Spent the afternoon tied to the computer.  I did take two breaks.  One was to try and sell my car (we’re becoming a one-car family) and the other was to go to Target.  We needed some stuff for the Husband’s clinic.

IMG_0711

Wheeeee!  Don’t tell me you don’t do that, too!  🙂

 

Afternoon snackies included blueberries, Greek yogurt, and oatmeal.

IMG_0708

And a glass of wine.  Don’t judge.  Grapes are an excellent snack.

IMG_0709

Dinner had to be fast and easy because we didn’t get back from Target until 8:45.  I’m running 13.1 miles in the morning per marathon training, so I really want to get my booty into bed early!

IMG_0715

A whole wheat wrap with pre-made baked tofu, tabbouleh, and greens.   Plus broc on the side.  I am rapidly becoming obsessed with tabbouleh.  I’ve been buying the pre-made Trader Joe’s mind, but it’s a little expensive, and I’d love to make my own…

IMG_0716

Any recipe suggestions?

 

Just so you know – tonight’s photos were taken on the floor.

IMG_0717 

A very dirty floor.  I need to mop!

 

Off to lay out all my gear for tomorrow’s run – preparation is key.  Otherwise, I’ll get sucked into Twitter and it will all be over.

 

PS – The winner of the chia seed giveaway is… Nicole, who wrote: “My biggest stress reliever is walking. Something about how it gets me outside and moving, without being exhausting or painful just allows me to totally clear my head and relax.”  I <3 walking, too!

{ 96 comments }

 

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 18, 2010, 9:40 pm

    Holy cow I love your kitchen cabinets. I love dark stain.

    It’s so funny you really did have that glass of wine! I drank my coffee for ya!!!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] August 18, 2010, 9:43 pm

    I have the best bulgar tabbouleh recipe. When I get a chance, I’ll send it to ya!

  • Katie August 18, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Somehow your planned 13.1 mile run tomorrow makes my four mile much anticipated. 😉 Good luck! I will be thinking of you and sending good running vibes your way.

  • Janna@Janna's Keeping it Real! August 18, 2010, 9:44 pm

    Totally do that with shopping carts…

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life August 18, 2010, 9:47 pm

    I find setting out my running clothes the night before helps get me going faster in the morning. Having those sneakers staring right at me as soon as I roll out of bed makes it so I can’t make any excuses. Good luck tomorrow!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans August 18, 2010, 9:55 pm

    If I don’t get out the door right when I wake up I am SCREWED!

  • Heather August 18, 2010, 10:02 pm

    we so do that with the shopping cart. The husband will pull me along and I go for a ride. wwweeeeee!

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 18, 2010, 10:03 pm

    You kitchen is so pretty, love it. Sometimes you just have to take the pic’s wherever it works.

  • Sarah August 18, 2010, 10:05 pm

    I like the quinoa tabbouleh recipe on the bag of Bob’s Red Mill quinoa. it’s also on the website http://www.bobsredmill.com/organic-quinoa-grain.html.

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:44 am

      Ooo thanks!

  • Emily August 18, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Love the floor as photography backdrop; hey, it’s definitely a change of scenery. Oh, and I do agree, grapes are a great snack!

  • Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) August 18, 2010, 10:08 pm

    You should definitely make tabbouleh with quinoa – it’s my new favorite!

  • Lin C. August 18, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Hey lady, here’s my step-by-step fully illustrated recipe.

    http://teatimewithlin.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/recipe-you-say-tabbouleh-i-say-tabouleh/

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:45 am

      Nice! Thanks!

  • Molly August 18, 2010, 10:09 pm

    mmm Target has half my heart…

    wine has the other half.

  • Emily August 18, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Oh and my go-to tabbouleh recipe (minus the chicken) http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1879985

    enjoy!

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:45 am

      hahah thanks!

  • Hangry Pants August 18, 2010, 10:12 pm

    I love your apartment and that Target and am so sad that we will not be having Charlotte Target dates. Tear.

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:45 am

      Serious tears.

  • Kristie August 18, 2010, 10:12 pm

    Alright, I’ve made a lot of tabbouleh recipes, but my all-time favorite is from the cookbook How to Boil Water (and to think I felt a bit miffed when I got that recipe book :-P). The key is lots of parsley and mint!

  • Lisa August 18, 2010, 10:17 pm

    My Sitoo’s (Arabic for grandmother) is the BEST! I will post it on my blog soon!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing August 18, 2010, 10:17 pm

    Good luck on the run! And I’m in LOVE with your countertops!

  • Jenn August 18, 2010, 10:19 pm

    Because of your blog, I was inspired to make Tabbouleh. I even JUST wrote about it on my blog: http://acupofjenn.blogspot.com/2010/08/post-full-of-cell-phone-pictures.html

    How funny you talk about it now 😀

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:46 am

      Epic coincidence!

  • Dorry August 18, 2010, 10:21 pm

    delish dinner. a little wine is a great thing. good luck on your 13.1 in the morning!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite August 18, 2010, 10:23 pm

    I LOVE tabbouleh!! I like to eat it with hummus 🙂

  • Coco @ Opera Girl Cooks August 18, 2010, 10:29 pm

    Here’s my recipe for tabbouleh — add more parsley if you like it heavy on the green stuff! http://operagirlcooks.com/2010/04/22/easy-tabbouleh-recipe/

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:47 am

      I like your recipes!

  • Wei-Wei August 18, 2010, 10:30 pm

    Thinking about your 13.1 mile run makes my run later on seem a little better. Good luck!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward August 18, 2010, 10:32 pm

    Good luck with your run tomorrow! Can’t wait to hear about it.

  • Ash Bear August 18, 2010, 10:35 pm

    Good luck with your run! You’ll rock it! I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit jealous that you get to run on a “week day”

  • Meredith @ An Epic Change August 18, 2010, 10:39 pm

    check the rice and rice pilafs in your grocery store… I’ve gotten a tabouleh mix there that is cheaper than the prepared stuff but you don’t have to start completely from scratch. if I remember correctly, you add your own tomato, onion, and olive oil, but the cracked wheat and the spices come pre-mixed.

  • ashleigh August 18, 2010, 10:40 pm

    I totally take my pictures on the floor or on my bed!

  • Angie August 18, 2010, 10:40 pm

    I just got the new Glamour magazine and you have a whole page!

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:47 am

      Wahoo!

  • Krystina August 18, 2010, 10:45 pm

    I fully support drinking wine for a snack. Or for/with any meal. Antioxidant power!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 18, 2010, 10:54 pm

    You have such a beautiful kitchen!

  • caronae August 18, 2010, 10:55 pm

    I love riding the carts at the grocery store. One of the downsides of living in NYC is that the stores don’t have enough room for that sort of thing! It’s terrible.

    And fyi, if you hadn’t mentioned that the dinner pics were on the floor, we never would have known! It looks exactly like a nice wooden table. 🙂

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 18, 2010, 11:05 pm

    Congrats to Nicole the winner of the chia seeds! 🙂

    I hope you get a nice rest tonight for your run tomorrow! I’ll be thinking about you and I’ll hope for nice weather!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete August 18, 2010, 11:22 pm

    Is that a laundry hamper? I think I bought the same one yesterday at Target!! It is really cute, isn’t it? Have fun on your run tomorrow!!

  • Emily August 18, 2010, 11:41 pm

    There is a good tabbouleh recipe in Bob Greene’s “Best Life Diet” book. You add parsley, lemon juice and zest, cucumber, canned fire roasted tomatoes, and green onions. I couldn’t find bulgur in my local store so I made it with couscous and it was a very delicious supper!

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:49 am

      ooo the addition of fire roasted tomatoes sounds good!

  • kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com August 18, 2010, 11:46 pm

    just wanted to say i was so excited to see your interview in First (for women) Magazine!! i picked it up asap 🙂 and will post it on my blog soon to let everyone know. YAY!!

  • Jenna August 18, 2010, 11:49 pm

    key to tabbouleh- really finely chopped (as in a food processor is sooo nice) herbs.

    I did a really rough chop by hand one time and the texture was really, really bad.

  • Lea @ Healthy Coconut August 19, 2010, 12:11 am

    There’s a good tabbouleh recipe in Alicia Silverstone’s book “The Kind Diet”. I’ve made it before and didn’t really appreciate the taste until I had it for leftovers. Once all the herbs and spices marinate overnight, it tasted even better.

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:49 am

      i agree, you have to let it sit for a while!

  • J August 19, 2010, 12:16 am

    I’ve lived in Istambul (Turkey), so I take my tabbouleh seriously.
    Here is what you need for success:
    DRESSING
    -juice of one lemon
    -1.5 TBS olive oil
    -1 tsp sumac (this is a spice; It can be tough to find but it is my secret weapon for making the world’s best tabbouleh)
    -generous amount of salt
    – chile pepper to taste, minced (such as serrano, jalapeno, etc.- this is optional based on your spice preference)
    – 2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated

    Whisk all ingredients in a bowl. Your dressing is now complete.

    SALAD
    -large handful of mint leaves, chopped
    -1/2 bunch of parsley, chopped
    -1 large cucumber, seeded and diced
    -1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, chopped
    -1/2 cup dry quinoa, cooked per package instructions (Bulgar is traditional, but quinoa is so much healthier, and I actually like the taste and texture much better. That said, you could absolutely use bulgar too.)

    Make sure that your quinoa/ bulgar has cooled completely and fluff it with a fork. Gently stir in all other ingredients, including your dressing. Devour.

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:50 am

      *saved* this sounds good and authentic!

  • J August 19, 2010, 12:18 am

    Whoops! Forgot an important ingredient. Add 1/4 of a red onion (minced) OR one bunch chopped scallions to the salad as well!

  • Amber K August 19, 2010, 12:39 am

    I actually don’t do that in the store because I am WAY too klutzy to pull that kind of stuff off. =P

    I have never tried a tabbouleh that I’ve liked, but I keep trying because it always LOOKS really good!

  • alex August 19, 2010, 12:41 am

    the best cart to ride on is the giant costco ones! do you have that out in charlotte??? so much fun to act like a kid sometimes…err, all the time!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) August 19, 2010, 12:50 am

    oooh I just made a quinoa tabouli last night!

    Quinoa + chopped parsley + pepper + lemon juice + a splash of olive oil! Cheap yet tasty!

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) August 19, 2010, 1:00 am

    Good luck on your 13.1 mile run!! You will rock it I’m sure. 🙂

    I just posted about tabouli the other day! I made it with millet, but you can use quinoa like Lisa said, or bulgar for the traditional kind.

    http://www.peacesofearth.com/2010/08/14/tabouli-a-twist-on-an-old-favorite/

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:51 am

      Ooo the idea of using millet sounds interesting.

  • Lorin August 19, 2010, 1:04 am

    I have a question related to eating when you’re hungry. I always hear how, depending on your age and weight, that you have to eat a certain amount of grains, veggies, fruits, ect. but what if you’re not hungry and you don’t want to eat bread just because you haven’t eaten a whole grain all day, should you eat it or just not reach the supposed nutritional daily requirements? I guess what I’m asking is should you eat even if you’re not hungry in order to meet the nutritional standards such as getting 3 oz of whole grain in a day?

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:54 am

      Because I have never had serious food issues that distort my ability to tell when I’m really hungry, if I’m not hungry I usually don’t eat (unless I’m just boredom snacking, which is OK sometimes too).

      The only time I really think about nutritional standards like that is in relation to veggies because that’s what I tend to skimp out on. Like for dinner, I knew I was lacking in veg so I had the broccoli on the side even though I certainly wasn’t desiring broccoli… probably would’ve tastebud preferred a starch or chips. If you find you often lack whole grains, you might have to do it with WG instead.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 19, 2010, 1:20 am

    i got nothin’ for you on the recipe front, but i TOTALLY ride the shopping cart down the aisles at target. that’s what they’re for, right? 😉

  • Joanna August 19, 2010, 1:27 am

    My mom’s recipe:
    1.5 cup bulgar wheat (can buy in bulk at whole foods)
    1 tsp salt
    3 cup boiling water
    juice of 1 lemon
    1 cup fresh parsley
    1 cup fresh mint
    2-3 tomatoes
    1-2 cucumbers

    pour boiling water over the bulgar and set aside for about an hour (don’t cover) until water is absorbed

    chop the mint and parsley together and add it with lemon juice to the bulgar wheat

    just before serving, add chopped tomato & cucumber

    • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 7:55 am

      Saved to file!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs August 19, 2010, 3:01 am

    Good to see another grown mature adult who hangs off the trolley like that – I do it all. the. time.
    😀

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) August 19, 2010, 4:25 am

    That is the only way to get through Target. I seriously will still be doing that when I am 50. Those long, wide open aisles… and I swear it counts as exercise 😉

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy August 19, 2010, 6:45 am

    You always think of the best fillings for your wraps! Good luck with the run tomorrow but I’m sure you won’t need it – you rock!!

  • Lauren August 19, 2010, 6:57 am

    For some reason I can;t get into Tabbouleh. I think I just need a good recipe too!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 19, 2010, 7:24 am

    I like to make tabbouleh with quinoa! It’s quicker too since you don’t have to wait for the bulgar to soak!

  • jayme August 19, 2010, 7:33 am

    i’m the same way about preparation. if i don’t have everything to go for a run laid out, and i mean every-y-thaang, i won’t make it out the door. i would sleep in my workout clothes if that wasn’t a little nasty.

    p.s. your kitchen looks cute enough to give me a little kitchen envy, even from that angle. 🙂

  • Emily @ Run Emily Run August 19, 2010, 8:04 am

    I really try to like tabbouleh, but I can’t quite get used to it. Nice floor pic!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 19, 2010, 8:11 am

    I’m obsessed with tabbouleh too, but I’ve never tried it on a wrap. That’s a neat idea!

  • Kelly August 19, 2010, 8:18 am

    I used to live next door to this awesome Greek guy who would make Tabbouleh all the time and it was amazing! He went back to Greece before I could get the recipe 😕 bummmerrr

  • Jillian@ ReshapeYourLife August 19, 2010, 8:27 am

    I’m really interested in what this tabbouleh is. I don’t think any of the stores around here have it… Texas Hill Country anyone??

    Beuller?

  • Lauren August 19, 2010, 8:28 am

    I have a tabbouleh secret, I use kale in addition to parsley. You don’t really taste it once everything is mixed in, and I like that it adds in some greens!

  • Christina August 19, 2010, 8:30 am

    We have that exact same aisle at the Target near my hometown in Connecticut. They are probably all laid out the same!

  • Rae August 19, 2010, 8:38 am

    This might be a little late – but this is my absolute FAVORITE tabbouleh recipe: Tex Mex Tabbouleh – full of chopped veggies, a bit of spice, and tons of deliciousness! A little off the “Beaten Path” of Tabbouleh, but very worth it. http://tinyurl.com/39xyuo3

  • Tami August 19, 2010, 8:39 am

    oh, wait until you have kids and they see you ride the cart, they will squeal with delight!!!

  • Cait August 19, 2010, 8:58 am

    This tabbouleh recipe is from Dr. Junger’s Clean program which is a cleanse which I wouldn’t necessarily promote, but the recipe itself is awesome. I make this all the time and have brought it to numerous parties this summer and everyone has loved it. The quinoa makes it easy to make and the currants, plus the cumin, plus the lime make it really fresh and interesting. Actually almost all his recipes are so tasty!

    http://www.cleanprogram.com/main/elimination-diet-recipes/

  • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 9:07 am

    Great Tabbouleh Recipe :)!

    Southwestern “Tabbouleh”

    3 cups Cauliflower
    1/4 cup coconut oil or butter
    1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
    1 cup vertically sliced red onion
    3/4 cup diced seeded tomato
    1/2 cup sliced green onions
    1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
    1/2 cup chopped peeled avocado
    1/4 cup diced seeded peeled cucumber
    1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled queso fresco
    2 TBS fresh lemon juice
    2 TBS fresh lime juice
    2 tsp diced seeded jalapeño pepper (optional)
    3/4 tsp dried oregano
    1/2 tsp Iodized sea salt
    1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
    1/4 teaspoon paprika
    1/4 teaspoon chili powder
    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
    1 garlic clove, minced
    Dash of hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

    Place cauliflower in a food processor and blend until small pieces of “rice.” Place cauliflower rice in a frying pan with oil and stir fry until tender. Add cilantro and remaining ingredients; toss well. Fry for another 3-5 minutes to let the flavors soak into the cauliflower and enjoy! Add your favorite protein and it is a quick meal. Craig liked it more than he thought…he took the leftovers for lunch the next day.Nutritional Information: Serves 4: 140 calories, 4.6g Protein, 9g Carbs , 5.4g Fiber

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 12:02 pm

      Do you think this would work without the avocado? i’m allergic 🙂

      • Caitlin August 19, 2010, 2:07 pm

        Yea totally! Didn’t know you were allergic… bummer!

  • Beth @ Will Run for Books August 19, 2010, 9:37 am

    yay for becoming a one-car family! it’s awesome!

  • Stephanie D August 19, 2010, 10:09 am
  • Stepf August 19, 2010, 10:21 am

    Want to try the tabbouleh recipe from our upcoming cookbook? You can’t share it, but I can let you have it!

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 12:02 pm

      YESSS! email me!

  • Tracey August 19, 2010, 10:56 am

    If I ever tried to take a photo of my food on the floor it would be gone in an instant. My two little dogs would be all over that dish no matter what was on it;)

  • Emilie August 19, 2010, 11:41 am

    Can you post if you do find a good one? I’d like to make some too!

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 12:02 pm

      Definitely!

  • Mac August 19, 2010, 11:41 am

    Tabbouleh is on my list of foods to try, so I’m interested in seeing some of the recipes people have.

  • Tay August 19, 2010, 11:50 am

    I totally do that on carts. And then yesterday I met with a physical therapist at my new job who was teaching me all about proper posture, etc. And 1 big thing she said “Don’t lean over your cart on the supermarket!” GAH!!! She’s ruined me for life! I love it so much, and now I’ll think of her everytime I do it.

    • caitlin August 19, 2010, 12:03 pm

      Some people ruin everything!

  • eatingRD August 19, 2010, 12:49 pm

    I just love your kitchen!! gorgwa and I need some grapes 🙂

  • Doc August 19, 2010, 1:08 pm

    I love that you can have so many different version of tabbouleh, and it’s pretty cheap if you just choose to use what you have on hand. I have a recipe on my blog with white beans and couscous. I especially like to make some egg white patties in the microwave and chop them up to add on top for extra protein. Yumm.

    Here’s the link: http://thehealthydoc.blogspot.com/2010/07/white-beans-are-amazing.html

  • Stephanie August 19, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I love tabbouleh too!! I usually buy the Cedar’s brand tabbouleh but I totally agree that it does get very expensive!

    This is the recipe I usually use

    Ingredients

    * 1/4 cup bulgur
    * 1/2 cup boiling water
    * 1 cup chopped parsley
    * 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
    * 5 tomatoes, diced
    * 1 onion, finely diced
    * 2 teaspoons olive oil
    * 1 lemon, juiced
    * salt to taste

    Directions

    1. Place the bulgur in a small mixing bowl. Add the boiling water, mix and cover with a towel; Let stand for 1 hour. Drain any excess water.
    2. Combine the parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Add the bulgur; mix well and serve.

    I hope you give it a try!
    (FYI) – Tabbouleh + Hummus + Pita = AWESOME!

  • Ashley August 19, 2010, 1:42 pm

    Here’s a tabbouleh recipe my family and I love: http://www.eatmedelicious.com/2009/07/tabbouleh.html

  • Natalie (The Sweets Life) August 19, 2010, 2:00 pm

    I know you’ve already received a ton of tabbouleh recipes, but here’s the one I’ve used and loved: http://www.thesweetslife.com/2010/03/tabbouleh.html

    Bulgur is a GREAT thing to have on hand…I have used it in tons of other recipes too!

  • Callie August 19, 2010, 2:38 pm

    I’m always skating around on shopping carts. :)It’s something I’ll never grow out of!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous August 19, 2010, 3:27 pm

    Vino sounds like an excellent snack choice 😉

  • Tori @ FIToriBLOG.com August 19, 2010, 10:21 pm

    Love the post and love the pics!!!

    FIToriBLOG.com

Healthy Tipping Point