I had such a fun weekend, but now it’s time to buckle down and face the busy week ahead. Before I drown myself in emails and work, I’m going to fit in a quick recap post. I love that I can let loose on the weekends and then go into work mode throughout the week. It’s important to have that balance and shut off all the important stuff for a while. Lately, I’ve been trying to live each day as if it was my “favorite day” ever. It sounds silly, but you are in control of your own life. You can make any normal day a fun and exciting one, and that’s what I strive to do and it’s working. I haven’t been this happy in years. This whole new mindset is something I plan on sticking to for a long time.
Let’s start with last Tuesday!
Grumples and I set out for a long walk and it’s our morning usual.
We went about three miles and then found a shade tree to relax under. He LOVES ending his walks under a tree watching cars and people. I don’t mind sitting with him and doing emails on my phone while we relax.
Later that night, I met up with a group of friends at the basketball courts. We played about five games of two on two and horse. I forgot how much I love playing basketball and what a great workout it is! We are planning on doing this once a week.
& yes, I’m aware I look crazy/insane in that photo, but I’m ok with it 😉
After the game we went to Hobo’s in downtown Fort Mill to have dinner and watch basketball. I ordered a grilled chicken salad. It was nice out, so we sat outside on the patio. I have been waiting for this all year!
Later Wednesday afternoon, I went for a long walk at one of my favorite trails. I love getting outside for a workout everyday. It’s not only great for the body, it’s great for the mind!
I picked up some snacks on the way home so I could finish the rest of my work. Mixed nuts, pineapple and Suja Juice. The carrots, apple, ginger is my favorite.
I stopped at Old Navy later Wednesday and fell in love with this black ring! I thought it looked cute with my new top! It was also on sale for $4.75…so win! I never realized how cute Old Navy’s jewelry is.
I also picked up a new candle while I was out and now I’m obsessed. This candle smells like fresh flowers, fresh laundry and the ocean all at once. It’s a natural soy candle and I can’t wait to try the other scents.
I spent all day Thursday working, coffee drinking, and cleaning. It was a rainy day and the perfect excuse to stay in.
I made a Caesar salad that night with grilled chicken, parmesan, romaine, croutons and Caesar dressing.
Pretty boring Thursday night, but it’s important to have those, too!
I was so ready for Friday night. We had fun plans and I have been living for my weekends lately. I decided to get in a little run and enjoy the overcast day. I took the back country roads and enjoyed all the gorgeous wisteria trees. The smell of them made my run even more enjoyable. I love that you can drive twenty minutes outside of Charlotte and be in the country. I was pretty impressed with my running time, too. I always do better when I take a couple days off.
*Also, I have not forgotten about the running post. I’m waiting on a couple items to arrive for the giveaway I’m adding in! 😉
Becca and I headed to the Hornets game on Friday night. Great excuse to drink wine and watch gorgeous men run all over the court 😉 Kemba Walker is my favorite.
When you see a spot with good lighting, you obviously take a photo. Don’t act like you don’t do this…
I’m only friends with Becca so she will teach me how to do makeup.
JK. But…I think she needs a makeup channel or something!
And if you ever witness me being normal, then it’s most likely not me.
Being in your twenties means you can do pretty much whatever you want as long as it makes you happy. Life is too short and you have to enjoy your youth before life gets too serious. BUT, I understand that doesn’t apply for everyone. I’m just a big believer in making yourself happy, no matter what it is. I never want to look back on my life and live with the fact that I “settled” for a certain life. Everyone has their own plans, their own hobbies, and their own way of making themselves happy. Find what that is for you, and do it.
So it was wine on a Friday night to make me happy!
Later Friday night, we met up with some friends and lost pretty bad in a game of Jenga. That normally doesn’t happen to me.
I had never been more excited for breakfast than I was on Saturday morning. I was so hungry and so ready to grab coffee and bacon. We went to Le Peep! It’s a great breakfast spot that is cheap and super quick. They never have a wait either. My stomach ended up talking for me and I ordered way too much food. Before I even looked at the menu, I had ordered water, coffee, and a pineapple mango smoothie.
Coffee was everything to me <3
My Facebook status should say “In a Relationship with Coffee”…
I ordered two over easy eggs, fresh fruit, home fries, a honey wheat english muffin, and bacon.
After breakfast, I headed to the outlet malls to pick up some new shoes and a couple new tank tops for summer.
I was super hungry around three, so grabbed a large unsweetened ice tea and a Gogurt at McDonalds on the way home. My inner child just wanted one.
I decided to pick up some real food for dinner at Jason’s Deli. I love their salad bar! I had the girl’s over and we watched Julia Robert’s movies.
And did some facials…
We actually ran out to Starbucks with these faces on to grab tea. No shame…I actually had someone ask me for my number with this mask on my face…so if that isn’t a confidence booster, I don’t know what is! & NO he didn’t get my digits.
Every Sunday, Becca and I grab breakfast at our favorite little coffee shop. They have the best yogurt (which I talk about all the time) and a delicious dark roast coffee.
I am five tables away from sitting at every single table at our favorite spot. It’s like a monopoly board game to me.
I ended up changing after church because I didn’t feel like wearing a dress all day. I went with a more casual/me look.
We headed to BJ’s for a grocery run. I love their cereal and frozen fruit for smoothies.
And you can’t’ take me anywhere because my inner child will come out.
I took Grumples to the park to play Saturday afternoon and then started to make some homemade sauce for Sunday Dinner!
I spent Sunday night watching Harry Potter & drowning myself in pasta. You can find the meatball recipe here, but I used ground beef instead of turkey.
The salad had parmesan, bacon, tomato, croutons, romaine and caesar dressing.
Safe to say my weekend was great and the perfect fix of happiness.
Now, Questions for you!
- What did you do this weekend?
- Do you have a life motto that you try to live by?
- What was for dinner last night?
Also, new spring items were added to the shop!
Abbey says
Yay for wine on Friday’s! I ended my weekend with wine and a movie at home and it was exactly what I needed before starting my week. I totally agree that you just need to do what makes you happy, I can’t think of anything more important 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Love me some wine 🙂
Love movies at home. I did that a couple of times this weekend and I love the Julia Roberts films. What movies did you watch?
Happiness is number one!
Shannen says
Looks like a great week/end!!! I am a little jealous. Haha it snowed here all day Saturday and I had meetings all day Sunday. But it was still a good chill weekend!
My life motto has just become “One Step At A Time.” Whether it’s fitness, love, or whatever else in life, I just try to take every day one step at a time and enjoy every moment and focus on where I’m at. Rather than getting caught up in the future or what happened in the past. I love yours! Livin it up can be hard sometimes but I definitely can tell the difference in all areas if I don’t plan for some “me time.”
Dinner last night didn’t really happen! I kind of forgot to eat ? It was a crazy day!
I am still so stoked for the running post! I almost commented on your last post to ask about it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Shannen!
I can’t believe it snowed again! It’s April 🙁 Reminds me of the days back in Iowa. BUT, you’re right a good excuse to chill.
Once step at a time is perfect.
Hope you got a yummy breakfast this morning!
& it’ll come soon!! xo xo
Megan says
Where did you get that black top you wore with your ring from Old Navy?
Taralynn McNitt says
Marshalls! 😀
Annie says
Hey Taralynn! You are such an inspiration! I love reading your update and recipe posts! I was just wondering where you got the shirt that you wore to the hornets game? It is adorable!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Annie!
I bought it Catos but I know they have it at Target now too! xo
Tara says
I love your motto! I think that is the best advice you could ever give someone! No one should settle! I’m glad you’re happy and having fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you girl 🙂
Alex says
Hi Taralynn!! I love your outlook on life! Reading your post put me in such a happy mood and reminded me that life is too short to always be stressed and worried about the little things! For me I like to live day by day because being a teacher and full time grad student life can get pretty crazy! I try to remember to take a little bit of time each day to do something for myself. This was a pretty fun weekend! It was the start of spring break so I got to spend some quality time with my hubby and puppy! Last night for dinner I make sweet and spicy pork chops with cauliflower rice and spinach. Happy Monday and hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!
Ps: I love that black shirt you wore out on your wine night!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Alex!
Thank you so much & you’re right…life is way too short to worry and stress all the time. I have a lot of stressful things in my life, but I choose to deal with them rather than stress over them. You have to face them, just do it positively. Your life seems pretty busy but you’re dealing with it in a great way 🙂 Keep up that positive attitude. Always do things for yourself…everyday until your last day.
That sounds like a great dinner, love the addition of the cauliflower rice.
I hope you have a great week as well!!
xo xo xo
Blair says
1. This weekend I had my girlfriends over and we went to a park to walk 2 miles and came back to grill out. Later I baked with my friend and watched Whiplash for the first time.
2. Let go and Let God! With him there are no worries and happiness is bound to happen.
3. The grilling my girlfriends and I did was dinner last night, we made chicken fajita kabobs. Later we baked some Banana Oatmeal Dark Chocolate cookies.
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds like so much fun 🙂 I saw whiplash a while back and it’s pretty intense!
Love that motto!
I love kabobs!! & you can’t go wrong with cookies. I made a coconut pecan batch last night.
Carlee says
My weekend was just as fantastic! It was the last weekend of spring break (I’m a teacher!…we look forward to breaks more than the kids!!) and we went to Niagara Falls and Toronto! Toronto was cold and snowy but I love that city! We also went to DC over break and did a cruise on the Potomac! Baked and Wired was a must and a new fave when we go back! Remember to try that pistachio one! Also try Tupelo Honey and The Hamiliton!
I try to live life with no regrets. I have a tattooed arrow on my foot to remind me to keep moving and looking forward.
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds like such a fun break! (& well deserved) I can’t wait to visit Toronto and Niagra falls one day! & I LOVE DC. I was supposed to go over the weekend but ended up staying home and changing the travel dates. I love that you had the chance Baked & Wired. Everyone from the blog recommended it to me when I was down there and now it’s my favorite. I won’t forget to try the pistachio one you sent me in the snap 😀 That is a great tattoo choice!
xo xo Hope your first day back at school was great!
Nicole says
LOVE that best day ever tank in the shop. Also, love that you do the 3 questions!
1) this weekend I did a lot of wine-and-champagne drinking… went to a wine tasting Friday and then spend Sunday brunch-hopping (which I didn’t know was a thing, until my friends decided to do it) to different patios downtown because it was soooo nice out and mimosas were refreshing.
2) I think we have similar mottos! I always try to do what makes me happy, even if it might make other people disappointed or annoyed. It’s hard, but at the end of the day you have to only live with yourself, so you need to make your life the best one for you.
3) The boyfriend and I made homemade sushi last night! I had never made it before, and it’s a long process but it’s not hard at all! So fun and tasty, although we made wayyyyy too much on accident. Those little bites add up to a huge meal!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you & I love the three questions becuase it allows me to get to know my readers and chat with them.
1. You and me both girl! Wine tasting is much fun 🙂 I end up buying way too much wine at the end of it. Mimosa hopping sounds like a blast. I might have to steal that idea from you! Listen to “bottomless mimosas” from the show Empire! You’ll love it.
2. You can’t ever worry about what others think of you. I do a lot of crazy crap that makes me happy and I’m sure people can’t stand it, but it’s not about them. We definitely are on the same page.
3. I’ve made homemade sushi ONCE, and it was so much fun but like you said, a long process! You can eat all the leftovers! Crap, now I want sushi!
xo
shanna says
the picture of you below your old navy ring is gorgeous!
looks like you had a fun weekend and week!
my weekend was busy. I ran errands Saturday morning then didn’t leave the house the rest of the weekend. I love those weekend! my 3 year old learned to pedal her bike, so my sunday was full of food prep and walking up and down the street while she practiced pedaling and turning. my fit bit was proud!
Right now my motto is “I can do this”. not very exciting, but it’s what I need right now.
dinner was one of my favorites. I don’t remember what it’s called but it’s flank steak rubbed with fajita seasonings and fajita veggies mixed with the same seasonings and then you grill or broil everything. the seasonings are paprika, cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, cinnamon, chili powder and black pepper. Veggies are bell peppers, red onion and zucchini. makes lots and the leftovers are amazing in an omelette.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Shanna! I loved that ring, so i had to share it with you guys. The week/weekend was great!
I love busy weekends! Tell your girl congrats for me 🙂 That is so exciting!!
Love that motto!!
That dinner sounds fantastic! You can invite me over next time 😉
xo
Emily B says
Sounds like a great weekend!
1. My husband’s cousin got married on Saturday so our weekend was busy with wedding festivities. Tried to relax yesterday as it was literally my first day at home with no agenda in like 2 weeks!
2. It’s not a motto necessarily…or maybe it is…but I’ve been trying to live by the idea of doing the best I can with what I have where I’m at. Sometimes we aren’t always where we want to be in life but it’s just where we are at and we won’t find joy in our life if we don’t try to do the best we can with what we have. Not always easy, but important to try and do.
3. Supper last night definitely consisted of a chocolate banana & avocado smoothies followed by popcorn 🙂 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a great weekend!
Weddings are always fun & it’s wedding season! Glad you had a day to relax!
Thats a great way to live! & your own motto for sure.
oh yum!! sounds like my kind of night.
Whtiney says
Lucky lucky. haha I babysit to pay for college so that’s pretty much all I did this weekend. That exercise and hang out with my boyfriend and his friends.
I don’t really have a life motto. Thought the quote “No matter the amount of negativity that you’ve been presented with, five minutes from now could be the best moment of your life” By Mod Sun is pretty useful and I try to remember that.
And I don’t think I ate dinner last night lol.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hanging out with your boyfriend and friends sounds fun to me, especially exercising!
Thats a great quote!
No dinner? Whattttt 🙂
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
1. My weekend held a 12 mile run (my last before my HM in May) + a mini roadtrip & some hiking with the BF. The weather sucked on Sunday, but we made the best of it & had such a fun time.
2. “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.” A daily reminder to myself that I need to believe I can do something & put my mind to it.
3. Dinner last night was my first ever attempt at enchiladas. They turned out pretty good. The only complaint was they needed more cheese. Haha, that’s a complaint I can live with. The leftovers for lunch today were even better.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey Girl!
I always love hearing about your weekends. They always make me want to get out there and hike. Love that you and your boyfriend are so active together.
I also can’t wait to hear about your HM! & love your motto!
You can never have enough cheese and enchiladas sound amazing. Leftovers are the best!
Gilly says
Hi Tara, just a quick Hi from Liverpool in the UK! I loved this post. Just wanted to say that I find your blog really lovely. I am currently learning meditation and mindfulness and im learning it is all about enjoying the moment and looking for the little things to celebrate and be aware of. You seem to be doing a great job of being mindful and appreciative of all the little details that make life worth living. Thank you for the colour, the positivity and the motivation Tara. take care X
Taralynn McNitt says
Hello!
Thank you so much 🙂 Meditation is so important and there are all kinds of ways to do it. Every life is worth living and it’s what we choose to make of it! xo xo
Lauren says
I went home this weekend to spend some time with family and get out of a college town for a little. I also got my alcohol certification for serving so I can continue serving beer at a minor league baseball stadium! My mom and I did a lot of shopping, so that is always fun! I just try to have good days, but don’t have a motto yet. For dinner, my parents and I went to Bravo, an italian restaurant and got a salad with asparagus, zucchini, and other veggies!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thats nice to get away sometimes!
Congrats on getting your certificate! Gotta love shopping with your mom. & keep having those good days! That sounds like a yummy dinner!
Ashley Andrews says
I just have to say this is probably one of my favorite posts! It was honest, real an funny. It was just fabulous to see you being goofy and living life in an unapologetically you way, the way YOU want too, not how someone else says you should.
Way to go woman! x)
(PS my weekend was boring and not worth sharing as I got sick and did homework xp)
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Ashley!
This is the side of ME that I love as well and i think filtering myself gets old, so here it is 🙂
i hope you are feeling better! At least you had no distractions from homework!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
harry potter and pasta?! that sounds amazing!! 🙂
I’m glad youre happy…you deserve it! No need to hide who you are!
It was rainy and coldish this weekend so i did a lot of hot tea drinking, netflix watching, and hanging out with my husband. It was my kind of weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Seriously the best Sunday ever.
Absolutely agree with everything you said.
That sounds like a perfect weekend!!!
Bethany says
I love that you are focusing on your relationship with yourself!!! I have been doing the same thing. I broke up with my boyfriend back in February, and since then, I have focused solely on things that make ME happy, and I have never felt so happy and empowered in my life! I went on a solo trip to Charleston (I live in Charlotte, too!), I got a tattoo, got a brand new apartment and I have been getting out and trying new things (WAY out of my comfort zone) and focusing on my health and fitness. We have a lot in common! I love reading your posts… I can relate to them so well! They encourage me to keep doing what I love, and keep embracing my crazy side! Keep doing you, girl! I’ll be doing the same 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s the most important thing you can do for yourself! Nice job on focussing on you and all the positivity! Also we have SO MUCH in common lol I also LOVE Charleston! Keep doing you!!
Leslie says
Hey Taralynn!
This weekend, I threw my best friend her wedding shower! I have never been in a wedding, let alone been the maid of honor, so I have been super nervous planning it for the past couple of months. But it turned out amazing!
I actually live by a motto my dad has been telling us our whole lives. It’s “Go to your Destiny!” and it basically means to follow your dreams and love what you do in everything in your life!
I went to Average Joe’s last night after my soccer game and had a barbecue chicken salad and it was soooo good! You have so many yummy salads featured on your site, that now I am constantly craving them when I go places, which is a great and healthy alternative to some of my other cravings lol
Love your positive outlooks! You’re always finding ways to inspire others! Have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Leslie!
I bet that was so much fun. Sounds like you did a great job!
Love that motto! Your dad is a smart man.
xo xo xo Have a great week as well!
Caitlyn says
1. My little brother actually does BMX racing and so he had a big race this weekend that was literally Friday through Sunday, so me and my family just kinda hung out there all weekend and I may or may not have gotten realllllyyyyyy sun burnt on my forehead……whooops.
2. My life motto is that as bad as you think things are right now, it just means that something equally as good is in store for you in the future.
3. My family and I actually went out to a burger place that is pretty popular where I live and my grandma and I got spicy jalapeno burgers with pepper jack cheese and whole roasted jalapenos on it and we both cried from pain and deliciousness ^_^
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds like a blast to me. Don’t forget that sunscreen, girl!
Love that motto!
THAT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!
Ashley says
Where did you get that Brooklyn shirt from?? It’s so cute, I love the fit & styling!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey! I got it from H&M about a year ago!
Marilyn says
Hey Hey! I love how happy you are right now!! I totally agree that 20s are for fun and adventures( and not just because I am also in my 20s).
1. This weekend was great. Friday my boyfriend and I had a date night in with a Papa Murphy’s Cowboy Pizza. Saturday morning we made a Costco run to stock up the freezer and our beverage closet. My mom came in to town so we went to a late lunch and early dinner at Olive Garden and dessert at Baskin Robbins. Sunday morning I ran a half marathon and my mom ran a 5k. My aunt had come to cheer us on and it was so much fun. I finished right under two hours and was pretty excited. After the three of us met up with my boyfriend after work (works overnights) for brunch. The rest of the day I just relaxed and planned my lessons.
2. My motto is actually a fortune I got in a cookie my freshman year of high school. It is “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” Not the most positive but the reality to it has helped keep me grounded.
3. Last night I made homemade meatball subs. Soooo easy and so good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey Marilyn!
These years are important! & thank you!
1. Sounds like a fun date night! & you did so much this weekend! CONGRATS ON YOUR HALF! your time was great!!
2. That is a great motto and I use it all the time!
3. Sounds delicious!
Colleen says
Hi Tara! Your weekend sounds like such fun :] SO funny someone asked for your number with that mask on! Must be that gorgeous confidence that you have
1- my weekend was really fun too! I went to a bridal shower, bought a dress for a wedding (same wedding haha…not mine obvi) AND landed a part in a student film so I’m satisfied :]
2 – I decided that this year, my life motto would be “let it be” because I often linger way too much on things that are out of my control — how crazy is that! I’m trying a more relaxed approach to life, and I want to accept the things I cannot change.
3 – Dinner last night was yummy lemon chicken with a fresh green salad!
PS-my facebook status should also read “in a relationship with coffee” hahaha! Couldn’t live without it
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey Colleen!!
Lol I thought it was pretty funny. I tried not to let it go to my head 😉
1. It’s definitely wedding season! congrats on landing your part 🙂 I’d love to hear more about that!
2. Let it be <3 love it. (Now the Beatles song is stuck in my head)
3. Your dinner sounds healthy and delicious!
ITS THE BEST THING EVER! & mine is currently brewing.
Melissa FitzGerald says
1. This weekend I worked one day, and spent my Sunday grocery shopping and meal prepping so I’m prepared for this crazy week! I also cleaned my entire apartment… I felt so productive!
2. My life motto is, “Drink some coffee, put on gangster rap, and handle it.” Just kidding! I don’t really have one, but you’ve got me thinking now. I really like your idea to live each day like it’s the best day ever! I’ve been trying to get into that mindset for a while, but life keeps throwing me these crazy curveballs.
3. I ate like a toddler last night because I am a responsible adult human. Dinner was a couple of grilled hotdogs dipped in mustard (no bun), baby carrots dipped in ranch dressing, a pickle, and a little bit of sauerkraut because I saw it in my fridge and thought, “Why not?” And as random as this dinner was, it was so yummy and satisfying!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is a VERY productive weekend! Nice job 🙂
LOVE THAT MOTTO! haha I need a shirt with that saying. Crazy curveballs can sometimes be a blessing if you look at it in an optimistic way.
Nothing wrong with eaten glide a toddler! I do it all the time 🙂 Chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese are my specialty.
Anonymous says
Hey Taralynn!
Looks like you’re having a great time! Also, love the motto 🙂
Are you cooking anything new up in the kitchen? I LOVE all your recipes, especially the healthy one 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey:)
I have tons of new recipes in the plans!
any suggestions?!
xo
Katrina says
Hey Taralynn!
Looks like you’re having fun and enjoying life, that is a good motto to live by 🙂
Are you cooking up anything new in the kitchen? I LOVE all your recipes especially the healthy ones. I have tried many and would like to try more!!
Brenda says
Your adorable! Just keep being the lovely person that you are. I always enjoy your honesty and your sweet nature.
Please keep us informed on any new coffee or wine that you enjoy.
Maybe I’ll be drinking some of your favorites while reading your blog.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Brenda!!
I’ve been drinking a Seattle’s Best medium dark roast coffee lately! & BRAZIN RED ZIN! for wine.
xo
Sara says
1. I was on spring break last week (I’m a teacher!), so my week consisted of lots of yard work, spending time outside, and relaxing. 🙂
2. This isn’t really a motto, but it’s a quote that I love… “Our primary purpose in life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” by Dalai Lama
3. Dinner last night was chips and salsa, tacos, and margaritas… Because it was Monday. 🙂
Also, my husband and I are planning on hiking at Crowder’s Mountain very soon (we live pretty close to Charlotte actually). Any suggestions for restaurants or fun places to go that are nearby?
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet that was relaxing and well deserved!
Love all Dalai Lama quotes!
I want to be at your house on Mondays! Yum!
If you like BBQ, there is a little dive/biker bar right next to the mountain. It’s called the Whiskey Mill Bar and they have amazing bbq! http://simplytaralynn.com/2014/05/25/post-hike-grub-whiskey-mill-bar-grill/
Sara says
Thank you! We’ll definitely check it out. It sounds amazing! 🙂
Kate says
Hi, Taralynn! I’ve been following your blog for the last three years and you’ve helped me find a healthy lifestyle in more ways than one. I have a question, since you’ve moved all over. I’m graduating college next year and plan to move out of the state where all my family and some of my friends are to a metropolitan area. I’m nervous about being able to make new friends and meet new guys — how were you able to connect with people when you moved to Charlotte? Any advice? Thanks!
Taralynn McNitt says
HI Kate!
Thank you so much for following over the years. Making new friends can be hard, but you can’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Once you meet one good friend, you’ll continue to meet more and more. Just join people at work, join running clubs, be open to new things and you’ll find your place sooner or later. Don’t be afraid to move because of that. You’ll do greaT!
xo
Holley says
oh my goodness… wine, harry potter, running, the food… it’s like all of my favorite things in one post!!!!! keep doing you girl! I’ve been out and about with a face mask on before too xD no shame… gotta multi-task sometimes hahaha!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol you sound like my type of person!
No shame in the mask game! 😀
Jillian Pare says
Your new motto and happiness totally shine through lately. In your Instagram and blog posts, I love it! It reminds me to keep the same attitude 🙂
I also love that your goofy, it is so much fun to let your inner child come out and be silly!
1. My weekend consisted of a dinner with friends on Friday night and an early bed time. 6 mile run and brunch with a friend Saturday morning then afternoon coffee and baileys with the same friend before her birthday celebration! Coffee and shopping with a friend Sunday morning, and afternoon run and meal prep 🙂
2. My motto is “happiness is a choice” I totally believe in the power of our minds and positivity. It’s not always easy but it makes life so much more fun when you have a good attitude and can find happiness in the little things!
3. Dinner last night was egg whites and two pieces of Ezekiel bread, one with avocado and one with almond butter, nom nom nom!
Xoxoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jillian!!
I’ve been goofy since birth and I don’t think I could ever change it, even if I wanted to lol
1. Your weekend sounded fantastic! Coffee & Baileys!
2. Your motto is spot on and it really is a choice. You get to control your own feelings and destiny!
3. Such a healthy and delicious dinner!
xo
Emma says
Are you still going to school?
Taralynn McNitt says
I take a couple online classes. I don’t go full time.
zengda says
不错,不错,看看了!
Morgan says
Hey Tara! I’ve been following your blog for years. I love your posts and I’m a frequent buyer in your shop 🙂 Any chance you could re-stock the navy stripe dress?? I’m obsessed and I need it hahaha ? Also, where did you get the shoes you posted pictures of? the red ones (and your booties are adorable too) you always have the best style! Should def do a style post soon!!! ??
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Morgan!! 🙂 I can look into the restock!
The red shoes are from Bass & Co!
katiejo says
hi taralynn
i just went out and bought the same top you have on in the wine pics. I think it is absolutely adorable! im so happy that you are sharing more of your style with us because i have been in love with your look for the past five years.
i also agree with all the other commenters that you look so happy lately and im so proud of you.
keep inspiring us all
katie jo
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Katie!
I bet the top looks great on you 😀 The fashion posts are fun. I feel silly sometimes because my style is VERY basic, BUT…not everyone is a high fashion instagram model, so it works for me 😀
xo xo
Jessica says
Wow! You look so healthy and happy!
Taralynn McNitt says
THANKS JESS!
Brit says
I think you should write a book. You have gone through so much in your life and continue to live each day happy. I look up to you and I know so many young girls do too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Brit, that means a lot!!
Kassie says
I saw you at Amelies over the weekend, but I was too afraid to say hello:( I didn’t want to brother you and your friend having coffee. My dad and I were having coffee and he was the one that recognized you! I talk about you a lot at home. I did love your outfit you were weraing so thank goodness you blogged about it! I go to Winthrop in Rock Hill, so I enjoy all of your posts because I can explore the places you blog about. Maybe one day I won’t chicken out and can actually meet you. What is your favorite food to get at Earth Fare?
Kassandra
Taralynn McNitt says
You shouldn’t have been scared, next time come say hi! 🙂 I think it’s funny that your dad recognized me, I love that. I love getting smoothies, juice and sushi at Earth Fare…OH AND THEY HAVE THE BEST CRABCAKES!
😀
Lyndsey says
You look better without a man. Don’t take that the wrong way, you just seem so happy and self motivated. I think people take advantage of your niceness. Keep doing you!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m taking that as a compliment!! Thank you 🙂 xo xo
Malori says
I can’t wait for your running post!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Coming soon 🙂
Tiff says
I wish I was confident enough to wear my hair natural like that. I usually straighten it or blow dry and curl it. I need to start wearing it naturally wavy because you look great.
Taralynn McNitt says
Do it!! I bet the natural hair looks great:) So healthy and easy!!
Nikki says
DId you go to the Hornets game with Nick?
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I went with Becca, as I mentioned in the post 🙂
Leslie says
I tried Le Peep last weekend too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Did you love it??? Best eggs and muffins!
Emily says
Hi Taralynn!
I have been reading your blogs for the past three years or so and I love them! I just had a question about the camera you use to take your pictures with. What is it? I have looked at past posts and I haven’t found one where you mention it, but I was just curious!
I can’t wait for your next post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Emily!
Thank you for following:) I use my phone a lot!! & a cannon! xo xo
Emily says
Do you have apps you recommend for editing pictures that you like the best?
Also I never answered your questions!
1) This was my first free weekend and the weather has been nice so my boyfriend and I went to the zoo in a neighboring city. I have lived in the same town my whole life, and lived close to one of the best zoo’s in the country and I have only been there once. I was excited!
2) I don’t have a motto really. I don’t know if this really counts or not but I had a craft night with a friend a year or so ago and I put a saying I liked on a canvas that hangs on my wall still. When I look up and read it I take a moment to step back and look at how my day, or even my week is going to try and be my happiest. The saying is “live in the moment where everything is just right”
3) I worked last night so dinner was nothing exciting. I had leftover potatoes and carrots in some gravy. It was very good!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love to use 1967 app for filters!
The zoo sounds like a fun weekend! Love going 🙂
Thats a great way to live!:)
nothing wrong with leftovers 🙂 Sometimes i like leftovers better than fresh cooked meals!
Kristine says
Loved the overall content of this posts. it really depicts how you keep the theme of “living everyday fully!” Been following for awhile now! Stay inspirational! <3
lots of love!
http://misskristine.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kristine!!!
xo xo xo xo
Cat says
Hi Taralynn,
I just wanted to say your uplifting spirit has inspired me to be okay with change. I know you have had some recent life changes and you are handling them with such positivity. I am soon to be experiencing some drastic life changes myself: college graduation, moving to a new town without a single friend, a potential break up. Honestly, it can be very scary to step drastically out of your comfort zone and let go of things that make you incredibly happy. Anyways, you have inspired me and reminded me that everything will be okay especially when you look at life’s obstacles positively. Sometimes it takes seeing other people go through hardship to realize everyone endures struggles and it will all be okay, perhaps even for the better. So thank you 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey Cat!
Change can be wonderful. At first, it may seem like it’s a bad idea or you don’t know how you’ll live without the past, but it always gets better. I wouldn’t be able to handle anything without being positive and I have positive people in my life that contagiously encourage me to be more optimistic. Patience also helps.
You have to look at your new change as a new road. That road is going to lead you to a new and happy place as long as you let it! Think of all the new friends you are going to make, friends that can build you up and all the new places you’ll be able to experience. I’ve moved around since I was a little girl and moving always made me sad because of the friends and familiarity around me, but soon the NEW things will become Familiar things. It’ll start to feel like home.
Just be strong, and do everything that is going to make YOU HAPPY!!! that is what matters the most and I have no doubt that you’ll be fine!
xo
Kaylee says
Where did you get this candle from?! I’m trying to look for more natural candles with soy in them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Home Goods!
Mary says
Love your blogs
Taralynn McNitt says
thanks!
Tray says
You are so cute.