Shopping with Ryan

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Ryan and I had a fun mid-week lunch date.  :)  We decided to go to the Cheesecake Factory and go then go shopping for new dishes (what else do food blogger friends do!?).

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I was a little concerned about taking a vegan to the Cheesecake Factory, but Ryan assured me the menu had veganizable (is that a word?) items.

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Ryan got Thai Lettuce Wrap and subbed out the chicken for avocado.

 

I opted for the Eggplant Burger, which came smothered in melted cheese, red peppers and grilled onions.  YUM!

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Instead of getting cheescake, we opted for Ryan’s homemade coconut macaroons, which are AMAZING.  I ended up eating four – totally delicious and worth every heavenly vegan and raw bite.  🙂

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Next up, we decided to tackle the mall.  I’m not a really big clothing shopper, but I sure love to browse Crate and Barrel!

 

We made a beeline for the placemat section.  I pick up two pretty mats, two new dishes, and a big glass for my Green Monsters.

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We wandered around the mall for a little bit … I felt like a teenager all over again.  I used to roam the mall on the weekend with my girlfriends for houuuurs.  We never bought much; we just browsed and stared at cute boys.  🙂

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Now I’m home, digesting macaroons and thinking about going for a swim.  My tricep feels a lot better, and I’d love to get some more time in the pool.

 

PS – Just found out my BFF Sarah signed up for her first half marathon!  Woo hoo!

{ 64 comments }

 

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! March 3, 2010, 4:15 pm

    I love THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY, they have so many great dishes……something for everyone and I always have enough left over for lunch the next day!

    Those macaroons look great, do you have the recipe?

    I need to get some new “place mats” badly, thinking easily cleaned ones though as my daughter can get them a bit messy at times…..well ok so can I! =O

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 4:36 pm

      Recipe is from Raw Food Real World book.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 3, 2010, 4:16 pm

    i love shopping for dishes…so much fun now that i blog my meals! i really love wandering the mall on rainy days…brings back my memories of being a boy-crazy girl hahaha 🙂

    • Katie @ Health for the Whole Self March 3, 2010, 5:06 pm

      I’m the same way – I never really cared about dishes or placemats until I started photographing my meals! Now they are of utmost importance! 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet March 3, 2010, 4:16 pm

    I LOVE the Cheesecake Factory! They have so many of my most favorite meals, and I always think their food is great!

  • Nicole @ Making Good Choices March 3, 2010, 4:17 pm

    I didn’t think there were many things to “veganize” at Cheesecake, but that’s great she figured something out. I used to roam around the mall looking for items and boys too! so funny!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 3, 2010, 4:18 pm

    oooh those macaroons do look good!
    hehe and I kept getting into ‘trouble’ from Mr BBB for buying too many new dishes / placemats etc!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion March 3, 2010, 4:21 pm

    YUMMMMMMM! That burger looks great! I have never noitced it on the menu before. Gah, I love Crate and Barrel,I think Adam and I are going to register there.

  • Beth March 3, 2010, 4:21 pm

    I looooove the Cheesecake Factory. The Thai Lettuce Wraps are so good – I never thought to ask for avocado instead of chicken – I will try that next time!

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething March 3, 2010, 4:24 pm

    What a great afternoon! I love buying new dishes…..Great choices at CF. I like Ryans idea bout subbing avocado for chicken!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 3, 2010, 4:25 pm

    Hehe those macaroons look like little scoops of ice cream 🙂
    I love browsing stores that sell dishes and plates and mugs – I’m quite addicted to buying them! Not good for the bank balance :/ Have a good swim if you decide to!
    (oh, and did that company get back about whether overseas people can donate $$?)

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 4:27 pm

      did you try donating? i can’t enter you in the MBT raffle but i think you should be able to donate.

  • jen trinque March 3, 2010, 4:27 pm

    A vegan at a cheesecake factory, how funny! I love that place, yum.

  • Sammi March 3, 2010, 4:28 pm

    LOVE the cheesecake factory! It is soooooooo good! Their portobello mushroom burger is heaven.

    Cheesecake factory + macaroons + mall = best date ever. Who needs boys?

  • Carolyn March 3, 2010, 4:28 pm

    I’ve never been a big fan of the Cheesecake Factory because they don’t provide nutritional information even on request.

    • Ami March 3, 2010, 6:32 pm

      You dont want to know! There is an email that HungryGirl.com sent out showing some of the nutrition info and they are HORRIFIC. I kind of wish I hadnt seen it because I used to love that place!

      • caitlin March 3, 2010, 6:59 pm

        don’t ruin your favorite foods that way!!! that’s what happened to me and dairy queen 🙁 just enjoy in moderation.

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep March 3, 2010, 4:28 pm

    Mall at Millenia = reason for most of my credit card debt! Oops!

    Sounds like a very fun day with Ryan!

  • Ashley March 3, 2010, 4:28 pm

    I think I am in the minority here … I went to the Cheesecake Factory for the first time at the one near the St Johns Town Centre in Jax and was less than impressed. The red velvet cheesecake slice we took home totally made the subpar $15 lunch menu selections worth it, though!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) March 3, 2010, 4:28 pm

    Love the CKF! I went there the other weekend, and got the same thing! Plus the goat cheese and beet salad. And, maybe plus cheesecake 🙂 All were amazing!!

  • Ashley March 3, 2010, 4:29 pm

    I did not even realize you were at Mall at Millenia until I saw the comment … my engagement ring is from the Tiffany & Co. there!

  • Christie @ Honoring Health March 3, 2010, 4:31 pm

    I LOVE Crate and Barrel. I could just walk around that store for hours with my mouth hung open and drool running down my face.

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) March 3, 2010, 4:33 pm

    My favorite places to shop for kitchen stuff is TJ Maxx and Marshals!! They’ve got so much crazy shiz for great prices! Although I would go gaga over a baby spoon from C&B!

  • Brooke March 3, 2010, 4:33 pm

    I second the request for a recipe for those macaroons! They look awesome!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) March 3, 2010, 4:39 pm

    I’m glad I’m not the only person who gets excited over dishes! lol
    Those macaroons look to dieeee for. I wish I had a dehydrator 🙁

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 3, 2010, 4:39 pm

    Shopping for dishes really is so fun, I love HomeGoods! Have a great swim 🙂

  • Sarah @ Long Legs Healthy Life March 3, 2010, 4:41 pm

    I was at Crate and Barrel last weekend, and I had to tear myself away. I pretty much want one of everything, and doubles of most! Your lunch looks really yummy, especially the macaroons!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) March 3, 2010, 4:44 pm

    Crate and Barrel is the best – I could spend HOURS in there — have you been to their more modern store: CB2?

    I also really love arhaus 😉

  • Olivia March 3, 2010, 4:46 pm

    Just wondering, did you eat the whole eggplant burger?

    And have you ever drank dieter’s tea (basically laxative tea lol)? Do GM’s have the same effect on your digestive system?

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 4:53 pm

      nope – i ate all the bun but left about 1/2 the cheese and a few slices of eggplant. it was ginormous.

      i have never had dieter’s tea, but GMs don’t really have a laxative effect (unless you aren’t used to fiber).

  • Courtney March 3, 2010, 4:46 pm

    I’ve never once gotten cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory!! Hee hee!!
    Registering for wedding gifts at Crate and Barrel was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done. And the scanner gun thing lost our registry when we got done and had to do it all over again. My hubs wasn’t that happy but secretly I was thrilled to do it all over!!
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • Kristina @Mendonpondmusings March 3, 2010, 4:56 pm

    the macaroons look delicious! i also love c&b.

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit March 3, 2010, 5:00 pm

    Yum macaroons! Must get me some of these from somewhere. 🙂

    Crate and Bareel is the best! We registered there as well. 🙂 I kept saying outloud with the registry scanner in my hands, “Beep, I want! Beep, I want!”

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward March 3, 2010, 5:01 pm

    I love Crate and Barrel, we just registered there, so excited! I also haven’t just been to the mall to wander around with girlfriends in awhile. So much fun!

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle March 3, 2010, 5:05 pm

    I’m just impressed you walked out of the Cheesecake Factory without cheesecake! Though those macaroon balls do sound delicious as well.

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 5:06 pm

      it was easy to do with a vegan 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 3, 2010, 5:06 pm

    Both of your meals sound really good- I love when there’s vegetarian/vegan options that aren’t just a pile of pasta 🙂

  • Amanda March 3, 2010, 5:14 pm

    I had no idea there was ANYTHING veganizable at the Cheesecake Factory! Good to know!

    A few weeks ago, I learned that the vegetarian fondue dish at the Melting Pot is vegan if the ravioli is omitted.

  • Allison K March 3, 2010, 5:24 pm

    I remember the first time I asked my mom if I could go to the mall with my friends, she said “what are you going shopping to buy?” and I said “uh….nothing we just want hang out.”
    She didn’t get it. 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 3, 2010, 5:25 pm

    lol– the mall ALWAYS makes me feel 15 years old. Funny stuff.

    I could live in Crate and Barrel…can’t wait to see your goods!

  • Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES March 3, 2010, 5:28 pm

    ooomg thai lettuce wraps from cheesecake! i think i oded on them in high school and havent had them since. perhaps its time for a comeback…

  • Ellen Collis March 3, 2010, 5:30 pm

    Lunch dates are so much fun–especially when you work from home and rarely have human contact during the day! I had one today, too, and it totally lifted my mood. Sometimes ya just need to STEP.AWAY.FROM.THE.COMPUTER!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly March 3, 2010, 5:32 pm

    Wow…I have not been to the Cheesecake Factory is a LONG time! But yall’s orders have made me rethink that decision! YUM!

  • Matt March 3, 2010, 5:33 pm

    I love the Cheesecake Factory! I went there for brunch after my marathon! The bread is like crack!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) March 3, 2010, 5:44 pm

    OMG. you went to my favorite place on earth (other than disney) and didn’t get their cheesecake?! OMGGGG but the whip cream…it’s HEAVENNNNNNNNNN.

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear March 3, 2010, 5:45 pm

    Oh the Cheesecake Factory. I usually waddle out! Nice job NOT indulging in the cheesecake 🙂

  • Becky March 3, 2010, 5:56 pm

    I love venturing out in the middle of the week. It always feels like a bunk day or something 🙂 Love fun new dishes!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 3, 2010, 6:29 pm

    I’ve never been to the cheesecake factory. I was under the impression that it was all really bad-for-you foods.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] March 3, 2010, 6:33 pm

    Sounds like really nice girlie afternoon : ) I wish I wasn’t stuck at school and was able to do the same. The Factory’s menu is seriously a novel, so I’m not surprised Ryan was able to find a vegan option. Yummm.

  • skinnyrunner March 3, 2010, 6:44 pm

    Cheesecake is one of my favorite restaurants. of course i never get anything healthy…

  • Heather March 3, 2010, 6:59 pm

    ah the memories of fun mall days! Me and my friends so used to chase boys in the mall!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 3, 2010, 7:00 pm

    eggplant burger? I’m intriged. Eggplant is another veggie I have never tried before.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 3, 2010, 7:13 pm

    I went shopping for dishes on the weekend 🙂 I think the lady at the counter thought it was weird that I was buying a bunch of individual plates/ bowls all with different patterns etc.

  • Laura March 3, 2010, 7:50 pm

    Oh my goodness Caitlin, I just came across this amazing person- I wondered if you might be interested in following his progress for a great cause? http://www.50in50.co.uk/ If only I could do a fiftieth of that like you!
    Nesting is so fun… Hope you are having a good evening 😉

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 8:01 pm

      ive heard about him! he’s so cool 🙂

  • Monica @ Musings of the Granola Girl March 3, 2010, 8:10 pm

    Those macaroons look delicious! Did you make them?

  • Jennie {in Wonderland} March 3, 2010, 8:13 pm

    Eeeek is that Mall of Millenia?! I used to go there all the time when I worked at Disney. Blue Martini was my favourite bar too 🙂

    I used to get the blue cheese and walnut salad at Cheesecake Factory and sometimes the Cheese and broccoli soup. The food is delicious but the best thing on the menu is the Bellini! It’s peach and champagne and out-of-this-world!!

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 8:19 pm

      yup 🙂 blue martini is great!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 3, 2010, 8:23 pm

    Congrats to your friend!!!
    Gosh I wish I had a Crate and Barrel around me. I need a big glass for green monsters!!! I use big bowls right now because I don’t have a glass big enough 🙂

  • Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. March 3, 2010, 11:20 pm

    Your eggplant burger looks tasty.

  • Charlie March 4, 2010, 8:44 am

    Oh, Mall at Millenia…my home away from home 🙂
    I promised myself a trip to Ikea tomorrow, and I know I will have to stop into Neiman’s and Antrho…and J. Crew AND Williams-Sonoma! Aah! Love it 🙂

  • whitney March 4, 2010, 10:40 am

    that’s super exciting about your best friend! I bet your very proud. Your shopping experience and food looks so much fun. I hate shopping for clothes but I love shopping for kitchen accessories now I just need a house to put it all in 🙂

  • Laura Legorburu March 7, 2010, 3:42 pm

    I read your blog because I love your healthy lifestyle but I’m really thankful for the pictures, I love Orlando and miss it too much.

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