Can you even believe that we are approaching Labor Day weekend?!?!
Like, where did summer go? Where did 2010 go? Where did my youth go? I’m almost twenty five and a half for crying out loud.
It’s a good thing I’m so mature and all.
Anyways, I wanted to sort of “recap the summer” in this post while I work on stuffing forty take-out boxes for my event in Austin on Wednesday. You see, I’ve never had an event before and I’m a little on the nervous side. In my mind, I figure there are three possible ways this could go. The first is that everything goes wonderfully. I get into Austin on time, we drink cocktails, we bond, everyone is happy. I heart Texas.
That would be ideal.
The second way it could go is that my flight is delayed out of Vegas and by the time I actually arrive, my own party will be over and I’m left with a hundred cookies and flat hair. That could happen, too.
The third and final possibility is that I’m socially awkward and just hide in the corner of the bar all night, sweating through my new dress and gulping down sweet tea vodka on the rocks.
Moving on.
Here are some of my favorite posts from this summer. Gosh, it was a fun one. So many great people, places, adventures and food. Oh, there was great food!
- I flew to Philly and played with Tina, Anne and Sabrina. I love those girls and I love the city of Philly. While in Philly, we jumped off park benches, met some fabulous readers and made homemade pasta. It was a blast.
- My mom flew in town from Georgia and we celebrated my twenty fifth year by having an IKEA shopping spree. I have a couch now and love it!
- I ate delicious vegan food with VeggieGirl in San Francisco! VeggieGirl, you are one of the sweetest girls I know!
- There many, many dance parties. Obviously. Don’t worry about my scary-I-just-had-plastic-surgery-face below.
- We went to Yosemite for the Fourth of July and I did my very first hike….and caught the hiking bug. Since then, I’ve gone on many, many more hikes and it’s quickly become my new favorite form of exercise (I just did six miles in the Redwoods yesterday afternoon—booyah!). Read Part I, II and III of our hiking/near death adventures.
- I flew to Tuscon, Arizona and stayed at the most amazing resort spa ever. I learned how make delicious healthy food, got massages and zip-lined through the desert. It was amazing.
- I also flew to Phoenix, Arizona and hung out with more lovely bloggers while learning how to cook with steam at the Thermador conference.
- I ate oysters on the bay and rekindled my love for both buttermilk biscuits and butter. Yep, I brought butter back to the party and we’ve stuck together ever since.
- I also started to work on ELR 2.0 in preparation for launching a whole new fun redesign in the upcoming months. I followed my heart and stopped food journaling, which I had been doing for three years. Instead, I made a big switch and re-focused the blog on food. More recipes, more musings, more adventures and explorations.
- I stood amongst hippies and faced sex, drugs and rock n roll head on at Outside Lands 2010.
- I also fell in love with Sausalito and want to move there. But that’s off the record. Also in the bay area, I ate my weight in tacos at the SF Street Food Festival. That was a fun day! I love tacos.
Yep, it’s been a fun summer but I’m all ready to welcome fall with open arms. Fall has always been my favorite season and I can’t wait for college football, pumpkin spice lattes, Thanksgiving, pumpkin beer, more hiking, more yoga-ing, fun trips and lots of wine (duh).
Stay tuned—the best is yet to come!
Lizzie
August 30, 2010 at 9:25 amYou and my husband should just get married 🙂 He loves the Fall too. I don’t dislike it, but it signals winter and that means . . bleugh! Love your summer fun pics! It also means the end of farmers’ markets 🙁
Janna
August 30, 2010 at 9:28 amWow, this was an amazing recap. You have an awesome life! And I am so wanting to go hiking ..and to Arizona! Which resort spa did you stay at??
Also, I’ve been seriously lamenting the end of summer, but now you’ve got me all excited for fall – pumpkin!!!
Jackie
August 30, 2010 at 9:30 amPumpkin spice lattes! Yay! I’ve also been waiting for the cooler days to get here to break out a can of pumpkin that’s been sitting in my pantry for over a year. Can you say, pumpkin oats? I can. And I just did.
Laine
August 30, 2010 at 9:32 amI love fall, too. And I feel like I wrung the marrow out of summer so I have nothing to regret with it’s passing. And hiking rocks.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
August 30, 2010 at 9:32 amOR you could get in on time, have fun with everyone, and still gulp down sweet tea vodka on the rocks…just sayin’ is all 🙂 i so wish i was going to be in Texas to meet you! you’re going to have so much fun there…Austin is a blast!
eatmovelove
August 30, 2010 at 9:33 amAre you doing much yoga now?
I like how you said you re-focused your blog on Food. Even though Food Journaling (which you said you id for 3 years) seems like it’s obviously about that – it’s really not. Documenting what you eat all day elicits obsession, comparison…and alot of time. It’s also NOT living in the moment. But writing about recipes, experiences, social activities, books, etc. that’s the real experience you are talking about.
It’s like a Runner (and I ain’t) writing only their workouts everyday moment by moment. Everyone’s different, so who cares exactly what you did or ate? What about the experiences, the lessons learned, the rationale behind it, how it made you feel, etc…
I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll get kicked for saying that no doubt. :(. Can’t please everyone, no.
Jessica @ How Sweet
August 30, 2010 at 9:35 amFall is also my favorite season and I can’t wait for summer to be over!
Christina
August 30, 2010 at 9:39 amI love, love, LOVE the re-focus of your blog. Did I mention I love it? 😉
Fall is also my favorite season! I love the crisp, cool air, the smell of leaves, sweaters, hot tea, football, chili, stews, roasted root vegetables, and baking more often because I’m not sweating just sitting on the couch 🙂
monicanelsonfitness
August 30, 2010 at 9:43 amI agree! Where the heck did this summer go? Seriously! I think you had a killer summer based on your post though, lucky duck.:) I do have to say too, Fall is my fav and there is something magical about it-we all can shed a layer and refresh with something new. Just not hair color, tried that, not a good idea, lol! Have fun in Texas.
leslie
August 30, 2010 at 9:48 ami don’t know what was in the air this summer, but it has been one of the best (if not the best?) of my life too. i was just talking to a friend yesterday about making sure it continues into the fall. sure, there might be less outdoor festivals and opportunities to drink wine under the stars, but there will also be pumpkins to carve, halloween costumes to wear, butternut squash to roast, and well, wine to drink indoors instead of out.
Kelly
August 30, 2010 at 9:48 amFall is my favorite time of year also, I just hate that winter has to come after it.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
August 30, 2010 at 9:48 amI’m with you: Summer is nice and all, but nothing beats fall. I love the crisp air that still doesn’t force a jacket and real apples and pumpkins and spiced cider. And the leaves changing. That’s got to be the best.
Estela @ Weekly Bite
August 30, 2010 at 9:52 amWhat a fantastic recap! I love that you’re following your heart 🙂
Maura
August 30, 2010 at 9:54 amSuper cute post Jenna! I had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season this morning!!!! It felt like meeting an old friend again…I think I’ll do it again tomorrow 😉
Tina
August 30, 2010 at 9:55 amYou sure did have one heck of a good summer! I loved reading back through it. 🙂
Here’s to finishing out 2010 just as awesome as it began. And pumpkin beer. I’m going to miss out on that one one.
Elizabeth
August 30, 2010 at 9:56 amLove this post!
I was reading over some of your past posts and was wondering, if I were to order some Blue Bottle coffee, which blend would you recommend?!
Thanks so much!
jenna
August 30, 2010 at 10:02 amhmmm I honestly don’t know because I don’t drink it enough. I don’t know what the different kinds are–sorry!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
August 30, 2010 at 9:57 amI can’t believe its the end of summer too! I graduated in May from college and today would have been the first day of classes, so it feels pretty weird not to be heading back.
I’m not sure if you mentioned this in an earlier post, but what event are you going to and what are the take-out boxes for?
jenna
August 30, 2010 at 10:02 amI’m hosting a blog event in Austin the day after tomorrow for about 40 local readers! eeeeekkk!
Jessica
August 30, 2010 at 10:00 amJenna,
I love the new direction your blog has taken. Its a breath of fresh air. Life is about livin’ afterall 🙂 Thanks for reminding us.
theemptynutjar
August 30, 2010 at 10:02 amOkay, you’re a baby 🙂 You are only 25 years old. You have done MORE in this summer….than I have my entire life..
no joke 🙂
I like the recipes and musings. I kind of find it hard to visit a lot of the exercising-blogs because I’m just a walker now (physical reasons), so I like the variety that I am seeing more and more of on blogs.
That said, have you ever taken a big-blogging break? Like leave it altogether for a bit (no reading or writing)? I’m caught of blah about blogging now and not even sure its “my ” thing anymore. Maybe just not for me. Wondering if you ever felt that way before….or maybe not, because maybe it is “your ” kind of thing and I don’t relate to it cause I don’t have it (?).
Megan (Braise The Roof)
August 30, 2010 at 10:03 amYou have had a full summer! I’m with you on football and pumpkin but I’ll still be sad to see summer go. At least there’s apple picking in my future!
Lizzy @ LBBakes
August 30, 2010 at 10:04 amI just found your blog recently, so I really appreciate this summer recap! 😉 Sounds like you had an amazing summer – good for you! Even though fall is my favorite season also, I really enjoy the change of seasons, as each new season seems to bring new hope. 🙂
lindsay
August 30, 2010 at 10:05 amlove your recap and love love your blog! i have been following for awhile now and just love it! i just moved to charleston, so i love reading all of your posts about charleston! and i just had basil’s for lunch…sorry! 🙂
michaela
August 30, 2010 at 10:06 amYou seem happier then ever girl. Cheers to you!
LB
August 30, 2010 at 10:07 amHi Jenna. Can I just tell you how inspirational your blog is? You are like a modern, relevant Liz Gilbert, minus the whole Buddha thing 🙂 And I’m actually glad you stopped food journaling because it’s inspiring how much more reverence that gives food when you appreciate the good stuff in moderation. I am learning to savor life and never let there be a moment where I’m just existing. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to venture out on my own and make a living doing what I love, too. (When I can narrow what that is, exactly.)
I turn 25 tomorrow and am inspired to ditch my crisis for a “Quarter Life Awakening.” Just wanted to give thanks where it’s due! <3
Shannon
August 30, 2010 at 10:13 amJenna, where did you get your skirt in the picture with VeggieGirl in SF? What a cute outfit! I want to wear that to work! 😉
jenna
August 30, 2010 at 10:15 amthanks! I got that top from Anne Taylor about a year ago!
Nicole - yuppie yogini
August 30, 2010 at 10:13 amPlastic surgery face…lol!
Heather I.
August 30, 2010 at 10:15 amBut is the Bay Area, our “summer” is just beginning! I always get told the warmest months are Sept and Oct 🙂 As far as food goes, bring on the pumpkin and apple treats!!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
August 30, 2010 at 10:18 amIt’s definitely been a fun summer. Have you been in Cali a year yet? That’s when people start to decide they’ll never leave.
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
August 30, 2010 at 10:20 amMmmm…I love summer too, but bring on the fall! And a big *hurrah* for pumpkin spiced lattes. 😀
Suzanne de Cornelia
August 30, 2010 at 10:20 amThat was fun! Beautiful last pix at Chrissy Field. When I was 25 1/2 had an 8 1/2 yr old. There’s nothing like the aroma of a motorhome stuffed full of 8 year olds, dogs, and burnt leftover s’mores twisting down hairpin turns after a weekend of mountain camping. Oh no there isn’t! And Willie Nelson’s ‘On The Road Again’ blasting in the background with 8-year olds chorusing for fast food and to go to the beach. ‘Cept the one exclaiming ‘Mom, Ladd just threw-up all over the seat!’ Good times.
I love Fall. Enjoy Austin! 😉
VeggieGirl
August 30, 2010 at 10:29 amJenna, this post is so beautiful, and I’m touched to be a part of it! Can’t wait to hang out with you again SOON!! Yes, it will be soon 🙂
Rebeca
August 30, 2010 at 10:30 amI love the refocus of your blog! I’m sure you’re trip to Austin is going to be great, it is one of my favorite places in Texas and I am look forward to your event. I’m sure it is going to go smoothly!
Beth
August 30, 2010 at 10:35 amWow, its amazing how much you were able to do this summer! For me, time just seems to fly by while doing the same routine every day. Good for you!!
sp
August 30, 2010 at 10:40 amYou will move to austin. Its awesome. Plus, its in the middle (texas) easier for travel.
Becky
August 30, 2010 at 10:50 amWhat’s the “event” in Austin? Did I miss a post?
jenna
August 30, 2010 at 10:57 amI’m throwing an event for all my Austin readers on Wednesday night (gulp!)
Jill
August 30, 2010 at 10:52 amDon’t kiss summer good-bye yet! Remember we are now coming up on the Bay Area’s Indian Summer, where it starts to actually feel like… well, summer! Woo-hoo!
Lauren @ 40Apples
August 30, 2010 at 10:56 amWow, you have had one seriously epic summer!! So glad you’ve shared the adventures (and fantastic pictures!) with us. I’m getting excited to see the ELR redesign… 🙂
Leah @ Why Deprive?
August 30, 2010 at 10:56 amThis summer FLEW by!! Maybe Im getting old, but time is going by way too fast for my liking!
I love fall too. Its so pretty when all the leaves turn color, and I love trying to crunch the fallen leaves when I run. 🙂
Katherine
August 30, 2010 at 11:00 amGreat recap! My favorite part was when you brought butter back. Don’t stress about Austin. I bet it will go well!
Elli @ 16 and Losing It
August 30, 2010 at 11:07 amIts too bad that school starts on fall… otherwise I would love it too! I love the leaves changing color, the cool days, getting ready for the holidays, I just HATE school! 🙁 this summer went by far to fast, I keep thinking “where did summer go?”
Corinne
August 30, 2010 at 11:07 ami hope option one happens!!! altho sweet tea vodka IS delicious, you are better off drinking it with ppl than in the corner 🙂 hehe. love the summer recap!
Andrea
August 30, 2010 at 11:09 amI am looking forward to Fall as well for all the same reasons as you. I would like to add that I am looking forward to running outdoors again and starting a garden in our new home!
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman
August 30, 2010 at 11:11 amI’m sure your event will go absolutely great, everyone will love you and you’ll have a good time:) Sit back and enjoy!
Kara
August 30, 2010 at 11:14 amDon’t worry about the event in Austin! We’re pretty laid back folks and won’t be expected much (although now you have me very excited for cookies). I can’t wait to meet you!
Therese
August 30, 2010 at 11:16 amI can’t wait for fall!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I can’t wait to see what you have in store for fall too!
Christin
August 30, 2010 at 11:16 amlove this post… i love newsy updates about what all people are doing. just found your blog a month or so ago and love reading it whenever i get the chance. hope the end of summer finds you well. your travels looked amazing!
Coley
August 30, 2010 at 11:23 amYou made me so excited for fall! This was a great summer, and thank you for always being a constant reminder to live in the moment and follow our hearts!!!
Amy
August 30, 2010 at 11:41 amJenna – what is your event in Austin? I live here and would be happy to give you some restaurant and drinking recs. Swim at Barton Springs for sure.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
August 30, 2010 at 11:50 amYou’ve had such a busy summer! I’m jealous of all your fun adventures.
I hope your event goes well! 🙂
Ashley
August 30, 2010 at 12:02 pmPumpkin spice lattes are already available!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cara
August 30, 2010 at 12:09 pmI guarantee I will be more awkward than you. Does that help? haha. 😉 Looking forward to Wednesday!
Sarah
August 30, 2010 at 12:11 pmMmmm. College football and pumpkin spice lattes are two of the best things in life!
Jaqui
August 30, 2010 at 12:18 pmSo happy to hear you had a wonderful summer. It’s the little things in life that make us happy right?
One of my summer highlights was being introduced to your blog by my friend Laura!
Veronica
August 30, 2010 at 12:40 pmJenna – I just wanted to say that I love the new direction of your blog. I find it to be a breathe of fresh air – so cliche, sorry about that. I am glad to see that you are enjoying life!
Veronica
Hilary@coffeeismycarrot
August 30, 2010 at 12:41 pmWhat is the event in austin? I must’ve missed something. I live in Austin and you will love it here!
Pumpkin anything is a winner in my book and fall is by far my favorite season. Too bad here in Texas it doesn’t reall feel fall like until well into October 🙂
Amber K
August 30, 2010 at 12:41 pmI love this post. It’s great to look back and truly appreciate all of the good times. I love your blog and your outlook! It really brightens my day. 🙂
Michelle (The Runner's Plate)
August 30, 2010 at 12:49 pmThanks for the recap–that was fun to read!
kate
August 30, 2010 at 12:57 pmI love the direction your blog has taken! Its refreshing and inspiring 🙂
Lauren at KeepItSweet
August 30, 2010 at 1:03 pmi’m also so excited for fall… best time of year in NY
Katie
August 30, 2010 at 1:03 pmI had my FIRST pumpkin spice latte of the season from Starbucks on Saturday! So good!
Go Bucks! 🙂
Kim@BudgetOrganicLiving
August 30, 2010 at 1:06 pmI have fallen in love with the new direction your blog has taken. I enjoyed reading your blog before, but now I love reading your blog! Your content is delicious and you are following your own path in life.
Have a wonderful time in Austin, I wish I could be there. Hopefully one day you will travel to Colorado. I think you would like it here. 🙂
Katelynn
August 30, 2010 at 1:15 pmHi Jenna. I share your love for Sausalito. This weekend I met Sausalito for the first time, and I instantly fell in love. So quaint, and beautiful….with of course, delicious food. I took your suggestion for Poggio. It was so so so tasty! Thanks 🙂
Marie
August 30, 2010 at 1:18 pmJenna,
I want to echo the sentiments of so many commenters on here and tell you how much I love the new direction you are taking your blog. I would much rather read about amazing yummy buttermilk frosting and see you exploring new places than another bowl of oatmeal for breakfast followed by a salad for lunch. Your new format lets your personality shine through so much more and it makes it more enjoyable to read! Keep it up and please keep sharing the recipes! They are all so fantastic! 🙂
Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl
August 30, 2010 at 1:19 pmIt’s so hard to believe summer is drawing to a close! I love taking a chance to look back – and it’s so fun that you have this blog to document all of your adventures 🙂
Renee
August 30, 2010 at 1:38 pmJenna-
have to ask! where did you find the adorable cupcake ribbon and box that you took over to the going away party this past weekend?? loooove it!
Hillary
August 30, 2010 at 1:45 pmWhat a fabulous recap. Your summer sort of puts my summer to shame, so I’ll just live vicariously through you. I don’t remember reading about Outside Lands…
Here’s to a wonderful fall :o)
gretchen
August 30, 2010 at 1:48 pmHey! I’ve been a long time reader of yours, not commenter..oops, but just had to let you know that I tried your homemade pesto sauce, and it is absolutely amazing! And very easy too! Thanks again for posting it….love your blog!
Kayla
August 30, 2010 at 1:49 pmWow… this post was a favorite! It is so hard to believe the summer is almost gone. It’s even crazier to look back at the posts all summer and realize I’ve been following along for three years!! Austin is such an amazing city…(I live in Houston) I hope you have a wonderful experience!
Stacey
August 30, 2010 at 2:14 pmI heart this post 😀 Beautiful pics, and I too, have caught the hiking bug!! It’s almost addicting to be out there in nature and not focus on anything else going on in life. Jason and I did a 6 mile hike this weekend too, and it felt A-MAZING. Especially if you are climbing up, the views are so worth it 😉
Bring on the fall!
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
August 30, 2010 at 2:51 pmSummer just zipped right by us. I too am happily welcoming fall and all of it’s glory.
Heather R.
August 30, 2010 at 3:25 pmI adore the way you’ve re-focused your blog on food & no longer food journaling. You keep things real! Fall is my fav season as well, I’m so eager for the cool, crisp weather, apple, pumpkins, and cider! Oh BTW, Pumpkin Spice lattes make their official return on September 1st 🙂
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com
August 30, 2010 at 3:52 pmI love your new blog focus! I think it lets your personality shine through more. I can’t wait for fall either, but in GA (as you know) it won’t come for another couple of months. Bleh.
That’s so cool that you go hiking so much – do you hike alone, or do you always go with someone? My mom is weird about me doing stuff like that by myself – she says there are too many “crazies” out there. Boo.
Jo
August 30, 2010 at 4:06 pmJenna,
I have been reading your blog for awhile now, but rarely leave a comment; however, I have to pop in and say that the new direction you are taking with your blog has me hooked. In fact, I stopped reading many of the other “healthy living” blogs because, frankly, they are boring and reading yours made me realize just how monotonous they are.
Tara @ FoodforFuel
August 30, 2010 at 4:15 pmSo disappointed I’m going to miss out on the meet up on Wednesday! But I hope you have an awesome time in Austin and I can’t wait to see what you do while you’re here!
diana@mymarblerye
August 30, 2010 at 4:33 pmi’m so sad. i will be working that night when you are in austin. please mail me a box of cookies? I promise I’ll eat them all.
Red
August 30, 2010 at 5:12 pmHahaha, wait ’til thirty comes…it’s not that far away! I kinda like it personally. Definitely not a kid anymore and I still get carded for beer so I don’t look too old yet! 🙂
Ingunn
August 30, 2010 at 5:31 pmI feel like summer didn’t really happen this year! I guess you never have that problem in California though..
I must admit that I am looking forward to my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. And baking pumpkin spice bread. Mmm.
Mastering Public Health (@MasPublicHealth)
August 30, 2010 at 5:33 pmSincerely enjoying the new blog tone and always looking forward to more (no pressure). Your photography is also fantastic and is one of the reasons I enjoy your blog so much. Please keep up the recipes, how-tos, life documentation, and general awesomeness. Thank you for all your dedication.
Anne P
August 30, 2010 at 6:28 pmWe are epic. Can’t wait to snuggle in November!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristen
August 30, 2010 at 7:06 pmHello! I really like that first picture. I also really really like your blog.
Janna
August 30, 2010 at 7:54 pmI am REALLY looking forward to Wednesday! SAFE TRAVELS!
Cammy
August 30, 2010 at 8:42 pmI just wanted to say that I really, REALLY love the new blog. I used to find myself skimming sometimes and lately, I have been ready EVERY word! Congrats on staying fresh and true to yourself. I am crazy jealous of your summer!
marie
August 31, 2010 at 5:43 amIs that a Members Only jacket in the last photo? If it is I love you.
Erin
August 31, 2010 at 6:17 amAlthough I’m five years older than you, I still can’t help but feel like I want to be you when I grow up! It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to go to culinary school…also to work at a vineyard…also to take a leap and follow my dreams in the same way you’ve followed yours. I love your blog and am fully in support of the new direction! Moderation is indeed the key to health and happiness. Cheers!
Andrea
August 31, 2010 at 6:43 amHey girl….Pumpkin spice lattes have been spotted at a starbuck here in MD just today….i’m not gonna say who spotted it….but it was definitely spotted! 😉
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
September 1, 2010 at 10:18 amI hate that summer has to end! Fall is a fun season too though so I try not to mourn too hard.