Give a girl a pumpkin loaf, and she shall eat it for breakfast. Somehow, someway.

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In the mix:

 

  • Greek yogurt (vanilla)
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • Pecans
  • Canned Pumpkin
  • Pumpkin loaf

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IMG_5922

Oooooh yeah.

 

So – here’s something fun!  I’ve created a list of my Favorite Things.  Don’t you love the yearly Oprah episode where she gifts each audience one of each favorite thing?   I’m no Oprah, but here’s a list of every fitness gadget that I’ve been coveting throughout 2010.  

 

Foam Roller ($11.50 for a 6 by 12 inch round):  We just bought this foam roller, and we are both addicted.  Love, love this simple and cheap foam roller.  It’s super dense so it feels like my muscles are getting a deep tissue massage!

Black High Density Foam Roller - Extra Firm - 4 Sizes Available

Soda Stream ($79.95 for the starter kit): I bought my mom a Soda Stream last year for Christmas after receiving one for a blog review.  This thing is AWESOME.  It creates TONS of carbonated water and your fingertips, saves money, and reduces waste. 

Fountain Jet - Seltzer Starter Kit

Capresso Electric Kettle ($59.99):  My mother-in-law just bought us this electric kettle, and it’s rapidly become my favorite kitchen appliance.  It only takes 3 minutes to boil an entire pot of water, which makes coffee so much easier in the morning (also, we save energy by not using the stove).  Also, I love the see-through design.  It’s really pretty!

(Source)

CamelBak ($59): I got my CamelBak a while ago and own a different version than this one, but they are pretty similar.  Definitely get the ladies fit (if you’re a lady, of course) because it has a slimmer profile that doesn’t bounce as much when you run.  I promise! :) 

Operation Beautiful ($11.56):  Shameless plug. :)  My book is great holiday present.  🙂 Filled with 125 awesome Operation Beautiful notes plus simple tips on how to lead a healthier and happier life, this book is a great gift to any woman on your life!  Nancy Redd, the New York Times bestselling author of Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers, said: "Operation Beautiful is an amazing book and movement that greatly helps women take control and start slicing out self-hate, stitching up self-esteem, and finally start healing from all the body drama that’s making us sick!"

IMG_9195

Indoor Bicycle Trainer ($79):  Sure, there are nicer indoor trainers out there, but this one is cheap and highly rated.  This indoor trainer allows you to ride your road bike INSIDE, and you can change the resistance levels.  Exercise while watching reality TV on a snowy winter night? I’m in! 

Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer

Race Medal Display from Allied Steel ($24 – $59):  I bought the Pride is Forever one (below) for myself earlier this year and love it.  This really would be a great gift for anyone who loves to race.

IMG_4556

SpiBelt ($21.95): Although I don’t normally run with a SpiBelt, I wear them during almost every race.  These pouches don’t bounce and can hold an amazing amount of stuff.  My SpiBelt held my camera and three packets of Gu during my last marathon!

IMG_4836

Recovery Sock ($34.90):  I’ve had these compression socks for over two years and they are still just as effective as they were the day I bought them.  After hard exercise, I wear them to reduce swelling and speed along recovery.  And they are seksi!

IMG_4851

YogiToes ($64):  $64 for a yoga towel might seem like a lot, but I’m IN LOVE with my Yogitoes towel.  It never moves on the mat and washes well.  SO much sleekier than a regular towel, too.

IMG_5655

Marathon 26.2 Necklace ($40):  I don’t own this but I think it’s so cute.  The perfect gift for the new marathoner!

Marathon 26.2 Runner Handstamped Necklace

OtterBox iPhone Defender ($49.95):  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve dropped my iPhone while biking or running.  You can literally hurl your phone at a brick wall when it’s in the Otter Box and it won’t break.  It’s expensive… but trust me, it’s TOTALLY worth it if you’re a klutz like me.

Wunder Unders ($79):  My newest love.  I recently received some Wunder Unders as a gift, and I may have to go back to Lululemon and buy them in black.  They are warm, stretchy, and have a big waist band. 

IMG_1824 (Source)

Oh, and that, my friends, is horrible workout outfit of the week.  It was post hot-yoga on Sunday.

{ 101 comments }

 

  • grocery goddess jen November 23, 2010, 9:49 am

    Aw, I like your horrible workout outfits! You look cute 🙂

    Great gifts ideas, too. I’ll take one of each, please 🙂

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans November 23, 2010, 9:49 am

    Your horrible workout outfit looks suspiciously like what I am currently wearing as I do some work at home…

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 23, 2010, 9:50 am

    I’m pretty sure those wunder unders are AWESOME! I almost want to do a “christmas list” post so I can just refer my family back to that! 🙂

  • Jackie (ananda prana) November 23, 2010, 9:51 am

    Pants with big waistbands are so important! No digging into your skin and giving you a stomachache.

    I love the Pride is Forever display as a gift… now I just need to find someone who has medals to buy it for 🙂

    • Sarah November 23, 2010, 9:53 am

      Oh good – I’m not the only one who gets a weird stomachache when waistbands dig into my stomach? I thought I was crazy.

  • Sarah November 23, 2010, 9:52 am

    Oh wow, I think I need a spibelt by Thursday’s half marathon. I wonder if I can find it in stores?

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 9:53 am

      They sell them at a lot of runner’s stores!

      • Sarah November 23, 2010, 10:06 am

        Good call – I’ll see what I can find tomorrow! (Or maybe at the expo?)

        • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 10:08 am

          Definitely will be at the expo – I would be shocked if it wasn’t.

      • Sarah November 23, 2010, 8:37 pm

        They had one at the expo! Thanks for timing this post perfectly. 🙂

    • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa November 23, 2010, 11:12 am

      I would highly recommend picking up a spibelt! I just got one for my marathon last Sunday at the expo and love it! I could hardly tell it was on while running.

      • Sarah November 23, 2010, 8:38 pm

        Thanks Kierstan! I found a booth at the expo that had them today. The woman at the booth asked me if I had ever heard of them and I said, “Funny story …”

  • R @ Learning As I Chop November 23, 2010, 9:52 am

    I agree that Yogitoes are completely worth the money

  • Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life November 23, 2010, 9:55 am

    Love that Pride is Forever. I just said my first half and I want something to show off my medal!

  • Michelle November 23, 2010, 9:57 am

    I am pretty much in love with every pair of pants I have from lululemon! And I also just invested in a spi belt and love it as well! It’s great when I go out on a run and aren’t wearing anything with pockets. That way i don’t have to dig money out of my sports bra to buy a bottle of water. 🙂

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans November 23, 2010, 9:57 am

    I have heard good things about the WunderUnder tights. I think I may have to invest in a pair for the winter!

  • Cate November 23, 2010, 9:58 am

    It looks like a good list – I wouldn’t mind a few of them myself! 😉
    I am actually planning on giving one of my friends the Operation Beautiful book for the Christmas. I think it is going to be a great gift for her! 🙂

  • Charlie November 23, 2010, 9:58 am

    Great gift ideas! This year, I make all my gifts since I don’t have much money.
    I would love a soda stream! I love carbonated water but it is quite expensive & bad for the environment.

  • Molly @fuelherup November 23, 2010, 9:58 am

    Haha the outfit would be okay if it weren’t for the leopard print shoes.

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up November 23, 2010, 10:01 am

    LOVE the gift ideas!

  • Emily November 23, 2010, 10:04 am

    I bought my sister the race metal display with her favorite saying on the top. She just ran her first 1/2 about a month ago and I am SO excited to give it to her!

  • Brendali November 23, 2010, 10:09 am

    I totally just lol’ed at your little work out outfit disclaimer. I actually am really in love with those leopard print shoes. I think they are fierce! <3

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat November 23, 2010, 10:11 am

    Love these!! I think I need the SpiBelt because mine bounces and twists around all the time – it drives me crazy so I don’t wear it often –> meaning I’m not as hydrated as I should be on my long runs. Thanks for the great ideas – I know some people who could use these things! 😀

  • janae @ hungryrunnergirl November 23, 2010, 10:14 am

    I love this post:) I need to get that necklace. I love my bike trainer too…it is a life saver! You look adorable in all of your pics:)

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete November 23, 2010, 10:17 am

    I’m going to order one of those race medal hanger things for Jason for Christmas — we had so many medals and I think he would really like it.

  • Cindy Robinson November 23, 2010, 10:20 am

    Ha Ha on your horrible workout gear. Love the shoes 🙂 Wide waist bands are a girls best friend! Okay, stupid question. I’m not sure I understand the carbonated water gadget. Do you just drink a lot of carbonated water? Just plain? Do you do other things with it? Please enlighten me 🙂

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 10:40 am

      I drink it every now and then when I’m dying for a soda but don’t have any in the house. Sometimes I mix in fruit juice to give it a little kick.

  • Joanne November 23, 2010, 10:24 am

    I have one of those spibelts and they are great for holding a ton of stuff. You’re right.

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life November 23, 2010, 10:31 am

    I am in love with those leopard print peep toes in the last picture. I really want 95% of the things on your list. Thanks for sharing!

  • Natalia - a side of simple November 23, 2010, 10:32 am

    Wunder Unders= my wardrobe for 2011. True fact.

  • tina November 23, 2010, 10:34 am

    so funny- i asked for a lululemon version of yogitoes AND a new pair of wonder unders (because 4 pairs just isn’t enough)for christmas… total necessities!!! 🙂

    i love my compression socks too… i wear them to bed almost every day after running~ totally relaxes my muscles, love it!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) November 23, 2010, 10:40 am

    I would DIE without my foam roller. I go and use it about 30 seconds after walking in the door after work. After out-of-town trips, I run to it like a toddler that lost her mommy in the grocery store.

  • steph November 23, 2010, 10:41 am

    “And they are seksi!”
    LOL!! and love love the open toe leopard print flats with your wunder unders. they are amazing.

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life November 23, 2010, 10:42 am

    This is an awesome list! Great giftables!

    Another thing I bought recently was the Tiger Tail. It’s a like a foam roller but its like a rolling pin so you can use it standing up. Love it!

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com November 23, 2010, 10:44 am

    Ummm…i’m just goin to send the husband this post for birthday and christmas ideas for me! 😉 Thanks, Caitlin!

  • Alexia @ Dimple Snatcher November 23, 2010, 10:53 am

    heheheh
    i love shameless plugs!

  • Jessica M November 23, 2010, 10:59 am

    Haha… love the outfit! I used to have some leopard print shoes in college very similar to yours. I loved them and wore them all the time.

  • Carolyn @ Lovin' Losing November 23, 2010, 11:00 am

    Thanks for the list! Now I can tell my family what to get me! But, I’m surprised how many of them I already have. Spibelt, OB Book, Camelbak and Allied Steel (mine says Runner).

  • Krissy November 23, 2010, 11:02 am

    I love this post!!! I bought my boyfriend the high density roller after reading this. Thank you!

  • Beth @ Will Run for Books November 23, 2010, 11:06 am

    Thanks for this Caitlin! I am having serious troubles coming up with 1) a gift list for myself and 2) a gift list for other people! It’s so hard to buy for people this year for some reason….

  • Food & Other Things November 23, 2010, 11:08 am

    Pumpkin loaf is the best! I love your race medal display!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels November 23, 2010, 11:08 am

    I seriously love that you called that horrible workout outfit of the week – because that’s basically what I wear at all times that I am out of my work uniform. Actually your shoes are quite cutesie!

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini November 23, 2010, 11:09 am

    Bad workout outfit of the week–that would be funny.

  • Amber K November 23, 2010, 11:10 am

    What a great round-up of stuff!

    And I love the post hot yoga look. Chic. 😉

  • skinnyrunner November 23, 2010, 11:18 am

    those wunder under things (ive never heard of them) look cute, now i want a pair!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) November 23, 2010, 11:22 am

    LOL those shoes + that outfit. Beautiful!! My sister has a similar soda siphon and she loves it!

  • JenATX November 23, 2010, 11:26 am

    hahaha lookin’ good lady!

  • Samantha November 23, 2010, 11:28 am

    I’m giving my 15 year old niece a copy of Operation Beautiful. She has had serious weight issues since she was probably 8 years old, and in the past year has lost 65 pounds by increasing activity and no longer binging on sweets. I am so proud of her, and while she was always beautiful, I think it bears reminding that she is so much stronger and healthier now. Of course, at 15, she can also use all the self-esteem boosters she can get!

  • monicanelsonfitness November 23, 2010, 11:28 am

    Amazing! Great ideas.

    I adore the photo with you and your book, that is hands down on my wish list. 😉
    Thanks for sharing all of these!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine November 23, 2010, 11:30 am

    Awesome ideas!! I’ve had a copy of OB for my best friend for a few months now…it’s the perfect Christmas gift for her. And Lululemon clothes constitute like 3/4 of my Christmas list right now. They’re just so cute and comfy!!

  • anonymous November 23, 2010, 11:34 am

    My favs : the soda stream, medal display,marathon 26.2 necklace & of course Operation Beautiful! hint, hint Santa 😉 Oh, btw where did you get those shoes in the last pic ? They’re adorable & also on my wishlist 😀

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 6:14 pm

      They are from Target but I got them like, four years ago 🙁

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg November 23, 2010, 11:37 am

    I think after you write a book, you’re definitely allowed to shamelessly plug it 🙂

    Great list!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie November 23, 2010, 11:47 am

    I have an otter box too! It’s not the most elegant packaging, but at least I can drop my phone without freaking out. And trust me, I do.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef November 23, 2010, 11:50 am

    great gift ideas!

  • Ash November 23, 2010, 11:53 am

    Pumpkin bread is basically the best thing ever. I’m making some to bring to Thanksgiving. MMMMmm!

  • Amanda November 23, 2010, 12:05 pm

    Love your list of HTP Favorite Things! Let me know the next time you have a craving for pumpkin bread. 😉

  • Laura November 23, 2010, 12:12 pm

    Bahaha – love the ‘horrible outfit of the week.’ Let me know if you’d like any reader submissions!

  • Nicole, RD November 23, 2010, 12:13 pm

    If that’s your worst outfit, I’d say you’re doing pretty well 🙂

    I love my Soda Stream, too!

  • Krista (kristastes) November 23, 2010, 12:14 pm

    I love capresso items, they last a LONG time — I have a hand-me-down coffee maker that is literally like 15 years old and works like it’s brand spankin new. Loved this post! I am sad I wasn’t able to catch Oprah’s favorite things…the last one, tear!

  • zoe (and the beatles) November 23, 2010, 12:18 pm

    camelbacks are aaaaaaahmazing! having them while rock climbing/hiking is so essential. and those wunder unders sound exactly like what i love to hang out in: stretchy, comfortable, and with a big waistband. sold!

  • Christine bookishlyboisterous.blogspot.com/ November 23, 2010, 12:20 pm

    Great stuff! I love, love, love the race medal holder. I feel an early Christmas present for myself coming on!

  • Lu November 23, 2010, 12:22 pm

    I love my YogiToes towel. It’s a must for hot yoga. I have to look into that kettle. I’m not a patient woman, and 3 minutes? I can totally do that.

  • ProjectLifebySue November 23, 2010, 12:26 pm

    Cute shoes!!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair November 23, 2010, 12:32 pm

    Hahahaha that outfit made me giggle – mostly because of the super cute/kind of dressy shoes with workout gear 😉

    Thanks to this post I have just added a whole wack of MORE things to my Christmas list! Sigh

  • Ali November 23, 2010, 12:32 pm

    I really want a foam roller but am afraid I won’t know how to use it. I also really liked the race medal holder. There are a lot of the things on your list that are on my Christmas list 😉

  • Jillian@ Reshape Your Life November 23, 2010, 12:32 pm

    Those shoes really make that outfit 😉

    So many cool things to get. does that otterbox work with the iPhone 4? My boyfriend had been through THREE iPhones… that might be the perfect christmas gift for him!

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 5:46 pm

      They do have an Otterbox for iPhone 4 but its a different model!

  • KitKat @ Pursuit of Happiness November 23, 2010, 12:54 pm

    Do you find that bike trainer loud at all? I have been looking into getting one but I live on the fourth floor of an apartment building so I don’t want to drive my neighbors nuts!

    Thanks for sharing such a great list!

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 5:46 pm

      I don’t have the trainer yet so I don’t know 🙂 It’s magnetic which I think will make it quieter.

  • Joanna November 23, 2010, 1:14 pm

    What do you use all the carbonated water for?

    At a restaurant I worked at we rinsed all the produce with soda water (followed by just plain water) to give them a more effective clean. But I never do it at home bc I don’t have any on hand…

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 5:48 pm

      For drinking 🙂

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin November 23, 2010, 1:22 pm

    What a fun list! Lululemon is all over my wish list this year– their Groove pants are so comfy and flattering!

    I got a foam roller before my first half marathon this year, and it’s my new best friend! I haven’t even been running long distances lately, but it is a great relief after my Physique 57 classes, too! (ouch!)

  • Jacquelynn November 23, 2010, 1:32 pm

    Caitlin – I am going to start Hot Yoga this winter, I just found a place close by… what do you wear to the classes? Shorts? Tank tops?

    Thanks!

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 5:48 pm

      Most people wear yoga pants because it keeps your hands from sliding all over your sweaty legs 🙂

  • Kiran November 23, 2010, 1:45 pm

    What a coincidence! I have the same Capresso kettle and Wunder Unders 😀 I love the kettle so much! Nice list 🙂

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous November 23, 2010, 2:28 pm

    A lot of people swear by those recovery socks…I need to get on board!

  • Jane November 23, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Ohh, I want a SodaStream SO BAD. Jealous!

  • Amanda November 23, 2010, 3:28 pm

    Do you feel like the camelbak slows you down during a race? I haven’t tried it but always wondered. I think I might get tired of having it on my back during a long run. Also, wanted to share with you: If you like recovery socks, you should give the sigvaris ones a try. (http://www.athleticrecoverysocks.com). The are made by a medical compression company and have true graduated compression. The site has a lot of info about how they work.
    Thanks for all the great info!

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 5:50 pm

      Nope! No slowing down problems.

  • Camels & Chocolate November 23, 2010, 3:58 pm

    I own about half of these running items, but feel the need to go out and buy the other half! And my husband just bought the foam roller for his neck and is equally as in love with it as you.

  • Brittany November 23, 2010, 4:07 pm

    Great post, as always! I loveeee my otterbox, so great. I recently bought a camelbak, can’t wait to use it. Even though it is Florida colors (blue & orange), and i’m an LSU fan… I think people will look at me strangely… but i may be using for my longggg walks that are coming up for my half-marathon walk training! Also, i’ve been thinking about what to do for the medal i’m going to get in February… I think i want to start a wall of medals in my new apartment!

  • Heidi - apples under my bed November 23, 2010, 4:43 pm

    Great list! I love that workout outfit 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Lauren November 23, 2010, 5:20 pm

    Great list! Do your hands/feet ever slip around on the Yogitoes towel?

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 5:51 pm

      Sometimes I spray it with a squirt water bottle.

  • Gracie (complicated day) November 23, 2010, 5:33 pm

    Oh, I GOTS to make my own carbonated water. I drink it to settle my stomach post-long run, and there is nothing better. I always start craving it around mile 18 or so! I’d love to produce it at home because if I get back from a run and I’m out I get extremely grumpy.

  • Brianna O. November 23, 2010, 6:16 pm

    I’m going to get your book for my SIL for Christmas. I was going to buy it at Barnes and Noble but it was 17bucks! Where can I get it for $11.56?!

    • Caitlin November 23, 2010, 6:26 pm

      Amazon!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life November 23, 2010, 6:52 pm

    Love your favorite things list! I always wonder how much the guests on Oprah end up having to pay for taxes when winning things from her “Favorite Things” episdoe.

  • Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex November 23, 2010, 8:10 pm

    Good list, Caitlin! I didn’t want to spend so much on a Yogitoes towel, but my feet and hands get supersweaty during yoga and I needed SOMETHING. Fortunately, Target carries a knockoff version! It was $25 and is Gaiam brand I think. It’s helped make yoga a much better experience.

  • Wei-Wei November 23, 2010, 8:55 pm

    I actually think your workout outfits aren’t that bad… 😉

  • Elizabeth November 23, 2010, 9:46 pm

    I love the Otterbox! This sounds crazy, but I swear it’s true.. I was loading the groceries and put my phone on top of the car while I was doing it. Well, I drove off and forgot about my phone. A mile down the road I turn a corner going about 15mph and I see something bouncing in the road behind me. Turns out I forgot to get my phone off the hood of the car! Another car turns the corner and runs it over. I pulled over and ran to get my phone and it still worked! The screen was slightly messed up, but I went to the Apple store and they popped a new screen in and it was as good as new! Imagine if I hadn’t had the Otterbox. It would have shattered for sure.

  • maya @ finding balance in tokyo November 24, 2010, 12:13 am

    I have a spibelt and love it! I use it on all my runs to hold my iPhone and few other things. It’s the only belt I’ve tried that doesn’t drive me crazy while running. I also have a foam roller, but don’t use it as much as I should. =/

  • Lorin November 24, 2010, 12:42 am

    I bought some pumpkin chocolate chip bread from a local bakery in SLO to bring home to my parents. It is so good, in fact I am having a slice right now…along with a homemade pb cup that I made in one of my classes.

  • Darlene November 28, 2010, 11:23 pm

    Thanks for including my marathon necklace in your list of favorite things. Your blog is really great!

  • Soda Maker December 7, 2010, 7:50 am

    I love the soda maker, bought mine a while back and it changed my life for the best in all apects, great item.

  • Kelly Schussler December 26, 2010, 10:16 am

    Thanks for this! I am a new vegetarian blogger and I’m loving your blog for ideas, tips, and inspriation.

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