I have to chime in here with my girl, Caitlin, on her Operation Beautiful project. So often us women are viewed as the weaker link, but I pose to challenge that notion completely. How have YOU showed your inner strength and beauty so far this year? The year is only half over and so far I have graduated from culinary school (something that was a dream for me since I was a little girl), stood in for my mom as I held my little brother’s hand when he passed away, and have quit a “safe” job to pursue my dreams. Yes, I am much (Much) poorer than I wish I was right now, but I am much happier as well. I never in a million years could even think for a second that I would be strong enough to keep going after my brother died so suddenly but as they say, a woman is like a teabag—you don’t know her real strength until you put her in hot water. Amen? Amen.
Today was VERY productive in many, many ways that I just cannot share with you yet!!!! I promise it will be worth it and it will be soon. Is it killing you yet?! muhahahaha I snacked on a Super Charge Me cookie + another big crumble straight out of the freezer around 3:15—-
- almost half a box of whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 jar of Whole Foods organic pasta sauce
- 1 sliced summer squash
- 1/2 sliced zucchini
- 3 garlic cloves, grated on microplane
- healthy pinch hot pepper flakes
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- cheese! After I had cooked the pasta and combined it with all the above, I sprinkled mozzarella cheese over top. Cheese makes Ryan happy!
I baked my concoction for 15 minutes at 350 until the cheese was nice and bubbly.
Voila!
I hope that this special offer is enough so you, too, can experience the crazy energy that I now feel from my morning smoothies! Click on the yummy container below to order now! Remember, this offer is only good for ONE WEEK!
Time to start the movie! See you tomorrow for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
{ 117 comments… read them below or add one }
Jenna there isnt a more suitable moment for me to agree with your quote! i just recieved my grades for my honours year at university! i scored a 2.1 degree! i cannot believe it! we are definately ll stronger than we know!
Loves the site!
X
love the teabag comment Jenna..
and I love the idea of thrifty thursday..I could use that myself! Your din dins looks yummy..
I AM OFF TO ORDER ME SOME AMAZINGGRASS RIGHT NOW..AWESOME!!!
Oh my I loved the post. Love the idea of Thrifty Thursday. I will be ordering some Amazing grass.
Excited for the announcement! I love your quote/affirmation too…a great reminder!
That was an excellent post. We are all stronger than we think, for sure.
As to the thrifty dinner and suddenly thrifty Amazing Grass–double excellent!
xoxo
AK
You are such a strong woman Jenna!!
Food question: did you cook the pasta first?? I am DEFINITELY making this soon, which is why I ask!
Jess,
Yes! Sorry if that wasn’t exactly clear!
Love the teabag quote–so true! I’m ordering my Amazing Meal TONIGHT! Can’t wait for the shaker cup… AND the amazing meal of course.
Love your blog!
Thrifty Thursday sounds absolutely fabulous, Jenna! Great idea! Love that baked ziti with all that squash and beans in there. Good and good for you
.
That is so generous of Amazing Grass–I must take advantage of this offer!
Awesome recipe Jenna! and AWESOME offer for Amazing Grass – so awesome of them!!!
I’m so jealous of your movie plans – I’ve been wanting to see it forever! I also love your idea for Thrifty Thursdays – you’re so right, we all need some healthy cost saving meals!
What flavour do you all recommend starting out with? I have a GM with banana, almond milk and spinach, sometimes strawberries…
I also would like to know which Amazing Meal flavor is best. As soon as I find out, I’m off to buy some!! SOOO excited about this special!
Beth and Marnie,
I love the chocolate!
Great post! Love the Thrifty Thursday idea!!!!
You are a strong woman!
Your hair is so cute, and you are really inspiring for all that you have gone through and the positivity you maintain!
That ziti is very similar to one I make. It is SO easy and satisfying!
So, I’m just curious and not trying to sound rude…you talk all the time about being broke and yet you go out to eat, for drinks, for coffee and tea, etc more than anyone I know. What gives? I know you get some stuff free as a blogger but it doesn’t seem to be in line with someone who talks all the time about having no money.
Beth,
I’d say that is pretty personal, Beth, and yes rather rude. We are struggling, as are a lot of people right now, but however since blogging is my JOB, I do allocate what little money I have towards food/restaurants and quality food. If I just ate peanut butter sandwiches every single night would anyone look to me to come up with inspiring recipes? No. I HAVE to spend a little money at the store so I can come up with new material to write about. You have been only seeing one side of my life though—a lot of times my food/drinks/whatever is comped because I am looked at as part of the media. However, I never thought it was anyone’s business to put on the blog when my food and drinks were free. People have been helping us out a lot through this time am we are very, very appreciative of that. And also, I try to get by as much as possible on a budget, which is what I try to help others with.
I haven’t been nearly as strong as you this year, that’s for sure. Your openness and honesty while blogging about your family’s tragedy earlier this year is one of the best examples of a woman’s strength that I’ve seen so far!
I personally would LOVE if you did a Thrifty Thursday meal every Thursday for us. Your ziti looks wonderful, and I’d love to see what other economical eats you’d come up with!
Love the beans in the ziti and the idea of Thrifty Thursday! I had a cheap meal tonight, too, brown rice, cheese, veggies.
I love He’s Just Not That Into You, my bf actually took me to see it, too; hope Ryan likes it!
Jenna, you are awesome as always! I am so excited to order Amazing Meal. Thanks!!
Jenna! I am SO excited that Amazing Grass is offering 40% off. I can’t get over it. Thank you thank you thank you! And I am loving all of the positive self-talk around the blog world today.
that tea sounds amazing, and I can believe that whole big dish of pasta was only $4 to make!!! Nice!!
Very generous of the amazing grass people too.
what an awesome offer for the amazing grass!
i love baked pasta dishes like that – so good and easy to make.
I can’t WAIT for the announcement
and this operation beautiful is awesome.
HOoray for the Amazing Grass peoples!!! I wanted a shaker so bad! I almost bought a “generic” one, but I wanted the AG one. I am a silly snob.
“You’re stronger than you know” is my mantra. I love it because it is so true! My mind will be saying “okay, 3 miles, that’s far, that’s too far, that’s farther than you’ve run before, take it easy, running is bad for your joints, your knees, maybe it’s time to cool down, don’t over do it….”
But my body feels fine. Lungs? Check. Legs? Check. Feets? Check. My body is strong, my mind just doesn’t know it.
But it’s learning.
I just go that movie from Netflix – can’t wait to watch it.
And you may be poor (I can relate to that!!) but you are moving in the right direction and taking some brave steps. Kudos! Hopefully it will all end well – very well.
Very cool about the discount. YAY!!!! I love saving money!
AH!!!! I was JUST contemplating whether or not to buy it today online and then THIS comes up! (your line earlier about how investing in your health was priceless really struck me.) I knew I waited for a reason! Thanks so so much Jenna and Amazing Grass! Ordering now.
I’ll also be living on a striiict budget next year to volunteer so keep bringing on the cheap eats! I’ll try to share some of my own too.
Jenna,
what are the nutrition facts for amazing meal? i can’t find them online? thanks!
blueberry babe,
I believe 1 scoop has 110 calories and 10 grams of protein!
Wow! Amazing Grass people are AWESOME! I am going to order right now. And I can’t wait for a new shaker….Thanks!! Also, nice handling of rude comments.
Hi Jenna,
I think Thrifty Thursday is a great idea. However, I’m wondering how you came up with $4 as the cost of this recipe. In my area, a jar of spaghetti sauce alone would be over $2 then add the cost of the cheese, pasta, beans and other ingredients and you’re closer to $10. I’m just wondering if there was a specific brand you buy that’s cheaper or something. I’m poor too and am always interested in finding less expensive brands than the ones I currently use. Thanks
thanks so much jenna, this amazing meal offer is AWESOME! im ordering some right now
been reading your blog for a while now, and i think you are great… definitely a highlight of my day
thanks again
OMG, I am getting the Amazing Meal NOW. I want to try it and what better time than when its almost half off! That is awesome.
I know alllll about the cheap pasta and red sauce meals
Bought the chocolate and the sample packets!!! Thanks so much Jenna!
hi jenna,
i really do love your blog and read it everyday! however, i too have been wondering things similar to beth and i do not think that it is rude what she asked. i did not think the question was rude or offensive and i do think it is reasonable to wonder how someone who does (in fact) speak frequently about money being tight affords to live the lifestyle we see on the blog. granted, as you said we only see one side, but when you put your thoughts, ideas, and your LIFE online, you do open yourself up to questions like that. just my opinion!
Thanks for being so inspiring! I was curious to know what flavor you use in your morning GM, too! I am not a big chocolate fan, can you taste the chocolate flavor in it? Would you recommend I order the regular flavor?
Cammie,
If you aren’t a big chocolate fan, I would go with the regular since you CAN taste the chocolate and the regular you can use with anything…it is great with berries! I use both since I have samples of both but I prefer the chocolate since I am a chocolate gal at heart
Amen to quitting your safe job to pursue what you love! That always takes a lot of guts, but clearly it’s paying off for you.
I love the idea of Thrifty Thursday!
<3 jess
The baked ziti looks so good! I bet it will freeze good too if you have leftovers
I am curious as well what you put in your smoothies. I bought a single packet of AG and did not like it at all. Do you have favorite flavor?
Lexie,
I like the chocolate flavor of Amazing Meal mixed with almond milk, banana, peanut butter and spinach. The other flavors “mask” the flavor of the greens and to me at least, you can’t taste the greens at all! When in doubt, add more nut butter! It might be different than what you are used to at first but you will get used to it. Its just so dang healthy!
I don’t know what blog you all are reading, but I don’t see Jenna living this jet-set lifestyle that you’re asking her about. Is it really a big deal that the girl goes out to eat with her boyfriend on a weekend or to drinks with a friend one night out of the week? I mean, is an $8 martini or glass of wine here and there a glamorous lifestyle? How does where Jenna gets her money have anything to do with the content of this blog? Yes, she puts her life out there and says money is tight, but if this were real life and she was someone you were speaking with face to face would you ask questions about her finances? No, you wouldn’t because IT’S RUDE.
Wow Jenna, that pasta dish sounds so delicious and healthy! I’m totally amazed at the recipes you come up with. YUM!
Can’t wait to hear about the announcement!
I saw He’s Just Not That Into You on Valentine’s day with my boyfriend. It wasn’t the most romantic pick.
That ziti looks so good. I’ll have to try it!
Thanks Jenna! I think I am going to order the chocolate and give it a try. I want to like it b/c I know how good it is for you
And…your recipe sound yummy!
I just stumbled across your blog… everything you eat looks so amazing! I’m surprised by the comment about your money situation and spending. I think spending money on quality food is important and its no one’s business regarding your money and what was free (unless the FTC decides to make blogging rules). I love your blog though, definitely subscribing!
I think my family will be observing “Thrifty Thursday” from now on! Dinner looks fabulous! I love making a great meal out of ingredients I have on hand; it seems like everytime I run to the store for “just one more thing” I end up spending tons of money!!
Hey Jenna,
)
Love the articles in True/Slant. great job! thanks! and your cookie recipe is one that i will definitely try! it sure looks wonderful. thanks for sharing and all! have a great day tomorrow, (why tomorrow, coz i’m in a different time zone from you!
I always look forward to reading your blog!
Awesome post tonight! I found your blog through OSG and am loving it!!
I’m trying to order from Amazing Grass…but am not clear on something. Does the shaker come free or do you have to add it to your cart? I added it to my cart but once I enter the coupon code it doesn’t deduct the shaker cup.
Zainab,
It comes FREE when you order with the coupon code!
HOW EXCITING!! 40% off is an amazing deal. Thanks girl! And btw, you are VERY strong.
i love the thrifty thursday idea. i am right there with you, struggling to make it in this killer economy. i think it’s so important to show everyone that it is possible to eat healthy (and to eat well!) on a budget!
can’t wait for the big reveal tomorrow!
Sometimes, when I use beans as a meat substitute, I chop them and “brown them” like you would if you were using ground beef before putting them in the casserole. It allows them to absorb the flavors of whatever sauce I am using so they feel more like meat:)
Thank you thank you, Jenna for the coupon code!! I’ve been debating whether or not to splurge on the Amazing Meal, but now the shaker cup totally sold me. I can’t wait to get my new chocolate energy goodness. You’ve given me such great food/energy inspiration – I feel better than ever!
Jenna-I have been reading your blog for awhile now and have wanted to comment so many times but for whatever reason, I just haven’t..but I wanted to today to say that a) you ARE stronger than you know and b) you inspire me. It’s corny sounding, but it is true… after everything you’ve been through this year you are out there really LIVING your life. I am a 34 year old quasi vegetarian (I still eat fish) and I love reading a blog about healthy living and all the great veg recipes you post. I’m losing weight and feeling better than ever!! Keep up the great work and thanks for the inspiration!!
Oh-and I am totally PSYCHED about the 40% discount!! I have been eyeing AG at Whole Foods since it took over the blogosphere but I just couldn’t bring myself to try it out at that price point and risk hating it. I am putting my order in tomorrow. Thank you jenna and thanks to the folks at Amazing Grass!!!
Thanks for the coupon code for the Amazing Meal! That definitely knocks it down into a price range that I’m willing to try – especially since it comes with a shaker! I’ve been drinking my GMs on the way to work and could use a good container to put them in for “on-the-go.”
Jenna,
Your ziti looks amazing! I’ll have to try it!
That’s the perfect quote for you.
And wow, what a great offer! I’ll have to check it out; I’m not sure I can afford it anyway, even with the discount, but I’m totally interested. Thanks!
Sara
That ziti looks fab! Yay for being thrifty
i am so stoked about the amazing meal coupon code, i was looking it up today to decide if i should buy it or not, i am so glad that i checked your blog tonight. i just ordered it! so does the shaker cup come without adding it to the cart? i didn’t add it! i hope it comes! i love your blog, it is so inspiring
)
Wow thats so generous of them! Im definitely buying some, the free shaker made the deal for me! Ive been wanting to get one of those shakers for a while now. Thanks so much Jenna and Amazing Meal!!
well you are inspiring since you write the blog. i want to eat and live as health-i-ly as you. i am on the right track, love your recipes.
Amen!
I like the idea of thrify Thursdays as I am on a budget these days too
I can’t wait to hear the big announcement tomorrow, you girls are killing me with anticipation!! Have a great night.
40% Off!!!! i’m there right now! thank you!
ooooooooooh cheese! Your dinner looked AMAZING… just love melted gooey cheese. I’ve been meaning to try a vegetarian pasta bake or lasagna for ages and you have inspired me so thank you for that. I’m publishing my article tomorrow on Primary Foods and would love for you to read it.
p.s. it’s just on my website
p.p.s I watched that movie the other day and loved it, great chick flick and I have a secret crush on Bradley Cooper… sshh don’t tell my husband
I’m excited about so many things on this blog! That promotion, the big announcement, and that yummy looking dinner! Thrifty Thursday is a GREAT idea!
I guess I’m the only one in the blog world who thought that “He’s just not that into you” was one of the worst movies I have seen all year! It seriously made me cringe and just…bla, it was like pure torture.
Nicole,
Just finished it. NOT a fan! I thought it was sad.
That dish looks amazing. Speaking of amazing, I got my Amazing Grass. I’ll be testing it out first thing *shivers with excitement*
That dish looks amazing. Speaking of amazing, I got my Amazing Grass. I’ll be testing it out first thing *shivers with excitement*
1. You look extra pretty in that pic… love it! (and the quote!)
2. I’m really into your Thrifty Thursday idea- Lord knows we could all use a little thrift in our lives!
3. OMG on the Amazing Meal, I’m headed there now!
Great post! It has been a very successful year for me so far and I’m also quitting my ‘safe job’ to pursue my dream in New York City, moving there at the end of the summer!
That ziti looks spectacular and I am definitely going to make that soon. I am also going to take up that amazing offer for the amazing meal.
Just ordered some Amazing Meal… awesome deal!!! Thanks much! Hope the orthothics continue to do the trick and allow your training to progress w/TNT
That is amazing! Ordering my amazing meal right now!
I found my inner strength when I went through a really hard time late last year. I never knew how strong I was until I was challenged. I now know that I can pretty much deal with anything that life throws at me. I am STRONG!
That is a great idea to do a thrifty Thursday. We don’t eat a lot of meat either – too expensive!
That is an INCREDIBLE special on the Amazing Meal!! I’ve been wanting SO much to try it but without the discount could definitely not afford it on a student’s budget =] Just put my order in for the chocolate flavor! =] =]
Thank you so so SO much for the amazing deal on Amazing Grass! I’m off to buy some CHOCOLATE Amazing Meal now! Can’t wait to try it
wow thanks for the amazing meal coupon!! this stuff is really pricey at the whole foods near me and with the coupon, this makes is really affordable. going to try the pom mango flavor!
Wow, that ziti looks fantastic–I’ll add that to my computer’s recipe file, ASAP.
Great deal on Amazing Grass!
I love the idea of thrifty thursdays, great for poor college students!
Hi Jenna, I love the idea of Thrify Thursdays! Please keep it up!
However, I am BAFFLED at how you are able to make the entire meal for $4.
In the part of Chicago where I live, each part of the meal would cost $4 EACH. Seriously, $4 for a jar of pasta sauce, veggies would probably be much more than that, another $4 for cheese… the pasta may be the only thing under $4. How are you able to make this for so cheap?? I’m jealous!
Your message is beautiful!
Holy crud the people at Amazing Grass are awesome!! Thanks so much!
“..a woman is like a teabag—you don’t know her real strength until you put her in hot water. Amen? Amen.”
That’s so true, Jenna! I applaud you for all you’ve accomplished in the first half of 2009. Stay strong!
And the Thrifty Thursday idea sounds fantastic. It would be very helpful!
Hi Jenna, has anyone else mentioned anything to you about the coupon code for the amazing grass discount not working? I entered the code, but the discount isn’t applied. =/ I really want to order some!
Susie,
The code is only good if you guy a 2 lb container of Amazing Meal. Did you try something else?
a woman is like a teabag—you don’t know her real strength until you put her in hot water. Amen? Amen
AMEN.
Thank you – this was a fantastic post – you’ve been so strong.
You truly are a very strong woman Jenna, and you set a wonderful example for many!
How generous of the Amazing Grass people! That is an awesome deal!
yum this looks so good jenna!!
I absolutely love that quote–I’m writing it down to look at whenever I doubt my strength and drive!
I love the idea of having a “Thrifty Thursday” post. I have always found it very easy to make healthy, inexpensive meals, but I would love to receive new ideas. I find that my go-to healthy, inexpensive meals usually involve whole wheat pasta, eggplant, or frittatas…while I love all these foods, I would welcome new suggestions!
Happy Friday
Oooh! Yay for Thrifty Thursday! That’s the best idea ever, and I think my husband might be a little more enthused about this one than Raw Wednesdays
lol
Jenna,
Do you use the Amazing Meal or the Superfood and which is better?
Patty,
I use Amazing Meal and I like it better because it has protein in it…perfect for a smoothie add-in!
Hi Jenna,
I love reading your blog! Do you still take a multi-vitamin in addition to including Amazing Grass in your GM? Just curious. Thanks!
Kelly,
I don’t take a multi anymore….I take calcium supplements daily and I SHOULD probably be taking a multi vitamin but I’m waiting until I have a little more money because vitamins are so $$!
Your Super Charge Me Cookies always make my mouth water. They look absolutely delicious!
Baked Ziti looks awesome! flavorful, healthy AND cheap? sign me up
I LOVE the idea of Thrifty Thursdays! I’ve completely run out of creative ideas for dinner on a budget. And that ziti looks awesome, I might have to make it for my guests tonight! Thanks!
WOW!Thank you so much for the discount code! I can not wait to get my order of AMAZING MEAL:)
Love Thrifty Thursday! I am always looking for cheap, quick, healthy meals!!! I will be trying your Ziti for sure!
I love the Operation Beautiful thing that is circulating! So great!
MMMM SUper Charge Me Cookies!
I love the Operation Beautiful thing that is circulating! So great!
MMMM SUper Charge Me Cookies!
I had the same problem as Susie. It said the “coupon not applied” when I typed the code in. Any suggestions?
Katie,
The coupon ONLY works for the 2lb containers of Amazing Meal. I just checked to see if it was working and it is! They are out of the chocolate now it seems but the original is still available!
Jenna! I am a frequent reader, rare commentor
But I wanted to say that I think you are FABULOUS! And quite an inspiration for healthy living. Thank you so much for the Amazing Meal coupon code, I’ve been wanting to try but hesitant due to the price!! I couldn’t resist with the discount! Thank you so much!!!
Jenna, love your blog. I think this is my second comment? But felt compelled to thank you. I have been inspired by so many lately I may just start my own since I find yours and others like yours so inspirational, helpful, and fun!
I totally just ordered Amazing Meal and can not wait to get it!
I love the idea of Thrifty Thursday since I am struggling to eat healthy on a SUPER tight budget too. (why do all the organic produce and yummy products have to cost so much, sigh?) Thank you soooo much to AG! I am taking them up on this great offer.
I just ordered the Amazing Meal! Thank you so much! Also, that ziti looks awesome! I really want to try and make it.
Jenna,
Just wanted to say you look so pretty in that pic! Are you wearing any special makeup (bronzer, lip stuff, etc) that you don’t usually wear?
I just went to order some and it says ‘Coupon Not Applied”. Is this a US only offer?
Your casserole has so much more nutrition than plain old baked ziti, and I bet it tastes a lot better! I’m going to make mine like this for now on.
Jenna, please tell the Amazing Grass people THANK YOU SO MUCH for this amazing offer!!! And thank you for being such a wonderful blogger and all around sweetheart. You look awesome in that pic!!!! What foundation/powder do you use? I went to the derm for my acne and he says less is better…I am looking into switching to mineral makeup?? Any ideas?
Tracy,
Thank you!!! I use Bare Minerals make-up and LOVE it! It is totally awesome!
I love your Operation Beautiful message. Yours is one of my favorite blogs because of your wonderful outlook on life and how real you are.
The ziti looked terrific!
it’s not taking the code. =( not sure what i’m doing wrong and the customer service number isn’t working either. what gives?
Thanks the awesome deal at Amazing Meal. I just bought mine and can’t wait to try it!