I was up at four am this morning with Kona for our first walk of the day. I never thought I’d willingly wake up this early, but it’s starting to get much easier. I went back to bed for an hour this morning though. I found a great little Catholic church in Old town Alexandria today and walked to it. It was a really cold morning and I had to bundle up.
After church, I had some yogurt with walnuts and then headed down to the gym to get in a nice workout before the Lion’s game. I’m not sure if the treadmill was off, but I finished 3 miles in 24:16. That would be my fastest time so far. I followed up the run with stretches, arm weights, and a an ab workout.
After my workout, I bundled back up, grabbed hot tea, and took Kona for a walk.
After my run, I hopped on the couch to watch the Lion’s play. Dear God, it’s hard bing a Lion’s fan. I whipped up a salad with some ingredients I bought at Whole Foods. It had bell peppers, broccoli salad, slices of cooked steak, cooked chicken, chickpeas, and kale. I was in the mood for a diet soda (I know it’s horrible for you) but I’ve been hooked on Zevia lately, a healthier version. I love cream soda so much, so I was happy to find this one.
I made a delicious almond milk latte for the game. I am going so strong avoiding the football usuals (chicken wings, fries, pizza) and I feel great. Hopefully I can keep it up! Shaughna and Mike have the most amazing espresso machine/coffee machine ever.
My quick little two ingredient latte: unsweetened vanilla almond milk and allegro coffee beans.
Today is going to be a lazy Sunday full of football, movies, puppy cuddles, and blogging!
Friday was so much fun. Karlee had the day off, and Kona went to doggy daycare to play with all the pups. We decided to go to one of our favorite places, Georgetown.
We stopped at Whole Foods before jumping on the metro. Karlee wanted coffee and I wanted some tea. We tried out the apple cinnamon Chia Bar on our way out and it tastes just like a brown sugar pop tart.
Georgetown is a beautiful place in the fall (most of D.C. is).
First, we stopped at the Old Stone House. The house is older than the U.S. and withstood the Revolutionary War, the Burning of Washington during the war of 1812, and the civil war. It was built in 1770 and remains the oldest building in D.C.
We were so ready for lunch and decided to stop at Sweetgreens because we loved it so much last time.
I ordered the vegetarian Hummus Tahini salad. (Yeah, I had the same thing last time)
It had shredded kale, chopped romaine, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, pita chips, local feta, homemade hummus, baked falafel, cucumber tahini yogurt.
We stopped into Dean and Deluca for coffee and ended up staying for an hour going through everything. It’s seriously the coolest place ever. We have one in Charlotte and I’ve never gone in there! Now, I will. We sampled a pumpkin malt ball…holy yum ball.
They also have the BEST espresso drinks. I’m killing my “cut back on coffee” progress. Starting tomorrow, it’s back to 1-2 a day!
We decided to take our coffee and walk the back streets. The townhouses are incredible! It’s like a painting here.
I thought they bought fake leaves and threw them on the ground; this place just didn’t look real.
We walked for about an hour around all the homes. If I would have put on my walking shoes and comfy clothes, I would have gone for longer. My eyes were taking in all the beauty.
We headed back towards the metro to make it back for Karlee’s hair appointment.
We crossed the river towards the metro and looking back at Georgetown on the hill was beautiful.
We didn’t get to kayak last summer, but we will definitely do that in June!
Karlee and I had WAY TOO MUCH fun at the Halloween store. We felt like kids again. If you follow me on snapchat, I’m sure you saw…I’m so pumped for halloween this year! My friend Rachel and I have an awesome costume duo up our sleeves.
There was a little pug dog at the salon too.
Kona was exhausted when I picked him up for doggy day care. He played all day long and it was fun watching him on the live-stream cam. After I gave him a bath, we Skyped his mommy, and then headed out for a little walk. I was exhausted too! I grabbed my leftovers from the fridge for dinner and then passed out at 8pm.
Kona and I were up early on Saturday morning. We hit the streets and then cuddled up and watched a really good movie! If you haven’t seen Camp X-Ray…get on it!
Ollie & Kona had Saturday morning sleepy head syndrome. It amazes me how well they get along.
I met up with T.C. and Karlee for a little bit to go grab a late breakfast and stop at the farmers market.
We just wandered the streets until we found a place to eat.
We found Jack’s Place. This is definitely the hole in the wall that people search for their entire lives. It’s a place you’ll find regulars, a friendly staff, and a very inexpensive menu.
Coffee first. (I ended up drinking water instead)
I ordered the “no yoke” omelet with bell peppers, onions, and tomato. It also came with an English muffin.
We walked back so we could make it in time for the Iowa game.
Boots, jeans, sweater, and vests weather! The vest is from my collection🙂
Before the football game, I made a delicious espresso and had a biscotti on the side! Can you believe the Iowa Hawkeyes are 7-0!? I fell asleep before ten. Tomorrow, I’m waking up to go for a run, and then Karlee and I are going to do something fun! Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Quote for the night!
shaughna says
I am so glad your enjoying your time in DC. We are grateful for you.
Taralynn McNitt says
Kona and I are having so much fun! 🙂
Linda @ The fitty says
Wow, must be been still dark outside when you woke up and took a walk!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yup!! And cold!
Tara says
Wow!! Your pictures are so gorgeous! We don’t have leaves like that in Oklahoma. It’s still so hot they just turn brown before they fall!
Taralynn McNitt says
you must visit here in the fall then!!
Nathaly says
Loved the post! One of my favorite places to visit is D.C. but I don’t think I’ve ever been to Georgetown.
Why are you cutting back on coffee? 🙁
Taralynn McNitt says
Georgetown is a must!! I need to substitute all that coffee with water!:)
Emily says
I love your boots! Where are they from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Old navy 😀
Steph says
It looks beautiful there! Sounds like you are having a great time. Thank you for sharing that quote too-definitely something I need to remember every day!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome Steph and thank you so much! Loving it here.
Rachel says
Wow, how did you manage to eat that huge salad?! That would have lasted me days! Haha.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol half for lunch. Half for dinner.
Eleonor says
Hi! Regarding workouts, have you heard of Kayla Itsines guides? I just started one and was curious about if you’ve ever tried or heard of them. xx
Taralynn McNitt says
I have! But i’ve never done any of hers. Let me know what you think.
Laura says
Are you sure you didn’t mix up a pic of an elliptical screen? Because that’s what that one is
Taralynn McNitt says
lol it was a treadmill.
Hope says
If you have a chance to check out Fredericksburg, VA while you’re in the area you should! It’s a beautiful place and so full of history. Also, if I remember correctly, the food was fantastic!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!! I’ll look into it!
Megan says
I’m not the only person who calls them arm weights!!! Haha my boyfriend makes fun of me all the time for calling them that.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I have always called them arm weights, arm workouts, arm stretches lol
stephanie says
No kidding its hard being a Lions fan!!! The last few weeks, I have had to just turn the tv off, my heart just can’t take it! At least we squeaked one out yesterday!! DC looks gorgeous 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! & it about gave me a heart attack yesterday!
Melissa says
This makes me miss DC so much!! I grew up there and the fall time is my absolute favorite season.
Have a great rest of your trip!
Xo,
Melissa
http://www.GreenPalateLife.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Melissa! It’s such a beautiful place!
Linda says
Those are just beautiful shots.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Silvia says
Seems you’re having a great time in there! I was wondering if you have a gym membership? Or you prefer running/working out outside and buy day passes?
Taralynn McNitt says
I like running outside better! But I do have a gym membership.
Amanda says
Oh my goodness, that salad looks delicious!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh it was!
Holly says
Love the leaves! It looks like it does here in Montana right now. Beautiful fall seasons! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet Montana is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Laura Stanton says
You should check out Malmaison in Georgetown. I live behind the University and I take my dog on walks down along the Georgetown Canal to go to Malmaison for coffee and freshly made juices in the morning. Its a beautiful stroll along the water, and their juice is delicious! The location is on the Whitehurst Freeway – if you blink, you miss it! The entrance faces the water. The best way to get there is to walk down 33rd street all the way to the water and make a right. Then you can stop and grab a juice and keep on walking (or go for a run) down the trail. Enjoy the city!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds amazing! I need to do that ASAP. The University is breathtaking. Thank you so so so so much!
Nikki says
Ooh the almond milk latte sounds delicious! I’ve had them in coffee shops but every time I try it at home and put almond milk in my coffee it ends up tasting terrible and has a weird smell/aftertaste. I’ve tried a couple of different brands but they all seem to do it. Have you noticed this? Does the 365 Organic work? Do you know any other good ones to try?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yeah, I don’t like almond milk in my coffee, but they have an espresso maker that steams the milk and then the espresso overpowers the almond flavor taste. I know exactly what “taste” you’re talking about. Try using cashew milk!
Melinda says
I love your blog! I read it every few days, I have also went through the good, bad, and ugly of dieting, and working out. I was really unhealthy about it and my body paid for it ie…..my hair broke off, skinny frail. I now know how unhealthy that was and eat well and work-out healthy. Thank you for your posts on fitness and eating healthy:)
I also love that you respond to all comments posted! I think that shows really good manners, huge in my book!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Melinda! I know how you feel and what it’s like to go through the obsessive weight loss, loss of hair, and the skinny look. It was hell and I’d never wish it on anyone! It took a VERY long time for my body to get back to normal and that is why I try so hard to eat as healthy as possible with workouts. Glad you are on a healthier route! xo
Sierra says
Hey Tara,
What do you have the elliptical settings at to burn 320+ calories within 30 mins? 🙂 I’d love to know
Taralynn McNitt says
Its a treadmill. I did 24:16 mins of intervals.
Jessica says
I love how much you love animals. Have you thought of adding a doggy clothes/accessories section on your boutique?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks! I ass thinking about doing some kind of doggy/kitty bow ties!
Hillary says
I think that dog is a French Bulldog? pugs have a curly tail and black face.
Taralynn McNitt says
I think it was a mix…It had that french bulldog look but still had a blackish face.
Kaolee says
I love that quote!
I didn’t do any kayaking this summer, and looking forward to doing all the fun summer sports this upcoming summer.
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m looking forward to kayaking this summer. I’ve been looking into buying one:)
Caitlin says
I love your blog so much! You seriously have the best style! I was wondering if you could share a little about your weight loss efforts/what you did recently to make that happen? I too gained a little weight over the past winter and I’m having trouble losing it!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Caitlin!
Thank you so much! My body has always fought with me after recovering from an eating disorder. But I don’t like “plans” or “diets” because they set limits and when you set limits…you fail. Ive been trying to stick to a healthier lifestyle and make healthy choices whenever possible! Will I have bad foods? YES! but…in moderation. I have cut back on a lot of my winter favorites like wings, pizza, and other junk. I’ve been sticking to more fresh foods full of greens! I’ve also been working out a lot more and now that my leg is healed, I’ve been running and doing little weights. I havent been doing anything crazy, but small changes overtime.
Victoria says
Where is your green army jacket from? It is so cute! Something you should try and add to your fall collection 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
I stole it while raiding my mom’s closet. lol She bought it at American Eagle I believe!
Alyssa says
It looks like you are having an amazing time, and i love all the pictures and updates on where to go if i ever visit there! I was also wondering if you ever wear a fitness tracker, a certain app, or watch to see how long you run, bike or just activities through the day?! I have a fitbit but i was wanting something more active and accurate!
p.s. coffee is good for the soul! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t! I should though! I may look into it!
Alyssa says
awesome i was just wondering because i want to run more and i wasn’t sure how you kept track of your miles and time!! but keep it up darlin!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks 😀
Emily says
Where is your army green vest from? I love it!
Emily says
And I just saw that you linked it in the post… whoops!
Taralynn McNitt says
😀 it’s ok! Kinda hidden away!
Taralynn McNitt says
My shop :D:D http://www.simplytaralynncollection.com
Joi / Joiful.me says
Awwww these pictures make me miss fall so much! We are moving into spring here in New Zealand (and I am excited for summer), but these leaves just look so gorgeous! You are a very talented photographer, Tara!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much Joi! I bets New Zealand is absolutely GORGEOUS! It’s on my list of places to see one day! ox xo
Chloe - A Latte Lipstick says
Wow! Gorgeous trees changing colors outside! Also your eats look soooo delicious, much better then chicken wings any day 🙂
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Chloe!!!
arielle says
I will never understand how you can drink an espresso at night but still fall asleep before ten!!! Sometimes just one cup of coffee makes me nauseas and light headed but i just love it so much
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I don’t really drink it past 4 😉 Although, I could drink it and fall asleep right after.