Confessions of a Food Blogger

confessions of a food blogger, part v

Yesterday I got locked out of my apartment and had to break in through the window….in my fuzzy leopard slippers.

I bake vegan treats when I’m out of eggs and milk.

sometimes a good balanced breakfast involves a cinnamon roll.

and, speaking of breakfast, I’m really sick of oatmeal.

camping should always involve wine, an air mattress and under-eye concealer.

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and wonder why feta is the only cheese that pairs well with baked fish. Things like that perplex me.

Read parts I, II, III and IV here.

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  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    October 26, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    i’m with you…oatmeal is killing me right now and camping should always involve wine.

    or good beer.

    or liquor.

    • The Wife of a Dairyman
      October 26, 2010 at 4:03 pm

      ….and definitely an air mattress!!

      • Natalia - a side of simple
        October 27, 2010 at 7:10 am

        all the above! with the addition of s’mores 🙂

        • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
          October 27, 2010 at 1:31 pm

          I third that!!! Er, fourth it?

  • Kendra
    October 26, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    Yay for being tired of oatmeal!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    October 26, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    I love that there is a tomato on your PJ pants 🙂

  • Ella
    October 26, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    I used to have fuzzy leopard slippers too! I wore them so much that apparently they were disgusting and my husband and sister shamed me into throwing them out. I rue the day 🙁

  • Erinn
    October 26, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    I never camp without tinted moisturizer, concealer, and mascara. Sometimes you just need to feel like a girl, even if you’re sleeping on the ground. I’m with you on the oatmeal!

  • Tricia
    October 26, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    Goat cheese and baked salmon. Winnerrrr!

    • Annie
      October 26, 2010 at 10:16 pm

      Oh I’m craving that now that you mentioned it. So good with a baked potato on the side. Delish!

  • Liz
    October 26, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    I love it! I agree about the oatmeal!

  • Shelly
    October 26, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    That is a good point about feta- I’ve never thought about that before but you are totally right! (Also, shrimp + spicy tomato sauce + feta= amazing)

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    October 26, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    these are my favorite posts of yours:-)

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    October 26, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    I also bake vegan treats when I’m out of dairy products, and if I’m really feeling frisky, make raw desserts! I love the challenge.

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    October 26, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    I bake vegan treats so that I don’t run out off eggs and milk. Hah!

    I love the idea of bringing wine camping, but all our parks strictly ban alcohol. Ugh.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
    October 26, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    love these.

    so, you’re off on a jet plan today? where to? 🙂

  • Marie-Journey to Body Zen
    October 26, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    I love cinnamon rolls! And yes, there are some few key make-up items that are a must for camping: concealer, mascara, eyeliner….and chapstick!

  • stacey-healthylife
    October 26, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Yes me too.

  • Charise
    October 26, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    My pre-made camping checklist (to be customized and printed out each trip) includes air mattress, 2 bottles of wine, and 12 pack of microbrew. 🙂

    I had an “eh, oatmeal” moment today, too – made an egg & cheese on wheat breakfast sandwich instead.

  • Blaine
    October 26, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    I deem you FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGER. Seriously, I mean, despite the fact that you and I have very little food preferences in common (I’m mostly raw, mostly vegan) I’m loving your honesty and wit and, not to mention, tired to seeing pictures of freakin’ oatmeal. Fur realz. 🙂

    • Lynn
      October 26, 2010 at 3:14 pm

      I’m with you! Photo after photo of oatmeal and coffee mugs. Ugh. This blog is fun, funny, and unpredictable. And not so darn narcissistic…you know what I mean.

      • Annie
        October 26, 2010 at 3:54 pm

        Yes. Actually, a lot of blogs are going too narcissistic for me. Its a lot about “me, me, me”. Honestly. One in particular, but I won’t be that low to point it out.

        I feel like telling some of these people to go out and volunteer at a hospital or a shelter for a day…instead of treating themselves to 20 different restaurants and declaring it a “week about me”.

        • Rita
          October 26, 2010 at 5:35 pm

          Oh snap!

        • Rita
          October 26, 2010 at 5:36 pm

          Oh snap!!

          • em
            October 26, 2010 at 6:59 pm

            I agree. But why do you read these blogs then? People’s blogs are their own, no one is asking you to read them. You can’t criticize what someone else wants to write.

  • Hope
    October 26, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    I firmly believe that sometimes a cinnamon roll is part of a balanced breakfast!!
    Love these posts!
    I am so over oatmeal at the moment too! Luckily in New Zealand we’re heading into a warm spring so fresh, cold breakfasts are waaaaay better than oatmeal!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
    October 26, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I’m loving oatmeal right now since it’s chilly, but in the summer, no thanks.

    I think cinnamon rolls definitely have a place in a healthy diet. They are amazing! Plus, cinnamon is supposed to be good for you. 🙂

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin'
    October 26, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    Ha ha, I totally bake vegan desserts when I’m out of eggs, too! 😉 And I would kill for a fresh cinnamon roll right now.

    Cinnamon rolls > oatmeal. No question.

  • Carly
    October 26, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    Amen Sista! Love this. All of it. These posts are my favorites 🙂

  • grocery goddess jen
    October 26, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    Adorable, as always.

  • Food & Other Things
    October 26, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Love this series and totally agree about the oatmeal!

  • Megan (Running Foodie)
    October 26, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    Jenna, I love your Confessions of a Food Blogger posts, but I will warn you that they make me want to be your best friend and might inspire me to stalk you. Just warning you 🙂

    • jenna
      October 26, 2010 at 3:21 pm

      that’s ok—we can be friends!!

  • Karen
    October 26, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    These are some of the most amusing segments on your blog, Jenna – witty and real!

  • Lynn
    October 26, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    I’m with you. This blog is funny, fun, and unpredictable, and not so darn narcissistic. And I can’t take photo after photo of bowls of oatmeal and mugs of coffee…

  • Taysa
    October 26, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    I am more than with you on the oatmeal front. The thought of eating it right now is making me gag. In my neighboorhood in San Francisco (The Mission) we have a saying…”There is more to Mexican food than just burritos.” Someone needs to do a “There is more to breakfast than just oatmeal” post.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
    October 26, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    I sadly don’t ever get sick of oatmeal, but wouldn’t choose it over a good cinnamon roll either that’s for sure.

    • brianna
      October 26, 2010 at 3:32 pm

      i’m with you tina! i think it’s impossible for me to get sick of oatmeal–there’s like 900 different ways to make it!

  • Paula
    October 26, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    Hee! I love that your fuzzy leopard slipper is propped up next to your kitchen sink! Or at least I think it is. 😉

  • Charles
    October 26, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Okay, the opening photo is just priceless. Garden PJs, leopard slippers, standing on your kitchen counter.

    • jenna
      October 26, 2010 at 3:28 pm

      thanks. it pretty much sums up my whole life.

      • eml
        October 26, 2010 at 4:33 pm

        i can’t get over the slippers! i was like what the hell is that fuzzy leopard thing?! the fact that you had to climb into your sink almost makes it even better 🙂

  • R @ learningasichop.wordpress.com
    October 26, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Love that necklace! and your idea of a well-rounded breakfast

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    October 26, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    “and, speaking of breakfast, I’m really sick of oatmeal.”–

    ME TOO!

    And chia seeds, green drinks of any kind, and “healthified” desserts. Even though I am vegan I love that you bake with eggs, butter, milk, real sugar, and do it unapologetically. Thank you!

    And you breaking into your own apartment…oh, I’ve been there before. Not fun!

  • Camille
    October 26, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Oh god, crawling through the window is the worst.
    Once my boyfriend and I came home from vacation at like, 2am and the girl who was house sitting for us locked the door (we had a regular door and a screen door) that she had the only copy of the key for. Of course she didn’t answer her phone because it was 2 in the morning so we had no choice but to crawl through the window. Now, mind you, this wasn’t a nice, sensible window, but one of those crappy, tiny over-shower windows. Once I got half my body through the window I was just dangling about 6 feet over the tub with nothing to grab on to. Somehow, in a feat of flexibility and strength I managed to brace myself with one arm against one wall and one foot against the other wall and lower myself in to the tub without breaking any bones. I had bruises on my thighs for about 3 weeks from leaning them against the metal window.
    We finally got to bed around 5am because after that I was too pumped on adrenaline to sleep.
    And that is my essay.

  • emily
    October 26, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    It’s perfectly alright to like Jenna’s blog without hating other blogs and finding them narcissistic and boring. I know that I like ELR a bunch, but I like other blogs too!

    Anyone else tired of these “I love you by hating them!” comments?

    • Danielle
      October 26, 2010 at 4:15 pm

      YES.

      • April
        October 26, 2010 at 5:23 pm

        OMG very tierd of kiss-a@# comments while putting other blogs down. There are MANY very good blogs out there….the more nutritionally balanced are more my cup of tea.

      • Sarah
        October 26, 2010 at 5:24 pm

        Yes, I’m finding it a bit ridiculous too. Everyone is in charge of their own food choices, so butter and cake (and cookies and pastries!) were always an option. Some readers are acting like had they not heard about such things until reading about them on eatliverun.

        I’m not saying Jenna does not deserve the adoration of her readers- I am obviously a fan since I am a loyal reader. I think ELR is witty and entertaining. The photography is lovely and the recipes are awesome. There’s plenty to like about this blog, but consuming delicious meals and desserts that are made with butter and bacon and other yummy things is not revolutionary.

        And writing a blog about yourself is inherently narcissistic. (Hey- it’s true!) Everyone will have their favorite blogger but that does not make them more or less narcissistic than another one.

      • Sarah
        October 26, 2010 at 5:24 pm

        Yes, I’m finding it a bit ridiculous too. Everyone is in charge of their own food choices, so butter and cake (and cookies and pastries!) were always an option. Some readers are acting like had they not heard about such things until reading about them on eatliverun.

        I’m not saying Jenna does not deserve the adoration of her readers- I am obviously a fan since I am a loyal reader. I think ELR is witty and entertaining. The photography is lovely and the recipes are awesome. There’s plenty to like about this blog, but consuming delicious meals and desserts that are made with butter and bacon and other yummy things is not revolutionary.

        And writing a blog about yourself is inherently narcissistic. (Hey- it’s true!) Everyone will have their favorite blogger but that does not make them more or less narcissistic than another one.

        • Madolyne
          October 26, 2010 at 5:45 pm

          However, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have to say, although cooking with butter and bacon may not be be revolutionary, it was a welcome change for me on the “blosphere” of healthy living.
          I also find some bloggers to be waaaaaaaaay more narcissistic than others. While blogging about your life may always be viewed as such, there are severely varying degrees.
          I love EatLiveRun and it’s not kissing a**. I just find it refreshing and more of my “style”.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    October 26, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    I love these posts – sometimes I don’t wonder about the fish thing, but you know… to each their own. 🙂

    I’m sorry you got locked out – at least you got back in!

  • Katy @ A Healthy Shot
    October 26, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Camping should always, always, always involve wine 🙂

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
    October 26, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    This is my absolute favorite series that you do. It’s amazing how you can capture some ‘minor’ things and make them into entertaining stories. See, that’s why you’re a writer! 😀

  • Meaghen
    October 26, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    I’m kind of on a break with oatmeal too right now. Usually when the weather gets cool I start to crave it again, but I’m still on a yogurt and granola kick for breakfast!

    I had no idea that feta was the only thing that pairs well with baked fish.. I was all ready to ask you why, but then I remembered you don’t know either. We’re both perplexed now!

  • Erin
    October 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    Delurking to say I love you, I love you, I love you! And these posts in particular.
    Oh, and butter. and bacon.
    This wasn’t always the case, and I thank you for assisting in my newfound loves.
    And I think I make one of your recipes approximately 4 times a week. So thank you for rekindling my cooking love. Oh, and my boyfriend thanks you, too.
    *I just reread and this sounds too creepy, but oh well.

    • jenna
      October 26, 2010 at 4:07 pm

      thank you! if nothing else, i’m glad i’ve brought you back to bacon.

  • Sana
    October 26, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    Oatmeals makes me feel heavy. Cookies make me feel happy.

  • Mama Pea
    October 26, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I don’t even have an excuse, but I stand on my counters more than I should. It’s not safe for me. Or the counters. Or the people below.

    <3 YOU!

    • jenna
      October 26, 2010 at 4:26 pm

      i heart you, too! Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks!!

  • Lori Lynn
    October 26, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    I was on an oatmeal kick for awhile, and got burned out on it, so had do something different.

  • Charlotte
    October 26, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    WILL you grace us with some of your vegan desserts?

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary)
    October 26, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    Love your ‘true confessions’ !

    …now why did you have to break into your own place… in slippers ?! lol

  • RhodeyGirl
    October 26, 2010 at 5:27 pm

    My confession: Until last weekend I had about 4,000 spatulas and not even one under eye concealer.

    But I finally went and got the makeup lesson I’ve been needing for years!

    PS- My biggest fear living where I do is that I will get locked out one day when I bring out the garbage in my PJs and slippers.

    • jenna
      October 26, 2010 at 5:32 pm

      Sabrina, you don’t need a stitch of eye concealer…I have hereditary baggie eyes!

  • Marge
    October 26, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    I’ve thought about the feta thing. It has to do with the acidity. Fish likes acidity. Feta has a tang to it. Also, feta is in a brine that may be only a salt water solution, but often times, especially commercially produced feta, there is citric acid (~lemon juice).

    In Italy, where you will find many food conservatives, for good or bad, they don’t like cheese with fish. They say there is a reason the ocean doesn’t get to the mountain (where the milk producing animals should be).

  • Dana @ my little celebration
    October 26, 2010 at 5:45 pm

    Yes…..camping should ALWAYS include wine, an air mattress and under eye concealer!

  • Caroline
    October 26, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Hey Jenna! Just wanted to let you know I tried your Mom’s chili recipe tonight and it was delicious- all my friends loved it!! Thanks so much for all your recipes, funny posts, and inspiring attitude.

  • Nelly@CrazySexyFit
    October 26, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    These are probably my favorite type of your posts. They are so wonderfully random and I love them 🙂

    Also, I want that necklace!

  • Jenny
    October 26, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    I laways love your confessions! : ) So cute!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    October 26, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    My beautiful Mom started hospice today so really appreciated the laugh….love the list!! One of the reasons love your site so much is that you always know what’s most important & of course your wonderful sense of humor. The nurses at the hospital said how much they’ve appreciated Mom’s humor. She’s always been the master of the one word quip…& has always put a beautifully run home for the pleasure of her family above everything. And she is always that head-turning blonde in her 20s-30s to me. Her father studied opera in Europe & was multi-lingual, & she also had a beautifully trained voice. Have never heard any opera singer sing ‘O Mio Bambino Caro’ better than Mom while in the kitchen preparing one beautiful, nutrient-rich meal aft another for her ‘kids.’ At least I know that she’ll be ecstatic to see my brother & her parents again.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvrHxQ3qjAE

    Life is short—so totally yeah! Cinnamon buns before oatmeal if that’s what suits the mood. Wine & concealer when camping. 😉

    • Paula
      October 27, 2010 at 8:59 am

      I’m so sorry about your Mom.

  • claudia
    October 26, 2010 at 7:10 pm

    you crack me up! love your confessions… 🙂

  • tina
    October 26, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    LOVE the second photo!!!! (and this series ;))

  • Cara Craves...
    October 26, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    I hate getting locked out!
    Huge bummer…especially when other people spot you!

  • Kacie (Nonexistent Colors)
    October 26, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    Haha! I’ve wondered the same thing about feta!

  • cyndi
    October 26, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    So cute.

    You are very funny so go with that.

  • monicanelsonfitness
    October 26, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    another great confession!

    But sick of oatmeal! gasp…me=never!

  • Julie
    October 26, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    My slippers look JUST like yours! I love them, but they got so worn out that they’re too wide for my feet 🙁 I still wear them but they’re hard to walk in, haha.

    Hmm.. I never thought of putting feta on baked fish. Actually, I never thought of putting cheese on baked fish.. unless it’s a few shavings of romano, *drool*

  • Kate
    October 26, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    Haha, I was SO confused at first when I saw that picture. I will never tire of oats though! I’ve had them for breakfast nearly every day for like the past three years, haha. I just don’t think I’m a cereal-for-breakfast person but I do enjoy the occasional baked good or stack of pancakes 🙂

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    October 27, 2010 at 4:24 am

    I seem to have issues with consistently being locked out of my house. At least once a year…haha.

    I could never tire of oats, but a cinnamon roll can find its place into my breakfasts too. For sure. 😀

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    October 27, 2010 at 4:43 am

    I’ve never brought wine along on a camping trip… WHY have I never thought of doing that before?! 😀

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
    October 27, 2010 at 5:10 am

    I love this series. They always make me laugh!

    And I agree, cinnamon rolls are definitely necessary in a well balanced diet! 🙂

  • Kelly
    October 27, 2010 at 6:08 am

    Finally someone who can admit to being sick of oatmeal! Halleluja!

  • skinnyrunner
    October 27, 2010 at 6:41 am

    just wanted you to know these are my favorite posts of yours. thats all.

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    October 27, 2010 at 7:23 am

    By under-eye concealer do you mean gift of the gods? 🙂

  • Mary @ Fervent Foodie
    October 27, 2010 at 7:47 am

    Haha i love these “confessions” posts!

  • Dani @ Dani Does It
    October 27, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I bake vegan treats when I’m out of milk and eggs too!! Also, when I want to eat the batter guilt-free 🙂

  • Sara
    October 28, 2010 at 7:33 am

    I hope you just had to open the window and not actually break it! Yikes!

    And yes, please share where you got that fantastic necklace!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    October 29, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    That’s really interesting about the feta with fish. The idea of cheese with fish has always freaked me out. Even on a Fillet o Fish from McDonald’s.

  • Toronto Girl West
    October 31, 2010 at 7:43 pm

    Finally a food blogger that admits that they’re tired of oatmeal!!!!

    Too may wax poetic about the stuff. Sure it’s good and it can be made even yummier by the addition of banans and maple butter (I am Canadian, you know). But how can you gush about it for years on end?

    Way to keep it real Jenna.