Carolina Girls

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Another fun afternoon with my lovely girls from Girls on the Run.  Our latest and greatest trick to motivate the girls is these fun charm necklaces.

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Every time they run a mile, the girls get a new foot!  It helps them to have a tangible reward for each accomplishment.  They run about 2 to 3 miles twice a week, so soon they will have a big necklace of charms!  They have been proudly wearing them all school, too.

 

Post-volunteering session snackie was lots of toasty bread.  I am loving fresh, cripsy toast lately.

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And dinner featured some Butternut Squash.  I’ve had this squash in the fridge for days and couldn’t decide what to do with it.  Soup was tempting, but then it was SO hot outside.

 

Roasting is always the answer!

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Black beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, Butternut squash, and a drizzle of balsamic reductionHere’s how to make balsamic reduction (it’s so good!!).

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And more crusty bread, of course!  🙂

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And a blondie from Homemade by Amanda.  She sent me some treats so long ago, and I had stashed them in my freezer.  I just discovered them again tonight.  It was a nice surprise. 

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Halloween Costumes!

 

The Husband and I have decided to be Katy Perry and Russell Brand for Halloween.  I’m obsessed with Katy, and the Husband is British, so it works out quite well.

alg_katy_perry_russell_brand (Source)

 

What are you going to be?

{ 116 comments }

 

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 12, 2010, 8:55 pm

    our costumes this year:

    me – camo pants & black top… Jason – camo jacket & black pants…

    UPPER & LOWER GI !! 🙂

    • laura October 13, 2010, 9:48 am

      THAT is awesome! and It made me LOL.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite October 12, 2010, 8:55 pm

    Love the charm necklace idea! What a fun motivator!

    I have no idea what we’re gonna be for halloween… my daughter’s gonna a bumble bee! So stinkin’ cute!

  • Angharad October 12, 2010, 8:55 pm

    Ha ha ha. That’s awesome. Well, I’m British and the husband is American so which couple can we be??!

  • Exercise and Eat October 12, 2010, 8:56 pm

    That’s such a cute idea for Halloween costumes! I’m going as a sexy nerd… haha!

  • Cate October 12, 2010, 8:56 pm

    The foot charm necklace is such a great idea – I love it! It kind makes me want to make one myself 😉 GOTR sounds like a great program!

    and I love the costume ideas too!
    I am not sure what I am going to be for Halloween… I will just be handing out candy so nothing big.

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence October 12, 2010, 8:57 pm

    Love the title of the post- very clever 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 12, 2010, 8:57 pm

    That is a great idea for Halloween! I still need to work on a costume – I’m not sure what I’m going to be!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete October 12, 2010, 8:58 pm

    No plans yet. Right now, we are trying to decide what to put our new puppy in. I really want to dress him up as a princess, but I don’t think my husband would like that since it is a boy!

  • Kacie (Nonexistent Colors) October 12, 2010, 8:59 pm

    I am helping out with GOTR here in Knoxville! I love the idea of feet on the necklace!! My group and I just met today to try and discuss new ways to motivate the girls. Where did you get the feet??? Our girls would LOVE that!!

  • Jean@RoastedRootsPumpkinSpice October 12, 2010, 8:59 pm

    I love the Halloween idea! So cute. I can definitely see you as Katy Perry. Not sure about your husband and Russell Brand thought. He’s gonna need a wig! 😀

  • Lauren October 12, 2010, 9:01 pm

    LOVE your costume! Perfect! 😉

  • Kristi October 12, 2010, 9:02 pm

    Black beans and balsamic (reduction or straight up) is one of my favorite combos! I bet it’d be super yummy on the other roasties, too!

  • Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats October 12, 2010, 9:03 pm

    We used to have those footies in elementary school for the running club! LOVED THEM!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) October 12, 2010, 9:03 pm

    oooh love that idea for the halloween costumes!!

  • Liz October 12, 2010, 9:03 pm

    I am going to be Betty Draper from Mad Men. Trying to convince my husband to be Don, but he’s not having it so far.

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 12, 2010, 9:05 pm

    Oh lord — Russell Brand is one of the most annoying people on earth, so your husband should have fun being him for a night!

    Crusty bread is my favorite thing!

  • Cassie October 12, 2010, 9:06 pm

    LOVE the costume ideas – GREAT call.

  • Brenda October 12, 2010, 9:06 pm

    I can’t believe you just said that you are going to be Katy Perry and Russel Brand! That’s what I wanted to be! But my significant other seems to think that it’ll be hard to pull off and no one will know who we are. What are you going to wear?

    • Caitlin October 12, 2010, 9:09 pm

      Kristien is going to wear skinny jeans, a low cut top, a skinny scarf, and a blazer, and a dirty wig. I’m going to wear something sparking and slutty with a ridiculous amount of makeup. We’ll probably wear HELLO MY NAME IS signs too.

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 12, 2010, 9:06 pm

    AFter much debate, I’m going to be a rock star. Kinda lame, but I’ve always secretly wanted to be one! (Despite my lack of musical talents)

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well October 12, 2010, 9:07 pm

    What a cute costume idea! You should have Hus swat some cameramen out of the way…

    Dunno what Hubs and I will be. Last year we dressed up as UF Gator Fans — cut of jeans and all. 🙂

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 9:52 am

      hahah awesome costume. jhorts rule! (jean shorts)

  • claire October 12, 2010, 9:09 pm

    Ha, love that costume idea so much! I love halloween and it is me and my man’s one year relationship anniversary, yay!

    I also had a brussels sprouts craving today!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 12, 2010, 9:12 pm

    Awwe that’s such a cute idea with the feet charms 🙂

  • Tabitha (From Single to Married) October 12, 2010, 9:12 pm

    great idea! I don’t usually dress up for Halloween (because I’m not that creative) but I did get a cute tiger outfit for my eight month old son!

  • eri October 12, 2010, 9:16 pm

    omg! katy perry & russell brand! that’s awesome! can’t wait to see you guys dressed up!

    i don’t think i’m dressing up this year 🙁

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 12, 2010, 9:16 pm

    I love the costume idea. The Husband and I were just talking about what to dress up as over the weekend. We came up with nothing!

  • Annie October 12, 2010, 9:18 pm

    Carolina girls, best in the world! I love the visual they get seeing how many miles they have been able to run. Too cool.

    I looooove the celeb couple Halloween costume idea! I’ve seen a bunch of Katy Perry Halloween makeup tutorials floating around on YouTube if you’re searching for inspiration (blue wig not included 😉 ).

  • April October 12, 2010, 9:20 pm

    LOVE the foot charms!! Where did you get those?? What great motivation that would be for my students.

  • Amanda (Eating Up) October 12, 2010, 9:23 pm

    I love the charm idea! I would be so excited if I was a kid to get to wear those charms around school!

  • Emily October 12, 2010, 9:25 pm

    When I coached GOTR we handed out “loopies” to the girls every time they finished a lap. Loopies are these neon cloth elastic bands they could put on their wrists and are apparently all 8 year old girls need to run lap after lap. So funny what motivates the little GOTR girls! Love it.

  • Carla October 12, 2010, 9:35 pm

    Please give the site to purchase the foot charms. It seems there are several of us that are interested in purchasing them to motivate kids to be more health conscious.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef October 12, 2010, 9:37 pm

    where do i get one of those necklaces? jk! sorta… they’re cute 🙂

  • Alison (Ali on the Run) October 12, 2010, 9:37 pm

    Yay, great Halloween costumes! Can’t wait to see photos!

  • Hope October 12, 2010, 9:37 pm

    Great choice for halloween! I luv Katy Perry

    Fab idea about the feet charms for the girls, a lovely way to show off their achievements!

  • Jessica@tastyandtrim October 12, 2010, 9:39 pm

    The charm necklace idea is so cute! I’m not sure what to be for Halloween. I always end up deciding so last minute! I’m sure there will be tons of Lady Gagas prowling the streets though. Katy Perry is such a fun idea! – I hope you post pictures 🙂

  • Rachel @ Fit Fun and Fabulous October 12, 2010, 9:46 pm

    My fiancé and I are going as Pebbles and Bam Bam from the Flintsones and our puppy is going to be Dino!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal October 12, 2010, 9:49 pm

    What a cute idea for the GOTR girls:)
    Dinner looks great!

  • Manon October 12, 2010, 9:59 pm

    a balsamic reduction for roasted veggies….what a great idea…I can’t believe I’ve never thought of it!

  • *Andrea* October 12, 2010, 10:02 pm

    i love balsamic reduction! never made it myself though haha but it’s delicious at restaurants.

    your costume idea is EPIC 😉
    love that you have a british hubby too

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat October 12, 2010, 10:08 pm

    No idea what I’ll be for Halloween–buying/making a costume really isn’t in the budget this year!

  • Katharine F October 12, 2010, 10:11 pm

    So great minds think alike! My hubby and I are also going as Katy and Russel! He bought a long wig and a knit beanie and lots of long gothic necklaces. I don’t have my outfit yet, but I’m thinking about dressing like Katy from SNL…a spoof of the sesame street controversy. We should compare pics after Halloween!

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 9:54 am

      YAY!! LOL i’m going to try to do the costume from the california girls video.

  • Wei-Wei October 12, 2010, 10:15 pm

    I think that I should use that charm necklace idea for myself. 🙂 Can’t wait to see you in your costume 😀

  • Ashley October 12, 2010, 10:27 pm

    What an adorable idea! I have no Halloween plans (and the hubs will be in a tent far from me on that day) so… No dressing up for me!

  • Karen October 12, 2010, 10:33 pm

    My hubby and I are going to be the Heat Miser and Snow Miser from The Year Without a Santa Claus. I can’t wait! I love Halloween and still love to dress up. I’m not looking forward to the time when my kids will tell me I’m not allowed to take them trick-or-treating in costume. Lol

  • Ashley October 12, 2010, 10:39 pm

    Hi! When I saw the feet, it made me smile. The school I teach at has a “milers” program. Three times around the field is one miler. For each 15 miler increment, the kids get one foot, and some other award, increasing with each milestone. It starts with a ribbon, increases to a water bottle, t-shirt, shorts, plaques, and trophies. The kids LOVE the motivation and they LOVE their feet necklaces.

  • Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex October 12, 2010, 11:07 pm

    Those foot charms are SOOOO CUTE! I totally would be more motivated to run if I got a little charm for every mile 😀

    I haven’t decided what I’m going to be for Halloween. The past two years I’ve been a pirate, but I want to switch it up. I’m thinking Princess Peach (from Mario and Luigi!), or Robin, or Batgirl. But if something awesome comes along, I might change my mind…

  • carlee October 12, 2010, 11:08 pm

    Yes! Roasting is always the answers with veggies!
    I have roasted veggies almost everyday!
    And honestly I have no idea what I will be for halloween.
    I usually don’t celebrate halloween.

  • Heather October 12, 2010, 11:11 pm

    Cute costume idea! I have a wedding to go to on the Saturday before Halloween which I’m assuming is when all of the parties will be, so I might do something small on the actual Halloween date, but I haven’t decided. I’m more concerned what I want to dress up my dog as!

  • Charlie October 12, 2010, 11:12 pm

    I love the charm idea! It is the kind of thing that really motivates young girls (I was one not that long ago and I LOVED charms)!

  • Amber K October 12, 2010, 11:13 pm

    No plans to be anything for halloween, but I think your idea is cute!

  • Melissa October 12, 2010, 11:18 pm

    That’s so funny.. I was totally going to recommend that to my bf because I love her!! I don’t know if we’ll do it, but I think it’s a great idea!!

  • Krystina October 12, 2010, 11:19 pm

    Haha I can’t wait to see him as Russell Brand.

  • Carmen October 12, 2010, 11:24 pm

    Can’t wait to see it! Since the boy recently indulged in a Macbook, I would love for us to go as “I’m a Mac” and “I’m a PC” complete with Mac’s rugged hair and converses and PC’s glasses and pen protector with a Window’s logo!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 12, 2010, 11:37 pm

    That blondie looks delicious! And I love the idea of a balsamic reduction on butternut.. yum!

  • Shanna, like Banana October 12, 2010, 11:43 pm

    Great idea for Halloween! I was thinking about being Snookie from Jersey Shore, but I’m blonde again so that may be a wee bit harder 😉

  • Camille October 13, 2010, 12:00 am

    Great costumes!
    We used to have a thing at my elementary school called Run for Fun and they would give out those foot charms. People would always wear them on their shoelaces 🙂

  • Tay October 13, 2010, 12:49 am

    Yay so glad you guys decided on that one!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] October 13, 2010, 1:09 am

    I think you’re gonna be one SMOKIN’ Katy 😉

  • Donna Porter October 13, 2010, 2:16 am

    I run the elementary mileage club and we use the “toe tokens” for every 5 miles!!

  • Lolo October 13, 2010, 2:36 am

    The foot charm necklaces are so cute, it’s so creative to motivate girls to run.
    I bet you guys will look awesome in your costume. I have no idea what I am going to dress up for Halloween.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed October 13, 2010, 3:31 am

    Yay for discovering freezer treats! 🙂 Halloween isn’t big here in Aus. Love your costume choices though – perfect! You can def pull of Katie 🙂
    The charms idea is super cute and great motivation for the girls!
    Heidi xo

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 13, 2010, 7:45 am

    That charm necklace is such a cute idea!

    And I love your choice of costumes! You must post pictures of that! 😉 I think I’m going to go on an American Apparel shopping spree and be a ballerina!

  • Lauren @losmeinpage October 13, 2010, 7:56 am

    i went to my first girls on the run practice today! i am an intern in st. louis for the organization and am now visiting different locations. they gave the girls “lap bands”, similar to the chain necklace. i may or not have received a couple as well…haha

  • eatmovelove October 13, 2010, 8:15 am

    The charms look like gummy bears 🙂

    LOVE the costume idea – you can SO pull off Katy Perry! Perfect!

    Do you mind if I ask a question? I know you don’t have benefits, etc. being self-employed. I could have the opportunity to do contract work and not get the “extras”/security , etc. – BUT it pays more and allows more flexibility…do you think it’s worth it in the end?? Or am I just going to end up paying any extra I do earn all back in taxes ? 🙁

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 9:55 am

      I can’t really answer that for you. I would suggest talking to a CPA. However, I pay a LOT in taxes each year and I pay $139 a month for insurance, so I end up making less than I did when I worked at my job. But it depends on your pay rates.

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life October 13, 2010, 8:26 am

    The husband and I are going to dress up as Dwight and Angela from the office. We’re pretty excited. I can’t wait to see your costumes.

    • laura October 13, 2010, 9:53 am

      I love the office!!! THAT is such a great idea, Angela and Dwight!

  • Kim October 13, 2010, 8:40 am

    I’m going as Flo the lady from the Progressive Insurance commercials.

  • Laurie October 13, 2010, 8:40 am

    Caitlin- Where did your coach get those charms? I shared that part of your blog w/ my GOTR coach and she asked about it.
    Laurie

  • Andrea (@ Puppy Dog Tales) October 13, 2010, 8:40 am

    Yum…I’m roasting butternut squash tomorrow night to go with my meat loaf!

  • Sami October 13, 2010, 8:46 am

    hahahah. i can’t wait to see these costumes!

  • Shannon October 13, 2010, 9:02 am

    Funny–I just posted a squash muffin recipe on my blog. They’re DELISH, so try them out if you can sometime! 🙂

    http://mamainwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/10/simple-and-delicious-family-cooking_11.html

  • Stacey October 13, 2010, 9:06 am

    Ohmygosh. I can’t wait to see your costumes..I can tell it’s gonna be hilarious! I’ve tried and tried to convince the boyfriend to be Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing (he could be Johnny and I could be Penny)..but he says he doesn’t have the upper body for it! I just want to wear tights and a body suit LOL.

  • Laurie @ Cookies 'n Cardio October 13, 2010, 9:10 am

    A. I love that you volunteer with Girls on the Run! I first read about this organization a few months ago, and I think it’s amazing! I wish there was one in Memphis… but apparently it’s in the works.
    B. That bread looks delish. Crusty bread is the best bread.
    C. LOVE love LOVE yall’s Halloween costume! That’s awesome… and your husband is British? How did you get so lucky? 🙂 Can’t wait to see pics!

  • Sara October 13, 2010, 9:13 am

    NO WAY! my boyfriend and I were going to be katy perry and russel brand! (except he’s not british, but whatever =]) But I think we’re going to go with Wednesday and Pugsly Addams instead!

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 9:56 am

      hahah! we’re twins!

  • Tanya @ Vegan Faith October 13, 2010, 9:19 am

    Can you tell me where you got the foot charms. We may use them in Iredell county!

  • Sarah October 13, 2010, 9:31 am

    My husband and I are going as Katy Perry and Elmo! LOL We thought it would be a fun take on the controversy. I can’t find an adult Elmo costume though so will have to make one for hubby.

  • Kelly October 13, 2010, 9:47 am

    For Halloween I’m going to be a glow stick man! 🙂

    I absolutely love what you eat 😀

  • Hangry Pants October 13, 2010, 10:06 am

    I take 100% of th credit for this.

  • Jessie October 13, 2010, 10:09 am

    Love the halloween costume idea!!! Can’t wait to see pictures.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing October 13, 2010, 10:54 am

    I love your Halloween costume idea! That’s the first I’ve heard of it. I am not the hugest fan of dressing up but I love seeing what others come up with :).

    • Heather in Seattle October 13, 2010, 11:17 am

      My friend hates dressing up- I hate searching for a costume idea. We were chatting and shopping the other day and saw tiny hats. We are going to a few parties- some we will throw on the hats for others we will just mingle.

      • Heather in Seattle October 13, 2010, 11:18 am

        opps- that comment wasn’t suppose to be a reply- sorry Beth

  • M October 13, 2010, 11:26 am

    Your link to balsamic reduction didn’t show how to make it?

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 11:41 am

      it’s in the recipe: Meanwhile, pour balsamic vinegar in small pot and cook on medium low until the liquid becomes thickened. Remove from heat.

      • M October 13, 2010, 7:13 pm

        Sorry I missed it!oops ;(

  • M October 13, 2010, 11:27 am

    PS unrelated. but is anyone else got the tv on and crying while watching the Chilean miners get rescued one by one and greet their familes after 70 days underground?
    This is so beautiful to see!

  • Maran October 13, 2010, 11:28 am

    My sister and her hubby are going as Katy and Russell as well! Must be a poplar idea this year. I think me and my hubs will be Quail Man (Doug Funny) and Patti Mayonaise. Are you going to Grave Diggers Ball here in Charlotte? We have gone every year and it is definitely some good people watching!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) October 13, 2010, 11:29 am

    Your dinner reminds me a little of what I made last night! 🙂 Except I used sweet potato, not squash and threw it all in a casserole with a Mexican flare 😉

    http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/10/black-bean-sweet-potato-enchilada.html

  • 'laina October 13, 2010, 12:16 pm

    Those feet charms are totally cute. I just want to say- those girls are lucky to have you in their lives. If someone had been there, to motivate me to MOVE when I was their age, I probably wouldn’t be overweight, and struggling with MOVING now. Thank you.. from someone who doesn’t even know “your girls”.. I think you’re inspirational, and amazing.

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 12:31 pm

      thank you!

  • Lisa October 13, 2010, 12:48 pm

    The necklaces are really cute!

  • Tehsina October 13, 2010, 2:14 pm

    Aww what an amazing costume idea! You and Katy Perry actually look alike – not to mention have similar names!

  • Shayla October 13, 2010, 5:13 pm

    Hey Caitlin! What brand is that bread? It looks like Columbo sourdough bread…love love their doughy yummy bread – I could eat a whole loaf!

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 5:17 pm

      It’s a local bakery called La Rea 🙂

      • Shayla October 13, 2010, 5:25 pm

        oh darn I was hoping to snag some at a local grocery store…it looks yummy! 😉
        thanks!

  • Krista @ Can't Survive on Yarn Alone October 13, 2010, 6:45 pm

    The charms totally make me think gummie bear feet!

    I’m being a zombie in the style from the Thriller video – gotta love thrift store 80s clothes. No idea w Hubs. We’ve only done one couples costume ever – vampire (Nosferatu mask & a suit) and victim (gunshot “wounds” to match the tooth size, fake blood, and old clubbing corset/skirt.)

  • Kate @ Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Journey October 13, 2010, 7:50 pm

    Cute idea! I’m trying to convince the husband to do Fred and Wilma Flintstone. We’ll see…

  • Kim @ Kim Lives Healthy October 13, 2010, 11:29 pm

    We’re going as the Avatar couple! Blue body paint lol

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 13, 2010, 11:50 pm

    My husband is going to be Waldo (from “Where’s Waldo”) and I am going to be Batman 🙂

    I actually bought a full (kids) batman costume in the largest size. It is pretty hilarious on me!!

  • Sara October 14, 2010, 9:13 am

    I am going to be passing out candy with my husband while watching a movie. Being the crazy pet owners we are, Miss Buffy is going to be The Great Pumpkin and Mr. Jasper is going to be a dragon.

  • Amykinz @ Foodie 4 Healing October 14, 2010, 11:11 pm

    OMG, you totally kinda look like Katy Perry!

  • Amykinz @ Foodie 4 Healing October 14, 2010, 11:12 pm

    Oh and P.S. I totally want one of those foot charm necklaces! Too cute!

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