About Bender
“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” ~Anaïs Nin
Since I was a little girl, my family nickname has been Bender. I do not know why or how this nickname came to be, but I do know it originated from my mom, who has always loved calling her children by the wackiest and most nonsensical names imaginable. I also know that it has managed to endure for more than twenty years. It’s safe to say it’s here to stay!
When I created Eating Bender back in March of 2008, I realized that the word bender also signifies a spree, and so the idea of creating a blog dedicated to “a lifelong healthy living spree” was born. Bonus points for being able to use it as a pun! (The longer you stick around, the more you’ll realize that my love of puns extends far beyond the word bender.)
More than three years later, Bender has become an even bigger part of who I am. It has also been expanded to include my entire family. Papa Bender is infamous in the kitchen. Mama Bender is an up and coming culinary sensation.
And Baby Bender is the world’s best brother. Although perhaps “baby” doesn’t really apply anymore…
No matter how tall he gets, he will always be my baby brother. The video in this post shows why.
The most recent addition to my family is my husband, Bobby. We’ve been dating since our junior year of high school back in 2003, and were married on October 16, 2010. You can find more about all things wedding here.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the “Bender” clan, here’s a bit more about my personal journey!
My Background
I graduated from Northwestern University in June 2009 with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in business institutions. The first eight months of my professional career were spent at a large public relations agency in Chicago, where I learned the ins and outs of the communications business and grew to realize that agency life was not the best fit for me personally. I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world, especially because it introduced me to my future business partner, Jill. In February 2010, we quit our stable, corporate jobs to start our first business, POP! Social Media.
Crazy? Yes. But was it worth it? I’d do it again a million times over. If you’re interested in learning more about our entrepreneurial adventures, you can check out my other blog, Pursuing Our Passion.
I’ve been very fortunate that my work has allowed me to combine three of my biggest passions – food, health and writing – into a career. Our clients to date have all had a health and wellness focus, and we are thrilled to work with them.
Over the past year, we have also been hard at work on launching a second business aimed at helping people find happiness (and, subsequently, healthiness) in their jobs. That company is called DreamChamps, and we would love for you to join the revolution.
My Blog
My philosophy about eating and exercise is simple: both are needed to live a satisfying and gratifying life. I am constantly working to listen to my body and eat intuitively, and I work hard to develop new fitness goals so that working out never gets boring!
This blog was created out of a passion for food, nutrition and wellness. It is meant to serve as a place where I can share pieces of my life with you, ranging from food and restaurant reviews to meals, recipes and – when I’m not hungry – fitness and general life ponderings. When I’m not running two businesses, I am working on my first novel. Needless to say, I like to keep myself busy, and I look forward to sharing more on all of these topics with you!
My goal is to create a gathering of people who can look to each other for answers and advice on anything and everything, whether it be the best way to prepare risotto or the newest bestseller on bookshelves. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at eatingbender@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for reading!
Pretty photo!!!!
)
I’m a sophomore studying business and I’d also LOVE to combine it with health/nutrition… somehow, haha. good luck with this blog! it looks great so far
andrea ~ thank you! we must try to figure out how to combine them – if i think of something i will definitely pass it your way
I’m a second-semester senior in public relations; so if you girls figure out good opportunities to combine the two, let me know! And quick!
are you from arizona? (i saw the 480 number on the salad carton from the pizza place, i swear i’m not creepy!) i’m in arizona right now and i graduated last year with a journalism degree and a minor in business. i dabbled in pr also and now i’m trying to get a media job… i think the best way to incorporate your passion for food and nutrition is to keep up with your blog because as far as i know there are no nutrition beats at any newspapers or tv stations but maybe we could start a trend…
-Karla
Karla ~ Yes! My family moved to Arizona recently
It sounds like you and I are a lot alike education and career-wise. Let me know how your job search is going — I’m looking at AZ after I finish school! We should definitely start a nutrition beat trend!
Hi Jenn,
Love your blog and the blueberry header!
I just started my own blog and linked yours on my blogroll. Please come check it out when you get a chance!
Foodie ~ Thanks
I will check out your blog now and add it to my blogroll!
“My family nickname is Bender. It has been since I was a little girl, and I have no idea why. My mom loves odd nicknames!”
Perhaps she went to the future and watched an episode of Futurama?
totaltransformation ~ I didn’t realize that my mom was clairvoyant – that opens up a world of new possibilities
Jenn – I never mentioned this to you, but I wanted to let you know that I graduated with a Journalism degree, and I’m now working in PR (as you know from my blog!)… I am so curious to see how you make out with incorporating nutrition into your writing! Please keep us posted!
Rose ~ Go journalism! I will let you know how the job search goes once it officially begins. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
This is a really fun blog! Keep it up!
~Erin @ “Vegan & the City”
Erin ~ Thank you! I’m glad you like it
Oh man–your quote at the top about eating dinner like a pauper–I tend to eat the opposite way! I just can’t help it! I love big dinners
Thanks for the “Food for Thought,” though!
Lara ~ No worries, I definitely eat my fair share of big dinners
It’s more of a “guideline” than a strict rule for me to follow!!
Hi,
I just discovered your blog by way of ZestyCook by way of Kath. It’s great! I am a reader from Chicago (re: the de-lurkification). Looks like you might be an NU student? I am a former/current NU student as well. Thanks for all the great ideas!
Kelsey
Kelsey ~ Thanks so much for reading! So are you in grad school at NU now? It’s so nice to see some fellow NU people on my blog
I’m getting my science prereqs done at SCS (the night school), so I can apply for PA masters programs. My undergrad was in theatre.
Hey Bender! I absolutely love your blog!! I was just wondering how in the world do you get people to follow your blog?! I have recently started up my own and wondered how you got some blog traffic flowing?! Any tips,hints,etc.? Thanks so much!!
Kelsey ~ Very cool! Nice to “meet” you
CaSaundra ~ Thanks! My best advice for getting readers is to start commenting on other people’s blogs and make sure that when you do you include a link back to your own (like you did in your comment to me). It’s the best way to get your name out there! I’ve also heard that coming up with titles that use key words that are popular Google searches can also help, although I’ve never specifically made an effort to do that because I like coming up with corny titles! Good luck with the new blog!
I found your blog when I linked through for the VitaMix contest (thanks for that by the way!). I love it and will definitely keep reading! Check out mine if you get some time
Ryan ~ Thanks for reading! I am glad that you enjoy the blog and best of luck in the contest
Hello, love your blog! where do you get your cute coffee mugs from?
Tanya ~ Thanks! I got the mugs from the grocery store, actually. The brand is “Joyce Shelton,” and unfortunately the company doesn’t appear to have a website of their own. If you Google the name, a bunch of mugs come up on eBay, etc. I wish they would get a site already! But I hope that helps.
I just discovered your blog this week and I love it! I can relate to a lot of the things you said about really trying to listen to your body and about getting stuck in a food rut. I look forward to reading more posts.
Katie ~ I’m really glad that you can relate to some of the things I talk about! Thank you so much for reading
You rock!
You don’t have to worry about a shortage of expert nutrition advice in Chicago – you’re in the home of the American Dietetic Association and tons of Registered Dietitians
Great blog!
nutritiontokitchen.wordpress.com
This has to be the most brilliant “nutrition” website ever! My boyfriend and i have been looking at nutrition blogs recently in hopes to get tips on a healthier lifestyle. he tends to prefer the ny times and similar but i find them to be BORING. your site is upbeat and fun. in one word ingenious! i love your site and will definately be spreading the word… truth be told, i am not even sure how i got here i just stumbled across it and fell in love! Kudos to you, you are a rock star!!
Tram Le ~ I didn’t realize that! Thank you for letting me know
Lindsay S ~ Aw, you’re too sweet! Thank you so much for your kind comment
I’m glad that you and your boyfriend are getting into nutrition! You are a rock star, too 
Awesome blog! I’m definitely gonna start reading it frequently
Good luck on everything in writing and such! I just started my own blog too
www.juliegolean.com
Not like yours yet..but hopefully some day!
Julie ~ Thank you so much – best of luck with your blog! I love the name of it
I’m a senior in college and will be getting my master’s in Health Communication – a great way to combine writing, creativity, and health!
Erin ~ Awesome! Best of luck with that
Cool blog- Just found it- congratulations on the good news! I just got married last year, and it was a blast! Can’t wait to keep reading!!
angiesappetite ~ Thanks! I’m looking forward to starting the planning process
i dig your ‘philosphoy’ about eating/exercising and life in general! keep up the healthy style!