Keeping It Real

So, I call myself a "food blogger." Or at least I do when I'm trying to rationalize why I take seemingly random pictures of meals and have started trying to convince my friends and family to go on lunch dates, since the light is so much better in the afternoons.

But let's be honest. I'm not really a very good food snob, and sometimes it seems that you have to consume/design/critique elevated eats to be a "food blogger." That leaves the other option to explain my inclination for food photography; the equally dreaded/famed label of "healthy living blogger."  I mean, who else obsessively documents their "fuel intake" via photograph?

Well, while I do write about vegetables, (because I genuinely like them) and occasionally compete in races (but that is really for the metals and post race beers) I would not consider myself a role model for a healthy lifestyle. Oh and it's very rare that I share my "daily" eats on the blog. (because let's be honest, I don't have that kind of time, and most of the time I eat leftovers all week of the recipes I do post)

As additional supporting evidence to my non-case, let's talk about this week. I didn't workout once. I had take out for dinner twice and bought subs for lunch. I've consumed half a bag of Reese's Trees all on my own. (and plan to take down the second half very soon) Oh and I slept for ~ fours hours a night. Well, six on Thursday, if you count the fact that I fell asleep on my couch with a study guide on my face for two hours.

So, in the theme of keeping it real (and analysis of what "type" of blogger I am) on Saturday I indulged again, with Loaded Veggie Hashbrowns from the 43rd Street Deli. With a side of chiclit and Swiss Chocolate flavored coffee.

Normally this meal wouldn't make it onto the blog. It's nothing too special, or pretty for that matter. But it's tasty. And I'm trying to keep it real here. And normally I'm not in Gville on a Saturday morning at 9:30am, hungry and all by my lonesome after passing another round of teaching certification exams. (I'm finishing the requirements for my professional license, since I was not an education major. Oh the joys of career changes.)

Also in the spirit of keeping it real, here is what my breakfast actually looked like, before I shoved it down my gullet. (because what "food blogger" says "shoved it down my gullet"? Classy, I am.)

Yes, that mess is pre-masticated, I swear. And yes, my observant dear ones, it is drenched in not only ketchup and hot sauce, but also syrup. I know it looks like the aftermath of a frat party, but trust me, hashbrowns of any variety covered with this condiment trinity are truly a gift from the food gods. (and yes, I did once have a fellow university classmate tell me that my breakfast wanted to make her vomit, after I pulled a similar trick in the dining hall one morning)

So, what was the purpose of this post? Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn have a clue. But a lot of my actions in life feel a bit like this post. Unguided, quirky and down right delicious, even if a bit messy and not always picture perfect.

And while I still don't know what "type" of blogger I am, I do know how to keep it real.

Love to all,
~the "I'm really real" gal, Jess

Spring Breakfast: Snack Plate Style

The weatherman keeps saying that it is spring, but with summer like record highs in the 90s everyday, it sure feels like summer came way to early for this Sunshine State Gal.

At least I can have a cool breakfast on a hot and sunny morning:

A morning snack plate, if you will. I do, err, will.

If you need a cool way to break your morning fast follow my lead:
1 liberally peppered hard boiled egg, a 6oz carton of lemon yogurt (Liberte brand), a few slices of extra sharp cheddar cheese and a tablespoon of peanut butter (Jif Natural, my new nutty love).

Random? Perhaps. Tasty? Oh yes. Time required over stove? Nada.

Love to all,
~the "I enjoy seasonally driven meals" gal, Jess

Breakfast of Champions!

No really, it is. A perfect mix of protein, carbs and fats, rights? What was that? Oh, I'm supposed to have more protein than carbohydrates and fats? Oppsie. I just could not resist the siren call of that cupcake. (More details on the lovely pumpkin baby soon!) At least this meal was packing 100% happiness!

Speaking of champions, let's meet a few locals. And I'm guessing these strong, talented women don't eat jumbo cupcakes for breakfast, regardless if the sugar bomb comes with a side of scrambled eggs.

Last night my Mom and I attended the annual Gator Gymnastics "Link to Pink" event. As the UF ladies battled against the UNC Wolfpack and PSU Nittany Lions, all the proceeds from the match went to support women battling breast cancer. A win-win night, especially for the victorious Gators!

This was my favorite beam routine from the night. I am in complete awe.

A few other great shots from the night.

 I took all these images from the nosebleed seats with my point and shoot, so I'm pretty pleased. I really want to take Rosie P, equipped with a zoom lens (my D-SLR) with me next time, but I was unsure of the "press" restrictions at the event.


I can't wait to attend more gymnastics meets and with a mere 4 dollar admission, it's great, affordable night out! I'll flip for that any time!

Love to all,
~the "cupcakes might not the breakfast of champions, but they sure are tasty!" gal, Jess

Project Tasteless: I'm not complaining about a night with many O's but, sweetheart I need a break... and an Omelet

How was your night, my lovelies? Mighty successful after that lovemaking inspired soup I'll bet. Maybe even mind blowing? tehehe. Well, before you send sexy neighborhood boy out his not-so-shameful trek back to the land of football and leftover turkey sandwiches, you both probably need some sustenance. You know, to ease that fabulous bangover you so rightly earned. 

Enter Project Tasteless 6: Easy Like Sunday Morning Bangover 911 Challenge

The best news about this bangover recovery plan is while you will need to peel yourself out of the tangled mess of sheets you and lover boy have created over the last 12, 14, oh what a wonderfully naughty girl you are, 16 hours, you won't have to hit up the grocery store. Oh no, my Night of Many O's Omelet can be whipped up with a few kitchen staples and last night's leftovers. 

So, drape said sheet over your satiated  (sore, whatever....same difference) limbs and get thee to the kitchen:

You will need:

2 eggs
onion, chopped
green pepper, chopped
mushrooms chopped
deli ham, chopped
Gruyere cheese
salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste

french bread, for toast

You can adjust the portions on the filling items (onion, green peppers, mushrooms, ham) based on how hungry you and your "friend" are. And please don't skimp on the ham....the boy is likely in need after all, a night of nibbling on your flesh satisfies everyone but his stomach, unfortunately. But we can remedy that....so carry on.

Lazily toss your chopped items (for the omelet filling) into a hot pan and saute until the veggies are tender and the ham is lightly browned.

Whip the eggs with a splash of milk and the seasonings. Trade out the filling mixture in the skillet for the eggs. Once the egg mixture is set, add the cheese and then top with the filling.

Carefully flip the omelet to seal the deal.

Serve with toast and a side of ketchup. The melded flavors of the veggies and cheese will bring back pleasant memories of your successfully seductive meal of the previous evening, while the eggs and ham will put a little spring in your Sunday step...even if you haven't wandered too far from bed just yet.

Oh, why one plate you ask? Because what better place to enjoy your bangover breakfast than with your sweetie at the scene of the crime? And why not, if you are feeling a little, ahem, energized after the o-o-o-omelet you only have one plate to set aside.

Love to all,
~the "I love having multiple reasons to be lazy on a Sunday Morning" gal, Jess

Did I mention I'm a GRITS gal?

Although I grew up only 40 minutes from "the ville" I'm just now discovering some of the dinning gems in Gator City. One of my new favorite finds in The Flying Biscuit, over in the Millhopper area. [Total side tangent- as I was just looking up the website for the hyperlink I just realized this is a franchise that I had on my Atlanta List back in 2007 and never went! The original location is in ATL Crazy.]

Cute table settings! 

Christine and I joined the masses for Sunday Breakfast a few weeks ago, and let me say it was totally worth the wait and the slightly steamy table on the sidewalk.

I started with a vanilla iced latte to help alleviate the Florida humidity.  I don't order coffee drinks that often, so this was a nice treat to start off the meal.

The Flying Biscuit has a great menu, including some really healthy and tasting sounding items....but my heard was already set on grits, biscuits and possibly gravy.....then I spotted the Southern Benedict on the specials insert.

Come to Momma!

Now, I know that this doesn't look fabulous....um, yellow much? BUT it was freaking heaven on a plate. That crazy mess you see above is a split biscuit topped with apple sausage patties, 2 over easy eggs, sausage gravy with a side of "creamy, dreamy grits."  I devoured this, after peeling the extra sausage patties off....now I LOVE sausage (it's probably the one things that keeps me from committing to being a veg-head) but it was a little too close to a meat fest, if you know what I mean. Oh, and Flying Biscuit, you DO have every right to call those grits both creamy and dreamy. Heavenly, really. I would eat a bowl of grits like that for every meal and die a happy woman! Sigh.

A cross the table from me, Christine was being all healthy and shizz (kidding love!)....check out her oatmeal pancakes.

I snitched a dense, lovely bite. Wow!

So, the moral of this story is, check the website and see if a Flying Buiscuit is near you, because you have to try the grits! 

Love to all,

~the "fly me to the moon with grits" girl, Jess

Now that's what I call breakfast!

Eat your heart out Dunkin Donuts breakfast sandwiches. Tiny Lender's bagel with cream cheese, tomato, bacon (yum, bacon!) and a poached egg. Feel free to be jealous and then go make your own.

Love to all,
~the breakfast babe herself, Jess

Dinner turned Breakfast

Hi all and Happy Friday!

I woke up with one thing on my mind today: broccoli!

Last night I had a simple dinner of grilled chicken and broccoli and this morning the little bit of leftover broccoli was was just calling my name from the dark recesses of my refrigerator.

Plate o' Yum: One scrambled egg, plus egg whites loaded with broccoli and a side of toast with butter? Now that is what I call putting that leftover broccoli out of it's misery breakfast!

Ironically the guest post I have up on Your Nutritionista features scrambled eggs, too-what can I say, I love eggs!- as an example of how to deal with condiment addition. Go check it out!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go play carpenter's assistant!

Love to all,
~the "so maybe I like eggs as much as condiments", gal, Jess

Brain Food!

There was no Saturday sleep in for this Messy Jessi today...oh no, I had to go take my General Knowledge Test (for my professional teaching certificate, I only have a temporary one right now) and dummy me scheduled the test for 8am when I thoughtlessly registered for it back in December. Oh well....so I got up with my normal 5:15am alarm and whipped up some stick with you protein power for my 4 hour long test: The test was 4 sections long, but I passed, fyi! It was pretty easy...that and I had these two guys on my side:

They were really the stars of the show, but made a quick omelet of Southwestern Style Egg Beaters and a slice of American Cheese. Which is know is probably the most processed combo on the face of the planet (well-other than Hot Pocket Breakfasts-but I like those too! whoops) but it really makes me happy and I haven't make this since I was living in St. Pete.


Plus my peanut butter boys atop a piece of whole grain toast. I ordered these two last week- my grocery store only carries the chocolate varieties and since you know how much I love my crack- White Chocolate Wonderful I was itching to try some other flavors (I've had them all now except for the plain). I love spicy stuff and I remember Allison raving about The Heat is On, so I for sure wanted to try that one, and come on...who doesn't love maple syrup?

I liked the Heat, but found it lacking the sweetness I associate with PB....then I had the brilliant idea to mix the two! HEAVEN! Seriously....you have to try this! I can't wait to make a waffle and egg sandwich with my PB boys, but I'm out of waffles for right now.

After I finished up at the testing center and was excited to get my passing results right away this time- I had to wait after my bio test last month I decided to hit up the gym and actually use the workout clothes that have been riding in my car all week. (yes, I missed all my classes this week-but I did have a giggling night of Wii Fit with my young fun fabulous teachers which was more exercise for the soul, but soooooo needed and worth it.) Anyways, I found some treadmills upstairs that I like by Woodway. They are different than other treadmills I've run on (you know, because I have so much experience being a gym rat- NOT) and I think I can actually deal with running on them since they seem bigger and springier, which I need to do if I'm ever going to run this bloody 5K I've been talking about for nearly 8 months now. Rah.

I did a mile run/walk 0r really walk/run if we are being honest....but I don't think I've run once in the month of February...so I'll take what my legs and lungs will give me and then hopped on the kick back bike for 40mins of random hills- level 10, my FAVE. I'm not a gym rat, but if I could do this workout everyday I would....it flys by cause I pop on the top 40 music channel and read my novel (Currently reading: Strawberry Fields by Marina Lewycka and loving it! Full review when I'm finished...actually I owe you guys quite a few book reviews, but then again I owe you guys a lot of stuff! haha....I'll try to make a day of it soon!) Those hills just burn so good!

I was starving by the time I had cleaned up so I zoomed (well as much as one can on a Saturday at 1pm in Gville) over to Panera to get some lunchola!

Chicken Fuji Apple Salad- my favorite! and pretend that Tomato Bisque is Clam Chowder instead- I'm recycling this picture from the day after I took my Biology Subject Exam, which ironically was the last time I had Panera for lunch....I'm starting to see a last Saturday of the Month Pattern here! haha. Anyways, the tomato soup is better, but a-I didn't know that because I've never had the clam chowder before and b-I wanted a hearty, creamy soup cause it's STILL COLD!

I picked up a box of Tagalongs from some Bratty Girl Scouts (no really, they were bratty-their mom's were nice though) and brought them over to so share with Christine and Ross. I forgot to take a picture, but this is what they look like:Times FOUR- whoops! Soo good. I left the box with Ross so I didn't make it times 16! haha.

Now I'm off to work on some lessons for next week- Solar System Time, yay.....sorta. I'm a Biologist, remember? haha. Oh and plan my Caribbean Summer Solo Holiday! More details on that later......(Cliffhanger time, yay!)

Love to all,
~the exam passing, cookie eating, gym rat- Jess

EDITED TO ADD: No Caribbean vacay for me this year....I can't get a cheap flight to San Lucia after all. Major boo....maybe next year. The Body Holiday awaits :(

Just can't jump on that band wagon...

....so I may be the only person in the blogosphere t0 dislike the famed "oats in a jar" (for those of you who don't read the rest of the "healthy living blogs" you basically make oatmeal and then eat it out of a very nearly empty peanut or almond butter jab to clean out the jar).

I finally tried it last week (sorry no picture, take my word on it) with the end of my beloved crack, aka Peanut Butter and Co's White Chocolate Wonderful and while it made a super convention way to make my breakfast to go, I think I just don't like my oatmeal anyway but traditional.

I've never liked the fussy flavors of oatmeal (you know, the cinnabun variety and what not....all though I did really like this kid oatmeal when I was 5 or so, that came with this jelly stuff to squeeze on top, but I digress). I really just like my oats with some raisons-golden please- and perhaps a little pat of butter and milk.

So, neadless to say, it seemed like a waste of both the oats and the peanut butter to mix them up like that. Oh well, I can say I tried something new.

Love to all,
~the classic oat eater, Jess

Blogger Bowl!

Hi all,

It's New Year's Day (or night now, if we are being honest, and of course I am!) and you know what that means...a whole day's worth of college football bowl games! So, in the celebratory mood that all this rough and tumble play puts me in here are some "bowls" I've recently enjoyed!

The "oh so amazing Chicken and Cheese Ravioli with Cauliflower and Newman's Own Sauce" Bowl
The "well, at least you tried to make a peanut sauce beef and veggie stir-fry" bowl


The "holy crap, Jess ate cold cereal for the first time in 6 months" bowl. (and now I have to finish the rest of this box some how too....oy!)


The "man I love breakfast in a bowl" bowl (this consisted of my usual scrambled egg/egg white mixture topped with Ch0lula Sauce and ketchup and then smothered in grits.)


What is your favorite "bowl" food? The best bowl game you watched this season? Or perhaps did you go bowling? hehe!

Love to all,
~a bowled over, Jess

Lovely Leftovers

Who doesn't love the leftovers that come with Thanksgiving? Well, me actually. I'm not a huge turkey fan and there is only so much green been casserole and mashed potatoes I can eat (love them as I do) before I need to be rolled into the food recovery wing of the nearest hospital.

But I've come up with some pretty good combos the last few days, if I say so myself! Check it out:


Scrambled egg/egg white (no surprise) but the gem of this meal was one of Mom's rolls with fried apples spread on top....oh so yummy. And while we are in the holiday season why not add some whipped cream to my coffee? Hello foam (which had sunk a bit in this shot, but it was lovely)

Why not have leftovers for lunch too? Ok.

Dreaded turkey sandwich pepped up a bit with cranberry sauce, Munster cheese and bread and butter pickles. Sided up with pickled okra (GRITS girl says get some, NOW! please?)


With hummus and pita chips. Mom finally found a flavor/brand of hummus that she enjoys too, so I've been buying the Party Size....wait, I lie, she does like the Athenos Red Pepper the best, but I've always bought it in the party size! haha.

And who doesn't love a little holiday dessert? Remember that I didn't get any of my pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving? Well my Pop sent over 1/2 of his pecan pie as a peace treaty.


Topped with pumpkin pie ice cream and whipped cream. Oh hello, my little darling! Totally worth every tiny calorie!

Love to all,
~A dredging through the Thanksgiving hanging on, Jess

A Reese's Cup....

.....for breakfast? Um, ok!



Whole Grain Bread spread with Dark Chocolate Dreams and White Chocolate Wonderful (my crack butter).

Have I mentioned I love breakfast? :)

Sorry this post is short....I have a pumpkin pie to bake!

Love to all,
A peanut butta, luva, Jess

IHOP?......

.....Sm-IHOP!

Check out this plate:


Apple Strudel Pancakes (I LOVE this mix from Archer Farms...pick it up at your local Target), scrambled egg/egg white mix with ketchup (obviously), and 2 apple sausage links. Yum o!

Take that IHOP.

Love to all,
~A breakfast lovin' babe, Jess

Thankful for Thursday.....

...because that means it is nearly Friday! Whoot.

Thanks for all the kind comments guys, both about my new teaching career and my little PDR! You all make me smile and push me to be a better Jess. Not only do I love getting comments, I love my job, seriously, so much in fact I've poured not only my heart and soul into it this past month but apparently my immune system too! Ack! Famous last words I had in my last post, about being happier and healthier. I guess I should have been referring to mental heath or something cause the next morning my body said, "haha, sucker, I'll show you!" No worries, I'm not going to start oinking or anything, just a pretty nasty head cold.

So, sorry I didn't post last night. It wouldn't have been very exciting and I'm shocked/elated to report that I was actually IN BED at 9:45pm last night! No thinking about bed, washing my face or waiting to finish that show, oh no, in bed. ahhhh. Seriously, I think laying down in my bed after a long day (and you all know that each and every one of our day's consists of a long day) is my favorite thing. I literally say, "ahhh" and trust me, even though I brought some work home with me this evening, I'm shooting for that 10pm bed time again. Early to bed but not before some serious yoga time. I've been neglecting it a little. Just hanging out in "rag doll" as Ms. Polly likes to say after my runs, but nothing else really and my spine decided to give me a not so stubble reminder that I've been ignoring it. Ok Ms. Spine, I hear you, Loud and Clear!

Alright, enough of the Anthropomorphism of my body parts, on to the eats!

Since I woke up feeling like cotton batting had replaced my brain yesterday morning I knew warm comfort food needed to be in my immediate future.
Old Fashioned oats with milk, raisins and a touch of salt. Just the way I like it. Sadly I only ate about a 1/4 of this, if that? I pounded down a small glass of carrot juice for the vitamins and lingered over a cup of Raspberry Zinger Tea which didn't get in the frame!

Lunch was more comfort food. V8 Butternut Squash soup and a slice of banana bread that one of my co workers so sweetly left in my mailbox.
I'm a total weirdo and dipped my bread into the soup. Nothing beats sweet and savory!

Dinner was a normal Jess meal (finally!). Chicken quesadilla with black beans and then all the "toppings" as a salad: lettuce, chopped tomato, purple onion and some sour cream.

Today, while I still am not feeling well I felt more like a eggy breakfast and made a extremely simple breakfast "burrito" which was 2 scrambled eggs topped with a slice of American Cheese and hot sauce wrapped in a soft taco shell. Random (for me!), but tasty.
Lunch was provided by the Army today, and to get it we had to still though a really poor recruitment presentation on which I will not even get into, for fear of losing the few loyal readers I have. Let's just say that combine a bad speaker with my liberal college mind and well, it wasn't pretty and I won't be suggesting to any of my student to join the Army. Navy, yes. Coast Guard of course, but not these buffoons. Ok. done.

Oh, so I don't have a picture, since like Kelly I'm trying to keep my blog life away from my professional life and there was no way to sneak a shot. It was just pork bbq, baked beans, tossed salad and some 'nanner puddin'. Thank goodness I didn't go vegetarian, or I would never get to eat for free here, even the beans had meat in them! haha. Instead of a picture of shredded pork here is a shot of our porker dog to appease you!
Luna is my Mom's dog and the mother of my Chubbster. Luna was originally to be my dog, but she choose Mom which is fine, cause Chub is the man for me! PS. She lays like this all the time, the little hootch!

Dinner was my idea, but my mum so kinda carried it out since I was afraid my nose would drip into dinner! haha.
Chicken, spinach and mushroom quiche that we baked on the grill to keep the house cooler and keep our energy usage down.
Very lite, very tasty and perfectly paired with a tossed salad, dressed up with greek olives and a drizzle of honey mustard. Lovely meal.

Speaking of lovely, I hope that is the kind of night you all are having.
I'm off to draw up a notebook grading rubric and get some Project Runway time in with my yoga!

Love to all,
~ a wheezy but not sleazy, Jess