Dessert/ Dinner

Fresh From The Sea

Greetings!

I hope your Tuesday went well. Mine was filled with work and one of these bad boys:

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Mmmmmm I really love this Naturally More pb! If I didn’t work to maintain some sense of decency I would eat the entire jar in one sitting.

And, lucky me, I got a birthday package in the mail!!!!!!!!!! My birthday isn’t officially till June 11th but I was super psyched to rip into this package from my cousin, Lauren, out in Beverly Hills. Surprises from Lauren are always the best because she rather lives the dream life working as one of the producers for America’s Next Top Model and gets all sort of goodies on the set!

Lo and behold, she sent two absolutely phenomenal dresses!!

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I love them both and think I’m going to wear the blue one tomorrow night because I’ve been invited as a member of the media to a tasting at Fleming’s Steakhouse. They are starting a brand new more affordable menu called “5 for 6 till 7”. Basically they are going to offer five full sized house appetizers, cocktails and wines by the glass, all for only $6 each until 7:00 each evening. I’ve been told to come hungry and I responded that that wouldn’t be a problem. 😉 Can’t wait to report back on how it goes! I think that definitely calls for a new dress, no?

Thank you, Lauren!! 🙂

And then I finally got plastered for my new orthotics! I couldn’t even believe what a procedure it was. Lots of long medical terms thrown around, my leg all drawn on and my feet wrapped in plaster sheets. Hmmmmm.

Of course I rushed them so I will receive them in a week rather than four weeks. I can’t wait to get back out there with my Team in Training teammates!!! I’m not having any pain right now at all, even after all that walking in Charleston, so I have been given clearance to start *walking* on the treadmill, easing my way into a solid and pain-free 3 mile walk. When I can do that (and I’m sure I can), I can break into a slow jog midway through the walk for only about 1/2 mile at first. When the orthotics come next week I can slowly keep on increasing my jogging until I can make my way up to a steady and slow 3 miles on the treadmill. He doesn’t want me anywhere but the treadmill for the next four weeks until I see him again. Its a good thing the race isn’t till October!!

I didn’t get home until around 5:00 and was starving so I had some “appetizers” by myself 🙂

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A few raw quackers from One Lucky Duck and my last slice of watermelon! Sigh.

Ryan got home around 7:15 and we headed over to Grandma Dot’s house for our fresh fish dinner! I mean, come on….couldn’t get much fresher than THIS!

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Let me just tell you Ryan was SO excited to get these pictures on the blog! He went spearfishing while I was in Charleston (while the cats away the mouse plays, eh?) and him and his friend, Paul, went 20 miles out in the gulf to catch the big boys. Ryan dove down 70 feet deep to spear a HUGE grouper and hogfish. Its so great to eat something you know is the freshest quality possible!

Tonight I was in charge of frying while Ryan was grill master. Grandma Dot is on a salt-free, sugar-free, pleasure-free (hah) diet so we just stuck to the basics. I dipped slices of fish in beaten egg, and then into seasoned bread crumbs before frying them in veggie oil.

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While I fried like a true Southern cook I sipped a glass of merlot and chatted it up with Grandma Dot, who I swear has more energy than me and she’s 83! Seriously, this woman is wonder grandma and still goes out drinking and partying with her friends all the time. I hope I’m like that someday!

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On top of the fish, we brought over some Cuban black beans and rice and sweet plantains (my favorite!), which I admittedly did not make from scratch but indeed purchased from Pipo’s, a great little Cuban joint here in Tampa. We also had corn for a balanced, yummy meal!

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My plate:

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I obviously slathered everything in hot sauce and went back for seconds on the beans and rice. I ADORE my Cuban food! 🙂

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Mr. Texas Pete, I am in love with you.

Upon arriving home, wouldn’t you know I went straight for the cookie jar. Or in my case, the Newman’s Own cookie bag.

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I totally went back for another. I won’t lie!

It is past my bedtime!! Tomorrow I have a busy day involving a special media interview on the blog, which I am quite excited about!

Check out my latest post on True/Slant on YOGA! Can it really whip your butt into shape? I think so.

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  • Chelsea
    June 2, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    Wait…you dive down in the sea to catch the fish?!! Are you serious? That’s very hardcore/cool! (I’m from WA…we don’t do that here!)

    I have an unrelated question for you! Do you apply your Bare Mineral foundation with a brush or a sponge (or something else)? I’m not sure what to use! Thanks!

  • Michelle Hisae
    June 2, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    Those dresses are adorable! I love the green one. They’re so unique and have their own style, too. They fit perfectly!

  • Low
    June 2, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    I loved your yoga article! I am not a very avid yogi, but I can definitely say that the times when I have practiced regularly I have been in great shape. It really does tone you in a way that nothing else can!

    Your dinner looked great! And those dresses are fabulous!

  • Ris
    June 2, 2009 at 9:29 pm

    the purple dress is absolutely fabu!! and we have the same birthday =)

  • The Novice Berker
    June 2, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    CUTE dresses! And Ryan must be a master fisherman, those fish are freakin’ enormous!!

  • Claire
    June 2, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    Okay!
    1. Dresses are SO cute!
    2. Grandma Dot is SO cute!
    3. The deepsea spearfishing is awesome.
    4. That food looks delicious!

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    June 2, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    YUM! Gotta love that Cuban food. My hubby’s grandma makes a big Cuban meal every Sunday after church. I LOVE IT! I’m glad you had a fun day!

  • courtney
    June 2, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    Such cute dresses, you look totally hot! 🙂 And I had no idea Ryan had such muscles–way to be a super-fit couple together! Good luck tomorrow, and enjoy the yummy food at Flemings 🙂

  • Heather
    June 2, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    I love those dresses… they looks ADORABLE on you! My favorite is the second, but the first so pretty and unique too! Have fun wearing them! 🙂

    Ryan looks so cute with his fish. That’s one manly man! 😉

  • Run Sarah
    June 2, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    Those dresses are gorgeous! What an awesome job your cousin has. Your dinner looks amazing – I’ve never tried cuban food before but the beans sound great.

  • mh
    June 2, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    yummy dinner Jenna!! Ryan is a hunky man!! you all are so cute together!! Has living together changed anything about your relationship so far? My fiance is moving in with me soon and I’m so excited but I’ve got to get used to a roomie in my little one bedroom apt! haha! it’s so worth it though! take care

  • Still Life in South America
    June 2, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    Is Ryan a superhero in his spare time? His arms are enormous! 🙂

    Your green dress is so pretty. I love that emerald color. It is very flattering on you.

    Texas Pete is the best!

  • L
    June 2, 2009 at 10:26 pm

    Your dresses look amazing!!

    My favorite high school teacher, three of my friends and my cousin all were born on June 11th!! I was born on the 7th… June babies are really the best ones… lol. 😉

  • Caroline
    June 2, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    LOVE the color of that first dress–it looks great on you!

  • Lynna
    June 2, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    That’s funny, my cousin Kylee just moved out to L.A. a few months ago and is now working as a P.A. (I think that means production assistant) on America’s Next Top Model. I don’t think she gets any cool perks yet though.

  • Lesi
    June 2, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    Your friend knows just what to pick out! And your dinner looks sooooo perfect 🙂

  • Ellie
    June 2, 2009 at 11:02 pm

    That’s so cool that Ryan dove down 70 feet for those HUGE fish!! I am incredibly impressed. Ryan looks great in those pictures–you’re a lucky girl 🙂 It’s nice that you had such a great evening spending time with your grandma! I’m jealous.

  • Lyss
    June 2, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    YOU, my dear, are just gorgeous. I’m working in Beverly Hills now! Too funny!

    I just wanted to pop in and say how much I love your blog – and Barefoot wine! Mmmm!

    XOXO

  • Heather
    June 2, 2009 at 11:30 pm

    Hi Jenna! I always read your blog, but never comment. Anyway, a) I just have to say that I admire your relationship with food and your commitment to health overall so much! I’m working on these things… slowly, but they’re coming. b) I know you do Bikram a lot, and I was wondering if you have any tips for a beginner like me (the studio says it is beginner friendly as well, whew). I danced for a long time, so I’m still pretty flexible, but I know from other yoga classes that it’s a totally different kind of flexibility. Also, I’m really not ok with just wearing shorts and a sports bra, haha…will I totally overheat if I wear crop yoga pants and a thin top? c) Have you ever tried any other brown rice protein powders? I’m looking at a couple, but I can’t decide if I want to commit! I need a little guidance here! (omg, I’m sorry, I’m writing you a book!)

    Thanks again, love your blog!

  • Sarah (LovIN My Tummy)
    June 3, 2009 at 12:28 am

    I knew you were gorgeous (score on the dresses!), but I had no idea Ryan was so ripped! He SHOULD BE excited to have those pics up on the blog 😉

  • Cecilia
    June 3, 2009 at 1:43 am

    WOAH … holly muscle man! I have no idea that Ryan is so buff 😉

  • Jocelyn
    June 3, 2009 at 3:28 am

    wow..I love that green dress…it looks amazing on you!!!

    that is a very fresh din-dins lol looks good!

  • GirlonTour
    June 3, 2009 at 3:58 am

    Wow what a fabulous sassy blog I have stumbled onto. Think I might take a peep around!

    😀

  • Recipes for Creativity
    June 3, 2009 at 4:11 am

    Ryan dives to go catch the fish??? That is really neat! And cool dresses!

  • sammy
    June 3, 2009 at 4:38 am

    I have been thinking about trying green monsters too,but kinda scared!
    Should I replace my crunchy nutbutters with smooth for a monster?ALso can you taste the banana(bananas don’t agree with me,so wondering what to substitute,and should it be something frozen)?
    Is it hard to get down?What do younthink of adding frozen berries?
    I have dreams of drinking it all summer and getting slim…..!!!!

  • Matt (No Meat Athlete)
    June 3, 2009 at 4:48 am

    That Cuban dinner looks wonderful. Especially the plantains. They are really easy to make on your own, though I’ve never really seen them NOT deep-fried. Oh well, you gotta live a little!

  • Sarah
    June 3, 2009 at 6:34 am

    Cute dresses! And what an awesome grandma 🙂 You will definitely be like that when you are older, I could see it. Have fun at your media event!

  • Sarah M
    June 3, 2009 at 6:34 am

    Your dinner looks yummy….and so does your boyfriend!!! 🙂

  • Stacey
    June 3, 2009 at 6:42 am

    Looks like a delicious home-cooked dinner! Go Ryan! I still can’t believe he spearfishes haha..that seems so foreign to me! Have you ever tried?

  • Rachel
    June 3, 2009 at 6:51 am

    LOVE the dresses! That’s so sweet of her to send you those.

    I have to agree with everyone else…whoa to Ryan! lol

  • Lauren
    June 3, 2009 at 7:24 am

    I loved the piece you wrote on yoga! It makes me want to get more serious about practicing it! 🙂

  • Katherine
    June 3, 2009 at 7:43 am

    1. Both dresses look absolutely beautiful on you!!
    2. I can’t believe Ryan dove 70 down to spear those fish – they’re huge!
    3. Looks like a wonderful dinner with some great company. Isn’t it nice to spend time with family, especially a family member who inspires you?
    4. Can’t wait to hear how the orthotics work out!

  • leslie
    June 3, 2009 at 7:45 am

    my birthday is June 12th! YAY for Gemini’s!

  • Kati
    June 3, 2009 at 7:45 am

    Great early b-day surprise with the dresses! Both are smashing. And fresh fish for dinner sounds divine 🙂

  • Natural Nutritionist
    June 3, 2009 at 7:47 am

    Love the dresses!
    Dinner looks amazing – I’m from Wisconsin originally and they have a “fish fry” on a weekly basis, but I don’t think there is as much spice as this meal!! 😉

  • Sheri
    June 3, 2009 at 8:00 am

    Very cute dresses! Really like the blue one on you! Your fresh fish dinner looked delish.

  • Angela
    June 3, 2009 at 8:23 am

    Oh my gosh I love that green dress- its so me! Such nice gifts 🙂

  • Keri
    June 3, 2009 at 8:30 am

    Those dresses are adorable! And, that fresh fish and dinner looks divine! I’m incredibly envious of your cuban rice and beans! I LOVE spicy food!

  • MLT
    June 3, 2009 at 8:59 am

    Holy crap, what does ryan do to work out?
    And he DOVE down to get that fish? Wow, that is amazing. He sounds like one of those people who could totally survive on a deserted island if neccessary.
    Can you tell us what grouper and hog fish taste like? My sister in law from FLA talks about grouper a lot but I’ve never had and I’m intrigued…

  • Gloria
    June 3, 2009 at 9:16 am

    Oh drool… hogfish is my fav. I don’t spearfish, but I dive and let the boys handle the guns! It’s so awesome to have fresh fish and not pay a fortune for it. Hog goes for $30 (gah!) at Food Shack (our local restaurant in Jupiter). It’s a splurge, but the sweet potato crust is irresistible – and not deep fried!

  • Anais
    June 3, 2009 at 9:57 am

    It’s seeing pictures like that that make me want to move to somewhere warm where the sea is just minutes away!!! Looks like you had an amazing time!

  • samantha
    June 3, 2009 at 9:59 am

    love the blue dress! looks amazing with your complexion. and check out your hottie man! 🙂

  • Menden (SkinnyMenny)
    June 3, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Such adorable dresses! And I’m jealous of your cousin 🙂

  • KT
    June 3, 2009 at 10:46 am

    Haha, all of us readers are clearly developing a little crush on your bf 🙂
    You look amazing in those dresses! I love both, the green one would be soooo fun for a night on the town.
    Have a great day!

  • Natalie M.
    June 3, 2009 at 11:18 am

    At 83 your grandmother looks F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!!!

  • Rebeca
    June 3, 2009 at 11:31 am

    Making sweet plantains is sooo easy! You have to do it yourself next time… There’s nothing like popping one in your mouth when it’s just been cooked… Thank goodness I’m going home soon so my mama can make me some!

    Grandma Dot sounds fab! I totally want to be like that too!

  • Nicole (dishin')
    June 3, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    Dinner looks delicious! I hope she enjoyed it.
    The dresses are so nice, too!

  • Kayla
    June 3, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    That is one of the wines I sell! A big “push” this month….yay for the support. 🙂

  • Still Life in South America
    June 3, 2009 at 9:29 pm

    Barefoot wines are awesome!