Who Knew?
Check out this cool product: Stainless Steel Drinking Straws from cheftools.com. I had no clue these even existed! A reader recently suggest these to me as a more environmentally-friendly option to my daily iced coffee habit. Who knew they made stainless steal straw? Neat, right?
I also tried a new flavor of coffee this morning: Java Jampit Estate. Mmmm! 
The nice people at CoffeeBeanDirect sent me a few samples to try. I like this flavor a lot! It’s heavy bodied and sort of intense! Perfect for a morning cup!
Breakfast was a double-batch of banana oats (for Mal and me) made with vanilla soy milk and topped with peanut butter and almond slices.
I know that I had made the “switch” to hot coffee for the season, but I really wanted to try the stainless steal straws this morning! 
The stainless steal straws didn’t make my iced coffee taste differently, but it did seem colder! To clean them, you just throw ‘em in the dishwasher. So cool!
Photo on America Society for Nutrition
Emily, a student blogger, recently contacted me about using one of my photos from the Farmer’s Market at Harvard for her post on the American Society for Nutrition’s blog. The post is about locavores and lists ways to use local produce. Be sure to check it out!
Healthworks How-To: Learn to Blog!
Guess who is giving this how-to-blog seminar? Yep, that’s right. Yours truly! 
It’s still a week away, but I am so, so, so nervous! I am terrible at speaking in front of large groups, but I love blogging so much, I couldn’t turn down this opportunity. Plus, maybe it will help me get over my public speaking fear.
Learn to Blog
September 28th, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Back Bay Healthworks Café
Join Healthworks as we welcome Tina, from the Carrots ‘N’ Cake blog for a special how-to-blog seminar. Tina will run through the basics of blogging such as, finding ideas and a theme, the structure of posts, the importance of pictures, and more! Healthworks staff will also be on hand to discuss an exciting new blogging program for Healthworks through which writers receive HW club cash for blog entries. This is an event that you do not want to miss! The session is limited to the first 20 women who show up. Light appetizers will be served. Sign up HERE.
Question of the Day
What’s your Monday Mini Goal for the week?
Mine to to get all of our boxes unpacked before I leave for San Fran on Friday morning.
Posted by: Tina 81 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:18 am
You’ll do great since you’re talking about something you love. It’s all mental, think that you will be fabulous and you will!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:19 am
Wow, what else will they come up with? Those straws are so neat!
Great mini goal. Unpacking is probably worse than packing! Good luck Tina! Have a great Monday!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:23 am
I have never seen anything like those straws! We go through lots of straws around here, so I may have to look into those!
Congrats on your blog seminar!! That is so exciting! I can relate to your nervous feelings; public speaking is scary to me, but I bet you’ll do great!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:32 am
did the coffee taste weird with a steel drinking straw?
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:51 am
cool straws!! i’ve been looking for a reusable straw for ages but have not come upon anything like that. plastic straws are bad but sometimes it’s fun to drink out of a straw. let us know if they work well! (stainless steel seems like maybe an odd choice of material esp for cold drinks!) and if they are hard to clean (i guess maybe you could just pop in teh dishwasher?)
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:57 am
Those straws look so cool! I want to go to your seminar! Yet another reason that I have to move to Boston!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 7:59 am
I would have loved to attend that seminar but sadly I work in the evenings! It sounds like a great idea and I am sure you’ll do well speaking
I saw that your in the new issue of Shape magazine on Meghann’s blog. I have to go buy it now! Congrats!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:12 am
Did the straws taste funny? I have sensitive teeth and just the thought of putting the stainless steel in my mouth is making my teeth aches.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:25 am
I was wondering where Monday mini goals went! This week I need to get the house in order, and find a much more positing attitude about my job search
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:37 am
I hope you’ll post more about those straws. I’m curious how they work out, if they get too cold or taste funny. Either way, that’s a really cool product.
My Monday mini goal is to get all my homework done before the weekend so I can enjoy it.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:38 am
Those straws are a great buy! I always felt so guilty buying plastic straws that I would just end up throwing out. You’ll do great at the seminar!!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:42 am
I thought that said “armpit java.” I’m glad my eyes were deceiving me.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:43 am
My mini goal is to get caught up on homework, and be prepared for my group exercise cert at the end of the week! Yikes!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:48 am
Those straws are cool! I wonder if they would get really cold or hurt your teeth? Hmmm…
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:53 am
Thats so exciting about the blog seminar. You will do great!
My mini goal is to get all my work done by Thursday afternoon and utilize my time wisely this week. ( Two test and a paper)
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:56 am
Neat straws, people think of everything!
My Monday mini-goal is to get two last boxes unpacked that have been neglected in the corner for, errr, a month
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 8:59 am
What a neat idea! I’d just be afraid I’d knock a tooth out, I am constantly hitting them with a glass when I’m not paying attention, it’s amazing it hasn’t happened yet.
But I do like the environmental motivation. I may have to check those out after all
My Monday mini-goal is to find little ways to reduce stress in my life! I don’t have much, but why have any?
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:02 am
Oprah’s been using those straws on her show for over a year now
I’ve had one for about that time too….they’re great!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:04 am
OMG, those straws are awesome. I need those for my smoothies!
My mini goal today is to get all of my work done!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:05 am
I’ve already signed up for your seminar! I can’t wait. Plus, I’m hoping to get a new camera for my birthday the next day… It looks like starting my own blog might be in order. See you next week. You’ll be great.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:07 am
I SOOOO wish I could attend your seminar!!! Wanna come to Florida???
My mini-goal for the day will be to get in bed early to read my new book!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:10 am
Those straws are so cool!
My mini goal is to finish my finance assignment early
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:15 am
Just to get through Monday! I’ve already been at the office for over an hour and I have class tonight for business school from 6-9PM… yikes! Can’t wait for Tuesday.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:16 am
I also never knew they existed! Ha ha! Good luck for your blogging seminar – you’ll be fab
. Mini goal for today is to do 50 squats before bed!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:17 am
Those straws are so cool! I think I would be a little afraid to use them since I’ve got a bad habit of chewing straws. I would worry I would chip a tooth or something!
My mini goal is to get a huge work project I’ve been working on finished.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:18 am
My mini goal is to work out during lunch for the next five days – I’ve been slacking since school started.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:26 am
Congrats Tina..you will do fine! Love the variety of coffee’s and the ss straws…cool!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:27 am
My goal for this week is to spend as little money as possible – after a huge grocery trip and some fall shopping this past weekend, I really need to save money!!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:28 am
My two mini goals are to get all of my running milage in this week while still getting at least 7.5 hours of sleep at night and get my car registered. I am definitely less excited about that second goal…
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:29 am
Those straws are so neat! I’ve never seen them before. My mini goals for the week are to drink more water and make smart food choices. I’m headed to NYC in a few days so I’m going to be faced with many tempatations!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:30 am
those straws are random, and fantastic.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:40 am
Tina, I think its awesome to face your fears. Just remember, public speaking is the #2 biggest fear for most Americans, right after death. So, you are not alone in this! But you are amazing for pushing yourself, facing your fears…. thats how you get over them. You know your stuff and you will be awesome!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:41 am
Congrats on the blog seminar! Wish I lived close enough to attend!
My mini goal for the week is to get packed up and ready for my sprint triathlon this weekend. And to not freak out too much since it is my first!!! :>
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:42 am
How do you clean those straws? I would be worried about something growing inside them if they weren’t cleaned properly but they are an awesome way to be eco friendly.
My monday mini goal is to get my To-Do list under control. Although I did work last week I wasn’t in the office so there were a million things to do when I got back. And I have all of this week’s stuff as well. I’m hoping to get it all under control as quickly and efficiently as possible.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:45 am
Good luck at your speaking event… no doubt that you will be AWESOME. As for my Mon. mini goals – three strength and three cardio sessions (just getting the fitness ball rolling again since having a baby!).
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:49 am
stainless steel straws are a genius idea. always love more ways to be green!
i forgot about monday mini goals – i need to start that again! mine is to not get behind on my to-do lists this week. starting, um – now!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Those drinking straws are awesome! I go through WAY too many straws. I always drink iced coffee and tea from straws. Just those two beverages. Did you get them from the website or a store?? I wonder if I can find them in a store somewhere.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:59 am
I NEED THOSE STRAWS. I have a serious obsession with all things straws. Those are unbelievable.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:12 am
Those straws were a great idea whoever made them. My mini goal is to explore Providencce, the city I live in, more, and check out the mall
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:19 am
This is going to be a stressful week for me – lots of tests!! My goal is to keep it together this week – study for my tests, get my workouts in, and keep my food on track!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:23 am
those straws look rad! congrats on the how-to blogging seminar, you will do great! at least its a subject you know a lot about and not something totally foreign.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:29 am
Congratulations on the feature in SELF! Meghann posted a picture of the article in her post last night. Exciting!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:32 am
I will be on the road for the entire week until Sunday. My goal is to get 4 work outs in between now and Sunday. I do public speaking for my day job so if you need some pointers, I would be happy to chat with you. Great Shape article!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:32 am
@Jess: I meant Shape!!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:36 am
I agree with Ellen, I NEED those straws! My green juice in the morning will taste million ties better with those straws.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:40 am
How do you clean the straws? I love the idea of them but would worry they wouldn’t get clean enough.
My Mini Goal this week- make it to the gym at least 2 more times!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:49 am
This is off topic – I know! – but CONGRATS on the Self article – I saw the pic on Meghann’s blog last night – VERY FLIPPING COOL!
I can’t think of a more deserving blogger to get featured either 
Hope you are having a great day!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:51 am
Whoa those straws might change my life! I think I’;d be worried about cleaning them though… I know those plastic reuseable straws from my kiddie cups back in the day used to get kindddd of nasty haha
Have a great Monday!
Sarah
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:51 am
congrats on the blogging seminar! you will do great…i would love to come but i cannot attend next monday
I am so sad but you will do awesome!
your oats looked great this morning! and the straws are so cool!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 10:55 am
Love the straws! Will have to find some to try out.
Good luck on your blog talk. You’ll rock it!
My Monday mini goals are to bake a pie from scratch for the first time ever, attend three spinning classes, and go for walks after dinner each night.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:10 am
Hi Tina! I’m actually attending that event at healthworks on Monday! I think you’re going to be great! I am so excited! Also have fun in SF! I’m originally from the bay area but been living in Boston for 2 years now. Have fun and make sure you get to eat good california burritos! Have fun!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:12 am
Stainless steel strawz???? Soooo weird! I too wonder if they’d taste funny…
My monday mini goal is to just get through the week with as little procrastination as possible, get work done, work out, exercise, and eat healthy!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:14 am
Mini goal: Get through the normal Monday busy schedule at work and then enjoy my Hot Yoga class tonight!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:16 am
I have never seen these straws and have never heard of them. Pretty cool! Don’t think they sell them here in Europe though…
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:32 am
Those drinking straws look awesome – really cool! My Monday mini-goals are to stay on top of the house work, get my butt working out, and to relax!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 11:42 am
Did those straws feel weird on your teeth? I usually bite my straws so I would be afraid I would chip a tooth or something if I tried them. Monday Mini Goal: try a new recipe this week.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
My Monday mini goal is to not get so stressed at work and to put my health first!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Tina- could you record your talk and post it on your blog so the rest of us who don’t live in Boston can still hear it? I’d love to learn more about blogging from you! My mini-goal this week is to finish writing a talk that I’m giving next week in Detroit- I actually love public speaking! Just envision all of your supportive blog readers in your audience at healthworks when you give your seminar!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I am terrible at public speaking – it terrifies me! But even so, the ‘best’ I’ve done has always been when I am talking about something I know about or feel passionately about – so I am sure you will do great!! Good luck.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I totally need to get some of those straws! Even though I live in New England I drink iced coffee all winter long!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Good luck on the seminar! You will be great. My mini goals are to not stress this week, get my projects done at work, and have a FABULOUS time at BlogherFood! Can’t wait to meet you!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Oh that’s so great! I always feel guilty with straws because they just get thrown away.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Aw how exciting that your holding a seminar at HealthWorks, now i just wish that i could attend! Your going to do awesome i promise!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Uhh my mini goal is to make it to Friday alive
So cool about that workshop! I think I might have to do a social-media seminar at work and I’m NERVOUS because just because I know more about SM than most of the people I work with, I’m by NO means an expert!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
keep us posted on the straws, especially how you clean them. i can imagine that being a challenge if you use for a smoothie.
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I just wanted to see if you had seen this pug photo yet… I nearly died when I saw it
http://deimos2.deviantart.com/art/ZZZzzz-134981554
I think I may have to buy that print!!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 1:12 pm
that is so cool you are instructing a blogging seminar! can’t wait to hear how it goes
jenna
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Stainless steel straws?!?! THAT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I need those straws! I love drinking with straws but I hate wasting. I think I have to get them!
Good luck with the blogging seminar!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 4:48 pm
That’s a really really cool thing
I never thought about all those wasted straws being thrown away. I hate the plastic type straws that come in refillable cups – I feel like they give the drink a really weird taste. But these don’t at all? Interesting! Were they pricy?
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I love this straw! I’ve been looking for an alternative to plastic for years now, but have only seen glass before. This is much less breakable!
on Sep 21st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I would have never thought of stainless steel straws!
I may have to sign up for that blogging seminar! I bet it will be great help.
on Sep 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 am
Hi I love to read your blog everyday its great! But I have noticed you eat peanut butter on alot of your meals. I just wandered if its because you love it so much or is it some sort of diet thing? I was just wondering as I love peanut butter too but don’t eat much as its quite fatty. You be great to here back thanks Tamzin x
on Sep 22nd, 2009 at 5:46 am
@Tamzin: Peanut butter is a wonderful thing! I eat it because I love it. Everything in moderation!
on Sep 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I just signed up for your seminar. I am psyched to learn some blogging tips and tricks. I’m sure you’ll do great. Plus i’ve always been interested in joining Healthworks so I’m going to see if I can take a tour and get membership info.
on Sep 28th, 2009 at 8:25 am
[...] Learn to Blog seminar at Healthworks is tonight! I’m already really [...]
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 7:15 am
[...] was incredibly nervous before the Learn to Blog seminar. The Marketing Director at Healthworks knew this, so she suggested that we meet at Bouchee [...]
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
[...] about the straw makes it feel more milkshake-like. After seeing re-usable straws last week on Tina’s blog, I knew I needed to get them. Re-usable straws that are dishwasher safe – yes [...]
on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 10:17 am
[...] stainless steel straw that I used to drink my office coffee is actually starting to grow on me. At first, I thought it [...]
on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
…. and on another note…. try reusable GLASS straws… do not be afraid, they are made of the very strongest glass with special annealing methods!
(http://glassdharma.com/) They keep beverages tasting pure and you can see how clean they are! You gotta check them out b/c they are even guaranteed against breakage!!… and they are GLASS! make sure to check thier bog to see what it is all about
on Oct 4th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I’ve seen glass straws before, but never stainless steel before. Interesting. If I used straws in any sort of frequency, I would totally seek them out.