Hello everyone!
I hope you all had a great weekend….and what about those Saints??!! I watched the game with my mom and dad and there was definitely some yelling and cheering coming from our living room. Also, saw Dear John yesterday and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!!!!!!! I’m sort of partial because a) I’m a total hopeless romantic and b) it was filmed at my school!!!! I loved being able to recognize Maybank Hall and some of my favorite restaurants (Bowen Island Seafood and Coast!).
Never got around to that run but it’s okay. Time seemed to fly and I spent every moment I had with my family and friends, which was more important than exercise, obviously. Today has been pretty emotional because it was the last time I’ll be in Florida for……? Since my parents are moving I have no idea when I’ll be back next and it was really weird saying goodbye to my old room and house and packing up everything to be shipped to Georgia, a place where I’m not even moving to.
But anyways, before I get all sappy on everyone here’s a recap of my food!
Yesterday morning I had Kashi and yogurt with an orange—
I went to church with my parents and we went out to eat at Square One Burgers, this “create your own burger” restaurant in South Tampa. Even though I’m not a big meat eater, I love this place because they have the BEST house-made veggie burgers! I ordered mine on greens instead of a bun with sweet and spicy mustard, goat cheese and black bean salsa:
With a side of sweet potato fries!!!!! Mmmmmm 🙂
I stopped by a friend’s house for awhile before going to see Dear John with Jessica and then it was football time! Watching football with my dad is pretty much the best thing ever and I’m so thankful we got to spend that time together. And my mom made one of my favorite dinners to boot!
Y’all are going to hate me but I took down the recipe for this beans and kale dish because its going in my book. Sorry!!! We also had buffalo shrimp with homemade blue cheese dressing and I had a few leftover plantains that I brought home with me from the other night.
Of course no trip to Tampa is complete without frozen yogurt! This is blondie froyo with heath bar crumbles:
And then I put on my sweatpants from freshman year and wallowed in delicious food glory.
This morning I made oatmeal that would have to last me through the first leg of my journey back West:
I cooked the oatmeal in water with a banana and then added almond butter, greek yogurt and maple blueberry drizzle. Once at the airport, I got a tall soy awake tea latte (obviously) and bid Florida goodbye forever while my plane headed west for Texas. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a wee teary eyed as we took off….but nothing a tea latte, good music and a great book can’t fix. Well actually all I did on my first flight was work on my taxes and write this blog post, but still. I snacked on a z-bar:
And once in Dallas grabbed a Mediterranean wrap from Au Bon Pain + an unpictured apple:
Currently stuck in Dallas because my flight keeps getting delayed because of San Francisco weather. I guess I won’t be picking up my little furry friend tonight (the pet hotel closes at 6:15). Hopefully I’ll get back relatively early….
See you later!
Lizzie
February 8, 2010 at 11:44 amUrgh – I hate good byes . .. THE WORST!!! But even harder when you know you’re not going to be back in the house where you spent so much of your childhood. I m so blessed in the fact that I truly believe the next place my parents move to will be a nursing home years from now, so when I go home, I really do go home 🙂 However I watched my Dad pack up his youth when my grandma passed away and ship it halfway across the world and it’s a moving experience (as in emotional!). But it’s never really gone if it’s all in your memories 🙂
All your food looks SO good!! Glad that you had a nice time – and next time you visit you can create some new memories in the new place. Have a safe trip back to SFO!
Jules @ eatdrinklivelearn
February 8, 2010 at 11:50 amThe veggie burger and sweet potato fries look amazing!! Glad you liked the movie–I’ve been debating whether or not I want to see it and now I just might! I did like the book better than some of his others. Safe (and hopefully quick) travels!
Katie
February 8, 2010 at 11:51 amI saw Dear John yesterday too! Made me want to visit Charleston–it is so beautiful there!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
February 8, 2010 at 11:52 amAhh I hope you get on that flight soon!
I feel for you with your parents moving. Even though I moved across town, there is nothing like that feeling of going ‘home.’ But you know what they say – home is where the heart is. 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite
February 8, 2010 at 11:53 amI’m so glad you had a great time with your family!
When my parents moved I got pretty emotional. It was the house I lived in for over 20 years.
Hope you have a safe trip home!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
February 8, 2010 at 11:53 amGood luck on getting home quick! That veggie burger does look amazing 😉
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
February 8, 2010 at 11:54 amGlad to hear you had such a great visit home – it’s so heartwarming to be around family and friends! Sad to say goodbye to Florida to, but onto bigger and better things in GA, right?!
Hope your plane gets off the ground soon – safe trip! 😀
Cynthia (It All Changes)
February 8, 2010 at 11:57 amI remember saying good bye to my mother’s house when it wasn’t mine any more. So weird to visit my parents now when they live in houses I’ve never lived in. Strange but good. Makes me feel all grown up.
Teri
February 8, 2010 at 11:58 amMmmm….that frozen yogurt looks so good!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
February 8, 2010 at 12:01 pmAwww… it seems like a bittersweet trip. I am SOOO glad someone else loved Dear John! That veggie burger sounds awesome. I prob would’ve ordered mine the same way. Safe travel to SF!
Haleigh
February 8, 2010 at 12:01 pmI am happy to hear that you had a good time while in Tampa with your family. Moving far away is hard because nothing ever stays the same. The places change, the people change, everything changes but you will get used to it and plus.. you get to live in California!! What a lucky girl.
I hope your flight doesn’t get in too late. xoxo
OrganicAshley
February 8, 2010 at 12:03 pmyou are such an inspiration and the perfect person to write this blog Jenna. No matter what is going on you eat healthy meals with what seems like without any thought about it. My mom has been thin her whole life without ever “watching he weight” and she swears that overweight people are always dieting and never listen to there body. Everyone would be naturally thin if we all had a thin mindset. You definitely do and I am sure it is why you are naturally thin. I on the other hand use food for comfort to often and struggle with my weight. Reading your blog has been great for me because it reminds me of how simple it really is to eat healthy. Thanks!
OrganicAshley
February 8, 2010 at 12:03 pmyou are such an inspiration and the perfect person to write this blog Jenna. No matter what is going on you eat healthy meals with what seems like without any thought about it. My mom has been thin her whole life without ever “watching her weight” and she swears that overweight people are always dieting and never listen to there body. Everyone would be naturally thin if we all had a thin mindset. You definitely do and I am sure it is why you are naturally thin. I on the other hand use food for comfort to often and struggle with my weight. Reading your blog has been great for me because it reminds me of how simple it really is to eat healthy. Thanks!
Kristen @ Change of Pace
February 8, 2010 at 12:05 pmUgh saying goodbye to family is the worst… It’s so hard. Glad you had a good trip though and hope you have a safe trip back… errrr home?
Becky
February 8, 2010 at 12:06 pmHope the trip home goes smoothly! Just a question: you say you aren’t a big meat eater, but you’ve been eating so much meat in California! Do you think that’s because the food there has been so good, because you are still adjusting to a new pace of life, or something else? I’m always curious with how people define being “big meat eaters” because it seems like what a lot of people eat fluctuates depending on their circumstances and what’s going on in their life.
jenna
February 8, 2010 at 1:20 pmBecky,
Well I rarely ever eat meat at home….so I probably only eat it out like once or twice a week? When I’m traveling its different but I really don’t feel like I eat it that much and I never buy it or prepare it at home really…
Heather (Heather's Dish)
February 8, 2010 at 12:09 pmthat’s really sad you had to say a longer term goodbye to florida 🙁 it’s been so nice to see how healthful you have been on your trip! 🙂
Kelly
February 8, 2010 at 12:10 pmI convinced my bf to go see Dear John with me yesterday! I loved it too! He was not a fan, but whatever he gets to pick the next movie we see.
Kelly
February 8, 2010 at 12:11 pmI am so excited to see Dear John! Especially since I live downtown Charleston now and I my husband went to school there. I’m glad you liked it. We are going to see it on Valentine’s Day!
Kelly
February 8, 2010 at 12:11 pmI am so excited to see Dear John! Especially since I live downtown Charleston now and I my husband went to school there. I’m glad you liked it. We are going to see it on Valentine’s Day!
Lindsay
February 8, 2010 at 12:19 pmQuick question – you get awake tea lattes at Starbucks, right? Are those on the regular menu? I feel like I have only seen chai lattes…thanks!
jenna
February 8, 2010 at 1:19 pmLindsay,
They are on the regular menu! Very yummy 🙂
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion
February 8, 2010 at 12:21 pmAll of your eat look great, especially that burger! I love going to a restaurant that makes their own veggie burgers, so great!
I want to see Dear John so badly! I hope I can get to see it soon.
lindsay
February 8, 2010 at 12:25 pmWhat part of Georgia is your family moving to?! I go to school in Oklahoma, but my family & home is still in Marietta, GA. Just curious! Hope the Dallas airport treats you well & that you get back safe and sound to San Fran.
Kalli@fitandfortysomething
February 8, 2010 at 12:26 pmI can see why you got teary eyed. Life changes so fast -as yo know! Sometimes it scares me.
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
February 8, 2010 at 12:32 pmgoodbeyes are so hard — but at least you have such a great place/memories to say goodbye to 😉 …. silver lining….
xo
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
February 8, 2010 at 12:33 pmGood luck getting home! I really understand the feeling of leaving and not knowing where “home” is — I’ve spent the better part of two years traveling — but I also truly believe that “home is where the heart is,” as cheesy as that sounds.
Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle
February 8, 2010 at 12:35 pmThat oatmeal looks like dessert- so yummy sounding! I hope you get back to Cali safely!
Annie @ stronghealthyfit
February 8, 2010 at 12:49 pmHope you’re not delayed too long! That veggie burger lunch looked delicious and exactly like what I would order 🙂 I love sweet potato fries.
Kristilyn (My 29th Year)
February 8, 2010 at 12:49 pmIt sounds like you had a good time saying goodbye – and you ate some really good-looking food, too! That burger looks to-die-for, as does all of the frozen yogurt. Yum!
And I agree – a latte and a good book can cure almost everything!
Hope you had a safe trip back!
K
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
February 8, 2010 at 12:59 pmI admit – I always get a little teary eyed when I have to say goodbye to my mom after a visit home. But there’s always the next visit and Savannah is a great place for your parents to move! I used to live nearby in Augusta 🙂
caitlin in md
February 8, 2010 at 1:01 pmWow, this was a huge trip for you. You’ve been relatively nonchalant in your posts but I bet its been tougher than you’re letting on. A lot happened to you in Tampa and you’re closing a pretty big chapter in your life, on many fronts. Just wanted to comment that I recognize that and I’m thinking of you.
Kelly
February 8, 2010 at 1:06 pmOf course you’ll miss your home in Tampa but Savannah is a great city – I think you’ll love visiting your parents there! Remember the name “Back in the Day Bakery” when you go. They have fantastic bread, sandwiches, cupcakes and baked goods!
Ameena
February 8, 2010 at 1:15 pmI am sure this trip must have been so hard for you. I can’t even imagine how much your life has changed in the last year, and how well you are dealing with everything. I am really in awe!
Gabriela
February 8, 2010 at 1:21 pmSuch yummy eats!
Congrats on your strenght. Saying goodbye like this must have been hard :/
Have a safe trip back!
XOXO,
G.
Danielle (Coffee Run)
February 8, 2010 at 1:25 pmI’m glad you enjoyed the time back home with your family! (Don’t sweat the run)
I’ve heard mixed reviews about that movie but I really want to see it
theemptynutjar
February 8, 2010 at 1:26 pmFantastic eats…I love how you have such an “all-around” approach versus all the green monsters or protein-only blogs…its refreshing…
Safe travels Jenna.
Paige (Running Around Normal)
February 8, 2010 at 1:34 pmI would be so emotional, too. It must be so weird to say good bye to your old room 🙁
That oatmeal looks faaantastic.
Hope you get back to San Fran early!
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
February 8, 2010 at 1:34 pmSafe travels 🙂
I live interstate from my family and I know how hard those ‘goodbyes’ can be. I have lived interstate for 10 years now and I still get sad everytime I have to wave good bye to my family 🙁
Sam (Merit to the Carrot)
February 8, 2010 at 1:46 pmAt least the goodbye was easier to swallow knowing that you have such good food in your belly. That veggie burger looks divine! And I can’t wait to see that recipe in your book 🙂
Libba
February 8, 2010 at 1:50 pmWhat part of GA? I’m a displaced Birmingham girl living in Atlanta! Have a safe trip!
Allie
February 8, 2010 at 1:53 pmi said the same sort of goodbye to the place i grew up, when my parents moved to a new state and i moved to another. it took me a while to figure out what “home” really meant and where it was- not necessarily a place- as what i called my childhood home didn’t exist anymore.
Shannon
February 8, 2010 at 1:54 pmLooked like you had an awesome last time home! And the food looks a.m.a.z.i.n.g.
P.S. I read your blog everyday but rarely comment. And I cannot WAIT till your book comes out!
Stef
February 8, 2010 at 2:07 pmhow sad that you won’t be going back to FL for a while bc your parents are moving. i know you’ll still be able to keep in touch with everyone though, thank the lord almighty for the internet lol hope you get back ok, the weather has been fine, i wonder what the delay is?
Adam
February 8, 2010 at 2:08 pmThat veggie burger looks delicious! Hope you enjoyed your time at home!
MLT
February 8, 2010 at 2:23 pmWow, Square one looks SO much like the Counter in Palo Alto! I think there’s one in San Jose too. Same build your own burger, home-made veggie burgers (available on a bed of lettuce), great toppings and sweet potato fries! You’re not too far from PA, so if you get the chance, you should check it out.
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
February 8, 2010 at 2:32 pmI know what you mean about packing up your room like that! My parents moved from the house I had lived in my whole life. At their new home in NC, I sleep in a guest room. It feels so strange!
Karla
February 8, 2010 at 3:11 pmI hate saying goodbye! Especially when there’s no return date/don’t know when the next hello will be!
I’m dying to see Dear John! Looks so sweet maybe sad too!
Cole
February 8, 2010 at 3:20 pmI love seeing movies where I recognize the sites. It makes me so nostalgic. Great eats, though! And I’m sorry you had to say goodbye to your old room 🙁 I don’t even know how I’ll handle that when my parents move
eatmovelove
February 8, 2010 at 3:27 pmLove your attitude. Your positivity. You are a good soul Jenna. I am hoping to learn something from you…I think your approach to life and food is fantastic and needed in this world. YOU are a beautiful person….but shame on you for enticing us with these delish pics and no recipes!!! Can’t wait for the book 😉
Jessica
February 8, 2010 at 3:27 pmAw glad you liked the movie, my sister worked on it. I’m curious to know what ending they picked!…there were a couple re-shoots.
eatmovelove
February 8, 2010 at 3:29 pmOh – and YES to Dear John – haha – I’ve never read the book…so am just assuming they get together @ the end…??? But Channing Tatum is HOT!!! (and no I am not a 16 year old girl …but whatever, I’m allowed ;)…
Ally (Exercise and Pies)
February 8, 2010 at 3:42 pmLooove Z-bars!
and those sweet potato fries look legit 🙂
Jil
February 8, 2010 at 4:26 pmHow ’bout them Saints!! Loved the game!! Those sweet potato fries look amazzzzzing.
katie
February 8, 2010 at 4:27 pmaww jenna you are so awesome for real. i love your energy.
LOVED dear john too-is channing tatum not DEAD sexy?! you should totally go for him. i think he has a girlfriend..but who cares?!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
February 8, 2010 at 4:41 pmThat veg burger and fries looks amaaazing! I hope you have a safe flight!
Jenna
February 8, 2010 at 4:43 pmaww i bet it must have been hard jenna!
square one burgers looks like a wicked cool place-
fro yo looks delish as well as your moms homemade meal!
next time i got to au bon pain i defs know what i am getting-that wrap looks amazingly delishhh!
Jenna
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
February 8, 2010 at 5:19 pmBig Goodbyes are hard. My Dad is moving out of the house I grew up in a few weeks and I can’t stop thinking about it. I lived there 20 years, then jumped across the county, but my Dad has lived there for 30 years. If those walls could talk, they would never shut up about the memories.
I’m excited for your parents embarking on a new chapter, but I know it’s hard for you to say goodbye to the old room, the state, etc. I think these sorts of things officially put the lid on post-adolescence and fully thwarts you into “real” adulthood. It’s a HUGE adjustment!
That veggie burger looks so hearty, filling, and delicious. I’m not even going to get started about the sweet potato fries and heath bar topped froyo.
Have a great, safe flight back Jenna!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
February 8, 2010 at 5:19 pmHave a good flight girl!
I don’t blame you for being teary-eyed. That must be SO emotional, leaving the home that you grew up in. 🙁 But at least you got to go back before your parents moved for one last hurrah.
I can’t wait to see Dear John! So cool that it was filmed in your school 🙂
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
February 8, 2010 at 5:45 pmGo Saints! That game was awesome.
That wrap looks holy yummish!
Marie
February 8, 2010 at 6:16 pmMy parents live outside of Savannah and even though I’m up in Boston, I LOVE going down to visit them! there are some AMAZING cupcake places!
Kasey
February 8, 2010 at 6:20 pmGo SAINTS!!! Looks like you had a great visit 🙂
ellen eats beets
February 8, 2010 at 7:30 pmThat veg burger looks divine! Time with the fam is the best, not matter where it is.
Diana (mymarblerye)
February 8, 2010 at 8:41 pmFroyo and your moms cooking makes me smile. I can’t imagine my parents moving from their hometown! Why are they moving?!
Mrs.CJ
February 8, 2010 at 8:42 pmHope the rest of your flight goes okay!
CJ
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
February 8, 2010 at 9:35 pmCreate your own burger! I want one! Looks like you had a great time at home!
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
February 8, 2010 at 9:36 pmCreate your own burger? I want one! Looks like you enjoyed yourself very much while at home!
Sarah
February 8, 2010 at 11:07 pmI used to get so frustrated flying into SFO – it’s that darn fog!
Jessie
February 9, 2010 at 4:22 amAww, it’s so sad to leave your home for the last time 🙁 I’m glad you had fun with fam and friends, and you will in Georgia, too!
chandra h
February 9, 2010 at 5:26 am<3
Jenny
February 9, 2010 at 5:56 amI’m glad you had such a wonderful day with friends and family in Florida! It’s weird to not know when you’ll be back, but I bet you get a visit in sooner than you think 😉
Hope the rest of your trip was smooth!
Lina
February 9, 2010 at 5:57 amYou should try out the vanilla rooibos tea as a soy latte, it is soooo incredible. I was addicted to them all winter! =0P
Florida sounds like fun but im jealous you get to go back to gorgeous California. I hope to move out there one day. There’s something about the smell of that ocean on that coast. It truly brings about a sense of peace and serenity.
Sophie @ yumventures
February 9, 2010 at 6:04 amThat burger place looks amazing!! I wish there was a chain of it here in the northeast =)
Its always hard to say goodbye to my family, and they only live 3 hours away! Life always gets in the way and before I know it, I haven’t seen them for 6 months. I just think it makes me appreciate them the times when I DO get to see them. Hopefully you will be able to plan a fun trip to Georgia!
Cait (Cait's Plate)
February 9, 2010 at 6:18 amMmm – those sweet potato fries and that froyo? That looks amazing.
I hate saying bye to my family – in fact, for about a week and a half afterward all I can think about is how I can move closer to them!
I’m glad you enjoyed your time back home though! Safe travels back!
Freya
February 9, 2010 at 6:33 amLeaving a place you love is always so emotional! Hope you made it back west safe and sound. That Med wrap from Au Bon Pain is one of my go-to airport meals too! It makes a mess, but deeelish.