Behind The Butter

Socially Awkward

Hello!

Thanks for all the feedback on my last post! I hope you all know how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Without y’all, this blog definitely couldn’t be possible.

So, last night Almanzo and I dressed up and went out on the town. I wore these strappy little red sandals that I bought while studying in Paris three years and just found again yesterday (love it when that happens)

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And Almanzo rocked the stripe on stripe look.

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I love it when he does that.
We went to Zazu!

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Zazu has always been a favorite of ours. It’s our “go to” spot because when we are there, we are always guaranteed a great meal. Last time we went was for my birthday!

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Last night because super special though because we actually ran into three blog readers there! It was Rachel’s 27th birthday and her family drove up from Berkeley for dinner. Happy birthday, Rachel!!
Sorry if I started to sweat profusely and stutter; I become incredibly awkward in social situations apparently. I know you wouldn’t know just by reading this blog, but in “real life” I’m actually very shy. Being a writer has granted me my all time wish of making a living by hiding behind my books and a laptop. I need help. Really. Almanzo thinks it’s funny!
Anyways, we had a fabulous dinner. Per usual, we started with some smelly cheese and honey:

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Drank some delicious vino:

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And I inhaled the most wonderful mozzarella ravioli with fresh tomato sauce. The tomatoes were fresh from the Zazu garden and the mozzarella was made right around the corner, in Point Reyes! The dish was topped with a simple green salad….it was fantastic!

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Almanzo had a duck leg. Typical.

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And we shared s’mores pie for dessert. This was unbelievable!!! Homemade marshmallow layers with thick dark chocolate and toasty graham cracker crumbs. Must re-create. Stat.

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After that, I pretty much floated into my bed, visions of s’mores pie lingering in my head.
***
How many Austin readers would be interested in a meet-up? Email me if you’re interested…there might be something fun in the works!

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  • Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
    August 12, 2010 at 9:47 am

    I’m so shy, too! I hate it but what are you going to do? I’ve always been that way. Love the red sandals, btw. πŸ™‚

  • Jackie
    August 12, 2010 at 9:59 am

    Honey on stinky cheese? Thank GOD tonight is girls night because I want to try that ASAP!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    August 12, 2010 at 10:04 am

    those sandals are the best…WAY too cute! y’alls food looks insane!

  • crunchy granola gal
    August 12, 2010 at 10:05 am

    i want a scenic view like that when i dine at classy restaurants! oh, california…

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please
    August 12, 2010 at 10:08 am

    I’d like some of that smelly cheese and honey… looks wonderful! And cute shoes!!

  • Lizzie
    August 12, 2010 at 10:08 am

    I love nights out like these – good company, delicious (wholesome! real!) food, a couple of nice drinks, and plenty of interesting conversation. Hurrah! πŸ™‚

  • Jen @ Jen is Green
    August 12, 2010 at 10:09 am

    S’mores pie sounds AMAZING!!! That whole restaurant looks divine, actually. πŸ™‚

  • Jessica @ How Sweet
    August 12, 2010 at 10:10 am

    I love those shoes! I also get very shy and awkward. People probably think I’m rude, but I’m really just shy!

    • Ann
      August 12, 2010 at 4:18 pm

      Me too! Shyness apparently translates into being aloof πŸ™ But, I believe that once you get to know a shy person, he or she actually has a lot of great things to say!

  • Camille
    August 12, 2010 at 10:12 am

    I’m shy too! I really don’t like big social situations and I generally get embarrassed and look for an excuse to leave. So here’s to being socially awkward! πŸ™‚

  • Tina
    August 12, 2010 at 10:13 am

    That looks like a fabulous dinner. Love when you get a special evening like that.

    I’m not too shy. People probably think I talk too much. LOL

  • Amanda
    August 12, 2010 at 10:16 am

    I <3 those sandals : )

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    August 12, 2010 at 10:22 am

    SUCH cute sandals!! I wish I lived in Austin because I’d definitely be interested in a meetup, but sadly that is not the case. Have fun when it happens though! πŸ™‚

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman
    August 12, 2010 at 10:22 am

    Know the feeling of shyness. I had an appointment to be interviewed by a newspaper reporter a couple of weeks ago and I can’t tell you how nervous I was leading up to it! {and during}

  • Chelsey
    August 12, 2010 at 10:24 am

    Those are the cutest sandals! It is true that Europe is ahead of us in the style department because I just started seeing sandals like that here LAST YEAR!

    I pretend like I’m not shy, but I really am. It’s hard to make myself be outgoing, but I fight through it!

  • Laurel
    August 12, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Rockin’ the side braid…nice touch. Can you figure out a way to make the smores pie and recreate it for all of us to try? It looks delightful…and coming off camping season is leaving me wanting s’mores!

  • Ashley
    August 12, 2010 at 10:32 am

    I can be super shy at times!! The thing that makes it even worse is my face turns RED. And I mean RED. It is so embarrassing.

    • Chandra H
      August 12, 2010 at 12:04 pm

      me too!!!!!!!!!!

  • Kelly
    August 12, 2010 at 10:35 am

    I am the same way πŸ™‚ I am totally socially awkward, but online, I pretend I am outgoing! Or maybe, I just am outgoing online… hmmm πŸ™‚

  • Penny (VEGGIEtarian)
    August 12, 2010 at 10:35 am

    You know, I just really love your blog. πŸ™‚

    I am completely awful at social situations. I’m not particularily shy, but crowds (more than 4 people :-)) make me crazy. I start lookig for a exit really quickly. πŸ™‚

  • Lolly
    August 12, 2010 at 10:35 am

    is that Essie Wicked on your toes?

  • Alyson @ Nourished Fitness
    August 12, 2010 at 10:36 am

    Looks delicious! You reminded me that I have a s’more brownie recipe floating around here somewhere that I must make against. Not much screams ‘summer’ like s’mores.. ok maybe also watermellow, mint chip ice cream and grilled corn πŸ™‚

  • Kacy
    August 12, 2010 at 10:36 am

    I didn’t used to be, but I’ve recently become incredibly socially awkward. I don’t know what it’s about. I was a big bundle of nerves at Fitbloggin meeting all those people I didn’t know.
    That dinner looks so magnificent. I love places like that.

  • maggie
    August 12, 2010 at 10:37 am

    What a lovely dinner. I am so envious. You look beautiful in that picture. Cute shoes, have you always had a tattoo on your foot?? I want one there, but happen to be a wuss.

  • Lisa @ Lisa's Foods on the Move
    August 12, 2010 at 10:39 am

    It must be great to live in your area, because I imagine there are lots of restaurants and people who believe in eating locally. There are a few places near us that serve local foods, and I’m always excited to try them out.

    I actually just wrote a post today about locavores – funny coincidence.

  • Michelle (Life, With Relish)
    August 12, 2010 at 10:40 am

    From the lights to the pie, looks like a beautiful night!

  • Cole
    August 12, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Oh wow, I love those shoes, girl! And Almanzo’s stripe duo. And of course all of the cheese. Mmm, cheese.

  • Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
    August 12, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Hi! I live in Austin and am emailing you now πŸ™‚ Come visit this FABULOUS land!

  • Chicago Cuisine Critique
    August 12, 2010 at 10:47 am

    That meal looks awesome!!!

  • Angela Henrie
    August 12, 2010 at 10:47 am

    I SO love the red sandals!

  • Courtney (Delightful Devours)
    August 12, 2010 at 10:49 am

    S’MORE PIE!!! Sooo jealous!

  • Jaya
    August 12, 2010 at 10:56 am

    That looks like a fabulous dinner. Zazu is definitely a popular reference in all literature related to locally-inspired cuisine. I remember watching a documentary where the husband-wife owners went to a chicken farm – interesting stuff! Zazu is on definitely really high on my global restaurant hit list (which includes such zealous aspirations as El Bulli) but in the meantime, I’m more than happy to live vicariously through you!

  • Katherine
    August 12, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Social awkward is my life. I ran into someone from school yesterday and actually gave them a thumbs up. I don’t know what I am doing sometimes…

  • erin m.
    August 12, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Shy women do not wear red shoes :)! Totally resonate with your food & fitness philosophy. Contemplating the nutrition course via AFPA. Wanted to say “hello” instead of lurking!

  • Cati @ crave and create
    August 12, 2010 at 11:06 am

    LOVE the red sandals!

  • Jaime
    August 12, 2010 at 11:10 am

    That dinner looks amazing! Have major food envy right now πŸ™‚

  • R @ Learning As I Chop
    August 12, 2010 at 11:11 am

    That meal looks amazing! What does Alamanzo do?

  • saramariesue
    August 12, 2010 at 11:15 am

    Austin is a cool idea! I live in South Texas and venture to Austin on occasion with my boyfriend since he works an hour away from there. It’s my go to city when I need to get out of town πŸ™‚ And you MUST go to the Wholefoods market there. It is the original one that started the whole franchinse. I spent about three hours in there the last time I went. The whole store is eye candy that I couldn’t part with.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    August 12, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Smore’s pie?! Wow. And those raviolis look unbelievable.

  • Maura
    August 12, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Super cute shoes! I’m glad you look so happy in that picture. I’m so happy for you :-D. I have tendencies to be awkward in social situations too..oh well, heres hoping grace comes with age!

  • Sana
    August 12, 2010 at 11:26 am

    I can be shy at times- to depends on my mood and how much I have eaten!

  • Ruth
    August 12, 2010 at 11:34 am

    I live in Austin! But, I’m just a reader… no blog. And I lurk… never comment. I’m selling myself, I know. Don’t you want to meet me?! Hopefully, something works out for a meet-up!

  • greenbean
    August 12, 2010 at 11:39 am

    are you and your girlfriend still able to head to Paris this summer?

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    August 12, 2010 at 11:43 am

    Fabulous photos!! You look like zee French guurrl!

    No one can be ‘on’ 24/7, especially when caught off guard! At least you didn’t drop the F-bomb, grab a beer, and slide down a chute! Am still laughing about that one! Poor guy, obviously not the best day. πŸ˜‰

  • Janna@Janna's Keeping it Real
    August 12, 2010 at 11:45 am

    oooh! samzies. samzies like you wouldn’t believe! i am uber outgoing/funny (at least i like to think) via email, blog, text, etc…but give me a real life social situation and i get socially ridiculous. it’s embarrassing, really…i’m the same on the phone. i blame my profession (helllllo accountant!) but i really have no idea why, because i knwo a lot of no-awkward accountants.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
    August 12, 2010 at 11:46 am

    I’m not surprised at all that you’re shy or “awkward.” I think alot of writers are. I know I am. I, too, am able to hide behind my computer. It’s a safe zone. πŸ™‚ I used to think it was because I used to be morbidly obese, but now I think it really is just my personality.

    You looked cute as a button as always.

  • Marie
    August 12, 2010 at 11:47 am

    I’m really awkward, too. I either clam up or I babble like a nut! Ridiculous. I wish I was “so much cooler online,” but I’m just not. Nope. Love your shoes!

  • Megan (Braise The Roof)
    August 12, 2010 at 11:55 am

    Cute shoes! And they’re still totally in style- I love when that happens! I love stinky cheese. It’s the best. πŸ™‚

  • shayla
    August 12, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Omg this post makes me love you even more! I thought you were fabulous to begin with, but now knowing you can be that way is refreshing to know. You’re right, reading this blog I would’ve never thought you were shy and I’m the same way! So open on paper, but can definitely be socially awkward…its nice to know I’m not the only one! πŸ˜‰
    Great dinner btw, am so jealous!

  • Julianne
    August 12, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    The food looks amaaaaazing! Hello, your pedicure rocks, too!
    Oh gotta check out Zazu soon!

  • eatmovelove
    August 12, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    I can’t imagine you as socially awkward. BUT, I love that you gave an appreciation to your readers. There was some great feedback there – and without a lot of them, you couldn’t do this I guess…well, you could…but you couldn’t make a little something out of it, etc …well, y’know what I mean πŸ˜‰
    I also really like that you appreciate your food…I can sense it coming off of your posts almost!!
    YES, I can SMELL the smelly cheese almost!! LOL.
    MAybe one day I’ll get to that appreciation point myself instead of insert, inhale, repeat.

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    August 12, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I feel the same way. I’m incredibly talkative online, but in person I can be hard to get to know unless I’m in the right crowd, ie. people I know are in company. I don’t do well without buffers!

  • Ruthiey
    August 12, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Those sandals are so fashionable! Love your toenail color!

  • Gara
    August 12, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    ha, I start to sweat when I get nervous around people too! It was horrible when I was interviewing for jobs!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    August 12, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    I’m super shy, too. My husband always laughs at me because I hate meeting new people–fear of rejection or whatever. All of that food looks so good but I’m still drooling over that s’mores thingy. Oh my goodness.

  • Angharad
    August 12, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    Sad I don’t live in Austin anymore πŸ™
    S’mores pie looks amazing! I’m going camping this weekend. do you think I can recreate?!

  • Amanda
    August 12, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    The ravioli looks amazing. I licked my monitor see if taste blogging had been invented yet.

    It has not.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete
    August 12, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    I am so shy and socially awkward. Look up “socially awkward” in the dictionary and you will see my picture right there.

    I love stripes on stripes. J doesn’t do that enough!

    Smores pie? Yes, recreate and ship to MN. Thanks.

  • Mary @ Running Wifle
    August 12, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    I totally understand you on the shy/socially awkward issue (except I’m more of the engineer-variety)! Zazu looks incredible- I live in the Bay area as well and totally want to check that place out.
    If you’re ever closer to the south bay you should let me know! I’m new to the blog world in terms of writing but have been following a few blogs for awhile now. We could have an awkward blogger meet-up πŸ™‚

  • Katie
    August 12, 2010 at 12:25 pm

    Late on the last post, but one thing I have been inspired by in the blog world is how each person is ALLOWED TO HAVE THEIR OWN FOOD PHILOSOPHY! You have what works for you and I agree with eating real food, although I couldn’t eat out as much as you do, too much rich food for my tummy!

    It’s important to never compare ourselves to others and just do what works best for us. There is no right way. Thanks for sharing. πŸ™‚

  • Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
    August 12, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Was that Point Reyes Blue by any chance? The Smores pie looks incredible – you will post the recipe when you recreate won’t you, please?

  • Morgan
    August 12, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Please recreate-I’ve been looking for something similar to STK’s Smores Brownie for a while-rich chocolate brownie, with toasted marshmallow on top with a graham cracker crumble. However, I must say, I think the pie is more appealing. Have you ever had chocolate pie (Southern thing)? I’m thinking something similar to that. This pie has my wheels turning…

  • Meghan@traveleatlove
    August 12, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    I am pretty shy too, but getting over it as I network in front of the blog more! I LOVE zazu. It was our last dinner in Sonoma on our last trip out there, and I can’t wait to eat there after FoodBuzz Fest.

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
    August 12, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    SUPER shy here too. I would even call it social anxiety. I hate it =(

  • Rosey Rebecca
    August 12, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    Love those sandals! I’m the exact same way. You wouldn’t know it from my blog, but I’m actually a very quiet person, and am very awkward in social situations.
    I hide behind my writing. πŸ™‚

  • meagan
    August 12, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    Aw, I’m in Austin and I’d love to meet up–but, I’m about to have a baby. It’s exciting that you’re coming though!

  • Elli @ 16 and Losing It
    August 12, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Love those sandals! Your dinner looks so great! I’m jealous we don’t have that many really awesome restaurants here in New Jersey. We have to go to Philly to find most of the good ones!

  • Dorry
    August 12, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    I live in Dallas but spend a lot of time in Austin..when are you going to be there? Would love to meet you!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    August 12, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Aww I’m shy in public too. There would be lots of stuttering if we ever meet.

    That dessert reminds me of the video of you making marshmallows I watched. It can picture you making the marshmallows for your own smores πŸ™‚

  • Wine Girl (Kitchen Doesn't Travel)
    August 12, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    LOVE ZAZU! My hubby & I went there when on a Wine Country vacation for our anniversary last year. I’m so jealous of your meal!

  • dragonfly180
    August 12, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    dang, now you’ve got me craving s’mores. by the way, what happened to your brown hair? didn’t you color it a while back?

  • Tanner
    August 12, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Hi Jenna!

    I was having trouble sending you a message, so I’ll just post here in comments. I live in Austin and would definitely be interested in a meet-up! Even if nothing pans out with that, I have a great recommendation for a restaurant here: EastSide Cafe. Their website is http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/history/garden.html

    My husband and I have added this little gem to the top of our favorites list! You would love it. Enjoy Austin while you are here – it’s a great city!

    Sincerely,
    Tanner

    • Mary
      August 12, 2010 at 2:39 pm

      I second East Side Cafe! Very Jenna-ish!

      I also live in Austin. Hope to meet you soon πŸ™‚

      • diana@mymarblerye
        August 12, 2010 at 5:10 pm

        YUM…totally butting into this convo…

  • Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
    August 12, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Date night’s are so fun. Looks like a great place to go.

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
    August 12, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Yummm! Looks like a fab dinner.

    I’m totally socially awkward too… I talk, a LOT. Like, you can’t get a word in edgewise because I won’t shut up. Whoops… πŸ˜‰

    xo
    Kris

  • Blaine
    August 12, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Yay, Austin reader right here!

    I would love to meet you. And, I second Tanner’s recommendation of East Side Cafe. So cute and lots of wonderful local food.

  • Stacy
    August 12, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    I was just going to ask you before I saw that you got them in Paris three years ago about your adorable sandals!!! Love them! Finding stuff that you haven’t found in years and loving them still is the best finds! I need to try out this Zazu restaurant. It looks so delicious!

  • Diana (mymarblerye)
    August 12, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    Austin reader! Love to meet up!

  • alana
    August 12, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    hey jenna,

    is there any way that you could respond to some of the critical comments in your last post? a lot of the feelings are shared by a lot of readers, and i think just about all of them are worded politely and respectfully, so it would be nice to hear your thoughts on specific criticisms, rather than a general response. it almost feels like you are just thanking the people who agree with you, and trying to prove a point to dissenting voices. i, like many other people, love your blog, but i had a different opinion about your last post. it would be great if you could respond to the people who felt like your tone was a little condescending, and also, to the fact that your food philosophy HAS changed. i dont agree or disagree with your philosophy (everyone is entitled to their own!) but i feel like you have ignored the fact that this was NOT always the view you promoted on this blog. it’s difficult to accept a post that acts like this is the end-all be-all of health, when you’ve had many, many different opinions over the years of this blog. that’s completely understandable – we all change our minds – but some acknowledgement of this would be nice.

    • jenna
      August 12, 2010 at 3:29 pm

      Absolutely. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and things are different for everyone! I’m by no means a doctor so this “philosophy” has just been what has worked for me. I honestly don’t think I’ve changed though–if you read back my original philosophy that I wrote in December of 2007, it says the exact same thing. Real food in moderation. I’ve eaten different things and tried different things during the past three years, but the core concept has always been the same. That being said, what has worked for me might not work for you. There’s no perfect solution for everyone and that’s why I stated that everything I say is just my own opinion.

      • Heather
        August 12, 2010 at 3:44 pm

        I agree it did seem condescending. More than once it seems like you “call out” the readers that say things you don’t like and “thank” the readers that say things that you do like. Does that make sense? I am not trying to start a war or aggarvate you, just thought you’d like some input. A lot of people who share their opinions get bullied by other readers, too.. just because the opinion is different from the main. Not everyone is going to like what you say or how you say it.. that’s just life! πŸ™‚

        • Mom
          August 12, 2010 at 4:20 pm

          I would also like to say that growth is all about change. We evolve in so many ways, and that is what life is really about. Growing, learning, changing. I am sure that someone has said it better than I have here…

  • Courtney
    August 12, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Your Sandals Are SUPER CUTE!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog)
    August 12, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    oh YUMMO!!! Great meal πŸ™‚

  • Jennifer(Savor)
    August 12, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    I hope you are doing well since Thermador and that we keep in touch. πŸ™‚

  • Amber K
    August 12, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    The S’mores pie looks good!!

    I am totally the same way in awkward social situations (which is ALL of them!)

    At least you still get out there! =)

  • Ann
    August 12, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    I live in Houston but I might be able to get away and join the meet-up! Just email me!! It would be so much fun to do a meet up!

    • jenna
      August 12, 2010 at 4:49 pm

      Please email me at jenna [at] eatliverun.com and I’ll give you the deets! Hope you can make it!!

  • Janna
    August 12, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    I tried to send you an email…but I apparently am not smart enough πŸ™‚

    I would LOVE to meetup and have fun with you when you come to Austin…when will you be in town?

    Looking forward to hearing what the plan might be!

    Janna

    • jenna
      August 12, 2010 at 4:50 pm

      hmmm did you do jenna[at]eatliverun.com? Can you re-send real quick?

  • sirenjess
    August 12, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    When are coming to Austin? I live in San Antonio. Be warned it’s hotter than hell here right now.

    • jenna
      August 12, 2010 at 5:24 pm

      Labor Day weekend! If you think you can make it, send me an email and I’ll give you event deets πŸ™‚

      • sirenjess
        August 14, 2010 at 5:25 am

        I think I can make it! I should be recovered from First Friday.

  • Laura (Starloz)
    August 12, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I’m socially very awkward in large groups, I’m the quite nodder!

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    August 12, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    So great to hear you say you’re socially awkward and shy . . . that’s how I felt when I met you! πŸ™‚

  • Emily
    August 12, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    I’m in Austin and would love to meet up! Emailing you now.

  • Luna
    August 13, 2010 at 4:25 am

    My hubby thinks shyness is “sweet”… I was very shy during my teenage years and social life was like a torture for me, really. Growing up, I think I gained some self confidence and the situation got better… but lately I am starting again with the old “becoming crimson” face … ufff…. yesterday i thought “what, am I going into menopause!?!” πŸ˜‰

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    August 13, 2010 at 5:30 am

    I never considered myself an Italian food lover, but your blog has converted me! That ravioli looks to die for!!

  • heather
    August 14, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    cute shoes! i always love reading your blogs and looking at the gorgeous pictures! food always looks incredible. i can’t wait to make the zucchini muffins!!

  • Amy
    August 16, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    I’m shy and can be socially awkward too. I’m also very much an introvert. We just have to embrace it. I guess Bella in Twilight puts socially awkward back in style anyway. haha πŸ™‚