This afternoon I officially submitted one of my newscasts from my days as news director for my campus station (aka my junior year in college) for a student Emmy award. I won’t hear back for about a month or so, but I’m hoping for the best! My roomie, K, and I worked really hard on those shows. We spent roughly 10 hours a day, 2 days a week at the studio for the show days and countless hours outside of that talking, planning and straight up breathing news – she was my executive producer. It would be so amazing to see all of the hours, stress and tears (literally) pay off in some way.
Before I sent in all the materials, I had a busy morning. I let the snooze button go too long again today, so I had to get my workout by climbing the staircases around campus. Fortunately, that’s actually a pretty good workout because there are four flights and I climb up and down them multiple times throughout the day. But ANYWAY, getting back to the morning (I seem to be in tangent mode, don’t I?), I woke up with just enough time to make myself a decent breakfast.
Caroline aka Miss Banana Cabana totally caught me and my CARPET pictures 😳 Here I was thinking I was so sneaky. It’s honestly the best lighting in my entire apartment. Maybe next time I’ll add a placemat so that it’s a little less “Ew carpet!” In the picture, we have 1 cup Fage topped with 3/4 cup Peanut Butter Puffins.
Once the first bowl was cleared out, I made myself another with 3/4 cup more of the PB Puffins and 1/4 cup of the Enjoy Life Cranapple Crunch Granola with unsweetened chocolate almond milk.
Then it was off to work. I enjoyed some Coffee Cocoa on my commute.
I spent the morning reading and editing pages for a big cookbook binder and entering in some codes into a recipe database. Not bad. When I got home, I was very ready for lunch.
I made myself the biggest turkey sandwich to date. I say that because this one included about 3 tbsp. of hummus, a ton of spinach and 2 oz. of turkey. It piled pretty high on my Arnold sandwich thin and really hit the spot.
I also indulged my sweet tooth with a sliced banana topped with 1.5 tbsp. of crunch Barney Butter. The combination was great. Mushy bananas + crunchy almonds = a winner.
Then it was time to get some serious work done on the Emmy submission. I worked on it for about 4 hours and then came home for a little break. Imagine my excitement when I found a box on my doorstep with this inside:
I am now one of the proud owners of Rose’s oatmeal book, Swallow. I knew I had to get a copy because she’s going to be famous someday 🙂 Not only is the book gorgeous, but the stories inside it are amazingly creative and just fun to read. Thanks, Rose! You’re an inspiration.
I also snagged a Habanero Caramel from my Cowgirl Chocolates package.
Umm…HELLO?! This thing was so spicy! It was really funny because I’m trying to chew it and make it go down because it’s burning, but it’s caramel – not so easy to chew quickly, right? I needed some water after this one! Anyone else try this doozy?
I headed back to the studio to put the finishing touches on my submission, and then it was all over. Nothing to do now but cross my fingers! I then met up with Bobby at Cosi for dinner because I had two free entree coupons, and I’m nice like that 😉 Boys love free food!
In what I can only think is an attempt to mimic Panera, Cosi has now introduced a “Duo” line like the You Pick Two, where you can choose a 1/2 soup, salad or sandwich. I’m so glad they did this because I always am indecisive when I go there! Tonight the decision was easy. I had 1/2 of the Turkey, Basil, & Mozzarella Light:
And 1/2 of a Greek salad:
The meal also came with a choice of chips or carrots. I gotta say, I’m not a huge fan of bagged carrots. I think they taste completely fake. I opted for the cracked pepper chips. I ate a few and gave the rest to Bobby.
Once I got home, I did some rearranging and cleaning in my room, as well as some reading for my classes. It’s that time again where I actually have to think about things such as homework. Darn! But all that thinking did get me in the mood for some dessert.
Out of all the “combinations” I had today, this is hands down my favorite. I had a rice pudding cup topped with a Ghirardelli dark chocolate square topped with a smear of Barney Butter. I don’t think it can get much better than that to end the evening! Unless you want to talk about Meghann’s Strawberry Short Cake. Because to be honest, I could talk about that piece of food porn all day if you really wanted me to.
Random Question
What should you do after you are done here?
Well, if you’re like me, you’ll be heading on over to ZestyCook to enter his fabulous giveaway. I think that’s really the only right answer to this question 😉 But as a follow up…
What do you enjoy about photography? If you have a food blog, what does taking pictures of food do for you?
I really enjoy taking pictures of what I eat because it allows me to really stop and think about the meal and enjoy it instead of just mindlessly munching. I’ve really missed posting my daily eats and I’m glad that I had the winter break to help me realize that!
FIRST OF ALL- i LOVE your carpet pics and your carpet looks clean and comfy!! 😀 I hope you win an Emmy! That would be so awesome. As for the food photog…I completely agree with you. I never thought before about the importance of plating, arranging, or simply stopping to look at your food before you eat it! It’s such an enjoyable thing. Also, it’s made me so much more excited and able to cook for other people, and WAY in the future when I have a family to cook for, I think I’ll be really confident in my meal-making skills.
Sounds like you totally deserve that Emmy! Good luck!
Hmm I think if I took food pics on my floor I would make you all sick. Unswept 70s tile doesn’t make the best backdrop.
I love taking food pics because it makes me appreciate the beauty of “nature’s bounty.” My favorite pictures are always the ones featuring the bright hues of fruits and veggies:)
Haha, you gotta do what you gotta do – Carpet pictures rock! Long live carpet pictures, haha!
And I love taking pictures of food, because, well, it makes you enjoy it way more!
yum, isnt cosi’s bread the BEST. mmm…i love it! carpet pics are way more normal than terry cloth placemats or anything else like that, so rock it 🙂
to answer your q about blogging..it has totally changed my life. before, my portions were insane and i’d go back for seconds just because there was more and i was too lazy to pack it up for leftovers…so not necessary if im not hungry. now im so much more aware of exactly how much i am eating, and ive noticed i dont get stuffed as much anymore AND im becoming way more creative in my cooking adventures.
ps good luck on the news emmy
OMG!!! I so hope you win! I would love to talk to you a/b what all you’ve done in the major! I’m sligggghtly behind w/ credits (who’s not? lol!) Really, though, fingers crossed. I want Cosi tomorrow. yup.
First off, that is one of the most perfect food days I have ever seen: PB puffins, almond butter, sandwich with hummus, chocolate and peanut butter!!! Crazy good eats, my friend!
Second, I really hope you get your emmy! I know how much work goes into a piece. I have vivid memories of LOOOONG hours in the editing booth. I’m tired just thinking about it. You deserve validation!
And lastly, I think by photographing my food, I’m honoring it in a way. I’m not abusing it, not scarfing it down thoughtlessly, not grabbing whatever is in my face, but I’m presenting it to myself as a gift to me! And I deserve that gift! Just like you deserve that emmy!!!!
sarahannmatheny ~ It’s so cool that you have broadcast experience! I love that you know exactly what I’m talking about when it comes to editing 🙂
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes on the Emmy, and for sharing your thoughts on photography. It was interesting to hear everyone’s perspective!
Ohhh Im wishing you the best on the Emmy!!!!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 how exciting!!!!!
The carpet- well I confess to putting on my hardwood floor a few times 😀 the lighting IS better there *innocent*
your dessert…yum yum yum!
Hey Lady- good luck with the emmy! With all your hard work, you totally deserve to win! Yayy for Rose’s book. It looks just gorgeous! I haven’t been to a cosi in fover- that melty moz sammy= way yum! Hope you had a nice night 😉
hey BENDER! Thanks for the comment on my blog. It means alot, you are quite the inspiration! That book from Rose looks marvelous. I must do some research and possibly invest. Your dessert (and lunch, and breakfast) all look so great! I am glad to see that you gave yourself more cereal for bfast when you know you needed it. that is what I am aiming for-sometimes “BENDING” the stupid ed rules for the sake of my physical and mental being!! Your phenomenal. XOXO
I love the carpet pictures, I used to do that too but on the tile floor because my counter tops were so ugly. haha
I love that oatmeal book! The cover is so cool. I actually thought you drew on a spoon and put in on top of a book to take a picture =P
I’ve never tried Cosi but there is a place nearby. Maybe I’ll check it out.
Good luck, I hope you win the emmy!
I actually had to lol at the carpet thing 😀 I also have issues with lighting so I can totally relate!
Good luck with your Emmy! I love photography in general b/c captures a moment in time. Whether it’s remembering a fun weekend you had with your friends or looking at a photo from the 1800’s, it’s cool that at one point what you’re looking at existed as pictured. Food photography is different – I like that b/c I love food and I love art! Those photos are more like still lifes to me.
Good luck with your Emmy submission. I hope all of your hard work pays off!
As for the carpet picts. I didn’t even notice! I guess I was too busy looking at the food. But when you were home I thought you were using a leather sofa as the background. I could be wrong on that one, but now I’m curious. 🙂
I agree with you about taking pictures of food – I think more about having a meal that will appeal to my visual senses (and that of others). It’s usually a win-win, because I feel a meal is more satisfying if it’s something that is visual stimulating.
I’m praying that you win that Emmy!!
PB PUFFINS!! ENJOYLIFE GRANOLA!! BANANA-BARNEY-BUTTER SNACK!! Holy yum-worthy 🙂
Haha, lovin’ the carpet photos 😉 Sneaky, sneaky!!
I own one of Rose’s books too!! She’s so talented, it’s unbelievable.
I love photography because it’s fun – got the hobby/knack for it from my dear ol’ dad.
Good Luck on the Emmy Nom!
I was actually forwarned about the major spiciness of the carmel, so I had given that one to my Cousin’s Husband who was talking smack about the chocolates. He definitely made a hot face while chewing it and shut him up for a while. 🙂
FIRST- TAYLOR LAUTNER IS COMING BACK AS JACOB!! Yayayay! I’m so excited! AND DVD release March 21st!!
Phew…
Good luck with that Emmy!
Sounds like you are rockin’ that new job Jenn, I’m so proud of you! Also, delicious uses of Barney Butter, I’m so jealous 🙂
have an awesome Thursday!
Oh my, so many delicious foods! I want Puffins now!
Girl – lovin’ the carpet pics!! Sometimes my pics are taken on my desk chair, these are little food blogger secrets 😉
GOOD LUCK WITH THE EMMY!!!
Barney Butter + Cosi = Can’t get much better. I didn’t know Cosi did a duo thing now, I need to get my booty back there!
For your daily Q: I got put in a photography class in high school and it opened my world up, I love it but I like taking pictures of buildings (esp. old ones) the best.
Have a fab Thursday!
Jenn, good luck with your Emmy submission. Sounds like you worked really hard, and I can’t wait to hear what happens.
Love the double dose of Barney Butta yesterday. Isn’t the crunchiness amazing?!?
Your post-Cosi snack looked like the perfect ending to a perfect day. I’ll have to remember that little treat.
I do enjoy taking pictures of my food as it makes me put more effort into my dishes. Gotta make them pretty for the blog, and I’ve found I enjoy my food more when it’s not all slopped on the plate. Presentation is key. 🙂
i totally hope you win that emmy! sounds like it took a LOT of hard work
same way about potato chips.. they taste so blah to me. tortilla chips however, are a very different story…
hooray for getting rose’s book! she’s definitely going to be famous 😀
have a wonderful day!
Good luck with the emmy submission!!
I love the carpet pics…I probably honestly wouldn’t have noticed it!! haha.
I TOTALLY agree with you on the whole taking pics of food thing. It forces me to slow down and really enjoy how pretty my food looks and how good it tastes! 🙂
good luck with the emmy! is there any way you could post the submission, i’d love to see it!
dessert looks incredible
Good Luck with the Emmy! I can’t believe how much work you put into it!
I know I’ve only been taking the pics of food for a week now, but already it has changed so many things for me. Like you said I slow down, I look at the food, and I’m happy with my choices. It has forced me to make new things, no one wants to see me eat grilled cheese for a week straight (especially not my jeans lol). I’ve tried new things in the past week that I never thought I’d like, and have been happily surprised with the outcome. And one of the things I really like is sitting down and enjoying my meal on a real plate. I can’t tell you how many paper plates I’ve saved already. Although it has made me realize I need some new plates, and there’s a lot more dishes to do each night!
BEST of LUCK with the student Emmy, that’s so cool! Sounds like you put a ton of work into it, I’m sure you MORE than deserve to win. I’ll be rooting for you! 🙂
The rice pudding-chocolate-pb dessert has my name written all over it. WHY don’t I have rice pudding cups in my fridge right now? Its image is going to be haunting me. I might have to settle for a pudding cup in place instead.
After I’m done hearing I’m heading off to do a workout and then class!
As for photography, I’ve always always loved snapping pictures. Before I ever started taking pictures of my food I always wanted to try taking at least one picture of something every day but I couldn’t make myself get into the habit and I couldn’t find enough things to take pictures of! Then along came food photography and ever since, rarely a day goes by that I don’t use my camera. And the “subjects” are always changing! I love it.
PS – I think the carpet backdrop idea is swell 😉
Good luck on the Emmy!!! So exciting.
I don’t normally take pics of my food, but I love taking pictures of anything because it makes you see the world in a new, more artistic and beautiful way. Hard to beat that. 🙂
Good luck with the submission. Maybe if you win you can post the video? I would love to see you in TV action!
I am super jealous of your job!
Thanks for asking about the teaching cert. I am going forward with both the substitute and the regular certs because I don’t know how long either will take. I am probably going to lose a lot of money in the process, but that’s what I need to do!
Have a super day. Oh and after this, I should get my gym clothes on and head to the gym then try to find a part time job!
What should you do after you are done here?
Umm–get back to work and stop procrastinating!
What do you enjoy about photography? If you have a food blog, what does taking pictures of food do for you?
I adore photography. I am semi sad by the whole digital camera concept. I miss having true film and spending time in a dark room. I am now trying to learn some software programs that at least give me the affects of manipulation, but still it isn’t the same.
And regarding photos for the blog—I always think when I am looking at other blogs–how do they make their photos and food look so amazing?!?! Apparently, I do not have a touch for food photograph.
sweets&sweats.wordpress.com
Geez! You’re eats look so good that I’m drooling all over my desk!
Good luck with the student Emmy! Sounds like a lot of sweat and tears went into it! 🙂
I love how your fage looks like a big cloud that is acting as a pillow for the Puffins:)
Barney Butter question: What makes it so much better? The only almond butter I’ve tried is Maranatha, and it’s pretty good, but probably not worth the price.
http://www.seejessrun.wordpress.com
Good luck with the submission! I will send good vibes your way!!
I haven’t yet tried the Habanero Caramel. I’ll be sure to have a glass of H20 on stand-by when I do!
Have a good one, girly girl!
Good luck with the submission! I was a broadcast journalism major at Syracuse University, and boy do I miss the college days! I was a radio DJ and newscaster … before getting into TV.
Your photo of the banana & AB makes me think about my blog photos, actually. It’s all about the presentation, and yours was so creative. I had this same snack today and struggled to get a decent shot. I haven’t posted it yet but you’ll see how silly it looks.
For me, taking blog photos is just a nice way to take a moment before I eat and look things over! It also helps to appreciate how pretty food can sometimes be 😉 I kow that’s weird to most people, but I think food bloggers will understand that food can be pretty!
Ahh! An Emmy? You and your roommate should grab your prom dresses and give an acceptance speech when (not if!) you win the award! 😉
Wishing you the best of luck as you wait to find out about that Emmy 🙂
Your dessert looks pretty darn decadent. And I never noticed the carpet until you pointed it out 😉
Was there a Potbelly’s in EP when you lived here????!
You probably know many of my friends from middle school..I knew a tara, sarah, and sam that ALWAYS hung out together @ st. hub’s.
i really hope you win!
haha! i love the carpet photos!
That habanero caramel looks interesting/yummy! I love spicy food- you know, the kind that makes your nose run a little bit.
That reminds of this cornbread mix I bought a while back- it was called Kick Yo Ass Hot Cornbread mix. I admit I bought it for the funny name and cute/sassy donkey on the front! They were not kidding though, about the hot part. I only added half the packet of habanero powder and it was STILL kick yo ass hot! Cute burlap sack though.
Great post and great photos- such a fun blog you’re writing!
Karla ~ Thanks for the optimism 🙂
leadingladylis ~ That’s a hilarious story about the cornbread!
There is nothing better than dark chocolate topped with nut butter. I do that all the time!
Good luck with the Emmy. That Habanero Caramel sounds so funny. I can imagine the feeling.
i loved all your eats!!! did you eat those chips with the fork? hehe. i’ve always loved photography and wanted to learn more about it…. instead i just keep snapping 🙂
BEST of luck with the student Emmy award. I’m rooting for you!
PB Puffins = AMAZING
Awesome dessert!
I love taking photos of my food because it’s so much fun! I try to make the presentation of my food look really nice and appealing. Part of this is plating the food, and part of it is having a good variety of foods on your plate. It actually helps me eat healthier because the easiest way for me to make a plate of food look pretty is to add fruits and veggies since they add a pop of color to the dish.
[…] moved into the Blue Ribbon round for the student Emmy awards! You may recall that my roomie and I entered our show into the contest last month. This is the final round, so we’ll see what happens! It’d be nice to receive […]
[…] and recipes with one of my favorite products – Sandwich Thins! I’ve talked about them a few times on the blog […]
[…] you’ve been reading for a while, you may remember my beloved carpet pictures. Ah, […]
Peanut butter puffins are my favourite one .I used to have peanut butter puffins daily.Bender, I think you are very good in cooking.I think you can be come chef in any 5 star hotel or restaurant. You have done very job at your college also.I will love to have dishes made by you.