Wednesday in Boston

on October 19, 2011

Oh, here we go again.

This time Iâ€™m in Boston for a private Operation Beautiful event at a biotech company. So much traveling lately. But Iâ€™m VERY excited to be here because I get to stay with my friend Tina instead of being stuck in a lonesome hotel room.

Crazily enough â€“ Tina, Mal, and Murphy the Pug live in a small town in South Shore, the tiny town that DadHTP grew up in! The world is so small.

I was very excited to meet Mr. Murphy. Cutest pug ever. And so smart. Too smart for his mommaâ€™s good!

After an early wake-up call, Panda Puffs for breakfast, and a bumpy flight, I arrived in Boston and grabbed Tina for lunch at Whole Foods.

I went so nuts at the hot bar that this salad cost me $12.96. Too many heavy items.

Mashed potatoes, eggs, potato salad, broccoli, plantains, brown rice edamame salad, spinach, asparagus, and tons of raw vegs.

And ginger ale for a drink. My stomach was all sorts of queasy earlier. Mustâ€™ve been that crazy mid-flight turbulence (truly, I nearly flew out of my seat!)â€¦

My â€˜thank youâ€™ present for Tina and Mal was this amazing turtle apple.

Green apple covered in caramel, chocolate, and nuts.

We made an valiant effort to keep it neat and tidy, but then we just started to scrap off the caramel and toss the apple. Ah, well.

Off to squeeze in a run and do my presentation. Then, we have GRAND PLANS for tonight that involve Thai food, a toasty fire, and reruns of Ellen. Sounds pretty ideal to me!

{ 73 comments }

Sana October 19, 2011, 1:44 pm
Yumm, those apples are so messy but oh so fun!
Carolina John October 19, 2011, 1:45 pm
Have fun in Beantown! It’s such a cool place. Check out berklee college of music for any free shows going on while you’re in town. My brother was a songwriting major there and the whole school is amazing.
- Jen October 19, 2011, 2:21 pm
  Berklee is awesome! A couple of years ago, my boyfriend and I caught a student-written and student-produced musical about Michael Jackson’s life. The students are tremendously talented; I was really impressed by the performance.
Khushboo October 19, 2011, 1:45 pm
Seeing 2 of my regular blog reads together is so fun :)! HOpe you guys are having a blast….your night sounds pretty legit to me!
Halley (Blunder Construction) October 19, 2011, 1:45 pm
AH! I hope you enjoy your stay in Beantown! We made it nice and soppy for you.
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith October 19, 2011, 1:46 pm
How long are you in Boston? If you feel like getting out and seeing the country, let me know!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife October 19, 2011, 1:47 pm
Oh have fun together!! Looks like it’s been a blast so far—esp with caramel apples involved, YUMM.

Enjoy your run and good luck on the presentation!
Maddie October 19, 2011, 1:53 pm
I live in Boston! Too bad you’re here when it’s rainy! It’s been so gorgeously fall lately. I hope you have fun in our fine city! (Next time maybe a blogger meet-up?)
Mahesha October 19, 2011, 1:55 pm
Presentation at a biotech company? That’s amazing! Operation beautiful is truly a beautiful project 🙂
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness October 19, 2011, 2:03 pm
I’ve gone nuts at the Whole Foods hot bar and spent nearly $12 last time. I was shocked, but it was all so good, I couldn’t resist!
Susan October 19, 2011, 2:03 pm
Welcome from another Boston area native! I agree – not great weather for a run, but perfect weather for a day in front of the fire.
Amanda October 19, 2011, 2:03 pm
Too bad the weather in Boston is rainy right now, but sitting by a fire watching ellen reruns sounds kind of perfect. Hope your presentation goes well!
Jen October 19, 2011, 2:16 pm
Aahhh I miss Boston so much! I live in Buffalo now for grad school, but I’m originally from Massachusetts. Go to Mike’s Pastry for dessert; it’s a really tourist-y thing to do, but their cannolis are really good!
Katrina October 19, 2011, 2:17 pm
This was a fun post to read because I read Tina’s blog all the time! I’m sure your time spent with her will be fun and the food will be delish!!
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:47 pm
  I love it when blogs collide!
Paige @ Running Around Normal October 19, 2011, 2:19 pm
ha! I always end up doing that with caramel/candy apples. Either that, or I’ll slice it all up. Either way – the best part got eaten 😉
Good luck today!!
Kelly October 19, 2011, 2:26 pm
I always spend too much $$$ at the Whole Food hot bar. Everything just looks so damn good I can’t help myself. Have fun with Tina!
Hillary October 19, 2011, 2:32 pm
Caramel apples and Thai food?
Sounds like a decent business trip to me!
Cindy October 19, 2011, 2:41 pm
Sorry the weather is crap today here! Enjoy your time in Boston!
Brittany October 19, 2011, 2:50 pm
I always get so scared when the turbulence is too crazy! I hope you have fun though. Whole foods hot bar is a dangerous place;)
Liz October 19, 2011, 2:54 pm
So fun you’re staying with Tina & get to meet Murphy! Tina’s blog is another of my favorites 🙂 Oh, and caramel apples from Rocky Mt Chocolate Factory are AWESOME 😀
lauren October 19, 2011, 2:54 pm
Sounds like a great trip so far, Boston is my favorite city! I live less than an hour away and try to stay over a couple times a year. Between the shops, architecture, gardens, and restaurants, there’s always something to see – it is such a fun place to walk around.
Are you doing multiple presentations this week because it’s Fat Talk Free Week?
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:46 pm
  Oh hey – I didn’t even realize 🙂 Probably! October is always a big month because it’s when colleges like to do events – Sept is too early and Nov is too close to the holidays!
Marissa C October 19, 2011, 2:54 pm
The hot bar at Central Market and Whole Foods always gets me…they lull you into a false sense of security.
- Marissa C October 19, 2011, 2:55 pm
  PS. I am jealous you are in Boston during fall foliage season
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers October 19, 2011, 2:59 pm
Good luck with the presentation! (of course it’ll go well) That’s great you get to spend time with friends… and Murphy.
Michelle@Peachy Palate October 19, 2011, 3:09 pm
That apple looks so good! Really have to make some toffee and chocolate covered apples for Halloween this year. I will definitely be including nuts! Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Vanessa (@IsleStyleLiving) October 19, 2011, 3:10 pm
yummmm! That salad looks so good.

I heart Whole Foods!

I can’t remember when I had a caramel/chocolate apple (drooling has now commenced).
Yolie @ Practising Wellness October 19, 2011, 3:17 pm
Sounds so much fun! You must be really getting over your flying fears, with all this travel – immersion training, lol! 😛 SO cool to stay with a friend, rather than in a hotel – love it! <3 Isn't it wonderful how many special people you can meet through blogging? 🙂
Mmm…that Wholefoods meal looks AMAZING – though what would you expect from the Hot Bar? I had hot bar at breakfast once and it was RAD! 😀 xyx
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:45 pm
  It is wonderful! So many fun friends.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries October 19, 2011, 3:25 pm
How fun!! I’d love to stay with Tina. I’m sure it’ll make your trip that much more fun! Enjoy your day!
Ella, RD October 19, 2011, 3:28 pm
I love how Murphy is lurking in the background behind that delicious looking apple!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga October 19, 2011, 4:05 pm
I would have scraped off the caramel, too. Good call 🙂

Glad you girls had fun!
Sonia (the Mexigarian) October 19, 2011, 4:09 pm
I get in trouble at the Whole Foods bar too. The first time I went I ended up with a $25 salad! o_o;; my husband laughed so hard at my shocked face at the register. He LOVES telling the story 😉
Laura @ Watch Laura Go October 19, 2011, 4:11 pm
awwww how fun!! Tina seems like such a sweet person! good luck with operational beautiful plans!
kathleen @ the daily crumb October 19, 2011, 4:35 pm
so glad you have mal + tina to visit with on this trip! good luck 🙂
Laine October 19, 2011, 4:49 pm
I think you were across the street from my office at that Whole Foods! So close, and yet so far! Hope you had a good visit in our crappy weather.
Sarah October 19, 2011, 4:59 pm
Haha we are stalking each other! You were just here in Pittsburgh and I’m going to Boston tomorrow! I think Boston is such a cool place. That caramel apple looks delish!
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:44 pm
  Where are you going next?
Lisa October 19, 2011, 5:02 pm
Have fun!!!
katie @ KatieDid October 19, 2011, 5:16 pm
Aw boston is my favorite city, I grew up outside the city. I’m sure you ladies are gonna have a blast staying together! And I love that you scraped off the caramel… that’s all anyone’s ever after anyways right? Have fun!
Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled October 19, 2011, 5:35 pm
That mishmash looks fantastic. And I could totally go for that candied apple. I love that they’re selling teh gourmet ones now that fall is here. We usually see the plain ole caramel with peanuts around here.
Melissa @TryingtoHeal October 19, 2011, 5:44 pm
I used to make those caramel apples at RMCF! The best way to cut them of on each side of the stick, then turn it 90 degrees and cut again. 8 awesome and nicely sliced apples!
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:42 pm
  Awesome – thanks for this fun tip!
Anne @strawberryjampackedlife October 19, 2011, 5:53 pm
Welcome to Boston! Sorry it’s such a yucky day. Definitely a good one to snuggle with a pug and a glass of wine by the fire.
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:42 pm
  It is pretty yuck out 🙁
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 19, 2011, 6:08 pm
LOVE the whole foods salad bar! And how great you have a friend (and fellow blogger!) to stay with rather than a hotel room. Although I bet she doesn’t have a jacuzzi in her bedroom…
Jacalyn October 19, 2011, 6:56 pm
It must be ah-mazing being able to travel east during the fall! I am so jealous. Enjoy every bit of your work trip!
Courtney @ The Petite AthlEAT October 19, 2011, 7:00 pm
Oh my furry goodness – Murphy is so CUTE!
Alaina October 19, 2011, 7:09 pm
Yeah! Welcome to my neck of the woods! Hope you enjoy your time in Boston!! Stop by the Fairmont for a fantastic martini! 😉
Kristin @ STUFT Mama October 19, 2011, 7:31 pm
Your pictures of that apple are much “cleaner” than Tina’s/ 🙂 Hope you have a fun night!
Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel October 19, 2011, 7:33 pm
Mmmm turtle apple. That sounds SO good!

Glad to see you’re having fun with Tina (blogger love, heyooo). It must be nice to catch up in person!

Also, random side note: I posted a bunch of Operation Beautiful notes around my campus today (photos are on my blog). Just thought I’d let you know! LOVE LOVE LOVE Operation Beautiful 🙂
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:41 pm
  Yeah! Thank you so much. I will post these up on the site in 2 weeks or so, I will email you and let you know!
Karlee @olivewineandfood October 19, 2011, 7:37 pm
haha i thought that a said operation beautiful event at a “biotch” company. by the way…thai, a toasty fire and ellen sounds soooo amazing right now!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com October 19, 2011, 7:42 pm
Mmmm.. I must get us some turtle apples soon 😉

Have fun presenting!
Mel @ Mel a la Via Paradiso October 19, 2011, 8:15 pm
You’ve got me so curious about Panda Puffs! I tried Puffins after seeing it all over the blogosphere and fell in love with the peanut butter kind. A box barely lasts a couple of days at my house! But now, I’m going to go on the hunt for Panda Puffs!
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:39 pm
  It’s so addicting right?
Grace October 19, 2011, 8:30 pm
So excited to see you quoted in the New York Times!!! AHHHH!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/fashion/bachelorette-parties-move-to-the-barre-from-the-bar.html?_r=1&ref=fashion
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:39 pm
  So fun!!! LOL 🙂
Hillary October 19, 2011, 8:51 pm
If you’re still in Boston tomorrow (Thursday), you should come to lululemon’s kick-butt bootcamp on the Boston Common! It’s usually Wednesdays, but its postponed til tomorrow due to the rain today. 6pm at the carousel on the Common!

http://www.lululemon.com/boston/prudentialcenter/events/event-35579-2011-10-19
- CaitlinHTP October 19, 2011, 8:52 pm
  Oh thank you for the invite! I’m going to be out of town though 🙁 Wah.
Chelsea October 19, 2011, 9:42 pm
Mmm I love thai food! Deliciouuuuso <3 I don't think I could handle traveling that much…I would miss home so much 🙁 I'm proud of you for how you handle it though girl!
Isabel October 19, 2011, 11:21 pm
Hi Caitlin,

I’m actually Terrified of flying and hearing your turbulence story freaks me out. Do you have any words of wisdom for flying ?
- chelsea October 20, 2011, 10:30 am
  yes me too!!! I’ve only been on a plane once and it was a very long time ago (pre 9/11) and im flying to arizona in december from boston and i am SO scared. I’m going with my parents so i think ill be crying on my dad the whole time!!
  - MasPublicHealth October 20, 2011, 12:16 pm
    3rd! Haven’t been on a plane since before 9/11 — not so much worried about terrorism/technical difficulties, though, as of the ‘confinement’ of it all. Gulp! Must take a ~6-hour flight soon and afraid I’ll panic. 🙁 Flying-tip post appreciated.
    - Alett October 23, 2011, 1:10 pm
      I have calming/soothing music on my iPod -> the kind with nature sounds and classical music on in the background. When I get nervous I focus on the sounds/music. I also carry some Dramamine and focus on relaxing breathing.
      
      I, too, have some claustrophobia issues. A doctor has prescribed Lorazapam (sp?) but I’ve honestly not needed to use it. Something about just knowing I have it makes me feel ok.
      
      When I am travelling with my husband I feel fine but when I’m on my own I depend on the iPod music and always make sure I have an aisle seat.
      
      Good luck!
- CaitlinHTP October 20, 2011, 1:58 pm
  I just breathe really deeply and read a book. That seems to help. If I’m just sitting there, I freak. Also, sometimes I drink. That helps too.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 20, 2011, 6:52 am
Aww how fun that you get to stay with Tina. You guys must have had a blast! 😀

I go crazy at the WF food bars too – last time I went my meal cost me $17. Eek!
Maura October 20, 2011, 8:45 am
South Shore love! I grew up there as well & LOVE going back to visit the ‘rents! We already knew this but HTPDad just got even cooler 😉
Amber K October 20, 2011, 12:40 pm
I must find an apple like that soon. Or make one, since Granny Smith apples are gross 😉
Sophie @ threetimesf October 21, 2011, 3:47 pm
I’ve never heard of turtle apples before but they sound (and look!) delish!
Alett October 23, 2011, 1:13 pm
1. Seriously those apples look divine!

2. Ahh you were on the S Shore -> that traffic totally makes sense.

3. Hubby & I have a wednesday night ritual of dining at the Whole Foods salad bar. Curious as to which whole foods you were at. Was it one on the S shore?

Murphy is seriously a cutie pie. Glad to read that you and Tina had a “pawsome” time together!
caparino antonio October 24, 2011, 8:41 am
dammi il cane

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