Lora Lee
    September 23, 2013 at 6:48 am

    We just vacationed in Oregon, spending 3 days in Portland. I highly recommend the Imperial Restaurant. They recently won ‘best meatball’ in Food & Wine Magazine’s contest with there fabulous, but rich, duck meatballs. Really, really good. If you go there, split an entree. Portions are huge.
    The Japanese Gardens are beautiful, offering a great view of the city and neighboring mountains/ volcanoes, on a clear day. If you have time, take a day trip to Multnomah Falls and/ or Mt. Hood. You won’t be disappointed. πŸ™‚

    • Kristen
      September 23, 2013 at 8:45 am

      I concur with Lora Lee on the Japanese Gardens and Multnomah Falls, Portland is my favorite city! Also go to Elephants Deli, awesome.

  • Colleen
    September 23, 2013 at 6:49 am

    I have that Starbucks cup and also use it for tons ‘o water! Have you tried “Greek coffee”? And Partylite are the best for seasonal candles. Am also interested in the socks and the cookie recipe.

  • Kinsey
    September 23, 2013 at 7:12 am

    Portland! Walk along the water, go to Salt and Straw, hit up A’Pizza Scholls, Division street (especially the Italian bakery there, Roman Candle I think?), try some food trucks, check out Powells, and enjoy some of the best ice cream in the country. Oh and to prepare, I would recommend a few episodes of Portlandia to get you in the hippie spirit.

  • Heather D
    September 23, 2013 at 7:39 am

    In Portland, you must visit Pine State Biscuit! Also, Pambiche for some fabulous Cuban cuisine! Have a fun trip!

  • Dani On The Brink
    September 23, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Portland is one of my favorite cities! The best brunch of your life is at Screen Door. For ice cream go to Salt and Straw or Ruby Jewel Scoops-or both πŸ™‚ There is great coffee to be had throughout the city. I recommend Barista and Coava Coffee. Hit up Back to Eden Bakery for quality baked goods and vegan soft serve! Pine State biscuits will change your life.

  • dixya| food, pleasure, and health
    September 23, 2013 at 7:55 am

    I have never been to Portland.. that socks and candles – so perfect for the Fall πŸ™‚

  • Allie
    September 23, 2013 at 8:41 am

    Enjoy your trip to Portland! For food recommendations, check out:
    Pok Pok (lunch or dinner)
    Little T Bakery (coffee and pastries)
    Ken’s Bakery (coffee and pastries)
    Broder (brunch)
    Tasty and Sons (brunch)
    Dove Vive (dinner, awesome cornmeal crust pizza)
    Portland is known for it’s food cart pods, so I would check them out! (there are a lot on SW 10th and Alder in downtown, and I particularly enjoy Nong’s Khao Man Gai)

    Have fun!

  • Renee C.
    September 23, 2013 at 9:09 am

    You definitely have to try Voo Doo Doughnut when you are in Portland Jenna!

  • dishing up the dirt
    September 23, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Love the socks! I am so happy it is fall too. My husband and I are organic vegetable farmers and we are harvesting our winter squash and pumpkins this week. Fall really has arrived. Yay pumpkin everything!

  • Caroline L.
    September 23, 2013 at 9:39 am

    So many reasons why I love fall – in a total state of bliss right now πŸ™‚ Loved reading about your faves from the month!

  • Kimberly S.
    September 23, 2013 at 9:54 am

    Tasty n Sons in Portland is a great place for breakfast πŸ˜‰

  • gina (fitnessista)
    September 23, 2013 at 10:06 am

    thank you so much for the shout out!! <3 so happy you like solibeat πŸ™‚
    have a blast in portland! you HAVE to try kure juice bar- it's amazing
    xoxo

  • Lauren C
    September 23, 2013 at 10:23 am

    I have been wanting to go to Portland for a while now and all of the posted suggestions have just confirmed my suspicions that it is an awesome city! Have fun Jenna! This September I am loving The Lord, fresh starts, cooler running weather, and the anticipation of cooking yummy comfort foods, wearing jeans-boots-sweaters-and-scarves, watching tons of football, and all things pumpkin!

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    September 23, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Adorable socks! Great candle – love pumpkin scented anything this time of year!

    And I’ve made Jessica’s cookies – they are incredible! So fluffy and fat! Love em:)

  • Marissa@ohhhsolovely
    September 23, 2013 at 10:54 am

    i’m absolutely obsessed with all things pumpkin spice come fall!!

  • Andrea
    September 23, 2013 at 11:46 am

    Oh my goodness!! Thank you so much for sharing Teecino!! I have really bad tummy sensitivity to coffee and haven’t been able to drink it without I’ll side effects for a couple years… I can’t wait to try this stuff! Thank you thank you thank you!

  • Stacey
    September 23, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Making the snickerdoodles right now! One of my favorite cookies πŸ™‚ So far this month I’m loving the cooler weather…so tired of humid summer running!

  • Bryony @ Friday Night Dinners -- PDX
    September 23, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Love these! I live in Portland and we have so many fun places. Powell’s, farmer’s markets, NW 23rd Ave, the waterfront; if you have time the gorge is beautiful. Tea Chai Te is one of my favourite places to go for a cup of tea, especially in the fall/winter months. We have tons of great food carts and restaurants too. Let me know if you want any recommendations!

  • Emily
    September 23, 2013 at 11:51 am

    Ooh, Portland! I haven’t been, but it’s still on the travel bucket list! Have fun!

    I would be lying if I said that we do not go to the Super Duper Burger down the block from us at least once a week. It’s my I-don’t-want-to-make-lunch-on-Saturdays lifesaver. πŸ™‚

  • Kim
    September 23, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Oh my gosh, my husband would love it if I made those snickerdoodle cookies!!

  • Kimberly
    September 23, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    This made me laugh as I’m sitting at my desk with my boots on even though it’s about 85 degrees in the Bay Area! I’ve pretty much spent the last two weeks burning pumpkin candles, baking pumpkin goods and perusing boot options online. Love the clutch!

  • Sara
    September 23, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    I went to Portland last year for the first time and here is everything we ate πŸ™‚ Hope you love it!

    http://thehungryapple.com/2012/10/15/portland/

  • Vicki
    September 23, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    (Sidenote from a local: voodoo donuts are not any better than anyone else’s donuts. They just have fun flavor combos. So don’t wait in a long line!)

    Ditto on the Dove Vivi! deeeelish. Honestly, there are so many cute little pocket neighborhoods in Portland; you really can’t go wrong. I’m a Hawthorne Street girl, myself. But Alberta is fun, Division is a treasure trove of eateries (also has Salt & Straw, Townsends Tea, Saint Jack’s is just off Division). The Rose Garden is beautiful even in the off season. There are still a few roses, and the views of the city and Mt Hood are beautiful.

    p.s. If you contact me when you’re here I’ll happily meet you anywhere and give you a couple bottles of awesome wine from a new local wine guy! Enjoy your visit!

  • Lin
    September 23, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    Your dad works in vacation-y resort-y places, right? I live in West Virginia and can think of only one place that your parents’ “new place” would be. And it’s right in my back yard. You’re not spending Christmas at the Greenbrier are you????!!!!!

    • jenna
      September 23, 2013 at 3:48 pm

      Yep, my dad works at the Greenbrier and we are excited to spend Christmas there this year!

      • Kelli
        September 25, 2013 at 6:49 pm

        The Greenbrier is awesome! You will have a fabulous time! And West Virginia is so beautiful – I hope you visit often!

        A Proud West Virginian πŸ™‚

  • Amy
    September 23, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    Oh I have Portland food suggestions for you!! Check out my favorites page on my blog, That will at least get you started. We have a huge food cart scene here and there is one you need to check out if you are a foodie and that’s Carte Blanche. The weather could be decent in a few weeks, you just never know.
    Enjoy your trip!

    By the I’m loving the tomatoes, not ready to see them go. Even though I am not ready for fall just yet, I am excited about the butternut squash dishes I am going to make.

  • Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
    September 23, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    Holy guacamole. I need new socks…although have been toying with the idea of knitting my own instead of buying them…probably not the wisest idea.

    On another topic, have you read Sisterland yet? It’s a good one… Just saying.

  • Susan
    September 23, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Enjoy WV at Christmas. I hope it’s absolutely gorgeous and full of snow while you’re there!

  • Quin
    September 23, 2013 at 5:57 pm

    In Portland make sure you try Salt & Straw, the ice cream there is the best! Its really smooth and theres sooo many unique flavors, my favorite is olive oil.

  • Sarah
    September 23, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    Hi! So, I don’t comment much and this has nothing to do with your post today (don’t hate on me yet) … πŸ™‚ ….
    But a few months ago a Baptiste yoga studio opened up where I live. I remembered how much you loved it, so I had to go try it out. I am hooked. AMAZING! Well, we just started the 40 Days program on Saturday. I am a little anxious about it, but mostly excited for the adventure of it all.
    SO, thanks for writing about your experience many months ago to inspire me to try! πŸ™‚

  • Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
    September 23, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    YAY for Fall! Happy Happy!

  • Margaret
    September 23, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    I live right off of Division. You can basically eat your way up the street. I might have bought my house based on its proximity to Pok Pok and Stumptown…

    If you are pressed for time I would eat at Pok Pok, if you have multiple meals also try Sen Yai which is Andy Ricker’s newish noodle place. Whiskey Soda Lounge is his other place on Division, but I mostly go there because its open late and whats better than whiskey and the best Phad Thai I have ever had after a long night of dancing? Nothing.

    Salt and Straw is the only ice cream I have had that comes close to making me think that the gelato in Rome is only so so. Also on Division.

    Stumptown is obviously the coffee roaster in Portland and the Div St is my regular supplier but I think that Coava might be the superior local roaster. I switch back and forth between the two for my beans at home. My favorite espresso not made by me is actually pulled at Barista which is exclusively an espresso bar.

    Woodsman’s Tavern and Ava Gene’s are owned by the same guy as Stumptown and are guess where…on Division! I like the drinks at Woodsman’s, but the veggie small plates at Ava Gene’s are awesome.

    But, you should go to Apizza Scholls for pizza. Ken’s Aritisan bakery is obviously a bread pilgrimage and if you are here on a Monday you can get pizza at the bakery after 5. Its usually way less crowded than his pizza place.

    I like Roman Candle a lot (it is on Division), but Pearl Bakery is my favorite. Their cinnamon shortbread is my go to sweet treat in town. They are also at the Saturday farmer’s market.

    Other things that aren’t actually on Division, Chop is a great butcher’s shop that does sandwiches. I dream about the Frog which is their house pate and pickled onions. I also really like Kenny and Zuke’s pastrami, but my step-dad who grew up above the family’s kosher bakery is only so so about it.

    Clyde’s Common is more a drinks/happy hour place for me and only if you are a whiskey drinker. Otherwise I think their cocktail menu is limited.

    You must eat at Tasty n’ Sons. Its not an option. I had a friend visit for less than 12 hours (long lay over) and we went. Tasty n Alder is also fantastic, but I would start with the original. John Gorham’s other place is Toro Toro which is maybe my favorite menu in town. Really you could just eat at his restaurants the whole time and it would be worth the trip here.

    Pine State Biscuits is great but the line is not. Be prepared or go right at opening or hit the farmer’s market stand early. I order the moneyball but my brother thinks that the McIsely is the greatest food accomplishment ever. Ever.

    There are other things to do in this city, but I pretty much eat and go to yoga. Soul Shak’n at YoYoYogi in the Pearl is my FAVORITE class ever. I have been going for since they opened several years ago. Truly the best part of my week.

    Farmers Market, Powell’s, the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden and the waterfront are things I usually do with out of town guests.

    If you need advice feel free to email me.

    • Margaret
      September 23, 2013 at 9:07 pm

      I forgot Gruner! How could I forget Gruner? I describe it as awesome alpine cuisine. And Por Que No. I am a native SoCal girl and I think that these tacos are the bomb.

      • Margaret
        September 23, 2013 at 9:11 pm

        And Smallwares. Totally untraditional asian and totally incredible. I also like Ox a lot. The meat is truly the best beef I have had that I didn’t eat on my family’s ranch, but I also think that the menu isn’t as creative as some of the other places I mentioned.

        I will probably keep coming up with places. When my mom visits we plan out every meal we will eat when she is here…

  • Hannah
    September 23, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    I grew up in Portland and can’t go back there without eating my way through the city. I recommend Besaws on 23rd Ave or Tasty & Son’s (NE district) for brunch; Elephants Deli (on 22nd Ave I believe) is a great lunch spot (its a gourmet deli with legendary mac&cheese in my opinion.) Escape from NY pizza on 23rd as well is great for a quick slice. I would also recommend going to a food cart pod (lots of wonderful street food options in one area,my favorite is the one in Belmont. (http://www.goodfoodherebelmont.com/)

    Dessert definitely Papa Haydn (boccone dolce is their famous dessert but their mayan chocolate cake or bourbon ball would be my pick.) Also, across the street & up some stair is a lofted tea cafe Tea Chai Te… they have a wall of loose leaf teas and will make any into a latte.

    Have an amazing trip!

  • Erin A
    September 24, 2013 at 12:36 am

    Oh, Jenna, I love Portland! Here are some musts:

    Powell’s Books (You could spend a couple days here!)
    The Pearl District: check out the Pearl Bakery… one of my favorites in Portland!
    Pine State Biscuits
    Salt & Straw (I’m from Seattle, and this is Portland’s Molly Moon’s equivalent!)
    The food trucks!
    And of course, you should probably grab a doughnut at VooDoo Doughnuts, too πŸ™‚

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    September 24, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Yea to fall scented candles. They put me in such a good mood.

  • Liana
    September 24, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    I’m glad I stumbled across your blog. We’re going to Portland in a few weeks. It’s our first real trip there (not counting the time we were driving from Smith Rock to Vancouver and got a speeding ticket).

    Fall is not my favourite season, but I do like putting flannel sheets on the bed and changing to a down comforter.

  • Tamara
    September 24, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Love the snicker doodles recipe! Made them yesterday and will be making them again soon. My husband loves coming home after a long day at work to a GREAT smelling home. Love the fall, although we live in hot muggy Florida! I also read the book you mentioned, “Me before You” and I am still mulling it over in my head. Try “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty. Very good also.

  • Chelsea
    September 24, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    Hi Jenna! I’m a long time reader and certified Baptiste power vinyasa yoga instructor. I live in the Portland area and have to give a shout out to YoYo Yogi (www.yoyoyogi.com) and invite you to a class! I teach on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. Would love to have you in class! The Soul Shakin classes taught by Alex on the weekends are my favorite to take as a student.

    Everyone has named awesome places to eat – if you need some juice and plant based foods, I highly recommend Prasad and Harlow – I think they offer the same menu at both locations.

    Enjoy your trip!

  • Gina
    September 25, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    How has no one mentioned the street food in Portland? Get the street food!

  • Stephanie
    September 26, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Thank you for sharing a novel you love!

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
    September 28, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I LOVE fall, too!!! Pumpkins, spice and the crisp air! <3
    Thank you for sharing your coffee – I will have to find some!

  • Belinda
    September 29, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    I loved Me Before You! I enjoy all your book recommendations. I just made the snickerdoodles and they were delicious!