• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Search
  • About
    • Contact
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Oatmeal Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • 100 Oatmeal Recipes + Whipped Banana Oatmeal
    • The Best Overnight Oats Recipes
    • Smoothie In A Bowl
  • Nutrition
    • Favorite Wellness Products
    • My Wellness Program
    • Top 10 Nutrition Posts
    • Healthy Mindset
    • Real Food
    • Weight Change
    • Becoming A Registered Dietitian
  • Home
    • Home Tour
    • Home Renovation Before And After
    • Renovation
    • Kitchen Organization Accessories
  • Skincare
    • My Skincare Routine
    • my beauty broadcast
    • Beautycounter Swaps
    • What Happened To Beautycounter?
    • How to Apply Skincare in the Right Order
  • Life
    • Mazen’s Birth Story
    • Birch’s Birth Story
    • Fitness
    • Wedding
    • Charlottesville
    • Travel
  • Courses
    • Digital Clutter Course
    • Bloom Wellness Program
    • Freebies
  • Shop

Kath Eats logo

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Search
  • About
    • Contact
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Oatmeal Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • 100 Oatmeal Recipes + Whipped Banana Oatmeal
    • The Best Overnight Oats Recipes
    • Smoothie In A Bowl
  • Nutrition
    • Favorite Wellness Products
    • My Wellness Program
    • Top 10 Nutrition Posts
    • Healthy Mindset
    • Real Food
    • Weight Change
    • Becoming A Registered Dietitian
  • Home
    • Home Tour
    • Home Renovation Before And After
    • Renovation
    • Kitchen Organization Accessories
  • Skincare
    • My Skincare Routine
    • my beauty broadcast
    • Beautycounter Swaps
    • What Happened To Beautycounter?
    • How to Apply Skincare in the Right Order
  • Life
    • Mazen’s Birth Story
    • Birch’s Birth Story
    • Fitness
    • Wedding
    • Charlottesville
    • Travel
  • Courses
    • Digital Clutter Course
    • Bloom Wellness Program
    • Freebies
  • Shop
You are here: Home / Lifestyle / <3 December

December 10, 2011

<3 December

It really is the holiday season!!!!!!! I kind of forgot. Except that I’ve been to really fun parties two nights in a row. And that’s partly what this time of year is all about.

IMG_2358Blog

This afternoon I sipped my new teas I ordered from Adagio. They have 14,000 custom blends in their store and they all sound SO good. I had $100 in my shopping cart before I decided I had to cut them back. My very favorite tea has been – surprisingly – the Chestnut. I didn’t even know what a Chestnut was, but it reminds me of a chocolate hazelnut.

These are the three teas I decided on this time – a Decaf Dessert [vanilla crème], Cookie Mint Cream [self explanatory!] and Chestnut Love [chestnut, honeyblush chocolate, crème and everything I hoped for!!]

IMG_2356Blog

I had a cup this afternoon with some milk and then some beer from the keg while I made dinner and did a little gift giving

IMG_2359Blog

Tonight we went to our friend Natasha’s birthday party and I made her a set of my latest project: homemade cards.

IMG_2361Blog

I bought a bike stamp at Michael’s, an acrylic block, a big stamp pad and these cards from Hobby Lobby.

IMG_2362Blog

I absolutely love how they come out! And totally customizable for any personality with the right stamp.

IMG_2363Blog

I stamped, dinner cooked.

IMG_2371Blog

I made a Smoked Warm Lentil Salad with brussels, bacon, lentils, kale and cheese

IMG_2366Blog

The lentils simmered on the stove top for 30 minutes at a 2:1 water ratio.

The brussels baked at 400* and reduced to 350* after 20 minutes. Rubbed in olive oil, salt and smoked paprika.

The bacon was sliced and sauteed.

And the kale was cooked in the bacon grease.

=warm lentil salad! Cheese for garnish!

IMG_2369Blog

IMG_2364Blog

Matt and I bundled up in our big Montana coats for the walk to Oliver + Natasha’s.

tmp_share (1)-4Blog

Their house is amazing – a historic house that they’ve been renovating with so many cool features – like a loft with this view!

tmp_share (2)-4Blog

Although I was satisfied with dinner, the holiday spirit got the best of me and I munched on cheese and crackers, Faith’s ganache tart and lots of these delicious wines.

tmp_share (3)-2Blog

The walk home was cold, but brisk in that refreshing chilled way. Thanks to Faith + Tate for the partial company!!

Nite!

Filed Under: Lifestyle

Reader Interactions

Previous Post
She Likes It.
Next Post
What The…

Comments

  1. Christine @ BookishlyB says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:06 am

    I love your cards. I’ve been mourning the loss of handwritten correspondence lately (hahaha I sound like I’m 80), with all of our fancy-schmancy technological advances. Letters, gift cards, notes- miss ’em!

    Reply
    • Roxanne says

      December 10, 2011 at 12:47 am

      I am going to write cards this year. What I will write will be a yearly “report”, what happened to me during 2011 and what will be my New Year’s (2012) “resolution”. Handwritten cards make it so much more “real” than typing it all up.
      It’ll affect everyone in my social circle, and a with better “me” it’ll be a great year!

      Reply
  2. Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:09 am

    All of those teas sound so fancy! I love tea, but all of the flavors I’ve tried recently have been pretty horrid. Pumpkin tea = blech!

    Reply
  3. Khushboo says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:18 am

    Adagio really takes tea to the next level!

    Reply
  4. kelsey says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:19 am

    LOVE LOVE EOVL those cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  5. Casi says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:28 am

    Looks like fun, LOVE the homemade cards. It’s funny last night for dinner I made a lentil dish but was sad I didn’t have cheese to top it off. Glad you did 😉

    Reply
  6. Roxanne says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:49 am

    I looked into having those teas (Adagio) delivered, and it’ll cost me a bundle! So I guess I have to scour the natural food stores and see what kinds they have there!

    Reply
  7. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:55 am

    from tea with milk to beer from the keg….ahhh, love it!

    and those cards with the bikes: cute!

    the brussles in your bowl have just the perfect amt of caramelized edge on them…perfectly cooked. yum!

    Reply
  8. Ellie@fitforthesoul says

    December 10, 2011 at 1:22 am

    I love those cards!!! I’m all about earthy, simple and cute designs~I’m totally “pinning” this 😛

    Reply
  9. lynn @ the actor's diet says

    December 10, 2011 at 1:29 am

    love the stamped cards – i need to find one w a jack russell on it!

    Reply
  10. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says

    December 10, 2011 at 2:21 am

    FIRST — what camera do you use. I am most likely getting a DSLR Christmas for myself and need a steer in a good direction.

    SECOND — you would have a keg. made my night.

    Reply
    • kristen @ verbs and vignettes says

      December 10, 2011 at 7:21 am

      i “bought myself one for christmas” last year, and i love it!!! haha. i got a canon rebel t2i… i think kath has a camera in the same line.

      Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 10, 2011 at 3:31 pm

      I have a Canon Rebel XSI – I’d get the T1 or T3!

      Reply
  11. Clare @ SweetnSimple says

    December 10, 2011 at 3:08 am

    What a great idea for those cards – love them! The teas sound gorgeous too 🙂 Ohh I love lentil salads, with brussel sprouts too would be beautiful..

    Reply
  12. Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says

    December 10, 2011 at 3:57 am

    Dinner looks way delicious! And I love the bike stamp on that card stock. Perfect!

    Reply
  13. Tamara Marie says

    December 10, 2011 at 5:39 am

    You can even afford to spend $100 on TEAS?! Teas. Wow. Sitting here stunned.

    Reply
    • Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says

      December 10, 2011 at 6:42 am

      She can afford it, she walks EVERYWHERE…it’s her gas money! Caffeine = Fuel. 🙂

      Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 10, 2011 at 6:48 am

      No you misread. I HAD $100 in my cart because there were so many I wanted to try and then I cut back to $30 with free shipping!

      Reply
    • Jillian says

      December 10, 2011 at 6:00 pm

      $100 worth of tea would last quiiite a while, even if that was what she bought, as I’m pretty sure Kath isn’t chugging a gallon a day 😛 I buy a $4 coffee almost every day, but people don’t typically freak out about it or judge me. Most people have things that they spend their money on that are completely relative that way- I don’t know a single working adult who doesn’t.

      Reply
      • jenna k says

        December 11, 2011 at 3:30 am

        exactly! as long as i’m not giving someone money under the pretense of them needing it, i really don’t care what they buy or how much it costs!

        Reply
  14. Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says

    December 10, 2011 at 6:02 am

    I am going to try those teas. $100 on tea makes a lot of cups. I drink kcups coffee and the new Starbucks ones cost $.90 per cup. You probably spend less than half that on healthy gourmet teas. If we treat ourselves to something, let it be healthy organic foods and beverages. You only live once, you have to appreciate the things you enjoy, be it coffee, tea, beer or wine. Depriving yourself little pleasures is saying, “I’m not worth that”, and you are, we all are! Drink up and smile. You are worth it.

    Reply
    • Jillian says

      December 10, 2011 at 9:51 pm

      I think thats the best attitude to have, if one is going to have an attitude- heh 😉

      Reply
    • Cathy says

      December 12, 2011 at 12:28 pm

      I agree totally. I have a Keurig Platinum and I enjoy it tremendously. I put off purchasing one cause I felt I was not worth it. It is my Christmas and Birthday present to myself this year.

      Reply
  15. Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says

    December 10, 2011 at 6:23 am

    That tea sounds amazing! What neat flavors! I love the architecture in that house… so unique!

    Reply
  16. cathy@1970kikiproject says

    December 10, 2011 at 6:37 am

    i like the homemade cards! i made my own christmas cards, this year as a new experience…it was fun, but i don’t think i’ll do it again!

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    December 10, 2011 at 7:05 am

    I love the make your own card idea. So simple and super cute. Genius!

    Reply
  18. Simply Life says

    December 10, 2011 at 7:08 am

    I had never bought a chestnut before and then I made a chestnut soup this fall – it was amazing! When blended together they are so thick and creamy so it makes a really hearty soup without having to add any cream! If you’re interested: http://www.simplylifeblog.com/2011/11/readers-challenge-chestnut-soup-with-prosciutto/

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 10, 2011 at 3:31 pm

      Oh cool! I need to do more with chestnuts 🙂

      Reply
  19. Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says

    December 10, 2011 at 7:45 am

    Those cards are great!!!

    Reply
  20. Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says

    December 10, 2011 at 7:48 am

    We did the same DIY project last year for Christmas. Looks like we even selected the same cards, just a different stamp!! They were a huge hit in our family so I am sure they will be well received on your end… they look great.

    Reply
  21. Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says

    December 10, 2011 at 8:00 am

    I love the tree, the teas you picked and the cards! They all look and sound ahmazing 🙂

    Reply
  22. Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says

    December 10, 2011 at 8:33 am

    Awesome post! Dinner looks wonderful, your cards are adorable, and those teas out fantastic! What a fun day Kath!

    Reply
  23. Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says

    December 10, 2011 at 8:36 am

    I’ve decided I need to hire you to make my meals during finals.

    Reply
  24. Angel7 says

    December 10, 2011 at 8:39 am

    I love your cards, and am going to make them with all kinds of stamps!!! Once again, you inspired me to do something that I did not think of 🙂

    http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  25. Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says

    December 10, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Warm lentil salad sounds great! So cozy!

    Reply
  26. Amanda says

    December 10, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Your house looks so warm and cozy with all of the decorations. I love the homemade cards! What a great (inexpensive) gift idea. 🙂

    Still lusting over those teas. Maybe I will treat myself…

    Reply
  27. Molly says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:13 am

    i have a funny story about that Menage A Trois wine… over the summer we were having a mother-daughter pool party and we had been sipping on some wine when my friend’s mom asked “Molly what do you think about menage a trois?” and i was COMPLETELY caught off guard! Everyone was looking at me and i was like.. “well i’ve never had a menage a trois so i wouldn’t really know..” trying to think of a way to say “YUCKY!” without maybe offending someone..?! i wasn’t sure! WELL she just DIED laughing and said “I MEANT THE WINE!” it was brilliant. 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 10, 2011 at 3:32 pm

      hahah!

      Reply
  28. Susan H. @ the food allergy chronicles says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:44 am

    Nothing better than a homemade card…the personal touch is much appreciated!

    I love old homes…they have so much character…all those nooks and crannies…so great your friends are taking the time to lovingly restore it. Love the shot from the rafters!

    Reply
  29. Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says

    December 10, 2011 at 11:33 am

    All their teas sound so cool. I usually just buy Stash tea though. Your homemade cards are SO cute! I really want to do that!

    Reply
  30. Mary says

    December 10, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Those teas look amazing! Another great website for reasonably priced, good quality loose tea is www.teasource.com

    TeaSource is a small business (2 locations I think…) out of Minnesota. So small that your orders come with a handwritten address label! So adorable, I order from them all the time.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 10, 2011 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks for the link! Another one we use at the bakery is Light Of Day teas – they are all great too

      Reply
  31. Alaina says

    December 10, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    I love those cards! What a great idea. 🙂 I am tempted to buy those teas too! Are they easy to brew, since they come in loose leaf form? Do you think they’ll work with a small French press?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 10, 2011 at 3:33 pm

      I have the Ingenuitea teapot and LOOOOVE it! It has changed my loose leaf life. The little steepers never worked as well – the tea was always week, but this thing is great:
      http://www.adagio.com/teaware/ingenuiTEA_teapot.html

      Reply
  32. Dee says

    December 10, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Ahh, I need to get Adagio teas!

    ps. The cards with the bicycle? So cool!

    Reply
  33. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says

    December 10, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    I really like the homemade cards with stamps! That’s such a cute idea. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Shana says

    December 10, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I just bought Italian Chestnuts from the grocery store this week! I’m planning on roasting them in the oven and enjoying them while watching White Christmas. I don’t think it gets anymore holiday than that! Chestnut flour is really yummy too, by the way. I made pancakes with it and they tasted like spice cake. Very festive.

    Reply
  35. Hannah @ eat, drink, and save money says

    December 10, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    I love seeing you use bacon grease for your kale- it makes me feel better. I grew up in Alabama and all of my veggies were cooked in bacon grease. It makes everything taste better. I just have to remember- moderation!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

Topics to browse >>

Get my exclusive promos –>

    Footer

    hi! Im Kath.

    I'm a Registered Dietitian, healthy eater, and mom of two from Charlottesville, Virginia. Here you’ll find a healthy mix of real-life meals made from whole ingredients balanced with the pleasures of life, including buttercream frosting and good wine. Plus a sprinkle of nutrition, home life, beauty, parenting, and travel.
    about | privacy policy | contact

    Please note: nearly every link I post is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog.

    Recipes

    • Oatmeal Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
    • All Recipes

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Mindset
    • Real Food
    • My Wellness Program

    Life

    • Home Tour
    • Travel
    • Wedding
    • Charlottesville
    • Digital Clutter Course
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © // 2025 Kath Eats
    Jump to top