I got my start as a blogger five years ago when I launched my food and recipe blog, Bakin’ and Eggs, and shared my dad’s chili recipe. I started Bakin’ and Eggs because I was constantly getting asked by friends and co-workers, “What should I make for dinner?,” “Do you have a recipe for…?”How do you cook…?” and so on. There was a time in my life where I cooked and baked pretty prolifically and I enjoyed sharing my experiences through the blog.
I learned so much from Bakin’ and Eggs and love every one of the 232 posts that I shared on that blog. I have endless memories of lessons learned in the kitchen, good times with friends and loved ones and amazing (and some not so amazing!) cooking and baking projects.
(the early days of PBR!)
Peanut Butter Runner came about because I was constantly asked, “How do you cook and bake like that and stay in shape?” I decided to show them in the form of a blog dedicated to a daily glimpse of what I was eating and how I was working out. I started this blog in April of 2010. My intention was to maintain several posts a week on Bakin’ and Eggs and keep PBR separate but then PBR took off, I got busy and didn’t have as much time to make and blog recipes and my updates became few and far between. Eventually I completely quit blogging recipes on Bakin’ and Eggs and when I did want to share a recipe I did so on PBR.
I put so much love and effort into Bakin’ and Eggs and I don’t want to see that content lost forever. Some of my all-time favorite recipes are on that blog and I spent half a year completing a 68 Days of Gourmet magazine project. I have been back and forth about what to do with the blog and its content and I’m finally ready to move forward with my decision. I’m shutting Bakin’ and Eggs down but before I do that I am going to re-create and/or re-post all of my favorite recipes from that site on Peanut Butter Runner.
So for the next few months I will probably be posting twice a day, one “normal” update and one re-post from Bakin’ and Eggs. It’s also worth noting that I’m going to be launching a new design for PBR soon that will include an easy and visual way for you to sort through my indexes of workouts, videos and recipes so the timing is perfect.
For those of you who have been with me since the Bakin’ and Eggs days, I cannot thank you enough for following me to Peanut Butter Runner and I look forward to reliving many of the delicious things I shared there on this blog. For those of you who are newer to Peanut Butter Runner, I hope you enjoy this content addition. As my blog continues to grow and evolve I would like to see it more focused on sharing workouts, recipes, videos, yoga stuff, career topics and so on. I am growing and evolving and this feels like the most natural progression for me.
I have touched on this topic in a few previous posts but I feel the desire to steer away from “day-in-the-life” updates. I will still do them a couple of times a week but not every day. It’s not fun for me anymore and I am much more interested in sharing my knowledge and thoughts with you around the topics listed above. I met with my blog guru this morning and my exact words to him were, “Peanut Butter Runner needs to grow up.”
Blogging is a weird thing. Five years of my life are documented on the internet and so many things about me and my life have changed over five years. Having the ability to look back to what you were doing on this day four years ago and comparing that to now is a really crazy thing. I know it sounds cliche but turning 30 has created this feeling within me that I need to really evaluate where I’ve been, where I’m going and who’s going to be a part of that journey.
I have this amazing therapist who told me that the ages between 28-32 are known as the 30s transition and it’s the time where the most divorces, career changes and shifts in direction occur because people start to take stock of their lives. This theory was introduced by Daniel Levinson and Gail Sheehy furthers it by saying, “it is not uncommon, at the approach to the thirties, to tear up the life structure one put together to support the original dream of the twenties, and to start anew—’to create the basis for the next life structure.'”
As we were talking about this all I could think was “check, check, check but how in the world did I get here!?” I never would have (in one million years) have told you that at the age of 30 that I would be living in Charlotte, ending what seemed to be and felt like a dream relationship, working in the fitness industry, a yoga teacher (seriously!? WTF?) and owning a home on my own. This is not what I had in mind as the picture of my “real adult life” when I was in college but here I am, this is reality and I’m figuring out how to move forward from a place of peace, happiness and self-confidence.
I thought this post was going to be a little intro on the blog changes and a recipe for a Spiced Peach Carrot Bread but I think I’ll hold off on sharing that one in another post. Again, thank you for following along in my journey whether you’ve been on board for 5 years or 1 month. I want this blog to feel authentic, true to my voice and real.
Cheers to five more years!
That’s really interesting about all the changes from ages 28-32, as someone in that age range, going through a lot you had mentioned, it’s nice to know I’m not alone!
So excited to see where your blog goes as it “grows up”!
Wishing you the best!!
you are most certainly not alone! thank you for the kind words!
Your honesty is refreshing. I’m excited about the blog immersion. Cheers to “growing up”!
thank you hillary!
Growing up is sometimes difficult but the rewards are worth the pain. Looking forward the the changes.
thanks pam. i’m finally feeling ready for all of this and it feels good.
Congrats on 5 years of blogging. Can’t wait to see the recipes from the “old” blog! And can’t wait to see the “new” PBR. 🙂
thank you katie!
Looking forward to your new and improved (and grown up) posts in the years to come!
I started reading your blog in the early days of PBR, but didn’t start commenting till way later – your blog has been one of the ones that inspired me to start my own.
So glad you will be reposting recipes from Bakin and Eggs on here 🙂
thank you so much sashi!!!!
Great post! I am just about to enter that 28-32 area and it kind of scares me a bit. So much in my life has already been changing and I am really trying to make the most of it! hopefully there are good things to come! I know growing is always difficult, but keeping my fingers crossed my luck turns around soon!
there will be so many good things. just keep doing the best you can and moving in the direction that you want to go and it will happen! xo
I think your therapist is right, at least it holds true for my life! I never ever thought I would be where I am now and all of the change occurred during my late 20’s and now into my 30’s. And as much as I never expected to be where I landed, I can say I am quite happy where I ended up. Life is quite interesting isn’t it.
so good to hear that you are happy where you were even though it’s not what you expected. yes, life has crazy twists and turns.
congrats on the changes! I didn’t start reading your blog until a few months ago, so I’m excited to see the recipes you posted on your last blog!
thanks for reading tina!
You ROCK woman and that is all! 30’s are a pretty awesome decade…just you wait. You are going to grow, learn, and experience things that truly amazing. Yes there will be downs, but also a lot of ups. Excited to see some of your recipes! XOXO
thanks! xo back at you. so glad we connected via the blog world. so proud of everything we’re both doing!
Something about growing up that scares the hell out of me is actually that I have a picture in my mind of what I think my life will be but that I know in the end it won’t look anything like what I imagine. It’s really nice to hear that when you end up in a place different than what you expected you can still be satisfied and, more than that, happy. It’s a really good thing to hear. And since I wasn’t a Bakin’ and Eggs reader, I have to say I am so excited to see the recipes transferred here!
ang – it won’t but it will be perfect however it turns out! thanks for reading and for your interest in the recipes!
Can’t wait to see the new grown up PBR! And to see more recipes! 🙂
Congratulations on coming so far in 5 years and I look forward to seeing how PBR evolves.
I love seeing how the blog evolves as your life evolves and I know I’ll be here every day reading your insights and knowledge, and now your recipes. Thanks for sharing all that you do. You’re one of my absolute favorite blogs to read. I love your honesty, your great workouts, and the insights you share about life.
hi joy – thanks so much for the kind and encouraging words about me and my blog. i really appreciate you reading!
Oh do I feel you! I’m in the midst of a site redesign, too. As much as I love my current blog, it really does have to grow up- and more so reflect me. It’s a little daunting, because I don’t want to lose any of my current readers, but it’s also a little weird, almost feeling like you have to justify your life changes to someone else. Anyway, I love PBR as always and can’t wait to see the new direction you take! xx
yes to all of this! it is a weird transition to make but we all have to grow and change and stay true to ourselves!
Two blogs, one great blogger.
Thank you for such wonderful content.
oh thank you for the kind words and for reading liz!
I’m coming up on 32 in October – and the changes that happen in that 28 – 32 range are almost unbelievable. But I do think the 30s are better than the 20s. Cheers to the next five years! I’ve tried some of the recipes on bakin’ and eggs and they are some of my favorites.
thanks sara! and good to hear you are happy in your 30s!
So excited for you (and us as your readers!). Thanks for including us in your journey! You are a true role model for girls a few years behind you who are trying to figure out this whole “life” thing.
thank you emi. that is so kind. i am just doing the best i can and sharing because i have to believe it will be helpful for others.
I love the fact that you are real. I don’t always comment on your posts but this one really got to me…in a good way. Life throws some curve balls from time to time and I love that you are embracing it and running with it! Sometimes it’s okay to not know what step comes next. And the really good things are worth fighting for. No one ever said that life would be easy but it’s a journey that is worth every growing pain you will go through. I look forward to reading about all the successes that will come next for you….you go girl!:)
holly – thanks for taking the time to comment and for reading my blog. life certainly does throw curve balls but you have to be willing to go with them or you’ll drive yourself crazy and never grow!
I really appreciate everything you give to this blog. You are an inspiration and a great example, and I get so much motivation out of reading your blog. Plus, I’ve made several of your recipes off of B&E and all have been winners, so yaaay for more recipes! 🙂
yay! thanks shannon!
I think I stumbled upon this blog ~January 2013. My New Year’s Resolution was to incoporate weight training into my fitness routine… I decided to try Body Pump… and one of your posts explaining Body Pump came up on Google
It’s now September 2013. I’ve stuck with Body Pump and your blog continues to keep me motivated as I attempt to juggle my job, training for a half marathon, yoga, strength training, cooking/healthy eating, and the dating world.
You are so inspirational. Love the mesh of topics of this blog! Amazing you find the time to post so regularly.
meredith – so glad you found me and thanks for reading. congrats on your journey! i’m so happy to hear that you are making it all happen.
I’m in that phase of evaluating everything in life. I’ve made a major move, changed careers, and have been working on relationship problems. Let me tell you, I’m exhausted! Congrats on all the changes. You’re handling them all with grace.
it is exhausting but you will end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. sending you lots of love and positivity!
Awesome news Jen! Your journey has been incredible and I have loved seeing a daily glimpse into it for the past few years (hard to believe it has been that long!). I think what you are doing w Bakin’ and Eggs is perfect! I look forward to the new and old content!! Keep going girl! You’re incredible!!
thank you so much for the encouragement ashley! i appreciate you reading!
I am so happy you decided to transfer the recipes over, I look forward to those posts! Sometimes we find ourselves in a place we never imagined we’d be, but it turns out to be the perfect place at that point in our lives. And yes, here is to the next five years!
thanks for the support gina!
Here’s to a new chapter! Cheers!
Congrats on 5 years of blogging 🙂 I found you through PBR, but popped over to Bakin and Eggs a couple of times for some yummy recipes so I am happy to see the change!! Good job for following your heart. This will be great for you and I can’t wait to see PBR grow. Also….I can’t wait for that peach carrot bread recipe 🙂
thanks tara! so glad we have connected through the blog world!
Congrats on five years of blogging! I’ve only been a reader for a few months and I’ve already come to look forward to new posts. Reading your blog has really given me a renewed enthusiasm for health and fitness, particularly yoga, so thank you very much! Can’t wait for the new changes and the mouthwatering recipes.
hi shawn – thanks so much for reading! i’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed my blog and been motivated by it!
I’m a fairly new reader and think you are awesome. I’m 39 and yes the years from 28-32 can be amazing in that “big changes” way, or at least they were for me.
You sort of touched on the concept of “this life I thought I’d have in college.” I had that too. When I started reflecting on my early 20’s — sometime around age 28’ish, I accepted the mantra that there are no set paths in life. There isn’t a master checklist that you must do X thing by a certain date. For me personally, when I let go of those preconceived milestones I thought at one time I needed to meet — life opened up and it was very freeing.
Anyway, you go on with you. Share what you feel, I’m grateful for your posts.
thank you so much for the thoughtful comment and encouraging words. letting go of those things and ideas is still something that i struggle with every day but it is freeing to be who you are and not who you think you should be.
As a 28 year old I am right at the beginning of the ‘changing chapter’ now!
My wedding isn’t until next year, so I hope I won’t be seeing divorce in the following two years although I have a feeling that my choice of career is going to adapt and head off in a different direction slightly. For the better!
Congratulations on five years of blogging! Having only begun blogging earlier this year I am already loving that I can look back and see what I was up to and different points across the year. Here’s to another five years of blogging for you! 🙂
wishing you so much happiness and love! you are entering an exciting new chapter of your life!
This really hit home with me. I moved to Charlotte almost a year ago to start over and I just started all over with a new blog (haven’t really told anyone yet.) I just found your blog and realized that I took one of your yoga classes a few months ago. Small world! Wishing you the best!
thank you jane!
🙂 As a long time reader I’ve been waiting for this, I think your mentor is right on. You’ve been hinting for a while that big changes are coming and I can’t wait to see your dreams come to fruition.
thanks so much for reading and for the kind words!
I hear you on this and, having only ever read you in this incarnation, look forward to the sort of merging of your blogs. Your food always looks so good to me!
Life is about change — and there’s no time like the present, right?! 🙂 I’ll be 30 in less than 90 days and while I’ve been married 6 years, we have no kids, are at the 1 1/2 year mark of opening a business, and WOW. Just wow — not where I saw myself in my early 20s, but yet it’s perfect somehow.
Your blogs have been nothing short of great. I think that I found PBR while living a short while in Charlotte in the summer/fall of 2010. Yours has continued to be my favorite ever since. Congrats on your continued growth and evolution!
congratulations on your business! i’m so happy to hear that things are good for you even it it wasn’t what you thought it would be. thank you so much for being a long-term reader!!!! wishing you continued happiness as you transition to 30!
Hey Jen, this is off topic, but what hair products do you use when you wear your hair wavy/curly?? Thanks!
there is really no strategy for my wavy hair but one product i always use is moroccan argon oil while my hair is wet and a little after it’s dry to smooth it out.
I am a new reader, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoying your blog. It’s exciting to hear about your life in Charlotte. Your workouts and recipes are so inspiring to me…I wish you five more amazing years!
thank you julia!
Yay! I’ve missed Bakin’ & Eggs, so I’m glad it’s being mixed in over here!
i miss it too and so happy to give the recipes new life!
Congratulations on the changes! As best I can remember, I think I started following in late 2010 (already PBR), so I’m excited to see the Bakin’ and Eggs recipes!
wow, thank you so much for being a long-term reader. it’s been a crazy few years!
As always Jen, Thank YOU!!! for your honesty. Your blog always remimds me that I am not alone in my journey. We all have our triumphs and struggles.
you are never alone in what you experience and feel. we all struggle, we all thrive, we’re all human!
Your spiced chicken recipe is my all-time favorite chicken. I make it at least 1/week…so good!
love that recipe!
s
Oops sorry about that. I so agree about the 30’s. My life totally changed from 30-32. I moved to San Francisco, got a new job, met my husband and had a baby by 33. Phew. I will tell you the 40’s are the same but even better:) The 30’s are so great too but maybe a bit harder. Now, what I am finding challenging is getting older.
Anyway, thank you so much for posting and for your honesty. You have totally inspired me as a yoga teacher. I have been teaching on Camp Lejeune for about 9 months and at first, I kept all the spiritual out of my classes. And it felt so WRONG. So I thought What would Jen do? And I added it all back for my own “yoga churches.” I am shocked and happy that people like my classes and they are almost all full. I can’t take credit – it’s the yoga!! – but thank you for helping me become more authentic in my teaching.
pamela – i really appreciate you sharing about your journey into your 30s. it is good to hear. and i am so happy to hear that you are opening up and teaching the kind of yoga that feels good and right for you. that authentic connection is really special.
Hi Jen, I don’t know if you read comments for blog posts that are a few days old, but I’m moved to comment by what you’ve said. I hit thirty recently, and I absolutely agree with what you said about 30s-transition. I’ve been spending the whole year wondering why I’m in a job that frustrates me and trying to figure out what on earth I could do that I would love. I’m inspired that you found what you love and followed your heart. I hope I have the courage and insight to do the same.
i do read them. thanks for taking the time to comment cath. sending you lots of love and positivity that your career situation improves and you are able to move in a direction where you feel happier and more fulfilled by your career. you’ll know when you’re ready!
thanks for sharing! i never thought i would be where i am five years ago either. that tidbit from your therapist is an interesting/ insightful theory. i truly appreciate you sharing your experiences and imparting your insights with your readers.
thanks for reading erika!
Jen, you are just my favorite. I’ve been reading for a couple of years now and you almost seem like a friend. Weird I know. 🙂
jackie – it’s not weird at all. thank you so much for reading!
As a former Bakin’ and Eggs reader, I’m excited to see some of your yummy recipes for a second time on PBR! I made your Strawberry Crisp tonight with a few modifications to keep it dairy and gluten free. My husband’s comment was to keep this in heavy rotation because he loved it! Excited to see how PBR evolves with you Jen.
kim – thanks so much for being a long-term reader. i appreciate the continued support and i’m super happy to hear that some of my recipes have been winners for you and your family!
Hi Jen – Just wanted to say hi and let you know that this particular post really resonated with me. I am approaching 30 (1 month to the day), recently ended a significant relationship, am taking big career steps, and find myself excited and a little terrified at how different things look today than I imagined they would 5 years ago. So basically I just wanted to say cheers to you for doing such wonderful things with your life even in the face of uncertainty!
Rachel