Tying Loose Ends

Jul 17th, 2009 by jenna

Good afternoon!

Since today has been crazy so far and its already 3:00 (!!) I’m going to have to unfortunately say that ELR Wine 101 has been cancelled today. Remember how excited you used to (or still do?) get when your college professor cancelled your classes??! Not sure if this is quite the same thing but anyhoo…..

So this morning around 9:00 I finally started getting hungry from my run. How strange! I finished off the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup MojaMix + almond butter—

There really wasn’t much cottage cheese in the container (maybe ~1/3 cup?) but it was still a good and satisfying crunch!

I’m been packing and organizing up a storm. My mom let me borrow her cute bag to carry-on with the “essentials”

NEVER before have I ever been paranoid that my luggage would get lost, but you just never know and tomorrow would be a very, very, very bad day for it to actually happen. So! I packed a change of clothes that, in the case my luggage is lost, I can change into at the hotel for dinner. Knock on wood, knock on wood!!!!!!

We’ve got:

Comfy bankie
Comfy pillow
eye mask (this is for my red eye back home!)
SOCKS! Don’t you feet always FREEZE on airplanes?! Mine do!
larabars
contact solution so I can switch from glasses to contacts before landing
toothpaste
ipod with new “california” playlists
journal
new book!!
change of clothes + super cute heels
makeup

Oh wait…and this stuff too……..

What???! A girls gotta be prepared for everything these days

I also have already checked in, gotten my seat assignments and boarding passes. I just can’t believe US Air is really charging $20 to check a bag……..ridiculous.

Lunch was a big spinach salad with a Sunshine Falafel burger, hummus and hot sauce with some Uncle Kracker lovin’

After I ate, I took some time for myself. I laid pool-side and read a book and then did a 40 minute YogaDownload centered on opening the heart to compassion and kindness (Power Yoga 4: Donation Class). I ADORE this class. I was feeling a migraine get started before I practiced and it was literally GONE afterwards. I swear, all those forward folds and triangle poses really do help migraines go away….naturally!

Food porn:

Anyone wanna come over for a snack?! This was my second attempt at Gena’s banana soft serve and it turned out FABULOUS—much better than before even!!!! I used 1.5 bananas, blended away in the VitaMix and then topped my “ice cream” with raw cacao nibs. Holy potassium!!!!! This tasted just as amazing as it looks, I assure you! Definitely the best way to eat a banana….or two.

Ryan’s coming home early tonight and we are going out to dinner to celebrate……the trip? Sort of like a “last supper” of sorts. Not sure where we are headed to yet but I will blog later tonight and give you a recap! Perhaps Bonefish…..

Please help support my girl, Meghan, as she sells $10 e-cookbooks for her Team in Training fund!! Meghan is actually running the Nike Half WITH me and I’m so excited to meet her out there and run for an amazing cause!

That is all. I hate to say it, but the pool is REALLY calling my name again! See you in a bit

Tags: Exercise, Lunch, musings, Snack, traveling, yoga

Posted in Exercise, Lunch, Snack

57 Responses to “Tying Loose Ends”

on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:11 pm1andrea.

Heh. Well, since it’s Friday, and many of us will be drinking wine tonight anywayyyyy, maybe today can just be the “Independent Study” session of wine school.

On another note, I have GOT to try this banana thing!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:13 pm2Matt (No Meat Athlete)

Good call on all the healthy snacks; it’s so hard to eat well on the road if you’re not prepared!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:21 pm3Sarah

I ALWAYS have bad luck on airplanes (delays, cancellations, lost luggage!), so it is very smart of you to be super-prepared.
Have fun with Ryan tonight!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:22 pm4Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats

In case I don’t get a chance to tell you – GOOD LUCK with everything in Cali!!! Be your fabulous self and everyone will love you!!!!! :D:D:D
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:23 pm5brandi

looks like you’re packed and ready! glad you got your stuff done and checked off the list.

Yes, my feet ALWAYS freeze on planes!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:26 pm6Shannon (The Daily Balance)

you will LOVE The Time Traveler’s Wife – it is my favorite book EVER!

GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING! we’ll all be thinkin’ of ya!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:26 pm7Daria (Summer of the CSAs)

Ha, I like Andrea’s idea! Good luck with everything – I’m sure you’ll be awesome!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:28 pm8Alison

Have a FAB.U.LOUS trip, can’t wait to follow along with you! GOOD LUCK!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:29 pm9Jessica

Looks like you have everything planned out well! I’m so excited for you!
Your banana soft serve looks amazing
-Muffy
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:31 pm10katie s

I hope it all goes well, I’ll be thinking of ya all day tomorrow!! Enjoy tonight and I hope you relax and have a great dinner with Ryan!! Out of curiosity, what sort of songs did you put on your “California Playlist”??
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:34 pm11Whitney

That banana soft serve is beyond genius. I had more last night. Ummm that would be twice this week.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:34 pm12jennifer c

hey jenna! looks like you are all set.. i was wondering if you could share some tips on what you look for when you shop for shoes/ clothes? im sooo bad at it and really am bad at stylin g and you have such good taste. what are some of your fav stores? (no anthro around here ) any guidance/help would be wonderful!! thanks and good luck!! i have a great feeling you will get the position!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:43 pm13D

Good Luck! Make sure you don’t have any good liquid make-up over 3 ounces in your carry-on! I’ve seen someone have to throw away good make-up at the checkpoint and I felt so bad!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:43 pm14Rachel

Oh man, we’re all getting excited with you as the date comes ever closer! I’ma send my best good vibes toward your luggage – I always get paranoid too, but I’ve never lost a bag.

And hey, Jennifer C., I don’t know if you’ll see this, but Jenna posted about the clothes she bought for her trip recently and it included some good wise words about shopping!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:44 pm15nicole h

i always pack healthy snacks when going for a trip. the ice cream look fantastic!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:46 pm16jenna

Jennifer,

Great question! I LOVE clothes but I also love bargains. Its true that my favorite store in the world is Anthropologie (you can shop online!) and the best stuff (the most stuff actually) is from their sale section! They have awesome sales for sure. Tomorrow night, for instance, I’m wearing an Anthro dress that I got on marked down from $170 to $50. I also love JCrew, banana republic and urban outfitters. I really like pieces that you can wear regardless of the season and that are basic (with the exception of some cute going out tops). I find myself buying a LOT of dresses because I know that when in doubt, wear a dress. Dresses always look classy and you are much better off being dressed up than dressed down. I used to be into skirts and now its definitely dresses! If I didn’t work at home I think I would wear one every day.

Some other good staples are shorts and tops from Banana Republic (amazing if they are on sale) and button down tops from Jcrew and Polo. I shop at the Polo outlet all the time and have soo many clothes from there that I got for super cheap. If I’m not wearing a dress, I’m usually wearing a long sleeved button-down top from polo or jcrew, sleeves rolled up, with shorts. Its pretty much my uniform.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:48 pm17Anne

Don’t forget the ziploc bag for your toothpaste & contact solution – i always end up using the bags in the TSA line because I forget, and then I panic! I always pack a change of clothes & makeup in my carry-on! I tried the banana soft serve and even my skeptical husband liked it! I don’t really like very ripe bananas but I did in this format, so thanks for another use for them!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:50 pm18Tamzin

OMG you are going to love that book. It was amazing!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:55 pm19Anna

Have a safe flight! Can’t wait to read all about your trip
on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:57 pm20jenna

katie s,

Oh man…its a huge mix. Everything from songs from the Elizabethtown soundtrack, to the Brokedown Palace soundrack to Frou Frou, The Fray, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Sugarland, Leanne Rimes, Slumdog Millionare soundtrack, India Arie and Josh Gracin……..it should take me about 2 hours to get through! I love a big mix of everything!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:01 pm21Menden (SkinnyMenny)

I’m so excited for you! Looks like you’re really well-prepared.

I know, isn’t it a total ripoff to get charged so much for bags? My bf and I just got back from vacation – paid $55 on the way over and $55 on the way back for our bags…grrrr.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:08 pm22Maria

The cottage cheese mix looks sooo good with all those nuts and dried fruit in there!

I love seeing everything that you are taking–gives me ideas on what to take for my next trip (next week)!

Oh my goodness, it’s so hot here that I need to make some of that delicious soft serve again
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:11 pm23Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)

Your packed carry-on looks good! Enjoy dinner tonight. And thanks for the hummus + hot sauce inspiration – i’ve been hitting that combo hard lately
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:11 pm24Katrina (gluten free gidget)

We were thinking about hitting up The Columbia tonight. Unfortunately, it took about 8 hours to get my hubby’s new car home from Temple Terrace today. We decided it might be best to just pick up some wine and sushi and call it a night. Have fun wherever you end up!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:12 pm25BethT

The weather has been beautiful in SF lately, but pretty hot in the north bay…I’m sure it will be gorgeous. Good luck! I’m headed to Vegas or I’d be all over the tasting at Murphy Goode.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:17 pm26Angharad

I’m a firm believer in resting before travel so in full support of your pool time! Ha. That salad looks divine as always…I still haven’t tried the hot sauce/hummus combo. It’s callin’ my name!

Love that you packed so many “essentials” in the carry on. Enough tea to hydrate a small army!

Have fun at dinner – me and the hub do this as well before big events; kinda like, it could go either way but congrats for getting this far! Yay you.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:23 pm27Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn

I want to try this banana ice cream deal.. but I don’t have a blender!! BULLOCKS!

goooood luck this weekend girl
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:33 pm28JB

i can’t get over how good your mojamix looks. yummmm. and it’s better to be safe than sorry. it’s always good to assume that the airline WILL lose your luggage (even though it most likely won’t.) have a great time! you look very well-stocked for the trip. and the raw banana ice cream with cacao nibs looks delicious, i want some!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:34 pm29katie s

Ahhh that’s a great mix!! I LOVE the Brokedown Palace soundtrack!! Long flights most definitely require awesome music!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:43 pm30christina

i see you have discovered my beloved banana whip that i told you about before!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:45 pm31Ashley @ On The Rocks

you must be so excited to be so close to leaving! you definetly seem prepared!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:58 pm32Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)

Good Luck this weekend!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:07 pm33Cait (Cait's Plate)

Mmmm – best food porn ever. Haha.

And I’m the same way with the snacks while traveling – people make fun of me but I never go hungry!!

HAVE A BLAST!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:10 pm34Rebeca

Love your packing style… i always come prepared with snacks, socks and tea- hot water is easy to come by and tea makes me happy and calm!

Have fun tonight!!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:38 pm35faith

jenna-i hope you have a wonderful trip! my mom was out visiting and is a wine drinker so i talked her into trying a murphey goode in honor of you! i even had a few sips (i dont drink at all) it was tasty!

also, i did the 2nd part of my “mantra makeover” series if you’d like to check it out:

http://cottchz.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/mantra-makeover-2-appreciate-your-brain-bucket/

wishing you safe travels!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:38 pm36Spotty Prep

I realllly have to try that banana “ice cream!” Yum! I hope you and your guy have a great time tonight!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:42 pm37ShutupandRun

Sounds like you are ready to knock ‘em dead. BTW, I loved the Time Traveller’s Wife.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:55 pm38Beth @ CrossBorderCravings

your banana soft serve looks amazing! best of luck tomorrow!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 7:28 pm39ANDI

love, love bonefish! only been there once. great food!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 7:38 pm40Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope

Definitely an awesome packing job! Just enough to have what you’ll need, but not too much extra junk to lug around.

Loving that yummy banana soft serve. SO good!!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 7:42 pm41Sara

I’m wishing you the best of luck, Jenna! Have a safe flight and a fun trip. Is “The O.C.” theme song playing in your head yet?
on 17 Jul 2009 at 7:45 pm42Michelle

Best of luck, Jenna! The weather should be a nice change for you in Sonoma! It is warm there this time of year, but not humid which is good!

Tried that banana soft serve and my only suggestion…wash your FP tout de suite! That’s French for RIGHT AWAY! I thought I could just soak mine overnight and MAN, was that banana tough to get off the next day.

Enjoy your trip!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 7:52 pm43Christie @ Quit Your Diet

Jenna,

This is pretty off topic for the post but I bought a bottle of pinot noir, thanks to your recommendation , and I never buy red, really. So, should I store the leftovers in the fridge? And then take it out to come to room temp tomorrow? It is only me drinking and I don’t want to drink the whole bottle tonight or waste it. What do you think?

Thanks!!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 7:55 pm44Debbie (Green Apple A Day)

Have a safe trip! Good Luck with your interview
on 17 Jul 2009 at 8:04 pm45Deva

Your food porn made me salivate. Looks sooooo good!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 8:05 pm46Help Meghan Run

Thanks so much for the shout-out Jenna! I can’t wait for Nike…3 months from tomorrow! Good luck with your trip, you’ll do great.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 9:13 pm47sue

knocking on wood for a safe n’ easy flight! hope you had a great dinner with the bf!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 9:41 pm48Sarah

Hope you had a great dinner girl. And best wishes for your trip tomorrow, you are going to be great! I’m sure I have told you this before, but you really inspire me.
on 17 Jul 2009 at 10:02 pm49Mary

I’m reading the same book right now!! I’m not quite finished but I like it a lot!
on 17 Jul 2009 at 10:32 pm50Rebecca

I love all the snacks you packed! The banana soft serve looks so good!
on 18 Jul 2009 at 12:13 am51Caroline

You make me miss whipped cottage cheese so much! I can’t find it anywhere around here anymore.
You pack like a pro–plenty of snacks:)
on 18 Jul 2009 at 1:16 am52Red Wine

Heh. Well, since it’s Friday, and many of us will be drinking wine tonight anywayyyyy, maybe today can just be the “Independent Study” session of wine school.
on 18 Jul 2009 at 6:44 am53Susan

Great idea to pack a change of your clothes in your carry-on just in case!! And yes, my feet DO always freeze on planes

I’ve been seeing those falafel sunshine burgers a lot lately, they sound so good!!
on 18 Jul 2009 at 8:16 am54Rachel

Time Traveler’s Wife is my favorite book of all time; the first 50 pages or so can be hard to get into, because it’s confusing, but stick with it.
GOOD LUCK IN CALI!!!
on 18 Jul 2009 at 9:09 am55Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope

Good luck and remember that even if you do not get the position, it is an awesome opportunity to fly out to California and do all this cool stuff. And then something even better will come along!
on 18 Jul 2009 at 10:30 am56Linda

Great book! Don’t forget to check the movie, it comes out 14 August!
on 18 Jul 2009 at 11:51 am57Vanessa

Ooh, I’m planning to read The Time Traveler’s Wife myself after I finish up Sunday’s at Tiffany’s (another wonderful read)

Yogi Tea is my favorite. I was thinking of how it would taste chilled….