I think I put a few too many blueberries in my oatmeal this morning:

CIMG7395

My oatmeal contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup Stonyfield organic milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings:  ton of blueberries and coconut

CIMG7396

It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day here in Central Florida!  I hope the weather stays nice this evening so I can squeeze in a quick run.

CIMG7397

Healthy Living Summit Golden Ticket Giveaway

 

Here are the details:

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  • What:  One free Golden Ticket to the Healthy Living Summit
  • Details:  This ticket covers your entrance to the Friday night ice-breaker party at a swanky Boston bar, entrance to the Summit itself on Saturday, breakfast + lunch of Saturday, and an amazing swag bag filled with healthy products for you to try! 
  • When: The Healthy Living Summit is on August 14 – 15.
  • Where:  Boston, MA 
  • Exceptions:  This Golden Ticket does not include transportation or hotel costs, which must be paid by the winner.  It’s just a spot at the Summit.
  • Obvious StatementPlease do not enter the contest if you are unable to come to Boston on August 14 – 15.  If you cannot make it, leave the Golden Ticket to someone who can.
  • Major thanks for our sponsors!  Stonyfield, Zesty Cook, and Foodbuzz

 

To enter this Golden Ticket giveaway, simple leave a comment with your favorite positive manta and I will randomly select a winner tonight.  Deadline to enter is 9 PM EST.

 

My favorite positive mantra is: "Love should come first; it should be the beginning of and the reason for everything."

 

Good luck!

{ 77 comments }

 

  • NYgirl@heart July 21, 2009, 4:27 am

    Haha I guess no one wants to be the first to comment when a random generator is involved but I'll go for it…honestly my fav. mantra is Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My mom always said it growing up to remind me that I shouldn't "judge a book by its cover" and I've kept it with me ever since.
    Have a great day 🙂

  • happygoluckyalex July 21, 2009, 4:55 am

    that does NOT look like too many blueberries! Looks like just the right amount! 🙂
    I don't want to enter (I can't make it to the summit from Canada…) but my favourite mantra is "In the end it will all be okay. If it is not okay, it is not the end."

  • Andrea (Off Her Cork) July 21, 2009, 5:01 am

    My favorite is: Everything happens for a reason.

    Cheesy but true and I try to live my life that way. My goal is to walk away from every situation having learned something, either good or bad. That will make me better and stronger than I was before!

  • Liz July 21, 2009, 5:05 am

    I just heard this the other day and it has been a great reminder to make the most of each day, even when it feels too overwhelming. The saying is, "The days are long, but the years are short."

    Thank you for another opportunity to attend the summit!

  • Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection) July 21, 2009, 5:09 am

    Lots of blueberries only make oatmeal more delicious! 🙂 I love adding coconut shavings to my oatmeal too! (Oh, and I'm not entering the summit because I can't make it-I'll be packing and zipping home to HK finally- but it IS on my 21st birthday, so I know it's going to be a wonderful day! 🙂 hahah)

  • Peanut Butter Swirl July 21, 2009, 5:14 am

    Loving how many blueberries you put on your oats 🙂 delicious!

  • Cat July 21, 2009, 5:14 am

    My favorite is: there are no mistakes in life, only lessons.

    There are so many times when I hear people say they wished they did things differently a year, 5 years, 10 years or more ago. Yeah, we all make mistakes that we truly regret, but our lives wouldn't be the same right now if we didn't make them. All we can do is learn from them & more forward. 🙂

  • Art Historical Runner July 21, 2009, 5:17 am

    I want to go to the Summit so badly! (I even live in Boston!!)
    My favorite mantra is "you are who you choose to be." I am a big believer in taking responsibility for your life and actions. (And to be honest, I appropriated this mantra from the children's movie, The Iron Giant.)

  • Pam July 21, 2009, 5:18 am

    "I feel great, I feel fine, I feel this way all the time!"

    Enjoy,

    http://www.alovefornewrecipes.blogspot.com

  • Tanya July 21, 2009, 5:23 am

    My favorite positive mantra is actually a quote from Marie Curie – who I consider to be one of the most brilliant women to have ever lived. It got me through 6 years of grad school.

    "Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

  • sara July 21, 2009, 5:27 am

    Well this positive mantra is from AA/OA and it is God-related.
    And even though I'm not grounded in religion or a member of the previously mentioned support groups, it is a saying that I've grown up with and hold dear to my heart (I say it in my head when I'm in scary/sticky/negative situations):

    "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

    -SawSaw

  • sloank July 21, 2009, 5:36 am

    As corny as it might sound, my favorite mantra is "Just do it." Thank you, Nike! Haha… But this mantra has not just helped me with running but with my career, some decisions, and many other things in life… it works! And I love it!! I hope I get the ticket!!!

  • asimmons July 21, 2009, 5:38 am

    My favorite mantra is "Be the change you would like to see in others."
    I want that ticket!!!!

  • Beth July 21, 2009, 5:54 am

    I'm not sure it qualifies as a mantra, but I'm all about "the little engine that could" 🙂 Muttering "I think I can, I think I can" has gotten me to the top of many a big hill on my runs! I live in Boston and would looove to go to the Summit!

    Thanks, Caitlin!

  • Julie July 21, 2009, 5:55 am

    I personally find strength in 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger'…

  • Brooke July 21, 2009, 5:56 am

    My favorite mantra is "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right."

    So true. Our mind tells us what we can and can't do. Thanks for another opportunity for the summit!

  • Ada July 21, 2009, 6:00 am

    Yay I'm so excited for this giveaway:) My favorite positive mantra would be "Be the change you want to see", I feel this especially resonates after Obama's election.

  • Nicole (anotheronebitesthecrust.wordpress.com) July 21, 2009, 6:01 am

    A positive mantra that helps me through the hard times is that everything happens for a reason!

  • Renee July 21, 2009, 6:03 am

    Just wanted to let you know that I referenced you in my Baltimore Food Examiner column post about Green Monsters today!

    http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10966-Baltimore-Food-Examiner~y2009m7d21-Have-you-tackled-the-Green-Monster

  • Tami July 21, 2009, 6:07 am

    it's not the journey it's the detestation.

    i know it's been said 1000's times but now that i am training for my first marathon, i think it truly IS the journey that I need to fall in love with not the actual marathon

  • nibblesandwiggles July 21, 2009, 6:07 am

    I didn't realize there was such a thing as too many blueberries. 😉

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn July 21, 2009, 6:09 am

    My favorite mantra as of late:

    "When the going gets tough, the tough get going"

    Gets me through the hard runs and the hard times!

  • Val July 21, 2009, 6:15 am

    I'd LOVE to go to the Summit. I have this written on my planner: When denying the goodness of the present moment, your mind takes you away from the very sweetness you seek.

  • Elizabeth July 21, 2009, 6:16 am

    There's no such thing as too many blueberries, silly girl! 😉

    I like the quote: "Everything you need you already have"

    Good luck to everyone, and thanks for the opportunity Caitlin!

  • The Gourmet on a Diet July 21, 2009, 6:16 am

    I've come to realize that what I most often tell my husband is what I need to learn most myself: Happiness is a choice. I'll work on that. Thanks, Mom.

  • Anna July 21, 2009, 6:23 am

    I agree- there is NO such thing as too many blueberries. Just wait until I start picking berries next month and watch me eat several pounds in one day, ha. Ok that might be an exaggeration.

    I already have a summit ticket, but I hope someone who really is dying to go can snag it!

  • Anonymous July 21, 2009, 6:31 am

    I want to be at this conference so bad!

    My favorite is "Live the life you love, Love the life you live"

    Michelle C.

  • Lisa July 21, 2009, 6:32 am

    Love all the blueberries!

    My favorite mantra: "There is such a thing as fate, but it only takes you so far. Then it's up to you to make it happen." from "Can't Hardly Wait". Kind of unconventional, but I take it to mean you can't just sit back and wait for things to happen!

  • Kerri Dutile July 21, 2009, 6:32 am

    "You are stronger than you think you are."

    This mantra has brought me through many different circumstances – whether it's a tough hill on a run or a situation that seems hard to face! We all need to give ourselves more credit for the strong women we are!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) July 21, 2009, 6:33 am

    too many blueberries?!

    NEVER!

  • Joan July 21, 2009, 6:35 am

    "Be who you are and say what you feel – those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!"

  • Leslie Elizabeth July 21, 2009, 6:35 am

    "Live Every Week Like Its Shark Week"

    This has many meanings on many different levels, but i love this saying!

    I want to go to the Summit! Pick Me Pick Me!

  • Amanda July 21, 2009, 6:40 am

    My favorite mantra is simple: Breathe. It's so important and it's something we often forget to do in stressful and/or physically challenging times. And it always helps.

  • John July 21, 2009, 6:48 am

    Have a great day Cati.

  • Julie July 21, 2009, 6:55 am

    mmm I lovee the mantra

    "You don't have to get it right, you just have to get it going"

  • Kimberly July 21, 2009, 7:19 am

    Soo this might come from a Gwen Stefani song- but I still keep it in mind every time I exercise.

    "life is short- you're capable" !

  • Lolo July 21, 2009, 7:22 am

    Hi Caitlin!

    My favorite quote is, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

    Its the truth and it makes me laugh! I hope I win!

    Lauren

  • RachelSmiles July 21, 2009, 7:28 am

    hi caitlin! i just found your blog and operation beautiful. a friend of mine found a post it last night and put it on facebook. i cant tell you how inspiring it is to see all of those notes. thank you for starting this.
    i scheduled a post on my blog about this for tomorrow morning, http://thelittlethingsthatmakemesmile.blogspot.com/

    thanks, 🙂

  • Stephanie July 21, 2009, 7:33 am

    My absolute favorite mantra that I live by these days is: 'It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.'

  • The Faux Foodie July 21, 2009, 7:40 am

    My favorite for pretty much any occasion in life "you can do it"…

  • Ryane July 21, 2009, 7:42 am

    One of my favorite song lyrics ever…
    "And I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd."
    I know there are a lot of deathcab/postal service fans out there!

  • roseyrebecca July 21, 2009, 7:42 am

    “If you decide to take on something new, don’t just do it once and give up. Give yourself eight tries…Then if you absolutely hate it, move on to something else” – Gabby Reece

    This quote really spoke to me because I used to give up on something if I hate it after the first try. Now, I live by this quote and always try things a bunch of times before I decide that I absolutely can't do it.

  • Lauren July 21, 2009, 7:58 am

    I would say "No regrets!" is one of my favorites! What's done is done and everything happens for a reason so you can't sulk around having regrets !

  • Kristi July 21, 2009, 8:03 am

    Yeah! Another Chance to go to the summit! My favorite Mantra is "If you have nothing to look forward to, you will always be looking behind you." Pick me 🙂

  • Amy P. July 21, 2009, 8:14 am

    Glad you are feeling better Caitlin!

    One of my favorite mantras is actually a quote: "The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want."

  • Kerrie July 21, 2009, 8:16 am

    What comes around, goes around. I'm all about kharma!

  • Holly B July 21, 2009, 8:17 am

    never too many blueverries!

    "If you believe it, you can achieve it"

  • Jamie July 21, 2009, 8:23 am

    life is about the journey, not the destination.

    have a great day!

  • sweet26 July 21, 2009, 8:27 am

    i love this quote/ mantra "be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

  • Jenny July 21, 2009, 8:28 am

    too many blueberries?! there's no such thing!

  • Sami July 21, 2009, 8:31 am

    I am in lovee with the amount of cocounut that you use in your oatmeal! Any ideas on how to recreate a healthy choc. chip coconut creme pie oatmeal? You are so creative & my fave food blog to eat. Your passion for being a foodie has definitely rubbed off on me.

    Anyway, my most positive/encouraging quote comes from my deceased great grandmother. She was such a cool lady…She used to always say, "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it!"…Maybe it's a personal thing because she was so close to my heart, but it always made me think, whether it was a big thing, like a trying time in life, or whether it was the hill in front of me on my daily run, that "I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me" 🙂
    Good luck choosing a winner! There are some good quotes on this page!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point July 21, 2009, 8:39 am

    sami – thanks 🙂 i dont know how to create a healthy choc. chip coconut creme pie oatmeal but MAN does it sound GOOOD

  • hiking in stilettos July 21, 2009, 9:10 am

    I agree wiht happygoluckyalex, the more blueberries the better! I just found your blog, and I love it! I would looooove to make it to the summit with my soon-to-be husband 🙂 My favorite mantra is actually something he said to me not long ago, "No matter what happens, what friends change, what family moves away.. no matter what else, it's always me and you."

  • brit July 21, 2009, 9:13 am

    unfortunately i will already be traveling the weekend of the summit so can't attend, but i really wanted to add a quote by henry thoreau that i repeat to myself when i get stressed, overwhelmed, insanely busy, etc. (which is basically most of every day!):
    "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined!"

  • mamasweeds July 21, 2009, 9:23 am

    My favorite mantra of the moment comes from Gena at Choosing Raw… "Progress, not perfection". That's exactly where I am in my life right now.

  • Niki July 21, 2009, 9:36 am

    I just want to preface that I am not entering the contest (I can't make it out to B-town), but I wanted to share my mantra. I got it in a fortune cookie: It's always darkest before the dawn.

    Whenever times seems really bad, I know that things have to look up soon!

  • Sarah July 21, 2009, 9:51 am

    Oatmeal looks great, gazillion bluebers and all!
    I can't make it to the summit (booooo!) but I tell myself "If you really want it, you can make it happen" to remind myself that I'M the one who calls the shots in my life.

  • Lauren July 21, 2009, 10:08 am

    I really want to go to the summit!

    My favorite mantra is "life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away." It makes me appreciate all the good things I have in my life.

  • Megan July 21, 2009, 10:10 am

    My mother's favorite mantra is "Look good, feel good." However, I never agreed with the message that you need to "look" a certain way to feel good. So, my inner beauty take on this mantra is "Feel good, look good!"

    I'd love to come to Boston!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) July 21, 2009, 10:11 am

    I have two actually… The first is "Que sera, sera" or whatever will be, will be. And then "Buck Up!" You will get no where if you never try… Woooo for Boston.

  • Annie July 21, 2009, 10:23 am

    I want to go to the Summit so Bad! I live in Boston, and it would be so amazing to go and meet al the bloggers and attend the conference!

    I cant choose a fav. mantra, but I just remember this from the other day, "On the road of life, it's not where you go, but who's by your side that makes the difference."

    I hope I win!

  • Julia July 21, 2009, 10:27 am

    I SO want to go to the Summit! My mantra when running is "Just to the next (insert inanimate object here)." Once I reach to object I let myself choose to keep pushing or stop to walk. Surprisingly I usually choose to keep going and the chant starts again!

  • Caitlin July 21, 2009, 10:50 am

    I like all of 1 Corinthians 1-13, but some spin on 1 Corinthians 13 is my favorite. "Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love."

    I like this because it is important to remember that there is ALWAYS something positive remaining in even the most dismal of situations. Having hope for the future and faith that everything will be okay can get you through a lot!

    The entire Sublime song "What I Got" is a great positive mantra, too.

    Hope your stress and stomach improve, I 100% feel you on those issues!

  • tracik July 21, 2009, 11:34 am

    Favorite Mantra which is posted in my medicaine cabinet to see each morning and evening is simply "Happiness is a Decision". And it is right?

  • Emily July 21, 2009, 1:27 pm

    "shoot for the moon. even of you miss you'll land among the stars!"

  • Ashley July 21, 2009, 2:23 pm

    "Life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself." : )

  • faith July 21, 2009, 2:30 pm

    so hard to choose just one but this is one of my favorites and quite fitting:
    "Where God closes a door he opens a window."
    missing out on reg, so perhaps this is my window!!

    oh, and no such thing as too many blueberries 🙂

  • Cold Eyes Disguise July 21, 2009, 2:54 pm

    That looks like the right amount of blueberries 😉 My favourite mantra is "our lives are what are thoughts create." It is a constant reminder of what a big effect my positive thoughts have on my life.

  • Julie July 21, 2009, 3:30 pm

    I have the following as my screen saver at work. I'm not sure who said it originally, but I think it's really helpful when trying to make a change and to realize you don't have to do everything all at once:
    "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

  • Rebeca @All Vegged Out July 21, 2009, 3:47 pm

    My old principle used to say this… didn't love her but love this-

    "We Must Will Ourselves to Do More
    We Must Will Ourselves to Be More
    Because more is required."

    We can be more than just ordinary, we can be great!

  • Amanda July 21, 2009, 4:38 pm

    My motto is: Love me or leave me alone.

    That reminds me some people are going to like me and some people arent thats why I need to do what is right for me!

  • Kara July 21, 2009, 5:07 pm

    Our family mantra growing up was,"Do more than the minimum," which I think is a positive message. It has definitely pushed me to do things I might otherwise be afraid (or too lazy) to do.

  • Thien An July 21, 2009, 5:16 pm

    "I am my world."

    Thank you for the opportunity!

    – Thien An from delight in moderation

  • Butterfinger French July 21, 2009, 5:30 pm

    "Work it, make it, do it, makes us, harder, better, faster, stronger"

  • Kerrie July 21, 2009, 5:47 pm

    I'd love to come to the Summit! What goes around, comes around. It's all about good kharma, baby!

  • Oz Runner July 22, 2009, 4:59 am

    that's a freaky looking bowl..i'd be spilling stuff all over the sides using something like that…

  • kristen July 22, 2009, 11:14 am

    "smile" I think its an awesome verb and a great way to handle life and people. It can also go to the tune of Lady Gaga "just dance"

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