Positions and Pickles

on December 16, 2010
in All Posts

Do you do the sit side-by-side thing on dates?  Or do you prefer to sit across?

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I like side-by-side.  Especially when it’s chilly outside and we’re seated next to a door that is constantly opening and closing!

 

Guess where we went for dinner?

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Big Daddy’s… again.  I cannot get enough of Charlotte’s favorite burger joint.

 

I <3 black bean burgers.

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With extra extra extra pickles.  Pickles > cheese.

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(Cue: pregnancy rumors.)

 

And a fruit side salad.

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One question I get a lot from non-bloggers is, “Aren’t you embarrassed to take pictures of your meals at restaurants?” And the answer is normally no.  But tonight, a 8 year old was sitting at the table next to us and practically SCREAMED to his mommy, “WHAT is that woman doing? WHY is she taking pictures of her food?”  Awkward.

 

I’ve got a stellar mid-afternoon snack to blog about, too!

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That’s vanilla Greek yogurt, raw oatmeal, and a pile of chilled Baked Apples.  Ohmigod.  I’m going to bust out the “nom, nom, nom” for this snack.  Because it was truly nom-nom worthy.

 

Quote of the night: “To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.” 

 

PS – Did ya’ll see that I’m collecting Operation Beautiful notes for the latest and greatest book? I hope you submit a note or pass on the information to a tween or teen in your life!

{ 82 comments }

 

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) December 16, 2010, 8:27 pm

    Those pickles look amazing! I LOVE pickles…more than Snooki I think! Have a great night 🙂

    • Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun.blogspot) December 17, 2010, 10:05 am

      Yes, pickles are perfect on everything! I especially love them on salad (think pickles, avocado, tortilla strips and jicama, with BBQ ranch. Yummm!).

      P.S. Caitlin, thank you so much for your blog tips. I gave you a shout-out for them on my blog today if you want to check it out. You’re the best!

      • Caitlin December 17, 2010, 10:08 am

        Glad they helped you!

  • Runeatrepeat December 16, 2010, 8:28 pm

    What is the target age for the tween book?

    • Caitlin December 16, 2010, 8:29 pm

      The target age is tween/young teen but I’m accepting notes from everyone.

      • Alina December 17, 2010, 10:54 pm

        Hey! I’m a tween/teen reporter on Allykatzz.com, which is the foremost tween girl website, and I was wondering if you’d like me to give this blog a shoutout for submissions . . . I’ve heard girls talking about OB, and I think we’d love to do this? Would you mind shooting me an e-mail and letting me know what you think? Thanks so much!

  • Evan Thomas December 16, 2010, 8:32 pm

    Your dining experience reminded me of this:
    http://www.lamebook.com/thanks-bob/thanks-bob/

    • Caitlin December 16, 2010, 8:34 pm

      Hahah yes.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate December 16, 2010, 8:34 pm

    Next time I’m in Charlotte, I’m totally checking this place out. Every time you post pictures, I absolutely crave a black bean burger. 🙂

  • jo December 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

    I want to say that your snack was probably delicious and everyone has their own preferences but can something with yogurt really be that good?

    • Caitlin December 16, 2010, 8:47 pm

      YES! It was kind of like a healthy apple crisp with ice cream.

      • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 17, 2010, 8:25 am

        We had yogurt and berries for dessert last night. My kids thought it was a wonderful treat, so it must be pretty good. 😉

    • Beth @ Will Run for Books December 17, 2010, 11:20 am

      Jo, I feel you. I’m not that into yogurt, either.

  • Katie @ Keepingupwithkatie December 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

    I went with my boyfriend last weekend after seeing it on your blog. The black bean burger really was phenomenal. And we also split the peppermint chocolate milkshake. Amazing <3

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun December 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

    What, you’re pregnant?!!!

    Sorry…I just had to. 😀

    I never think twice about taking picture out now either. Although at the last 2 places we dined the manager came out and was treating us extra special and checking in on us. I wondered if they thought I was a food critic or something. I didn’t see anyone else get that attention.

  • Laurie December 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

    ya know, the title of this post could sound really kinky…

    • Caitlin December 16, 2010, 8:47 pm

      I tried!

    • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 17, 2010, 8:26 am

      I figured ‘positions’ was going to refer to yoga. I’m clean minded like that. 🙂

      • Laurie December 17, 2010, 8:49 am

        And, I’m very dirty minded….not dirty acting, but hey, at least my mind is still active!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

    We go to the same place for dinner a lot too, Bigelo’s. We went there tonight! Half off bottles of wine 😀 and you can take the extra home!

  • Lee December 16, 2010, 8:40 pm

    I love pickles. I always ask for extras.

  • Leah @ L4L December 16, 2010, 8:46 pm

    We usually sit across from each other, so we can see each other! And if you are next to each other, you are inevitably bumping elbows. If we are at a square table with one chair on each side but otherwise usually across.

  • Kelly December 16, 2010, 8:52 pm

    Haha! That’s the wonderful and embarrassing part of children.:) Those black bean burgers ARE wonderful.

  • shelby December 16, 2010, 8:54 pm

    Umm…well we two cannot go on a date, Caitlin. I have a major pickle fear (*shudder*) and it drives me batty when people sit on the same side!

    I do approve of black bean burgers and fruit salads, though.

    • Caitlin December 17, 2010, 10:06 am

      hahaah! i love this comment.

  • Sarah December 16, 2010, 8:55 pm

    You should have Healthy Tipping Point business cards and pass them out to be people who are intrigued.

  • Dee December 16, 2010, 9:05 pm

    I love that quote!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In December 16, 2010, 9:06 pm

    I’m not embarrassed about taking pictures at restaurants as long as it’s not a super fancy place. But the people I’m with tend to get embarrassed OF me!

  • Kristy December 16, 2010, 9:08 pm

    LOVE the quote. Also wanted to let you know I got involved with Girls on the Run here in NYC and volunteered at their 5k last weekend. Thanks for bringing the organization to my attention!

  • Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life December 16, 2010, 9:11 pm

    I’d totally pick the pickles over the cheese, too. Especially the sandwich pickles. Ohhh goodness, they rock my socks! 🙂

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete December 16, 2010, 9:22 pm

    Just today at my work holiday party someone suggested taking a picture of the desserts (really nicely decorated cupcakes) — and one guy said “who takes pictures of food?!?!?!”

  • Anon December 16, 2010, 9:22 pm

    You’re always so focused and put together Caitlin.
    I’ve been burnt lately. All day I just sit to work. And in the evening, I’m so exhausted, I can only manage TV and half-sleeping (and eating…).
    I’m just exhausted. Hope something comes together for this head of mine.
    Its nice that you and your husband take time out together.

    • JenRD December 16, 2010, 9:39 pm

      Aw, it sounds like you need to take a step back from your daily stress and do something to clear your head, such as yoga, a brisk walk, or a mini vacation.
      I think Caitlin is honest and balanced. In following her blog for a while I have seen that, like all of us, she has her good days and bad days.

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat December 16, 2010, 9:23 pm

    Side-by-side for sure. That way their food is easier for me to reach.
    Love the title btw. I feel like it garners a “that’s what she said” but it doesn’t really make sense….oh well!

  • nicole December 16, 2010, 9:28 pm

    My boyfriend will never allow us to sit side-by-side. Love pickles but also love cheese, I need my sodium.

  • Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler December 16, 2010, 9:32 pm

    I’m shameless with my food photography in public. If anyone gives me a weird look, I just say, “It’s okay – I have a food blog!”

  • JenRD December 16, 2010, 9:36 pm

    Yeah I have to say that upon reading the title and the fact that you have had babies on the brain led me to think that this post would be about something else ENTIRELY!

  • Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) December 16, 2010, 9:39 pm

    We don’t eat out that often so I feel weird taking pictures out. Also, I don’t have a small camera so I hate lugging my camera everywhere we go. I think it is great advertisement for bloggers to share though. I know I want to go there when I come to Charlotte next summer!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 16, 2010, 9:42 pm

    I get a lot of dirty looks from people when I take pictures of my food. Half of them probably think I’m crazy and the other half probably think that I am stupid! 😉

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef December 16, 2010, 9:43 pm

    i like to sit side by side too! its more fun 🙂

  • Maddie December 16, 2010, 9:46 pm

    I totally make fun of side-by-side sitters 😉 But it’s OK! To each his own, haha.

  • Angie December 16, 2010, 9:52 pm

    When I waitressed, we would make fun of couples who sat on the same side. In fact, we called them ‘same-side-sitters’, and laughed at how awkward they looked. Sorry! :p

    • mm December 17, 2010, 12:56 am

      My husband and I do too. 🙂 It’s so awkward to sit next to each other looking out across the restaurant at other people while having a conversation. It’s also awkward as the other people in the restaurant to accidentally keep catching their eye!

      • Caitlin December 17, 2010, 10:07 am

        hahaha but we’re in looooooove.

  • Christina December 16, 2010, 9:53 pm

    Hi, Caitlin! Have you ever been to The Common Market in Charlotte? It’s a really awesome store/deli that I recently discovered and LOVE! There are 2 locations: one in Southend and one in Elizabeth on Commonwealth Avenue. I’ve only been to the one on Commonwealth and I got a delicious hummus & tabbouli sandwich on fresh baked sourdough. They also have delicious vegan baked goods at the register! Also, you can make any sandwich vegetarian by subbing tofu…I’m obsessed!

    • Caitlin December 17, 2010, 10:07 am

      I have not been but now I”m going to check it out. You had me at sourdough.

  • Baking 'n' Books December 16, 2010, 10:04 pm

    I just really want to eat veggie burgers where your eating them because they have never looked so good!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal December 16, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Oh man that kid! haha yeah I would have been embarrassed for sure 🙂
    That fruit salad looks good, though! Definitely picture worthy. Such a fierce-looking model I mean salad. haha

  • Ali December 16, 2010, 10:10 pm

    I usually prefer to sit across the table from whoever I’m eating with. I just think it’s less awkward to hold a conversation, but that’s just me 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman December 16, 2010, 10:25 pm

    Everyone who sees me eat thinks I’m pregnant. I love pickles on everything, and I love piles of them. The woman at Subway hates me because I ask for handfuls on my Veggie Delite.

    • Alina December 17, 2010, 10:59 pm

      I do that too! I get weird looks everytime. You think she would know that I like a bucketfull of pickles now, but NOOOO 😉

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 16, 2010, 10:48 pm

    I’m not going to lie to you, sometimes I make fun of the daters who sit next to each other. There, I said it. I’m sorry – I will never judge again. Needless to say, I can’t do it. I need to be looking at someone to have a conversation with them!

  • Kiran December 16, 2010, 10:48 pm

    I want some pickles. and that burger looks delish! Sit side by side of course 🙂

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged December 16, 2010, 11:07 pm

    HAHAHA, aren’t kids great at blurting out the most awkward things at the most random times? I’m definitely a little odded out taking photos at restaurants…I hardly ever do it and most of the time it’s a “sneak attack” shot – I adjust my settings while my camera is in my lap, pop it up for one snap, and away it goes!

  • Annette December 16, 2010, 11:27 pm

    I had an afternoon snack that looked exactly like yours-except mine had a few milk chocolate chips and cinnamon/nutmeg spices in it. Nom nom worthy for sure! p.s. I like sitting both with my husband-across and next to, depending on the place!

  • Rachel @ Fit Fun and Fabulous December 16, 2010, 11:53 pm

    My fiance always insists that we sit next to each other at restaurants. He’s not usually the super mushy/romantic type, but for some reason he LOVES to sit side by side at restaurants.

  • Ellie December 17, 2010, 12:56 am

    Aww – my boyfriend and I always sit side by side, because he insists on it! He almost always sits on the left of me (we’re both right-handed) but I had to sit on the left last time and I realized how much more difficult it is! We almost always share food though so it’s marginally easier to sit side by side for that.

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope December 17, 2010, 4:37 am

    We totally make fun of couples who sit side by side haha! It’s just soo hard to eat and have a convo that way..

  • Kelly December 17, 2010, 5:59 am

    Hahaha, awwww kids. That is so going to happen to me sometime.

    I love that you sit on the same side of the booth. I’d feel too weird doing it, but more power to you.

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind December 17, 2010, 6:25 am

    Bahaha. I love this post! Very SassyCaitlin.

  • jen December 17, 2010, 7:05 am

    I totally giggled when I read the title of this post ;0

    We usually sit across from each other. And bring on the pickles, the more the better!!!!

    Jen

  • Aimee December 17, 2010, 7:15 am

    Oh my I have been eating the same snack only for breakfast. Delicious! I cannot get off of the baked apples. Oh and my husband and I generally sit across from each other. Of course now we have the little guy and one of us has to sit with him, but even before we always sat across from each other.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 17, 2010, 7:26 am

    We sit across. I’d like to sit side my side, but the BF has a thing about elbow room!

    Taking pictures is only awkward in quiet restaurants when everyone can hear the beep and stares at you 🙂

  • suzette December 17, 2010, 7:49 am

    I am in love with that black bean burger @ Big Daddy’s!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 17, 2010, 7:58 am

    I know what you mean – I like being beside someone so that I can stay warm. 😛

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 17, 2010, 8:30 am

    We sit across from each other at a booth. We may get all crazy and sit on either side of a corner at a table. I wonder if servers make fun of that. Hee hee.

  • Kelly December 17, 2010, 8:54 am

    I always sat across from guys I was dating except my husband…he always sits next to me. At first I thought it was weird and I didn’t like it but now I am so used to it that if we don’t sit side by side I feel weird! haha!

  • Gracie December 17, 2010, 8:59 am

    That first photo made me so happy!!! You two are the cutest.

    I actually prefer sitting across from one another. You know, so you can gaze into each other’s eyes and stuff 😛

  • Katie (The Boston Marathoner) December 17, 2010, 9:04 am

    I always prefer the side by side!

  • Kacy December 17, 2010, 9:20 am

    I love pickles on a burger. It’s really the only time I like them.

    I usually don’t do the sitting next to each other thing unless we’re with another couple.

  • Shari December 17, 2010, 9:40 am

    I love, love, absolutely LOVE that quote 🙂

  • CarrieBeth December 17, 2010, 10:22 am

    yummy to all of that above! and my husband and i like to sit on the same side at restaurants 🙂

  • Kelly December 17, 2010, 10:29 am

    I see you were able to convince the hus to take you to dinner, haha nice!

  • Amber K December 17, 2010, 11:02 am

    How awkward! Whenever I have taken pictures in public no one has ever said a word.

    • Amber K December 17, 2010, 11:04 am

      Oh and my husband and I like our space while eating. Across from one another is the only way to sit! Plus he’s a big guy (6’8” and 300 lbs) so it’s pretty crowded when we have to sit next to one another.

  • Rose December 17, 2010, 11:35 am

    I sort of secretly admire couples who sit side-by-side. I always feel weird and don’t do it. If I like the guy, I should!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion December 17, 2010, 11:50 am

    1. Love that quote.
    2. I order extra pickles on everything
    3. People always stare when I take pictures of my food
    4. That black bean burger looks OUTSTANDING

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous December 17, 2010, 12:25 pm

    Love that quote. The black bean burger sounds GOOD! And I like that the fruit salad isn’t 90% honeydew. That’s the worst.

  • Nicole, RD December 17, 2010, 1:14 pm

    Haha! I love that the little boy was needing some answers about your photog!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 18, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I am still shy about taking pretty much any pictures in public for my blog. I may have to put that on my resolution list for 2010: “Overcome camera shyness.”

  • JenATX December 20, 2010, 12:43 am

    haha you were serious about the extra pickles weren’t you?

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