About

Welcome to my blog!

Things you should know about me:

-I write YA novels. It’s a new thing (well, a little over two years old).

-I’m in the querying trenches. Know what that is? If you don’t, Google it and weep. I know I do.

-I adore Indian food. If I could drink hot mugs of Tikka Masala sauce, I would. Don’t get me started on Mango Lassis. Or Ragora Patties. Or Saag Paneer–oh that Saag.

-I’ve lived in: Indianapolis, Madrid, Valencia, Zaragoza, Lyon, Paris, Newark (DE), Bloomington (IN), Greensville (OH), Sheboygan (WI) and Chicago. My favorite place? Anywhere my husband is.

-My greatest irrational fear: that one day I’ll have to go back to high school in Spain. I love you Spain, but high school sucked. I’m in my 30s and still have nightmares.

-My greatest rational fear: sharks. They’re real. They have teeth.

-Also, jellyfish. Ew.

-My other greatest rational fear: bikinis. Have you seen how small they are? Do you know how easily they fall off, twist or otherwise conspire to reveal bits of you you’d rather remained hidden?

-I work in a fantastic office with fantastic co-workers and the best boss. We drink lots of coffee and eat lots of tacos.

-I live in Chicago in a little house with a little yard and a little porch, inches from our neighbors. I LOVE IT.

-At home live: my husband, our kiddos Alice, Ben and Isaac, tottering piles of books, and an 18” cast iron skillet that cannot be lifted. Come over and try. You’ll see.

I love hearing back from readers, so feel free to leave your thoughts in the “comments” section, or email me at jennaseverythingblog@gmail.com. Every comment is read and appreciated!

Have fun perusing!

74 thoughts on “About”

  2. queenie

    hah! aka Susan here (don’t tell anyone) – glad to see your blog! Looking forward to your recipes and your photos. Oh – and I love the heading photo! Very cool.

    Signing in with my blog so perhaps you’ll come visit over at the greenwood as well. Love to you!

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  4. Kay Heritage

    Jenna,
    You are the one with a great blog and wonderful photos!! I have a very special place in my heart for MK. My best friend is a missionary currently serving in the Philippines! LOVE classical guitar music. Love your chicken stir fry!

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  5. Sarah

    Hi Jenna! Thanks for stopping by my blog. 🙂 I just wanted to say that yours is super cute! I love how you include printable recipes… I may just have to work on that for my blog if you don’t mind me stealing your idea.

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    1. Jenna

      No problem! My ‘printable recipes’ are just a link that opens a Word document . . . a ‘shabbier’ solution since I can’t figure out how to do it the fancier way like I’ve seen other bloggers do. =) If you figure out a better way, let me know!

      Reply ↓
  6. surly kitchen

    i love how your blog existed in your mind at first. exactly how i started mine! my boyfriend kept telling me to do it for an outlet, since i’m stuck at home all day. i figured who cares if no one reads it, it gives me something to do.

    your pictures are so pretty. i need to just bite the bullet and get a dSRL. i considered the nikon 5000, but how do you feel about it’s flip out screen? i fear i might not like that feature so much.

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna

      I love the flip-out screen–it can stay put just like with any other camera, but you can turn it face-in to protect it, or twist it about so that you can see what you’re taking a picture of when you’re say, holding the camera above your head to capture a parade or something.

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  7. Tickled Red

    Okay, you two are just too bloody cute!! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. I can’t wait to read more of yours…it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

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  9. CityMom2

    Hi,
    Followed you over from Tickled Red. Had to check out fellow bourbon fans! I do hope you’re talking sour mash (like Jack D.).

    I like your site. Really enjoyed the Family Vacay 2010. I could die happy in that house. In your “about” I realized my oldest son was born in the 80’s! (1985).
    Citymom

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  10. Yasmina

    Wow! I’ve found your blog by chance and it’s amazing how life changes. It seems like it was just yesterday when we were playing cards (el guiñote) in San Braulio, and now… I’m Yasmina, from Spain. Do you remember me? I hope so. I am glad to know a little bit about you and your sisters now.
    I’ll keep an eye on your blog!

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna

      Oh my gosh, Yasmina! Por supuesto que me acuerdo de ti! It’s so strange and great how the internet can bring people back together. And your English is (of course) fantastic . . . I have such great memories of San Braulio. I was always jealous of your long blond braid–your hair was so thick and gorgeous =). Are you still in Zaragoza?

      Reply ↓
      1. Yasmina

        Talking with you was a gift for me. About my hair… well now it’s short, very very short and spiky. What a change! ;D
        You’re just the same! I remember you playing the guitar… I’ve always been terrible with instruments… I’m only allowed to listen, never playing it!

  12. privilegeofparenting

    Hi Jenna, Followed your comment at TKW—lovely blog. Although I live and blog in LA these days, I grew up in the city of big shoulders, so it’s nice to know about nice people living and loving there. Namaste

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  13. Anna Johnston

    Thanks for popping by my site and saying hi! Its great to connect, just loved your story so far and looking forward to getting to know you through the blogosphere 🙂
    Cheers Anna

    Reply ↓
  15. Camille

    I love the name of your blog. I’ve been agonizing over a new name for MONTHS — trying to pinpoint that perfect “niche” name of a cooking, but not always a cooking, but also natural living blog. 🙂 So I love the fact that you just called it your “everything” blog! Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself!

    Reply ↓
  17. Joy

    Thanks for coming to our blog Jenna. I just love yours and plan to return. I also love the printable recipes and will try that. We do a recipe roughly every other day. I hope you come back to ours. We have a lot of fun.

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  18. Carol Ann Hoel

    My brother lived in Chicago a few years ago in a beautiful apartment in Printers Row. For health reasons he moved to a warmer climate. Your gorgeous apartment reminded me of his place and the wonderful visit I enjoyed in Chicago.

    The rest of your blog is delightful, also, Jenna. I am enjoying browsing around. Great recipes, too! Blessings to you…

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  19. Susan

    Hi Jenna – Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I am also new to blogging – started in July. I am not computer savvy so wasn’t sure just what I was doing. My husband takes all of my good pictures on the blog – mine are the not so good ones.

    I have three daughters – Jenna is my middle daughter!

    I loved reading all about you! Your blog is so fun and I look forward to visiting more in the future.

    Susan http://www.ugogrrl.com

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  21. Lynne

    Hi Jenna,
    You live in one of my favorite cities-Chicago. Unfortunately, I’ve only experienced it in the cold month of December. Thanks for stopping by my blog. You have a fun blog to read with so many different and interesting subjects.

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna

      Thanks Lynne! Yes, the cold month of December is not the ideal time to visit–you should come in the spring or summer, when free music festivals and concerts are happening pretty much every weekend! It feels like a completely different city once the weather warms up. =)

      Reply ↓
  23. TheHealthyApron

    What a great blog you have here! You and the hubs are super adorable and I am jealous of your relationship with your sisters! I would LOVE to have a sister (instead I got 3 brothers lol).

    Look forward to checking out some of your recipes!

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  24. This Italian Family

    I love this! I love your way of writing and I love that this blog is about the things you care about most and I love that you were an MK (me too! though, it was China for us). I also think it’s hilarious what you wrote about your sisters probably being the only ones who would read your blog because that’s about how I felt when I first started too. 😉 So looking forward to reading more from you! 🙂

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  26. Tammie

    Oh I love it! Thank you for visiting my blog, thank you even more for leaving a comment!! You know those make a bloggers **DAY** 🙂 I love Anne of Green Gables books and read every single one of them… silly me never thought to look into other works of Ms. Montgomery… great idea! Keep bloggin’!!

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  29. Ellie

    Hi Jenna! Woww I think it’s cool that your parents ministered in Spain! Nice to meet you, and I like how you write about pretty much anything and everything 😀

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  31. Craig Thompson

    Wanted to let you know that I think your blog is a great and enjoy reading your articles.
    I also wanted to invite you to ping and tweet your blog for free with my website BlogBuzzer.com

    Craig Thompson

    Reply ↓

  33. Pingback: Encouragment: The Ripple Effect « a little lunch

  34. Tanvi

    what a cute story behind the starting of a blog..I loved reading about our family.You have a fantastic line up of recipes & craft stories on your blg..I m sure I ll enjoy it a lot!
    Thanks for stopping by:)

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  35. KimHindsPhotography

    Is it my imagination or did you update your blog, it seems to have more tabs across the top or something to that nature. Anywho- I love reading your blog (not the first time I wrote this- i think;)

    You have such a great sense of humor in your writing, it is really fun- always makes me smile. Love your pictures too!

    -Kim

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna

      Thanks Kim! And I may have made a few updates . . . but not too many since last year. At some point soon I do want to move to my own domain name. . . we’ll see how soon I get around to that though. =)

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  36. Simon Says

    So wonderful! I love how you said that you had a blog in your mind first! (:
    I too, found myself doing the same. Then I made a blog, and it sat naked for two weeks because I couldn’t make any further decisions. I look forward to seeing your future posts, especially about Chicago! My family is from Chicago (though I live in California) and I absolutely love visiting the city! One day I hope to move there myself! Great job on the blog, congrats!!
    Best wishes!
    Simon

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  38. sjnkon

    Congrats on being freshly pressed. I enjoyed the pictures on that post. Besides, I also discovered about your band through your blog. Listening to ‘Love is Home’ right now.
    Best wishes!

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  40. Kristy

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. 🙂 I really like your site – it’s a little collection of everything! And your Chicago apartment reminds me so much of the ones my hubby and I have lived in. We’re out in the burbs now, but spent the first five years of our marriage in city apartments. I LOVED it and miss it so much! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna

      Thanks Kristy! Yeah, we’re loving life in the city right now, but eventually we’d love a more peaceful setting–if we stay in the city, that would mean thicker walls, since we hear a goodly amount of neighbor-noise. But I’m definitely enjoying the present!

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  41. Stephie

    I, too, sat around for quite some time thinking about starting a blog before I did. I would be cooking and mentally “writing” my blog post as I went along…and that was when I knew I had totally lost my marbles. It was also a sign that I should probably just bite the bullet and start the darn thing.

    Is it weird that I find it exciting that you are in Chicago because I recently moved just outside the city? Oh wait, probably just creepy……

    Anyway, great funny musings on life!

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna

      Hi Stephie! Not creepy at all. =) I live vicariously in the country through the PW (which I find exciting since I’m in the city), so there you have it.

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  43. Cassi

    I love how you only want to have children because they would be great blog additions! That made me laugh so hard. My kid is pretty much the star of mine as well. Nice “meeting” you!!

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  44. Trina

    Hello, I came across your blog via Veronica’s. I am glad that I did. I am new to blogging but I have found it therapeutic. I see that you are in Chicago. I am thinking about moving up there wanting to experience new places beyond the normal vacation. It would be a big change and challenge, for I am a Southern girl, born and raised, but I am willing to embrace it. Again, I am glad that I came across your blog!

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenna Post author

      Hi Trina! I’m glad to hear that you’re discovering the wonders of the blogging world! It is indeed therapeutic. =) I hope you can come to the best decision about moving–Chicago is a great town, but indeed very different from the South!

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  45. Trina

    Thank you. I am very ecstatic, I have a real good friend who just migrated my blog. She redid a lot and made it beautiful. I am looking forward to new things, new ideas, and other things.

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  47. Connie

    Jenna,
    I’ve enjoyed your delightful, witty, God-honoring, knee slapping, thought provoking musings for months and have often thought what a great mom you’ll be someday. So happy for you with your new little one on the way!
    Connie

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  48. Erin

    Hello. I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now (love it!). And I was sitting at the L station today and a man got off the red line. I looked at him and tried to place him. And realized it was your dear husband (at least I’m 99% sure it was him). I was going to say hello to him and introduce myself, but I didn’t want to be creepy blog stalker lady.

    Anyway, I took it as a sign that I should say hello to you formally. My name’s Erin. I’m a Rogers Park girl and we just had our first little miracle in March. He’s doing fantastic. And it’s been SO much fun to see your pregnancy and relive those moments. I wish you and yours all the best!!!

    Erin

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    1. Jenna Post author

      Wow Erin–that’s crazy and cool! It’s so funny that you would see him and recognize him! (he was wearing khaki cargo shorts and a blue and white striped short sleeve shirt today, if that’s confirmation =)
      Congratulations on your first little miracle–that’s simply wonderful. We’re in Edgewater now but we’re moving to Devon and Newgard, which I believe it right at the edge of Rogers Park, so we’ll be (kind of) neighbors!

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      1. Erin

        And thank you for the congrats. Mommy-hood is amazing. I’m thrilled for you that you’ll get to experience it. Better than I could’ve dreamed it to be.

  49. Erin

    We’ll be really close! I’m 1 block east and 2 blocks north of Clark & Devon. it’s such a small world. And yes – it was your dear husband I saw this morning. Please warn him not to be too freaked out if I do say hello one morning.

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  50. Elisabeth

    This is even more fantastic with the baby commentary! You are a very talented woman, my dear! Keep it up~

    God Bless,

    ~Lissie

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  51. Brandy

    I stumbled upon this blog a few days ago in my search for a blog with real stories about pregnancy. It was like finding a great show on Netflix that is several seasons in so you can watch episode after episode without interruption… Until, alas I caught up to “now” and have to wait for the next installment. Great stuff! Can’t wait to read more about Alice’s adventures as she grows 🙂

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  52. Sunny

    This is GREAT! My sister and I just started a “everything” blog and thought it was crazy. I googled other blogs and yours came up. If you don’t mind me asking and don’t mind sharing, how did you create your “following” or get your blog noticed? We are just starting but I LOVE blogging. We are both educators and love talking about everything life.

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    1. Jenna Post author

      Hi Sunny, that’s wonderful! And I love that you’re starting it with your sisters! As far as a following, it just kind of grew little by little, mainly with Facebook friends (where I post links to new posts). I also used to follow and comment on a lot of other blogs (back when I had time, heh heh) and a lot of those gals visited my blog in turn. So being a part of the online “conversation” always helps form those cool relationships. Anyway, enjoy your blogging journey!

      Reply ↓

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