Back from 300

on October 6, 2011
in All Posts

I have been struggling to sleep through the night lately.  This is very unusual for me – normally, I’m out like a light.  But I have some things weighing on my brain, which translates to vivid dreams that wake me up.  And then I can’t get back to sleep.

 

Sleeping with a long, chubby dachshund in the crook of your elbow helps.  She has a very melodic snore.

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While Maggie helps the cause, you know what always works?

 

Counting back from 300 by 3’s…

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And promising myself that, if I just go back to sleep, I can wake up to an epic breakfast.

 

Oh, yeah.

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I had a bag of Just Almond Meal (basically, almond breadcrumbs) in the pantry for months with no idea how to use it.  Finally, I decided to bread eggy French toast in the Almond Meal and then fry it up in the pan.  The result? Ah-maz-ing.

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The Almond Meal was a little nutty but added more texture than anything – soft and fluffy and moist.

 

With sunflower butter and raspberries.

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By the way – thanks for all the compliments on the new blog design!  I hope you find it easy to navigate and fun to look at.  HTP has only had three total designs (and the first was back in the ‘See Bride Run’ running/wedding early blog days), and I had the last theme for about two years – so this is a big deal for my eyes!  Nicole’s husband-to-be, Isaac from Web Symphonies, designed it.   We know there are still some funny quirks with the site, but please bear with us – we’re going to wait until Isaac gets back from his destination wedding to shake out all the issues.

 

Have a happy (and AWAKE!) Thursday!

{ 64 comments }

 

  • Faith @ For the Health of It October 6, 2011, 9:45 am

    Mmm, the almond meal sounds awesome. I bet it would make a great crumb topping for pan-fried tofu!

    • April October 6, 2011, 1:31 pm

      Oooh, now that sounds good too! Must get more of this from TJ’s!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 6, 2011, 9:46 am

    Good use of the almond meal!
    You can also use it in gluten free baking or to make amaretti cookies (my favourite!) or just whir it in the food processor until you get almond butter.

  • Chloe (In Fine Feather) October 6, 2011, 9:46 am

    I do the same counting trick – except I start at 1,000 for some reason. I almost never make it past 800ish though so it definitely works!
    I also try to pretend like I’m laying in savasana and take deep, steady breaths without focusing too much on what is worrying me. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn’t.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife October 6, 2011, 9:48 am

    It is a great site—-looks super good!

    And that meal looks positively amazing! YUMM. French toast/bread anything is soooo good in the a.m.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 6, 2011, 9:50 am

    I have seen a few recipes that contain almond meal recently and now I’m really curious about it. Yours is by far the simplest, but I like simple and can’t wait to try it!

  • CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com October 6, 2011, 9:52 am

    I love the new blog design! and that almond meal looks amazing! I have never actually heard of almond meal but I am definitely a girl who loves texture so this looks like it would be right up my alley!
    I love that you are a french toast lover like myself!

  • Erin October 6, 2011, 9:54 am

    First of all, I absolutely LOVE your new blog design! It’s really great, esp. the header 🙂

    Secondly, I hope you can get some good night sleep soon. I had this problem a few months ago due to financial issues and finally I had a really great conversation with my boyfriend, told him my worries and fears, cried a lot and that night I felt ten times better…

    You could also try meditating and yoga before bed 🙂 Good luck.

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb October 6, 2011, 9:59 am

    i’ve heard of that 300 trick! never tried it (i usually just pop a melatonin!) but thanks for the tip 🙂

  • Samantha October 6, 2011, 10:03 am

    That french toast sounds really good! When I can’t sleep I use a recording of “Yoga Nidra” by Amy Weintraub on my iPhone (with headphones). You’re supposed to meditate and not go to sleep, but I always turn it off and go to sleep about 10 minutes in (it’s 40 mins long). I think I got it from Amazon as an MP3 for like $2. So worth it. It really helps you focus on your body and the present instead of all the things I’m usually worried about. The blog looks great!

  • Christine @ BookishlyB October 6, 2011, 10:07 am

    This has nothing to do with your post: your husband looks a lot like Mitchell from Modern Family. Not that you look anything like Cam 😉 (If you’ve never watched it, start!)

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen October 6, 2011, 10:08 am

    I’ve always resisted buying that at TJ’s b/c I couldn’t think of anything to do with it. I like where your head’s at with the french toast 🙂

  • alli October 6, 2011, 10:08 am

    thank you! i’ve had that same bag of almond meal in my pantry for a few weeks, and i, too, have been wondering what i was going to make with it. now i know! 🙂

    when i can’t sleep, i focus on relaxing my whole entire body. when i do that i realize that i really was tense in some places- mostly in my face. one thing that really does the trick that my MIL told me about was to relax your tongue. it sounds strange but if i consciously do that i fall asleep in no time.

  • Erika October 6, 2011, 10:09 am

    Love love the new website design!

  • Corrie Anne October 6, 2011, 10:10 am

    I feel ya! I just went through a big move, job change, marriage, a lot of stuff in a few months and I’m have the same thing vivid dreams that wake me up!! My breakfast wasn’t quite as epic, but I do love my Puffins!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama October 6, 2011, 10:22 am

    Love the new design. Writing down what’s on my ind before bed seems to help me unload and sleep better. Good luck–lack of sleep is awful!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) October 6, 2011, 10:25 am

    I also have not been able to hold a sleep lately… whether I have something the next day or not. =/

  • meredith (pursuing balance) October 6, 2011, 10:36 am

    i love the new blog layout! especially that you’re representing the 305 with those UM shorts. yay for miami to nc transplants 🙂

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery October 6, 2011, 10:36 am

    I didn’t sleep well either so I feel your pain. Ah trader joes has the best stuff. Their dried unsugared, unsulfured mango…the BEST. I just wish we had them in CO. The breakfast looks delicious!

  • Army Amy* October 6, 2011, 10:41 am

    Flipped back ears freak me out! Am I the only one? I cannot look at that picture of Maggie!*

  • Vikki October 6, 2011, 10:43 am

    Out of curiosity, did you not expect something made from almonds to be nutty? 🙂 I giggled a little when I read that.

    • Caitlin October 6, 2011, 10:43 am

      Hahah well before I cooked it, I tasted it and it was more like flour – not very nutty. But when it was fried, it became very nutty.

      I blame sleep deprivation.

  • Kiran @ KiranTarun.com October 6, 2011, 10:45 am

    Almond meal is so versatile! I’ve used it to bread salmon steaks and the flavors were amazingly nutty and delicious 😀

  • Cindi October 6, 2011, 10:55 am

    Love the design! Looks so pretty! Have a fabulous time in PR!!!

  • Khushboo October 6, 2011, 10:55 am

    I’m going through an “I can’t stop grabbing handfuls of almonds” phase…need to get on it with almond meal- sounds delightful!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas October 6, 2011, 11:03 am

    Yeah… that meal is pretty freakin’ spectacular!!

    I go through periods of difficult sleeping. It will usually be difficult to sleep after I’ve been on vacation from work .. and don’t have a schedule to follow.. and suddenly need to start getting to bed earlier.. and waking up earlier!

    We talked about counting sheep in my classroom today!!

  • Errign October 6, 2011, 11:19 am

    I really love the new design! Very clean and professional.

    I keep meaning to pick up some almond meal when I’m at Trader Joe’s. Guess I will add it to my shopping list for the next time I’m in Charlotte.

  • Deva @ Deva by Definition October 6, 2011, 11:26 am

    I’ve never tried almond meal, but it sounds like it would make a good crust for tofu or chicken!

  • Brooke @ Tales of A Bride-To-Be October 6, 2011, 11:27 am

    That breakfast looks so yummy. I wish I had the urge to eat but since my wedding is in 2 days, the nerves have taken over my appetite so I’m consuming candy and yogurt. Delicious. I am wanting some wedding cake so bad.

  • Chelsea October 6, 2011, 11:37 am

    I always get borrrred counting and my mind starts wandering while trying to count haha!

  • Moni'sMeals October 6, 2011, 11:39 am

    Sorry to hear you are not sleeping the best, I am in the same boat…I too count backwards a lot but I do not wake up to this amazing breakfast of yours! YUM!

    Also, I LOVE the new look, it is amazing. 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) October 6, 2011, 11:43 am

    I love your blog design! Very fresh 🙂

  • Caitlin @ Cake with Love October 6, 2011, 11:52 am

    Totally love the new disign, so clean, so professional!!!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 6, 2011, 11:54 am

    That French toast looks delicious!!! I seriously need to make some, that was my favorite breakfast food growing up and I haven’t had it in years

  • Jackie @ That Deep Breath October 6, 2011, 11:55 am

    That french toast looks amazing! I think I might pick up some almond meal to try out…looks interesting!

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch October 6, 2011, 11:55 am

    Ugh. I go through bouts of insomnia sometimes, too… It’s the worst! My husband can instantly go to sleep and stay asleep without fail. It kinda makes me hate him a little at 3:30am. 😉 I’ve just rediscovered french toast myself. It’s french, you know, so I suppose it’s got that je ne sais quoi.

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence October 6, 2011, 11:58 am

    Ooo I like the design! When I tell myself I can have a good breakfast if I sleep it just makes me more anxious. haha.

  • Abby October 6, 2011, 11:58 am

    Holy cow, the new design looks amazing!

  • Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers October 6, 2011, 12:08 pm

    I do love the new site design. So pretty! The almond toast is pretty too – totally want somma’ that right now.

  • skinnyrunner October 6, 2011, 12:20 pm

    i LOVE that you dont have the posts at the bottom where you have to “click to read more”. just a pet peeve of mine bc im so lazy that i don’t want to click, i just want to scroll.

  • peacebeme October 6, 2011, 12:34 pm

    Don’t take this the wrong way, but I was just thinking a little while ago how you needed to update the look of your blog because you have such an awesome message and it looked out-dated. Now you did it and it looks amazing! I love it!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled October 6, 2011, 12:42 pm

    That French toast looks so good! I have some raisin bread burning a hole on my counter and can’t wait to make it into French Toast. I have ground flax meal, maybe that’d be a good substitute for almond meal.

  • Verna October 6, 2011, 12:45 pm

    Love the new layout!! Looks awesome!

  • Amber K October 6, 2011, 12:47 pm

    While I’m not always a fan of change, I actually really do like the new design. Still trying to figure out a couple of things with it, but it is so pretty!

    I wish I knew more about web design so I could make my new blog look…somewhat decent, lol. But for now I’m having fun playing around with it.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 6, 2011, 12:48 pm

    I hate when I have a restless night of sleep. I have been doing my long runs on Friday afternoons when I get home from work, and for the past three Fridays I have been sleeping horribly. I think it’s because my body is so wired from running a long distance so late in the day – but I LOVE having the entire Saturday to myself!

    PS – Breakfast looks amazing and I hope you have a fantastic time on your trip!

    PPS – I hope whatever is on your mind gets worked out! 🙂

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel October 6, 2011, 12:50 pm

    FASCINATED by that almond meal. I’ve never had (or even heard of) that, but I can just imagine how good it tastes, especially on french toast. Adding texture to a regular dish is always a great way to switch it up!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes October 6, 2011, 12:57 pm

    I have never tried counting back from 300 to fall asleep, but I will definitely have to try. I have the hardest time falling asleep unless I’m crazy crazy tired.
    By the way, I do love this new design! I love the gray and white…so simply and clean and lovely!

  • Carolina John October 6, 2011, 1:27 pm

    that french toast looks great! yummm.

  • Lisa@HealthyDiaries October 6, 2011, 1:28 pm

    I never thought of using almond flour as breading before! Thanks for the idea! I have a bag and a half to use up!

  • Rachel October 6, 2011, 1:29 pm

    Brilliant idea to add almond meal to french toast! I have been craving french toasted lately and this just pushed me over the edge – I must make some.

  • TheHungeredOne@MovingandMunching October 6, 2011, 2:20 pm

    it looks beautiful and that breakfast looks delicious 🙂

  • Ciera @ Rose and Thistle October 6, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Mmm yummy breakfast! I have a great recipe for a healthy chicken korma, where you make a sauce with canned tomatoes and thicken it with a couple of tablespoons of ground almonds… It’s so delicious 🙂

  • danielle October 6, 2011, 2:51 pm

    You know what Caitlin, I just hope you are ok. I hope its not all the garbage from last week that is keeping you awake. You are incredible and you don’t deserve your past hanging over your head, or being held over your head by people wo don’t even really know you or your circumstances.

    Chin up gal, and sleep well.

    • Caitlin October 6, 2011, 4:25 pm

      Thanks Danielle. It’s not. 🙂 It’s a good thing!

  • April @ Grits and Granola Bars October 6, 2011, 4:17 pm

    I hope your sleeping gets better soon, friend <3

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) October 6, 2011, 7:32 pm

    The blog looks fantastic, it truly looks like YOU!

    Insomnia, in my case, was due to hormones fluctuating. Just a thought…It happens more during certain points of life (pregnancy, certain point during my cycle, etc).

    Have a blessed night of sleep!

    • CaitlinHTP October 7, 2011, 7:47 am

      Interesting thought – maybe you’re right! Just hormonal.

  • Shayla @ The Good Life October 6, 2011, 8:03 pm

    I hope your sleeping gets better! I know how it feels…especially when you have a lot of things on your mind and they blend into your dreams, it’s the worst! It will get better…and just remind yourself of how awesome your blog design is! Wow! I just saw it now and I absolutely love it…love the grey color palette and header – very chic, clean and sophisticated looking 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP October 7, 2011, 7:47 am

      Thanks Shayla 🙂 I appreciate it!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 6, 2011, 9:52 pm

    I know how you feel – I’ve had sleeping troubles for the past 2 years! My problem is usually waking up insanely early (like 4-5 am) though, not with falling asleep. I hope you’re able to get a good night’s sleep soon! 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP October 7, 2011, 7:46 am

      Ugh that blows. Do you have a white noise that you can play? That helps me… like a fan or a cd of ocean waves. I have the ambiance ap on iphone and play rain noise.

  • BroccoliHut October 6, 2011, 10:24 pm

    I’ve had the same bag of almond meal hanging out in my pantry for months too…thanks for the inspiration:)

  • Sophie @ threetimesf October 7, 2011, 2:36 am

    I have been having trouble sleeping lately too (stressed about applying to go back to uni), but I love the idea of promising yourself an epic breakfast!!

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