Back in the Air

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I am back on the road for another Operation Beautiful presentation.  This time, I’m going to New Haven, Connecticut (when, oh when am I going to book an engagement in the Bahamas?).  If you’re in the area and want to come tomorrow, the details are here – it’s open to the public!

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The Eat-In (for the rest of) February Challenge has already saved me $10 or so!  I brought a packed lunch instead of opting to grab something on-the-go at the airport.

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I’m currently reading:  Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein (side note: as an author, I just want to say this book has an INCREDIBLE title, and I am very jealous).  The book was gifted to me by the publisher and so far, it’s really great and relatable.  Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of books like this, including Pornland by Gail Dines (also a publisher gift) and So Sexy So Soon by Jean Kilbourne (bought myself) – here’s my review of S4.  The only trouble with reading these books about girl culture is it makes me feel like an alarmist – but maybe that’s a good thing in our society.  It’s good research for Operation Beautiful, though!

 

I think my interest in girl culture pretty much guarantees that the Husband and I will have four boys and no girls.  😉

 

Anyway – let’s talk about lunch.  I made leftovers of Sunday’s lunch and all I had to do was pop the rice, chickpea, balsamic, tomato, and spinach mix into my carry-on!  So easy.

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And a yummy espresso scone.

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I almost… ALMOST… got a cup of Starbucks to go with my scone, but I refused in the sake of saving dough.

 

A Very Operation Beautiful Valentine’s Day!

 

The Operation Beautiful Eye Chart is a hit – I’ve posted some great pictures on the Healthy Tipping Point Facebook page.  If you want to print out the eye chart, it’s right here!

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Time to board.  See ya in New Haven!

 

Are you a Leftover King or Queen?  What’s your favorite leftover dish?  I think anything with a sauce always tastes better the next day!

{ 94 comments }

 

  • Little Bookworm February 14, 2011, 12:28 pm

    Hope you have a good flight Caitlin! I love leftovers. Favourite leftover dish – curry or bean casserole. 🙂

  • Charlie February 14, 2011, 12:30 pm

    Stewed or spicy dishes are always good the next day!
    Good for you resisting Starbucks! I am getting better at it too ;).

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 14, 2011, 12:32 pm

    Spaghetti is the best leftovers. 🙂

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life February 14, 2011, 12:33 pm

    Safe travels and good luck getting to the Bahamas! I agree–the Cinderella title says so much in just a few words!

  • Lindsay February 14, 2011, 12:33 pm

    I was just in New Haven Friday! Have fun- if you are looking for a place to get amazing sushi that will blow Cowfish out of the water head over to Miya’s Sushi- I just posted about my trip there.

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 12:39 pm

      A million people have recommended this place, so perhaps I will try it out!!!

      • Lindsay February 14, 2011, 12:40 pm

        get take out, go early or make a reservation- it is always super packed

  • Karen @ Run Shop Travel February 14, 2011, 12:34 pm

    New Haven CT is about a 1/2 hour from where I grew up. You MUST get some New Haven Pizza while you are there…Pepe’s, The Spot (same as Pepe’s but just behind it and slightly less crowded), Sallys…they are all on the same strip of Wooster St. Plain (sauce + mozzarella) is the best!

    • Liza February 14, 2011, 9:51 pm

      I already posted once, but please, please, please get the pizza when you are in New Haven! I live around the corner from Miya’s sushi and don’t love it, but I am more of a fish sushi than a veggie sushi fan.

      • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:06 am

        Which is the best place??

        • Liza February 15, 2011, 11:59 am

          Modern Apizza! Ok, to be fair, there’s lots of debate about this. My personal ranking would be (1) Modern (2) Frank and Pepe’s (the most famous) (3) Sally’s (only b/c the service is horrendous for those who don’t have an “in”) and (4) Bar (the only place that is comfortably walking distance from downtown).

        • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 2:12 pm

          Oh man I’m so torn!!!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) February 14, 2011, 12:34 pm

    Pizza is my favorite for leftovers. I like it cold!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] February 14, 2011, 12:35 pm

    Love the eye chart – just printed it out! <3

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 14, 2011, 12:36 pm

    Soups and chilis are the best leftovers! I love them. Have a safe trip and good luck!

  • Kelly February 14, 2011, 12:36 pm

    Have a good trip!

  • Kara February 14, 2011, 12:37 pm

    I eat all of the leftovers in this house! My husband will NOT eat leftovers, so I have to eat them all. It’s not all bad though since I cook. I tell him that we’re always going to have what I like since I eat the leftovers 🙂

  • Lindsay February 14, 2011, 12:42 pm

    I love pastas as leftovers, and also some mexican dishes…agree anything with sauces really develops with the extra time. Have a good trip and enjoy your time in CT!! 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 14, 2011, 12:49 pm

    I am such a leftover person – I always make more for dinner so I have a lunch for the next day. It never gets old!

    Nice job not buying starbuck’s!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 14, 2011, 12:51 pm

    I am not huge on leftovers, depending. Pastas are usually fine but anything else? Meh. It’s a bad habit!

  • Ashley February 14, 2011, 12:55 pm

    Spaghetti always tastes better as a left over! Have a great trip! I love the eye chart. 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 14, 2011, 12:56 pm

    You should come to California to speak! It is nice and warm here 🙂

  • Katie Photiadis February 14, 2011, 12:57 pm

    Haha Caitlin–yup it sounds like you might be guaranteed boys =)

    That lunch looks delicious. I think it’s so smart to pack something as opposed to buying overpriced junk at the airport. Have a good trip!

  • Natalie @ Will Jog For Food February 14, 2011, 1:03 pm

    I like certain kinds of leftovers, My mother in law’s lasagna is even better the 2nd and 3rd day! Pork tenderloin from last night, not so much.

  • Christine @ Merf In Progress February 14, 2011, 1:05 pm

    Have a great presentation. I hope I catch it when you’re in D.C.!

  • Sarah February 14, 2011, 1:15 pm

    I wish I could come but I have two children that nap at 1:00. Good luck! I second the pizza!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 14, 2011, 1:16 pm

    I read an article about Cinderella Ate My Daughter in a recent issue of Chatelaine and I think the message is a great one and something that needs to be talked about.
    I’m definitely a leftover queen and my favourites are usually grain salads that take a while before the flavours intensify. Always better the 2nd time around!

  • Jen February 14, 2011, 1:18 pm

    I have a 6 year old daughter, I really want to read that book!

    I think spaghetti, soup, chili and almost any pasta tastes better the second day. I love leftovers!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:33 pm

      You should definitely check out that book – very eye-opening about gender roles.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans February 14, 2011, 1:23 pm

    I really like “girl culture” as well. I took a lot of interesting courses in university that dealt with sexuality, gender orientation and stereotypes and they were definitely some of my favorites!!

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 14, 2011, 1:27 pm

    I think pasta always tastes better then next day!

    That Cinderella book looks really interesting — I just looked it up on Amazon. I might have to add that to my list of books to read.

    Have a safe trip!

  • Ann @ Day by Day February 14, 2011, 1:28 pm

    Ooh I love leftovers! I think pizza leftover is delicious and I also love vegetable soups. Pretty much anything leftover except salad! I probably eat leftovers more than 1/2 the time.

  • Kacy February 14, 2011, 1:38 pm

    I looove leftovers. It’s one of the best things about eating mostly vegetarian. The leftovers always heat up really well.

  • Ann February 14, 2011, 1:43 pm

    I am a big fan of leftovers. Some meals, like soup, taste better the second (or third) day. For other dishes, I think the key is to change it into something else. For example, a warm couscous dish with tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, red onion and feta in a red wine vinagrette can be put into a wrap and grilled the next day. Or you can pretty much stuff anything in a pepper and melt a little cheese on top. Safe travels!

  • Heather February 14, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Love leftovers but only the next day. If it goes longer than that I get bored with ’em. Love noodle soups the next day though, gives it time to soak up the flavor!

  • Amber K February 14, 2011, 1:52 pm

    I am actually really bad about leftovers. There are only a few things I can eat that have been premade. Otherwise I like my food FRESH!

  • leah February 14, 2011, 1:55 pm

    I’m from there. DEF go to BAR- they do mashed potato pizza! Also I think you will love Claire’s (its vegetarian and organic and downtown!) http://www.clairescornercopia.com/

  • annette February 14, 2011, 2:01 pm

    I am a leftover queen- I dominate leftovers (best meals ever!) Enjoy and have a safe flight 🙂

  • daisy February 14, 2011, 2:20 pm

    oh i am so upset i had no idea! i live in stamford which is so close to new haven!!!!!next time you need to do a talk in stamford they have a branch of uconn here and then come to a taping of the show i work at!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:32 pm

      I wish I couldve met you Daisy!

  • Jillian Babbel February 14, 2011, 2:27 pm

    Partially inspired by your eat-in challenge, I created a post on “Planning Your Meals & Eating your Leftovers {Ideas & Free Printable}” http://getfitsisters.com/blog/2011/02/14/planning-your-meals-eating-your-leftovers-ideas-free-printable/

    Yay for the eat in challenge!

  • Lauren February 14, 2011, 2:35 pm

    I saw my first ever Operation Beautiful note today!!! 🙂 It was in a bathroom at my University- there were actually 2 notes on the mirror! They made me smile 🙂

    P.S. Ditch Bahama’s- come to Canada!! Pleeeease? 🙂

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:32 pm

      Are there tropical oceans and palm trees in Canada?

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 14, 2011, 2:39 pm

    Good job on the eat-in challenge!

    I’m a leftover queen! Chili is one of my faves a day later 🙂

    • Jillian Babbel February 14, 2011, 3:35 pm

      I agree! Anything that’s saucey is always double yummy on day 2!

  • Ella February 14, 2011, 2:42 pm

    AHH! I go to Quinnipiac, which is also in New Haven, I would killllllllllllll to see an Operation Beautiful presentation but I have a test at 1. Such a shame.

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:31 pm

      Aw I’m sorry! I would love to meet you!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith February 14, 2011, 2:49 pm

    Yes, but just think about how respectful your boys will be of the women in their lives!

    My pride and joy after Christmas was a Leftovers Pie – http://www.thestrengthoffaith.com/2010/12/christmas-or-thanksgiving-day-leftovers.html – which was TO DIE FOR. Definitely easy and something to try.

  • Elise February 14, 2011, 2:52 pm

    i love making chili because it is almost always 10x better as a leftover. It makes eating it again and again throughout the week, much more exciting 🙂 though i’m with you, i love to put sauce on everything the day after 🙂

  • Kate February 14, 2011, 2:53 pm

    just think, if you do have 4 boys and no girls, wll your knowledge will make them the greatest boys ever. they will know how to treat a lady and you will get to reap the benefits of having 4 daughter’s-in-law (or partners- whoever they choose) who will tell you all the time how happy they are that you are their mother.

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:31 pm

      true that!!!

  • Sierra February 14, 2011, 2:55 pm

    I live in New Haven and if you want the best Pizza go to Bar. They have a bru room where they brew their own beer. All they serve is pizza and salad. Go for the mashed potato pizza. Incredible-my family eats there at least once a month. Their salad is also incredible with caramelized pecans, crumbled cheese, pears — yummy! Plus, right across the street is Louis Lunch; birthplace of the hamburger.

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:31 pm

      Thanks for the recommendations!

  • Ali February 14, 2011, 3:02 pm

    I love leftovers. Pasta leftovers are my fav! Especially vegetarian Pad Thai!

  • megan @ blackberries for jam February 14, 2011, 3:03 pm

    You must be racking up some awesome frequent flyer miles! Maybe those will take you to the Bahamas!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:30 pm

      I finally signed up for a frequent flyer account. aren’t you proud of me?!

  • Jenna@frombostonwithlove.com February 14, 2011, 3:14 pm

    I am the queen of leftovers. Some how I can eat the same thing for days until it is finished.

    Luckily or unluckily for me(depending on what it is), my hubs can only eat left overs for one day, and leaves me to eat the rest every week when he travels for work.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales February 14, 2011, 3:17 pm

    Wooo have fun in CT! I’m super impressed with your ability to avoid the SBux… but make sure not to deny yourself too, too much that come March all you’ll want to do is out!! Balancing is key, but i understand that the challenge is only for the month, so the balance can just start in March!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence February 14, 2011, 3:34 pm

    Have fun! I Think you’d be a great mom of daughters!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) February 14, 2011, 3:36 pm

    Omg i post ALL THE TIME about my love for leftovers. I think it’s important to remind ourselves that we dont always need to buy things when we’re out, or even trouble ourselves to make something from scratch, at every meal.

    My motto is cook once, eat twice. To cook enough to eat twice from. Leftovers save my FT working mom sanity!

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) February 14, 2011, 3:39 pm

    That’s such a great book title!

    Happy vday to you and the holistic doc! 🙂

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul February 14, 2011, 3:43 pm

    What an amazing title for a book indeed~When are you going to be in Cali so I can hear ya speak?! 🙂

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:30 pm

      I would love some Cali dates!!

  • kristin point February 14, 2011, 3:56 pm

    I love leftovers! It kills me my boyfriend does not like leftovers…killllsss me. haha.

    I’m busy so I love the convenience of dinner only a microwave away yet home cooked and healthy 🙂

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 14, 2011, 4:01 pm

    I love leftovers! 😀 It definitely saves me money because I used to let things go to waste all the time.

  • Stephanie February 14, 2011, 4:16 pm

    I LOVE leftovers! I agree..sauces taste amazing when they’ve had *sit* time. 🙂

  • Maryann February 14, 2011, 4:30 pm

    I love having leftover roasted veggies, they are a simple way to add nutrients to any meal!

  • Runeatrepeat February 14, 2011, 4:47 pm

    Heard about that book on NPR. Part of me is afraid to read it because I’ll just be sad about the world we’re raising kids in, the other part of me wants to read it and do something about it! Let’s hope the latter wins 😉

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:28 pm

      Heheh It’s better to be informed!

  • Natalia - a side of simple February 14, 2011, 5:14 pm

    Leftovers run my life. I love them, though, and feel like eating food the day after gives all the flavors time to really come out. Sauce dishes definitely are my favorites, too! Have a safe trip!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good February 14, 2011, 5:21 pm

    Definitely eat leftovers. We have “leftovers dinner” about once a week. If I have made a really large batch of something, I’ll freeze the leftovers for an easy meal some other time.

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good February 14, 2011, 5:22 pm

    Oh, and the kids and I usually have leftovers for lunch the next day. Makes life easier.

  • Lauren February 14, 2011, 5:28 pm

    I pretty much love all leftovers, except maybe french fries. Those do not reheat well!

  • Allison @ Running With Mascara February 14, 2011, 5:29 pm

    I love leftovers. My favorite leftover dish is Thai curried rice (from the Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook)! It’s amazing!

  • Betsy February 14, 2011, 6:15 pm

    Ahh I live about 35 minutes from Southern! I wish I could come see you speak tomorrow, but I have work 🙁 There are so many great restaurants in New Haven. My favorite is the Noodle House. Check it out if you can! Hopefully you’ll come back to CT soon! Enjoy your stay!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:28 pm

      Wahh I wish we could meet too, thank you for the support!

  • Kiran February 14, 2011, 6:43 pm

    Happy V-Day Operation Beautiful 🙂
    I love love love leftover curries!!! So delish as leftovers 🙂

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit February 14, 2011, 6:48 pm

    I am very careful with leftovers, and we end up hardly wasting any food at all in my house 🙂 We just have a lot of compost!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 14, 2011, 7:32 pm

    Chili is by far my favourite leftover food. It always tastes even better the next day!

    Safe travels!

  • *Andrea* February 14, 2011, 7:36 pm

    good luck at your presentation!!! i wish i had your restraint with saving dough…i can barely walk or drive by a Starbucks without stopping in!

    i love the pic of you on the OB website! so cute!!!

  • Eliza February 14, 2011, 8:26 pm

    does this mean you are planning 4 kids?

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:27 pm

      Maybe!

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt February 14, 2011, 8:41 pm

    I lived near New Haven for a few years! I went to college at Quinnipiac University which is right near there. 🙂 Eat at Eli’s or try the pizza in New Haven. Yum! And I am a total leftover queen. No food goes to waste in this house!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 14, 2011, 9:42 pm

    I take leftovers for lunch almost every day. I love having something ready to go.

  • Emily (Comfortable Home Life) February 14, 2011, 10:34 pm

    I read about “Cinderella Ate My Daughter” on NPR.org the other day – I immediately added it to my must read list. It reminded me a bit of “Inside Toyland,” which talks about the gender/culture/race of children’s toys. I love books about cultural studies. I think I might read “Pornland” next!

  • Leila @ Spinach and Skittles February 14, 2011, 11:27 pm

    That Cinderella Ate My Daughter book is on my to read short list. I think soups are so much better the second day 🙂

  • Mac February 14, 2011, 11:40 pm

    Left over mac & cheese is one of my favorites! Simple and kind of lame I know, but ohh so good with a little Tony Chachere on it

  • Charise February 15, 2011, 8:18 am

    I make 4 servings of dinner each night so we always have leftovers for lunch. I agree about the sauce thing – especially anything spicy or with lots of spices in it, like Indian food – the flavors meld together so well in the fridge overnight!

  • Shannon February 15, 2011, 9:22 am

    I just got that book for my birthday! I have 2 daughters (ages 4 and 6–prime Disney princess ages!) so it is very relevant for me. I have not started it yet though. I have an unrelated question for you. As a writer myself–many essays published in various places including 2 anthologies, a newspaper column, etc., but only now sending out my first nonfiction book proposal–I have to ask, do you have to pay out of pocket for all your flights/travel expenses to promote your book? I know that’s the norm in publishing today (boo hiss!) but you travel SO MUCH for your book, I wondered how in the world it would be possible without publisher support. Just wondering, since the publishing world is such an insular, secret-info type of place, and because I expect to be in a similar position someday.

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:07 am

      Congrats on your writing!

      These are paid engagements by the school. They aren’t really directly related to the book, but more of the site and concept. My publisher paid for me to be on the Today Show, that’s the only thing they paid for in terms of a tour.

  • Cindy Robinson February 15, 2011, 10:10 am

    I am a leftover queen, I do not like to waste food. So my lunches are leftovers 90% of the time. My favorites are chili and spaghetti.

  • suzy pepper February 18, 2011, 9:14 pm

    I’m a grad student, and I thought about emailing this to you, but I’m in a rush so I will say very minimal stuff and then email you later. I’m studying child psychology, and certain books in which the main character is a little Latina girl with a boots-wearing monkey friend. Turns out messages in her books are telling little girls that they are incapable of doing anything. That’s the short version. Fill you in later, if you’re interested.

    • Caitlin February 19, 2011, 8:32 am

      huh, very interesting! there’s always those common themes in literature, like the Native American’s cunning wolf. So cool of you to get to study it!

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