Breakfast/ Exercise/ Fitness

Modern Appliances Are Overrated

Good morning!

Well, I survived my first night in my new attic. Here are some sneak peak pictures:

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The only person that has seen this place yet has been Adam and his response was…..”it’s interesting”. Indeed it is. Video tour to come when I unpack and organize my life a bit.

Unfortunately I have hardly any internet connection so please bear with me on emails and comments. Right now I am huddled next to a window in the foyer because that’s the only tiny bubble of weak signal. Minor details.

I slept GREAT last night though in my new bed! One word to describe it here: quiet. Very, very, very quiet. I took a bubble bath, journaled and was out a little before midnight. I feel like I need to sleep for about two weeks to catch up on everything. This morning I woke up at 7am and went out for a 3 mile run in my new neighborhood. COLD! So different than Florida where I’m used to running in shorts and a sports bra. Today I had on yoga pants, a fleece and a hat and was still freezing. Ahh Northern California, what have you done to me?!

Before I left I had a piece of whole wheat bread and pumpkin butter!

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And then a yogurt bowl with a mix of Nature’s Path granola, cinnamon puffins, almond butter and melon from Jeff and Susan’s farm. Delicious!

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Naturally I can’t function without caffeine, so after I ate I set out once again on foot to search for coffee. Hello, Flying Goat!

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I bought some ground coffee and a french press….feeling much better now! I don’t have a coffee pot here but I do have a mini french press so looks like I’ll be boiling water on the stove and using that for the time being. Modern appliances….pshhhhhhh

Bout to take a shower, get ready and head in to work. See you tonight!

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  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    October 8, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Looks super cute! I had some pumpkin butter for breakfast, too and it totally tasted like pumpkin pie!

  • Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
    October 8, 2009 at 9:06 am

    I had pumpkin butter in my oatmeal this morning! I’d so much rather run in the cold weather than in the hot so I am very jealous of you and your fleece this morning!

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness
    October 8, 2009 at 9:12 am

    Cute place! I love the little range hood over the stove.

  • jen trinque
    October 8, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Aw, I’m sure your little place is just perfect! Some of the “interesting” places I lived in my early 20’s were my favorite places, ever! It’s so fun reading about your new adventures 🙂

  • linda
    October 8, 2009 at 9:40 am

    You can also use the french press from the BlogHer after party swag bag. There’s a cute one in there, great for a single serving of coffee or tea.

  • Anais
    October 8, 2009 at 9:50 am

    I think your apartment is adorable!!! You’ve probably already thought of this, but in that area with the chair and not much room to stand, you should do like a little “relaxing nook”. You could put lots of pillows on the ground (maybe a mattress too) that way you could really use the whole space without having to worry about the ceiling 🙂

    I wish I could try some of that pumpkin butter it looks so good!

  • Evan Thomas
    October 8, 2009 at 9:50 am

    That’s great you can get a good nights sleep!

  • Lizzie
    October 8, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Jenna, I was so envious of your dinner last night – LOVE all the fresh food and color!! We’ve been living in small places all our lives (my room growing up was the size of a shoe box!), BUT there’s the cute factor (of course) and also the idea that it’s not so much the place, as it is what happens in it. It sounds like your already on your way to creating some fun memories!

  • Anais
    October 8, 2009 at 9:51 am

    I don’t think my comments are posting!

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life
    October 8, 2009 at 9:54 am

    Looks super cute Jenna!!

  • Jenna
    October 8, 2009 at 9:55 am

    Aww, what a cute little pad. Just goes to show that you don’t need the frills to be happy.

    Try that pumpkin butter with cream cheese. It is heaven!

  • Whitney @ Lettuce Love
    October 8, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Your new place looks cute! I see major potential.

  • Diana
    October 8, 2009 at 9:59 am

    Ah, it’s tiny and looks cute. You just have to make it more “home-y”! It’s just you and that’s more than enough I think. It’s good that it’s quiet though, you can relax! 😉

  • BethT @ Pretty By The Bay
    October 8, 2009 at 9:59 am

    I think the place looks adorable! Love all that counter space…

  • Heathe (Live,Love, Enjoy Nature)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Phsssss that’s nothing on my tiny apartment :).looks like a nice size kitchen.

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
    October 8, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Adorable apartment!

  • megan
    October 8, 2009 at 10:03 am

    your place looks so cute! i like the angles. and you don’t need any modern appliances to make tea. 🙂

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:07 am

    Cute place! It looks perfect for one person, and you can definitely make it nice and cozy.

    You’ll get used to the weather, at least it won’t be snowing there!!

  • Simone
    October 8, 2009 at 10:10 am

    You’re apartment looks so cute. I am in a studio apt in NY so I know what you mean by small space…but I LOVE it and would not trade my place for anything in the world. 🙂

    Oh, and you think boiling water on the stove and using a french press is old news, talk about ancient coffee brewing methods…haha…check it out:
    http://positiontransition.blogspot.com/2009/07/all-for-coffee.html

  • Simone
    October 8, 2009 at 10:11 am

    You’re apartment looks so cute. I am in a studio apt in NY so I know what you mean by small space…but I LOVE it and would not trade my place for anything in the world. 🙂

    Oh, and you think boiling water on the stove and using a french press is old news, talk about ancient coffee brewing methods…haha…check it out:
    http://positiontransition.blogspot.com/2009/07/all-for-coffee.html

  • Allison (Eat Clean Live Green)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:11 am

    I love your apartment! I’ve always wanted to live somewhere with a ‘slanted roof’ 🙂

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries
    October 8, 2009 at 10:13 am

    I love your attic! And your TJs pumpkin love.

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:15 am

    Looks like the perfect place to relax and unwind. Love that you have your own kitchen! And I NEED to get some of my own pumpkin butter from TJ’s….I’ve been eating pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin oats. I love it all!

  • Abby (Abbys Vegan Eats)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Cute place.. NEED to try TJ’s pumpkin butter. This month I am attempting to celebrate all things fall!!! 🙂 My hub refuses to use anything other than his french press (even after receiving fancy shmancy ones for wedding). He said it never tastes as good!

  • Jil
    October 8, 2009 at 10:20 am

    Your kitchen is so cute!! Love the stove! I need to make a TJ’s trip soon…and well, now that Pumpkin Butter is on my list. It looks so good!!!

  • Jenna
    October 8, 2009 at 10:22 am

    can’t wait to see a tour of the appartment jenna! looks super cute, but much different from FL!
    jenna

  • Jeni
    October 8, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Jenna,
    FYI – Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter is AWESOME in oatmeal, will a little peanut butter of course!

    Jeni

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
    October 8, 2009 at 10:26 am

    AH thanks for reminding me about their pumpkin butter- gotta go get some!

  • brandi
    October 8, 2009 at 10:26 am

    cute little kitchen! you have more counter space than I have in my house!

    French press coffee is better anyways 🙂

    glad you got a good night’s sleep!

  • Kim
    October 8, 2009 at 10:26 am

    It is freezing today! What happened? One annoying thing about Norcal is that the weather seriously changes from day to day (and from morning to afternoon)… I’m hoping it warms up soon so I can enjoy my late morning run along the bay–that can get super windy and cold on days like this! Your new place has potential, I’m sure you’ll think up some cute ways to decorate and make it comfy.

  • MMiller
    October 8, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Wow, I love your new place Jenna! It is very cute! And boy do I wish they had a TJ’s in FL! I really want some of that Pumpkin butter! I think it would be awesome in oatmeal! I think you will feel settled in no time! Enjoy your “quiet”!

  • Megan (BitesoftheApple)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:39 am

    I LOVE TJ’s pumpkin butter! The new place looks cute!! It will be an adventure! I’ve been wanting to try a French press but have NO IDEA how to do it. Any pointers??

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Your preview pics remind me of my first apartment after college. Old cabinets and appliances but it was mine and it was home 🙂

    I used to look at pics of you and Caitlin running in sports bras and shorts and think you were going to freeze before I remembered you lived in Florida. Welcome to my world of running outdoors. You might want to invest in a good heat layer and some running tights. I know that Old Navy actually makes good tights for cheap that keep me warm and Target has a great running layer that keeps me warm. I’m cheap…what can I say 🙂

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    October 8, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Quiet and cozy and bubble baths —all good revitalizers after busy days. Here in the Del Monte Forest [with the deer and butterflies and next to the beach] the signals are low and Verizon 3-G Network cards help. That fruit looks delicious.

  • kristina
    October 8, 2009 at 10:44 am

    your place is so sweet jenna! thanks for sharing your pics ~ can’t wait to see more!

  • kirsten
    October 8, 2009 at 10:45 am

    Looks cute! I’?e lived alone a couple of times and loved it!

  • Thealogian
    October 8, 2009 at 10:48 am

    I do the French Press thing too! Having moved around the country enough, I gotta say the stress of having too much stuff gets to you if you want to be mildly mobile. Tea pot for tea and French Press coffee, great–a tea pot, French press, coffee maker, electric tea pot, etc. It all gets to be too much.

    Peace

  • Kristina
    October 8, 2009 at 10:49 am

    I make French-press coffee every day – it’s like this wonderful ritual for me! So, I’m all for it. Plus, I love the taste of the coffee – it just seems richer or something. Hope you enjoy your experience!

  • Marisa (Trim The Fat)
    October 8, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I love it! Looks like you have a great amount of counter space for a little “attic” 🙂

    That melon! Yum!

  • Jess
    October 8, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Aww your place is so cute! It has a lot of potential, I can tell!

  • Emily (Emily Eats and Exercises)
    October 8, 2009 at 11:04 am

    I hope you enjoy your new place – in grad school I had my own attic apartment – I loved it!
    I guess I’m not alone, it looks like lots of your commenters had pumpkin butter for breakfast.
    You’ll get used to running in colder weather – I love running outside in Boston – I ran in Sarasota when I went to visit my relatives and I thought I was going to melt…

  • Sammie
    October 8, 2009 at 11:10 am

    I prefer French Press coffee (I use mine EVERY day) – heck with the coffee pot. I am glad that you are settling in and doing well. Your little pad looks very homey. Have a great day Jenna.

  • Jennifer
    October 8, 2009 at 11:15 am

    OK I love how you have simplified your life! Who needs all of the clutter in life! You have inspired me….

  • Fitzalan
    October 8, 2009 at 11:31 am

    I haven’t commented in ages but I have absolutely loved reading about your life transition over to California. You sound the happiest that you have in….ages. Keep living life to the fullest–it is inspiring!

    Happiness Awaits

  • Pure2Raw Twins
    October 8, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Yeah, the warmer weather were I live is leaving… pulling out the sweaters!!! Though, I feel fall is the perfect time to run outside. Glad that you are getting settled in over in Cali!

  • Mellissa
    October 8, 2009 at 11:33 am

    I love love love TJ’s pumpkin butter. I might need to go get some tonight.

  • Tay
    October 8, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Awww What a cutsie little attice 🙂 So homie.

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion
    October 8, 2009 at 11:39 am

    Your kitchen looks so cute! I can’t wait to see the video when you move in. It is freezing during my morning runs here in Boston too! I miss summer!!!

  • Rebecca
    October 8, 2009 at 11:46 am

    I love finding new coffee shops! I think it’s awesome that you live in an attic!

  • angieinatlanta
    October 8, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    I love your little attic – it looks cozy and very peaceful!

    Love love LOVE TJ’s Pumpkin butter!

  • Rachael (La Dolce Vita)
    October 8, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    Looks like you’ve got a lovely, cozy place to hang your hat! Can’t wait to see it all unpacked.

  • Nicole
    October 8, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    Your new place looks cozy! My parents have the same cabinets, it looks like 😀

  • Paige
    October 8, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    Aww! I’m so glad you like it:)

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    October 8, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    I actually kinda hate my coffee maker and have been thinking about getting a French press for a while now 😉 Glad you are getting settled in, can’t wait to see more!

  • skinnyrunner
    October 8, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    how fun to see your new place! i cant wait to see more…

  • CalliNae
    October 8, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    I need to get myself a french press. I am going CRAZY without my coffee here, because the weather is so awfully cold. The moment I step out of bed, my lil tootsies are freezing!

    Cute attic 🙂

  • MOM
    October 8, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Hmmmm… I see a hammock with some great throw pillows hanging in that little corner!

  • Whitney
    October 8, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    Running tights will be your friend. I actually enjoy running more when its between 30-50 degrees rather than 80s. I bet you will like it too.

  • Emily S.
    October 8, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    I think your attic is AWESOME. Have a great day at work!

  • Katy
    October 8, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    I had my honeymoon where you live..when I got home I started classes and one of my professors was asking us questions to get to know us..he asked me what I would do with a million dollars: “I would buy a home in Napa Valley..” and I wasn’t kidding. Top 3 favorite places. Reading your entries lately is sounding like Bread Alone..only not the depressing side of it..just the life transitioning and living without modern conveniences 😉 I am just over halfway done with the sequel! 🙂

  • Tricia
    October 8, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Ohhh Pumpkin Butter! I picked some up from a farmers market last week and have been putting it on everything!

  • Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo)
    October 8, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    Ya know Jenna, you might get used to the cold. I moved to SF for post grad from LA and I thought I would die. seriously. By the time i graduated i was totally used to it. Now I’m back in LA and I get cold if it’s 73, not 75. so I guess I reverted! :-O

    Enjoy your lovely penthouse suite!

    D

  • Courtney
    October 8, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    I hope you aren’t super tall! You may end up with some bumps on your noggin!! :>
    Looks like you are in for an adventure…who wants to be home when they could be out exploring and drinking wine anyways!
    Thanks for the pumpkin butter pic…I’m seriously considering driving out in rush hour traffic to get some it looks so freakin good!!!!!!
    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Laura Cunnington
    October 8, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    I am SO JEALOUS of all of your counter space!!

  • Heather
    October 8, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    Woah way better than my tiny apartment!! Your kitchen is a nice size. I can’t tell what the other room is though. Best of luck unpacking!!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
    October 8, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    Your place looks like it has tons of character, and even though you’re just moving in, it already seems to have a homey feel to it. I think making tea without modern appliances is awesome and really turns it into a nice ritual 🙂

  • Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles)
    October 8, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    I want a french press so bad! So many people say it’s much better than a coffee maker, so why go modern?

    You apartment looks so cute!!

    xo
    K

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    October 8, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    haha, welcome to life in an expensive city!! you learn to live with a lot less :O). your place will be cute im sure, as soon as you put your personal touches on it!

  • maggie
    October 8, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    Pumpkin butter = LOVE! That window corner of your apartment is calling for some Jenna creativity! I know your gunna make it all cute soon!! 🙂 Have fun!

    Maggie

    MYBREAKFASTBLOG.COM

  • Meghan@traveleatlove
    October 8, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Cute apartment, and its all your own!

  • Ris
    October 8, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    It’s so cute and quaint – very romantic writer’s garrett! I am so psyched that it’s pumpkin butter season

  • Jac
    October 8, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    always thought it was cool to stay in an attic.. have fun moving in!

  • Julia
    October 8, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    Your apartment/attic is soo cute! Congrats! And I think it’s fab that you don’t have a bunch of modern appliances, I’m sure it will be a good thing in the end!

  • Sarah
    October 8, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    pumpkin butter!! love that stuff!!

  • Lu
    October 8, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    Totally love your blog! I have to get some of that pumpkin butter, it sounds wonderful.

  • Susan
    October 8, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    I love your place! I’ve always wanted to live in an attic…ironically I now live in a basement 😛 And you’re right, modern appliances ARE overrated. French presses are so much easier to clean and store than bulky coffee makers.

  • Brittany
    October 8, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    Jenna,

    I think your new little attic is cute. I hope you do decide to do a vid. tour! And, don’t feel bad we don’t have a dishwasher or garbage disposal either and actually I miss the garbage disposal more than I miss the dishwasher. Trash gets stinky fast when food is put in there.

  • Brittany
    October 8, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    p.s. we’re totally twins- I had whole wheat bread and Tj’s pumpkin butter this morning as well! so delicious right?

  • Karen
    October 8, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Looks like you have enough room for a cute chopping block island, Way too cute, you will have it looking homey in no time. Sometimes the less is better, that nook looks perfect for a little writing desk to set up your office, Good luck.

  • justrun
    October 8, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    Your place looks perfect for you! I actually love open shelves in a kitchen– there’s so much character about that.
    Glad you’re settling in!

  • Isabelle
    October 8, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    LOVE the sweet attic/one bedroom.or bachelor??
    Wow-lotsa kitchen cupcoards!
    Did ya buy a new bed?
    Your place is MUCH nicer than mine.
    Perfect,sweey,homey spot to relax.
    Perhaps a beanbag chair to collapse into and read?
    Or a futon chair(where visiting friends.family can pull out to sleep in!)
    Add some cute bookshelves,pictures on walls,a radio/little stereo.,some plants,and of course your yoga mat,hee hee!
    Can’t wait for the “full tour” of your place!
    Did you have to look at lotsa spots or was this treasure your first apt on your list?
    Well done!Definitely you should have a little housewarming gathering or potluck there(when you DON’t spit out lovely wine!!!)

  • Isabelle
    October 8, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    LOVE the sweet attic/one bedroom.or bachelor??
    Wow-lotsa kitchen cupcoards!
    Did ya buy a new bed?
    Your place is MUCH nicer than mine.
    Perfect,sweey,homey spot to relax.
    Perhaps a beanbag chair to collapse into and read?
    Or a futon chair(where visiting friends.family can pull out to sleep in!)
    Add some cute bookshelves,pictures on walls,a radio/little stereo.,some plants,and of course your yoga mat,hee hee!
    Can’t wait for the “full tour” of your place!
    Did you have to look at lotsa spots or was this treasure your first apt on your list?
    Well done!Definitely you should have a little housewarming gathering or potluck there(when you DON’t spit out lovely wine!!!)

  • maria
    October 8, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    I’m hoping to buy a french press myself soon. J doesn’t drink coffee… actually he avoids it like the plague. But I love it. I don’t see any point in buying a coffee pot with only one of us drinking it though.

  • MyThy as in "Mighty" ;)
    October 9, 2009 at 6:40 am

    I love Flying Goat! Try their pumpkin loaf…very Fall. But for protein/spice staying power, I get their ginger spice protein muffin. Fuels me up w/ a soy latte.

  • Ang
    October 9, 2009 at 7:24 am

    What a cute place!