Blogworld is a bad influence

..case and point: The e-mail I wrote this morning to my English professor...

Hi Professor,
I was just wondering if there was any time on Thursday I could schedule an appointment with you to go over the outline for my Shakespeare paper. Thanks so much!

Have a great hump day!
- Jennifer

Have a great hump day? Really, Jenny? Really? To my 60 year old professor, nonetheless. I blame you all.

Kidding, of course. I'm just dumb..

really dumb.

Just in case I wasn't feeling insecure enough with my intelligence, after sending aforementioned e-mail I proceeded to the kitchen to make some oats, which were fabulous by the way.

1/2 cup oat bran, smooshed strawberries, banana slices, strawberry oikos, naturally more

topped with honey crunch wheat germ [obsession]

Oats went fine - no problems there. It wasn't until an hour later when my mom was looking for the measuring cups. Hm, where did I put those rascals? We tore the kitchen up and alas, twenty minutes later...

It's just been one of those weeks. Is it really only Wednesday?

What's your most embarrassing "did I really just say that?" moment? Mine has to be either the hump day slip up or the time I called my dad "babe".. ick!
Do you ever misplace things? Put them in the wrong places? I am definitely guilty of the old cereal box in the refrigerator FAIL.

Friday, please get here soon. Thanks!

extreme makeover: Blog edition

Hello my favorite cyber-space family! Many of you have already noticed the new PB&J layout but for those of your who've not **cough cough, google reader-ers, cough cough** I wanted to use this morning as my big "unveiling". There are still a few tweaks I need to make and hopefully I can get a better picture of myself for the side bar because my chin is very shiny in this one (don't pretend you didn't notice) but overall, this is the new look. You likey?

A lot of you asked me how I created the new page - and I actually ordered the template online from rainydays.com. Ellie is a comlpete genius and I love her styles! I also worked really hard creating my header, and I may or may not have downloaded 1 (or 3) viruses on my computer in the process.. but it was so worth it!

I am literallly OBSESSED with the new page - like, can't stop looking at it. I can't believe it's mine! I hope it has the same warm and comforting feeling for all of you and you enjoy!

I also wanted to let you guys know that I'm going to be using my other email - jenny@pbandjenny.com -- so if you want to get a hold of me contact me there. I'll still be checking my peanubutterandjenny12@yahoo.com every so often so if you forget to use my new e-mail never fear! It just might take me a little longer to respond.

K, well that's that - time for school! Anything exciting on the agenda for you today, folks?

Aunt JENN-ima

For some reason I have been craving maple syrup like crazy recently, which is slightly strange because I've never been a huge fan of the stuff. I know what you're thinking. Jenny, strange cravings? No worries, I'm not preggo - though sometimes I wish I were. My biological clock has been ticking since I was like 4.

Anyhoo.

My maple spree started yesterday morning with the Erewhon Maple Spice Organic Instant Oatmeal I received the other day from the US Mills company.

What I'm really digging about these oatmeal packets is that they only have 4 grams of sugar, which is nothing compared to other brands.

It wasn't overly sweet which is safe to assume because of the low sugar content, but the maple flavor was definitely there. My sole complaint was that the box didn't offer any microwave directions (they recommend you use boiling water). Of course, in true irrational Jenny fashion I opted not to just follow the directions and attempted to create my own microwave method which resulted in wasting 2 packets. Woe is me! But alas, after some trial and error I was able to figure it out, though I have a feeling it would have been much better had I just used the boiling water technique. Perhaps there's a reason there are no microwavable directions? D'oh! never thought of that.

Maple encounter number 2:

KERF's "pumpkin pie cake" [which is sheer and utter brilliance, by the way] Topped with Better N' PB and some maple grove farms pure maple syrup.

p.s. according to my mom, this syrup cost her 11 dollars. Ridic! It best be infused with some gold specks or something.

Encounter number 3: This morning's breakfast aka "The Show Stopper"

2 van's waffles, crazy richards smooth PB, smooshed banana, cinnamon, maple syrup, an apple

le pour

extra maple reserved for dipping purposes, obvi.

I don't know why I enjoyed this breakfast so much. Oh wait, yes I do... because maple and peanut butter and bananas and waffles are god's gift to the world. I didn't want this breakfast to end. Ah well, that's what tomorrow's for.

Have you ever had any strange cravings? Any foods you weren't crazy about as a child but love now? (I used to hate carrots.. insanity!)

and perhaps my most important question...
Why the heck is maple syrup so dang expensive?

Oh! and before I forgot -- in honor of Make it Happen Monday I've decided to extend last weeks goal of "just being" in to this week because I like it and it's been making me happy. What are your goals?!

Alright, mucho things to do before GG tonight and lord knows I can't be distracted while drooling over Mr. Bass.

Hope you all had a great start to you week!

When the sun hits the sky like a big [pudding] pie, that's amore

After a wonderful weekend with the red head who makes my heart melt, all I have to show for it is some pictures of the pretty pudding pie I made him. I know what you're thinking. Pudding pie? Random.

You may or may not have known (though I'm going to assume you didn't) but Gingie is obsessed with pudding. My man can hammer down 3 Jello Pudding cups in one sitting, which kind of makes me nauseous - yet at the same time is part of his charm I suppose.

I don't know how it never dawned on me before to make him pudding pie but for some reason this weekend I was inspired. The ingredients were basic: 2 boxes of Jello chocolate pudding, prepared graham crust, milk, cool whip, and a whole lot of love. :)

Not gonna lie, this recipe required little to no culinary skills whatsoever - but boy, was it perdy or what? and tasty may I add! The "game plan" (seemingly counterproductive to my whole "just be" sheme, eh?) was to make this for Ginge to bring home and share with his family. However, last night after seeing Saw VI (I still don't know what I was thinking) he somehow convinced me to grab a couple forks and eat some pie straight from the pan. Barbaric? Perhaps.. but I loved it.

I need more barbaric late night pudding pie indulgences in my life.

Moral of the story:

• Pudding is 10x's better in pie form
• It's easier to "just be" when your "just being" with someone who makes you happy

I have to say - it's a liberating feeling; letting go of our inhibitions and just acting on instinct. Who knew pudding pie possessed such philosophical undertones?!

My experience this weekend reminds me of some lyrics that I'm sure you've all heard time and time again.

"Release your inhibitions, feel the rain on your skin"

Okay, try your best to not associate these lyrics with the hills (incredibly difficult, I know) but I think Natasha know's what she's talking about.

When's the last time you allowed yourself to do something out of the ordinary? Not even just in terms of food - but anything. How did you feel afterwards?

Enjoy the last few precious moments of your weekend, all!

va va va voom - hair tutorial.

Hola, muffins! Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend. Gingie is actually home so I've been spending my time smiling and being happy and getting hugs and kisses - can't complain No time to write up a real post but here's a little "hair tutorial" demonstrating my technique to get a little extra volume, or as I like to call it it "va va va voom".

My Herbal Essences wanna-be video, minus the moaning. You're Welcome

What's your favorite way to style your hair?

Have a safe and happy weekend, all!

I like Peanut Butter

Some call it an addiction…

…I call it love.

I have had a love/love relationship with Peanut Butter ever since my days as a tot. I fondly remember bringing a PB&J sandwich to school everyday in my quintessential LLBean lunchbox with my initials embroidered on the front, of course. Those days, it was Jif – today, though my palate has matured, my undying some for the PB has not. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, Dark Chocolate, Maple, Honey, Butter Toffee (to name a few) have grown to be the object of my affection.

But why peanut butter? What is it about this nutty snack that makes me swoon at the mere thought of it?

A few things…

1. It’s taste. PB is the great unifier, as it appeals to sweet and salty loves alike. Use it on oats, crackers, desserts, hell – even spaghetti. Whatever it’s canvas, Peanut Butter never fails to shine through in all of it’s nutty splendor.

2. It’s nutritional stats. Protein/Fiber/Healthy Fats/Omega 3s… enough said.

Peanut Butter is the “Edward Cullen” of foods.. sheer perfection.

Not a day goes by when I don’t consume at least 2 Tbsps of my nutty better half. As a result, I feel stronger, more energized, and healthier than I ever have in my life. It tastes fabulous AND makes me strong? It’s as though I have my own chef and personal trainer compact in a little jar. I love!

Though I must be honest, PB & I have not always had such a beautiful relationship. As we all know, there was a period in my life when I went through some issues and struggles and put PB on the back burner. But as a loyal and faithful companion, PB has remained by my side; waiting for me to come to my senses and realize how utterly amazing it is. Now that I have, I am never going back to life without.. PB&Jenny forever.

Some of my favorite brands include:

• Peanut Butter and Co.
• Naturally Nutty
• Naturally More
• Teddie’s
• Nuttzo
• Justin’ Nut Butter
• Crazy Richard’s

If you’re interested you can check out some of these sites for more information on mi amor…

• Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
• 5 Foods that you Should Place in your Diet (FYI: PB is #1)
• Peanut Butter Lovers.com

So now it’s your turn to tell me… What do you like about Peanut Butter? What’s your favorite way to eat it? Favorite brand? Favorite Flavor? Dish!

Live.Laugh.Be Nutty

fried banana nuggets

Who likes bananas? [me me me me]
Who likes fried food? [ oh who are you kidding? ]

If you answered yes to both of this questions, which you should have if you are sane and breathing, then I have quite the scrumptious treat for you.

Fried Banana Nuggets

Ingredients

Kay's Naturals cinnamon toast pretzel sticks
1 banana
Cocoa powder

Directions

1. Crush pretzels in sandwich baggie

I initially used the old "karate chop method" which became slightly painful, so I implemented the rolling pin technique which worked much better.

2. Cut banana in half (width wise) then cut each half in to about 1/4 inch thick slices.

be sure not to make the slices too thin! The bananas get slightly melted during the cooking process so if they're too thin they won't retain their shape. Got it?! Good.

The banana slices actually ended up being a little bigger than I thought, so they were more of a banana "finger" than a nugget.. or possibly even a banana "tender". Definitely too small to be considered a banana "cutlet" though..

...but I digress...

3. Pour crushed pretzels on a plate, add 1-2 tsp of cocoa powder and mix it all up with your hands to incorporate

4. Dredge each banana "nugget" in pretzel/cocoa mixture.

the pretzels should stick fairly easily on their own but you may need to press them in to the bananas.


m'mmm.. I suppose you could even eat them now as is, but I decided to pop them in the toaster.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes

*new toaster!*
I'll be honest, the temperature/time was a total crap-shoot. I had no idea how hot or how long to cook these for, but 350 for 10 minutes seemed just about right.

and of course we all know that nuggets aren't complete without some type of "ketchup"...

Maranatha AB beats out Heinz any day

y'all, I hate to toot my own horn. (who am I kidding? no I don't..) but these were quite possibly the best thing I've ever made in my life. The bananas got soft and caramelized from the cooking process but the pretzel coating was crispy and salty and added a great contrast to the sweet bananas. My taste buds are still singing.

Now I'm sure your all wondering how I was able to create such a delicious treat today, what with it being Thursday which is normally a school day for moi. Well, in honor of "Just Being" week [yes, I've dubbed it an entire week long celebration] I decided to take off from school today. Now that could've been me "just being..." too enthralled in trash TV last night to finish my Spanish homework for today, or "just being..." too tired to wake up this morning, but I think I'll go with me "just being..." overly stressed from all the work I have due next week and needing to take a day off to regroup, get things done, and maintain my sanity. Yeah, I'll go with that.

I like just being

Alright friends, this British Lit paper ain't gonna write itself [though I really wish it could]. Ta ta for now!

Question: What's your favorite way to eat bananas?
My obvious answer as of right now would be in "fried" form but I am also a huge fan of mashing them up and mixing 'em in greek yogurt, oats (obvi) and of course - banana soft serve.

Yeah, Janetha and Kay-Lay... I'm totally ripping off your brilliant "question" idea. Remember: imitation is the greatest form of flattery