Hi everyone! 
I’m Anne, known as “Anne P.” in the food blog world.
In the past few years, I have:
- Quit my cubicle job
- Moved to Europe to find a job teaching English
- Moved back to the U.S. (after an awesome 9 months teaching)
- Started prerequisites and applied to go back to school for a big career change
- Moved from DC to NC to pursue my Masters of Public Health in Nutrition at UNC-Chapel Hill
I finish my masters program in December 2012, and by about February of 2013 I should hopefully have passed the exam to become a Registered Dietitian!
Want more? Here are the details
I graduated from Dickinson College in 2004 with a BA in Sociology (interesting? yes. marketable?? …probably not.) and moved to the Washington D.C. area afterward, ready to begin what was sure to be a fast track to career success, money, and happiness.
Right? Isn’t that how it works?? Hmm… apparently not. A couple internships (newspaper writer and environmental org. press intern), three random jobs (office manager, PR minion, and government contractor), a really evil boss, and lots of long, boring hours in cubicles later…
I decided it was time I cash in on my dreams of teaching English abroad. It was now or never, and I didn’t know if I’d ever forgive myself if I didn’t have the guts to go. So I went! I left D.C. in the fall of 2008 and spent an amazing 9 months in Prague, Czech Republic teaching at a primary school, traveling, and meeting lots of awesome people.
It was the experience of a lifetime and I’m so glad I did it! To read more about my experience, check out this post: Throwback: Teaching English in Prague, Czech Republic.
I returned from Europe in June of 2009 after some amazing travels in Italy, Ireland, Germany, and more, ready to move forward and embark on a bigger dream: becoming an RD. This was something I’d been mulling over for a long time, as I had literally zero science classes from undergrad and would basically need to start from scratch. But I figured… why not? Why waste more time in cubes when I could be working towards something I might actually find interesting? It was time to be brave and take action.
I spent the summer with my parents in Tampa, FL (to save money), started taking prerequisites (Chem 1 and 2), and studied for and took the GRE. In the fall of 2009, I moved back to DC. I got a job doing marketing writing and editing part time and continued taking prerequisite classes at a community college in Virginia while applying to masters programs for the following fall. Whew! I was on my way.
Much debate and acceptance letters later… I decided to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for their MPH-Nutrition! To read more about my journey back to school and decision to go to UNC, check out my “big announcement!” post. And if you’re thinking of going back to school yourself, check out this page with all the details of how I did it: “How to Become a Registered Dietitian.”
I moved from D.C. to North Carolina in August 2010 and started my masters program a few days later. It felt great to be following my dreams at last!
My boyfriend (now fiancé as of October 2011! here’s our engagement story!), Matt, moved with me
I’m finished with my first year of graduate school already and it has flown by! I spent the summer of 2011 at my first of three dietetic internships (click here to read more about it) and am now charging through year number two. Summer 2012 is another internship (clinicals in the hospital) followed by a fall final internship, and by December 2012, I will be done with graduate school and will take the exam to hopefully become a Registered Dietitian. I love my grad school friends and my life here in NC
(Yep, we totally had a photo shoot on the UNC campus… don’t judge. Heh.)
In my free time, I love being active. Nothing makes me happier than being outside on a nice day.
I love hiking, pilates, yoga, biking, swimming, and, especially, running.
Above at the Vegas Half Marathon in December 2011
Above left – D.C. National Half Marathon in March 2011
Above right – Army 10 Miler in October 2009 (my first “long” race)
I also participated in my first sprint triathlon in the summer of 2011 – check out the recap here: Buckner Mission Man Sprint Triathlon Recap!
For more details on how I train for races, running tips, motivation, and previous race recaps, check out my training page.
So there you have it!
I hope you enjoy the blog.
I plan for it to be a compilation of recipes, exercise, pictures, health tips, and, most of all, fun! I hope you’ll find it a nice place to come and be entertained and, hopefully, inspired. I think I will just see where the blog – and life – take me, and I hope you enjoy the ride.
Want to know more? Click here for some totally random fun facts about me
And don’t forget to check out my fANNEtastic t-shirt shop!
119 Comments Created by Anne P
Welcome to blogging! I’ve seen you hanging out with all of the fabulous bloggers and then saw on Twitter that you started a blog (via Meghann). Congrats and I can’t wait to keep reading!
I love your image at the top of the blog- GELATO!!!! Italy was AMAZING!
Welcome! I found you through a Twitter post, and I’m so excited to keep reading! Becoming an RD is something I’m thinking about as well, so it will be especially cool to read your posts as you work towards that yourself!
love the blog! I go to school in DC, and was in Prague this summer …. lovedlovedloved it! i look forward to reading!
Hi Anne! Can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up! You’re a smart woman for going back to school to pursue something you’re passionate about.
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I figured it was just a matter of time the way you were talking about it in Boston
Unfortunately my blogging has come to a halt
because my life is CRAZY right now but we shall see where that leads me!
P.S. I’ll keep you posted on my upcoming DC trip but I may not be able to see you
Our schedule is jam packed with stuff!!
Haha yeah, clearly it was only so long until I got sucked in
What’s going on in your life right now?? Aw I hope you can get a free second to meet up! Keep me posted 
-Anne
Where in DC do you live? I’m originally from Bethesda, MD and my parents still live there.
I’m in Arlington, VA
I used to work in Bethesda – such a nice area!
What an amazing journey! I DREAM of becoming an RD, too! Can’t wait to read more
What a great story, and I can’t wait to read more! I am also becoming an RD, and started from scratch with Bio back in 2006…it’s a long road, but I believe it will be worth it. Best of luck…
Welcome to blogging.
Can’t wait to read along!
welcome to the blog world!! you’re story is so inspiring, and i’m also returning back to school to become an RD! Can’t wait to read more
I just jumped over from Kath’s blog. So excited to read more.
I love Europe and always wanted to teach english. But I ended up teaching spanish in HS instead.
Welcome, Anne!! I love your story–esp. the fact that you went abroad to teach because I constantly think about finding a way to live in Spain again!! Congrats on taking the leap to become an RD; I’m sure it will prove rewarding
Sarah
Just found you via Kath! I’m going back to school to be an RD too
(Haven’t announced that yet! I can’t believe I just typed it out for real.)
That’s awesome!!! Congrats
Wecome! I am new to this world as well; glad to have you!
Good luck on your schooling adventures!
It’s like you’re already a celebrity!
Hey, I can relate to much of your bio, including lurking around the food blog world for years now but just recently starting my own, and living in DC! I thought food bloggers only lived in Florida, Boston, NC, or NYC!
Looking forward to following along as I get my own blog up and running.
Haha, I know, right?! Must DC represent!!
Hi Anne!
I really enjoy reading your blog and “hearing” your sense of humor, so funny!
Emily:)
Hi Anne! Thought I would pop over and check out your blog. Welcome back to DC! I love meeting other foodies in the area. Your post-grad adventures sound amazing!!
- Beth
I am so glad I can finally go on and read your blog! Damn internet censors in China. Anyway, you look great and I love your recipes and pics! Too bad it’s so hard to find the ingredients here to make everything. Well I will try my best.
Love you and miss you!
Jackie
Hi Anne! So glad to find your blog! I’m an RD…since 2001, so I love re-living my school days through RDs-to-be…can’t wait to read more!
Your blog is so cute. I love it! Glad you joined the bloggie world.
Anne P! I just read this…[don't ask] and you say you want to run a half mary this spring? Why don’t you trek down to Charlotte and run one with us? huh? Or not. Just an idea. A fabulous one. But just an idea.
Ooooo!!! Emailing you.
I love your blog and those pancakes you made look so good, I have the same flour in my pantry, I think i will make some pancakes xmas morning!!
So glad to find another blogger in the area!! I just moved to Alexandria, VA in June, love it here, very beautiful, and DC is just amazing!!
Happy Holidays!!!
Isn’t it great how living overseas changes you and makes you aware that the U.S. isn’t the only country in the world? haha I ran the Prague half marathon last March, and I loved it! Beautiful!! Great blog! Can’t wait to read more!!
I couldn’t agree more! That’s so awesome you ran the Prague half – I was there then, watching a friend run it!! How funny
Hi Anne! As someone who lived in D.C. for three months this year (in a school program at AU) and someone who wants to teach English abroad (in South Korea) I am really interested in your blog! Seen ya all over the blog world and would love to see more! great addition to my Google Reader!
Welcome, Grace! Let me know if you have any questions about teaching abroad
Anne –
Very cool bio! I’m jealous of your time abroad. I’m actually from Carlisle, so I know Dickinson VERY well. I live in Baltimore now (obv close to DC) and work in marketing/PR/writing (and often feel like a minion). After finding you through Jenna’s blog (OMG jealous of her LIFE now!), I’m excited to start reading!
Renee
I just found your blog through Carrots N Cake..but recognize your name from Eat Live Run’s blog! So far, I really love your blog! Also, I am from Pennsylvania..a little north of Carlisle and am graduating this year with a Sociology degree. So it seems we have a little bit in common!
Just found your blog from ELR and looks great. Another one to add to the reader
I am also in DC and have a BA in Sociology. Like you said, interesting but not marketable so went on for a Master’s degree after college. Good luck with the RD school.
Great Bio Anne – we are the same age and I’m studying to become a nutritionist so we’re on similar paths! Really enjoying reading your blog!
Just found your blog and absolutely adore it!! I was scrolling through older posts and was basically droooooling over that kidney bean pita pizza, stuffed portabella mushrooms and the PINKBERRY!!
Just added you to my googlereader, and am excited to read more! Plus, i’m taking nutrition as a general education requirement right now…and well, you’re pursuing that career! So that’s always fun
Aw thanks for the sweet comment! Welcome to the blog
I just put a comment on your chobani giveaway, I found your blog through chobani’s facebook page…but SMALL WORLD, I grew up in Carlisle, PA (Dickinson!) crazy!
I moved to Virginia with my husband in 2006 thanks to the Marine Corps…and now it’s home.
Oh no way!! That really is small world. I LOVE Carlisle. Such a cute town
Your blog is awesome — wonderful photographs, great activities, funny narratives, and inspirational observations. Well done!
It is very nice to meet you! If you head over to my blog… you may notice a very familiar sight! Hint… I can’t wait to read more about your past as a teacher abroad!
I love your blog! I have heard of “Anne P” around the blog world for awhile, but this is the first time that I’ve come across it. Your story is very interesting – can’t wait to keep reading!
What an interesting story- so great you followed your heart to Europe like that! I clicked over from Meganerdruns blog and I’m excited to keep following along as you start school!
Thanks for sharing your adventures in food, fitness, and fun. They are great! After reading your blog, I can see why you’re earning such recognition in the foodie/fitness blogosphere! Good luck -
Hi Anne-
I’m sort of in a transition period (recently graduated from undergrad) and have always thought it would be wonderful to teach abroad. What program did you go through to teach in Prague? Were you certified to teach in any way?
Thanks for the insight!
Hey JB! I didn’t go through a program to get a job, but when I first arrived in Prague I took a 5 week TEFL (teaching english as a foreign language) training course (you need this certification to teach in Europe, but not really in Asia). My course was through Oxford TEFL. They were great – http://oxfordtefl.com/. You make good contacts for finding a job afterward, too! Good luck!
Hey! I just found your blog through Caitlin’s at HTP. I’m in the DC area too and will be running in the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April as well. It’ll be my longest race to date!
Hi Anne!!
Just found you through Caitlin (HTP) and Loved this page!! I just finished my Dietetic Internship through UMd-College Park last year – i.e. I’m now an RD working in DC and looooving this city
I do a lot of group runs, you should come join sometime! I’ll also be at the Cherry Blossom – hope the weather is as nice as it’s being to us right now 
Hey Heather! Welcome to the blog! I would LOVE to meet up for a group run… and hear more about your job here as an RD! I’ll email you
Hiya Anne, First time commenter here, absolutely LOVE your ‘about me’! You have such a positive energy and its jumping from your words. (Also that picture of you mid-air by the water is pretty fantastic or ha fannetastic). SO inspiring to hear about a girl out of college reconnecting and really going for her career goal. I can’t lie, I am kind of in the same predicament. Just figuring out my next step… Thanks for the inspiration/motivation
I’ll be back for sure
Thanks for the sweet comment
Good luck following your dreams! Let me know if you have any questions or need any motivating words 
Hey Anne!
I just found your blog through Twitter (via GirlMeetsHealth). Like you, I am finishing up prerequisites for a dietetics/graduate program! I actually graduated from American University in 2008, stayed a year and worked in an elementary school, and then decided to pursue my dream of becoming a dietitian. I’m living at home now, but am returning to DC this summer, before heading to grad school in California in the fall.
Where are you going to do your masters? Maybe we can meet up once I arrive in DC!
Love your blog, and look forward to reading more!
Hey there! I’ll be heading to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall
Where are you going in CA?? I would love to meet up when you get to DC this summer! Just let me know 
I’m going to Loma Linda University in southern California! They have a combined MPH/Dietetics program that is right up my alley.
UNC sounds great! And yes, I’ll definitely let you know when I get to DC and have settled in!
Oh awesome! I remember reading about that school, it sounded great!
Great About Page!! Love the process you’ve been through- Best of Luck with your journey!
You forgot the part about how many epic friends you have made through blogging..like your EFF right here.
Love this about me! Makes me want to update mine. 
I’ll need to do that. You’re amazing and I’m so happy I met you through the blog. Yay!
Hehe SO TRUE! I heart you
See what a great person you are! That’s why I love your blog/tweets and you. So happy you got your new camera. Keep going for life! Thank you Anne <33
I’ve just found your blog after seeing that Caitlin and Tina met up with you. Your blog looks great! I love your story too, it’s so great that you’ve followed your dreams! I really hope everything goes well for you.
Hi Anne! I finally got a chance to look up your blog and loved reading your story and learning more about you. It sounds like we some things in common (food, fitness, and love of the outdoors). Congrats on finishing your half marathon, I would’ve tweeted you or whatever but I’m afraid I don’t know how to do that. Anyway, enjoy what’s left of your weekend, you deserve it. I’m off to find some of those delicious looking wrap recipes.
Welcome to the blog, and thanks!
Hi! I just found your blog. I’m from the DC area orginally, love to travel, cook and be active too. Can’t wait to read more!
just found your blog! it’s so cool that you live in DC too, I live in MD and work in DC, love DC so much that I decided to move to DC in two weeks!!!
your story is really cool…. can’t wait to read more!
I saw your blurb on the Healthy Living Summit that Caitlin keeps talking about.
I live in No VA, so I guess we are neighbors for the next few minutes until you move.
I will read more about you: I also did my first 1/2 in March in VA Beach. That was a great race if you want to do another one! (flat!! ended on the beach)
Have fun at the Summit.
I’m RD in NoVA but you are moving! Good luck with your program. I hear it’s one of the best. I have a blog but still new to the blog community. Would not be at the HLS
good luck in the session as well! Looking forward to another creative RD!
Wow. Quitting your job and going to Europe. Scary – but so inspirational!
I loved reading your about page – its so upbeat and fun. Im looking forward to reading more.
Your story of leaving the cubicle farm behind, traveling abroad, and now going after your dream job is so inspiring! Good for you! I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I just found your blog on healthylivingblogs.com. I’m so glad I found it! I live in Wilmington, which is a few hours away from Chapel Hill. I am currently in cube hell and am dying to make a change. This is a huge inspiration
Hi Anne! I just stumbled upon your blog, Congrats on going back to school to get your RD! I’m an RN at Duke, I live in the Raleigh area, we should run a race together or something sometime!
Hi Mary! I would love to run together sometime!
So I just commented on your latest blog entry, but after reading this couldn’t help sending you another note. It seems that your life is just really cool and while we haven’t had exactly the same experiences, we’ve had a lot of experiences in the same places: I once went to Prague for a really cool work trip and loved it…I also lived in Tampa once upon a time with my parents (when I was a kid) and now live in NC and have been wanting to do an MPH since I was an undergrad…maybe someday I will get there. In the meantime I plan to live vicariously through you
Good luck in your studies, and I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Hey, another Anne P. (27yrs old!) here too!
I just found your blog and like it a lot 
I came across your blog and you inspire me….. alot! Its very brave of you to put all of your doubt and fears out in the open…and it helps people like myself realize they arent going through the im in my 20′s cubicle life… what am I doing… and finding what your passion in life is….thank you
I love your style of eating/cooking. What are you most conscious about? how many calories something has? how much protein? how much fat? where the ingredients come from?
Thanks! I don’t count calories or anything; my main focus is just eating whole, real food! Processed junk with fake chemical ingredients need not apply
I basically just go by what food makes me feel my best, and stick to that, with some indulgences here and there.
Hi,
Any chance you can put the nutritional labels on your recipes?
I’m sorry – between grad school, blogging, and everything else, I just don’t have time to calculate it. Feel free to calculate it on your own and if you do, let me know what the stats are! Thanks.
Hi Anne,
I have been reading your blog via Google Reader for about 3 months. I found you through Oh She Glows. =) For the first time, I just now read your “About Me” because I was curious what you are studying in NC-Chapel Hill and I am excited to see you are getting your master’s degree and becoming a RD! I just enrolled in college at the ripe old age of 48 to get my degree in nutrition with an emphasis in community. I have been in accounting for 30 years worked my way up to a comptroller position without a college degree. Now I am getting bored with it but have become very excited about food, different eating styles and how foods play a role in a healthy lifestyle.
All that to say I am glad you figured out what you ‘wanna be’ when you grow up before you turned 48! =) Good luck in school and I will be watching you as I go back to school, work full time and deal with 2 teenagers. Can’t stop now!
Thanks for stopping by! That’s great you are going back now – it’s never too late, right?
Good luck!
Your blog is awesome — and so, clearly, is your life! It’s wonderful to accompany you virtually. Thanks for sharing all that you’re doing with us!
I’m sure you have received it before but I wanted you to know I recognized you on my blog with the Stylish Blogger Award!
Aw, thank you!
Keep up the good work and your pursuit at being a Registered Dietician!!! I just signed up for your e-mail updates..love your positive encouragement..I need it..thanks, Vikki
Love the revamped blog, the energy in it, and the inspiration to have fun, be fit, and enjoy good food! Well done!
Love the new additions to your page, Anne!
I’m really enjoying your posts. Keep it up!
I think it’s great that you are going to be an R.D.! I LOVE my job and helping people learn about nutrition!! Go you!
Yay! I’m excited
You are so beautiful and inspiring, Anne! Go you!
I hope someday I can muster up the courage to chase after the things I wanna do just like you did, too.
P.S. Your recipes look AH-MAZING!
Aw, thanks!
I would LOVE to know more about the English abroad teaching! I have thought about it – but a few others that did it said it could be very isolating, still a lot of work and you didn’t really make that much money (I’m in enormous debt from school – so saving and paying that off are priorities). Any thoughts??
I had an amazing time teaching abroad – I didn’t find it isolating at all! You are right, however, that you don’t make much money, but that’s not the point
That said, if you’re in a lot of debt, I’d wait until you have a little money saved so you can spend some time traveling! Also, if you want to teach in Europe, you’ll need a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, and those programs cost a couple thousand. They are a great way to meet some people and make contacts for the job search before you start teaching, though! The course I did was called Oxford TEFL – http://oxfordtefl.com/ – and they have a couple other locations besides Prague.
I’m so happy to find another blogger from the Triangle!
Fun! Where are you?
I’m excited to start following your blog!!
Hey, Anne! I’m new to your blog, but we share a lot of similarities and love it so far. I also had a career change and I studied abroad in Europe during college at Clemson University so I spent some time in Prague (great city!). After I graduated from Clemson, I went back home to live with my parents outside of DC and went to the community college there (I’m sure it was the same one you went to) to fulfill prerequisites for grad school. My story takes a twist there..I ended up taking a cube type job that I couldn’t pass up in Houston, so I’m making a big move to Houston next week.
Love UNC Chapel Hill, and have many friends in the Triangle. Good luck in your pursuit to become a RD, sounds like you’re well on your way! Best wishes!
Thanks, Rachel! Good luck to you as well!
you’ve been on so many fun adventures, I’m jealous! Awesome that you are getting your degree at UNC – I’ve just finished my certificate in Public Health through UNC Chapel Hill online and loved it! I’m sure we got to enjoy many of the same classes. I have yet to visit the campus but my brother is an undergrad there so I’m definitely trying to make a visit here soon!
Very cool! It’s a gorgeous school – come see it sometime!
Love your blog! I grew up in NC, and am slightly jealous you get to live there…although right about now it’s probably beyond sweltering
I really love your blog and I love reading about your journey to become an RD, which is also a dream of mine.
WOW Your amazing! I would kill for the dreams you got to live out. You are very lucky and inspiring!
Thank you
Hi! I just found your blog today and love it. I’m currently studying psychology now but have decided that becoming a RD is what I want to do with my life and I really can’t wait to get it started! Thank you for sharing your story, it’s such a great help!
Hi Anne -
Just became a whole foodie myself (well, still fresh – but working hard) and came across your blog. I really like it. Learning about clean eating and working with my naturopath has really opened my eyes to the value of nutrition in my life. So, it’s nice to follow along with you on your journey.
Your blog is very inspiring. Thanks!
Cheers,
Tara
Ha! So funny… I started at Dickinson in the sociology program (although in ’02) and now live in NoVa, too. Just discovered your blog and so far, so good! I love seeing pics of places I recognize from daily life (like the C&O canal)!
Oh no way! Very cool!
Anne,
I really admire your dedication to living a healthy and active lifestyle. I love visiting your blog for awesome recipes, tips and good reads. I was wondering if you run everyday. Do you take a day off? I hope you don’t mind me asking, but I value your opinion and come to your blog a lot for guidance! I don’t have too many friends that are very active and over the last few months I’ve developed a love for running. I’m not sure if taking a day off is necessary but I figured you would be the right person to ask for advice. Thanks a lot for your time
Thanks, Kathleen! I don’t run every day – I usually run about 3 days per week and then do something else (swimming, biking, hiking, yoga, kickboxing, walking, strength training, whatever) another 3 days per week. Then I take 1 day per week fully off from exercise (except for maybe a nice walk or something).
It’s good to have a break! I’d say it’s always good to take 1 day a week off from exercise to let your muscles recover. So glad to hear you have come to love running – keep it up! 
Oh I think it’s so neat that you changed careers and are pursing your dreams! I found your blog because your aunt told me about it (Wilow’s mom) while I was on my mission. It was the day it crashed when you announced that you were engaged. Anyway congrats! I’ll definitely be reading
Welcome to the blog!
Hi Anne, great blog, found it by looking for some healthy granola bar recipes. What a story you have.
I love to see people grab life by the horns and just live it and have fun with it. It takes courage and perseverance.
You are great inspiration!
Thanks, Jasna!
I just discovered your blog while googling post-run foam roller exercises of all things! Your blog looks fantastic, I’m super excited to read more!!
Welcome, Jenn!
And thanks!