Husband drove me to yoga class this morning!  I invited him to come, but he begged off, saying the class was a little too “advanced” for him.  It’s not that advanced, but I think hot yoga makes him nervous. 🙂

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Do you ever actually follow the teacher’s breathing instructions?  I know the rule is “breath before pose” but I tend to breathe shallow and at my own pace.  Today I decided to try to breathe exactly as the instructor told me, and it was a much better experience!  I even made all the appropriate noises – Haaaaahhhh!

 

My legs, ankles, and hips are extremely tight and painful for some reason.  I think running a fast 5K on Saturday and then 3 more slow miles + clubbin’ that night did me in.  Yoga helped a little!

 

Last Wednesday, I wrote an Operation Beautiful note on the board in the women’s bathroom, and today the teacher asked everyone if they had seen the note yet!  She had memorized it and used it as the “yoga thought” at the end of class!

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I just smiled into my yoga mat and didn’t say anything!  :)  Cool that it’s still up!

 

The Husband picked me up after the class, and we went to my favorite lunch spot – Dandelion CommuniTea.

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I love hippie restaurants!

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We sat at the table with the Norris Family chair (my maiden name is Noris)!  How neat!

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My meal included lentil soup with chips.  This soup was so flavorful!  It tasted just like a yummy Indian meal.

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And the raw veggie spring rolls with peanut sauce.

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We drove home, and I checked the mail to discover lots of fun presents!  My family and friends are so sweet to me.  I appreciate you all so much!  And thanks to the blogosphere for all the sweet messages.  🙂

 

My mom gave me this pretty bracelet.

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My former boss wrote me a really nice letter:

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My BFF Sarah sent me a Great Britain t-shirt (the Husband is English)! I love it.

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And Chocomize sent me a sample of customizable chocolate!  I don’t do a lot of product reviews for the blog, but when they asked if I wanted to try some of their chocolates, I said yes immediately!

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I thought the Chocomize website was awesome.  There are so many different flavors and toppings for the chocolates (like lavender, poppy seed, ginger, and tons of other stuff).  A gift card to the website would be such a good birthday present!  I had a small segment.

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If you want to try the bars, use the coupon code seebriderun for 10% off!  Happy My Birthday to youuuuu!  🙂

 

It’s been such a fun day so far.  I’m off to spend time with the Hus!

{ 110 comments }

 

  • Heather @ (The Single Dish) April 26, 2010, 1:17 pm

    Happy Birthday! Getting presents and cards in the mail is the best! Enjoy the rest of your day!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 26, 2010, 1:18 pm

    Sounds like you’re having a good day! The lunch looks delicious 🙂
    I love love love that OB note, that made me smile 🙂 You must have felt pretty proud 😛
    Have a great afternoon!
    Ps Can I also say how glowing and happy you look!?

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit April 26, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Happy Birthday Caitlin! Hope the rest of your day is as lovely as the first half 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 26, 2010, 1:23 pm

    That sounds like an absolute perfect bday! Yay!!
    And your lunch, to die FOR! I loooove spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 26, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I find that saying Sat on the inhale and Nam on the exhale helps me focus.
    It means I am the Truth.

  • Diana April 26, 2010, 1:24 pm

    Aw, that restaurant is so cute. 🙂
    Glad you’re having a good day!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet April 26, 2010, 1:24 pm

    Love that bracelet! Very cool. And your lucnh looks delish.

  • Sarah April 26, 2010, 1:25 pm

    happy birthday caitlin! hope you have a great day!

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story April 26, 2010, 1:26 pm

    What a cool little lunch place! Sounds like your day is going quite well! 🙂

  • *Andrea* April 26, 2010, 1:26 pm

    happy bday!!!

  • Michele April 26, 2010, 1:28 pm

    That quite possible could be the coolest little restaurant ever!

    Happy birthday!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 26, 2010, 1:28 pm

    Aww looks like you’re having an amazing day! That restaurant looks so cute.. i love hippy restaurants too. I’m like your hus though – scared of hot yoga! But trying to talk myself into trying it.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 26, 2010, 1:31 pm

    Cute restaurant! And I LOVE that bracelet that your mom gave you– so pretty!

    Your hub should try hot yoga with you– Ryan was really scared the first time we did it together, but he ended up LOVING it!

  • Erica April 26, 2010, 1:32 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 26, 2010, 1:33 pm

    Nothing better than presents in the mail!!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 26, 2010, 1:36 pm

    happy birthday again 🙂

    sounds like an amazing day! and that restaurant is SO CUTE…i want your lunch now! i love seeing chocomize on everyone’s blogs! now if only i could procure some i’d be in heaven 🙂

  • Lisa C. April 26, 2010, 1:37 pm

    What an amazing day so far!

  • Evan Thomas April 26, 2010, 1:38 pm

    Those spring rolls look tasty. I definitely need to find a decent peanut sauce recipe

  • caronae April 26, 2010, 1:42 pm

    Oh my goodness, happy birthday Caitlin! I did not know it was today. You are a very special person indeed. Here’s to many more fabulous birthdays!
    xoxo Caronae

  • Sarah April 26, 2010, 1:46 pm

    Looks like a great day so far!
    Happy Birthday, Caitlin:-)

  • jenna April 26, 2010, 1:48 pm

    happy birthday! looks like a great day so far 🙂

    jenna

  • Dee April 26, 2010, 1:49 pm

    Happy Birthday Caitlin! Looks like you’re having a blast!

  • Christie {Honoring Health} April 26, 2010, 1:51 pm

    Looks like you are having a great birthday so far!

    Yes, I always breathe at the instruction of the teacher but I have always practice vinyasa (which loosely translated means to flow with breath) yoga and learned from the beginning that the breath is the most important thing. Focusing on your breath is really what the yoga practice is all about and your breath is your guide. We are always reminded that if our breathing becomes labored or shallow then that means it is time to back off. I think that the more you practice and the more you let your breath be your guide, you will start to truly reap all of the rewards of yoga.

    • Kim April 26, 2010, 2:55 pm

      Ditto! I was just going to post the same thing, Christine!

      You’ll find if you breathe as the instructor guides you that you’ll be able to get deeper into your poses as well.

      Also, if you’re having a hard time getting a hang of the breathing think of it as ocean breath. The sound it makes in your throat should sound like the waves coming in and going out. Or, Darth Vader breath if you prefer. 😉

      Seriously tho, embrace the breathing! I use it at night when I can’t sleep, too.

      Kim

  • ~Jessica~ April 26, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Happy birthday! I can’t believe the amazing amount you’ve achieved already and you’re only 26! Despite being two years younger than you, I feel that I have a way to go before I can reach any of my goals or be anywhere near as successful as you. Thank you for being such a role model and inspiration to myself and so many others, and enjoy the rest of your day!

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 1:56 pm

      your goals are right around the corner!! 🙂

  • Christina April 26, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Happy Birthday!!!!!!! I’ve seen that cafe on your blog so many times and it always looks delicious, the next time I’m in Florida I’m going to check it out!

  • Rachel April 26, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Happy Birthday!!

    Glad you are having such a wonderful day so far.

  • brandi April 26, 2010, 1:52 pm

    happy birthday!!!! Sounds like a great day so far 🙂

  • Kelly April 26, 2010, 1:56 pm

    Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like the perfect day so far!

  • Marlene April 26, 2010, 1:57 pm

    Happy Birthday!! Over here we call it a “champagne” birthday. I had mine two years ago when I turned 28 on the 28th. It’s fun to be born later in the month, because then you can better take advantage of your champagne/golden birthday.

    Have a great rest of day!!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 26, 2010, 2:00 pm

    How fun! What a fabulous day you’re having and it’s only half over. :mrgreen:

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! April 26, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Isn’t it nice when everyone shows lots of love to you on your birthday, makes you feel so good! I haven’t always had that in birthday’s past so it was nice to this year…..=)

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

  • emily April 26, 2010, 2:09 pm

    What a fun day! I just turned 30 on the 20th myself.
    I wish I had been as level-headed and goal-oriented as you in my 20s. Sigh, I am who I am, right?
    Happy Birthday!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 26, 2010, 2:15 pm

    O M G ! That chocolate looks fantastic, so does the soup, and so do those raw veggie spring rolls! I must be hungry, because I want to eat my screen! =)

  • Amy @ Second City Randomness April 26, 2010, 2:17 pm

    Your customized chocolate looks like heaven! I’m glad you had a great birthday!

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats April 26, 2010, 2:18 pm

    that restaurant looks so neat! I’m jotting that name down and are def gonna attempt to make those spring rolls on my own 🙂 happy bday again my dear! live it up

  • Matt April 26, 2010, 2:22 pm

    Sounds like a great day so far 🙂

  • Claire April 26, 2010, 2:24 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I didn’t get to post this a.m. but it looks like your day is going great with hot yoga and a hippie cafe lunch (love them too)! I had some raw veggie spring rolls last night for dinner and I must admit, the peanut sauce totally made them!

    I am sure your hubby can do the hot yoga, get him in there! Can’t wait to read about the rest of your bday fun.

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething April 26, 2010, 2:26 pm

    happy birthday Caitlin! what a great golden bday so far. love your husbands and your tradition 🙂

  • katalina April 26, 2010, 2:30 pm

    Thanks for the coupon!!!!I was looking for a good customized chocolate. i have ordered now one for my fiancee with: Milk Chocolate, Mango Dices, I Love You Heart, Sour Cherries, Cantaloupe Melon Dices, Dried Strawberries!
    Thank you!! Happy Birthday!!:)

  • Kacy April 26, 2010, 2:36 pm

    I have a hard time doing the correct breathing at yoga also, but it does help when I try.

    That bracelet is gorgeous!

  • Angharad April 26, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I had a bowl of delicious lentils for lunch too. So satisfying! Your chauffeur day is a genius idea! Love it. Happy birthday!!

  • Teri [a foodie stays fit] April 26, 2010, 2:43 pm

    do you do Bikram or another hot yoga flow class? Yesterday’s bikram class that I went to was so humid, I had a hard time breathing at all! But usually the breathing helps me too. 🙂

    love the bracelet and the t-shirt! And the chocolate, of course, looks delicious.

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 2:47 pm

      its a power yoga vinyasa class. i hate bikram! (sorry bikram lovers)

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery April 26, 2010, 2:43 pm

    Happy Birthday!

    Not gonna lie, might have to try the chocomize bars with your coupon 🙂

  • Nicole, RD April 26, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I love getting mail! The cute little hippie restaurant looks amazing! I love that they served blue corn chips with the soup!

  • Camille April 26, 2010, 3:02 pm

    That restaurant is the cutest thing ever!
    Sounds like you are having a great birthday!
    Enjoy the rest of your day 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 26, 2010, 3:04 pm

    Fun mail is always great! Enjoy the rest of your birthday!

    And that is so cool that your yoga teacher used your OB note.

  • Tara April 26, 2010, 3:06 pm

    Happy Birthdayyyy!
    Funny: the best-by date on your chocomize bar is MY 26th birthday!
    Have a great day!

  • Lauren April 26, 2010, 3:06 pm

    HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Looks like you are having a glorious day! Soak it all up girl! And congrats on completing 26 races by your 26th Birthday on the 26th! Woo, lots of 26’s! 😉

  • kate April 26, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I love that the note was still up! Happy Bday & enjoy your chocolate!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 26, 2010, 3:27 pm

    Happy birthday! It sounds like it’s a great day so far! 🙂

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 26, 2010, 3:28 pm

    It sounds like you are having a fantastic birthday! I’m actually truly afraid of hot yoga after a bad experience, but I might be willing to try it again.

  • zoe April 26, 2010, 3:32 pm

    happy birthday! it looks like you’re enjoying it 🙂
    plus all your eats so far look all kinds of yummy!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 26, 2010, 3:39 pm

    I <3 hippie restaurants!!!!! So homey. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

  • Marissa April 26, 2010, 3:55 pm

    Happy birthday!!!!

    I am terrible at breathing correctly! I am trying to work on it!

  • Monica April 26, 2010, 3:58 pm

    Happy Birthday!:)

  • Caroline April 26, 2010, 4:00 pm

    Happy Birthday!!! Looks like you have had a perfect day so far in my opinion! I love the looks of that restaurant especially! Also I think breathing is really hard during hot yoga but the more you try to be conscious of it the easier the poses become and the more you “lose” yourself in the poses.

  • Alyson @ Nourished Fitness April 26, 2010, 4:27 pm

    Love the chocolate, just found my Mother’s Day gift! 🙂

  • Teresa April 26, 2010, 4:30 pm

    Awww Happy Birthday 😉

    You look like you had a great time, and I love that chocolate website thanks!

    Im glad you had a good time with your breathing through your class, in our class they don’t go through the exact breathing its a power yoga too but I wish they would.

    Enjoy your day!

  • Ellen April 26, 2010, 4:46 pm

    The spring rolls and chocolate look so so yummy. I’ve got food envy as usual 😉 And I don’t blame the hub, hot yoga scares the bejesus out of me. Sometimes I’ll do cardio before a yoga class, and I really don’t like being sweaty when I do. I can only imagine how much worse a hot yoga class will be! Plus I’m the girl in yoga class who wears oversized tees…I just don’t think it would work for me :/

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

  • Hedda April 26, 2010, 4:50 pm

    Haha, I love the restaurant 😀
    You are such an inspiration, and are loved by so many. Hope you enjoy the rest of your birthday.
    April 26 is really a producers of great women, my Grandmother was also born this date, and she is amazing.

    Keep being you, that way you give the rest of the world a gift each day 🙂

  • Amanda (Amanda "runs") April 26, 2010, 4:52 pm

    I love how you sat at “your table”! My teachers never tell me to breathe. Then again, I don’t take yoga. :)I really want your chocolate… yummy. I think I’ll buy some! Thanks for the Qpon!

  • Janna ~ Just Flourishing April 26, 2010, 4:54 pm

    Aw, I love that about the note at yoga!

    Happy Birthday to you!

  • Sue April 26, 2010, 4:59 pm

    OMG! I was there too this lunchtime Caitlin!! (you recommended the cafe to me in an email when I told you we were stranded british tourists looking for somewhere different to eat, remember?) Must have left not long before you got there but we were sitting in the empty table next to the two ladies over by the wall who were there when we were. I would have been so starstruck if you had come in while I was there!!! Wish we had taken longer over our meal now… 😀 Great recommendation, was going to email you later. We had the hummus and the same spring rolls as you to start (the outer skin took a bit of getting used to but was yum)followed by the chilli which was also very good. Loved it, thanks!

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 5:38 pm

      i cant believe we missed each other!!!!

  • Sue April 26, 2010, 5:03 pm

    Was so excited there I forgot to say Happy Birthday, so… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! and to think, I could have said it to you in person – how cool that would have been!

  • Maggie April 26, 2010, 5:03 pm

    Happy birthday, Caitlin! I love that bracelet. Looks like it’s a great day!

  • Christie April 26, 2010, 5:06 pm

    Happy happy birthday! That’s 2x the happy 🙂 Have a good day!

  • Jocelyn @ Peace.Love.Nutrition April 26, 2010, 5:22 pm

    Love that hippie restaurant! So cute inside and looks like delicious eats. I such a wannabe hippie : ) haha

  • Mary @ Fit this girl April 26, 2010, 5:40 pm

    Caitlin! Happiest birthday! So glad you are having a good day and that it is full of gifts and blessings!! Best, Mary

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health April 26, 2010, 5:54 pm

    I need to do some yoga! Especially after reading this post. 🙂
    Happy Birthday!!
    Love all the photos! I can see the sunshine in the background- glorious spring!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) April 26, 2010, 6:07 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I just caught up on your posts and it looks like you had so much fun!!!

  • Hillary April 26, 2010, 6:08 pm

    That restaurant is too cute! Glad you’re having a golden day so far! =)

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances April 26, 2010, 6:15 pm

    Happy birthday, Caitlin!!! 🙂 It looks like you are having such a wonderful day!

  • Kath April 26, 2010, 6:21 pm

    Looks like a fabbbbulous 26th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I would have picked hot yoga and a hippie lunch too 🙂

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 26, 2010, 6:24 pm

    You are getting some great stuff!!! AWESOME! LIVE IT UP!! What’s funny is that today is my brother’s 26 birthday too!!

  • lindsay April 26, 2010, 6:36 pm

    Sounds like the PERFECT birthday!!! Hope you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🙂

  • Catherine April 26, 2010, 6:48 pm

    Oooh I love birthday presents that give back!! Cannot wait to chocomize some creations 🙂

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run April 26, 2010, 6:55 pm

    Happy Birthday! Looks like it’s going well! Enjoy it!

  • Katherine April 26, 2010, 7:02 pm

    I’m going to fail if I ever have to take Lamaze class. I can’t ever breathe at the right time!

  • Natalie of (Nat Attacks a Balanced Life) April 26, 2010, 7:04 pm

    GOODMORNING BEAUIFUL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    Goodmorning for me. As I am commenting from New Zealand, I am sure I have told you this befoe but you are an inspiration to everyone in so many ways. You have truly touched my life in a way that means so much. Keep doing what you do and the next time you see your fabulous reflection know that so many girls, like myself, are so appreciatie of you and what you do. Thank you for this.
    You are amazing and i hope your spoilt on your golden birthday.

    Ciao,
    Natalie

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 7:49 pm

      thank you so much for such an incredibly sweet comment.

  • Penny April 26, 2010, 7:07 pm

    Happy Birthday Caitlin!
    You give me daily enjoyment and motivation.
    Hope your day (and golden year!) are the best.

    Penny

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale April 26, 2010, 7:09 pm

    Nothing like peanut sauce! After a trip to Thailand a few years back, I was putting it on EVERYTHING for a while (even vanilla ice cream!)

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) April 26, 2010, 7:14 pm

    glad you had a good day, yay for presents!

  • Liz April 26, 2010, 7:25 pm

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy the day!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels April 26, 2010, 7:32 pm

    Ahhhh I just got a great idea for work. I was hosting a management meeting today and we were racking our brains trying to come up with ways to kind of pep everyone up, you know increase morale. I’m totally going to use the wipeboard part of our bulletin board for Operation Beautiful notes!

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 7:50 pm

      awesome! take a pic!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 26, 2010, 7:40 pm

    That is a beautiful note that you wrote on the white board 🙂 I hope the yoga teacher checks out your site!

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble April 26, 2010, 7:41 pm

    I always just breath as I please in yoga and Pilates. I don’t know, I just do what works best for me!

    Happy Birthday, again! Looks like you are having a great day!

  • Caroline April 26, 2010, 7:44 pm

    Happy birthday, beautiful! I gave you a blogger award!

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 7:52 pm

      thank you!!!

  • Nicole April 26, 2010, 7:46 pm

    Happy Birthday Caitlin!
    It’s strange how I’ve been thinking about you all day (I’ve been wanting to say Happy Birthday to you all day but was in meetings all day)
    So far your day seems like it’s been fabulous.
    I loved your pics too
    Aren’t birthdays the best? <3

    • Caitlin April 26, 2010, 7:50 pm

      aww thank you!

  • Leslie April 26, 2010, 7:50 pm

    I just found your blog and it’s wonderful!
    Happy Birthday!

  • Paige April 26, 2010, 8:13 pm

    Happy birthday Caitlin! Pretty sure I need to steal the man-chauffer idea…too bad my bday isn’t until January!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 26, 2010, 8:15 pm

    Looks like SUCH a great birthday! I love hippie restaurants too 🙂

  • Hangry Pants April 26, 2010, 8:33 pm

    Happy Birthday From Mark & Heather – we misssss you! 😀

    So I had this teacher once who used to say that if you could not breathe the long breaths then you needed to come out of the pose a little. It really helped me to think of my edge v. muscling into something. Now in the hot yoga I really think I would faint if I didn’t breathe properly.

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ April 26, 2010, 8:58 pm

    Happy birthday. Hope you are having a great day. At least you had some yummy chocolate. 🙂

  • Emily April 26, 2010, 9:54 pm

    Happy Happy B-day!! I hope you had a fabulous day. It’s a great week for a b-day, mine is Saturday.

  • Charles April 26, 2010, 10:19 pm

    awesome! take a pic!

  • Wei-Wei April 26, 2010, 11:18 pm

    Sounds like you’re having a great birthday! I love that about the OB note thing… 😀 That restaurant looks so cute! 😀 Love the chair!

    I really like that bracelet and t-shirt. And CHOCOLATE! 😀

    Wei-Wei

  • Julia @ British Bride April 27, 2010, 4:30 am

    Hey Caitlin – looks like a great day. I am intrigued by those chairs… is each one a different family name? Why is that? I love stuff like that, and am so curious!!

    Julia

    • Caitlin April 27, 2010, 8:05 am

      i think they donated the chairs to the restaurant.

  • Joseph April 27, 2010, 12:06 pm

    awesome! take a pic!

  • Simon April 27, 2010, 10:27 pm

    thank you!!!

  • Rosalie May 3, 2010, 2:06 pm

    Your chocomize coupon code still worked today when I ordered some stuff for my mom for Mother’s Day. Those guys seem to be running a pretty great operation and I (sort of) went to the same school as them (they went to undergrad where I went to law school) so I think it’s pretty cool that they’re gaining popularity. Thanks!

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