Operation Beautiful at UNCC + Eat-In Challenge Realization

on February 23, 2011
in Operation Beautiful Events

How awesome is Nicole’s boyfriend Isaac’s shirt?

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Classic.  This shirt would totally work on me.  I love Grey’s!

 

Anyway – tonight I did an Operation Beautiful presentation at the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC).  The Husband came with me, which was fun.  He’s only ever heard me speak once before.

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He sat in the back and creeped as I did my thing:

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It went really well!  There was a very talkative group of about 70 students, and UNCC had tons of great free swag to handout including customized Post-Its.

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So… I also had an Eat-In Challenge REALIZATION tonight.

 

We didn’t get home until 8:30, and we were both famished.  “Let’s go get sushi!” said the Husband. In the past, we would’ve gone out, spent at least $30 with drinks, and loved not having to cook or wash dishes.  I almost caved but remembered that I had bought vegan mushroom ravioli from the bulk freezer bin at Earthfare, pasta sauce, broccoli, and canned artichokes.  I calculated that my at-home meal would take me 3 minutes of active prep work and would be ready in 15 minutes or less.  And it would cost only $8 for all the ingredients.  So $4 a person instead of $15+.

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It was divine, and WAY better than eating out just because I was tired.  So my realization is this:  I am the type of person who should probably keep the following things in my freezer at all times: store-bought frozen pasta like ravioli + a frozen store-bought pizza + a frozen homemade casserole.  Otherwise, I will NEVER succeed at eating more meals in!  I need a back-up plan already in place for cr-azy nights like tonight.

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I am going to freeze a few casseroles soon!

 

Lunch was eaten in, too: a huge, dense spinach salad with almonds, blueberries, goat cheese, carrots, and tons of creamy balsamic (I am obsessed with Mazetti Simply Dressed).

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Afternoon snack was thick slices of sourdough (so good) with white bean and basil hummus from Trader Joe’s:

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Oh…

 

And for dessert?

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+

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SO delicious. 

 

PS – Nominate your favorite female blogger (including yourself!!!) for the Women’s Health Blog Roll!

{ 105 comments }

 

  • Carin February 23, 2011, 9:51 pm

    Well done on not blowing the Eat-In Challenge when it was sooooooo tempting! I got a takout last night because (a) I thought I ‘deserved’ it, (b) it was payday and (c) I was bored. It was pretty healthy Thai but totally not worth the grumping from the Husband, along the lines of “we could have made this”, “this isn’t as healthy as home-made” and “we’ve got TONS of food in the house” blah blah yada yada….

    I thought it was scrummy anyway. Back to eating in tonight!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 23, 2011, 9:53 pm

    YAY, good job for not caving in!! I think I would have resorted to cereal in that situation, but yours is better!!

  • Kelly February 23, 2011, 9:53 pm

    Yay for you on the Eat-In Challenge. I am definitely a victim of I’m tired and hungry let’s go out, but then I realize I enjoy eating out more when I’m not tired and hungry. Of course!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life February 23, 2011, 9:53 pm

    I always have backup meals in the freezer. My husband can be a picky eater sometimes and he won’t want what’s on the meal plan, and that’s when I pull out a pizza or something. It’s always nice to have something in the freezer that way I don’t have to think about dinner when I’m feeling rushed.

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 23, 2011, 9:55 pm

    Good job for not getting sushi! And you still got a beer, so it was a win-win, right? 🙂

  • Katie February 23, 2011, 9:57 pm

    Hey Caitlin! I so enjoyed tonight…it really was inspirational and uplifting. Thank you so much!

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 9:59 pm

      Thank you Katie 🙂

  • christine February 23, 2011, 9:58 pm

    Does it make you nervous having your husband there while you give presentations? Or are you used to it? I have no problem speaking in front of people… as long as either I don’t know them or they’re under the age of 18!

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 10:00 pm

      Not really… I just don’t get nervous! I was only really nervous before I was on the Today Show. LOL

      • christine February 24, 2011, 12:01 am

        Yeah, I can understand that. I probably would have thrown up all over Matt Lauer.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine February 23, 2011, 9:59 pm

    Seeing your beer + chocolate dessert makes me wish I had a brew to enjoy with some dark chocolate right now. Two of my favorite foods/drinks!

  • Zo February 23, 2011, 10:00 pm

    I think it’s always good to keep a few options on hand.
    I had a late night last night (home at 9:30) and decided on a can of soup and a veggie burger….things that are quick and relatively light for late (or late for me) night. If nothing else, I’m all for cereal for dinner!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence February 23, 2011, 10:01 pm

    that is an awesome shirt! it would definitely work on me, too.

    • Katherine: Unemployed February 24, 2011, 7:26 am

      same thoughts here; how long have those shirts been around?

      • Isaac February 24, 2011, 1:23 pm

        My roommate got me that shirt as a gag birthday gift with a loving jab at my love of girly ABC dramas. It’s one of my favorite shirts (and shows). lol

    • Shari February 24, 2011, 8:55 am

      Agreed!!

  • Katie @ peacebeme February 23, 2011, 10:02 pm

    I could seriously speak in front of 300 people by myself…but then having just my boyfriend in the back would make me so much more nervous than the 300 strangers! I don’t know why that is, same for anyone I know. Do you feel like that?

    • Katie @ peacebeme February 23, 2011, 10:02 pm

      I mean it would be the same if anyone I know really well was in the audience.

      • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 10:03 pm

        Someone else asked that too! I don’t know – I guess I just don’t think about it. Plus then I get to pick his brain for constructive criticism that I can trust!

  • Kathie February 23, 2011, 10:02 pm

    Way to go for sticking to your eat-in challenge! so proud of you!

    That shirt is awesome!!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 23, 2011, 10:07 pm

    Glad the talk at UNCC went well! 🙂 I hope to hear you in person one day! 😀

  • Kristen February 23, 2011, 10:08 pm

    I’m the same way- I need to have a couple of “back-up” options in the cupboards or the freezer for days that things get nuts. Eggs are good for that too (although that doesn’t help you make meals for both you AND your husband does it?)

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 23, 2011, 10:09 pm

    I am so happy you decided to eat at home! Wonderful choice.

    By the way, I bought some white bean and basil hummus. And you’re right – it is delicious!

  • Erin February 23, 2011, 10:10 pm

    We almost always have a frozen pizza in the freezer. We call it the “emergency pizza”. It’s our back-up for when it’s late or we’re tired or we’re just out of groceries.

  • Claire February 23, 2011, 10:12 pm

    I just laughed out loud at that awesome shirt! Classic!! That white bean and basil hummus will now occupy my mind until my next Trader Joes shopping trip.

  • Tracey February 23, 2011, 10:15 pm

    I’m the exact same way when it comes to eating in. I have to have easy to make and clean up meals ready to go in the freezer. Frozen pizza, pasta’s … canned soups that I can pump up with frozen veggies. If I don’t have these items during the week I will for sure eat out! For me, It’s all about being prepared.

  • Jen G. February 23, 2011, 10:27 pm

    The eat-in challenge is a lot easier when you live in a town where the only vegetarian option is the salad bar at the local steakhouse! That said, I still do a lot of “take-out” from my freezer — Amy’s Kitchen and Gardein are my go-tos on nights I just don’t feel like taking the three minutes to prep the veggies for roasting.

  • Ashley February 23, 2011, 10:34 pm

    Jealous of UNCC right now! Congratulations on the successful presentation, and sticking to the eat in challenge!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape February 23, 2011, 10:38 pm

    OMG THAT SHIRT!!!! haha That is awesome!!!

    Oh-and I found an Operation Beautiful note at my school today!! My roommate was with me and we found a note left on the table. I got all excited and explained the whole thing to her 😀

  • Erin @ WholesomeRD February 23, 2011, 10:44 pm

    Congrats on being strong and saying NO to going out for sushi! You are strong! My husband always tries to convince me to just go out and get something. I have to remember what you did!

    I also love that t-shirt – so cute!!

  • Fit Chick Britt February 23, 2011, 10:48 pm

    haha that shirt is awesome. I would think having your Hubby watch you speak would be never wracking.

  • Lauren February 23, 2011, 10:48 pm

    Hey, it is Katie’s friend, Lauren. It was great meeting you tonight. Your presentation was awesome and truly inspiring. Thanks!

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 10:49 pm

      Thank you for coming, beautiful lady!

  • Cyclist Kate February 23, 2011, 10:50 pm

    I hear you on needing fast things to prepare if you’re going to succeed at eating in!!

    This is totally unsolicited advice, but I’m all for getting new ideas for ways to make fast, easy dinners, so hope you don’t mind:

    Having a fuzzy logic, programmable rice cooker has been a lifesaver. For instance, tonight I knew I wouldn’t get home until almost 8, and yesterday I made a big batch of channa masala (froze half, the other half in the fridge). So before I left, I set the rice cooker to be ready at 8 and all I have to do is walk in the door, heat up the channa masala, scoop the rice into my bowl and I’m ready–3 minutes to a healthy, delicious meal. I also have been eating a ton of home-made fried rice (Emily from The Daily Garnish’s recipe) and use the rice cooker for this as well. Quinoa, millet…it can all be ready when I get home.

    Also, I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but I always have home-made soup on hand (I make 8 servings at once) to heat up–toast a piece of bread with some parmesan on top, heat the soup–another 3 minute meal (I love Deborah Madison’s “Vegetable Soups.” I mostly make bean and/or lentil soups because they’re more filling).

    I also share your idea of prepping a casserole ahead of time (even baking it ahead of time), so I can heat it up when I get home–one of my faves is the tamale casserole from Yellow Rose Recipes.

    Don’t know if that helps, but I feel you on needing to eat NOW after getting home from a long day :).

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:09 am

      I need a rice cooker! You are so right.

  • Brittany February 23, 2011, 10:51 pm

    I WANT THAT Tshirt ( beauty in the eye of the beholder) any way we can order them through you?

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:09 am

      I have asked UNCC!

  • Rachel @ Healthy Teacher February 23, 2011, 11:01 pm

    I love Grey’s. My husband loves Grey’s. And we both love The Bachelor. Fact.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 23, 2011, 11:02 pm

    i love having back up meals in the freezer/pantry. right now i have chicken burgers + soy corn dogs from Trader Joe’s, 2 kinds of homemade frozen soup, and it’s soooo helpful for busy nights! no shame in having backup options because like you said, it’s much cheaper in the long run…and ya gotta eat 🙂

  • Carly February 23, 2011, 11:05 pm

    I voted for you! 🙂

  • Laura Ann February 23, 2011, 11:08 pm

    Speaking of casseroles, I made your mushroom broccoli casserole tonight, and it was sooooo good! My cook time was a lot longer (over an hour) but only because I wanted it less liquid-y (I might have used more mushroom soup). I’ll be making that again so thank you!
    Oh, and that beer you have pictured here is delish!

  • Karen February 23, 2011, 11:12 pm

    I love, LOVE that T shirt (eye of the beholder)!! Do you know where I could order/buy one?

    I am so with you on dinners on crazy days. I would totally have caved in your situation, so Yay! for you:) I think you’re right; having easily — and quickly — prepared meal ingredients on hand is so key!

  • Amanda February 23, 2011, 11:14 pm

    Good job! I try to have stuff like that hanging around, it saves the day! Dude, that beer looks rich. How was it?

  • Kate @ Walking in the Rain February 23, 2011, 11:43 pm

    I really need to stock my freezer with a casserole and other quick to make meals. I spend way too much money on grabbing things to eat at the store because I don’t have anything in the fridge.

    Promise to share your casserole recipes?

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:09 am

      Promise!

  • annette @ enjoyyourhealthylife February 23, 2011, 11:44 pm

    I love your realization- because it is SO true!! Convenience sometimes overrules $$ woes. Maybe this is the answer to the state our country is in 😉 haha. Love your meal!!!

  • Ashley February 23, 2011, 11:49 pm

    that ravioli sounds amazing! My local place doesn’t have pasta bulk bins! : ( That would be the best!

  • JenATX February 23, 2011, 11:53 pm

    what a great revelation 🙂 I actually have frozen ravioli in my freezer along w/ frozen veggies as my “back up” but for some reason it never sounds good ha

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 23, 2011, 11:55 pm

    Good job on staying in and saving some mooooooola!

  • Amanda @ The Artsy Kitchen February 24, 2011, 12:05 am

    Love the cute t-shirts!! I ALWAYS keep a couple of Kashi pizzas on hand for nights like that, they are delicious so we’re never disappointed by having to eat one, and they’re ready in 8 minutes, can’t beat it!

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf February 24, 2011, 12:19 am

    I used to always keep a frozen pizza around because I knew that there were going to be days I didn’t feel like cooking, and a frozen pizza was always cheaper than going out. Since the hubs and I never see each other during weekdays (I work mornings and afternoons, and he works afternoons and evenings), we don’t have that problem during the week, but I may start doing that again since we never cease to go out for Saturday lunch, even though we already plan to go on on Sunday afternoon.

  • Katy February 24, 2011, 12:27 am

    Please please come to UC Santa Cruz! You would be welcomed with open arms!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:08 am

      Talk to your student activities peeps! I would love to come.

  • Teresa @ Teresa Tastes & Travels February 24, 2011, 12:42 am

    It’s funny, isn’t it? We almost never regret eating in but often regret eating out…

  • hippierunner February 24, 2011, 12:47 am

    Yay for choosing to eat in! I think that’s great, especially since I bet you are inspiring others to do the same!

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul February 24, 2011, 1:07 am

    That’s such a cool tshirt design 😀 I bet the husband was very proud and happy to hear you speak!

  • Lindsey February 24, 2011, 1:57 am

    I *love* ravioli! I like to make it homemade!

  • Lindsey February 24, 2011, 1:58 am

    I *love* ravioli! Except I have to make it homemade, because we can’t buy it where I am. :\ It’s yummy, though!

  • Dee February 24, 2011, 2:42 am

    Caitlin,

    I’m very impressed that you can deliver these amazing speeches and presentations throughout the country and live to tell about it. I’m in awe of people who are able to give public speeches without withering away in a heap of nerves.

    I’m also inspired with the generous and upbeat attitude you have with your volunteering efforts. I have a much different attitude when I volunteer and tend to get cranky about spending my time on these activities. I need to see the beauty and value in these times and enjoy the contributions I’m making to someone. You made me realize this!

    Anyway, I’ve been following your blog for awhile. I became a vegetarian back in November 2009 and really enjoy your posts.

    Thanks for sharing your life with us, including all your insanely cute dog photos!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:08 am

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Re: volunteering, sometimes I get cranky about it too. We all are so busy and it can seem like just one more thing we ‘have’ to do. But I would say if you always feel that like, try a new volunteering experience. It might just be the position!

  • Parita @ myinnershakti February 24, 2011, 6:43 am

    I’m glad you didn’t cave because we all know how much you love sushi! And your dinner looked great. I am going to try to take on a similar challenge when I get settled in my new city.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 24, 2011, 6:51 am

    I have a fantastic casserole recipe that I just made. I bet you would LOVE it!!Mushrooms + black beans. I’ll email it to you.

  • Lauren February 24, 2011, 6:55 am

    That is so cool that hubby got to go with you for this presentation. ANd way to go on the dinner at home! It looked amazing and way better than something you could have gotten out.

  • Kara February 24, 2011, 6:58 am

    If my husband was in the crowd, I would be so much more nervous giving a presentation. From the comments I can see that I’m not the only one. Isn’t that strange that the one person who supports us the most would also make us the most nervous?

    Good job resisting going out, but now I totally want sushi. I’m so suggestible.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 24, 2011, 7:15 am

    Good for you eating at home! I know that was hard, but that was a great step in the right direction. It is hard to start thinking that way, but in the end, you save money and you really appreciate the times you do get to go out a little more. Trust me, now that I have kids…those are few and far between!

  • Beth February 24, 2011, 7:39 am

    We always try to keep a frozen Amy’s pizza for emergency’s like this. Because a $7 pizza is always cheaper than going out!

  • Lizzy @ runbakerace February 24, 2011, 7:50 am

    The fiance and I always have frozen ravioli handy for just your type of occassion. I love butternut squash and spinach ravioli. Great job on staying with the eat-in challenge.

  • megan @ blackberries for jam February 24, 2011, 8:04 am

    We don’t have Trader Joe’s in Vermont but I’m heading to my parents’ house in Atlanta next week and one of the first things I’m going to do when I get there is rush out and buy that white bean hummus! I have such TJ’s envy!

  • Ash February 24, 2011, 8:15 am

    Nice on eating in! SF and I are definitely trying to save some money so we’re trying to eat in and stop spending so much money on the house!

  • Laura February 24, 2011, 8:16 am

    I am a big time “freezer stock up” kind of gal for these exact situations. 🙂 A tip… when I am freezing food I usually put two servings (it’s just me and my husband) in to quart sized freezer bags that have been labeled and dated with a Sharpie. Get as much air out of the bag as possible when you’re zipping it shut (to prevent freezer burn) and then get the bag to lay as flat as possible on the shelf to freeze. Once it is frozen you can stand them up and have a “file” of sorts in the freezer! Saves a lot of space versus having it all in tupperware.

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:05 am

      Awesome tips!

  • Jenifer February 24, 2011, 8:33 am

    Oh man! Now I really feel guilty. I tried the no eating out challenge for just this week, and I bombed. I had Martins salad bar for lunch yesterday, cuz I needed to grab a few things at the store. Then last night the child and hubbie groaned when I said I was making Cod for dinner. “We want chicken philly subs!!”… Three (Bob took one in his lunch)subs, one grilled chicken salad and a cup of (not very good) minestrone later, I am now $37 poorer. Damn it!And a few other bad words that I will not say on here. : )

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:05 am

      If it makes you feel better, I think hot bar/salad bar at a grocery store doesn’t count as eating out 🙂 Just get back on the eating-in train!

  • RhodeyGirl February 24, 2011, 8:38 am

    I have frozen ravioli, gnocchi, and tortellini in my freezer at all times. Sometimes if we don’t want a super pasta dish but we need something last minute I make some broth and throw in some tortellini and we have tortellini soup!

    Another thing we freeze are personal size pizzas! When I make dough I usually make 2 batches at once (only 1 time of cleanup) and make little pizzas with the second batch. If you cook the pizzas 80% and then freeze they work really well!

  • Cindy Robinson February 24, 2011, 8:41 am

    I think my motto should be “just freeze it” I freeze a lot of rice/pasta/couscous you name it. Freeze in small plastic baggies and just pop into the microwave for a minute….this really is a time saver. Good for you for holding your ground on not going out….!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 24, 2011, 8:44 am

    You have some willpower for opting to eat in instead of going out for sushi. I can NEVER turn down sushi! 😛

  • Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner February 24, 2011, 8:49 am

    That white bean topping on the sourdough looks divine! Do you think I could find a recipe for it?

    xoxox,
    Kathleen

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:04 am

      It’s pre-made but maybe I’ll try to create it at home soon!

  • Nicole @ yuppie yogini February 24, 2011, 8:52 am

    Love the picture of the sexy man. 😉

  • Nicole @ yuppie yogini February 24, 2011, 8:52 am

    Love the picture of the sexy man. 😉

  • Ann February 24, 2011, 8:54 am

    First of all, that t shirt is hysterical! And good for you for thinking through your dinner out vs. dinner in. So often it seems easier and faster to go out, when in reality you can get most meals on the table in less than 30 minutes (I sound like Rachael Ray!). Knowing you have some ravioli in the freezer and a can of tomatoes in your pantry will get you through!

  • Kris February 24, 2011, 9:01 am

    I love that you keep your dessert chocolate in the same drawer I keep mine 🙂

  • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable February 24, 2011, 9:06 am

    Ugh, I totally caved last night on eating in. I was super stressed, cranky, and we were already out so we decided to eat out. At least we used a gift card, so technically it was free!

  • Amanda February 24, 2011, 9:08 am

    Great ideas!

    Another question, though, Caitlin. Do you have any sites with good stretching tips after running? I’m training for my first half and feel like I need more stretching! Thanks 🙂

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:03 am

      RunnersWorld.com has an entire stretching section – checkie it out!

      • Amanda February 24, 2011, 10:10 am

        Word. Thanks 🙂

  • Emily February 24, 2011, 9:10 am

    I have some sad news about your beloved Cowfish…My sister lives in Charlotte and called to get reservations for this week for dinner this weekend…they’re closed for an unannounced amount of time due to flooding!!!! Good thing you’re doing the eat-in challenge. 🙂

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:01 am

      AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

      Go to Ru San’s instead!

  • Anne Weber-Falk February 24, 2011, 9:24 am

    Good job on your eat-in discipline. I have the same issues, mostly when I am just too tired or bored of cooking for the family. I will have to do some extra cooking so I can have things in the freezer too. Where can I get a t-shirt like that for my 16 year old daughter? She has low beauty self esteem and I think she would like that shirt. I really like the message you put out for all of us. As soon as your newest book comes out I will be getting it for Emma.

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 10:00 am

      Thank you so much 🙂 Emma might benefit from the first book more than the second book, actually, if she’s a mature 16! The second book is written more for younger girls (like, 9 – 14). Just a thought!

      I will ask UNCC about the shirts!

  • Marcia February 24, 2011, 9:39 am

    Where can I buy the t-shirt beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think that is the best thing

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 9:58 am

      I will email them and ask but they were special UNCC shirts so I don’t think they are for sale 🙁

  • Amber K February 24, 2011, 10:33 am

    That is exactly why my husband and I have frozen pizzas and “frozen dinners” ready to go in our freezer. Well, we never eat out anyway, but we totally have those nights when we have zero desire to cook! That’s always why about 90% of our dinners take less than 15 minutes to make. I’ll do any prechopping/precooking I can just so I don’t have to do much when it’s dinner time!

  • Jen @ keepitsimplefoods February 24, 2011, 10:55 am

    Oooh, I love that T-shirt!

  • Stephanie February 24, 2011, 11:01 am

    Good for you. It’s really hard for me to make these choices too. With three kids I have a really busy schedule and lately have been loving the Trader Joe’s frozen section for life changing frozen meals on the fly. 🙂

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In February 24, 2011, 12:31 pm

    Freezer foods are DEFINITELY a staple for eating in! I always keep Amy’s frozen burritos, Dr. Praeger’s and Frozen veggies on hand. I also like to make batches of soups and freeze them in individual portions.
    Good job sticking to your goal!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 24, 2011, 12:55 pm

    Great job on the eat in challenge last night! You rocked it!

    I also kind of wanted to see the outfit you wore that the husband scoffed at.

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 4:31 pm

      hahah it was black pants and a top – he said it wasnt dressy enough!

  • lauren February 24, 2011, 1:20 pm

    Hey….my alma mater! 🙂 Hope you enjoyed it!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) February 24, 2011, 1:32 pm

    I agree with you on your realization for your eat-in challenge… I try to make extra food whenever making something that would freeze easily like a casserole or soup. Even if its only enough for one lunch portion, makes it a lot easier to eat-in when you have lot’s on hand ready to be heated. I also keep bottled sauces and frozen ravioli’s and things like in addition to to frozen items I made. One other thing I keep on hand is a few Amy’s frozen dinners… they’re not cheap, but neither is eating out and then I pair them with a roasted/ steamed veggie or even a salad.

  • Elana February 24, 2011, 3:13 pm

    My husband and I had the same realization a couple years ago too and now we always keep a few of what we refer to as “emergency meals” around for nights that we’re too tired to cook as planned. Trader Joe’s is great for those, in addition to the frozen things I recommend the madras lentils that come in a vaccuum sealed package in a box (if you like indian food) paired with frozen spinach and pre-cooked brown rice. We also now try to make extra of some things and freeze them–brown rice, cooked dried beans, soups or stews, homemade pizza and so on. So helpful!

  • Susan February 24, 2011, 5:55 pm

    We’re having Restaurant Week where I live and we’re going out 5 times. Yikes! We’re gonna have to do the eat-in challenge for a week or two to recover. Lunches for me are the hardest. I’m going to make an effort this weekend to have lunch stuff ready once Monday rolls around.

  • Stephanie Clement February 25, 2011, 9:10 am

    Hey there!! I know you have access to a Trader Joes and our #1 go-to tired food is there boxed Indian food. It comes in a ton of different flavours such as an Bhangan Bharta, Paneer, Lentil stuff (I can’t remember all the names..I just know what colours the boxes are..). Anyways, all you need to do is prepare rice (easy peasy) and either boil the bag to heat the contents inside OR empty the bag (its aluminum) and microwave! We also get frozen naan and toast it in the toaster oven. The entire meal is always always tasty and satisfying, about $4 (minus the $2 naan) and takes as long as it takes rice to cook.

    try it!!!

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 9:47 am

      Yes, they have SUCH good Indian food at TJs!

  • Charlotte Denny Henley July 5, 2011, 12:04 pm

    Hey Caitlin. I just had to say how much I enjoy your blog. The pictures of food you provide really intensify the whole experience of reading your blog, but also really inspire me to consider broadening my diet to include more vegetarian options. It all looks sooooo good. Thanks for the inspiration.

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