Cal Orey's Blog

The Healing Powers of TEA GIFT BOOK-- Remarkable forHeart, Immune System, Weight, Longevity...Informative and Entertaining Read...Graced with #1 Bestseller Banner Countless Times

 By Cal Orey

Fall Update: Newsmax NEW Shop online--The Healing Powers of Tea and a description of the  Gift Book!
Autumn again... Many times The Healing Powers of Tea was graced with the bestselling banner on amazon and barnes and noble to walmart...It's a perfect read for autumn and winter...
The Healing Powers of Tea was attracting readers on a variety of online bookseller websites, including amazon, barnes and noble, walmart, kobo, apple, and google.

This book is #6 in the Healing Powers Series... 

Also, the popular, prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Victoria, B.C., Canada will be carrying both The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey in their tearoom gift shop. Foreign rights to Estonia! Publisher's Weekly Review! It's a timeless favorite in the Healing Powers Series. 

The Healing Powers of Superfoods, Honey, Coffee, Vinegar, and Chocolate will also soothe you this autumn just like  The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices. It's the only book infused with TLC of the heart healthy Mediterranean herbs and spices for your nose and taste buds and imagination as I whisk you away around the globe!

The Healing Powers of Tea Kindle Edition(Amazon)by Cal Orey   (Author)4.9 out of 5 stars   #1 Best Sellerin Coffee and Tea

 Top 4 Fall Superfoods for the Tahoe Lifestyle

News | Oct 12, 2025 Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey, M.A. Ah, autumn! I remember the thrill of October, not just for the crisp air, but for that annual quest for pumpkin ice cream at Safeway. My autumn ritual—a pumpkin spice smoothie, a frosty salute to falling leaves and cozy sweaters. It was a simple joy, a delicious welcome to the season. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows cooler, autumn brings with it a bounty of seasonal superfoods that can boost your health during the colder months.

1. Pumpkin: Say hello to a quintessential fall food, and its versatility extends beyond pie. For the Tahoe lifestyle, where outdoor activities are common, pumpkin offers a bonus of nutrients. It’s rich in beta-carotene, a strong antioxidant that the body converts to vitamin A, good for immune health. Best for Tahoe Dishes: A hearty pumpkin and lentil soup is ideal after a chilly dog walk. Also, try pumpkin spice coffee by blending a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon into you’re a.m. coffee or smoothie without sugar.

2. Russet Potatoes: Don’t forget taters are a comforting fall staple. They are an excellent source of complex carbs, providing energy for outdoor activities. Plus, they are a good source of vitamin C to keep colds and the flu bug at bay. Best for Tahoe Dishes: Indeed, baked potatoes loaded with steamed veggies offer a complete meal after exploring the Tahoe basin. Or try a hearty potato and kale gratin for extra nutrients. You can also. Make healthier fries by baking russet potato wedges with olive oil and herbs such as rosemary and thyme, a good companion to grilled salmon with lemon and dill. 

3. Crucifers (Broccoli and Cauliflower): Fall is prime time for cruciferous vegetables, packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. Immune support is key during the seasonal change, and their vitamin C is welcome. Best for Tahoe Dishes: Try kale salads with warm roasted root veggies (like sweet potatoes or carrots) and a vinaigrette. Or a sauteed mix of kale and garlic makes an easy side for lunch of dinner.

4. Apples: Welcome to crisp green, red, and yellow apples, low-fat and low-cal. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help keep blood sugar levels on even keel. Best for Tahoe Dishes: Baked apples with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a spoonful of Greek yogurt make a warm and healthy dessert after a Tahoe dinner. Sliced apples paired with peanut butter for an afternoon snack can fill you up not out. And do try a fall salad with chopped apples, feta cheese, and walnuts for a natural Tahoe treat.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat, (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and The Ghost Ships. Currently, she is writing the new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is http://www.calorey.comShare this story

 By Cal Orey

Time-Traveling Tabby
Paws, Claws, and Quantum Laws: Feline Odyssey Through Dimensions!  In a world where seismic and cosmic events reshape the Earth and alter the fabric of time, an underappreciated cat becomes an unexpected bridge between past and present. As its new owner and cat experience the complexities of time travel, the feline’s heightened senses alert her to impending Earth changes that could redefine their existence. Together they forge a bond, revealing tales of feline companionship while facing the mysteries of the Universe…

In the short story Time-Traveling Tabby: A Journey Through Whiskers and Time, a scribe navigates a complex time-based landscape, and her newly adopted cat becomes a conduit to the past, revealing tales of feline companions from bygone eras. With its keen senses, the cat alerts its owner to an impending celestial event, forging a bond between them that transcends time and space. As the feline peeks into a future time loop in 2032 (impacts of climate change and extreme weather events), it must trust its instincts in order to confirm a calm future. [PAWS ACROSS TIME: ORACLE VISIONARY MARCH 2025, PAGES 18-19--Oracle Visionary | Oracle Visionary March 2025 | MagCloud]  

The tale revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned prose weaver who takes “Gatsby” on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21st century, and eventually, the future. The feline narrator tells the saga of adventures, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these feline tales, he feels a strong desire to prove himself and fill the paws of the scribes’ past adopted cats who endured Earth changes through decades in the U.S.:

• 1970s:  In 1975, on the island of Hawaii (Big Island), the Kilauea volcano erupted, causing geological changes.

• 1980s: The eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State in 1980 caused widespread destruction and ash fallout.

• 1990s: Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, leading to catastrophic flooding and a humanitarian crisis.

• 1999: Y2K concerns over potential computer system failures at the turn of the millennium led to widespread preparations that fizzled with minimal disruption.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi/Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent earthquake, which he warns his owner about by scratching at the closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby’s wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense the earthquake and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi elements in the story, showcasing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past felines who survived earth changing events, creates a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond. 

Take a peek at an excerpt from the Time-Traveling Tabby:

THE SHAKE-UP - Time's Tectonic Shift

Then, BAM! seismic waves shook my senses for two days…

The sensitive woman noticed my odd scratching the closet door;

I saw flocks of birds fly away from rumbling to come,

An earthquake imminent; shaking and rolling floor—and MORE!

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Themes

The story is heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi/fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws. (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and an electrifying co-authored sci-fi-/fantasy trilogy--The Ghost Ships. Her website is www.calorey.com 

 The Healing Powers of Tea and Honey Books Graced with Bestseller Banner Countless Times!

Did you know wellness in a cup is in your kitchen cupboards? Tea, much like a best friend, is the versatile superfood that can be enjoyed as an amazing constant home cure, an age-fighting treatment, relaxing beauty remedy, household cleaner, and even infused in your favorite dishes--from Strawberry Banana Tea Muffins to Scallops in Black Tea Marinade!

As noted on the back cover of The Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide To Nature's Special Remedy (Citadel Press, Kensington)--

It picks you up and calms you down, warms you and refreshes you. With black, white, green, and herbal varieties, there's a tea for every taste, and now this time-honored superfood is trending as the drink of choice for health-conscious people of all ages and cultures.

Welcome to Tea Land!
This fascinating book boils down the rich history of tea--as well as the ever-expanding list of health and weight loss benefits found in its leaves.  

But this special one-of-a-kind tea book does so much more. It's sweetened with lively up close and very personal home and family to on-the-road stories with twists, turns, and real feelings (bonding with people and pets of all ages with tea as a vehicle) paired with inspiring legends about tea from yesteryear.
Discover how tea is a drink that goes back in history as well as the center for tea parties--stirs the imagination for the young at home and serves up exciting teas and treats in beautiful tea rooms for older people young at heart. (page 19)

Find out exactly how far people, perhaps like you, too, will go to get a cup of tea (a variety of types) no matter where you are or who you're with--man, woman, a group of people or dog--for survival's sake! (page 136)

Get the latest information from tea experts on how the superfood can tackle anxiety and depression during life's ups and downs--and big family losses linked to pain, grief, anger, acceptance, and a comeback to move on. (pages 145) 

Feel thrills  and novelty vicariously experiencing adventures in traveling through wilderness up and down the West Coast, Midwest, Deep South, Northeast and Canada and cultural shock in new places but always tea soothing and part of the memory.   Alone with a canine companion, a new love, or in the company of wise elderly women and men--tea is a drink to cherish, a drink that bonds people.  (page 77-78)

Stir up over 50 home cures to give yourself more energy, less stress--and feel younger, more happiness, vim and vigor while traveling or at home! (pages 155-156)

After a 3000 mile flight plan, imagine your fantasy-come-true final destination and you can relax with a cuppa tea and sense of adventure in a foreign country after the trials and tribulations in the process of getting there (plane, train, bus, cab, shuttle bus) and feeling homesick but tea helped calm the pain. (pages 191-192)

Enjoy super comforting and tea-licious recipes like Warm Scones with Jam and Assorted Finger Sandwiches. (pages 225-226; Tea Menu, pages 238-272)


And so much more! Enjoy the intriguing and unforgettable tales that reveal feelings of joy, loneliness, love, longing, security and comfort--all tea-inspired in The Healing Powers of Tea--#6 in the Healing Powers series.  
This very special, intimate book is full of new research, new recipes, and new home cures, penned from the tea-loving author's heart and soul  pairs well with the upcoming gift size mass market The Healing Powers of Honey, Feb. 27!  Also, The Healing Powers of Tea is the perfect companion with The Healing Powers of Coffee and The Healing Powers of Chocolate. The collection is a vailable at fine bookstores (on and offline). Or grab the Gift Book at newsmax.com/tea  for a special excerpt and more!  

October 3, 2022 on Amazon

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XZQKD4FPublisher ‏ : ‎ Citadel Press (December 26, 2017)Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 26, 2017Language ‏ : ‎ EnglishFile size ‏ : ‎ 2839 KBText-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ EnabledScreen Reader ‏ : ‎ SupportedEnhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ EnabledX-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not EnabledWord Wise ‏ : ‎ EnabledPrint length ‏ : ‎ 322 pagesLending ‏ : ‎ EnabledBest Sellers Rank: #1,329 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)#1 in Alternative Therapies#1 in Healthy Living#1 in Health Reference

 The Healing Powers of Tea and Honey Books Graced with Bestseller Banner Countless Times!

Did you know wellness in a cup is in your kitchen cupboards? Tea, much like a best friend, is the versatile superfood that can be enjoyed as an amazing constant home cure, an age-fighting treatment, relaxing beauty remedy, household cleaner, and even infused in your favorite dishes--from Strawberry Banana Tea Muffins to Scallops in Black Tea Marinade!

As noted on the back cover of The Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide To Nature's Special Remedy (Citadel Press, Kensington)--

It picks you up and calms you down, warms you and refreshes you. With black, white, green, and herbal varieties, there's a tea for every taste, and now this time-honored superfood is trending as the drink of choice for health-conscious people of all ages and cultures.

Welcome to Tea Land!
This fascinating book boils down the rich history of tea--as well as the ever-expanding list of health and weight loss benefits found in its leaves.  

But this special one-of-a-kind tea book does so much more. It's sweetened with lively up close and very personal home and family to on-the-road stories with twists, turns, and real feelings (bonding with people and pets of all ages with tea as a vehicle) paired with inspiring legends about tea from yesteryear.
Discover how tea is a drink that goes back in history as well as the center for tea parties--stirs the imagination for the young at home and serves up exciting teas and treats in beautiful tea rooms for older people young at heart. (page 19)

Find out exactly how far people, perhaps like you, too, will go to get a cup of tea (a variety of types) no matter where you are or who you're with--man, woman, a group of people or dog--for survival's sake! (page 136)

Get the latest information from tea experts on how the superfood can tackle anxiety and depression during life's ups and downs--and big family losses linked to pain, grief, anger, acceptance, and a comeback to move on. (pages 145) 

Feel thrills  and novelty vicariously experiencing adventures in traveling through wilderness up and down the West Coast, Midwest, Deep South, Northeast and Canada and cultural shock in new places but always tea soothing and part of the memory.   Alone with a canine companion, a new love, or in the company of wise elderly women and men--tea is a drink to cherish, a drink that bonds people.  (page 77-78)

Stir up over 50 home cures to give yourself more energy, less stress--and feel younger, more happiness, vim and vigor while traveling or at home! (pages 155-156)

After a 3000 mile flight plan, imagine your fantasy-come-true final destination and you can relax with a cuppa tea and sense of adventure in a foreign country after the trials and tribulations in the process of getting there (plane, train, bus, cab, shuttle bus) and feeling homesick but tea helped calm the pain. (pages 191-192)

Enjoy super comforting and tea-licious recipes like Warm Scones with Jam and Assorted Finger Sandwiches. (pages 225-226; Tea Menu, pages 238-272)


And so much more! Enjoy the intriguing and unforgettable tales that reveal feelings of joy, loneliness, love, longing, security and comfort--all tea-inspired in The Healing Powers of Tea--#6 in the Healing Powers series.  
This very special, intimate book is full of new research, new recipes, and new home cures, penned from the tea-loving author's heart and soul  pairs well with the upcoming gift size mass market The Healing Powers of Honey, Feb. 27!  Also, The Healing Powers of Tea is the perfect companion with The Healing Powers of Coffee and The Healing Powers of Chocolate. The collection is a vailable at fine bookstores (on and offline). Or grab the Gift Book at newsmax.com/tea  for a special excerpt and more!  

October 3, 2022 on Amazon

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XZQKD4FPublisher ‏ : ‎ Citadel Press (December 26, 2017)Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 26, 2017Language ‏ : ‎ EnglishFile size ‏ : ‎ 2839 KBText-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ EnabledScreen Reader ‏ : ‎ SupportedEnhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ EnabledX-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not EnabledWord Wise ‏ : ‎ EnabledPrint length ‏ : ‎ 322 pagesLending ‏ : ‎ EnabledBest Sellers Rank: #1,329 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)#1 in Alternative Therapies#1 in Healthy Living#1 in Health Reference

 Color therapy in Tahoe’s autumn; Warm up to nature’s superfoods

News | Oct 28, 2024

Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey, M.A.

Did you know? Color therapy during the autumn season in Tahoe can enhance your mind-body connection by utilizing warm fall hues like oranges, rich reds, and golden yellows in each room. These colors are key to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and tranquility, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing stress. And adding fall superfoods to your home will be the final touch!

ROOM BY ROOM

Living Room (Harvest Palette)

Conceal flaws naturally. If you have a favorite sofa or love seat with wood, it’s frustrating when surface scratches taint your beloved piece of furniture due to wear and tear. I tried using a shelled walnut to mask the unsightly imperfections. It seemed to conceal to a scratch or two, but it isn’t perfect. I decided to put the brown colored nuts in a pretty glass container on a shelf (away from the cat) and live with the furniture character flaws.

Dining Room (Autumn Sophistication)

Add bowls of fresh fruit. Superfruit, such as red apples and green apples, add life to the dining room while it’s being used for entertainment. In a film with Jennifer Aniston, she got flustered when her partner forgot to bring home from the store more than less lemons to be used for the elegant centerpiece on the table. I must admit a bowl of nine lemons looks nice and lucky nine is a number linked to completion.

Earthy Kitchen (Spiced Earth Tones)

Display Nature’s Cleaners: Use lemon and water. In a nice spray water bottle, add juice from one fresh lemon, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and fill up with tap water. This can be used to clean countertops, inside the microwave, and on top of the oven. It cuts through dirt and grease, leaving a nice fragrance. Place a bowl of green avocadoes and Roma tomatoes on the countertop.

Provide a Water Spritzer: A water bottle on the countertop is a great way to keep healthy plants green and thriving.

Natural Bedroom (Rustic Warmth)

Provide a Water Pitcher: Add water in a container on top of a dresser or by the bed. Drinking water first thing in the morning is a healthful practice to get used to doing, plus it adds a fresh look and feel by adding nature’s super superfood. If you want to enhance a getaway vibe add a dark chocolate bar and oranges (where kids and pets can’t get to them).

Scented Bathroom (Cozy Neutral)

Nature’s Soaps: In the shower or by the tub add superfood beauty products for a down-to-earth healthy vibe. My shower includes a body wash infused with oatmeal. Bar soaps include extracts of oatmeal and citrus.

Green Cleaners: To clean an enamel sink or toilet, try an all-natural homemade lemon scrub. Combine juice from one fresh lemon with ½ cup all-natural laundry soap.

Home Office (Nature’s Tapestry)

Maintain a Water Decoration: Trickling water in a natural fountain is a way to keep nature inside and maintain a sense of calm for you and visitors. Dental and doctor offices as well as health spas often contain flowing waterfall objects. And bring in that water pitcher infused with fresh slices of lemon and oranges.

Mountain Colors for Fall Therapy

Create feelings of warmth and comfort linked to wellness in the fall season…

Living Room, the heart of the home, Harvest tones provide a super calming atmosphere. Terracotta captures fallen leaves and adds warmth. Forest green and burnt orange accent colors such as throws and throw pillows add a cozy effect.Dining Room: Red and off-white give a rustic yet elegant look, autumn vibe. Golden yellows can brighten a space with an autumn feel.Kitchen, for functionality, pumpkin orange provides energy. soft gray can create an inviting atmosphere.Bedroom: For a retreat vibe, choose warm neutrals. Taupe or brown provide warm and comfort, for relaxation. Greens evoke tranquility.Home Office: Cozy grays and brass accents feel modern and warm. Deep blue and greens promote focus.

Adapted from the popular book The Healing Powers of Superfoods based on the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet (Kensington).

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and the new book Courage with Paws. (Book 2 in December). She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

 Fruit smoothie for fall season (recipe)

News | Sep 30, 2018

Cal Orey
M.A., Tahoe Daily Tribune
Smoothies with fresh fruit and spices are perfect for fall.
shutterstock / gowithstock

Autumn has arrived. During Indian summer the crisp mornings and warm afternoons can play tricks on your mind and palate.

You may crave hot, comfort food at night but during the day a cool and creamy fall-ish fruit beverage can feed your cravings — and it is oh so refreshing. Sound familiar?

When I first moved to the South Shore I was infatuated with the town, feeling like I landed in heaven. During the first fall walking was my favorite mode of exercise. One afternoon after walking to the Lake, down to the casinos and along U.S. 50, I stopped at McDonald’s. 

I ordered a chocolate shake (the calories I burned gave me allowance, I rationalized) and continued on my walkathon, sipping the cold chocolate drink. I started analyzing (blame it on the sugar high) the shake.

My health-oriented food cop inner voice said, “Fake food.” But I tuned out the voice of reason and continued this ritual walk-for-a-shake phase. As the seasons passed, I weaned myself off the fast food shakes. I went back into time and embraced the world of smoothies — a trend that soared in the 1960s and ’70s. I’d whip up a superfood drink or buy one at a health food store.

But then, I moved on to convenience fast food like Lean Cuisine casseroles and diet colas (I know, I know) and shut off the guilt feelings as I drank the chemical bubbly and got the caffeine high.

Lately, I, like many health nuts, have rediscovered wholesome and scrumptious smoothies for nutrition and convenience. So, I celebrated the changes we see, smell and feel by putting together a group of fall fruit, warm spices, local honey, and some chill ingredients.

Here, take a look at the Lake Tahoe-inspired recipe for smoothies with autumn stuff.

FALL FRUIT AND SPICE SMOOTHIE

¼ cup pear, chopped

¼ cup pumpkin, canned

½ banana, sliced

¼ cup orange juice, fresh squeezed or fortified juiced

½ cup vanilla bean gelato

1 tablespoon wheat germ (optional)

1 teaspoon honey

¼ cup ice cubes

Ground pumpkin spice to taste

Basil or mint sprigs for garnish

1 teaspoon walnuts, chopped

In a blender put in fruit, juice, gelato, honey, ice and spices. Whip or blend (a smoothie button is ideal) until thick and creamy. Pour into a glass mug.

Top with basil or mint and nuts. Serve with a straw. Serves one. (Double the recipe if you’d like.)

Using premium gelato and fresh ice will make your smoothie thick. The pear apple combination with spice is a nice touch for the beginning of the new season.

And sipping nature’s mix is a super welcome to all the sensory changes we’re going to experience in the upcoming days and nights.

Enjoy this fall harvest smoothie day or night for its wholesome goodness which is good for your body, mind and spirit.

Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, and Superfoods) published by Kensington. The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

Tahoe Daily Tribune, By Cal Orey

Hello sweet fall. The word is, the autumnal equinox arrives on Tuesday, Sept. 22. As we cope with Mother Nature’s unpredictable twists and turns (and eagerly anticipate our clean mountain air and clear blue skies), there are plenty of super wonders to embrace in the new season right now!

Here, take a peek at some of your favorite foods — you can enjoy without a lot of cooking or baking. More good news: You’ll enhance your immune system and heart health to stay healthy and strong. Also, some of these picks will keep you from packing on more pandemic pounds. And, other choices will boost your physical energy and mood. Read on – stock up your fridge and pantry.

Fresh Seasonal Fruit: Apples (Honeycrisp), oranges and berries (yes, strawberries are still available). Research shows that diets high in fiber help keep you full. Low-fat, fiber-rich fruit also promotes regularity. The result: A flatter tummy. Try a decadent and healthful warm cobbler teamed with a scoop of calcium-rich all-natural vanilla yogurt with autumn fresh fruit, and drizzle sweet balsamic vinegar on top. 

Potassium-Rich Foods: Bananas, dried apricots and cranberries are high in potassium and used in baking during fall. They act as natural diuretics, which may reduce bloating. These are good plain or put into all-natural healthful nut breads and muffins that you make and bake.

Cheese: Don’t skip good cheese because it’s a good source of calcium and other nutrients such as protein and vitamin A — and it’s creamy and tasty in veggie pastas and hot, toasty sandwiches. But think moderation and real cheese (no fake stuff). Sharp cheddar, feta, provolone are good to get satisfaction from a small amount.

Olive Oil: Adding a little extra virgin olive oil to your cooking and baking — like cheese — can help stave off unhealthy food cravings. Not to forget olive oil is a monounsaturated fat which is proven to be heart healthy, may stave off cancer, and help you to keep your weight in check.

Nuts: Almonds (as are other nuts) used in cooking and baking are a great godsend. They’re high in zinc, rich in antioxidant E, contain some B vitamins, and sodium is very low. The crunchy texture is great in a fall salad or nutrient-dense chewy cookie without chemicals and preservatives and chock-full of those dried fruits.

Chocolate: Not just a fall holiday food–it’s a year-round health food. Dark chocolate sea salt cashews, for instance, contain protein and iron. Nine scrumptious nuts contain about 200 calories, zero cholesterol, only 60 mg sodium–and its compounds can give you that feel-good boost for your mind, body, and spirit. Count on it. Chocolate is oh so versatile — it’s not just a dessert. And yep, it can help you cut craving for fattening sweet foods.

H20: It’s more of a challenge to drink water (not a food exactly but essential for survival) than eat chocolate in the colder months but it can be done. Yeah, I’m doing it now. Try adding a twist of orange, lemon or orange to bottled water. If you purchase water, you’ll feel more obligated to drink up. It’s good for you from head to toe…

Herbal Tea: Speaking of water, sipping a cup (or two) of a hot, steaming and healing herbal teas (such as vitamin C-rich rose hips and chamomile) can help you to fight colds and flu; relieve stress and anxiety (so you won’t be tempted to overeat). Black and green teas are chock-full of disease-fighting antioxidants. One cup of green tea has no fat, sodium, sugar, or calories.

Tomatoes: These little wonders, hot or cold-are rich in the antioxidant lycopen, a cancer fighter and wonder for filling whole grain rice dishes for dinner to healthy and fresh salads. One cup of chopped tomatoes has just 35 calories. Because of this, tomatoes are a fat-free, nutrient-rich, and versatile fall filler in many hearty meals.

Pumpkin: The alpha carotene in pumpkin (like sweet potatoes), a fall favorite, makes this superfood a nutritional bonanza, rich in heart-healthy carotenoids, potassium, magnesium, and folate, all of which may protect you from heart disease. This comfort food has only 25 calories per half cup and no fat. During the colder days, a warming and healthful dessert is a slice of pumpkin pie (store bought or homemade) teamed with a steaming cup of hot coffee.

Bonus, a Cup of Cocoa: Don’t forget savoring a cup of hot chocolate made with low-fat milk or water for that European touch — and it will nurture your spirit and warm your soul.

(Excerpt adapted from The Healing Powers of Superfoods)

Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, HonTey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) 

 Tea and Honey Book Author Goes Back in Time

by Admin April 16, 2023California  GirlBy Cal Orey

A few years back before our world changed, I traveled. A lot. Now I just time travel into different places and centuries because it's safe, fun, and it does pay by keeping my books in the limelight.
It's a new year, new month--a time for renewal. It's quiet at Lake Tahoe. Yes, it's still off season and bliss. Snow covered ground is showing dirt and cloud cover promises spring rain and trees will soon blossom. So why in the world did I take a business-vacay to Monterey?  Let's me take you back a few years...

I love Big Little Lies and second season won't air until 2019.  Because I'm booked at Gilroy's Barnes and Noble for a book discussion/signing it makes sense to go. And most of all because I have a history with the California Coast.

After all, it's a breathtaking place chock-full of Mother Nature at her finest that I've gone with the favorite men in my life. Yep, romantic images come to mind. Eating dinner at an ex's home with a living room view of the Pacific Ocean. Another love and I drove to Monterey and enjoyed that 17 mile drive and sunning on the beaches. And the last one, the love of my life and the one who got away, well...Cannery Row strolls, munching on fish and chips and smelling the ocean air reminds me of  West Coast heaven. 

This time around the trip is for me. It will be a time to revisit the past. Living in Santa Cruz Mountains and visiting the coast was a frequent past-time. Going to the Garlic Festival, viewing fields of lettuce and artichokes, and enjoying coffeehouses (especially for the tea and honey with bagels) up and down California coastline brings back fond days and nights. Not to forget when I was a kid I swam and surfed in sea that I'm going to revisit.

Flashback to my freewheeling days living in San Jose, 30 miles from the coast.  One Easter break, I hitchhiked south to Big Sur, a place to go and fall in love with the great outdoors. Without a penny in my pocket and no hotel for me, I slept on the beach in a sleeping bag with my dog surrounded by no name strangers from places around the country. Under the stars and circled around the bonfire we'd share road tales trying to one up each other. Adventures like me being stranded in Colorado and told by a highway patrolman to walk out of the state because hitchhiking was prohibited  to the night I slept with one eye open, arms wrapped around my black Lab on a private property in the Mojave Desert (fearing snakes) got interest. I didn't drink alcohol that night on the beach, but I did savor tea--and was bullied for my clean lifestyle.  In the morning without a hangover and feeling rejuvenated, I left paradise and traveled north to return to real life--college with the goal of becoming an author...


Coming Home
Decades later, this time around, I'll be at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Gilroy and dishing on my two latest books--The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey.  After it will be time to reconnect with Monterey and Pacific Grove (places John Steinbeck lived life and shared with his readers), bond with an otter, experience the sound of waves instead of looking at the Lake--and I'll watch the sun set over the sea and rise--instead of the majestic Sierra. So, who says you can't go back home? This Healing Powers series author is doing just that. 



Author Event, Author Signing, Author Discussion (Health & Fitness) 
Saturday April 21, 2018 2:00 PM 

      
The Healing Powers of HoneyBy Cal Orey
Publish Date: 02/27/2018
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The Healing Powers of TeaBy Cal Orey
Publish Date: 12/26/2017
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Gilroy Gilroy Crossing
6825 Camino Arroyo
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-846-5777

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Friday, March 17, 2023

By Cal Orey
Over the decades I've been an author at dozens and dozens of book signings. 

Some book events I've teamed with well-known people featured in my books.  We were greeted by TV cameras, radio station hosts, a microphone and rows of people in the audience. Others, guide dogs to adoption cats upstaged me, the author, and nobody wanted me to speak out or sign a book. You just never know what's going to happen at a book signing--and the thing is, I continue to get booked and go on the road for the thrill of the unknown...
Last weekend on Saint Patrick’s Day, for instance, I took a leap of faith and drove over the snow shrouded mountain (with my Australian shepherd in tow and survival food) to attend a book discussion/signing for number six, the Healing Powers series tea tome.  So much for lucky holidays and numbers, I thought. The roads were icy, cars were moving at a snail’s pace, and a couple of times I mumbled, “I’m turning back.”After all, Stephen King made an appearance. "How can I follow an act like that?" Not a chance. Ironically, the bookstore manager called me two days before my book signing. Her news was that my box of more than 40 books sold out. I should have called it a signing...But no, I offered to make the trek and bring more tea books.
Knowing I was stocked up on granola bars, salt and vinegar potato chips, bottled water, and canine chow seemed a bit calming for a snow day raining on my parade. While there were a few close skidding out of control moments, no “Misery” car crash for this food book series author. 
On the way home, I wondered, “Why didn’t I bake chewy cookies and bring tea?”  A sobering flashback of hitchhiking in my twenties through
a blizzard in Wyoming with my black Lab (not a snow-loving dog) paid me a visit and reminded me, "This too shall pass." We survived--and this time around, too.Worse, the manager served up iced tea and bits of cookies. It looked like a Jim Jones Kool-Aid event. I was embarrassed. Why not serve hot tea and petite scones? After an hour or less--I left and rescued my pooch. If my books sold on their own, they'll sell again, I thought.
Back in the cozy cabin I made a fire, brewed a fresh cup of hot chamomile (two cups, actually), and cuddled with my action-oriented Aussie and zen-like Siamese. After a day of adventure, cravings for fresh coconut macaroons were on my mind. 
After all, it’s still winter-like weather in the Sierra and a home-baked cookie (filling the house with a sweet aroma) paired with an over-sized cup of my favorite beverage is super comforting and takes me to a place I love. This recipe is inspired by my new tea book The Healing Powers of Tea (infused with soul, thanks to pro chef recipes and gritty, heartwarming stories, and tearooms I visited both in and out of the country during research in Tealand).
While the drive in a post-snowstorm wasn’t as horrific as I had thought it could be, the chips were super stress reducers, but herbal tea and warm homemade cookies would have been more soothing. Next time around during a drive in the snow or rain, I’ll pack a thermos of tea and snowflake cookies.

--Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the book series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs & Spices) published by Kensington and available at fine bookstores everywhere. (The collection has been featured by One Spirit, Literary Guild, and the Good Cook Book Club.)  Her website is www.calorey.com Also, the Gift Book is offered by newsmax.com/tea