A Blue Balloon

on April 17, 2010
in All Posts

Fun afternoon!  I went to the convention center in Orlando to meet with two ladies from the Confidence Coalition. 

The CC “brings together all of the organizations, companies and individuals committed to promoting confidence among girls and women.”  Operation Beautiful is one of those organizations, and since we’ve been talking on the phone a lot, I was really excited to meet these fabulous women!

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One of the CC’s hallmark programs is the “You Make Me Smile” concept.  Organizers hand out balloons to girls and women and ask them to write inspirational phrases on them. 

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I wrote on three balloons and tied them to cars in the parking lot.  One of my balloons said, “You are epic!” 🙂 I would love to get a balloon like that on my car!

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I just love that there are so many great organizations out there that are dedicated to promoting positivity and confidence!  Girl Power!

 

Before I left, I had a protein smoothie featuring my new brown rice protein powder (Jarrow’s):

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Smoothie contained:

 

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups raw spinach
  • 2 scoops protein powder

 

It was kind of chalky.  Definitely not as good as whey protein (I’m trying to cut back on animal products).  It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t buy it again.  I’ll have to search for something new next time.

 

Lunch was an amazing wrap:

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My wrap contained arugula, pilaf, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and hummus.

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Plus, chips and salsa on the side.

 

And I just had a bowl of Grape Nuts and almond milk.

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Um, yes.  There are ice cubes in my cereal because the almond milk wasn’t cold, and there is nothing more disgusting than warm almond milk.  It tastes GREAT chilled, but not so good warm.

 

My Dad is pulling up any minute, and then we need to prep for our bike race.  So much gear to pack!

 

And then we’re going to my birthday dinner (yes, nine days early).  I bet you all can choose where I want to go… 🙂

{ 54 comments }

 

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 17, 2010, 4:46 pm

    Next time you should try the Alive! shake powders…they’re pea protein with other veggies and fruit (kinda like Amazing Meal). I like ’em A LOT!!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 17, 2010, 4:48 pm

    You don’t like warm milk? I kinda do (not cow’s though, blerh) – maybe it’s my inner child 😛
    I love all these girl confidence promoting organisations in the US – Do you know if there are any that function in England? I would so love to get more involved! I think body image/confidence is terrible over here :s
    Have a great dinner!

  • Bec April 17, 2010, 4:51 pm

    good luck in the race tomorrow!

  • Evan Thomas April 17, 2010, 4:57 pm

    Have a great dinner!
    I think you might want to look in to hemp protein more. It does have a good amount of carbs and fats as well, but it’s really packed with nutritional micronutrients and a lot more than just a good source of vegan protein

  • MarathonVal April 17, 2010, 4:58 pm

    Hey Caitlin,

    I hate trying a new protein powder too since those large jugs are so expensive, and you never know if you will like them! But I wanted to let you know that Whole Foods will take back ANYTHING with a receipt, ANYTIME, even if you used the entire product. So, maybe the next time you buy a new brand you can get it from there in case you don’t like it and want to return it. And don’t feel badly about doing so, I used to work there and they really want people to return items they aren’t happy with.

    Have a fabulous weekend and have fun at the race! 🙂

    • Molly @fuelherup April 17, 2010, 5:40 pm

      I looooove that idea! Wow, Whole Foods is expensive, but I guess they take care of their customers!

      2 scoops is a lot of protein powder!- I love my Jay Robb brown rice but I usually use less than one scoop (granted the scoops are big). I just recommend not getting hemp protein! So gross!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 17, 2010, 5:06 pm

    Have a great birthday dinner (early)!

  • Ellen Collis April 17, 2010, 5:15 pm

    So funny about the ice cubes in your cereal! I’m the same way. I like everything that’s supposed to be cold to actually be COLD. Same with hot things…I hate confrontation, but if get a lukewarm latte from Starbucks, I take it back!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) April 17, 2010, 5:19 pm

    You gotta try Jay Robb’s brown rice protein! I promise it’s not chalky 😀

    I love the positivity balloons. It looks like you had a great afternoon!

  • Hilary April 17, 2010, 5:23 pm

    I used to put ice in my milk when I was younger becuase even milk out of the fridge wasn’t cold enough. My husband has to put his int he freezer for a while before he will drink it 🙂

  • Hilary April 17, 2010, 5:24 pm

    Love the baloons, by the way. Sucha great idea!

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle April 17, 2010, 5:34 pm

    enjoy your early b-day dinner! the balloons are a cute idea, love it!

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething April 17, 2010, 5:35 pm

    what a wonderful thing to be involved in! you are an inspiration caitlin for sure 🙂 have a great century tomorrow….i will be thinking of you!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 17, 2010, 5:36 pm

    Bummer about the protein powder!

  • emptynutjar April 17, 2010, 5:46 pm

    That wrap looks amazing. I have heard that sweet potato is great to add to wraps. I need to try that.

  • Maggie April 17, 2010, 5:47 pm

    you really should try Sunwarrior protein powder. it is brown rice and super delish! it is a little pricy, but definetly worth it. you can get it off amazon.com

    good luck on your ride tomorrow!

  • RED April 17, 2010, 5:48 pm

    I highly suggests Vega. I realize it is a bit on the expensive side, but TOTALLY worth every penny when you look at what you’re getting. Not to mention it tastes really good just mixed with water! You can buy small packets to try out each flavor before you splurge on an entire container too! My favorite flavor is Vanilla Chai.

  • Samantha April 17, 2010, 5:48 pm

    I am not lovin the balloons, at all. They are let go and a very bad for birds and fish that find the deflated balloons and eat them. Lots die due to this bielieve it or not.

  • Dori April 17, 2010, 5:50 pm

    Try hemp protein! I see it has been suggested already but I wanted to say it too 🙂

  • Amanda April 17, 2010, 6:03 pm

    I love the idea of the balloons also, so cute!

    We just booked our family vacation for the year to Disney World. Can you imagine I’m 28 years old and have never been. I’m so excited, although it won’t be until October.

    I’m gonna have to get some good veggie restaurant recommendations from you sometime before October. Sadly its the eating I’m looking forward to the most. There aren’t many veggie friendly restaurants in central Alabama, so I can’t wait for some interesting options!

    • caitlin April 17, 2010, 6:08 pm

      ooo you will love disney! it’s great!

  • Div April 17, 2010, 6:14 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I love love your blog (probably my favorite in blog world for the great attitude you seem to have for every event in life) but I’ve never really commented till now. I think this thing you are doing w/ the 26 races by your 26th bday is really cool…do you have a list of the races that you have done or wouldnt mind listing them sometime? It would be cool to get some idea if i wanted to do something similar in upcoming months!

  • Div April 17, 2010, 6:16 pm

    HA NVM! just saw the giant tab labeled “race recaps…” on the blog…oops!! checking it out now!

    • caitlin April 17, 2010, 6:18 pm

      hahaha i always overlook stuff like that too on people’s blog. so yup, those are my recaps!!! 🙂

  • Matt April 17, 2010, 6:17 pm

    Try the brown rice protein powder by Jay Robb. It is really good!

  • michelle April 17, 2010, 6:25 pm

    AMEN to Girl POWER! 🙂 I just started coaching a Girls on the Run team and it’s amazing! I WISH I had something like that when I was growing up. Seeing Confidence Coalition makes me happy and I can’t wait to check them out! Good luck tomorrow!

  • Janna April 17, 2010, 6:32 pm

    Your wraps always look so good and make me want a wrap!

    I like my Amazing Grass. Its so yummy in smoothies. $$$ But worth it, in my opinion.

  • Lauren April 17, 2010, 7:01 pm

    I use Nutribiotic brand vanilla brown rice protein powder. Only 2 ingredients- brown rice pp and vanilla. 1 tablespoon has 12g of protein too! Maybe give that one a try if you can get your hands on it? I can usually find it in individual packets too, so that way you can try it without wasting money.

    GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!! You are going to ride like the wind! Plus, you’re so lucky you get to do it with your Dad! 🙂 Remember like you did today, that the main goal is to HAVE FUN!! 🙂

    • caitlin April 18, 2010, 4:23 pm

      ooo i’ve never heard of Nutribiotic. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

  • Kelly April 17, 2010, 7:01 pm

    What a great organization! Have fun at your early birthday dinner!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward April 17, 2010, 7:06 pm

    Have fun at your dinner! I bet you are getting…Thai?

    Your wrap looks, dare I say, epic! It’s nearly dinner time for me and that pic made my stomach growl 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 17, 2010, 7:21 pm

    Blech, warm milk.. I agree. Not. Good.
    My birthday is Tuesday (the 20th), ours are kind of close!! Have fun at dinner!

    • caitlin April 18, 2010, 4:24 pm

      you have a good birthday 😉

  • Caroline (Ribbons, Roads, Raspberries) April 17, 2010, 7:37 pm

    I LOVE artichoke hearts! And the ice cubes in the cereal cracked me up…when I need to chill something, I pour it over a glass of ice and that makes it colder than just putting ice cubes in. Then I guess you could empty the contents of the glass in the bowl.

  • Alyson @ Nourished Fitness April 17, 2010, 7:42 pm

    What a cool event! Vega just recently came out with a ‘Sport’ line, which I’m really enjoying. Not sure if it’s in stores, but you can order it from their site 🙂

  • runnerforever April 17, 2010, 7:43 pm

    Have a fantastic B-day dinner and good luck on the race!!!

  • Angel April 17, 2010, 7:50 pm

    If you don’t like the ice cubes in your cereal, you can always put the almond milk and a few ice cubes in a martini shaker, give it a quick shake, then strain over the cereal. 🙂

    • caitlin April 18, 2010, 4:24 pm

      hhah that is smart.

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind April 17, 2010, 8:12 pm

    hahaha you WOULD make an epic balloon. definitely would love to get that one.

  • Paige April 17, 2010, 8:23 pm

    I hope you have a wonderful race tomorrow. You never cease to amaze me!!!

  • Ashley K April 17, 2010, 8:42 pm

    I actually really like hemp protein and don’t think it adds any extra flavor. I finally dealt out the cash and got my first bag of Vanilla Sunwarrior! Mmm! It’s worth it! 🙂

  • Amanda (The Shoe Perspective) April 17, 2010, 9:01 pm

    Love the Balloons, veery cute (noted that you were wearing blue to mach!) If I leave Balloons, do they HAVe to be blue?? Just wondering.. I put up 4 OB notes with my friend @ a local cafe.. My mom took away my GIANT post its and my friend had to sing for my mom’s spare pen.. luckily I had mini post its in my other pocket..

    The ice cubes were funny. My neighbor has ice cubes with milk. I can’t really judge, since the last time I had it I was little. (I just don’t like milk.. don’t know why. I wasn’t a budding vegan or anything!)

    HAPPY EARLY B-DAY!! (I really need a purse. Not all my pants have pockets.. Plus, I might neec extra room for post its, pens, balloons, sissors, string, and markers!) 🙂 🙂

    • caitlin April 17, 2010, 9:32 pm

      i think the confidence coalition just uses blue balloons for their logo, but you could do something similar with any balloon! it’s such a good idea!

      • Amanda (The Shoe Perspective) April 18, 2010, 8:32 am

        Now I have to run to the store again. Imagine what my mom will say when I tell her “Mom, I need to go to the Giant to buy some Balloons and string, possibly a helium tank.” (Do you really need helium or not?)

        • caitlin April 18, 2010, 4:25 pm

          haha i think the floating part is key!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 17, 2010, 9:11 pm

    Good luck on your race tomorrow!!! I’ll be thinking about you! 🙂

    If your birthday dinner involves cake, or any kind of food, I’m in 😉

  • Caroline April 17, 2010, 9:26 pm

    Good luck in the race tomorrow. Can’t wait to read all about it. I am with you on the warm milk of any kind in cereal, just not good and I would totally put ice cubes in it. I think I might have to get some grape nuts tomorrow because seeing you eat them lately has made me remember how much I love them!

  • Alison April 17, 2010, 9:58 pm

    My vegan husband was using Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 70 protein powder and it was just a little too chalky for me and our girls, but we drank it in green/chocolate monsters. Then he found a great deal on MH hemp seeds (amazon) and it is sooo much tastier. The seeds add more fat and carbs, but I like that it’s more of a meal relplacer. When he first went vegan he tried a pea protien powder and couldn’t even finish the drink – and that man will eat just about ANYthing! 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 17, 2010, 10:23 pm

    Bummer about the protein powder, I really didn’t like brown rice powder either. That’s why I was so happy to find the pea protein. Something that didn’t taste horrible and didn’t have an awful texture for me!

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear April 17, 2010, 11:24 pm

    The balloons are the cars are so cute! Love Grape Nuts, a staple in my house.

  • Kelly (the Running Phoodie) April 18, 2010, 6:24 am

    I apologize if this has already been suggested, but have you tried hemp protein? That’s what I use in my green monsters and you can’t really taste it.

    • Caitlin April 18, 2010, 6:26 am

      I haven’t tried it. It’s definitely next on my list!

  • Susan April 18, 2010, 7:31 am

    Hahahaha, I don’t know why, but I think the ice cubes in the cereal thing is REALLY funny 😛

  • jessica April 18, 2010, 10:32 am

    I have the same chalkiness problem with brown rice protein powder. I use Jay Robb but I think they are all pretty much the same. I’m so bummed because it’s such a great alternative to whey and egg white powder as I am trying to eliminate as much animal products from my diet as I can and it doesn’t help that whey is the best tasting! Anyway I’m curious to see what you try next. I think I am going to go with pea protein.

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