Hello!
Today has been good. I feel a lot better (thanks, Yogi Tea!) and have managed to be somewhat productive on the ever large pile of muck sitting in my living room floor. And by muck I mean piles of random things I don’t need and that I am donating to Good Will. Moving is a hassle and at a time like this I’m glad I made like Steve Jobs and lived without furniture for the past seven months. Creative minds must think alike.
However, all that is about to come to an end because lookie what I’m getting!
I have a thing for old fashioned floral. I like to pretend I live in a different century.
The couch is from IKEA if you were wondering. I had a brief and unfortunate episode with the store a year ago but I’m trying to look past that and move forward with my life. Better yet? It’s an early birthday present from mom and dad. Thanks, guys!
I hope it arrives soon. Dexter just won’t know what to do with himself!
Lunch today was a turkey, hummus and avocado sandwich on wheat:
And then after lunch I decided I was well enough for some sunshine so I got on the bike and rode for an hour in Alexander Valley. I can’t believe the Fondo is, like, next weekend.
Pause.
Okay. The ride was hard because I still felt weak from being sick. I’m hoping to do a 50 mile ride on Thursday when I’m all back to normal.
After my ride I inhaled a very large grapefruit:
And then fell asleep! It was beautiful.
Dinner was early, quick, simple and featured more of the turkey chili we all know and love. But this time I kicked things up a notch and had it over a baked sweet potato! I love me some sweet potato skin!
I apologize for being so boring and living off chili alone. But it must be eaten and its very delicious! I still have one more tupperware full in the freezer but think I might just have to save that for a rainy day next month…..enough is enough.
And with that, I’m off. I go to a small group with some women from my church on Tuesday night and its about that time. Have a good evening!
nicole
May 11, 2010 at 5:36 pmI love the couch, I bet it will look amazing in your apartment. I have the same plates (from Pottery Barn right?) I love the white, they do with anything and make food look even better! Feel better!
nicole
May 11, 2010 at 5:36 pmI love the couch, I bet it will look amazing in your apartment. I have the same plates (from Pottery Barn right?) I love the white, they do with anything and make food look even better! Feel better!
Samantha @ Food Edu
May 11, 2010 at 5:39 pmYay for new furniture! That is super cool. I think your chili looks delicious.
Carol
May 11, 2010 at 5:43 pmThat floral couch is gorgeous ! I love it, Jenna! Great taste you have.
Unfortunate episode with the store? What happened?
Dexter will be all nice and cozy, that’s for sure!
amanda
May 11, 2010 at 5:46 pmIKEA is my savior when I move. They have some of the best cheapest stuff. Also, everyone lately is making chili and now I am craving it. LoL
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
May 11, 2010 at 5:48 pmChili over a sweet potato is definitely one of my favorite things… and not boring at all.
LOOOOVE that couch, too! And Ikea! 🙂
Sarah
May 11, 2010 at 5:54 pmoh man what I wouldn’t do for a new couch!! If I sit in mine, I don’t plan on getting up because the cushions are so worn and the springs are broken. Enjoy it!
Sarah for Real
May 11, 2010 at 6:03 pmOh pretty! I love old fashioned floral too!
Sigh… I’ll have to wait until I’m an old widow before I’m allowed to have a couch like that though… I’m pretty sure my husband wouldn’t appreciate the prettiness of it.
Krissy
May 11, 2010 at 6:10 pmI have a couch and a loveseat very similar to that! Looks so comfy!
Chili and sweet potato is my favorite combination. Tastes so much yummier than rice to me.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
May 11, 2010 at 6:11 pmYay for a couch! I love floral print too – this is a compliment, but it reminds me of my grandma. 😉
Suzette
May 11, 2010 at 6:14 pmI love your new couch, and I was just at Ikea today in Palo Alto so it’s funny you post about the store! Anyway, how are you dear? Let’s hang out now that I live in the Bay Area!
B
May 11, 2010 at 6:15 pmLurve that couch. I am an old fashioned floral girl at heart too. I’m excited to see your new place.
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
May 11, 2010 at 6:19 pmDoesn’t re-heated chili taste almost better the second time around!!!!
simpledaisy
May 11, 2010 at 6:20 pmSuper cute couch:)
Chili and a sweet potato…..sounds yummy!!!
Evan Thomas
May 11, 2010 at 6:26 pmMmmm I had a baked potato with vegan 365 organic chili for lunch and it hit that sweet spot
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
May 11, 2010 at 6:27 pmMmmm chili on a sweet potato sounds GOOD!
And I LOVE love the couch!
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
May 11, 2010 at 6:28 pmI had turkey chili tonight also. I love the idea of it over a sweet potatoes. I’m going to try that with the leftovers.
Claire
May 11, 2010 at 6:31 pmYUM, sweet potato and chili is a meal that can’t be messed with. Can’t wait to hear more about the ride coming up!
Blaine
May 11, 2010 at 6:37 pmOh, I have such a love/hate relationship with Ikea. The love conquers, though 😉 Congratulations on the couch, BIG DAY!
Terrie @ Fit4myLifetime
May 11, 2010 at 6:59 pmI have the SAME couch (no flowers, though, hubby vetoed that), but it is SOOOO comfortable. Are your covers washable, too? You’re going to love it!
Megan@maintainingthathealthybalance
May 11, 2010 at 7:02 pmI have been a daily blog reader for the last 2+years and you have all inspired me to start my own. My Story of weight loss is a little different then most. I would love for you so stop by and check it out. Keep up the great work!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
May 11, 2010 at 7:03 pmI was just searching for couches myself on Craig’s List. It’s moving season : )
How do you feel about your race being so soon? Are you feeling prepared?
Hope you have a nice night with the gals!
MMiller
May 11, 2010 at 7:05 pmLove the couch! And so glad you are feeling better! Don’t overdo it too soon!
Kati
May 11, 2010 at 7:07 pmLove the couch! So pretty and girly 🙂
Paige (Running Around Normal)
May 11, 2010 at 7:16 pmThe couch just screams your name, Jenna! Seems like it’s very fitting. Can’t believe Fondo is next weekend! You’ll do great. Glad you’re feeling better:)
Camille
May 11, 2010 at 7:23 pmI love the couch! I have such a crazy Ikea obsession 🙂
Cynthia (It All Changes)
May 11, 2010 at 7:29 pmI’ve been eating eggs every day for about a week. So I don’t shame you for your chili at all.
Enjoy your pretty new couch.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
May 11, 2010 at 7:38 pmCute couch! I’ve never been to Ikea…but I feel like I could probably do some damage there 🙂
Kait
May 11, 2010 at 7:41 pmI’ve never tried chili over a sweet potato, but it looks awesome! Glad you’re feeling better!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
May 11, 2010 at 7:42 pmLove the new couch – it looks like the perfect place to wrap up in a cosy blanket with a book and tea – awesome!
Suzanne de Cornelia
May 11, 2010 at 7:48 pmAm glad Dexter is getting a sofa out of the deal!! hehe
Jil
May 11, 2010 at 7:50 pmLove the couch! And never apologize for chili! 😛
Lisa
May 11, 2010 at 7:51 pmHope you feel better before your ride!!
M(a different M than the other M!!)
May 11, 2010 at 7:54 pmJenna is getting a SOFA!!
Woo hoo!I feel happy about this….cause I felt a little sad thinking of you eating your tasty meals whilst sitting on a cold, hard floor. That just ain’t right girl and I hope you have a “couch warming “party soon!
Such sweet parents of yours 🙂
Beware red wine on that pretty floral!!!
Sassy Molassy
May 11, 2010 at 8:53 pmYa know, sometimes life’s eats aren’t always that interesting so it’s okay that you’re showing that. I hope the move goes well and isn’t it so exciting to get your VERY FIRST ever couch?! I just got mine a few weeks ago and feel like such an adult. 😉
Christina V.
May 11, 2010 at 9:20 pmIt was rainy and SUPER cold here in N.Virginia today so I decided to make your turkey chili recipe. Let’s just say it was a HUGE hit in my very Greek family 🙂 Awesome recipe. Thank you so much for sharing, and saving the gloomy day!
Mastering Public Health
May 11, 2010 at 9:44 pmLovely couch. Wow, I’d never thought of eating a grapefruit whole like that, but it looks delicious. The organic ones have been very tasty lately.
kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com
May 11, 2010 at 10:06 pmi love vintage floral prints!!!! <3 thats gonna look SO stunning in ur new place. do take pics when it arrives and is all set up etc. xoxo
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
May 11, 2010 at 11:39 pmI am SO with you on the sweet potato skin; I swear I almost prefer it to the actual potato 😛
Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards)
May 12, 2010 at 12:57 amCute couch. And living off chili alone is awesome. So long as there´s some cupcakes thrown in once in a while. Well, into your life. Not thrown into your chili. Ew.
Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
May 12, 2010 at 3:08 amI’m moving this weekend too! TOTALLY unexpected….I’m getting a place today and found out Saturday. I can already tell that the furniture situation will be rather interesting but you make me optimistic 🙂
eatmovelove
May 12, 2010 at 4:09 amCheese on chili…drool…good luck on the bike ride…geez 50 miles sounds incredible – can’t even imagine…what does that “relate” to in terms of running or walking?!!
I only wish I could do 5 ….mins…
Christie {Honoring Health}
May 12, 2010 at 4:32 amThe couch is so pretty, Dexter is going to love it!
diana@mymarblerye
May 12, 2010 at 4:50 amthe couch screams “jenna”…in a good way. 🙂 Can’t wait to see your new place.
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
May 12, 2010 at 5:10 amAdorable couch! Love the floral pattern. 😀
Your chili over sweet potato looks divine. What is sweet potato *not* delicious with?? 😀
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
May 12, 2010 at 5:16 amI totally agree about sweet potato skin. Honestly, sometimes I will make the potato only for the skin and I will save the meat for later! haha!
Helen
May 12, 2010 at 5:30 amYour new sofa is gorgeous. I love Ikea furniture, our whole flat is decked out with it! I hope no disasters happen this time.
Ingrid
May 12, 2010 at 5:48 ami love that couch! my husband sadly did not like the print *sigh* we have a ton of furniture from ikea, it’s like my favorite store, you can make a day out of it. my favorite part is the restaurant, start there, grab lunch and then wander around the upstairs for an hour or two imagining each room in your house :o) what was your “episode” with ikea last year?
Daisy
May 12, 2010 at 6:01 amI would NEVER ever think to purchase a floral couch. You have such cute taste, i think it is perfect for you! But I’m no slacker in the couch dept. I inherited dark teal leather couches. I know right?I love them though!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
May 12, 2010 at 6:04 amI just saw the title and I thought, “She’s not sick of chili yet?” At least you know what you like! Love the couch, by the way. I have a love-hate relationship with Ikea, but my couch lasted a good while.
kalli@fitandfortysomething
May 12, 2010 at 6:05 amlove the couch! how fun and thanks to your mom and dad 🙂
Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries
May 12, 2010 at 6:22 amSo glad you are feeling better! When did we get to an age when getting a couch for a present was amazing?!? But, I get so excited over that stuff too!
kirsten
May 12, 2010 at 6:46 amI love the couch!! So cute! 🙂
Jo
May 12, 2010 at 6:47 amLove the couch. It is very shabby chic/anthropoligiestque.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
May 12, 2010 at 7:21 amthat couch is awesome…and i really can’t imagine you with any other kind of couch either 🙂
colleen
May 12, 2010 at 7:23 amlooks like the perfect place to curl up with your cat and reread Farmer Boy. fried apples and onions, mmmm.
good luck with your move.
Kristen
May 12, 2010 at 7:36 amI grew up with old southern/victorian style, and I always thought I would never put that type of style in my home. However to my amazement I always go back to my roots. I really love the couch. I know that you will spend many a book snuggled up on it!
Lauren @ louisianagrown
May 12, 2010 at 8:01 amLove love love the couch! It’s exactly the type of thing that I would buy for my home.
Mindy
May 12, 2010 at 8:49 amWhen I was in training for a half marathon, I’d always fall asleep after my long runs. LOL sometimes it’s necessary. And I’m so excited for you to have some furniture in your place!! 🙂
L
May 12, 2010 at 11:33 amI have that same sofa! Well, the two-seater. Same fabric. I spotted it in the as-is department and scored it for 50% off! My very first couch, purchased about 4 years ago, as well as a rare IKEA sale item.
I turned my tiny dining room into a living room in my (very first!)studio apartment and its the perfect fit. I’ve had guests spill on it but its easily hidden, so there’s no need to flip out when accidents occur. I washed the cover for the first time about 2 months ago. It actually went well and I experienced few issues getting them back on the cushions.
Other fun uses for this couch:
Standing on to hammer up picture frames
Sleeping two overnight guests, one on the couch, the other on a nest of the back cushions
Taking a nap during a hot summer day, pretending you’re Dorothy in a bed of flowers, a la Wizard of Oz!
Enjoy your new couch, I’ve had some amazing memories with mine and I know you will have plenty with yours 🙂