Breakfast

On with the New

Morning!

I woke up in an extraordinarily great mood this morning. Not great enough, however, to get on the elliptical machine. I think I’m going to give myself three days of rest after Sunday and then just resume normal activity tomorrow. I still haven’t joined the YMCA but I’m planning on doing that this weekend so I can start June off on the right foot. I’m going to do more strength training in the near future as well as more running and giving biking a break. Not sure if this is TMI on the internet, but my butt definitely is black and blue. Hot.

For breakfast I made a waffle sandwich, inspired by Miss Bobbi. Check her blog because she’s doing a fun promotion today to raise money for cancer research!

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Okay, so it wasn’t the prettiest thing I’ve ever created but it was delicious. I used 1 whole egg + 2 egg whites, 1 slice swiss cheese and one morningstar farms soy sausage patty on organic flax waffles.
I used my fleur de sel in my eggies.
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I love salt and I’m not afraid to say it. Biggest pet peeve: when people don’t season their food properly. Don’t get me started.
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And drank some new tea!
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Y’all probably know by now that I drink black tea mostly every morning. I WAS drinking coffee every morning until I realized I was spending $62 a month on coffee out.
Crazy. I know. I felt a little sick myself.
I tightened up real quick after that and said no more spontaneous coffee shop trips and I would just make tea at home. It helps now that I don’t live walking distance to the Flying Goat. I like tea better anyways and would prefer to save coffee for special occasions.
This tea, which I just added to my Open Sky store but hasn’t shown up yet, was probably the best black tea I’ve found. What sets it apart is the vanilla! I couldn’t really taste the rose (but liked the idea of rose petals in my tea) but the vanilla gave the tea an almost caramel flavor. Its loose tea so you’ll need an infuser (super cheap from Teavana or another tea store) but it’s totally worth it. Now that I’ve gotten into loose teas more I hardly ever drink pre-packaged ones in the bag—they taste almost bitter to me. This was so good that I’m about to make another cup!
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I’ve been really looking forward to today for awhile because I’m going to the Days of Wine and Lavender festival preview over at Matanza’s Creek, one of my favorite wineries around here that I always recommend to anyone visiting wine country. I visited Matanza’s Creek for the first time last November and fell in love with it….what’s not to love? The place has lavender fields and the best Sauvignon Blanc around.
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I’m wish these girls were with me. I will take one for the team.
And, speaking of wine, if you haven’t noticed I haven’t really been working very much at the winery I used to work at. Not at all actually. To be honest, I stopped working there back in March. There were no hard feelings—I love the place and their wines— my life was just going in a different direction.
I recently accepted a position with Kendall-Jackson and I’m thrilled. I’ll be working at the breathtaking Food and Wine Center a few days a week so if you are in the area, come visit me there for a food and wine pairing, garden tour or wine tasting.
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Kendall-Jackson has been a huge part of my life for the last year so I feel like things are finally as they should be. I’m proud to be affiliated with such a great company and excited to start!

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  • brianna
    May 26, 2010 at 8:46 am

    sounds exciting! good luck to you!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    May 26, 2010 at 8:47 am

    I always think sea salt tastes better, and also drink tea at home (healthy anti-oxidents) and leave a small coffee as a treat out.

    That is soooo cool about Kendall Jackson!! I recall they gave you the star treatment–private jet ride down to Santa Barbara–my old home town.

    I’m doing Internet promos for the California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara (for the second year) and see that KJ’s Cambria label is one of the presenting wineries. Maybe you’ll get a biz trip out of it! Who would be better to promote their wine at this outstandingly fun beachside event!!! No place is cooler than my former hometown! Road Trip!! http://www.californiawinefestival.com/wineries.html

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
    May 26, 2010 at 8:49 am

    I loooove waffle sandwiches but haven’t had one in so long! Congrats on the new gig at Kendall Jackson. Looking forward to hearing more about it!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet
    May 26, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Ahhh I can’t agree with you more on seasoning! Spoken like a true chef and foodie. Seasoning is so important. My number one pet peeve on seasoning is SALADS. They need seasoned, too people!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    May 26, 2010 at 8:56 am

    Wow, congrats on the new job! It sounds absolutely perfect for you!
    And your breakfast.. holy yum!! I love sweet and savory things together, like waffles and eggs!

  • Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog)
    May 26, 2010 at 8:57 am

    I love waffle sandwiches! I put a drizzle of maple syrup on mine. YUM πŸ™‚

    Jenn

  • Scargosun
    May 26, 2010 at 8:58 am

    So exciting! If I lived in CA I think I would definitely be in that industry. Loved your breakfast by the way. I think I might have to try those soy sausages.

  • allison @ livingoneday
    May 26, 2010 at 8:58 am

    very cool. we’re huge KJ fans at my house. my mom’s favorite is their chard, although i don’t like it very much – i hate oaked chard’s. hope it works out for the best! so exciting!

  • caitlin
    May 26, 2010 at 9:00 am

    all that matters is that inter-winery discount! LOL

  • Savannah
    May 26, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Congrats on the new job!

  • Kendall
    May 26, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Jealous you will be working at my namesake. What an exciting transition!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
    May 26, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Ooh congrats on the new(ish) job – exciting times!!
    I think that waffle thing looks nice..I was just thinking ‘OOOHH!’ at it, then you wrote it looked horrible lol :p
    Have a good day πŸ™‚

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    May 26, 2010 at 9:08 am

    Hi Jenna! Congrats with your new job. I can really relate to feeling like things are as they should be. I was on a whirlwind of a career ride for a while, and when it finally feels right, it’s such a huge relief. I had to laugh regarding your comment about seasoning food properly, because I used to never season my foods. That all changed when I got married and my husband seasons and salts EVERYTHING. Wow, was I missing out! Just one more reason why I love him. πŸ™‚

  • Kristin (Salty Tooth)
    May 26, 2010 at 9:13 am

    My butt is also black and blue, but because I feel off my bike while it was standing still, not from competing is a 100-mile bike race. :/

    Congrats on the race!

  • K @ Taste Good, Look Good
    May 26, 2010 at 9:19 am

    I just started reading your blog – congrats on your race and new position with Kendall-Jackson – seems like a lot of exciting things are happening for you! πŸ™‚

  • Brynne
    May 26, 2010 at 9:19 am

    Congrats on the new job Jenna!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
    May 26, 2010 at 9:19 am

    I’m scared to add up how much money I spend on coffee each month – eek!

    Congrats on a new chapter in your life. When I turn 21, I’ll give you a visit ; )

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    May 26, 2010 at 9:24 am

    that breakfast sammie looks awesome…i need to have one STAT! congrats on the new position with kendall-jackson…you’ve talked about them a lot and it think it’s awesome you’ll be working there now πŸ™‚

  • Annie @ stronghealthyfit
    May 26, 2010 at 9:32 am

    Lavender festival! That sounds divine. So does your job.

  • Annie D. from Annie'sSimpleLife
    May 26, 2010 at 9:36 am

    OMG I would looooove the smell of the flowers drying in that room! BEAUTIFUL pictures!

  • Rachel in NC
    May 26, 2010 at 9:46 am

    I agree about seasoning food…I have a few types of salt in my pantry all of the time!

    Why don’t you make coffee at home if you enjoy having it? Not that there’s anything wrong with tea, of course.

  • Jamie in Arkansas
    May 26, 2010 at 9:48 am

    Jenna,
    What brand organic flax waffles are those? I can’t find any good tasting ones around here! Thanks! πŸ™‚
    Jamie in Arkansas

  • Still Life in Southeast Asia
    May 26, 2010 at 9:48 am

    Congratulations on your new position. Hope to hear about some of the best K J wines when you get started.

  • Nelly
    May 26, 2010 at 9:59 am

    That tea looks amazing! I really need to start the switch to homemade hot morning drinks again…I’ve set a budget for how much I’m allowed to spend at coffeeshops, but I nearly always go over. I just really like being a regular at places like that…but it’s healthier (for my wallet as well as my poor heart!) to cut caffeine and costs at once.

    I cannot get over that pic of the rack after rack of lavender drying. That’s pretty much my heaven right there.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers
    May 26, 2010 at 9:59 am

    Congrats on the new gig!! I love that you get to work with a company that means so much to you πŸ™‚

  • jenna
    May 26, 2010 at 10:03 am

    πŸ™‚ congrats on the kendall jackson gig!

    This tea you speak of sounds AMAZING! πŸ˜‰

  • Camille
    May 26, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Are you kidding? That is one beautiful, delicious looking breakfast!
    I wish I could come up to your new work but I live too far πŸ™

  • Liz
    May 26, 2010 at 10:16 am

    Congrats on the new job. I would love to hear your thoughts on what it takes to work at a winery tasting room – the knowledge of wine, formal education, communication skills, interview process, future prospects etc. Thanks!

  • Kristina
    May 26, 2010 at 10:19 am

    thanks for pointing me to the N Her Shoes page for the Envitote! I supported the cause, and cannot wait to receive that awesome tote! πŸ™‚

    I’m totally with you on salt. We love it in our house! …in fact, we live in Portland and LOVE to shop at The Meadow, where your salt jar came from!! …awesome shop that sells salt, chocolate, wine and flowers. that’s it. awesome shop, did I mention? πŸ™‚

    Congrats on Kendall-Jackson, I’m envious!

  • Kait
    May 26, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Congrats on the new position, it sounds great! Have fun today!

  • Angharad
    May 26, 2010 at 10:53 am

    That’s super exciting – congrats! Got to move in the direction that feels right…that also goes for moving away from activities that make your bum black and blue! I can only imagine how fun sitting down is right now.

    Tea = love and that tea cup = love!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    May 26, 2010 at 10:56 am

    My shock at how much I had been spending on coffee out made me switch back to tea and making my own coffee at home. It’s so much easier although I allow myself a treat occasionally.

    I’m glad you are at where you feel you should be. Sometimes something that is good just isn’t right and you need to move on. That’s what I did with teaching and I love being a pastor so much.

  • Becky
    May 26, 2010 at 10:59 am

    I love Cha Cha Cha tea! I’m still working my way through the Blueberry Rooibos Iced tea. I can drink gallons on iced tea in the summer!

  • Samantha (Food Edu)
    May 26, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Congrats on the job! That sounds like a lot of fun!

  • Becca
    May 26, 2010 at 11:03 am

    The thing about your butt is so not TMI. I was wondering about that actually. Your new job sounds so fun!

  • Sarah for Real
    May 26, 2010 at 11:07 am

    I luuuuv salt! I’ve been planning a shopping binge on salt for a while now. I want to try black salts, ever tried them?

    Congrats on your new position!

    Sorry about your bum… It’s not TMI, people should KNOW what 100 miles does to a girl!

  • jane
    May 26, 2010 at 11:12 am

    are you still writing a book? sounds like you do a lot of playing and wine tasting! makes me jealous as i sit here at work…

  • BethT
    May 26, 2010 at 11:13 am

    Have fun today! Michaela was kind enough to invite me to that but I’m chained to my desk. Your day sounds more fun.

  • Kailey (SnackFace)
    May 26, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Jenna, congrats!!! I have to say that as a graduating senior in college, I have no idea what I’m doing next. Seeing you just follow where your heart takes you, and what feels right, is amazingly inspiring. Thank you for that!

    • Erin
      May 26, 2010 at 2:15 pm

      Don’t settle. I spent my first two years of out school just traveling and enjoying life. Now I’ve found my first “real” job and landed the absolute perfect gig.

      • eatmovelove
        May 26, 2010 at 4:36 pm

        Sometimes you have to “settle” though if you have no money….I would have loved to travel but I had no money or the means to do that…but great advice if you have the opportunity to do it – I would definitely go for it!!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    May 26, 2010 at 11:18 am

    I’m a huge tea fan, too. The stuff in bags is often called tea dust and it’s sometimes the leftover crumpled leaves. Loose tea is so much better. Congrats on the new job!

  • Angela (ohsheglows)
    May 26, 2010 at 11:30 am

    I got off salt for the longest time- I hated salty foods…then I discovered saw salt and I use it on SO many things! It isn’t as salty tasting as table salt. I just love it.

  • Angela (ohsheglows)
    May 26, 2010 at 11:31 am

    Oops I meant SEA salt πŸ˜‰

  • Michelle @ NewLeafEats
    May 26, 2010 at 11:35 am

    So great about Kendall Jackson! Now I have an excuse to go buy wine! πŸ˜‰

    I still haven’t bought sea salt, but I always used my friend’s sea salt whenever I cooked at his house. Maybe I should look into it. Hmmm…

    Actually, SO glad you mentioned the bruised bum thing, because then now I have a better idea of what I’d be getting myself into if I did a century race!

  • Kristin (ChasRunner)
    May 26, 2010 at 11:40 am

    A) Congrats on the new gig, and B) Thanks for helping spread the word about Bobbi’s promotion! Hopefully, we can sell enough to donate to m TNT campaign. Ciao!

  • Kelli
    May 26, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Jenna- I discovered your blog a few months ago and have found some other health and food related blogs that I love. I just wanted to congratulate you on your recent race and your new job. You are very inspiring!

  • Helen
    May 26, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Congrats on the new job. It’s so good that you’ve got a job that you seem really passionate about. And maybe lay off the cycling for a while!!

  • Jenna (Hello, I Love You)
    May 26, 2010 at 11:49 am

    Congrats on the new job! How fun!
    And I am with you with seasoning your food properly–it is the key to making it taste good!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople
    May 26, 2010 at 11:54 am

    How exciting!

    Personally, I can’t stand salt. I don’t add it to anything I eat, or any recipe I make. I always leave it out and I LOVE the results. No icky salt taste. =P

  • Sarah
    May 26, 2010 at 11:54 am

    that tea looks so good…i really need to try loose tea.

    congrats on the job! thats so exciting! what a cool place to work at!

  • Diana (mymarblerye)
    May 26, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Congrats! Now I have to go visit you if I’m around that area!

  • Steph-exercise physiologist and artist
    May 26, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    Congrats Jenna!!
    Yummy breakfast sammy!! I will def try one of those soon… maybe even tonight for dinner πŸ™‚
    I am going to be in san fran (berkley) in 2 weeks. can you tell me about how far K.J. is from there?
    Steph

  • Callina
    May 26, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    Congrats on the job! I think seasoning/saltiness is really relative…I used to be a salt freak and would add it to almost anything, until I studied nutrition and learned that salt/sodium is basically the devil. I used to think, a little salt here and there can’t hurt…but then I realized that I add it to EVERYTHING! So my salt tolerance was through the roof and I was adding heaps of it to everything. Then I quit salting stuff like pasta while it’s boiling in water and quit adding it to a lot of what I cook. Stuff definitely tasted bland at first but then I got used to it and now I only notice when I go out to restaurants, where the chefs’ salt tolerance isn’t exactly on par with my own πŸ™‚

  • MMiller
    May 26, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    I make tea (and sometimes coffee) at home too! I do treat myself once in a while and go out, too! But I usually just go with Lipton! I occasionally have a flavored tea, but not to start my day, just to relax! I do need to broaden my (tea) horizons!

    Congrats on the KJ job! Guess that was another reason for the move! Glad more things are falling into place for you!
    And not TMI on the bruising…I have gotten some butt bruises for much, much less of a ride!

  • Kati @ Living Well
    May 26, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    I thought of you today. Kinda :> I got some Kodiak Cakes pancake/waffle mix at ROSS for $5!!! I was so excited!

    Congrats on the new job!!

  • Sharon
    May 26, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    It’s actually Matanzas Creek…not Matanza’s Creek. Just thought you’d like to know.

  • Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
    May 26, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Better than Murphy-Goode’s Fume? Congrats on KJ, I know you’ll have a great time and they must be thrilled to have you working with them.

  • Paige (running around normal)
    May 26, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    That egg sandwich sounds delicious.
    Sounds like a good decision to go with Kendall Jackson. I think you will definitely excel there πŸ™‚

  • Emmanuelle
    May 26, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    Congrats on the new job!

    I love salt too, and I’ve had strange looks from people, you know, “but you haven’t even tasted the dish, why add salt?”. Now I can tell them “because”, and that’s it, how liberating! πŸ˜€

  • Erin
    May 26, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    Congrats on the new position. Sounds like it’s just up your alley! I make coffee at home every morning with a French press and have found that once you get into the routine of doing it yourself, you really don’t crave a coffeeshop the same way.

    No, that craving happens about 3 in the afternoon… πŸ˜‰

  • Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
    May 26, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    That’s a pretty amazing breakfast all stacked up. Needs a little maple syrup.

  • Lisa @ bakebikeblog
    May 26, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    yay for new job adventures!!!

  • giordin
    May 26, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    i love your teacup/coffee mug…where did you find it?

  • Kate
    May 26, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Sorry but your waffle breakfast looks gross

  • Faith
    May 26, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    My friends and I are heading to Bodega Bay for a girls weekend in July and are planning to wine taste in that area, hopefully we’ll see you there!

  • Mom
    May 26, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    So… I would like the breakfast you made with the egg and waffle and soy sausage each day while I am there! We will go to Matanzas Creek (Lavender) at least once while I am there… and I will be there with you soon! Can’t wait… Birthday girl πŸ™‚

  • Linda
    May 26, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    Here’s a link to the much-loved tea in today’s post:

    http://chachatea.net/tea/french-breakfast-organicfair-trade

  • Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
    May 26, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    I’M OBSESSED WITH KENDALL-JACKSON!!! I have been blogging about my love for their 2008 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay lately—so perfect for summer! HAVE fun and send my love!

  • bobbi
    May 26, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    Thanks for the shot out sweetie! Congrats on the RIDE and new job:) I SO NEED TO Visit!

  • Jessie
    May 27, 2010 at 4:40 am

    HUGE favor please . . . some morning when you make your loose tea, can you take pictures. I’ve tried loose tea, but it didn’t work too well for me. Love tea, but want to try to make my own, which means getting comfortable with the loose stuff! Thanks!

    Congrats on the job too and way to go you completing the 100 mile bike ride!

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
    May 27, 2010 at 5:16 am

    What an exciting opportunity! Good luck with everything!

    xo
    K

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini
    May 27, 2010 at 9:07 am

    I started packing my own lunches when I realised how much I spent in coffee shops enroute!

    So many congratulations on the new job. Love it when everything clicks into place. I guess this was the reason you weren’t meant to be in Paris this summer eh? πŸ™‚

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    May 28, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    I love Kendall Jackson wine! Good luck in your new position πŸ™‚

  • Sonomawineguy
    June 2, 2010 at 7:24 am

    Jenna,

    I am so happy for you that you landed somewhere that can really utilize your talents. I am sorry things did not work out with Michel Schlumberger and I hope you know that you are always going to be part of the family here. You were great to work with and I hope our paths cross sometime soon. And feel free to send your fans our way.

    All the best,

    Jim Morris
    VP Marketing, Michel Schlumberger