Great to hear so much positivity about the Old Clothes Challenge. I want to address the fact that this isn’t a “diet” and I have no intentions to ever deprive myself (heck, I live in wine country!). The size that is the healthiest is the size you feel the best and most comfortable at. It has nothing to do with the scale (I haven’t been on a scale since last October) and nothing to do with depriving yourself of anything you are craving. I fully intend on enjoying dinners out, chocolate and red wine. It’s like I always say….everything in moderation! 😉
This morning I worked at the studio and hung out with the super cute babies at the “Mommy and Me” class. This one went right to sleep in my arms..adorable. However, she lacked such nice fur like my Dexter who keeps me warm at night 😉
I packed a sandwich and some snap peas and grapes with me because I was apartment hunting after. Turkey/laughing cow/mustard on TJ’s quinoa bread:
Yep, I said apartment hunting. I’m planning on moving to Santa Rosa in the near future to be closer to friends, yoga and Trader Joe’s. My gas tank just does not like all the back and forth driving I do every day and even though I luuuuuurve Healdsburg, I want to be a little closer to civilization. A girl gets really tired of driving 15 miles for almond butter…what can I say? 😉
Snack was an apple and a hard boiled egg before I headed out on an hour bike ride, which was more slow and scenic than anything else. I rode down a new route through Alexander Valley and the views were breathtaking!
Thanks, hipstamatic. 😉
And, I think I have discovered the perfect post-workout drink!
Love, love, LOVE! A big thank you to the awesome folks at Vibranz for hooking me up with some samples to review. Vibranz is a brand new locally made Kombucha and features awesome flavors like chai, peach passionfruit and blood orange. I had my doubts about chai Kombucha but this was fan-freakin-tastic. A little gingery and spicy and totally yummy. I can’t wait to try some other flavors and I always love to support local businesses. Expect to see more of this to come!
We had a communal bbq in the backyard this evening. My neighbor was grilling chicken kabobs with pineapple, tomatoes, onion and bell peppers. I brought over a bag of frozen sweet potato fries ’cause I’m classy like that. 😉 However, there was a little problem with the grill and not much chicken actually cooked. What I had was delicious though!
anon
April 13, 2010 at 8:59 pmJenna –
Now that you have changed your summer plans, any chance you will attend the Healthy Living Summit in August ?
Elise
April 13, 2010 at 9:07 pmHey Jenna,
Love your blog! Was curious – how are you going about the “Old Clothes Challenge”? It seems like you are already pretty active and fit, and certainly eat well 😉 Just wondering what changes you were planning on making to get back to your old size?
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
April 13, 2010 at 9:09 pmI, too, love the Old Clothes Challenge. My birthday is in June, so this goal is a perfect one for me – thanks =]
Lindsay
April 13, 2010 at 9:10 pmI’m happy that you’re sticking it out in Northern California for awhile longer. We need to plan more dates in SF! Good luck apartment hunting…
SallyH @ accountablelife.wordpress.com
April 13, 2010 at 9:22 pmI’m always so impressed by how fast you made such close friends. It takes me nearly a year to really get settled into a new place enough to have “friends.” Anyway, my actual comment is I very much agree with your point that everyone has a “good” weight. I am only 5’3″ but I’ve been really happy before at 165 lbs. Any “scale” or measurement is going to say that’s a ridiculous weight for me, but I can feel really good there and anything less, I don’t recognize myself in the mirror. I’m sure some would argue that regardless I should be 30 lbs less for health, but shrug… we have to be happy too and the amount of exercise and disciple in my eating that would require me to be less? Not worth it.
maria
April 13, 2010 at 9:23 pmMmm! Kebabs sound great. I don’t know why I never thought of making them myself! Going to talk the husband into this for next week!
Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit
April 13, 2010 at 9:32 pmOnce again, so jealous that I have yet to taste Kombucha, when will Canada catch on?!
Jil
April 13, 2010 at 9:37 pmAw, yay for moving! Especially to be closer to friends … and TJ’s!
lola
April 13, 2010 at 9:58 pmLovely pic! I was checking out the hipstamatic app but i dont have an iphone 🙁 i wish they had an app like that for my samsung! hehe
When will the split – pea soup recipe be up? I can’t wait ! 🙂
have a nice wednesday!
ida
April 13, 2010 at 10:36 pmgood luck with the apartment hunt! moving is such a pain, but i’m sure it will be worth the effort.
Diana
April 13, 2010 at 11:36 pmAhhh babies. They’re cute when they’re other peoples’ (for now of course!). 😛
Good luck with the apartment hunting!
Mo@MommyRD
April 14, 2010 at 12:08 amWow, I have to say those Kombucha flavors sound divine! Do you know if they are/will be sold nation wide?
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
April 14, 2010 at 12:20 amThat’s a fab attitude – weight is about how you feel, not numbers. Very admirable!
I love that part of the reason why you;’re moving is to be nearer Trader Joe’s – it must be LOVE!
Crunchy Granola Gal
April 14, 2010 at 3:13 amchai kombucha? sounds heavenly.
Lizzie
April 14, 2010 at 3:18 amAny place in California with the word ‘Santa’ in front of it has to be good!! 🙂 Santa Barbara was one of my fave small towns we stayed at during a Cali road trip. Good luck with the apartment hunting!!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
April 14, 2010 at 3:30 amOh that kombucha looks so delicious! I’m a huge kombucha connoisseur and would love to try that variety. Is it widely available yet?
Best of luck with apartment hunting! Santa Rosa is a glorious place. I agree, driving from point A to B can get a bit exhausting in CA. I don’t blame you for wanting to live somewhere a bit closer to all of the action.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
April 14, 2010 at 3:34 amChai komboucha sounds so good!
eatmovelove
April 14, 2010 at 4:30 amBackyard BBQ’s are fun ! I’m going out for drinks and din after work today too….no bike riding or workout for me ;)…oh well, there are different ways to relax right? 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
April 14, 2010 at 4:48 amAwwww, that baby is adorable!!! Can’t believe you’re moving again already– that must get exhausting! But then again, it would be pretty exhausting to have to drive 15 miles to the g. store too 😉 Can’t blame a girl for wanting to be as close as possible to Trader Joe’s 🙂
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
April 14, 2010 at 4:52 amApartment hunting–ick. I do it every year (I know, I have commitment issues) and every year I curse myself for it. I hope you have an easier time shopping for the perfect place than I usually do!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
April 14, 2010 at 4:52 amI totally agree with you — it’s how you FEEL and how HEALTHY you are, not about your size. Go girl! 😀
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
April 14, 2010 at 5:02 amKombucha chai? Yes, please!!
Good luck with apartment shopping!
xo
K
Sarah
April 14, 2010 at 5:10 amLots of luck in your apartment hunting! A little change is always a good thing….and who likes to spend all that time in the car when you can be outside enjoying the weather?! Have a good day!
Kelly
April 14, 2010 at 5:11 amGood luck on the apartment search! It can be frustrating but I’m sure you will find something great!
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
April 14, 2010 at 5:20 amI love the old clothes challenege!!! Awesome Jenna!
Sana
April 14, 2010 at 5:30 amThe baby is soooo cute! Have fun in your new pad!
Annie@stronghealthyfit
April 14, 2010 at 5:34 amI like your approach to getting back to the size you feel comfortable in. 🙂 Deprivation can’t be a part of it!
Your comment about that baby was hilarious….
Leah
April 14, 2010 at 5:43 amI think it’s absolutely fantastic that you are emphasizing not worrying about scales and such. If you feel great, and you feel that you look great, it’s all gravy! I read your blog all the time, can’t wait to see what else you write!!
Ellen
April 14, 2010 at 5:47 amin regards to the clothes challenge: i think it’s perfectly healthy to pause to reevaluate health/size/happiness a few times a year so that you can make changes if you need to. when you don’t, that’s when you let a couple years go by and look at yourself and wonder where they extra 15 lbs came from! (not saying this would happen to you, just saying it’s a pretty common thing). kudos for knowing your body and being able to assess how you feel.
on another note, i want that kombucha. it sounds like heaven.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
April 14, 2010 at 5:50 amgood luck on the apt hunting!!! that’s such an exciting time…i’ve always loved house/apt hunting anyway 🙂 and i love how you recognized the fact that “size healthy” as angela puts it is the size you’re happy at – so true!
MMiller
April 14, 2010 at 5:54 amWow, Jenna…I can’t believe you are moving again! I totally understand why, and I am certainly glad you didn’t get a bunch of furniture! Glad you will be closer to everything you love! Good luck with the hunting!
And so glad you are living your life YOUR way!
Jenny
April 14, 2010 at 5:56 amCan’t wait to read about your move!
Lindsay
April 14, 2010 at 6:00 amJust wanted to let you know that you inspired me to break out the 30 Day Shred last night. Sometimes I forget that I have it, so it was a good reminder!
kalli@fitandfortysomething
April 14, 2010 at 6:09 ami like your sensible approach to dropping a few pounds 🙂 that is my motto, everything in moderation. good luck apt. hunting! i think moving to santa rosa is smart 🙂
Lauren @ A Fit Foodie
April 14, 2010 at 6:41 amI think it’s great you aren’t going on a “diet”. I never diet either after I got sucked into a world of calorie and exercise obsession. It was miserable to live that way. Now I just live my life in moderation. Sometimes I over indulge but at least I know there is always tomorrow! 🙂
Cynthia (It All Changes)
April 14, 2010 at 6:44 amI love that you are talking about a happy healthy weight instead of a diet. I had to do that for my own self since the weight I was “supposed” to be at was never attainable.
Being close to friends is huge. Because of my job I can’t move but I do drive a lot to see them and it eats up my gas.
Tara @ FoodforFuel
April 14, 2010 at 6:48 amDefinitely love the idea of the “Old Clothes Challenge.” I don’t own a scale either and refuse to get one, just because I think it has the potential to make people obsessive about the number on the scale regardless of whether they are happy and comfortable in the clothes they wear. I’m going to look up Jillian’s 20 minute shred because now I want to try it…swimsuit season, here I come!
Kait
April 14, 2010 at 6:49 amI love backyard bbq’s, they are always so fun! And that baby is adorable!
Laura Georgina
April 14, 2010 at 6:52 amLove your approach to getting back in your old clothes! It’s about what makes you happy (and getting there in a way that is sustainable)–and I’m glad that it still means we get Jenna food and drinks to salivate over!
M
April 14, 2010 at 6:58 amI guess it really is all relative.
I would give anything to be your current size and shape!
But I have a weight issue and problem that is pretty big.
You sound like you want to drop a few pounds which is quite different.
I think if people are going to read your blog ,they should think twice about why are they really needing to comment about your life in ways that criticize.You are not “preaching” your life and thoughts…you are just living and happen to be a writer/blogger.
LOVE thy neighbour….not “critique” thy neighbour 😉
Lauren @ louisianagrown
April 14, 2010 at 7:00 amThat’s so funny that one of your reasons for moving is to be closer to a good grocery store. SUCH a foodie!
Samantha (Foodedu)
April 14, 2010 at 7:03 amI know what you mean about being at the point where you “feel” like your best self–and it rarely has anything to do with a number on the scale. I too, will often go through points in my life where I am “celebrating” more often than usual–it usually includes too much wine, etc. Like you say–everything in moderation =)
Good luck on the apartment hunt. That area of California is absolutley beautiful!
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
April 14, 2010 at 7:08 amHow fun, a bbq with the neighbors you guys must really get along 🙂
Kacy
April 14, 2010 at 7:14 amYou must be a natural with babies! I’m not sure one has ever fallen asleep in my arms… ever!
Mary (Food Fit & Fun)
April 14, 2010 at 7:15 amlooks like a nice and fresh good day of food for you!
Carolyn @ lovinlosing
April 14, 2010 at 7:33 amThat is a HUGE baby! It’s as big as you are. 😆
Devon
April 14, 2010 at 7:48 amSo… What changes ARE you making to fit into those clothes, if you aren’t “dieting” per se?
Judy
April 14, 2010 at 7:59 amI really have no problem with anyone dieting/not dieting, working out more, less, watching their intake, etc., etc.
But the one thing that I feel is rarely brought up in these discussions is the fact that a person might not always, throughout the years, have the same “best size” for them, know what I mean?
I am 29 and my body has changed a bit with age… and I’m cool with that. I have clothes that don’t fit me in my closet from last summer and prior, and I don’t believe they are really supposed to be fitting me right now. For me to fit these I would have to be dieting and working out like mad, and, for me, I have found much greater joy in life than lliving it this way (I lived this way for several years).
You get older and you learn what is really important. Yes, we all want to look our best, but I really think that sometimes efforts to get into an old pair of pants start to seem silly in the grand scheme of things.
(Not commentary on you, Jenna… just discussion)
Midgetkeeper
April 14, 2010 at 8:05 amLots of luck on apartment hunting!
Jess @ MTL Veggie
April 14, 2010 at 8:10 amMmm nothing beats sweet potato fries! Good luck with the apartment hunting!
Kimberly
April 14, 2010 at 8:16 amTake it from someone who has lived in Santa Rosa…there are really nice parts, but also some bad parts that don’t look that bad at first glance, so check with a native before you sign a lease! Good luck! Hope you find the perfect apartment!
kristen
April 14, 2010 at 8:17 amHi Jenna! That pic of you is so cute! You look pretty comfortable with a baby in your arms! 😉
I’m trying to change my eating habits…you’ve inspired me so much! I just wondered if there was a reason you like Almond Butter vs Peanut Butter. Healthier? Thanks so much. ?
kristen
April 14, 2010 at 8:18 amWhoops! I didn’t mean to end that last sentence with a question mark! : )
Carrie
April 14, 2010 at 8:25 amI am so in agreement with you on your food philosophy. Everything in moderation! Life is too short to deprive oneself. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! 🙂
Cole
April 14, 2010 at 8:54 amKombucha chai! And cute babies! Heaven.
runnerforever
April 14, 2010 at 9:03 amI have never tried adding laughing cow cheese to my turkey sandwich, sounds great!
Ellie
April 14, 2010 at 9:21 amLOVE the “old cloths” plan! I’m in! PS have you seen Jamie Olivers Food Revolution. I don’t watch TV (ever) but a friend told me I must! SO I did and it’s amazing
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
April 14, 2010 at 9:46 amThat kombucha sounds amazing! Good luck finding an apt 🙂
Paige @ Running Around Normal
April 14, 2010 at 9:53 amThat kombucha sounds freakin’ awesome! Wow, another move! Sounds like it makes sense to me. Did I miss a post where you died your hair back to blonde? It looks blonde in the baby holding picture. Too cute:)
Good luck with the apt hunting!
Jaime
April 14, 2010 at 10:04 amI wish I could eat as healthily as you! I just ate half a tub of ice-cream! agh!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
April 14, 2010 at 10:06 amProximity to TJ’s and yoga is a necessity, totally understand 😉
The baby is so adorable!!!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
April 14, 2010 at 10:26 amI feel you on not liking the drive. We don’t have Trader Joe’s here in KC (yet) but the nearest Whole Foods is literally 20 miles away across town and in Kansas. Not a place I like to go often….even though I actually work there.
Lori
April 14, 2010 at 10:57 amHi! I just found your blog. So many great ideas. I cannot wait to try peanut butter in my oatmeal. Yummy!!
Sharon
April 14, 2010 at 11:14 amThat sandwich looks so good! Did all the ingredients come from TJ’s? I need to start shopping there…
I can completely understand your desire to move to Santa Rosa-Healdsburg is a great place but is very $$$! I look forward to spotting you at Spring Lake or Annadel someday-and wishing I could run as fast as you!
Abby
April 14, 2010 at 11:54 amI have yet to try Kombucha..I’m not brave enough yet! I’ve bought some, but I can’t get past the smell!! But Chai sounds good! Maybe I should try that!
Katherine
April 14, 2010 at 11:57 amWow would love to try chai kamboucha! yum!
and that is spelled so wrong! ^^^
Katherine
Tina
April 14, 2010 at 11:58 amIf I didn’t live close to a Trader Joes, Costco or Target, I would move, too! Especially for Target!
xandra
April 14, 2010 at 12:08 pmyou might want to look into apartments in Rohnert Park…lil nicer, newer, and cheaper than Santa Rosa…
Amanda@SenseiTalks
April 14, 2010 at 12:18 pmWhat a great idea making kabobs with some fresh pineapple chunks thrown into the mix. Add a little kick to the norm! Can’t wait to try them out the next time I grill, thanks 🙂
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
April 14, 2010 at 12:23 pmGood luck with the apartment hunt – I’ve done the Healdsburg/SR drive many a time and it can get tiresome.
Amy
April 14, 2010 at 1:02 pmOoh, just checked out the Vibranz website and looks like they sell their drinks in quite a few states! http://vibranzbev.com/site/index.php?option=com_locator&view=directory&layout=gmap&Itemid=11
Kellie@obsessivelyhealthy
April 14, 2010 at 1:26 pmI am going to have to jump on the Kombucha wagon. I have never tried it so I think it is time to see what every one raves about.
Deanna
April 14, 2010 at 2:03 pmHow would you compare Vibranz to Synergy? Are they similar?
Allison K
April 14, 2010 at 2:59 pmcute baby! (I know it’s not yours, but still adorable!)
Elle
April 14, 2010 at 4:35 pmI think people need to know that drinking kombucha is like drinking a bottle of vinegar. I’ve read so many posts by bloggers praising the stuff, and finally bought some of the Synergy brand at Whole Foods while it was on sale. My DH and are are HUGE tea fans, but….BLECH! It stunk up our van on our road trip, and I was sure I was going to be sick. People need to know this! LOL. But I LOVE your blog!
amanda
April 14, 2010 at 5:02 pmOhhhh yummmm kabobs!!
Margie
April 14, 2010 at 5:02 pmI agree with you Jenna on being comfortable with how your body feels. I’m a size 8, sometimes a size 6 if I’m lucky. 🙂 If I gain a little bit of weight, I might still fit into the same size but I don’t feel “right”. I think you should do whatever feels right for you. Moderation is key.
Candice
April 14, 2010 at 5:20 pmThat really is a big baby…but so cute! You look so cute in that picture too. Good luck with apartment hunting – I’m sure you’ll find something great! I am not dying to try the chai kombucha. I’m a kombucha fanatic, and that one sounds better than ever!
Nicole
April 14, 2010 at 6:53 pmAh! I so want to try those post workout drinks! Vibranz!? Maybe it’ll save me from trying to tackle (and possibly fail) a green monster? haha – thanks for the recommendation!
Laura
April 14, 2010 at 7:05 pmI usually eat my oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts, but finally tried it with almond butter and bananas this morning. WOW! No wonder you are so hooked! Thanks for passing that along!
diana@mymarblerye
April 15, 2010 at 5:56 amso I haven’t commented on your “old clothes” challenge but here’s what I think (if you care tee hee): You do what YOU want to do cause it’s what makes YOU happy. what concerns me is that THOUSANDS of your readers do what YOU do (you are their mentor) so I hope some girls don’t try dieting to attain their old sizes. 🙁
Rocky Slaughter
April 15, 2010 at 11:27 amHealthy food?
Gross.