So, sunshine really did win today…but I had great intentions! This morning after my run I made some lunch (roasted beet and sweet potato salad with beans, goat cheese and balsamic) then packed up my laptop and book stuff and headed out to the coast to find a beautiful spot to finish my first draft.
I also made some green juice for the road using all this deliciousness below:
That would be a bunch of parsley, a kiwi, half a cucumber, kale and a celery stalk. Twas refreshing.
But not as refreshing as good ol’ California sunshine and driving with the windows down!
Like I said, I had really good intentions. But then I had a really strong cappuccino and started taking silly self portraits and couldn’t concentrate on writing….
Alas, the coast and sunshine win again. However, I was able to clear just about everything out of my head while driving. There’s just something about driving along the ocean in California with all the windows down while singing at the top of your lungs to van morrison that is simply therapeutic. You feel me?
I had a juicy pear for a mid-afternoon snack:
And, finally, at around 3:30 got to business. Where did the day go??!
I managed to successfully write the ending to my book (how strange!) and then took a walk to the library and the store to pick up the items on my shopping list.
(what doesn’t everyone write their grocery list on their hand? I swear I have good hygiene….)
For dinner I used said ingredients to make Heidi Swanson’s Coconut Red Lentil Soup. Heidi, you are a genius.
The soup had all my favorite things in it…
And I loved the technique of toasting my curry powder to bump up the intensity.
It probably was the best thing that’s come out of my kitchen in awhile. I guess that’s not saying too much since I tend to eat soy buffalo wings and carrot sticks quite frequently…but still. I sat outside to eat and it was lovely. 🙂
Dessert was a scoop of coconut milk mint chocolate ice cream (to continue the coconut trend of the evening):
Have a good night!
Jocelyn
March 16, 2010 at 7:32 pmmmm that soup looks and sounds divine!! Love the coconut trend to the evening 🙂
You look so happy and your photos are beautiful! Everyone needs a solitary long car ride to clear their head 🙂
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
March 16, 2010 at 7:32 pmI am jealous of your dinner and the weather you have! Great pictures!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
March 16, 2010 at 7:44 pmi LOVE roasting spices – the flavor is incredible! you know, if i lived by the coast i’d probably never get any work done…way to go on the ending for your book!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
March 16, 2010 at 7:53 pmCONGRATS on finishing your book girl!!! that’s major!! Yay! 😀
I love the pictures in this post… so you! You are so ALIVE with joy for life. You are so inspiring!!!
Driving with the windows down and music blasting is the ultimate way to de-stress for me… love it.
Ameena
March 16, 2010 at 8:09 pmGreat job on finishing your book! Congratulations.
I can’t wait to try that soup…it looks awesome!
ellen eats beets
March 16, 2010 at 8:13 pmIt’s hearing about days like this that make me miss living on the west coast!! Congrats on finishing the book, and making a delicious dinner! Successful day if you ask me 🙂
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
March 16, 2010 at 8:18 pmCongratulations on finishing your book! The pictures in this post are lovely!
Sophie @ yumventures
March 16, 2010 at 8:21 pmI have been wanting to try her soup, it looks great! Congrats on writing the end to your book! I would have been distracted by the sun too…it is finally sunny here after 4 days of rain!
Jenna
March 16, 2010 at 8:24 pmwhat a great day you had jenna 🙂
Jenna
Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES
March 16, 2010 at 8:27 pmi loooove that picture of the school bus! it reminds me of into the wild!
Jenny
March 16, 2010 at 8:30 pmCongrats on finishing! Beautiful pictures:)
Kerry @ Running on Faith
March 16, 2010 at 8:31 pmYes!! Van Morrison soothes my soul 🙂 I usually play Into the Mystic on my runs and it just puts me at peace. Where is this CAFE!? Living slightly south of you, I could always enjoy a nice PCH Highway 1 trip to sit by the water. I use the coast as a way to decompress too.
Kait
March 16, 2010 at 8:35 pmThe coast looks gorgeous! So jealous, I’m all landlocked here at college. A nice head clearing day can be such a help though, hope the writing continues to go well!
Lele
March 16, 2010 at 8:36 pmI misread your list and thought you’d gone out to buy “finger.”
I’m really glad you didn’t make finger soup.
Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
March 16, 2010 at 8:54 pmOhhh, dinner (and dessert) looks amazing! I think I printed out that recipe but never made it. Must try it now.
Love your coast photos, are you sure you want to leave California!?!
Whitney and Courtney
March 16, 2010 at 9:04 pmI just gotta say your blog is so CUTE! My sis and I love it =)
http://www.eatngroove.blogspot.com
ida
March 16, 2010 at 9:11 pmcongrats on finding an ending to your book!
I love the picture of the bus. And i wrote a grocery list on my had today too:)
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
March 16, 2010 at 9:16 pmI would love to walk in your shoes (along the coast) for a day!! And have your cooking skills too, of course. Congrats on writing the ending of your book. You’re almost to April 1st.
Sara @ PrivateKitchen
March 16, 2010 at 9:28 pmCongrats! Loved your pictures. Sunshine always take the cake in my book!
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
March 16, 2010 at 9:35 pmWhat a wonderful looking day!!!! I love that cafe – its GORGEOUS!!!! And what a view 🙂
Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
March 16, 2010 at 9:37 pmThat soup looks delicious – yum! I have red lentils & coconut milk on had because I saw a recipe similar to this one in ‘A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen’ that I’ve been meaning to try. Thanks for the inspiration!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
March 16, 2010 at 9:54 pmStrong cappuccinos and coffee always make me feel super energetic, but it rarely result in productivity, Ah well. It looks like your afternoon was fab! Love the roasted sweet potato and beet combo in your salad.
Alyson @ Nourished Fitness
March 16, 2010 at 10:20 pmOh what a beautiful day, and I love the pictures!
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 16, 2010 at 10:22 pmLove anything with cilantro–that soup, and the GM, looks so good. Love the little beach shacks/oyster/fish place along that part of the coast. The black & white striped sweater’s a French girl photo if ever there was one!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
March 16, 2010 at 10:53 pmwow. wow. wow! it sounds like you had a TERRIFIC tuesday! thanks for the photo album’s worth of pictures tonight. …and you wrote the end of your book – hip hip hooray! i’m happy for you having a happy day =]
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
March 17, 2010 at 12:02 amMmmm I had been oogling (yes, it’s a word) that soup yesterday and almost made it too!! Now i DEFINITELY have to!
Glad you were able to finish your first draft! Congrats!!!!
Good night, my dear!
Jocelyn @ Peace.Love.Nutrition
March 17, 2010 at 12:10 amThat’s pretty much my PERFECT salad! Looks delicious : )
Amanda@thgrainsofparadise
March 17, 2010 at 12:58 amMaking me a bit homesick again…..
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
March 17, 2010 at 1:23 amGoat’s cheese + sweet potato is such a fab combination 🙂 and that soup looks lovely! What a great day of eats 😀
christie, honoring health
March 17, 2010 at 3:18 amGlad to hear that the soup is tasty, I am planning on making it this weekend. I have a bunch of red lentils to use up!
Love the photos, especially the one of the bus.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
March 17, 2010 at 3:37 amI can’t imagine the beautiful sights you must see. I’d love to go there and clear my mind!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
March 17, 2010 at 3:37 amWhat a wonderful day of eats and adventure! I love that the Coast is optional as an office for you. That is beyond wonderful. I love Van Morrison too!
All of your eats look amazing, especially that soup and lunch salad. Also, your green juice fits in nicely with the theme of St. Patrick’s Day.
Congrats on writing the ending to your book!
Megan
March 17, 2010 at 3:48 amGirl, you’re so adorable! I absolutely love your pictures. You’re very talented. Have you ever taken a course in photography?
Karla
March 17, 2010 at 3:52 amWhat a lovely spot to work!
That soup looks delicious! Every recipe I’ve made from 101 Cookbooks has been delicious! I bet this was no different!
Crunchy Granola Gal
March 17, 2010 at 4:47 amwhat BEAUTIFUL pictures of cali! makes me wanna move :0)
lovin’ the soup. red lentil is my favorite – had some last night, actually!
diana(mymarblerye)
March 17, 2010 at 4:52 amgorgeous relaxing day. I love all the soups you make. Seems like they are full of many different flavors! Glad your book is “finished”…now comes the work. 🙂
amethyst
March 17, 2010 at 4:57 amHow lovely, Jenna – I get you completely! Wish I could have joined you on that sunny outing (you might not have appreciated my singing though…) Salad looks yum, by the way! Have a brilliant sunny one today, too. A 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
March 17, 2010 at 5:02 amHeidi is a genius!
Yeah, I wouldn’t be able to get too much work done in such an awesome environment either! 🙂
Abby
March 17, 2010 at 5:11 amThat cafe is adorable! I’d certainly be spending my time there..and I understand why it took you a lot of work to focus!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
March 17, 2010 at 5:13 amSun would always win over for me too…how could it not in that gorgeous Californian sunshine? Love it! 😀
(p.s. all your photos are gorgeous! 😀 )
jenna
March 17, 2010 at 5:13 ami love hearing about your days!! they seem so …. balanced! some days your busy some days you drive the coast of california and eat cozy looking soup.
congrats on finishing the 1st draft of your book!
theemptynutjar
March 17, 2010 at 5:20 amwow – can i come live with u and u can cook me those delicious looking things? 🙂
Your hair is so nice – i think that color really does suit u. Congrats.
MLT
March 17, 2010 at 5:47 amI love Heidi!
I’ve been thinking about trying that soup and you just convinced me. Hope mine turns out as well! yum.
Heather @ Sugar & Spice
March 17, 2010 at 5:49 amGlad to know that Heidi’s soup was as awesome as it looked on her blog! I was planning on making it this weekend – will do! 🙂
Katie
March 17, 2010 at 6:03 amSunshine does that to me, too. I get distracted just sitting outside near corn fields. I think it would be even worse if I had a coast nearby to enjoy. 🙂
Katie
March 17, 2010 at 6:03 amSunshine does that to me, too. I get distracted just sitting outside near corn fields. I think it would be even worse if I had a coast nearby to enjoy. 🙂
Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com
March 17, 2010 at 6:13 amYou must feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders! Congrats! Looks like a wonderful day!
MMiller
March 17, 2010 at 6:14 amCongrats on writing the ending to your book! It must feel so good! And I am glad you had a great afternoon enjoying the sun on the coast! Your pictures today are awesome!
Andrea
March 17, 2010 at 6:14 amSounds like a fabulous day, regardless of writing! Nothing is better than sunshine and fresh air for your mood. Enjoy your Wednesday!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
March 17, 2010 at 6:15 amWow, that looks so beautiful. I wish the midwest would cheer up a little. I’m sure if there was sunshine here I’d be freaking out and distracted too.
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
March 17, 2010 at 6:26 amLooks like you had a wonderful day, and completed the end of your book that’s amazing.
Marina
March 17, 2010 at 6:31 amCongrats on finishing your book! It must feel great 🙂
You look adorable on those pictures!
Jen
March 17, 2010 at 6:40 amYour day sounds amazing!!! Get in that California sunshine while you can!
I saw Heidi’s recipe for that yesterday and almost made it! Glad to know it was delicious!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
March 17, 2010 at 6:42 amMakes total sense that the ending of your book would finally come to you when you’re just enjoying your day. Sometimes you just have to be in the right happy place at the right happy time to find inspiration 🙂
Kathryn
March 17, 2010 at 6:49 amHi Jenna! Quick question — what brand of coconut milk mint chocolate chip ice cream do you buy? I’ve been DYING to try it!
Kelly
March 17, 2010 at 6:51 amLooks like a completely awesome day!
Paige (Running Around Normal)
March 17, 2010 at 6:56 amWhat an awesome, carefee, day. Hope it really helped you clear your mind, Jenna 🙂 I can definitely see the therapeutic side to it…
Yummy dinner too! Looks and sounds amazing!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
March 17, 2010 at 6:59 amYour pictures make me want to come to CA!
Paola
March 17, 2010 at 7:11 amCongratulations on almost finishing your first draft! That’s huge!
Love your photos. And I usually write reminders on the palm of my hand, such as: “pay Visa” or “buy cereal” 🙂
Sarah
March 17, 2010 at 7:56 amHi there Jenna
It has nothing to do with your post, but I was windering if you hat competely quit writing for true/slant? I love your articles!
Tara
March 17, 2010 at 7:59 amI wanted to try that soup, glad to know someone else likes it as well. The pics are beautiful!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
March 17, 2010 at 8:00 amI always love your pictures of California…so funky and pretty.
Glad you got some good work and food in too 🙂
Katharine
March 17, 2010 at 8:11 amWhat a gorgeous day! I’d have trouble concentrating on anything with the sun shining like that. (P.S. Love the sweater.) 🙂
Lauren @ louisianagrown
March 17, 2010 at 8:16 amI can definitely understand the need to ride with your windows down and blast music. That’s all I’ve been doing lately. Glad you finally got some work done on the book, though!
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
March 17, 2010 at 8:25 amToo cute…you are!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
March 17, 2010 at 9:25 amthat soup looks awesome!
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
March 17, 2010 at 11:48 amWhat a beautiful day! Congrats on finishing the ending =D
I LOVE Heidi’s recipes! I need to try that one soon =D
xo
K
Scott
March 17, 2010 at 7:45 pmHi Jenna! What a great looking day you had.
Did you use a juicer for that juice? I’m still experimenting with my Vita-Mix, looking for the right ingredients to get delicious juices and smoothies. Sometimes they come out a little too fluffy!
jenna
March 17, 2010 at 7:58 pmScott,
Yep–I have a Breville Fountain Elite juicer and LOVE it!
Katy
March 18, 2010 at 1:09 pmLovely photos. I’m waiting for the sun to come out more. It keeps changing its mind and its also quite windy out. Bring on summer!