Dessert/ Dinner/ Product Reviews

Have A Little Faith

Hi friends!

Thank you all so much for your support in my little endeavor! If you  haven’t voted yet, please click here to vote for Jenna to become the new Murphy-Goode Wine Girl (and move to a sweet new pad in wine country).

I’ve had a lot of readers ask how many times they can vote and whatnot, and truth be told, I’m not 100% sure how that works. I don’t think that they necessarily pick the person with the most votes to come out for an interview, but I know they must LOOK at that and it must have some sort of factor in the decision. Who knows! If it is meant to be it’ll be and they close applications on June 1st so I have until then to really rack in the votes! Love you guys! 🙂

This afternoon I made my ritual 2:30 juice using all of the below—

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I love adding cucumber because it adds a nice bit of coolness to the juice! This was yummy beet, apple, ginger, celery and cuc juice. Look at how pretty—

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I swear drinking whole fruit & veggie juice every day that I make myself has really helped to clear up my skin! Lately, my skin has been “glowing” and I really give all the credit to the juice since the rest of my diet is the same as it always has been. Who knows? Beet juice might be the magical cure all.

My afternoon was this new beauty of a bar that I bought for one of these Raw Wednesdays—

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I couldn’t wait to try it! It sounded so amazing and, lo and behold, it was AWESOME! I’ve never seen this bar before so I can’t tell you where exactly you can find it, but if you do see it then I definitely recommend picking one up. Its a raw bar made from coconut, chia seeds and almond butter and I loved the little crunch of the chia and the coolness of the coconut. It contained 220 calories, 14 grams of (healthy) fat and 7 grams of protein! I need to go and hunt down some more of these now because I think I might have an addiction…..

And then for dinner my dad and I went out for Vietnamese food—my favorite! I ordered a rice noodle bowl with lemongrass tofu on it and it was spendid:

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Which I promptly covered in sriracha

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It was delicious. My dad ordered the same thing but with grilled shrimp and he loved it as well

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And then afterwards we walked next door to D’Lite for a little froyo treat.

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I had a small pistachio with chocolate chips…it was yummy!

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Sadly, and as we all probably know, when it rains it pours and my mom had to fly up to Wisconsin this morning because her father (my grandpa) is really not doing well at all. Its a very scary situation and he has major surgery tomorrow morning so please keep our family in your prayers…..once again. Even though life is sort of sucking right now I do have 100% faith that everything will be okay in the end. Because really, in the end, faith is all we have and I’ve gotta cling to something during this tragic time.

When I got home I sipped on a glass of red wine while blogging 🙂

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I’m off—see you in the morn’! But first……...head over to Gena’s blog to enter in our first Raw Wednesday giveaway!! =)

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  • Gena
    May 13, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    You’re in my prayers, sweetie!!

  • Gretchen
    May 13, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Jenna, you’d make a great wino! Good luck!

  • weight and meditate
    May 13, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    You have continued to be in my prayers anyways, but I’ll add in some extra ones 🙂

    And how can you eat that Thai food with so much Sriracha??? My mouth would be on fire!!!

  • kim
    May 13, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    That’s the spirit girl! 🙂 Keep your chin up…at least for the fro-yo. 🙂

    Btw, how do you combat afternoon hunger/craving?

    • jenna
      May 13, 2009 at 7:25 pm

      Kim,

      I never let myself get hungry because I always eat! I eat a balanced lunch around 11:30-12 and then a healthy snack around 3. If you are having hunger or cravings you aren’t eating enough or your meals are not nutritionally balanced enough. Make sure you are getting a balance of lean protein, carbs and healthy fat at every meal.

  • Abbey
    May 13, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    praying for you : (

    and voting for you : )

  • SnowKat
    May 13, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    I just checked my email after voting for your video and I got an automated email asking me to verify that it’s valid.

    So… looks like you can vote as many times as you want to create a new email address and verify…. hehe

  • Rebecca
    May 13, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    I am so tempted to get a juicer after seeing all of your delicious juices! The Vietnamese meal looks yummy. BTW, I love the anthro sweater – I have the same one in blue-green 🙂 It’s my absolute fave store too!

  • Lisa D
    May 13, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Wow, I don’t think I could handle that much sriarcha- my mouth would be ON FIRE! That fro-yo would cool it off nicely. Also, I love how you keep drinking your juice out of beer glasses, it is a lovely contrast! Glad your skin cleared up and you will stay in my thoughts!

  • Mary
    May 13, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    Lots of prayers for your grandpa Jenna, and for your mom.

    Also: Your hands look so “pretty” since you left your job, odd comment I suppose, but true! 😉

  • Zoe
    May 13, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Yum, that juice looks delicious! (everything does, I’m just thirsty right now, heehe)

    I hope everything works out for your Grandpa! You’re in my thoughts 🙂

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    May 13, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    Keeping you in my thoughts!

    You look too darn cute with your d’lites!! Glad you had a nice dinner with Dad. Looks delish!

    Oh, and I need to hop on the juicing train..ASAP!

  • Julie
    May 13, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    Your family is in my thoughts Jena.

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    May 13, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Hugs to you and your family, you’re in my thoughts!!

  • Jen
    May 13, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    It looks like you had a lovely day, Jenna! I’ll be sure to keep your grandfather in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he gets well soon.

  • Michelle
    May 13, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Hang in there. The sparkle in your eyes are back…it must be the juice. Have you ever roasted beetroot and throw them in a salad, or sliced them and put on sandwhiches or grated them and put in salad. They’re basically amazing.

  • Jill Shelley
    May 13, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    I want to make sure I am understanding this right…you put that beet in their raw? For some reason all this time I didn’t think we were suppose to eat them raw. I don’t know where I got that idea.

  • Danielle
    May 13, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    In my thoughts & prayers Jenna dear

  • Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
    May 13, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!

  • sammy
    May 13, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    Our hearts go out to your mother as well as you and your father.Your family is facing a tragedy that must be hurting so incredibly deeply . Wishing your grandfather well, and wishing you all any peaceful moment you can find as you face the grief of John’s passing.May each day bring you a sweet memory or thought of him to ease your pain even the smallest bit.Peace.

  • emily
    May 13, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    your video audition looks great! and so does that juice, such a pretty color.

    keeping your family in my thoughts as well

  • Suzanne
    May 13, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    You have my vote sweetie!

  • Amanda
    May 13, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    Vietnamese is my absolute favorite!! I always get the fresh spring rolls (in rice paper, not fried) and a vermicelli salad bowl like that. YUM!!

    Praying for your family. Keep on hangin in there 🙂

  • Bec
    May 13, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    Thinking good thoughts for you and your family!

  • Alison
    May 13, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    Cool bar. The packaging makes it look very cheerful. Your Vietnamese food looks delicious.
    I’ll keep your family in your thoughts. I’m sorry everything is coming at once.

  • Kailey (SnackFace)
    May 13, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    Jenna, you and yoour family are definitely in my thoughts.

    I voted for you today and you are just too darn cute! I loved the video 🙂 I also agree with MIchelle above–the sparkle in your eyes really is back, such a beautiful thing!

    Gotta get me a juicer so I can stop using Proactiv and still have glowing skin like yours! Have a good night 🙂

  • Jennifer
    May 13, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    Your family is in my thoughts. In honor of Raw Wednesday, I tried raw oat meal. It was different, but it held me until lunchtime. Keep up the good work, Jenna, and good luck with your job application. Till next Wednesday!

  • Marissa
    May 13, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    I voted for you!

  • Help Meghan Run
    May 13, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Of course y’all are in my thoughts. 🙂 Keep on keepin’ on. And I like what you said about faith…absolutely believe that things will be better.

    www. HelpMeghanRun .com

  • MyThy as in "Mighty" ;)
    May 13, 2009 at 9:34 pm

    I voted for you Jenna! I was browsing thru other applicant video’s and so far you have the mostest w/ 567 favorites! I’m sure you’ll win the position! Sonoma County is beeaaauutiifullllll! I just finished RN school here in MI & we’re moving back in July. Warm weather, sunshine, and vino…can’t go wrong! =)

    Sending warm thoughts to you and your family.

  • Shelly
    May 13, 2009 at 9:35 pm

    So sorry to hear about your grandfather. I’m keeping you in my prayers.

  • Samantha
    May 13, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    Sending prayers for your Grandpa and safe travels and strength for your mom.

    Ohhh a chia bar! That sounds yummy! Might have to play around with making a raw chia bar.

    I love the look of that juice, so vibrant and pretty. I always add cukes to mine b/c it doesn’t seem to alter the taste much but like you said, cools/crispens it up! I still can’t find beet here out of a can. 🙁

    Good luck with the job…your vid was great, they’ll undoubtedly love you!

  • Nicole
    May 13, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    Jenna
    You’re in my thoughts at yet another rough time. It always seems to happen all at once.
    I voted for you too! I just visited Sonoma County a few weeks ago and it’s so beautiful.
    So a juicer is the answer to clearing up my skin?! The humid weather KILLS me…

  • Brianna
    May 13, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    I voted for ya! I hope you get the job! I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa – my thoughts are with you & your family! The froyo looks amazing. I can only ever find the regular vanilla, strawberry & chocolate froyo which gets rather boring after a while!

  • Ellie
    May 13, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    I loved your interview video! Professional and to the point. 🙂 That rice noodle bowl looks DELICIOUS–that is basically my Platonic ideal of the absolute perfect meal. Southeast Asian cuisine is my favorite.
    You and your family are in my prayers. I’m hoping all the best for you!

  • yolie
    May 13, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    hey jenna!
    i’m so very sorry to hear about your grandpa, sending you and your family lots of love and positive thoughts, i do hope there is sunshine on the horizon for you all very soon.
    now onto foodie matters, i just got ridiculously excited about seeing the cocochia bar on there, had to remind myself it was JUST A BAR, lol! 😉 love them!
    it does taste so good, plus its so healthy to boot and waaay addictive. they have different flavours too, super berry and super greens (super yum, lol) and double chocolate (very rich).
    here in england you get them mostly online…try checking out the website http://www.livingfuel.com and maybe buy a box? it works out cheaper that way too, which is always cool.
    take care and have a really beautiful thursday…
    yolie x
    ps: voted for ya!

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy)
    May 13, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    I’m crediting juice to my lightening fast surgery recovery!!! I’m currently thinking I like red pepper/strawberry better than beet/carrot!

    I am astonished at the amount of Sirracha you can handle. That is seriously impressive.

    My prayers are with your family. I have faith it will all be okay.

  • danielle
    May 13, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    I started following your blog a little bit ago…and I have seen you use the Sea Dog Brewing Co. glass a few times. I’m curious about how you acquired it, as I’m from the state from which the restaurant/brewery resides. They have some AWESOME beers there 🙂

  • Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
    May 14, 2009 at 12:42 am

    The juice looks wonderful!
    Your family is always in my thoughts Jenna!

  • mi
    May 14, 2009 at 12:56 am

    really enjoyed the video, and of course voted for you! sounds like a great opportunity, we’ll all have our fingers crossed 🙂 i think it’s great what you’re doing with the online food journalism – i read your article on greek yogurt, and i think THAT was why you couldn’t find 2% fage the other day!!! watch out so that your favourite foods don’t get immediately swiped off the shelves!!

  • Lacey
    May 14, 2009 at 2:31 am

    I have voted & I hope you win!

  • Jess
    May 14, 2009 at 5:07 am

    Prarying for you Jenna. I’m certain that you will come out of this difficult time with grace because you are keeping the faith 🙂

  • Shelby
    May 14, 2009 at 5:07 am

    Oh dear, you and your family will be in my thoughts hun!

    Maybe I should get a better juicer. Mine is like 1 million years old and it’s so hard to use. But benefits like that, you can’t go wrong!

    I must find that bar, it sounds amazing!

    Ooo and I’m loving all he hot sauce, my favorite!

  • kim
    May 14, 2009 at 6:35 am

    Thanks Jenna~
    But I feel that no matter how much I had for lunch, I always get a hunger pain exactly at 4pm. lol What kind of snacks do you like to snack on? Would a smoothie be a good idea, though I don’t have a juicer.

    Also, since you’re such a fabulous baker, I’ve a question for you.
    I’ve read that it’s best to keep bread on the counter, but after 5 days, my bread has gotten moldy and I had to throw it out.
    :*( How do you keep your bread? Thanks! Have a great Thursday!

    • jenna
      May 14, 2009 at 6:43 am

      Kim,

      My advice is to have a more filling snack. Think yogurt and cereal, a piece of peanut butter toast, banana with almond butter or cottage cheese and crackers or toast. You can see examples of what I snack on daily. 🙂

      I keep all my bread in the fridge because, even though I do have a baking degree, I really don’t eat much bread and I buy the frozen Ezekiel kind which does keep for weeks in the fridge!

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    May 14, 2009 at 7:08 am

    Oh my gosh! You guys will continue to be in my prayers.

  • Jenna
    May 14, 2009 at 7:24 am

    Youre in my prayers dear! I’m truly sorry your family is going through such a rough time! :-/ take care!

  • Lauren
    May 14, 2009 at 7:41 am

    You are continually in my thoughts and prayers. John will help your Grandpa get through this.

  • Jenni
    May 14, 2009 at 7:50 am

    Bless your mom’s heart! It’s great that she has you as a beacon of strength in her life! Keep shining with His light, Jenna…

  • Anais
    May 14, 2009 at 8:05 am

    Hope your grandfather will be ok!

  • kim
    May 14, 2009 at 8:06 am

    Thanks again. I’ve heard that it’s not good to keep bread in the fridge. Better in the freezer, but I don’t have toaster at work and mircowaving bread makes it really rubbery. Eek!

  • Tami
    May 14, 2009 at 8:11 am

    Prayers for you and your mom, Jenna, as she travels north to my neck ‘o the woods in WI! 🙂

    I got in a vote for you as the wine girl. How cool would that be (and how jealous am I???)? 😉

  • stephanie
    May 14, 2009 at 8:27 am

    Hey Jenna…. I’ve been juicing when I can (read: the juicer machine noise totally freaks out my 5 month old baby girl!!!!) and wanted to start adding beets, BUT I’ve never used a beet in my life. Do you peel them before juicing or just throw them in as is, and do you add the beet greens? Looking forward to that beautiful red goodness =) Maybe you’ve addressed this before, but I missed it. Thanks!

    • jenna
      May 14, 2009 at 8:41 am

      Stephanie,

      Nope, I don’t peel them at all! I just trim them (cut the part closest to the stalk off), slice ’em and drop them in the juicer. I usually just throw away the greens—I’ve never heard anything about juicing them although I don’t see why you couldn’t necessarily.

  • anne
    May 14, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Jenna – can you give us more tips about juicing? What kind of machine do you use? Do you peel any of the veggies first? thanks!!

    • jenna
      May 14, 2009 at 8:50 am

      Anne,

      I actually just wrote a post for Creative Loafing on juicing so stay tuned for that because it has a TON of info in it. As for now, I use a Breville Fountain Elite juicer and I love it!! I don’t peel any of the veggies; the machine does all the work!

  • Fitzalan
    May 14, 2009 at 9:30 am

    When it rains, it does pour. Glad that you have such a close family and your faith to help you through. And you are right…it will all be okay. It might not always be the okay you were hoping for, but it will all be okay…it always is.

    You are my my thoughts and prayers.

    Happiness Awaits

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
    May 14, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    Pistaschio is one of my favorite fro-yo flavors… especially in summer! Right up there with Peanut Butter!

    I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. My thoughts are with you and your family.