Welcome to Tea Season. The time of year where I have to warm myself from the inside out. I cannot believe how chilled I’ve been all day! It’s too early to turn on the heat, too early for space heaters. But not too early for 3 layers of fleece and hot tea! I’m sipping on a cup right now as I listen to a webinar on Healthcare Reform.
[Did you know as an RD you have to do 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years? I’m working on mine right now as I listen to this webinar, blog, sip tea, and listen for the laundry to finish in the dryer. I’m also attending two dietetics meetings this month – on in Roanoke tomorrow night and one in Richmond on 10/20. Anyone want to get together in those cities?]
The only time today I have NOT been cold was on my run this morning! Matt and I went out just before lunch on a turkey trot around town. It was a great run. You know where I can feel how I’m adjusting to the hills? When I run on FLAT now I can feel it in my butt. There are new muscles there that I can tell flex more on flats!
Matt was super hungry and had a 2PM biz meeting, so he made lunch while I showered.
Sardine Salad, Taco Style!
For the sardines he mixed for TWO of us:
- 1 tin of smoked herring (we love the smoked variety)
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Bell pepper
- Zucchini
- Pinto beans
- Shredded cheese
- Mayo (he usually puts 1 tbsp in the whole salad)
- Cayenne pepper, salt, pepper
- Possibly some other spices but he is now gone so I can’t ask!
The salad was served over a big handful of baby swiss chard from our garden! I added some blue corn chip crumbles and a dollop of sour cream (the good stuff) that really made the salad. Matt said it reminded him of middle school cafeteria taco salad with the cheese and beans in there 🙂
He also sliced us some sharp cheddar on the side. I LOVE cheese and never eat it by the slice at home because I just recently discovered how much I like block cheese more than pre-shredded. This was a delicious (nutritious!) complement to lunch.
Pre-meditated dessert
A teeny little apple (golf ball size!?) with some Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter
Bubs
Two lunches in a row that get a big thumbs up!
Congrats to my MOM for being a finalist for the Katherine Paterson Prize! The book was part of her MFA of last year.
Hope y’all are having a wonderful day!
Tina says
I love sipping hot tea on a cool day! And thats crazy how much work you have to do to upkeep an RD certification. I guess its what makes you all so qualified though. 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Congrats to your mom! What a fabulous honor!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
I loooove hot tea! It really is that time. I also love the idea of sardine salad, taco style! Chips and cheese with anything make it more fun!
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
Congrats to your Mom!
Tea sounds fabulous. I’m currently sitting at work, shivering… 🙂
Big weather change here in Charlotte, too! Love it.
~
lisasfoods says
That’s great news about your mom – congratulations to her!
I feel the same way about tea, and our overcast weather is making everyone here cold to the bones. (Although I also feel that way about hot cocoa, and since I often have a sweets craving after meals, it meets two of my needs.) 😉
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Congrats to Momma KERF!
It is definitely tea season – I’ve been having a hot cup each evening. A great way to wind down and relax.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Congrats to Mum KERF! I’ve also been drinking tea like it’s my job and feel cold all day at work.. I think I might bring in a fleece blanket! Your salad makes sardines look really good. I haven’t been brave enough to try them yet but taco-style looks rather delicious!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I love tea time! I hear ya on getting warm inside out! I am so there. It has been super chilly in the AM here and warm enough in the afternoons! I love the crisp air though…it feels so good!
Heather says
I love tea – drink it all year round – although I switch to iced tea in the summer!
Love the idea of taco salad with sardines – I’m still scared of the tiny fishes but this is something I may be inclined to try.
Sliced cheese is my favorite – can taste every bite of it. So creamy and delicious! I never buy the bagged pre-shredded kind.
Congrats to your Mom!
brandi says
Aw- wish I would have known about your trip to Roanoke sooner! We’re going to be looking at houses tomorrow night after work, so I can’t make the drive in – but let me know the next time you’ll be heading this way!
Congrats to your mom!
Kath says
I’ll be free in the afternoon (before the meeting at 5:30) but not after. Are you busy then too?
brandi says
Yeah – I’m at work from 8-5, sadly 🙁 I’d much rather spend the afternoon playing in Roanoke!
Emily says
thanks for the reminder to get going on my CPEs! I had to do a mock portfolio last year and easily got 51, so you’ll have no trouble at all! 🙂
Congrats to your mom for being a finalist, too! Exciting!
Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) says
I really hate it when it’s too warm to put the heating on but cold enough so that you can really feel it. Tea always help warm me up though.
Sarah R says
You lunches have looked killer today. I just got out for a walk and it was the first time I’ve been warm all day. Congrats to you mom! How exciting for her!
Emily G. says
I have to have 24 hours of CE every two years for my insurance license. As much as I dread going to the classes I am SO glad I attend them..they bring a wealth of unknown information to light. I’ve been in the business for 5 years now and every class brings something new to the table!
BTW..that salad. Holy YUM. I don’t eat seafood, much less canned seafood, but I feel like I could dive head first into that and gobble it all up!
P.S. This may be an extremely touchy subject and one you’re not willing to discuss (which is fine!!), but now that you’re in the medical field, what are your thoughts on the Healthcare Reform? Again, this may be too political so just ignore it if it is lol!
Kath says
No comment 🙂
Kelly Michelle says
ahhh that’s like nothing! us poor CPAs need that much CPE credit every year or two!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Congrats to KERF MOM!!
That apple is so cute…it looks like a Cindy Lou Hoo apple 🙂
Dynamics says
Tea sounds good. With a spoonful of honey? I have some Rose Hips I picked up at a tea shop.
Kelley says
I’m guessing you’re not going to FNCE this year in Boston? I can’t wait!
Kath says
I would be if it weren’t the same weekend as Foodbuzz’s Festival!
sweetersalt says
I’ve been so cold lately, especially at night. A couple of days ago I was this close to knitting a little hat for the tip of my nose – it was like ice!
laura
Laura says
I have a cold nose all fall/winter, too, and my husband always says he’s going to make me a nose-warmer. We Googled “nose warmer” to see if they exist and sure enough they do! Check these sweet babies out: http://www.comfynose.com/ The video makes me laugh…
Kath says
LOL!!
Nelle @ Living Cliche says
Ooooooo… hot tea sounds so good right now. Normally I’m such a coffee person that I don’t always think about tea, but I know I have tons of tea in the cupboard right now and NO coffee, so that’s perfect! Even Los Angeles is chilly right now, and we just had a record breaking heat wave a few days ago! My body doesn’t know what to do with itself.
Laura says
CONGRATS to KERFM (kerf mother;-))!!
That little block of cheese on the side of your salad is SO cute!!! xx
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Its definitely tea season!
Big congrats to your mom!
Amanda says
I love block cheese too! That’s all I could stare at in your pictures. YUM
stevie says
out of curiosity, are you going to get a job as an RD?
Kath says
Not in the traditional sense. I’m opening a bakery, and of course blogging my heart out.
Jodi says
Love, love, love cheese! Sardines not so much….
Katherine Paterson lives in my little town and I met her at an event at our local library. She is very down to earth and you’d never know she is a famous author! Congrats to your mom!
Mom says
Jodi,
Fun! She’s one of the greats in the field.
Now if I can only find a publisher for the book!
Thanks to all for your kinds words and to Kath for posting my good news.
Ann says
Congrats to your mom. I’m impressed – an MFA? I’d love to talk writing with her. Advice, tips. Does she write other things besides picture books?
Dr. Oz had a show on today talking about soy. Good segment. Made sense – stick to whole sources of soy (tofu, edamame, tempeh). And he said that one serving a day (30 mg isoflavones) is healthy. So is one serving per day a 4 oz (112 g) serving?
I get confused because some people say only limit soy to maybe twice a week. Thoughts (if the soy is the most original forms possible).
Kath says
She writes picture books, but she’s also working on other projects, like a fun support book for women on going through menopause.
I think 4 oz is the standard serving of tofu, so that means sense for the recommendaiton.
Sheila says
I just realized how easy it would be to make something like this in a dining hall! Just take the ingredients from the salad bar (except for the fish), and voila. Beautiful pictures, too 🙂
Alyssa says
Woohoo, Mrs. Younger! I absolutely love cheese too 🙂 I have to keep very specific kinds around the house so I don’t overeat it! I should buy a block of sharp cheddar…goodness me I love that stuff!
Ashley says
My professor let us out of class early so she could go listen to the webinar! LOL! Lunch looks fantastic as usual!
Natalia - a side of simple says
Tea is a life saver for me! I’ve also become quite attached to my hot water bottle during these past few chillier days… Congrats to your mom!!
Amber K says
Congrats to your mom! That is awesome.
It was freezing here yesterday, but it is warm and sunny today! Oregon can’t seem to decide what season it wants to be in.
Marisa @ Loser for Life says
I’ve been freezing all day! Probably because I started the day with a run in the pouring rain! Ick.
Those apples are adorable!
Yay for your Mom!!!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Mmm…I love a warming tea. I’ve been so into raspberry lately. 😀
And your lunch looks fabulous! I love serving cheese on the side for that extra somethin’, somethin’. 😀
Jil says
That lunch looks wonderful!! Such a cute baby apple, too. Yay for your mom!!!
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
tea is so therapeutic in the winter! i can’t wait until sugar cookie sleighride is back out:-)
Kristina @ spabettie says
I love that many practitioners must complete ongoing CEUs… having worked in the alternative healthcare industry with all kinds of docs, acupuncturists and therapists, I see the importance of learning and teaching to keep current and challenged. 😀
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
I have the same continuing education requirement for my CHES certification. It’s weird, because I really do like continuing to learn about health education, but I don’t like it being something I HAVE to do 😉
When I first saw your apple pictures, I thought the sunflower butter was a giant bad spot!
yummiee cupcake says
congratulations to your mother!!
oh gosh please dont remind me the CER!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Congratulations to your mom 🙂
As for running on flat/hills..I find hills harder (of course) and they seem to work more of the quads while running on flat works more of the back. Maybe cause the heels hitting more when we run on flats than it is running on hills?
christina cadden says
That salad looks good! Congrats to your mom!
barefootgirl says
congrats Mama Kerf!!!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Awwww, I didn’t know that your mom was a fellow MFA’er!! Congrats to your mama!
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
ooooh big big big congrats to your mum!!!!
Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life says
Congrats Kath’s Mom!!!!!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
Congratulations to you mom, she must be thrilled!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I always cold too. (But then again I do live in Alaska!) I drink hot tea all the time to warm myself up!
Michelle says
It’s been super chilly here in Wyoming, too. Glad to hear I’m not the only one layering up and drinking lots of tea! 🙂
amy says
I can’t believe how cold it’s gotten here in VA! That seemed to creep up quickly, it feels like just last week I was sweating like crazy in the humidity.
I can’t help but think your apple has gone bad in your pictures. I have to keep telling myself it’s Sunflower Butter and not just rotten =)
Julie says
I’d love to meet up in Richmond if the schedules will allow!
Rose says
PB on an apple like that? Genius. Looks delish!
Food & Other Things says
Tea is a definitely a necessity for me during the fall and winter months! It’s been really cold where I am recently and I always look forward to coming home and having a hot cup of tea!
coco says
congrats to your mom!!! So exciting! 😀
Simply Life says
Congrats to your mom!
Mads says
You have so many cool textures/surfaces to take food photos on. Where do you find them?
Any particular tips to somebody who is new to photography?
Kath says
I’ve just collected about 10 different placemats over the past 3 years 😉
Photography tip end-all-be-all: find as much natural light as possible
Laura I. says
Congratulations to your mom–that’s a great honor.
I would love to meet you in Roanoke, but have to work during that time, too. Hope you enjoy your free time here!
Alice says
Congrats to your mom! That’s great!
Though I no longer live in Roanoke I am from there! If you’re looking for food options you might dig Wildflour Cafe. I worked there in high school. Doug and Evie started with a small bakery/mostly veggie cafe and are now an institution with two locations. The bread is delish…the desserts aren’t half bad either 🙂
Camille says
Congrats to your Mama!
breakingsilence @ Freshman -15 says
One of my friends found CHOCOLATE tea a couple weeks ago. Now, I’m not normally a tea person, but I actually liked it! (Of course, we had cookies along with it. Yum.)
stacey-healthylife says
Congrats to your mom, that’s awesome. Makes since why she is so creative with the bears and story telling.
emily says
Congrats to your mom! Camile and I discussed on the drive home that your mom was our favorite new person we met at BlogHer 🙂
Tracey says
Congratulations to your Mom! That is wonderful.
Allison O'Mara (Girl in her kitchen) says
I hear ya about the CEUs! I am a board certified music therapist and we have to do 100 hours of continuing education every 5 years. It’s not too bad, though. I am in the second year of my first cycle and I already have 70 hrs because I went to two conferences and some meetings. Good luck! 🙂
You salad makes me really wish I had planted a bumper crop of greens 🙁 Next year!
Candice @ Baby Beluga says
I’m working from 11-5 that day in Richmond but afterward I’m down to get together if your still over this way at that time 🙂
Ashley says
Hi — sorry to bring this up when you want to drop it..
But I just kind of read that article (crazy time studying for school — can’t keep up with my FAVORITE BLOGS) — and wanted to let you know that your blog was the first one I got “into” and nutrition blogs has helped me develop a much healthier relationship with food. Secondly, I don’t see your blog as ALL food in anyway. For instance when I was off traveling (this might sound weird) I kept up and surfed all the blogs for fun…. — it made me feel better when I was homesick…. So I just wanted to let you know that you make a lot of difference in people’s lives…. not just with healthy eating.
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
how wonderful about your mom! it’s totally tea time here in l.a. too!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Congrats to your mom!
I’m going to have to hit up WF to stock up on my favourite teas when I’m home for Thanksgiving this weekend. Celestial Seasonings English toffee tea is to die for!
Courtney says
I have recently gone from coffee each morning to Constant Comment tea. Something about the weather makes it feel right.
I’m in Richmond and would love to meet up on the 20th!
Lori says
I was just thinking of some Earl Gray tea this morning. I love hot tea in the fall and winter.
I live in Roanoke and would love to meet up with you tomorrow!!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
congrats to your mom! how fun 🙂 and i love tea this time of year too. i’m always cold!
rebecca lustig says
major congrats to your mom!
and man, what an apple– talk about getting jipped out of a juicy treat!
Krystina says
Congrats to your mom!
Emily says
I love warm beverages on cool days. My philosophy is always warm me from the inside out. I am so happy to see/hear it from you!
Cara Craves... says
I just brewed myself a cup of Bengal spice tea and am enjoying it while I read some blogs…Mmm!
thetreadmilldiaries says
This post is well-timed. I normally drink coffee in the mornings to kick-start my day but over the last week or so I’ve also been trying to fight off the fall chill. I went out and bought a few different types of teas – flavored, not flavored, caffeinated, decaffeinated – to sip on in the afternoon so I can warm myself up. I’ve really been enjoying them.
BTW…that apple with butter looks mighty fine. 🙂
Hannah says
Oooh, do you know I just found my favourite sardines on sale the other day, so have been enjoying their omega goodness every afternoon since! Wish I could find smoked herrings though!
Erin@ Shortcut to Bliss says
I wish your mum would write a book about the bears. My 5 and 8 year old both ADORE the posts she wrote when the bears spend time with her this summer. They laugh and giggle at all the adventures your bears have.
Mom says
Erin,
I sure need to think about it. Thanks!
Katharine says
Congrats to Mama KERF! I’m also in Richmond and available after 5pm on the 20th!
Stephanie says
Yay for venturing to Richmond! I’d love to get together when you’re in town – I live over in the Short Pump area but not sure where you’ll be for the day? Looks like there are a few of us too – always fun to meet more Richmond bloggers!
Michelle @ IronDivas says
I wonder if I’ll ever be brave enough to try sardines. Something about them kind of scares me, I know it’s ridiculous but I just can’t get past it.
notyet100 says
even i like to sip tea during winters.
Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun says
I love the coziness of fall – it’s something about being able to cuddle up on the couch in sweatpants and drink some hot tea/cocoa/coffee. <3 Congrats to your Mom! 🙂
Lacey says
So I haven’t commented before, but I’ve been reading for the last few months. I’m newly inspired by your blog and few other food blogs (Peas and Thank You got me started). I really enjoy all the fresh ideas you present, and that most of them are veggie. I’m finally commenting because 1) I LOVE pumpkin and am excited to connect with another fan-atic, and 2) that sardine salad looks very similar to a tuna one that my hubby (Matt) and I make, except for the binding agent, I use hummus and refried beans instead of mayo.
Keep up the good work, and good luck with the continuing education. I’m currently in the middle of my MBA and know how exhausting it can be to spend time studying and learning, even if it is a subject you love.
Anne P says
OMG… that apple looks like a normal big apple in the picture by itself! Just goes to show portion sizes are impossible to tell in pictures 🙂