Hey friends!
I found this cute mug of mine in a box to be sold at my parent’s garage sale on Saturday! I forgot I even had it….I think I bought it at a thrift shop in college or something. Isn’t it darling though?! (I love finding things you forgot you had)
I feel like I’ve had a pretty productive day today and I even remembered my “me-time” and took a break mid-way through to make another delicious batch of Angela’s Granola Bars! I didn’t have some of the ingredients on hand though so I sort of winged it and made chocolate peanut butter bars by adding 1/2 cup honey instead of the brown rice syrup, no sesame seeds, no cane sugar and added dark chocolate chips (duh), which melted beautifully into the hot honey peanut butter mix. They came out lovely of course and let me tell you, licking the honey peanut butter spoon was seriously the highlight of my entire day. I almost died from bliss.
Of course I nibbled the entire time I was making these and then when they were done I immediately cut one to sample. I have no self control though and since I didn’t wait for them to cool it sort of fell apart on me. Still very, very very tasty though!
Gotta love those hemp seeds in there!! Because of that addition these bars pack in 6 grams of high quality protein each.
Looking for something else delicious to bake? Try Zesty’s buttermilk biscuits and cinnamon rolls—they look so yummy to me! 🙂
I also gave myself a pedicure 🙂
(french pedicures actually take a ridiculous amount of time to do, especially when you are a perfectionist!!!)
Dinner was done by mom and it was a delicious whole wheat angel hair pasta dish with kalamata olives, chicken, tomatoes and red onion with a splash of cream thrown in at the end for silky smoothness.
On the side, we had slices of the oatmeal bread I (used to) bake at Greenwise. Someone actually brought us this loaf right after the accident and I threw it immediately in the freezer. If you freeze freshly baked bread it stays like new for months and months and is very quick to defrost!
And my daddy and I went for a father daughter frozen yogurt date after dinner. 🙂 We went to Berryism, which I love, because they offer all natural frozen yogurt sweetened with fructose, not table sugar. They also offer about a million toppings like fresh fruit, berries and chocolate. I got a small original (the tart kind) yogurt with chocolate chips and coconut!
The perfect cool treat for a hot and muggy Florida evening.
I’m off to send out MORE e-cookbooks and then hit this:
I read this book years ago but am re-reading it now because THE MOVIE COMES OUT FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have I mentioned how freakin’ excited I am??!! I love, love, love Jodi Picoult and even though I’ve already read this book before, I still cannot put it down. Jodi, I love you!
Amazing Grass just informed me that sadly, they are OUT of the chocolate Amazing Meal (GASP!). They still have the 2lb bulk containers of both original and pom mango but no more chocolate. The original is still very good though, especially when made in a smoothie with frozen berries!
Meghan@traveleatlove
June 23, 2009 at 8:54 pmI love Jodi Picoult too but haven’t read that one yet. I am sure it would make me cry!
Oh She Glows
June 23, 2009 at 8:55 pmOhhh great modifications to the bars! The possibilities are endless!
Love the pedicure…you have a steady had and lots of patience!
Lauren (Runandrejoice)
June 23, 2009 at 9:03 pmI just ordered my Chocolate Amazing Meal this morning! YESSSSS! Maybe I shouldn’t publicly post that, I may get hunted down! Thank you so much (and Amazing Grass) for this discount, I seriously would have NEVER bought it without the 40% off.
runjen
June 23, 2009 at 9:04 pmI am reading that book right now too and can NOT put it down!!!
april
June 23, 2009 at 9:10 pmThose bars look so yummy! And your pedicure looks so cute!
Brynn
June 23, 2009 at 9:12 pmI’ve read most of her books and she’s hit or miss for me. There are a couple I couldn’t finish but I just read Plain Truth and LOVED it!
Kayona
June 23, 2009 at 9:24 pmI love her books so much. She just writes amazing books. I can not wait to see the movie. I am curious to see if they change anything.
Still Life in South America
June 23, 2009 at 9:27 pmI haven’t read Picoult. In which genre does she write?
Love, love, love the photo of Dexter looking over your tea. I could just pick him up and cuddle him.
Sounds like a lovely day. You got a lot done. Good for you!
Rosalie
June 23, 2009 at 9:40 pmTart frozen yogurt is my FAVORITE. I grew up eating tart yogurt in China, and so far the closest thing I’ve found is the trader joe’s european yogurt.
Your photos of those bars are really, really beautiful!
Emily L.
June 23, 2009 at 9:42 pmThat movie looks like it will be 2 hours of constant tears. Is the story worth it?
jenna
June 23, 2009 at 9:55 pmEmily L,
I think so! But then again….I’ve been stuck in a depressing movie rut since…birth? I’ve always really liked long, sad movies for some reason. I’m trying to get into comedies more and more though–especially now.
Matt
June 23, 2009 at 9:42 pmMmm those granola bars look excellent!
leslie
June 23, 2009 at 9:43 pmi wish i could clone you and angela and have you bake for me lol. those bars looks too good!
Adi (oatonomy.com)
June 23, 2009 at 9:44 pmWhat a great Tuesday! I’m not a huge Jodi Picoult fan, but I really did like My Sister’s Keeper.
Nice job on the toes — that definitely shows a girl’s patience! 🙂
Hope your Wednesday is just as great as today.
Meg
June 23, 2009 at 9:45 pmThe granola bars look delicious!
Cute mug! I love finding old favorite things!
Jess
June 23, 2009 at 9:49 pmThat movie looks fantastic, but also very sad!
I wish I had a frozen yogurt place where I live.
<3 jess
Katherine
June 23, 2009 at 9:49 pmThe granola bars looks awesome, and who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter?! Even better when it’s in something healthy like a granola bar!
I’m having a tough time comparing the Amazing Meal and SuperFoods products. Are they basically the same, but the Meal has protein in it? I’d like to max out the nutrients I’m getting and I’m happy to add protein in other ways, but the 40% discount and convenience of having everything in a smoothie is so appealing!
Thanks 🙂
jenna
June 23, 2009 at 9:54 pmKatherine,
You got it. The only real difference is that the Amazing meal has protein in it whereas the SuperFood does not!
Melissa @ For the Love of Health
June 23, 2009 at 9:51 pmI can’t believe the amazing job you did on your own toenails! I can’t even paint one single color well, nevermind a French manicure!! Talented!!
Your granola bars look and sound fantastic!! I love all the improvising!
ashley
June 23, 2009 at 9:53 pmHomemade granola, spagetti and ice cream? ok, I am officially jealous. =) I have also done the at home pedi french style. did you use the little stickers? I can’t do it without them. haha.
Recipes for Creativity
June 23, 2009 at 9:55 pmThose granola bars look great – did they harden at room temperature since you used honey instead of brown rice syrup?
All my friend love Jodi Picoult but I hate it when books make me cry, so I’m afraid to read her!
jenna
June 23, 2009 at 9:57 pmRecipes for Creativity,
No–they didn’t harden at room temperature but now they are frozen and they are hard yet still chewy at the same time. I’ve never baked before with brown rice syrup so I’m not sure what the differences are between the two but I had orange blossom honey on hand and it worked very nicely!
Joelle (Chasing Pavements)
June 23, 2009 at 9:55 pmAll of your eats today look great- esp those granola bars! I’m getting hungry!
Brie
June 23, 2009 at 9:57 pmSince I’m now hooked on Green Monsters, what else can you add to them that isn’t quite as pricey as the Amazing Meal? It’s not quite in my budget right now but I’d like it to pack as much of a healthy punch as it can. I’m using spinach, banana, peanut/almond butter, protein powder and soy milk right now.
BTW: my first green monster kept me going for four hours, through a half hour Pilates class AND an hour kickboxing class! I wasn’t even hungry afterwards!
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness)
June 23, 2009 at 10:02 pmI can’t wait for the movie! 😀 That was the first Jodi Picoult book I ever read. I randomly picked it up for my trip to Aruba last summer and got so wrapped up in it! My friends were all like, “what are you reading?” because I could not put it down!
polly
June 23, 2009 at 10:06 pmhi pumpkin!!!!!
my friend Jenn and i are going to the movie on sunday!! LOVED that book!
So fun to hear about your dad and daughter dates. So sweet and yummy looking, too!
I now have become a beach girl, Jenna. 😀
just stopping by to say hi, big hugs!!!!!!!!!! XOXO p
Kim
June 23, 2009 at 10:12 pmYou know, I’ve always written Jodi Picault off as Danielle Steel-ish, but you speak of her so highly I feel like I should give her a chance! I have an 8-hour flight next week; any recommendations?
Maria
June 23, 2009 at 10:13 pmYou’ve convinced me to try out that granola bar recipe—looks and sounds absolutely delish! I know, don’t French manicures take forever? I usually have an ok time with my left hand, but when I try to do my right hand, the perfectionist in me is never satisfied.
That dinner sounds so perfect with yummy bread and creamy olive pasta sauce. Mmmm. And, you can’t go wrong with froyo, especially the all natural kind with chocolate and coconut :D.
Raya @ Confessions Of A Black Belt
June 23, 2009 at 10:19 pmHey! I LOOOOOOOOOVED that Jodi Picoult book!!! (And all her other books too, haha) The ending was so surprising, I never saw it coming!! I too cannot wait for the movie!
Maura
June 23, 2009 at 10:27 pmJenna –
Jodi Picoult is my favorite author too! If you haven’t read The Pact yet, you must. Another great one is Vanishing Acts. I’m thinking the movie won’t be nearly as good as the book, but it’s still fun to see your favorite stories come to life. Happy Reading!
Tay
June 23, 2009 at 10:28 pmI heart Jodi!! I’m currently reading “Change of Heart”. Have you read that one? It’s very interesting and really good! I highly recommend it. I also really liked The Pact.
Jocelyn
June 23, 2009 at 10:32 pmGood job on that pedicure! I don’t think I could ever get mine looking that way lol…Also that frozen yogurt looks yummy…we have some sort of creamery opening up near my house soon (we never have anything like that here) SO I hope they have some healthy options available 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
June 23, 2009 at 10:36 pmThose bars look so good! Glad they turned out good and you had fun making them! 🙂
CUTE pedi!!! I definitely know what you mean about french tips taking FOREVER when you’re a perfectionist… I’m the exact same way. I’ve actually found that my dad is insanely good at doing them on my fingers! Haha, he is so precise and steady with his reading glasses on… it’s so cute!
Aww, glad to hear you got to have a father-daughter date!!!
Nancy Woodbury
June 23, 2009 at 10:42 pmJodi Picoult is my favorite author also and I can’t wait for the movie to come out on Friday either!!! My Sister’s Keeper was her best, I think.
Ashley
June 23, 2009 at 10:44 pmI love your mug and I love Jodi Picoult!! Her latest book was phenomenal!!
kristi (sweet cheeks)
June 23, 2009 at 10:50 pmWow the granola bars look great!! I am going to check out that recipe right now. Thanks!!
Alison
June 23, 2009 at 10:53 pmI have read almost every single Jodi Picoult book and I LOVE her – my most fave is still Nineteen Minutes because it (to me) was the most thought provoking – but I seriously have enjoyed every one of them! I’m def going to see Sister’s Keeper this weekend but I’m bring tissues:-)
MarathonVal
June 23, 2009 at 10:53 pmAhhh I love Jodi Piccoult!! Have you read her newest one? I became hooked on her a few months ago, and the truest testiment to her talent is the fact that I got my HUSBAND hooked on her as well. He is an addict now, too!!! I can’t wait for the movie…
Also, the mug you made is super cute! 🙂
Kaolee
June 23, 2009 at 11:18 pmI seriously get into spaghetti mood like for months at end. That picture just makes me want to eat some right now!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
June 23, 2009 at 11:33 pmMmmm what a YUMMY day!! Those bars are gorgeous…
Glad you got some more me time!! AND time with Dad…so fun!
Have a great night!
Whitney
June 23, 2009 at 11:52 pmI LOVE Jodi Picoult. Sister’s Keeper is one of my favorites. I am super excited about the movie!
Tammy (Defining Wellness)
June 23, 2009 at 11:56 pmWhy aren’t there any frozen yogurt places like Berryism near us? I really don’t get it! All we have near us are Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, DQ, one measly TCBY, and Rita’s. You’re very lucky to have so many healthy choices near you! I wish our area would jump on the bandwagon!
Menden (Skinny Menny)
June 24, 2009 at 12:00 amI also wish I had some good fro-yo options around me! That looks like the perfect treat for a warm evening 🙂
Kiersten
June 24, 2009 at 12:06 amI love Jodi Picoult’s books. “The Pact” is one of my favorite books ever. Which one of her books is your favorite?
Your chocolate granola bars look really yummy!
Bec
June 24, 2009 at 12:07 amI literaly just finished reading 19 minutes, is amazing!
Stephanie
June 24, 2009 at 12:08 amyour homemade bars look soooo good! I love the image of a book accompanied by a cup of tea. life can’t get much better than that 🙂
Caroline
June 24, 2009 at 12:12 amThat yogurt looks amazing–chocolate and coconut is one of my fave combos!
I LOVED My Sister’s Keeper! It was my freshman class’s assigned summer reading, so it will always have some memories attached to it.
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now
June 24, 2009 at 12:34 amThe pasta looks great! So does that dessert!!!
Danielle C.
June 24, 2009 at 12:42 amCute mug! Dexter gives his paw of approval too, hopefully he doesn’t try to drink out of cups! Our girl cat, Jada does that…I have to watch her like a hawk when I have a full glass of water.
I’m torn on My Sister’s Keeper…I LOVE Picoult books (her latest is excellent too) but I’m not sure I want to see the movie. Such a sad story.
Jessica
June 24, 2009 at 1:21 amthose bars look to die for and omg your feet are so tan!!!! I am so jealous!!! do you spray tan or do the real thing?
-jessica
Maya
June 24, 2009 at 1:46 amGreat improvisation on the granola bars!
Courtney
June 24, 2009 at 3:02 amLove the toesies and LOVE the book! 😀
SUPER cute mug, too. Made me smile … =]
Lola
June 24, 2009 at 3:08 amReading that book right now….i’m digging it!
Goldie
June 24, 2009 at 3:42 amHi Jenna
I wondered if you could help. My mum and I have just started to try baking our own bread. It’s not been terribly successful on the last 2 attempts. Do you have a fool proof recipe for ‘plain ol’ bread’ that us two novices could have a crack at?
Thank you!
Goldie
Christie @ Find My Weigh
June 24, 2009 at 5:47 amI have been wanting to make my own granola bars for a while now and your addition of chocolate really inspires me 😀 Maybe I will try my hand at it this weekend!
Ada
June 24, 2009 at 6:14 amJodi Picoult is SO awesome! I am super stoked for the movie to come out 🙂
chandra
June 24, 2009 at 8:51 amI would like to come to the summit for a couple different reasons:
#1 – blogging (and reading) has been a HUGE part of my life for the past year and a half. I had so much support through my weightloss journey on my blog and found so much inspiration from other bloggers along the way. I’d love to meet the people who have been inspiring me!
#2 – Since I’m hoping to soon change to a career in fitness and nutrition I think the summit will be a great future investment for me!
#3 – I’ve always wanted to go to Boston! It’s always been one of my cities I dream of living in some day. 🙂
Stacy (Eating To Live Love Laugh Tri)
June 24, 2009 at 8:52 amThat pedicure looks professional! I don’t have the patience to ever attempt something like that but your toes look gorgeous! : )
Sue
June 24, 2009 at 9:01 amI definitely recommend going to SunniBunni in Tampa. It is pretty close to Berryism but much better for you healthwise. Berryism uses yogurt powder for their frozen yogurt while SunniBunni does not, they use a real yogurt base. Also, sunni bunni’s fruit toppings are all organic.
Judy
June 24, 2009 at 9:25 amThanks for posting more pictures of Dexter! What a sweetheart, if I remember correctly he’ll soon be Two! A Big Boy! 🙂
Carolyn
June 24, 2009 at 9:39 amMy Sister’s Keeper is one of my favorite books. I’m excited about the movie, but a little nervous about their casting choices. Cameron Diaz and Alec Baldwin?
Michelle
June 24, 2009 at 9:52 amMy Sister’s Keeper is my FAVORITE book ever, along with The Pact by JP as well (I highly recommend!!) and I can’t wait for the movie!! My mom and I have a date to go see it 😉
Sarah
June 24, 2009 at 9:58 amWe had the same thing for dinner last night, haha! Although, your bread looks way better than mine 😉
brandi
June 24, 2009 at 10:06 amthe granola bars sound awesome with those add ins! I still haven’t been able to find hemp seeds, but maybe I can make them without.
Fitzalan
June 24, 2009 at 10:30 amI personally want to come to the summit because of the positive impact blogging and being part of the healthy blogging community has had upon my life. It has been one of the main reasons I was able to kick my eating disorder and overexercising habit. I have become a new happier, healthier version of myself. I really want to expand upon all of this growth and to also finally meet all of you!
Happiness Awaits
Gillian
June 24, 2009 at 10:41 amI read My Sisters Keeper when I was on vacation in Jamaica this past March and I LOVED it!!!!! I am also uber excited for the movie version!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I could do french pedicures on my toes – but for running I have to cut my nails so short that on my little toes it looks riiiiidonkulous! hahaha
Stacey
June 24, 2009 at 11:14 amYep, that book is awesome! Have you ever read “The Pact” by her? That was the first one I read from her and after that I was hooked! I hope they don’t make the movie a cheesy one 🙂 And they better not cut too much out of the book!!!
Laura
June 24, 2009 at 11:49 amI heard that they changed the movie ending from book ending so we may be in for a surprise!! I really want to attend the summit to learn more about healthy eating and living a healthy lifestyle!! Also, you girls are amazing and I would love a chance to meet you all 🙂
Alicia
June 24, 2009 at 11:55 amYes the ending of the My Sister’s Keeper movie IS different from the book. I went to her book signing in March for Handle with Care and she said she was very disappointed that the studio changed the ending but that the rest of the movie was great.
Jess
June 24, 2009 at 12:27 pmI really want to try those granola bars.
Suzanne
June 24, 2009 at 1:32 pmI have a question about the e-cookbook. I know you did one a few months ago too. I just started reading your blog recently (after SparkPeople posted a link to your chocolate cake), so I missed it. If I were to donate $20, could I get the previous e-cookbook as well as the new one?
Rachel
June 24, 2009 at 2:27 pmI can’t wait for that movie to come out!!! I’m actually reading “The Pact” and I did exactly what you did on your birthday…read. It was so nice. If you haven’t read “Handle with Care” yet and need a cry, read that one. It’s amazing but heartbreaking at the same time.
Kerrie
June 25, 2009 at 10:07 amJodi is my fav author and it’s kinda cool having her write about NH which is so close to me in Mass!