Dessert/ Dinner

You Know You Have It…

Hi 🙂

I hope everyone had a good Labor Day no matter what you did. I thoroughly enjoyed mine with a new book:

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And a new jar of almond butter 🙂

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WOW!! This stuff was only $3.99 at Whole Foods and I couldn’t get my fingers out of it. Soooooooo delicious. Must be the honey! No seriously, I’m obsessed. I had to make a piece of toast, pronto:

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You know what else is cool? That shirt, circa 1999 from Gap. Seriously…my mom bought me this when I was in the 8th grade and, yes, I still wear it! How sweet is that?! It’s one of those shirts that everyone has…you probably have it in your closet right now and you don’t even know it.

Dinner was grilled kabobs with chicken, veggies and a sweet potato!

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I made Christie’s mom’s “secret” (not anymore) curry sauce and it was a huge hit. This stuff is retro but SO good. All you do is combine 1 cup mayo (I use light) with 5 tsp curry powder, big splash of hot sauce and 3 tbsp milk (I used water). It’s great with chicken, shrimp, veggies…anything!

Dessert was a coconut milk ice cream sandwich 🙂

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Question! So, the terrain is quite flat here but I NEED to start training hills……as in tomorrow. Does anyone know a good treadmill hill routine?! Anyone??!

A bubble bath is calling my name……..

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  • laura
    September 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    over at tina’s (carrot and cake) she has a realy good 45 minute treadmill routine!

  • Help Meghan Run
    September 7, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    First of all, I totally have a similar shirt (but mine’s purple). Yay for long-sleeved button-downs. And I hear ya about those San Fran hills…it’s not exactly mountainous where I live, either. Angela at Oh She Glows does a lot of good treadmill workouts, too, and I bet you could find some at shape.com as well. Good luck! 🙂

  • Chelsea
    September 7, 2009 at 8:21 pm

    Some of the more fancy-shmancy treadmills offer pre-programed hill/interval workouts. If that’s not the case with the treadmill you’re currently using, I would do five minutes at a terrain you’re comfortable at, then five minutes at a 2% higher incline, then back down to a comfortable incline for five minutes, etc. Repeat that pattern until you’ve completed your run. Gradually increase the incline as you become more comfortable week by week.

    That curry sauce sounds amazing, and so simple! Thank you for sharing.

  • Lizzy
    September 7, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    O vintage gap! gotta love it! I know i have some in the back of my closet! love it!

  • Jenny
    September 7, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    dying for that honey AB .. must find!

    I am definitely known for rockin’ my old clothes circa 2003.. ain’t no shame! Gotta love those infamous American Eagle Graphic Tees!

  • Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
    September 7, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    I nearly fell off my chair when I read you were in 8th grade in 1999. Good Lord that made me feel old, and I’m NOT!!! Shame Jenna! Shame!

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    September 7, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    Looks like you had my kind of day! Love that top, and love all the new goodies. Dinner looks fab too!

    Hope that bubble bath is as lovely as it sounds!

  • Meg
    September 7, 2009 at 8:39 pm

    Looks like a wonderful Labor Day to me! That curry sauce sounds awesome!

  • Spotty Prep
    September 7, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    I don’t know about treadmill workouts, but maybe you could try Medard County Park in Eastern Hillsborough County? It’s former phosphate land so it’s hilly! I’m not sure exactly where you are in Tampa, but it ‘s probably not that bad for a once a week kinda thing. Do you have any public high school stadiums by you? I used to run stadiums and that’s intense!

  • angieinatlanta
    September 7, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    That looks like a great “chick lit” book and I just happen to be looking for a new read! Perfect timing!

    I have tons of shirts in my closet from H.S. I was lucky to have gone through a very preppy stage during my teenage years so I invested in some really classic pieces I can wear to work today – Polo button-ups, argyle, a ridiculous tweed blazer that I asked for when I was 16…I mean, who did I think I was?

    Dinner looks yummy!

  • Maria
    September 7, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    Awww the pup looks adorable, and very relaxed too, haha.

    Thanks for sharing the curry recipe–it sounds amazing!

    I will be sure to try the honey and ab!

  • Meghann
    September 7, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    I just bought that book! I read the first chapter but then something came in at the library that I switched to. Let us know how you like it!

  • katie s
    September 7, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    I HAVE THAT SHIRT! Haha… really, I used to shop at the Gap constantly back in middle school… remember those days??

    I live in quite the hilly area so I am fortunate (um or unfortunate??) enough to not have to find a hill training plan. It will be totally worth it though when you’re running in San Fran!!!!!

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    September 7, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    How is that book? I’ve thought about buying it so many times because Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors. I’m currently on book 3 of the Twilight series, and I am so afraid that no book will ever be as good again. I’m emotionally attached. LOL. Wish I could help you out with the hill workouts, but I hate hills and stick to flat land. Maybe Caitlin could give you some ideas?

  • Brit
    September 7, 2009 at 8:46 pm

    Jen – I still have a sweater that my mom got me in 8th grade, too! It’s been like, what, 12 years!? I still have it, and it’s still good! By the way, your pup looks so cute! =) Have a wonderful evening!

  • brandi
    September 7, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    i didn’t know blue diamond made almond butter!! Why, oh why, don’t we have a WF?!?

    I think Tina has a good treadmill workout on her site…or you can come run with me in VA – it is definitely NOT flat here. 🙂

  • Danielle J.
    September 7, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    I hear ya on trying to find a good hill work out here in FL! Only 6 weeks until San Fran and I can’t wait to be finished with training 🙂 I don’t have any good treadmill workouts, but my friends and I have been hitting the bridges around here pretty hard the last two weeks. Any of those you can run in Tampa? Good luck!

  • Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles)
    September 7, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    I like to to intervals to get used to the hills… good luck with training!

    xo
    K

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    September 7, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    I JUST finished reading that book and LOVED it. The characters are a bit crazy, but definitely a fun read.

    That almond butter sounds delicious! I didn’t know Blue Diamond had their own Almond Butter. Another item I need to add to my shopping list!

  • zestycook
    September 7, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    That Almond butter does look delicious! and so cheap…. here it is like gold.

    zest!

  • Jenna
    September 7, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    that book look really good, i have seen in at the bookstore before!

  • Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
    September 7, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    I think I’m finally out of old high school clothes, except for my running clothes – many of those are definitely vintage 90s. If there’s still spandex in them I say they’re still good. 😉

  • Evan Thomas
    September 7, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    So that almond butter is good? I can get it for 3 dollars here with sales + coupon, but the sale ends tomorrow so I’d need to get on that!

  • Allison (Eat Clean Live Green)
    September 7, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    Honey Almond butter sounds wonderful. Even better for $3.99!

  • Andrea
    September 7, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    I agree, Tina from Carrots and Cake has a good” 45 minute treadmill workout” that has inclines. It think it was a pretty good workout.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
    September 7, 2009 at 9:34 pm

    Haha I have shirts from forever ago too! Long as they still fit, right?

  • ShutupandRun
    September 7, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    Just finished that book!!

  • Stephanie
    September 7, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    I love finding new ways to use curry, this sounds easy peasy and deelish, thanks!!! 🙂

  • Megan
    September 7, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    My favorite hill workout–

    5-10 minute warm up
    90 seconds at tempo pace at 3% incline
    3 minute slow jog
    90 seconds at tempo pace at 3% incline
    3 minute slow jog
    60 seconds at tempo pace at 5% incline
    2 minute slow jog
    60 seconds at tempo pace at 5% incline
    2 minute slow jog
    30 seconds at tempo pace at 7% incline
    1 minute slow jog
    30 seconds at tempo pace at 7% incline
    1 minute slow jog
    5-10 minute cool down

    It’s a great workout.. I always leave a sweaty mess when I’m done. 🙂 Hope this helps!

  • Jenna
    September 7, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Wowza, great deal on the AB! Makes sense that Blue Diamond started makin’ butta, they have delicious almonds 🙂

    I have some honey pb and it is pretty addicting. I think you are right on about the honey being the kicker. It adds just the right amount of sweetness.

    Have a great night, Jenna!

  • BethT
    September 7, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    i, too, LOVE that almond butter. tastes like frosting to me!

  • Sarah
    September 7, 2009 at 10:12 pm

    I miss American sweet potatoes!! So orange and flavorful- the Japanese ones are good but not the same.

  • rhodeygirl
    September 7, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    Hope your bubble bath was nice! I haven’t taken one in years!!!!

  • Rachel
    September 7, 2009 at 10:19 pm

    Aww Mikan (I hope I got his name right!)…what a cutie!!

  • Cara
    September 7, 2009 at 10:20 pm

    Gotta love the throwback gap tee. Almost as good as the American flag Old Navy tees; does anyone remember those? Priceless!

  • Jeni
    September 7, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    I LOVED that book. I love anything from Jennifer Weiner. Enjoy!

    Jen, Please keep posting your dinner recipes! My kids are back in school tomorrow, and cooking regular healthy dinners is on my list of projects for the new (school) year! I love your enchiladas! Keep ’em coming!

    BTW, I tried that escarole/brie recipe from Food & Wine and even my 3 year old loved it! Thanks for telling us about it!

  • Angharad (Eating for England)
    September 7, 2009 at 10:26 pm

    Sorry you had another case of the 2ams…that sucks but it looks like your eats for the day more than made up for it! That salad your mom made you looks amazing!! And dinner too. Healthy and delicious from all I can see! 🙂
    Um and almond butter for $3.99?! Gold dust.

  • Nicole
    September 7, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    Blue Diamond almond butter was a recent find for me too and I also LOVE it. I found it on sale for $3.49 at a local grocery store and bought 5 jars LOL

  • Britt
    September 7, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    1999 and 8th grade? Ugh I feel old. LOL

    Hills? Sounds like a treadmill will be your new best friend. I do hill intervals, up to a 8% grade…. Quarter of a mile up to a mile at a time. Although you could go Mount Washington style and do grades up to 22%….. ack! Yep did that race once and no need to do it again.

  • Adriane
    September 7, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    I can’t help you with the treadmill routine, but I can tell you I am in love with your dog! I hope to someday own a puggle of my own and everytime I see Mikan I get so giddy! Good luck with the hills.

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)
    September 7, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    That book sounds good!

  • Jil
    September 7, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    That curry sauce recipe sounds yummy! Plus, you can’t get easier than that! I will be trying it ASAP.

  • WholeBodyLove
    September 7, 2009 at 10:54 pm

    I never take the time to put together a curry dish when I have a curry craving. That recipe is great for curry in a hurry! Wow that was pretty cliche, huh?

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    September 7, 2009 at 11:01 pm

    I’m definitely looking for that at Whole Foods! I think I might be going tomorrow so I might be able to find some 🙂

    I’m always intimidated by curry sauce but that seems so simple. I think I might have some curry chicken in my future.

  • Amy
    September 7, 2009 at 11:02 pm

    Oh, you have me salivating for that Blue Diamond almond butter now…I thought it must be good because their almonds are incredibly tasty, but I’ve resisted buying it because I don’t NEED it right now. Perhaps I should do some baking with my current jar so that I will need a new jar!

  • Caroline
    September 7, 2009 at 11:41 pm

    Haha, yes I remember many a Gap shirt that EVERYONE had. I swear my entire 8th grade class had the same wardrobe!

  • Pru @ Nutty Confessional
    September 7, 2009 at 11:50 pm

    I was thinking “everyone had this shirt” was a bit of an exaggeration, until upon closer examination I realized…I totally had that shirt! Unfortunately, it definitely wouldn’t fit me now!

  • Liz
    September 8, 2009 at 12:02 am

    Cool curry sauce recipe! I’m defenitly gonna need to try it out. The pre-programed routines (if you have them) on treadmills are pretty good. So, if there is a hill workout on yours I recommend that.

  • lena
    September 8, 2009 at 12:59 am

    I love you gap shirt, yup i have one since teenage days and am still wearing it ocassionally! 😛

  • Madeline R
    September 8, 2009 at 1:33 am

    1. I definitely have that shirt in blue! Middle school was also when everyone gave that Dream scented Gap Body stuff as presents. I probably still have some somewhere.
    2. I have used all of these and variations of these workouts and they definitely do the trick! http://www.runningplanet.com/training/treadmill-hill-workouts.html

  • Tay
    September 8, 2009 at 3:22 am

    Jenna – I got this workout out of some magazine (I think it was Shape) and used it as my go to incline workout for about a year!! I don’t remember the exact specifics, but it was a lot like interval hills. Something like: (alter it to your specific speed, etc)

    Warm up (probably about 5 minutes 1-2% incline)
    6.0 mph 5% incline for 2 minutes
    5.5 mph mph 2% incline for 2 minutes
    6.0 mph 6% incline for 2 minutes
    5.5 mph 2% incline 2 minutes
    6.0 mph 7% incline 2 minutes
    5.5 mph 2% incline 2 minutes
    6.0 mph 8% incline 2 minutes
    5.5 mph 2% incline 2 minutes
    6.0 mph 9% incline 2 minutes
    Cool down

    And if you’re really up to it, you can then go the reverse order! haha

  • Julia
    September 8, 2009 at 4:01 am

    Your foods look great and I really wanna try that book! xxx Julia (Taste of Living)

  • MizFit
    September 8, 2009 at 6:41 am

    I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED that book.

    LOVE JW

    trying, as of this week, to love the running 🙂

  • Pam (Highway to Health)
    September 8, 2009 at 6:58 am

    I have been dying to read that book. Make sure you let us know how it is!

    $3.99 for almond butter?? That’s a must try!

  • Christie @ Quit Your Diet
    September 8, 2009 at 8:13 am

    If you have access to an incline treadmill, those will kick your booty. They go all the way up to 30% incline and have lots of programs or you can pick your max speed, min speed, max incline and min incline and it will mix it up for you. Very cool.

  • April
    September 8, 2009 at 8:33 am

    I have a few incline workouts on my blog. The ones titles Em’s are so much fun and a GREAT workout!

  • April
    September 8, 2009 at 8:34 am

    http://redhead75.wordpress.com/move-it/

  • Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
    September 8, 2009 at 8:48 am

    I love that almond butter too!!! It’s AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

  • Shelly
    September 8, 2009 at 10:44 am

    New Orleans is so flat too! I just (on Sunday) ran a 4 mile race across a bridge that spans the Mississippi River and it was 1.5 miles to the top of the bridge, then back down again. My legs are KILLING me today. Running up the bridge was really tough energy wise, but I think what did the damage was how hard my feet were hitting the ground during the downhill part of the race b/c I was flying. It was an awesome run, but I wish I had a better way of training to tackle hills.

  • Michele
    September 8, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Hey!
    I used to live in Tampa and run on the Gandy pedestrian bridge, there is one hill on it, not sure if it’s big enough for you or not, but I used to run up and down it when I wanted a hill workout. It’s just off Westshore on Gandy, you turn right onto it just before the bridge for cars.

  • Anne Marie@her new weigh
    September 8, 2009 at 10:58 am

    $3.99 for almond butter? that’s a sweet deal!

  • Molly
    September 8, 2009 at 11:30 am

    I’m a college cross country runner in Houston, TX, and we have no hills! There is one man-made hill near an outdoor amphitheater, and our coach has us run up and down that one hill for 40 minutes to get in our hills. Boring, but definitely necessary.

  • Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
    September 8, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    I was doing a good tredmill hill routine here:

    http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/fitness-and-food-for-real/

    It includes a lot of walking though, and some jogging- so i’m not sure if its what you are looking for. Good luck!

  • RacheLeRoy
    September 9, 2009 at 10:32 am

    I have some clothes from way-back-when too. A high school GF recently came in town and went through my closet to help me get rid of stuff. Sometimes an objective eye helps. “It’s cute but you aren’t Ernie or Bert,” she said about my crayon scribble long sleeve T’s. And considering my “baby” is 11 and I’m in my mid-30s, sometimes I do need to think about age appropriateness. That sucks.

  • Jess (What's Normal, Anyways?)
    September 20, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    I love that AB too! I recent picked up a jar and it’s like heaven in a jar!