Confessions of a Food Blogger

confessions of a food blogger, part VII

I believe mashed potatoes make a fine breakfast choice.

Sometimes I think I’m the only one out there who would rather die than step into a mall (or any shopping establishment) on Black Friday.

Instead, I believe Black Friday is a holiday reserved for wearing black stretchy pants on the couch….and eating leftovers.

My mom’s nickname for me growing up was “pumpkin-breath”. Only now am I wondering, what does that mean?

I love pumpkins.

I know this might come as a shock….but I really don’t like vegetables all that much.

There. I said it!!!!

Read parts I, II, III, IV , V and VI here.

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  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    November 26, 2010 at 7:16 am

    haha LOVE your black friday festivities!! i’ve never participated in the shopping extravaganza – i love shopping, but the thought of battling crazy i’m-gonna-get-a-deal-if-it-kills-me is a bit scary!

  • Evan Thomas
    November 26, 2010 at 7:18 am

    It’s 10am, my breakfast was stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce, and I have no plans to leave the house today. God bless Black Friday

  • Sara
    November 26, 2010 at 7:21 am

    i was going to try black friday shopping for the first time this year, but i woke up with a mad stomach ache that disappeared soon after my mom left – i guess my subconscious didn’t think i could handle it.

    i did pilates, ate cranberry sauce on toast for breakfast, ate some turkey just now (since i ate breakfast at the ungodly hour of 5:30), and now i’m already thinking of the delicious leftovers sandwich i’m going to have for lunch.

  • Carrie
    November 26, 2010 at 7:23 am

    Breakfast this morning was a slice of Mississippi Mud Pie with a banana and coffee – and the only shopping plans are to go to the grocery store for bread and milk. Curling up on the couch with the cat an a good book sound much better!

  • Kelly
    November 26, 2010 at 7:23 am

    Black Friday…ick! I am all about leftovers! My husband’s sister makes homemade Challah bread every year. I am currently eating Challah french toast with cranberry sauce! YUM! I love the holidays!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    November 26, 2010 at 7:24 am

    I can stand Black Friday. I refuse to take part in the chaos!

    As for veggies… I only eat them a few times per week šŸ™‚

    My breakfast? A leftover piece of pecan pie šŸ™‚

  • grocery goddess jen
    November 26, 2010 at 7:29 am

    I don’t think any of us like vegetables all that much! Unless they’re made into pie šŸ™‚

    • Alexia @ Dimple Snatcher
      November 27, 2010 at 7:24 pm

      Actually, I really really like vegetables.
      I’m almost ashamed.

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
    November 26, 2010 at 7:31 am

    I feel like same way about Black Friday – give me a long, good, full night’s sleep any day! šŸ™‚

  • jessica @ how sweet
    November 26, 2010 at 7:32 am

    You don’t like veggies that much?? Pretty sure you’re my new best friend. Thanks for the shoutout!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
    November 26, 2010 at 7:33 am

    I agree about Black Friday unless there is a certain item you’ve been pining over and just know you can get it on Black Friday for a good deal, but even then…maybe not so much. We drove by Target and Best Buy last night really slow and made faces at the people in line, haha!
    And as we speak (type), I am in black stretchy pants on my couch.

    ps: did you ever do a post on photography tips?

  • Lesley
    November 26, 2010 at 7:33 am

    Totally had a slice of pie for breakfast. I’m about 95% sure I’ll have one for lunch too šŸ™‚

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    November 26, 2010 at 7:34 am

    lol at least it was “pumpkin” breath versus something that doesn’t smell good:-)

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    November 26, 2010 at 7:35 am

    I am right there with you on the Black Friday festivities! I woke up to bacon, though, which isn’t half bad, I must say.
    Your vegetable confession made my life. I’ve felt like such a rebel all this time. šŸ™‚

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine)
    November 26, 2010 at 7:52 am

    I think I prefer pizza to veggies, too.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday
    November 26, 2010 at 8:14 am

    I definitely don’t believe in Black Friday http://bit.ly/hYplzZ

  • Blaine
    November 26, 2010 at 8:23 am

    Okay now, you just leave veggies out of this – I’m here to speak for the veggie party!! šŸ˜‰

    I’m so staying inside too today, I think anyone who would go out must be mad.

  • Moni'sMeals
    November 26, 2010 at 8:27 am

    I love your food blooger confessions!

    I too will be nowhere near the mall….yikes!

    However I love all my veggies. šŸ™‚

    • Moni'sMeals
      November 26, 2010 at 8:28 am

      clearly I mean “Blogger” not blooger, geesh,.

  • Erin @ small things
    November 26, 2010 at 8:29 am

    I’m bummed this morning that I have no leftovers!? but I do have on black stretchy pants.
    Oh, and I tend to panic at large crowds of crazy-eyed shoppers. I might punch somebody just trying to get outta the store. Therefore I stay home. thank you and good night.

  • Christine (The Raw Project)
    November 26, 2010 at 8:30 am

    Cute, not a fan of Black Friday either and hate that I had to listen to my boss talk to much about it and his plan of what stores to be at when – ugh!

  • Whitney @ Life Heart Journey
    November 26, 2010 at 8:36 am

    These are my favorite posts!!!

  • KatherineC
    November 26, 2010 at 8:42 am

    I was undecided until last night whether to brave the shops today because it’s my last year in the US before heading back to Australia (we don’t have Thanksgiving or Black Friday) but in the end I decided that people in large crowds are just too annoying : )
    I shopped on Amazon instead and got me a lovely new lense for my camera!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    November 26, 2010 at 8:47 am

    Mashed potatoes make a fine anything-meal in my book. Especially when made with extra butter.

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
    November 26, 2010 at 8:49 am

    I am another that hates shopping on Black Friday. There is no deal good enough to make me want to put up with the crowds and madness! Maybe it’s because I worked in retail so I really know the madness… I’m with you though, stretchy pants and leftovers!! I ate leftovers for breakfast :(.

  • Amber K
    November 26, 2010 at 8:50 am

    Black Friday is pure insanity! I like your idea better. šŸ™‚

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    November 26, 2010 at 9:05 am

    This made me think about when first realized could also roast vegetables in the brownie pan. I was engaged & had designed a mountain lake house where we could water ski all summer/snow ski all winter/hike in-between. It was then I planted a garden to ‘grow’ our own ratatouille ; which came to signify the gulf in our world views: She said: No pesticide use whatsoever. He said: Better living thru chemicals.

    I gave the engagement ring to my sister who later gave it to my son’s French girlfriend who became a personal chef & relocated to San Francisco while my son remained in France & became a citizen. So I can see where veggies can spark all sorts of chain-reactions.

    If only I’d stuck to cookie baking…we might still be skiing Gold Mountain (chubbier) together. šŸ˜‰

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
    November 26, 2010 at 9:31 am

    I’m totally with you on the shopping thing. I can’t thing of anything less fun than heading out to the mall to battle with crazy shoppers and long lines all morning long. Black Friday is always my time to lounge around the house, read all day, and eat more turkey. Now, THAT is my idea of Black Friday fun. šŸ™‚

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side
    November 26, 2010 at 9:35 am

    I agree with you 100% about Black Friday. WHY would I want to be in line at Old Navy in the freezing cold at 3 in the morning? Someone please explain!!

  • zoe (and the beatles)
    November 26, 2010 at 9:48 am

    uggh i totally feel you on the black friday thing. i just don’t really understand it…but i work later. at a drive-thru & cafe starbucks. in the middle of two shopping centers. pray for me! hah

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
    November 26, 2010 at 10:17 am

    I love your version of Black Friday. I’m actually celebrating it that exact same way. šŸ˜€

  • Natalie
    November 26, 2010 at 10:21 am

    I completely agree with your opinion about Black Friday. I absolutely refuse to step foot in a mall at all this weekend. Mashed potatoes (and/or stuffing) make for a fabulous breakfast!!

  • Susan from MomSwimBikeRun
    November 26, 2010 at 10:22 am

    Nothing to do with this post but… Went to Torchy’s Tacos and had the pork green chile taco and you were right, beyond good!!!!!!!!!!! Loved it! Thanks for the tip. Any other MUST EAT places in Austin recommended by Adam? (we just moved to Austin)

  • Abby
    November 26, 2010 at 10:38 am

    thank you for admitting you don’t love vegetables! i feel the exact same but force myself to eat them every day! so weird haha

  • Sana
    November 26, 2010 at 10:40 am

    DITTO! I am wearing stretchy black pants and eating leftovers. I also love sleeping in so no shopping for me!

  • Camille
    November 26, 2010 at 10:45 am

    I’m not a huge fan of Black Friday either. I am willing to go out, but it has to be later, like 9am so the crowds aren’t completely insane!

  • Wine Girl (Kitchen Doesn't Travel)
    November 26, 2010 at 10:50 am

    I’m with you 110%… on the mashed potatoes and Black Friday!

  • Jen
    November 26, 2010 at 10:52 am

    I don’t know how anyone can not like vegetables. Any vegetable roasted with oil is like candy. You can eat it with anything. Like chocolate and pizza šŸ˜‰

    • food obsessed
      November 27, 2010 at 1:49 pm

      Yeah I have a hard time believing you. This is coming from the girl that used to make green juices and smoothies.

    • shannen
      November 27, 2010 at 7:55 pm

      oh man jenna i feel betrayed.. i thought you loved veggies! AND you got me hooked on GMs D:

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks
    November 26, 2010 at 11:13 am

    I don’t like black Friday, but I do like mashed potatoes.

    I wish I had some.

  • Emily
    November 26, 2010 at 11:50 am

    I agree on the Black Friday! Watching a movie in some yoga pants and eating left overs šŸ™‚

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    November 26, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    “Sometimes I think Iā€™m the only one out there who would rather die than step into a mall (or any shopping establishment) on Black Friday.”

    I just posted about this! I have no desire to get trampled to save 20 bucks on a dvr player than I dont want or NEED anyway. I’d gladly pay more another day. Or just live without it. Or that great deal on a sweater or whatever. Who cares! After driving around to find parking for hours..with a cranky kid in the backseat, I’d rather die than deal with that scene!

    I am sooo with you!

    šŸ™‚

  • Kay
    November 26, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    No Black Friday for me but love me some
    ALABAMA football. ROLL TIDE ROLL!
    Beat Auburn!

  • Anon
    November 26, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    Confessions…I’m barely having any chance to read blogs anymore…none.
    I never move.
    I eat multiple eggs and meat products a day….
    I have perpetual issues…
    I have a TV on the floor…
    I eat and eat and eat…and then eat more
    I eat about 1/2 jar of nut butter….just in the first half of the day alone…
    I eat bread every day. Every single meal.
    I love sweets. I don’t care what anyone says …I have no control
    phew – got it out – time to think about something else now.

    • JC
      November 27, 2010 at 7:41 am

      Again, the Empty Nut Jar strikes with her rays of sunshine…

  • Anon
    November 26, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    And no, you’re not alone.
    I haven’t ventured into a mall in years. Years.
    I bought one article of clothing in last 2 years. From the grocery store.

  • Becki @ Hike, Bike, Eat
    November 26, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    I participated in Black Friday by force. I had to work at 3:30am. Yay retail…

  • maria
    November 26, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Halleluja sister! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who would rather stay inside at 3:00am and SLEEP. I spent the morning chillaxin with my daughter and having a nice breakfast. If you ask me that’s way better than being in frenzy for the “best deal”.

  • Alicia
    November 26, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Haha, I agree! Shopping is so stressful this time of year. I would rather relax and be with family!

  • Kelly
    November 26, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    I am with you on the would rather die than be in a mall on Black Friday. I never participate. I like some vegetables more than others but feel 100% better when they’re in my life.

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution.
    November 26, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    Right there with you on Black Friday! Our big outing for the day was a movie! I avoid the malls for the next month as much as I can!

  • Lori Lieberman, RD, CDE, MPH, LDN
    November 26, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    I vote for apple pie for breakfast. And I voted with my fork! And somehow, it tasted even better the second day.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    November 26, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    Lmao @ Pumpkin-breath! Way to boost a kid’s self esteem šŸ˜‰

    I, too, would ONLY be caught dead in a store on Black Friday. Plus the office I work in is “business per usual” on Black Friday.

  • melissa roby
    November 26, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    I never understood how people enjoy Black Friday…..our family consumes way too much food and wine to get up at 3 or 4am for shopping….nothing is worth that to me….:)

  • melissa
    November 26, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    agreeed. i would NOT want to get up at 3 am to stand in line to buy stuff. the only place i went shopping today was the grocery store (why i am buying more food??! i dont know) but so far today i had cranberry apple crisp mixed with yogurt for breakfast, pumpkin whoopie pies/pumpkin cake for snacks , butternut squash soup for lunch. and there’s plenty of apple pie in the fridge just waiting for me šŸ™‚

  • Cara Craves...
    November 26, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    Mashed potatoes for breakfast are perfect; even better when topped with an egg.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    November 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    TOTALLY with you on the veggies and Black Friday!

  • Kate
    November 26, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Yup, black stretchy pants and leftovers on the couch… that’s exactly how I’ve spent most of my day! I wouldn’t dare go near a mall today!

  • Megan
    November 26, 2010 at 7:02 pm

    I’m in agreement with you. I don’t do Black Friday and you are right. The day should be spent on the couch eating leftovers.

  • D
    November 26, 2010 at 10:28 pm

    Wah wah wahh… I ALWAYS have to work because I’m in retail so consider yourself lucky! I also wonder why the heck people are out shopping because I would be in bed eating stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc, if I could. However, I loooooooove vegetables. What the heck Jenna– you live in the best place to buy/eat them. Plus you can always cook them with locally made butter or even perhaps some bacon if you’d like…

  • Elise
    November 27, 2010 at 12:40 am

    I hate Black Friday with a passion — mostly I’m afraid of the swarms of people who will stampede for the tv that is now an additional 5% off… I think its even more ridiculous that stores now open at midnight or 2am…why do they even close?!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    November 27, 2010 at 4:44 am

    Haha…I’m such a Black Friday shopper. But I also love my leftovers. That’s why I shop early. šŸ˜‰

  • Karla
    November 27, 2010 at 7:36 am

    I must be lucky, I love vegetables!

  • Dee
    November 27, 2010 at 7:55 am

    I am with you on Black Friday. My husband had to DRAG me to go shopping. Ahh – The things we do for love! šŸ˜›

  • Carpensm @ A Life Without Ice Cream
    November 27, 2010 at 8:05 am

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s scared off by big shopping days! I’ve also never stepped inside a mall on boxing day and I don’t plan on starting. I can see there are great deals but I’d rather have my sanity!

  • Becca
    November 27, 2010 at 11:11 am

    I agree!! Black Friday’s overrated, I always come away with stuff i didn’t mean to get šŸ™‚ plus, i’d rather not get trampled by a crazy lady mowing people down for a purse. this morning I put turkey and cranberry sauce in my oatmeal and then cover it with stuffing. its like thanksgiving just mushier! haha

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    November 27, 2010 at 11:56 am

    I spent black friday hiking in the woods. You are not alone! šŸ™‚

  • kari
    November 27, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    love the confession posts! right there with ya.

  • Rachel
    November 27, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    No time for black friday shopping, watched the iron bowl instead. Even though we lost all I have to say is Roll Tide!!!

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
    November 27, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    I’ve determined that the amount of money I would pay someone to do my shopping for me on Black Friday far surpasses any savings I’d get through deals.

    Therefore, I instead stay up late drinking wine and playing cards with my family on Thanksgiving, and sleep in Friday until Husker football is on. šŸ™‚

  • sarah
    November 27, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Jenna, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time but have never left a comment. I am a (26 year old) Presbyterian pastor, and these “confessions” of yours crack me up because it’s sometimes what I help people do! Lately, it seems like you are much more confident about your humanness. None of us is perfect, and frankly none of us loves vegetables… we just feel better when we eat them šŸ™‚ . Thanks for being YOU (and for being lighthearted in the process).
    Sarah

  • Heather Eats Almond Butter
    November 27, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    I like you plans for Black Friday much more than showing up at Target at 4 AM. No thanks!

  • erin
    November 27, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    I totally agree about black Friday….I would rather pay the extra money to not have to leave the house the day after Thanksgiving…and this year…I did some black friday shopping from my comfy red couch!!! YAY for online shopping!!

  • Barbara
    November 27, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    Totally love reading about your awesome adventures in life. Possibly my fav blog to read.

    Cheers

    B

  • Running Betty
    November 28, 2010 at 6:29 am

    I call Black Friday “Leftovers Day”. And I avoided the mall but had to go to Target to get the supplies my kids needed to finish a school project. It wasn’t so bad at Target by 1pm.
    Has anyone told you about the Indian-Spiced cauliflower dip in Oprah Magazine this month? Yum! http://www.oprah.com/food/Indian-Spiced-Cauliflower-Dip

    I also tried the pumpkin granola recipe, but mine was soggy and did not crisp up. It’s still yummy in yogurt though!
    http://www.oprah.com/food/Spiced-Pumpkin-and-Brown-Sugar-Granola

  • Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day
    November 28, 2010 at 7:07 am

    I avoid malls and stores completely on Black Friday ( and most other days too )

  • Charise
    November 29, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    I nearly start having an anxiety attack when I think of shopping on Black Friday. Huge crowds, long lines, stupid people, irritated employees …. uuuugh. I do 90% of my holiday shopping online.

    I definitely like my carbs better than vegetables, but I’d be sad without them on my plate, too.

  • Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
    November 30, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    Why on earth would I want to get up at 5am to save $15 on a pair of shoes?! Whyyy? I’m a strict online shopper so Black Friday means movies, more cooking and Thanksgiving sandwiches. Glad I’m not alone! šŸ˜‰