A few other bloggers have recently written done posts like this, so I figured it was my turn. To be honest, I am incredibly nosy and love posts like this! I love knowing what people do all day at their job, and what they eat. Something really boring to them is usually pretty interesting to me. I am super grateful for the fact that I get to do this for a full-time job—it definitely does not always come easy though! Nevertheless, I love every second of it, as well as all of you who make the whole thing possible.
So….here we go.
I wake up naturally around 6am. I have a pretty good internal alarm clock and would consider myself a morning person (after you shoot some espresso in my veins, that is). Plus, I know I have a lot of cooking to do today and don’t want to miss the light! For more on my at home photography studio, and how to build your own, refer to this post!
Anyway. Some of us aren’t as thrilled to be alive and awake at 6am as others…but I won’t name names.
Mmmhmmmmmmmm.
First thing I do every morning is make coffee. I love coffee. I breathe coffee. I sweat coffee. I have a fun coffee-related giveaway coming your way soon!
After I have my coffee in hand, I open my computer screen for the first time. It’s around 6:20 at this point. I spend the next hour making sure my blog post went up as scheduled and there are no technical difficulties, reading emails and answering blog comments. This is my very favorite time of day! It’s also when I try to read the bible. I say “try” because some mornings it’s there and some it’s just not. I’m far from perfect but that’s the point.
Moving on to breakfast.
For being a food writer, I am actually really boring most of the time when it comes to my own meals. Like, really boring. I’m talking soft boiled eggs or a whole wheat bagel with cream cheese and strawberries every.single.morning. Who cares though? It’s delicious. I get a lot of satisfaction over my eggs or morning bagel.
Speaking of eggs, after breakfast it’s time to grab this week’s eggs from my neighbor/hair stylist! Her friend has a farm around here and supplies her with fresh eggs once a week to sell to clients. It’s the best five dollars I spend a week. I LOVE my farm fresh eggs.
With my eggs, I can start cooking! I make a batch of coconut blueberry muffin tops today and sample one as a mid-morning snack. It passes the test.
I photograph the muffin tops, throw the dishes in the sink and grab my sneakers for a short hike at the state park near my house. I definitely do not take it for granted that I have my own schedule like this, and I’m equally thankful I have the opportunity mid-morning to head outside for a walk.
I hike around for about half an hour and feel SO much better after….ready to conquer the rest of the day!
Lunch is….you guessed it, an egg salad sandwich with my fresh eggs! I’ve been on an egg salad kick lately and found the secret is lots of avocado stuffed in your sandwich. Also bread and butter pickles! I adore those things.
After lunch, it’s time to get cracking. When I decided to really throw myself into make Eat, Live, Run an actual business as opposed to just a blog, I started working on prioritizing my time and logging hours spent on each task. I’ve never prided myself on my time management skills before (one ad for cute shoes and I’m done), but it really was necessary to successfully create a business and work from home. Let’s just say I work really hard to make everything look really easy on here.
So, I go into my office and work on writing my new recipe for the PBS blog, one of my freelance jobs. I mentioned the other day as well that in addition to this site, I also have a few freelance jobs that I really love. PBS is one, Tasty Kitchen is another, and then I have a few short-term assignments with Tabasco and Stubb’s BBQ. Working as a recipe developer for different brands is something that’s been super fun for me during the past year and I hope to continue doing it in the future!
I’ve decided to make a Mother’s Day quiche with asparagus, bacon and leeks after seeing some beautiful leeks at the market the other day.
I also remember I have to pick up my wedges from the cobbler. Like I said…priorities!
Oh yeah, time to wash those dishes I threw in the sink earlier while I went on a walk! It’s so odd that they haven’t learned to wash themselves yet….I probably do two huge loads like this every day. Thank goodness for pink gloves and good smelling dish soap!
Finally, I have a spankin’ clean kitchen again…what better to do then get it messy? I try out the quiche recipe that I just wrote, making some changes as I cook…it turns out beautifully! I style the quiche and take photos of it before wrapping it up for later (<—-I ended up eating this entire quiche by myself in two days).
At this time, it’s probably around 2:00. I make some green tea, go back in my office and spend the next three hours editing my photos in Lightroom and writing my muffin top blog post for the next morning. I also answer blog comments, take a conference call, write emails and work with my designers on the new site that’s being launched this summer! I’m so thrilled with how the ELR redesign is shaping up so far and I think y’all are going to love it as much as I do! Or at least I hope you do…it’s been a ton of work!
During the afternoon, I’ll also snack while I work (usually on yogurt/fruit/cookies/hummus/graham crackers + peanut butter) and drink lots of tea. I really drink a lot of tea.
Around 5:00, when my blog post is looking perfect, I schedule it for the next morning, close up my emails, send my last tweets, hop in the shower then head to meet a couple girlfriends for barbecue and margaritas!
I love what I do, but am thankful for a little human interaction (other than just online interaction) by the end of the day. And this margarita is particularly epic because it had a big ol’ dash of cayenne pepper on top.
We chat and eat for hours and I get home around 10pm, which is honestly kind of late for me during the week. I literally fall into my bed and call it a day.
Note that although this is a typical day, my schedule varies a lot. Many days, instead of going for a mid-day walk, I’ll take a yoga class in the evening and once a week I’ll tear myself away from the laptop screen to go teach a yoga class! I also don’t drink margaritas every night. Although sometimes most of the time I wish I did.
Clearly I eat a lot of eggs.
The End.
Ruth
May 15, 2012 at 3:03 amLove this post, Jenna! I agree its soooo interesting to see how other people spend their days! Time to go do some yoga for me! x
Blog is the New Black
May 15, 2012 at 3:12 amWhat a fun post! Annnnnd you reminded me of how much I love bread & butter pickles!
Kayla
May 15, 2012 at 3:26 amlove this post a lot! i always think it’s neat to take a sneak peak into full-time bloggers lives 🙂
Mel
May 15, 2012 at 3:27 amBahahahah…I loved reading this. I guess I’m equally as nosy. I think as humans it’s in our mechanics to be infinitely curious about others. I wrote something similar about my typical day as an almost Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco awhile ago (1 week left of training!) so my family and friends (read: mostly my Mom) can get an idea of what my typical happenings are. Thanks for sharing!
Emily @ Life on Food
May 15, 2012 at 3:30 amThis would be a great day for me, especially the morning routine. I would hate the dishes part, even with the nice smelling soap. I love these posts too.
Brittany @ Brittany Cooks
May 15, 2012 at 3:39 amSuch a fun post! 🙂
Jenn
May 15, 2012 at 4:00 amI want your job! Do you prefer the hike or yoga?
Yohanna
May 15, 2012 at 4:15 amLovely post and I wish I had the self control to be able to work from home.
Knowing me it would last 3 days before my life and work would fall apart without the controlled environment of an office to keep me on track.
Speaking of…I should be doing some work and not sit and read blogs about food. There is that self control thing again.
Maybe I will just go to lunch and maybe the work will do itself while I sneak out into the real world. Maybe.
Molly @ RDexposed
May 15, 2012 at 4:25 amBig like of this post! Also, your place looks so cute. My nosy self wants to see more of it. Does Dexter do tours?
Lisa
May 15, 2012 at 4:50 amLove this post!! Btw- the brick in your house looks Awesome! I am a stay-at-home mom and it does take a lot of motivation and time management to stay on track or else the day goes by and you realize you have just ran circles around yourself and not got anything done 🙂 You do a fantastic job!!
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots
May 15, 2012 at 4:55 amThis is great! It’s quite similar to my day besides all of the eggs and margaritas! 😉 Plus, I add in a LOT of housework in there too .I have a messy husband and I’m OCD about having a clean house. The end. 😀
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
May 15, 2012 at 4:55 amBah I love your life!! I’m just like you in that my internal alarm clock has me up earlier than most people, even on the weekends when my main motive is to make as much of the good photography light as possible! I love the thought of doing recipe development as a job… you are one lucky lady!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this with us Jenna!
Ali @ Gimme Some Oven
May 15, 2012 at 4:58 amI love this! So fun getting an insight into other bloggers’ worlds. 🙂 Eggs + hiking + blogging + cayenne margaritas (holy moly!) sounds like a great day to me!!!
Heather @ Girlyeverafter
May 15, 2012 at 5:00 amThanks for sharing your day! I always love reading how others spend their time and always feel my days can be a bit boring too until a friend or fellow blogger says they enjoy reading about what I do.
Lily O' Dare @ Candied-Life
May 15, 2012 at 5:11 amHi Jenna!
I love this post! Your day sounds really nice. I think we have really similar taste buds! That egg salad sandwich looks ridiculously good… Might need to recreate my own or head to Chelsea’s or Village Beach Market. I think their egg salad is pretty good.
I have a similar internal alarm clock but I am not really sure why. Lately it’s been 6 am, but I am not really rising to any particular occasion or schedule because I’m home in Vero Beach on summer vacation. Need to figure out how to shut it off lol. It’s been so nice. Being home from college= lots of sleeping, eating home cooking, walking the bridge, meeting up with friends (occasional trip to Riverside that I later regret), and going to the beach. I have been blogging quite a bit which has occupied some of my lazy time, and also planning my summer in NYC. Leaving this Wednesday and staying through August for my cooking/writing internship. Nervous!!
Also, really into your silver cuff.
Genet
May 15, 2012 at 5:18 amThanks for sharing a day in your life. What fun (and hard work)! Your commitment to Eat, Live, Run shows in everything you do!
Maura
May 15, 2012 at 5:24 amI love these types of posts too! Thanks for sharing, Jenna!
Biscuit
May 15, 2012 at 5:24 amLove this! I think it also illustrates that while, yes, you have a flexible, AWESOME schedule, you also pack a lot into one day, every day. Blogger DO work hard, and we’re grateful that you share so much.
Ellen
May 15, 2012 at 5:24 amWhat a fun post! Thanks Jenna. I love seeing a “Day in the Life of”. I do love my coffee as well. 🙂
Lori Lynn
May 15, 2012 at 5:30 amThanks for sharing. It does seem interesting to see a glimpse into other people’s “schedules.”
Faith @ For the Health of It
May 15, 2012 at 6:06 amI do find it interesting to see what other people do with their days – especially full-time bloggers! It’s really hard to imagine eight hours of blog-related work feeling like a job. {Then again, I could see how it would be, because quality blogging is really time consuming!} Thanks for the fun run-down of the types of tasks that go into calling it a career!
Christy
May 15, 2012 at 6:07 amLove it all…grumpy kitty, morning Bible reading, fresh eggs, hiking, cooking/baking, girl time with bbq and margs…busy days can be exhausting but good quality activities make it worth it! I’m a morning person too and LOVE to drink tea throughout the day. I’m so glad you mentioned David’s tea the other day…I ordered the cream of earl grey, buttered rum, forever nuts and read my lips. I can’t wait to try them!
Julia Steele
May 15, 2012 at 6:11 amUntil I committed to making cooking and writing my “real job,” I had NO idea how busy I would be. Far busier than when I was a lawyer, and about a gzillion times happier! Thanks for the peek inside your life!
Jenna | The Paleo Project
May 15, 2012 at 6:11 amI love getting glimpses into the life of bloggers I follow. Especially yours because it is a very food-focused blog! I get excited when I see a photo of you or a trip you just took! You’re very driven and obviously dedicated to your craft. Thanks for sharing! XO
katie @KatieDid
May 15, 2012 at 6:15 amThis was interesting, I agree- I’m nosy and love reading typical day posts. I can’t wait to see the new design too!
Rebecca
May 15, 2012 at 6:23 amI love reading about how others spend their day. I have found your journey from culinary school to full time blogger to the evolution of your business very interesting and inspiring. I am on my second career now ( my first was a flight attendant like your parents ) and I wouldn’t trade my life for anything, but if I had it to do all over again, (and was a bit younger) I would love to do something similar to what you have done.
Your hard work, discipline, and creativity is an inspiration to others.
… and Dexter is very lucky to have a stay at home mommy!
molly
May 15, 2012 at 6:32 amthis is REALLY cool! i love this idea!
Tash @ Dairy Free Chick
May 15, 2012 at 6:37 amYour life seems charming! One thing I noticed is that you didn’t include your beauty routine time. Your hair always looks wonderful in pictures… how long does that take? 😀
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 6:49 amyou’re so sweet! my hair usually takes about 30 minutes to do and I do it right after showering (but don’t wash it every day). Lately, I’ve been just blowing it dry upside down and then making waves with my curling iron as it’s getting longer and needs more of a “style”.
Caitlin @ This Bride's Joyride
May 15, 2012 at 6:38 amI love day in the life posts! It was great to hear a little more about your routine and to see how much work goes into your blog. I always love reading your blog – it’s just so light, beautiful and filled with yummy foods! 🙂
Cookie and Kate
May 15, 2012 at 6:46 amLoved this post, Jenna! I am very fortunate to be able to work from home as an art director and make my own schedule. My blog is taking up more and more of my time, and time management is NOT my forté, so it’s encouraging to hear how someone else manages to do it well. Thanks for sharing!
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
May 15, 2012 at 6:48 amI love these types of posts!!! I work from home sometimes too (although not cooking – I wish) and you HAVE to get some type of people-interaction in the flesh before the day is done or else you go nuts.
Your apartment is ADORABLE – love the exposed brick.
Kelley {mountain mama cooks}
May 15, 2012 at 6:54 amI think were all a little voyeurish. (Is that even a word?) It’s nice to see a glimpse into the day to days!!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
May 15, 2012 at 6:57 amLove this post Jenna! I think you pretty much live my dream life, so it’s interesting to get a peak inside the day-to-day :).
Lauren
May 15, 2012 at 6:58 amOh man I would love mornings like that. Though, I’m not sure if I’d be good at popping out of bed at 6 a.m….
Ashley
May 15, 2012 at 7:00 amWe are on the same page with the eggs just as you saw the other day. I get mine from our local pet food store where the owner’s raise chickens. They sell them ridiculously cheap…$3!!
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
May 15, 2012 at 7:04 amThis was so great! I loved a day in your life. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us!
Cindy
May 15, 2012 at 7:10 amLove your post, great job of showing even the mundane. I’m in agreement with you, farm fresh eggs are the best. 🙂
Sana
May 15, 2012 at 7:12 amHow do you like teaching yoga??
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 7:23 amI love teaching yoga!!! I’m at the tail-end of my training and it’s been such an unexpected joy because I never thought I really wanted to teach before.
Shannon
May 15, 2012 at 7:13 amThanks for sharing! I also LOVE eggs 🙂 – and one of my favorite parts of my day is the break I get from accounting work to read an interesting recipe and daydream about doing that for a living
Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac
May 15, 2012 at 7:17 amThanks for sharing! I also am nosy and love blog posts like this one!
Kristen @ The Chronicles of Dutch
May 15, 2012 at 7:20 amWhat a great post! I too am nosy so I love these types of posts. Also, tried out the blueberry muffin tops and my hubby & I LOVED them 🙂 They were gone within hours!
Erin
May 15, 2012 at 7:23 amOoo you eat jelly over cream cheese on bagels too? I only know one other person who does that and it’s a former roommate who I learned it from.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
May 15, 2012 at 7:28 amAs much as I love reading and looking at other people’s food, these posts are always so interesting 🙂 I hope to live that kind of life one day and not have to rush between “real” work to do the fun stuff associated with my blog like cooking, photographing, editing and writing. It’s definitely a job in and of itself, just one that I actually LIKE. haha. Loved this, Jenna 🙂
Cara
May 15, 2012 at 7:28 amDo you hike by yourself?!!!… if you do, brave one you are!
Lida
May 15, 2012 at 7:29 amJust curious: what do you use to make your coffee? French Press, pour over, etc.? And what kind of beans? Considering you live in a prime location to get some great local coffee beans…
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 7:31 amI alternate between using my old french press (which I love) with local Ecco coffee beans and my Nespresso, which I ADORE.
deva by definition
May 16, 2012 at 1:58 pmI love my French Press. It’s such a nice ritual to start the day. Grind the beans. Heat up the water in my red kettle on the stove. Pour. Wait. Press. Drink. So nice.
Bev @ Bev Cooks
May 15, 2012 at 7:30 amLOVE. THIS.
I also use Myers basil dish and hand soap!
Jess
May 15, 2012 at 7:33 amI wish that were my day. Even a weekend day.
jesser
May 15, 2012 at 7:34 amlove posts like this. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Ashley
May 15, 2012 at 7:38 amI’ve been following your blog since the beginning of 2009, and I am so happy for you and your success. It is because of you that I realize life is about doing things that make you happy, things you love, not suffering each day, doing something you don’t love, just to get by and keep up with the Jones’. You gave me the motivation to seek happiness, healthiness, and positivity. Thank you so much, Jenna! I really look forward to reading your blog posts about you, who you are as a person, your day-to-day life and your delicious recipes!
Liz
May 15, 2012 at 9:42 amIt’s true, Jenna is an inspiration! I’ve also followed her from a fledgling blogger to a true businesswoman, and published author. I recently decided to quit my professional job in order to do something different, but am struggling with what that ‘different’ might be. (Fortunately since I am married and my husband has a good job, the bills are still getting paid.) I find myself wasting large portions of the day, and I hope that once I find a focus that won’t be the case. Whether I’ll ever make money with ‘at home’ work, I don’t know, but I at least want to feel like I am accomplishing something and have some sort of ‘occupation.’ The other thing I really struggle with is the lack of human interaction during the day.
Elisabeth
May 15, 2012 at 10:31 amYou pretty much put into words exactly what I wanted to say! 🙂
Ashley
May 15, 2012 at 4:16 pmLiz, hopefully you read this– like you I quit my professional job, and went back to school full-time to pursue a career in education. Like you, thankfully, I have a boyfriend who is able to support the both of us, even though it’s been a huge sacrifice and lots of struggles. School is a struggle, but at the same time a total blessing. I am more happier now, going to school, than working at a desk job for a boss who ignores me all day long (in fact, I vow to never work in a office environment EVER AGAIN). I just knew that I couldn’t continue down that depressing route. Jenna is a inspiration to me, mainly because I feel like I am surrounded by unhappy, negative people. She’s my positivity outlet!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
May 15, 2012 at 7:46 amWhat a fun life! I’ve enjoyed seeing you grow both personally and professionally the past…oh gosh…4 years?! You are an inspiration.
Maggie
May 15, 2012 at 7:46 amI wish I woke up naturally at 6am! I have to start going to bed earlier again 🙂
I thought it was interesting when you said that your meals are pretty boring. I’d love to see a post on how your life has changed from when you were a “healthy living blogger” and posted all your meals. I’m sure there was a lot of pressure to constantly change things up.
christina
May 15, 2012 at 7:48 amI love this!
Paige @ Running Around Normal
May 15, 2012 at 7:48 amI really enjoyed this post, Jenna!
Nicole
May 15, 2012 at 7:49 amYour the best ever, I wish I had a blog, I’m going to buy bread & butter pickles, & make egg salad. thanks for a fun post 🙂
Shannon @ A Fork In Each Hand
May 15, 2012 at 7:50 amI hope one day I can make my cooking/food writing a full-time job! I’m so jealous this is what you get to do each day. I’m officially depressed now and going to drown myself into a vat of melted chocolate. Thanks! 🙂
Danielle
May 15, 2012 at 7:54 amWhat a day! Thanks so much for sharing, Jenna 🙂 It’s always so interesting to see how a fellow freelancer spends her day.
Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats
May 15, 2012 at 8:00 amDay in the life posts are my FAVE!
Katya
May 15, 2012 at 8:05 amJenna, what a lovely post! Thank you for sharing that. I see the top that you have on in the picture and realized I have a similar top that I cannot bring myself to wear. I cannot think of what to wear underneath (as it is obviously see-thru). Any recommendations? My top is very whitish cream color. Would a pop of color be good underneath? Thanks in advance for the tip!
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 10:10 amI know! I had that problem, too. I’ve been wearing it over tank tops…the one in the photo (you can’t really see it though) is an army green colored tank top from American Eagle.
Katya
May 16, 2012 at 10:37 amThanks so much, Jenna!
Haley
May 16, 2012 at 1:54 pmWhere is the sweater from? Super cute!
jenna
May 16, 2012 at 2:42 pmForever 21!
Sienna
May 15, 2012 at 8:10 amThanks for sharing! It’s fun to see what you do in a day. Sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of work. I also LOVE the photo of you at the top. Definitely the kind of photo that does a lot of talking for itself.
One question: Do you (or your friends) eat everything you make? I always wonder how you can go through all of your yummy desserts without a lot of help.
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 10:09 amWe do! I make small portions of things and usually everything gets eaten…I hate wasting food!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen
May 15, 2012 at 8:14 amI loved reading about your typical day Jenna! I’ve been reading since summer 2009, and I’ve told you before yours was the first blog I bumped into about healthy eating that turned me into a daily reader of other food blogs. In other words….your blog opened me up to the community of food blogging. It’s been a TRUE blessing in my life as it has afforded my opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Thank you for that!
I’m excited about your upcoming book, and can’t wait to get my hands on it! 😉
btw…I’m also a huge tea drinker…I drink hot tea all day long & tote it with me in my travel mug.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
May 15, 2012 at 8:23 amFun post about your day and how you budget your time. I applaud you for actually being able to break away from the cooking, emails, chores, etc and go out for a midday workout, yoga, hike, etc. Normally if I don’t get my workout in first thing, then I am “stuck” with work, chores, family, etc. until evening time but I strongly prefer working out first thing.
And what a fun looking margarita!
amanda @ fake ginger
May 15, 2012 at 8:33 amI really enjoyed this post. It reminded me of the old ELR. 🙂
Rachel Wilkerson
May 15, 2012 at 3:13 pm+1!
And I don’t mean that in a bad way, just that I’d like to see this type of thing more regularly!
Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
May 16, 2012 at 12:01 amAgree with RW 🙂
Traci
May 15, 2012 at 8:38 amThanks for this post! I love reading this type of stuff. I still don’t know how you manage to cook all you do & not weigh a gazillion pounds! I do wish I could do all of my workouts first thing in the morning. I generally run 2 or 3 times a week before work but I can’t get in a yoglates class that early. Oh well!
Emilie @ Emilie's Enjoyables
May 15, 2012 at 9:13 amI love these posts, I’m so nosy as well. We would get along well, I eat eggs in some fashion at pretty much every meal! Especially now that I know how to make your soft-boiled ones 🙂
Casey
May 15, 2012 at 9:17 amLoved this post, Jenna! As usual, your photographs are lovely. 🙂
Jenn
May 15, 2012 at 9:20 amLove it! But didn’t see any Adam?
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 10:08 amAdam lives an hour away and we see each other a couple times a week…usually on the weekends!
Laura @ She Eats Well
May 15, 2012 at 9:21 amI love this post. And I think it’s fascinating. It’s always interesting to peek into other people’s lives.
K.
May 15, 2012 at 9:21 amLoved it, Jenna! I’m also a nosy one. Tons of the food blogs I follow consist mostly of simple “here’s what I did and ate today” posts, and while other people might find them boring, I love ’em. It’s great to get a glimpse into the lives of people whom you admire and/or identify with. It can be inspiring to see how much they get done, or just comforting to see that they have the same schedules and struggles that you do.
Urban Wife
May 15, 2012 at 9:31 amThank you for sharing about all the hard work you put into ELR! And for letting us sneak a peek into your day. 🙂
Liz
May 15, 2012 at 9:33 amI love this post! And I, too, am pretty nosy and find it interesting to have a glimpse into other people’s lives. I like to see what they do, what their houses/apartments look like, etc.. Your apartment is so cute! I also really like the idea of adding avocado to egg salad (although I imagine it could be quite a polarizing idea, since some people hate the texture/flavor of both egg salad AND avocados.
You’ve also answered a question I, as a non-blogger have had for awhile. I wondered how early you must get up on the west coast in order for me, on the east coast, to see new blog entries very early in the morning. I figured you must schedule them to appear, but I wasn’t sure since I don’t use a blogging tool.
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles
May 15, 2012 at 9:45 amI love reading “Day in the Life” quotes too and was so fun to read yours this morning. Thanks for sharing!
erin @WELLinLA
May 15, 2012 at 9:47 amI love the series of “a day in the life” (great writing prompt for lifestyle bloggers!). I host a series on my site that asks young female entrepreneurs questions about their goals & dreams (as well as how they do it all!), called “Dream BIG!”. You can see sample profiles here: http://bit.ly/zPDJJK
I’d love to feature you, Jenna! Cheers!
rachel
May 15, 2012 at 10:05 amlove that first picture! 🙂 I always feel better getting out in nature, too!
rachel
May 15, 2012 at 10:06 amps- the muffin tops and skillet eggs were a HIT with my mom! perfect mothers day gift.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
May 15, 2012 at 10:27 amI’m a nosy person so this was great to read ‘a day in the life of jenna.’
I’ve really got to work on my time management skills. If you find the answer, let me know!
julie {chefjulieyoon}
May 15, 2012 at 10:33 amYou’ve inspired me to make more of a real schedule for myself. It’s definitely hard when you don’t have an office, a boss, and co-workers to keep you on track, but it’s inspiring to see what you do and how you manage your time. And I totally agree about the need for real human interaction. It’s easy to get lost in the internet community, but it’s good to see you balance health/ fitness and social life with your daily blogging and social media life. Nice post!
Corinne
May 15, 2012 at 11:02 amIt would be great to hear more about your walk with God. Thanks for sharing the other aspects of your life!
Beverly
May 15, 2012 at 11:03 amLoved this post! 🙂 I really admire your determination and strong work ethic, Jenna, and appreciate the reminder of how much detail really goes in to the seemingly effortless “day in the life.”
Val
May 15, 2012 at 11:09 amI hear you on the coffee front! My company is moving into a new office and as a perk, they let me pick our coffee/tea selection from the supplier… since I clearly drink the most lol.
MyThy as in "Mighty"
May 15, 2012 at 11:24 amThis is fun post! I loved reading Gaby’s “Day in the life” post and other bloggers as well.
Do you hike at Annadel State Park? We often visit our future in-laws in Santa Rosa and love that they live so close to it. I love “riking” (run/hiking) the Lake Ilsanjo loop w/ my fiance and then in the afternoon go for a brisk walk around Spring Lake. Let’s not forget lunch/dinner at East West Cafe!
Its so fun to see your posts and where you are locally b/c I often am able to recognize where you are! (Scarily nosy much?) 😉
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
May 15, 2012 at 11:32 amGreat post Jenna. Like you, I find these kinds of post super fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
Audrey
May 15, 2012 at 12:11 pmYou pay $5 for one dozen of eggs?! Or do you get more than that? My dad sells them from our farm for $1/dozen…and he thought that was a lot! I don’t even eat eggs (I’m vegan) but I just wondered if that was a typo??
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 12:15 pmnope it’s really $5…that’s pretty normal around where I live! they are even MORE expensive at whole foods!
Audrey
May 16, 2012 at 6:41 amOh, okay. 🙂
Ashley
May 15, 2012 at 12:21 pmWow!! So interesting! LOVED reading about your typical-ish day!!
Jody
May 15, 2012 at 12:24 pmHi, Jenna! Long time reader here. I love this post. I agree with an earlier commenter—I would love to hear how your eating has changed since you switched from a HLB to your current format and how you reflect back. I can’t imagine the pressure of posting every little thing you put into your mouth and keeping it interesting!
Can I also say that it is SO refreshing to hear a blogger be so appreciative for the flexibility in schedule and that you are able to do this as your full time job? So many bloggers that I follow seem to complain often while at the same time using their blogs for non-stop freebies, trips, and giveaways. Thru your blog it is so apparent that you are a professional, work extremely hard at what you do, and yes you can get out in the middle of the day for a hike and you don’t take that for granted! Thanks for sharing!
Sara
May 15, 2012 at 12:27 pmYay! Love this post, Jenna!
Miranda
May 15, 2012 at 12:30 pmI’m trying to understand what’s “not easy” about writing a blog “full time”. I normally love this blog but I definitely have to admit this post irked me a little. Cooking, hiking, yoga and taking pictures all day is a breeze compared to how many Americans have to spend their days to keep afloat in this economy. To say you have it easy is an understatement and it’s a slap in the face for you to imply otherwise. Just being honest.
Casey
May 15, 2012 at 2:24 pmJust a thought—have you tried cooking/taking photos/editing them/writing blog posts all day? I did, for about six months, and then I gave up on my blog b/c it took such an incredibly long time to get good quality for of all those things at the same time in a day—it was harder than my desk job, which took a college degree to get. I wouldn’t criticize how difficult anyone’s profession is until you’ve tried it.
Morgan
May 15, 2012 at 3:22 pmOk, fair comment. But did you attempt to have your blog while working, or was that your sole responsibility? I’m not trying to start or perpetuate anything but I think Miranda had a fair point. People are talking about her strong work ethic and, I’m sorry, but she seems to have quite a leisurely life compared to most people I know. I think Jenna actually also realizes this, and I commend that and also her decision to allow differing opinions on her blog.
Emily
May 15, 2012 at 3:40 pmAgreed, Morgan. 🙂
Still love the blog, Jenna, and appreciate all of the recipes that you create and share with us…
Jody
May 16, 2012 at 5:05 amI’m not saying Jenna is putting in 16 hour days or anything, but there are plenty of bloggers who just slap up a picture of the oatmeal they had for breakfast and call it a day. In comparison of bloggers, I feel that Jenna is more professional than most and works hard. She also has freelance jobs. If you’ve followed her blog for 4 years like I have you would’ve seen how the blog has evolved. Her hour and a half hike in the middle of the day sounds amazing, but its not so different than my one hour lunch break…she just chose a profession with more flexibility than I did.
Miranda
May 16, 2012 at 4:39 pmUnderstood. Blogging wasn’t right for you but I would not be so quick to classify this as a “profession”. Most bloggers do it outside of their day jobs.
Lisa
May 15, 2012 at 5:27 pmI’m sure what she didn’t post (because it is none of our business) is that free-lance work is usually feast or famine…thus just as stressful as the rest of us “Americans trying to stay afloat”…so maybe we should just enjoy her great blog and not be jealous, shall we?
Morgan
May 15, 2012 at 6:52 pmTrying to see where you detect jealousy in my post (or perhaps it wasn’t directed at me?)
Lisa
May 16, 2012 at 4:38 amNo, it wasn’t directed at your comment…It was at Miranda’s
Miranda
May 16, 2012 at 4:51 pmNo jealousy here, Lisa. I would be embarrassed to call my work life hard when spent like Jenna’s. I do enjoy her blog as I originally stated but I will be sure not to read future posts like this as they are not what I’m here for. And now I know that.
Leslie Means @ Her View From Home
May 15, 2012 at 12:55 pmI love this – and THANKS for the tips with how you shoot your food! Our new web adventure that we started in April – was inspired by one of the first “blogs” I found last summer – yours! While food is only one part of our site, I always encourage our writers to try and tell a story with pictures. I send them to your site each time I want an example. THANKS!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
May 15, 2012 at 1:20 pmThanks for sharing, Jenna. And I personally don’t understand the people who leave unkind remarks about you thinking your life is difficult … you said pretty clearly that you love what you do, and you are grateful for having the flexibility in your day that you do. So I would just ignore the negative comments if I were you. 😉 Have a great day!
Morgan
May 15, 2012 at 6:55 pmCould you share with me where the “negativity” is in my comment?
People can have a dissenting view on things without being automatically considered negative, and I respect Jenna a lot for actually allowing dissenting opinions on her blog. She is one of the few in that regard, especially lately.
Lillian.
May 15, 2012 at 1:25 pmI am also nosy- I mean curious. It is interesting to get a lil peek into your day. 🙂
l.
Brittney
May 15, 2012 at 2:07 pmIt’s so neat to see a day in your life! You gals who blog for a living make it look so easy even when I know it’s not. And your pictures are always amazing 🙂
Amy
May 15, 2012 at 2:16 pmWhat kind of laptop do you have? It looks like the air (which I’m contemplating!), and I was wondering how you like it.
jenna
May 15, 2012 at 2:18 pmI do have the air and totally love it! It’s great.
Amy
May 15, 2012 at 7:05 pmAwesome. Thanks!
Margarita
May 15, 2012 at 3:01 pmI like peeking into other people’s lives… Oh Jenna, I am so happy that you are happy with what you do! As much as I love being a teacher, there are so many days when I wish I didn’t have to work full time… I just want to teach for a half day and call it good. The rest of the day I just want to spend, working out, cooking, doing some yoga, reading, blogging, and so on… Thanks for sharing!
Margarita
May 15, 2012 at 3:04 pmP.S. I would like to give some kudos to you for being a disciplined person to balance your time between cooking, getting a work out in, thinking about recipes, writing blog posts, and fixing pictures, and still getting some fun time in. What I really envy about your job is the fact that you can reach in your fridge whenever you like. Dang I can’t do that, can’t even go to the bathroom to go potty when I need to. Leaving a class full of kids without supervision is no bueno!
Kate
May 15, 2012 at 3:24 pmI go on frequent egg salad binges. I need to make sure to have an avocado on hand for the next one!
Michelle
May 15, 2012 at 4:07 pmLove it! And I so wish I had your job! Congrats on all your success!
Brittney @ Brittney Breathing
May 15, 2012 at 4:18 pmI LOVE these types of posts for some reason. Guess I’m super nosy as to what other people’s lives are like. 🙂
Isabel
May 15, 2012 at 5:03 pmJenna, I’m curious- how do you drink your coffee? Black, with sugar, creamer?
Karen
May 15, 2012 at 5:21 pmI really think you have one of the best jobs ever!
I also really like “day in the life posts.” Thanks for sharing!
Pure2raw twins
May 15, 2012 at 5:29 pmJenna thanks for sharing, we like to see what people do doing the day as well! You are one busy girl 🙂 we love our coffee as well, you can say obsessed haha
cheers from other coffee and egg lovers!!
hugs
Lori and Michelle
Amanda
May 15, 2012 at 6:02 pmThis was a great post – I enjoyed reading about how you fill your days! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Shannon
May 15, 2012 at 6:24 pmCan we be friends in real life?
Shannon D'J
May 15, 2012 at 7:06 pmHi Jenna! I’ve been following your blog for a few months now. While I’ve never commented before, I must say, this post may be my favorite one yet! I’m an employment attorney, but I have fierce passions for cooking and running, so I’m terribly jealous of your life as a food blogger! I love how honestly you share not only your love of food, wine, and cooking, but your whole life! As I read your post from my office this morning, it was exciting to live your life for a day, even if it was only the few moments I spent reading your blog. Thanks for your candor and for sharing such fantastic recipes. My husband loved the coconut berry muffin tops!
Tammy @ Palm Trees and Manatees
May 15, 2012 at 7:14 pmThis was so fun to read. It seems like your days have changed a lot from when you first started Eat, Live, Run. How do you like not going to the gym anymore? I recently gave up going to the gym when we had our little girl. It just hasn’t been a priority for me anymore — I’d much rather take walks and stare at her all day long. 🙂
Mikayla
May 15, 2012 at 9:28 pmHey, Jenna! I just found your website and I love it! I’m 16 and I’ve had my own health blog I work really hard on in hopes (and because I love it) to be able to be like you and have it be my job. I really love your posts, keep it up 🙂
Koko @ Koko Likes
May 15, 2012 at 9:54 pmLOVE this post, loved seeing a little glimpse into your life! xox
Carley
May 15, 2012 at 10:15 pmHaha I’m the same way with my Bible.
Glad to see you work hard and play hard 🙂 two vitals.
Lara Thalice
May 16, 2012 at 6:09 amHi Jenna!
I absolutely adore your blog and you inspired me last year, to take on my own. It’s such a creative outlet and I am learning so much. I find your posts really helpful and was curious about your auto-post schedule. I usually post mine when they are ready to go, but have you found there are better times in the day/night than others to have a post go live?
Thanks!
Lara
Sonia the Mexigarian
May 16, 2012 at 9:20 amLOVE this post. I wish I could do what you do, well….art and writing wise 😉 Though there isn’t big bucks in painting animal portraits or Day of the Dead work (at this time). If you ever want a painting of Dexter, let me know!
So, I will live vicariously through you and other bloggers that work hard behind the scenes, as I sit at my desk job. Lol.
<3
elizabeth @ chronic venture
May 16, 2012 at 1:16 pmLOVE you Jenna!! you do such great work, it is greatly admired by so many. including me!
Michelle
May 16, 2012 at 3:56 pmLoved that- so inspiring 😉
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner
May 16, 2012 at 4:42 pmAwh, your kitty is SO adorable! <3
Lindsay @ Nourish
May 17, 2012 at 8:05 amlove this post! working from home isn’t as easy as it sounds. i’m getting better at time management, but boy it’s tough! thanks for creating such great content on here! xx
Xiomara @ parkesdale
May 17, 2012 at 11:31 amLove this! I just came to your website from Pinterest where I found out your book comes out on September 4th. That’s my birthday!
Lauren Lindley
May 17, 2012 at 6:04 pmeggs and avocados are the perfect foods, imo. I also eat a *LOT* of eggs. And drink a lot of margs.
Monique
May 17, 2012 at 8:37 pmLove this Jenna! I don’t think people realize how much time, energy, and work goes into a food blog. You do an amazing job, and I know a lot of people appreciate your recipes and writing. Keep it up!
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake
May 17, 2012 at 9:47 pmLove this post! Thanks for the little glimpse into what your typical day is like!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
May 18, 2012 at 3:38 pmI love this! As someone who left a full-time salaried job for a part-time hourly gig so I have the time to do the things I want, this is gold! My time management skills are entirely bi-polar. One week I’m amazing, and then the next I’m a useless sack. I’m currently in one of those useless sack weeks…
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy
May 18, 2012 at 9:42 pmThose blueberry muffin tops – I can’t resist! Yeah, we are nosey creatures by habit. I always find it interesting to hear what others are doing during their days, for the weekend, at their jobs. Love these kinds of posts, especially when it shows how “real” we all are.
JulieD
May 19, 2012 at 8:27 amVery cool! I love this sort of thing, I love reading this on other blogs but I’m scared no one cares to hear it from me! LOL I can’t wait to hopefully finally meet you in person in Seattle at BHF.
PS Totally Todd’s fault but now I’m addicted to coffee. Not sure how I functioned before without it!
healthy ashley
May 23, 2012 at 9:49 amI loved this peek into your life!
Stacey
May 23, 2012 at 8:22 pmJust another reason I enjoy your blog… So down to earth and I’m certainly envious of your schedule! I’d love to go to a yoga class more than my usual once a week… Maybe I should make time for my priorities? 🙂
Ash Bear
May 25, 2012 at 7:57 amI love this post and that you acknowledge how luck you are! Those muffin tops look delicious!
Dana
February 21, 2013 at 11:43 amI LOVE this post and thanks so much for sharing your daily routine! I think even when one is 110% happy and passionate with their ‘jobs’ and what they do for a living, it’s still hard work; every ‘job’ just has that ‘thing’ here and there. That’s life. But the difference is that one really loves it and they enjoy it. Personally, I was spent after reading what your typical day is like. That’s a lot for one day but it’s also refreshing to see that you got together with the flesh, too. And enjoyed catching up, great food, and yummy cocktails!
I adore this blog and it’s the very first one I think about when I wake up and I have to check it first. Before mine. Which, my blog is still a brand new baby but I am in love with it and it’s for my own personal fullfilment for now. 🙂
Keep up the amazing work lady!