Pillow Talk

on January 9, 2011
in All Posts

I am MAJORAHLY in love with my indoor bike trainer (the Bell Motivator).  It was super chilly outside today, so I decided to just sit on my bike and ride for 45 minutes.

 

Pillow on aerobars –>  yet another reason indoor riding rules.

IMG_8023

My quad muscles say HOLLA.

 

Mom, thanks for making 45 minutes on the trainer that much more bearable.

 IMG_8026

You know what?  I really need a new bike or a makeover on my current one.  I bought her off of Craigslist four years ago, and I think her days are numbered.

IMG_8020

Got off the bike and snacked on an orange.

IMG_8009

Then, I declared work over and enjoyed quality time with House Hunters.  I also cooked dinner and baked a little bit!  It’s relaxation central here, I’m telling you.

 

Dinner was two thick pieces of ciabatta bread with red pepper hummus, plus veg.

IMG_8037

If you come across ROOTS brand hummus, you must buy it.  SO thick and dry.  Not thin and creamy like other hummuses (hummi?).

IMG_8038

Roasted parsnips + zucchini:

IMG_8039

And for dessert, I made some homemade Orange Zest White Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Sounds amazing, right?

IMG_8049

Unfortunately, I accidentally used the wrong type of flour (all whole wheat instead of white or a mix) and the cookies weren’t that great… well, certainly good enough to eat four mini cookies, but not good enough to inflict this recipe on you guys.  🙂

IMG_8051

I hear the couch; it’s callin’ my name.

 

PS – Check out this blog post critiquing the Special K diet by Emilie.  It’s so well written!

{ 88 comments }

 

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 9, 2011, 8:45 pm

    omg i want the recipe anyway! i love orange and i love white chocolate chips!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston January 9, 2011, 8:47 pm

    I would totally use a pillow like that too if I had a bike trainer!

  • Blog is the New Black January 9, 2011, 8:49 pm

    Can you make the cookies again and share the recipe!? They sound wonderful!

  • Erin January 9, 2011, 8:49 pm

    Too bad about your cookies. I’ve made orange zest with white chocolate chip cookies before and got lots of compliments on them! You should try them again sans whole wheat flour.

    And all this talk of a bike trainer is making me think I’ll add one to my wish list!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 9, 2011, 8:49 pm

    OH and P.S… my most recent blog entry is how I came to volunteer with Girls on the Run. I was thinking about you while writing, and while I attended the training on Saturday! St. Louis has the THIRD LARGEST council in the country!! There were 170 NEW coaches there! I was so proud. I’d really like to start a GOTR group for girls with special needs.

    Anyway, just wanted to let you know I was thinking about ya!

  • Evan Thomas January 9, 2011, 8:49 pm

    After consulting the internet, the plural of hummus is hummus.

    • Caitlin January 9, 2011, 8:50 pm

      bahhh

  • Whitney January 9, 2011, 8:49 pm

    I’m going off to read that. For years I have cringed every time those commercials came on. That and the ones about the HCG diet.

  • Jennifer (Happiness Here) January 9, 2011, 8:50 pm

    Good for you for relaxing tonight! Enjoy!

  • Kaitlin January 9, 2011, 8:50 pm

    Looks like that bike trainer is really working!! And how awesome to be able to talk on the phone while you’re working out.

    I’ve made the whole-wheat flour mistake before– makes for flat cookies 🙁

  • ashleigh January 9, 2011, 8:51 pm

    I love being able to do something else while I’m working out like watching tv, chatting with someone or reading a magazine. I think that indoor trainer is awesome!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine January 9, 2011, 8:54 pm

    Hummusssss. I love thick AND creamy- it’s the best of both worlds. Dry hummus just doesn’t cut it in my book!!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) January 9, 2011, 8:55 pm

    Ha! I’d need a plastic protector for that pillow or it’d be soaked in sweat.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat January 9, 2011, 8:57 pm

    I adore hummus, especially roasted red pepper hummus. Sounds like your dinner was absolutely delicious. And I agree, I think you certainly deserve a bike makeover! 🙂

  • christina cadden January 9, 2011, 8:59 pm

    Love the pillow!

  • Dorry January 9, 2011, 9:01 pm

    I love thick hummus! It’s one of the reasons I prefer to make my own to manage the consistency. Had parsnips with my dinner Friday night for the 1st time in ages – a fave.

  • hippierunner January 9, 2011, 9:02 pm

    Roasted veg w ketchup +bread dinners are the best! And is the trainer around $80? (I saw it said that in Google Reader but not here.) You’re making me want one!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) January 9, 2011, 9:02 pm

    I’m so happy to know what the plural of hummus is! Thanks! Learn something new every day.

  • Kari @ Human, MD January 9, 2011, 9:02 pm

    I’ve definitely had my share of baking snafus incolcing whole wheat flour… sometimes, it just doesn’t work. Also, it definitely looks like you bike needs a facelife! If most of it’s working well, though, I bet you could get away with investing some money in some parts upgrades (definitely a saddle…) and save the frame!

    • Kari @ Human, MD January 9, 2011, 9:21 pm

      … that would be involving, not incolcing.

    • anne January 10, 2011, 4:32 am

      I was going to comment on the exact same thing! My boyfriend and I are avid cyclists (we do live in Portland afterall). If the frame is still in good condition then there is no need to get a whole new bike. It definitely looks like you should invest in a new saddle though 🙂

    • Molly @fuelherup January 10, 2011, 11:13 am

      I got my mom’s old bike from the 80s and got it re-vamped. I love it, but it was almost $3000. That’s 3 pairs of Louboutin shoes. I love it, but still…expensive!

  • Jenna @Eating Green, Staying Lean January 9, 2011, 9:03 pm

    The cookies still look pretty delicious to me! I agree with Kari though, whole wheat flour can be tricky in the baking world. And I can’t EVER get enough of roasted parsnips…sooo sooo yummy.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 9, 2011, 9:13 pm

    Hummi? Hahaha this had me laughing!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) January 9, 2011, 9:13 pm

    You really make me want to get a bike trainer! It is crazy how changing up 1-2 ingredients in a recipe can cause it to flop!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal January 9, 2011, 9:13 pm

    It’s like a spin class in your living room! With pillows 🙂

  • Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life January 9, 2011, 9:30 pm

    Doesn’t your pillow get sweaty?! Good luck in the search for a new bike–I bet it’s a good time to look on Craig’s List.

  • Baking 'n' Books January 9, 2011, 9:31 pm

    Do you watch TV or listen to music spinning?

    I like thick hummus – but creamy oh my God yes – SABRA has got my number – in a bad way…I need to learn to hang up on it…

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape January 9, 2011, 9:31 pm

    Those roasted parsnips look delicious! Everytime I see them featured on blogs I always think that I have to try them soon!

  • Ashley January 9, 2011, 9:44 pm

    the cookies LOOK amazing! Sorry they didn’t taste as good as you’d hoped!

  • Marie-Journey to Body Zen January 9, 2011, 9:44 pm

    i really enjoyed the link to the special k write-up. thanks for sharing!

  • Emilie January 9, 2011, 9:46 pm

    Yum, an orange alongside those orange zest cookies looks delish! Oranges are one of the best post-workout snacks out there, in my opinion 🙂

  • Michelle... January 9, 2011, 9:47 pm

    I think it’s definitely worth taking your bike to a shop to see what they can do for you! Saddles can be replaced relatively inexpensively, and some other simple maintenance might make her feel like new again for significantly less than a whole new bike.

  • Michelle @ six-oh-one January 9, 2011, 9:56 pm

    Too bad about the cookies! I have made white chocolate chip cookies with lemon zest from Shirley Corriher’s ‘Cookwise’. The flavor combo of citrus with white chocolate is unexpected but delicious.
    Also- I am jealous of your bike trainer!

  • Em January 9, 2011, 10:23 pm

    That hummus does look amazing but unfortunately I know my area doesn’t carry it. You should have one of those open sky stores!

  • Joanna @ Drizzle of Sunshine January 9, 2011, 10:28 pm

    I am definitely going to try those parsnips for one of my project wifey wife recipes this week! Just olive oil and bake right? I LIVE for french fries and I have a feeling that these might be a healthier alternative! Any tips before I try would be greatly appreciated!

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid January 9, 2011, 10:32 pm

    What a great way to multi-task!

  • Camille January 9, 2011, 10:37 pm

    That bread looks so good!

  • Michelle January 9, 2011, 10:43 pm

    Thanks for posting the link to the special k challenge post. It was incredibly well written and made some fantastic points about a crazy “diet.”

  • Nicole @ yuppie yogini January 9, 2011, 11:02 pm

    Remind me not to sit on that pillow again. If you don’t wash your workout clothes, I’m sure the pillow doesn’t get cleaned. 😉 PS: I heart stinky Caitlin.

  • jenn s January 9, 2011, 11:08 pm

    Hey would you mind sharing a grocery shop post? Like a pic of your shops and what to look for?

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 10:02 am

      I’ve been meaning to do this for a while so next time we do a big shopping trip, I will!

  • eatingRD January 9, 2011, 11:13 pm

    awesome! I can’t usually go more than an hour on the trainer without being bored out of my mind lol You need a new saddle chica 😉 I was thinking about selling my selle italia. The cookies still look good!

  • Lee January 9, 2011, 11:23 pm

    Haha, I called it hummi in a comment on a blog somewhere the other day. I think that should the plural for sure.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing January 9, 2011, 11:29 pm

    I’m going to have to try out that pillow trick!

  • Ashley January 9, 2011, 11:33 pm

    I love to have company or a book to keep me entertained while I’m working out. I think my gym would frown upon me bringing in a pillow though.

  • Kailey (SnackFace) January 9, 2011, 11:33 pm

    Gawd I love House Hunters. My boyf and I watch it. At least I know he has good taste should we take things to the next level.

    Also, I just need to buy a damn bike. And move to the south so I can actually use said bike.

  • carlee January 9, 2011, 11:39 pm

    Keep posting those bike posts! Your slowllyyy inspring me!
    The only problem is my mom hates them being in the house and my dads trainer is slightly broken.
    How much was yours?

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 10:02 am

      $80

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) January 9, 2011, 11:39 pm

    I love house hunters.

    And your pink handlebars and that pink trim on your phone/ipod. Too cute!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat January 9, 2011, 11:53 pm

    Is Roots hummus more tasty or flavorful because it is thick and dry? I guess I’ve only had store bought hummus (which I am in love with)!

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 10:02 am

      I love it.. it’s super flavorful and thick.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales January 10, 2011, 12:00 am

    I think I want a bike trainer… cycling from my living rooms sounds so, so nice! And yes, today was C.O.L.D!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 10, 2011, 12:04 am

    Whether cookies turn out fabulously or not, I can’t help but eat a few of them either. Who’s to turn down a cookie? Honestly. 😛

  • Beatrix @ Beaglebea January 10, 2011, 12:04 am

    I’ve been wanting to get a indoor bike trainer, but went for a treadmill instead…will have to wait on the bike trainer until I have a bigger place.

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) January 10, 2011, 1:02 am

    I need a new bike too. Mine is an old mountain bike, and it is HEAVY, especially because I like to ride on the roads now. I was huffing and puffing up a hill in a duathlon yesterday morning as tons of people were speeding by me on their lightweight road bikes and I got a bunch of pitiful stares and some comments like “don’t see those out here anymore…” I guess it’s time for a new bike.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] January 10, 2011, 1:07 am

    Hey, sexy legs, heyyy!

  • Marina January 10, 2011, 1:24 am

    I used to work out on stationary bicycle, with my laptop on the ironing board so I could be online. 😀

  • Ella January 10, 2011, 1:26 am

    Your iphone case looks hardcore – I need something thick like that I throw mine around.
    I need a new bike too. I got mine when I was a freshman in college and in the past 7 years I’ve grown five or so inches and as many adjustments as I make I just dont fit it anymore!

    • Ella January 10, 2011, 1:26 am

      oops i meant freshman in high school..that would be crazy if i grew five inches after i was 18 haha

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 10:03 am

      It’s called an Otter Box – I highly recommend it.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 10, 2011, 2:24 am

    Your thigh muscle is intense!! I am intimidated 🙂

  • DadHTP January 10, 2011, 5:25 am

    hahaha – if you want a new bike so you look like one of the cool kids, that’s one thing, but the worlds’ best saddle cost $300~

  • Kara January 10, 2011, 6:12 am

    Do you get to sit on a pillow too? That’s probably the only way you’d see me riding a bike…

  • Ella @ The Princess and the P January 10, 2011, 6:46 am

    I’m curious – how/where do you store your indoor bike when you’re not using it?

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 10:03 am

      In a nook near my couch – if I hid it, it’s out of sight, out of mind.

  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun January 10, 2011, 7:20 am

    I just bought some red pepper hummus the other day and it’s amazing! I’m thinking of making some myself soon! 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 10, 2011, 7:53 am

    I’ve definitely ruined a few recipes by using WW flour! But WW pastry flour seems to work for me! 🙂

  • Hope January 10, 2011, 8:43 am

    Those roasted parsnips look yummy! I just bought some yesterday to try. I can’t wait to make them tonight.

  • Gwen January 10, 2011, 8:57 am

    Caitlin – my hubby and I are interested in indoor trainers and I know you like yours a lot. DId you have to buy the piece for the front tire separately, or did it come with? If no, what brand is it?

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 9:49 am

      I put a thick dictionary under the front and TA DA – it’s perfect. and Free!

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl January 10, 2011, 9:07 am

    I love the pillow on the handle bars…totally something I would do in the comfort of my own home 🙂

  • Salah (My Healthiest Lifestyle) January 10, 2011, 9:13 am

    hahaha I would definitely use that pillow too! That ciabatta bread with the hummus looks so amazing!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers January 10, 2011, 9:16 am

    A new bike has been on my dream list for the past 2 years. Hopefully this is the year I can make it happen.:) I use an old hybrid bike that I changed out the tires and the pedals… you should see the looks I get around “real” bikers.

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good January 10, 2011, 9:20 am

    I’m so intrigued by the bike trainer. We were in REI the other day, and I took a quick wander through the bike section to see if I could check one out in real life, but I didn’t see any there.

    I’m out of parsnips from the CSA, and I miss them… I might have to buy some, but not until I use up my turnips and sweet potatoes. Waste not, want not. 🙂

  • Angie January 10, 2011, 9:39 am

    Just thought I would let you know you have been awarded to Stylish Blog award from my blog, Check out my latest post to find out what I mean 🙂

    Keep up the great work!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table January 10, 2011, 9:39 am

    rockin’ quad muscle shot! 🙂

    i recently discovered parsnip fries – can’t believe i went so long without them.

  • erin January 10, 2011, 9:52 am

    I am not a huge orange fan but for some reason I love them after a race…the oils from the peel and the fruit recharge me…love it!!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing January 10, 2011, 10:00 am

    Love that Special K post you recommend. My roommate and I had a disagreement over the diet. She insists it works. But at what cost??

  • Molly @fuelherup January 10, 2011, 11:13 am

    I would invest in some whole wheat pastry flour- much better in cookies! I replace all-purpose entirely with it and people don’t notice a difference.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) January 10, 2011, 12:24 pm

    A few years ago, I posted on a forum that I was worried about how man-ish my muscular quad made me look. It showed up in a race picture, and since I didn’t have that definition before, I was weirded out.

    Someone commented that the solution to my insecurity was to eat some cupcakes on the couch.

    • Caitlin January 10, 2011, 4:10 pm

      Baw hahah. I love it.

  • Lisa January 10, 2011, 12:52 pm

    Interesting trick with the aero bars and pillow…

  • Amber K January 10, 2011, 1:22 pm

    Back when I could handle it I always used all whole wheat. Love that texture. 🙂 And wowza, you have killer quads! That is definitely my most defined muscle.

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous January 10, 2011, 3:44 pm

    Ohh good to know about the hummus…I’m always looking for new ones!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life January 10, 2011, 8:59 pm

    Lmao @ “hummi”! I was so happy to read that you took some time to relax, it’s way too easy to burn out if you don’t 🙂

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point