Own Your Beauty

on October 14, 2010
in Own Your Beauty

I stole someone’s leftover Chinese food for my own lunch.  Matrimony rules.

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I healthed it up by added a huge side of steamed spinach.  steamed spinach is so pretty, don’t you think?  I love steaming spinach or putting it inside a smoothie because you get so much vegetable bang for your buck.  I think I ate 3 cups of spinach for lunch!

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And Chinese food tastes better the second day. Fact.

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In other news…

 

Although I normally only coach for Girls on the Run on Tuesdays, I am covering for Coach Jen today and serving as the lead coach. I am very nervous! I have never led a lesson before.

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Today’s lesson is on listening, and I literally had nightmares about leading the group last night.  Um… wish me luck.

 

Own Your Beauty

 

I wanted to tell you about a new effort by BlogHer called Own Your Beauty.  The goal of Own Your Beauty is to “change the conversation” about what it means to be truly beautiful.  The focus is on being real, honest, strong, vulnerable, charitable, moral, and unique.  The effort will last for the next year.  Sign the Own Your Beauty pledge here and send the link to friends and family!

Own Your Beauty Logo

I’m one of the three featured bloggers for Own Your Beauty (the others are Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks and Bonnie Crowder of The Shape of a Mother).  Read and share your thoughts on my first post of the series:  Authentic Beauty in a World of Digital Hair.

 

Who is the most truly beautiful woman you know?

{ 75 comments }

 

  • grocery goddess jen October 14, 2010, 1:08 pm

    You will be awesome today Caitlin, no worries! The girls already love you. And Chinese food totally tastes better on the second day! I used to eat it from the carton, cold, the morning after when I was in high school.

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee October 14, 2010, 1:12 pm

    My mom is the most beautiful woman I know.

    She’s confident, strong, inspiring & always leads by example. I hope to be just like her as I get older. She also is quite funny & a great listener.

    I love her so much!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 14, 2010, 1:21 pm

    Thanks for the link!

    I love blogs that talk about real beauty

  • Artemis Clover: The real L.A. love story. October 14, 2010, 1:22 pm

    i love this idea and ive been thinking for a while how women need to start focusing on what it really means to be beautiful. thank you for sharing and i am definitely joining!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin October 14, 2010, 1:28 pm

    Good luck today Caitlin!! You will do great I am sure.

  • Kayla October 14, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I have been eating leftover vegetable lo mein all week, and it still tastes as good as it did Sunday night after my six-hour car ride home. 🙂

    You’ll be great at GOTR! I just inquired with my local chapter about becoming a coach, and I should be filling out the paperwork soon! I’m so stoked. Our “season” doesn’t start until February or March, but I can’t wait! I’d love any advice/words of wisdom you have now that you’ve stuck with it for a few weeks.

    And the most beautiful woman I know is my mom, too. She’s independent, intelligent, creative, crafty, silly, sweet and sappy, and she is an excellent role model. She’s had her fair share of hardships, and she’s faced them head on, and I admire her for that. She also is not afraid to share her opinion or give me advice, and I sometimes don’t want to hear what she has to say, but I’m glad she feels comfortable sharing with me. She is my mom, after all.

    Have a great Thursday, my dear!

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:16 pm

      I would definitely buy the charm necklaces (I linked to it the other day under my post called Carolina Girls). It’s a great motivator!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat October 14, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I don’t know if I can pick just one beautiful woman! My mom would make the list, and so would my grandma, my aunt (who has battled a chronic disease for years with much grace), a college professor I loved…the list could go on and on!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 14, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I just read your article — what a powerful email! Wow. It certainly was heart wrenching to read.

    The most beautiful woman I know? My mother in law — she is truly the most giving person on earth, completely selfless and would give a stranger the shirt off her back if she were asked. She works hard and was a wonderful mother to my husband — and I know she will be an AWESOME grandmother one day 🙂

  • Rebekah @ Rebeltarian October 14, 2010, 1:32 pm

    It’s true about chinese food being better the day after. I feel the same way about most baked goods. They just need to sit for a while.

  • Lori Lynn October 14, 2010, 1:35 pm

    I have a hard time eating spinach just plain, but if it’s with something I like it. I guess maybe I haven’t found the right combination in how to cook it!

  • yummieecupcake October 14, 2010, 1:36 pm

    i signed up! love that website, thanks for sharing! good luck leading the lesson today!!

  • Laura October 14, 2010, 1:41 pm

    My mom is the most beautiful woman I know. She’s endured so much throughout her life, remained strong and has become my best friend. I love her dearly!

  • Kelly October 14, 2010, 1:41 pm

    I completely agree about chinese food being better the next day.

  • TC October 14, 2010, 1:44 pm

    You’ll be awesome, Caitlin! Also, did you have to work up to eating that much spinach at once? My stomach can’t handle it!

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:19 pm

      i have a stomach of steel 🙂

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie October 14, 2010, 1:45 pm

    You’ll be an awesome lead coach! Those girls will love you. Good luck sister!

  • The Hot and Fit October 14, 2010, 1:50 pm

    I absolutely love steam spinach! I actually love spinach in all forms!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun October 14, 2010, 1:51 pm

    I love that BlogHer is doing this! And don’t fret on this afternoon. You inspire every day and this is just another day. 🙂

    Also, Chinese is SO better the next day.

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow October 14, 2010, 1:55 pm

    What a cool movement. So many inspiring things in this world of blogs! It’s truly incredible.

    Most beautiful woman? Equal tie b/w my mom and grandmama. My mom is the strongest lady I’ve ever met. She somehow kept her heart and mind intact when we lost my dad 25 yrs ago. She raised my brothers and I with incredible ability and happens to be drop dead gorgeous! Grandmama was a true gem. Kind, precious and beautiful all in one!

  • Alexis {Mission: Ambition} October 14, 2010, 1:58 pm

    Good luck with Girls on the Run today! You’ll be fantastic I’m sure 🙂

    My mom is the most beautiful woman I know – she is incredibly strong and has been through a lot in her life all while still being optimistic and positive. She’s amazing.

  • marie October 14, 2010, 2:00 pm

    Good luck tonight! You’re going to do fantastically!

    Seriously, I always said that I only ran if I was being chased by something big and scary, but you and a couple of other bloggers inspired me to try it, and I just finished my first week of the couch to 5k program. Thanks for pointing me in that direction!

    If you can make running appealing to me just with your blogging, I can only begin to imagine how inspiring you will be when you address those girls with a talk you’ve written just for them. You WILL be great tonight!!!

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:20 pm

      yay! i’m so glad to hear you’re running.

  • Exercise and Eat October 14, 2010, 2:05 pm

    One of my teachers is seriously beautiful inside and out – her personality shines!

    And I was convinced marriage wasn’t for me until I read it could get me more Chinese food. Time to find a man!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! October 14, 2010, 2:07 pm

    I have always thought that Ashley Judd was so beautiful inside and out! She looks good all the time no matter what style or haircut she is wearing.

    YOU WILL DO GREAT TODAY, can’t wait to hear how it went. =)

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman October 14, 2010, 2:08 pm

    You’re going to do great–good luck! And, yes, day-old Chinese food is good, but it never makes it that long in my house since I can’t stand the way it stinks up the fridge.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 14, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I love spinach too! My 9 year old son and I actually “fight” over the lasts of it when I buy it. I love that he loves it like I do! I think the most beautiful woman I know is my grandmother. I have such a bond with her and I feel like she is really a huge part of me!

    Good luck this afternoon! I am sure you will do well!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 14, 2010, 2:15 pm

    You’re going to be awesome!!! Good luck!

  • Michele October 14, 2010, 2:17 pm

    Your question of “who is the most beautiful woman you know” brought tears to my eyes instantly – my mom; for a million reasons and more!!!

  • Little Bookworm October 14, 2010, 2:19 pm

    Good luck with being the lead coach today!

  • Dorry October 14, 2010, 2:21 pm

    It’s hard to pick just one – I’m blessed to know so many beautiful women! My mom and my sisters come to mind first. 🙂

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) October 14, 2010, 2:23 pm

    Good luck today! Those girl’s are luck to have lead caoch Caitlin!! 🙂
    The most beautiful woman I know is my cousin, Beth. At 27 she is only 2 years older than I, but has a 5 year old, is a sister, and a daughter, and has brain cancer…and handles it all, well, beautifully.

  • Katie G. October 14, 2010, 2:27 pm

    The most beautiful woman…is any woman with confidence. Confidence is definitely the key to beauty! Any time I see a woman (at work, at the gym, at the grocery store, etc.) who has her head held high and looks like she is confident in the way she looks and who she is- I always think “she is beautiful”!

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:23 pm

      agree!

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 14, 2010, 2:33 pm

    My Mom and my sister. My mom is the most giving human being on this planet and the best listener. My sister because she is a strong single Mom living a fabulous life that she has worked hard for and created for herself!

  • Amanda Davis October 14, 2010, 2:43 pm

    My mom is the most beautiful person I know she is strong and caring and my best friend!

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 14, 2010, 2:48 pm

    Hands down my sister. She’s a red head and is gorgeous in every way. She and I both became mothers for the first time earlier this year and she’s never been more beautiful than she is now!

  • carlee October 14, 2010, 2:50 pm

    yummy lunch!
    The most beautiful person in my life is probably a few bloggers. Honestly you, Julie, and Gracie inspire me so much.
    But in real life it would have to my sister! I love her so much!

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:24 pm

      thank you so much sweetie.

  • TheHerBehindItAll October 14, 2010, 3:01 pm

    I like steamed spinach a lot but for some reason I can not stomach a spinach salad. Has anybody else had this problem or knows of a way to make it easier to take?

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 14, 2010, 3:01 pm

    I 100% agree that Chinese food is better as a leftover! There are a lot of women I know that I consider beautiful, including some of my friends and bloggers (who I haven’t met face-to-face, but still think they’re great!!) 🙂

  • Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) October 14, 2010, 3:08 pm

    thank you for sharing the “Own Your Beauty” I love it!

  • Amber K October 14, 2010, 3:28 pm

    Good luck on leading the lesson today! You don’t need it though; you’ll do great!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) October 14, 2010, 3:40 pm

    Chinese food IS better the next day. The spices get way more flavorful! Also, don’t worry about coaching. You will rock that!

  • Kelly October 14, 2010, 3:45 pm

    That’s hard…the most beautiful woman I know if probably my mom. I love her. I think she is outwardly beautiful but she is the most beautiful inside person I know as well!

  • Chelsea at Striking Balance October 14, 2010, 4:13 pm

    You are going to do so great coaching today! I’m sure the girls already love you! Be confident 🙂

    And also- I love chinese food the second day. Well, really I love any food the second day! The flavours always meld together better!

  • Melissa October 14, 2010, 4:18 pm

    I just might need some Chinese for dinner. And your other article about Vit–very emotional piece and thought provoking!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 14, 2010, 4:22 pm

    There are so many beautiful women in my world. My mom, my sister, and my Nana even if she’s no longer with me. I take pieces of them with me all the time!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write October 14, 2010, 4:27 pm

    My sister-friend. She’s a model, but that’s not why she’s beautiful. She looks around at people and finds the best in them. She wants to believe that all people are good. She has helped me change my life, helped me be more positive, and I love her so much. 🙂

  • Bobo October 14, 2010, 4:38 pm

    Am I the first one who disagree with “Chinese food being better the day after”? For me, it’s not true. My beef and green pepper leftover didn’t taste as good as yesterday.

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:26 pm

      really?! oh i love when the flavors really meld.

  • Becca October 14, 2010, 4:39 pm

    I am right with you on the Chinese food!

    The most beautiful woman I know is my best friend, Elly. She is the kindest, gentlest soul that I know, and her smile lights up a room.

  • katie hery October 14, 2010, 4:47 pm

    my mom!

  • Katy October 14, 2010, 5:10 pm

    This is my first comment on this site but I’ve been reading for awhile.

    I wanted you to know that your page was one of the big inspirations for me to sign up for the Walt Disney World Half- Marathon in January.

    I love your site and can’t wait to read more. 🙂

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:26 pm

      wahoo! i hope you have a blast. 🙂

  • Sandy October 14, 2010, 5:14 pm

    Did you read the Time article about “No Fat Talk Week?” Thought you mighte be interested!

    http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2025345,00.html?hpt=T2

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 6:26 pm

      very awesome! cool to see that TIME is spreading the word. OB is a FTFW organization.

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous October 14, 2010, 5:51 pm

    You’ll be great tonight—can’t wait to hear about it! It’s always good to do something out of your comfort zone too 🙂 Being nervous sucks, but it’s good for ya. Keeps you on your toes.

    And I think my sister is truly the most beautiful woman I know…inside AND out. She’s gorgeous and has the kindest heart.

  • Camille October 14, 2010, 5:54 pm

    My sister is the most beautiful person I know. She doesn’t care about being thin or perfectly dress or made up, she knows that she is beautiful just the way she is.

  • Jessica@tastyandtrim October 14, 2010, 6:18 pm

    Good luck – you will be amazing! My mom is definitely the most beautiful woman I know. She is so patient and loving and will do anything and everything she can to help others and make my sisters, dad, and I happy. She is so beautiful inside and out and inspires me each day to be a better person.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] October 14, 2010, 6:20 pm

    Hello!! You’re gonna be an awesome GOTR leader today!! =]

  • Jaclyn October 14, 2010, 6:22 pm

    I absolutely love that you agree that chinese food tastes better round two! I made that argument on my blog a while back… and didn’t get the same reaction! 😀 haha, i do think leftovers sometimes taste better!

  • Katie - Life Discombobulated October 14, 2010, 6:23 pm

    This post was a bright spot in my day today! I was feeling down on myself earlier, then read this and remembered that I need to OWN MY BEAUTY! 🙂
    The most beautiful woman I know… While my mom and sister immediately come to mind, the woman that I know personally who I think most embodies beauty is a former yoga teacher. She had this absolute glow that just drew people to her. She was kind, loving, accepting, funny, and very honest. It was a sad day when she moved out of town. You know that KT Tunstall song, “Suddenly I See”? I think of her when I hear that! 🙂

  • Coco October 14, 2010, 6:28 pm

    my grandmother is the most beautiful woman i know, inside and out. she is kind, loving, gracious, generous, and can dominate the kitchen! she also has quite the temper and isn’t afraid to put my grandfather in his place from time to time! hehe

  • Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun October 14, 2010, 7:10 pm

    I agree, Chinese food tastes so much better the second day! PS – I saw an OB note at my high school today, it said, “Beauty comes in all sizes, not just size 0.” 🙂

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 7:17 pm

      yay so excited that you found a note!

  • eatmovelove October 14, 2010, 7:27 pm

    I just wanted to add that I think Lasagna is even better the next day too…gives the flavors really a chance to meld.

    Okay, that’s all ;).

    Most beautiful? As above – any woman with confidence, people who strive to make a difference and really, really mean it, people who follow their heart…and…my Mom.

  • Amykinz @ Foodie 4 Healing October 14, 2010, 11:22 pm

    Just read your article on the blogher website. It was very well written Caitlin. It’s such an epidemic and there has to be SOMETHING we can all do! I have a 4 year old daughter and I worry about her growing up w/this stuff all around her. Keep on doing what you’re doing, girl. And please continue to let us know when the new articles come out. I’d like to keep following them.

    • Caitlin October 15, 2010, 9:11 am

      I will 🙂 Thank you so much!

  • Jess October 15, 2010, 10:11 am

    My grandma. her birthday is today. she turns 90. Looks not a day over 21. seriously 😉 no really…that woman can outshop me like no one else! A true testament of beauty, no!?!?

  • Christena October 15, 2010, 10:50 am

    Your article is very meaningful to me. You see, my hair is my thing – the main thing about myself that drives me crazy. It grows over an inch every month and is very thick and course and sometimes frizzy. Kids in elementary school & high school used to tease me about it, especially because I didn’t know what to do with it (and neither did my mom!) and I pulled it back every single day my freshman year of high school. The point being, I have always been SUPER self-conscious about my hair. How have I never realized that the hair commercials were not entirely real??!!??!!! All of my life hair commercials have made me feel bad and ugly. This is truly a perspective-changing discovery!

  • Sara October 15, 2010, 11:21 am

    My dad’s mother and my mother.

  • Carolyn @ texaseats October 15, 2010, 2:58 pm

    The most beautiful woman I know is my Aunt. She adopted two infant twins from Russia that were dying from Celiacs Disease. Now one twin suffers from a rare form of cancer, and to see that she holds the family together even when one could easily let situations bring things down is beautiful to me.

  • Tobi-Dawne January 17, 2011, 1:13 am

    I did a blog post today featuring the five most beautiful women I know… the type of women our daughters should look up to and strive to be like. Amazing, every day, people working to make things better. Hope you’ll check it out. It was inspired by Own Your Beauty.

    http://td365.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/beauty-challenging-your-ideals/

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