Happy Thursday!
Today is going to be a great day. My brother and Karlee are coming to town tonight and so is my Aunt from New York! I’m so excited to see them. After this blog post, I’m going to hurry up with my work, go for a run and then get ready for their arrival. I figured It would be smart to fit in a new post before I get too busy this weekend and then stick you guys with a super duper long recap post on Monday.
Grumples is no longer a fluff ball. He just got his spring shave down. I dropped him off at the groomers early Tuesday morning and then headed to the Riverwalk with Kona.
I love going to the trails early in the morning because it’s cooler outside and there aren’t too many people around. It’s just peaceful.
We walked a couple miles and then took a break on the bench. Kona drank some water and then we watched the people kayaking on the river. I want to get a kayak so bad, but I don’t know how much I’ll use it. I may just rent instead.
He was so ready to continue the walk so he pulled me off of the bench and we headed back.
I’m going to miss having Kona here. Both of the dogs keep me so active and I have to double up on my walks.
We hit 4.42 miles and then headed back to the car. I had to snap a quick river photo for Shaughna first. He’s so good at sit and stay!
Grumples usually takes a while to get groomed, so I dropped Kona off at my place and then packed my running stuff to meet Rachel at the McMullen Creek Greenway Trail for a run.
After my previous walk, I needed some more fuel before running. I packed a bag with honey nut Cheerios, almonds, Brazilian nuts, Belvita crumbles and pecans. I love getting carbs and healthy fats before running for energy.
The trail is so beautiful. You hit bridges, gravel, dirt and the scenery changes up every .3 miles. I also love that most of the trail is shaded. It was 84 degrees out! I religiously watch the hourly weather now to make sure I fit in my workouts before it hits 80 degrees.
The last time I ran this trail, it was so brown and wintery. Seeing all the green made me so excited!
We made pretty good time!
When I got home, I had some leftover baked chicken, carrots and hummus.
I was so excited to pick up Grumples! He HATES going to the groomer, so I made sure to give him lots of love when he got back. I usually ask the groomer to just shave him instead of brush and style. His hair grows back fast and shaving is quicker and less painful.
For dinner, I made roasted vegetables and garlic parmesan crusted chicken.
Vegetables: brussel sprouts, sweet potato, carrots, onion, yellow squash, zucchini and bell pepper.
*I tossed the vegetables in low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onion, Italian seasoning, dill weed, black pepper, sea salt, and a light honey drizzle.
*I baked the vegetables for 50 minutes at 385 degrees.
Mix 1 egg with 1/4 cup of milk in a small bowl. Dip the chicken breast into the bowl and then bread the chicken with whole grain Italian bread crumbs, fresh parmesan cheese, and chopped green onion.
Sprinkle garlic powder, sea salt, garlic powder and italian seasoning on each side of the chicken breast.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes. All ovens cook differently, so keep checking on it.
I love roasted vegetables because I get to eat them for the next couple of days.
I was so excited that the chicken turned out so delicious because I kind of just winged it. I can’t wait to make this meal again. I was so tired, so I took the dogs for their last walk and then we all cuddled up on the couch and watched a movie.
I headed to Freedom Park yesterday afternoon to meet up with Rachel for a walk.
The park was absolutely beautiful and so green. I headed to the park early so I could fit in some miles before we walked together.
This was like something out of a fairytale.
I just ran for two miles so I could get 20 minutes of cardio before we walked.
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway was breathtaking. The sky was so blue and the sun was shining.
After our walk, Rachel and I headed to Not Just Coffee at the Atherton Mill and Market in Southend. I’ve been to the one at the 7th Street Public Market in Uptown but not this location. It was cute and quiet.
I usually get hot coffee, but I was so hot from the walk and I wanted something refreshing. After drinking some water, I ordered an iced latte with almond milk. I also had them add an extra shot of espresso.
Rachel had the hot latte. I had that last time and it was REALLY good. They make gorgeous coffee art.
The market has all kinds of local products and produce. I bought some of these dried apples and a couple containers of hummus. It’s a great place to buy fresh eggs, cheese, milk and meat.
For dinner I made a Caesar salad with leftover garlic parmesan chicken and roasted vegetables.
Becca and I both wanted ice cream last night, so we met up and took the pups for a ride to go get our ice cream. The night was so beautiful and I just craved being outside to soak it all up. And look at the gorgeous sunset over the Catawba river…
There is a cute little ice cream shop in York, SC that we drove to. It’s a gorgeous drive and if you take the country back roads, you get a pretty scenery that Charlotte doesn’t have.
Outfit
Sweater: JCREW
Necklace: Simply Taralynn Collection
Shorts: AE
Shoes: Bass & Co
I’m all about treating myself in moderation while working towards my fitness goals. I ordered a small no sugar added butter pecan cone with rainbow sprinkles. Everything is better with rainbow sprinkles.
After ice cream, we drove out to my parents so the dogs could run around in the backyard for a bit.
I hope you all have a great rest of the week and do something to treat yourself!
Questions for you!
- What is your favorite summer treat?
- Favorite summer memory as a kid?
- What is your go-to ice cream order?
Keep up with me before the blogs on Instagram! @taralynnmcnitt
& don’t forget to see what is new in the shop!
www.simplytaralynncollection.com
Chandler says
Taralynn, I just love your posts! They’re always so positive, and inspirational. Such a treat to follow you.
1) What is your favorite summer treat?
Well, besides sangria 😉 it’s probably those ice pops that come in all the different flavors!
2) Favorite summer memory as a kid?
Honestly just running through the sprinkler! We used to do that all the time, and it was a blast!
3) What is your go-to ice cream order?
Cookies and cream or coffee ice cream. I rarely, rarely eat ice cream, so when I do, I go all out 😉
Also, thanks for letting me know about Runkeeper! I tried it out this week, and I love it! It’s way better than the other app I was using.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Chandler! That means a lot!
Ice pops are sooooooo good! I haven’t had them since I was a kid!
I also loved that as a kid 🙂 The little things in life were so exciting.
I love BOTH of those flavors!
Runkeeper is the best and I’ve been using it for four years.
Hilary says
Butter pecan is one of my favorites, I also love going for the newer salted caramel flavors!
Taralynn McNitt says
I actually love pistachio or maple walnut, but I usually get whatever they have that is no sugar added! Too much sugar in ice cream gives me a headache. Caramel flavors are always good.
Emily B says
1. I love ice cream. But I love ice cream all year round. So my favorite summer treat is probably peach pie with fresh juicy peaches. Mmmmmmmmmm!
2. Probably going to summer camps from the age of 12. I looked forward to them every single summer.
3. Anything coffee flavored. Like I said, I LOVE me some ice cream…and it’s definitely one of those things I can’t resist!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too! 🙂 Peach pie is super good with ice cream on top!
Summer camp would have been fun 🙂 I worked at one in college.
Coffee is a great ice cream flavor!
Lori says
My favorite treat is ice cream! I also love snow cones but they aren’t that easy to find! My favorite memory is just being outside from sun up to sun down! Even then I still stayed out to catch lightening bugs! My go to order is usually anything that has peanut butter and chocolate in it!! But any ice cream is my favorite really!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ice cream is great & they have tons of snow cone places around here. I do miss the Hawaiian shaved ice that I used to get as a kid in Hawaii! Nothing compares 🙂 Being outside was always my favorite as a child and my mom would have to drag me in the house…I think I’m still kind of like that. OH AND THE LIGHTENING BUGS WERE SO FUN! I agree…pb + chocolate for the win!
Jenn says
385 is such a random oven temp haha. I love frozen yogurt in the summer, especially those places with all the different flavors so you can make combos. My favorite summer memories were going to Cape Cod with my friends and all crashing at someones house, staying up late playing games. My go to ice cream order is mint chocolate chip with chocolate jimmies.
Taralynn McNitt says
LOL I know 🙂
Froyo is my jam. I eat it all year round though 🙂
I bet cape cod was so fun! I can’t eat mint chocolate chip anymore because I couldn’t swallow pills when I was younger so my mom would crush them up in my ice cream…and now i just think of that every time lol.
Hannah says
You are such a good dog mommy!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
Kassie says
I love how happy you look lately. You post are so fun to read!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kassie! That means so much!
Lyndsey says
Nice job on keeping up with your running and fitness. I need to pull my shit together and start up again. I had such a cold and miserable winter, which made it hard to get out there and run. I also love all the outfit photos lately. I need that Jcrew sweater.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Lyndsey! I bet it’s hard in the winter when its cold. I know that my running takes a hit then too! & thank you for the kind words!
Kendal says
Your leg muscles are getting so big! What is your secret?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kendal! No secret at all. Just eating healthier, running a ton and protein post workouts!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Wow that park is so beautiful–definitely looks like a fairy tale!
MY favorite summer treat is so delicious dairy free ice cream (current favorite is snickerdoodle) or plain old watermelon!
Taralynn McNitt says
It does!:) I love how every season is gorgeous there. Snickerdoodle is great! I just bought some watermelon yesterday!
Katie says
I recently started making homemade popsicles – sooo good! I just bought cheap popsicle molds on amazon and make them 24/7 now. I made a mojito one last night and it’s so good, I would definitely recommend that! With or without the rum haha but it’s pretty tasty with rum!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yum! Mojito sounds amazing. I bet a pinacolada would be good too! I just bought mojito mix + run yesterday 🙂
Emma says
Hi! Icecream is a year round and summer fav for me! Haha. You are such a fast runner!! How did you increase your speed after being injured? I was injured, stopped running, gained weight, and now it is a LOT harder to run/run as fast as I was! Do you have any tips? Love seeing you so happy!!! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Emma!
Thank you so much 🙂 And I started running just to run. I didn’t focus on the time and still don’t. I run comfortably until running faster is natural. You can’t force a pace, but if you keep running and continue to get into running shape, you’ll slowly increase speed naturally 🙂
ox xo
Jennifer says
1 & 3. Healthy- Currently loving Outshine bars–the pomegranate flavor is my favorite! Not-so-Healthy- I love the real “scoopy” ice cream from ice cream shops, and I tend to get french silk pie flavored if they have it!
I also love going to the MN State Fair and having a bite of all of the horrible food for you that only comes around once a year! Treat yo self to everything haha
2. I always spend weekends out at my friend’s house that lived out in the country. We’d always go four wheeling, or float down the river in tubes or canoes!
P.s. Loving everything about your posts lately.
P.p.s. thanks for the dinner idea!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jennifer!
All of those treats sound amazing. I do miss soft serve from my favorite spot in Iowa. I can’t wait to go back this summer for some Grahams!
That sounds like a blast and I’d love to do that now! As a kid I would have been in heaven.
& thank you so much for your kind words!! xo
Kailey says
Random question, but what brand of caesar dressing do you use? great post!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Panera mixed with cottage cheese or greek yogurt!
Jennifer Arteaga says
Looks like you are having a great week!
Anything frozen really. Ice cream or froyo. My favorite though are these crazy pineapples that are hulled out and then filled back in with a mix of fruit pineapple, watermelon and other melons and a fruity juice. Then they are topped with tamarind candies hot sauce and chili powder sometimes japenese peanuts.
Favorite memory would be playing in the sprinkler.
Go to icecream is butter pecan lol.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Jennifer!
I love anything pineapple! 🙂 & froyo! That drink sounds really interesting!
Sprinklers seem like everyone’s childhood memory!
Carly says
All of the trails and walks you visit are SO beautiful! As soon as I saw the roasted veggie picture as I was scrolling I KNEW what I was making for dinner! Can’t wait to try the recipe!
My favorite summer treat is Luigi’s Italian Ice! Even though you can buy it year round at the grocery store I always only buy it during the summer. I also LOVE coconut frozen yogurt when I can find it!
My favorite summer memories are all outside! Anything from riding our bikes to the local pool, to ‘camping’ under the stars on our trampoline! Staying outside until the sun sets so late in the summer always makes me feel like a kid again!
My go to ice cream is always chocolate! But I love trying new fun flavors when I see them! Maple ice cream sounds SOO good! I hope I can find it around here this summer!
http://www.adventuresarebettertogether.wordpress.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Carly! I’m actually making the roasted vegetables again tonight for my family! I think they’ll go nicely with the grilled chicken and black bean burgers!
I LOVE LUIGI’S ITALIAN ICE!
Those are great memories:)
Maple is my all time fave!
Brooklyn says
You’re right, that park looks like something out of a fairy tale! So gorgeous.
That ice cream looks delicious, I have been craving ice cream so bad, I really need to go get some.
Kona and Grumples look like brothers 🙂
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely one of my favorite spots! Ice cream is always acceptable!
They really do look like brothers, but Grumples needs his hair to grow back soon lol
Kat says
My favorite summer treat is frozen lemonade! My favorite summer memory is swimming for hours on end, each day (can’t do that anymore) lol. My go to ice cream order is cake batter, so bad but soooo good 🙂
Awesome that you’re running so much! I had my first baby 3 months ago and can’t seem to get going again. You’re posts are making me want to get out there though. I just ordered the new Fitbit Alta though, what do you use?
Taralynn McNitt says
I love lemonade! When I lived in Iowa, I used to get it at the state fair or the theme park. Swimming is such a fun summer activity! I’m more into laying out now, but swimming was always one of my favorites. Cake batter is awesome and I love the cake batter froyo!
Congratulations on the baby! Just enjoy this time and you’ll get into running soon. The fit bits are great, I use my run keeper/Microsoft watch.
Lil says
You’re so cute
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Lil 🙂
Vanessa says
Wow, the pictures look amazing! Where I live it is only 45° and cloudy outside, but seeing your post still lightens up my mood 🙂
What is your favorite summer treat?
Strawberries! Cherries! And definitely raspberries! My parents have a huge garden with all kinds of fruit and veggies growing there and walking around snacking everywhere is the best thing to do in summer.
Favorite summer memory as a kid?
The playground next door where I basically lived all summer. I’d spend all the vacation time there with my friends and only go home in the evening when the street lights turn on.
What is your go-to ice cream order?
Pecan-caramel ice cream is amazing! But since we have an ice cream machine, I also love making my own strawberry ice cream 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww so happy to hear that and hopefully it warms up for you soon!
Your garden sounds amazing! Those are all some of my favorite summer snacks 🙂
I did the same as a kid:)
I bet you make amazing ice cream with the strawberries from your garden!
Nicole says
Ahhh, Grumples is nakey! Haha, I just took my doodle to the groomers for her summer shave too… well, it wasn’t supposed to be a shave. The bf and I attempted to trim her ourselves, but let’s just say we are NOT dog groomers for a reason. When I saw her after the groomers I was like WAIT this sin’t the same dog who are you!? She looks so skinny and naked compared to the fluffy bear cub she normally looks like.
I usually switch up my icecream order depending on my mood and where I am… but if it’s Kilwins, its always blueberry waffle cone. always.
Taralynn McNitt says
I know! But he’s so cuddly now 🙂 I’ve done the whole “i think i can groom my own dog”…….doesnt work lol Grumples is so much skinnier now and some people don’t even recognize him!
Kilwins is the best and I had their apple pie ice cream in the fall! I bet blueberry waffle is so good 😀
Crystal says
I love how you incorporate leftovers into your salads… do you usually warm up the leftovers (chicken, veggies, etc.) and mix with cold salad, or is everything cold and mixed? Trying to get myself to eat more salads! Thanks in advance! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
It depend what the leftovers are! i like them cold on my salad:) Warm lettuce is gross…haha
Jessilyn says
Your Ebay tip saved my life for this weekend. I needed black destroyed jeans for a concert and the ones I wanted were way too expensive but they had them for $19 on ebay! I’m so excited!
Taralynn McNitt says
Nice find!!
Taralynn McNitt says
And enjoy the concert!!
Cam says
You have those shoes in every single color! That is something I definitely do when I find a pair of shoes I like.
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol I love them 🙂
Kelsey says
I really want to move to Charlotte every time I look at your blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
Charlotte is the best!
Linda says
PLEASE DO A MEET AND GREET WHEN YOU’RE IN DC!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m actually going to be doing a bike ride in D.C. that people can attend and meet me 🙂 I’ll be talking about that soon.
Kelsey says
I always love reading your blog! I’m from Iowa myself and moved to Charlotte about a year ago. I love learning about new places to explore and you’ve given me tons of great spots and restaurants! I loooooooove Hobo’s in Fort Mill! Their Thin Mint Spiked Milkshake is to die for!!! Keep up the great posts 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey Kelsey!:)
Thank you so much! Charlotte is amazing right? What part of Iowa did you move from?
Hobos is one of my favorites!:) All of their spiked shakes are awesome!!
Valerie says
1) What is your favorite summer treat?
Going strawberry picking and eating the berries right off of the bush when they’re still warm and taste like sunshine is the best!
2) Favorite summer memory as a kid?
The ice cream truck! Honestly I’ve been known to run out for it as an adult too when I’m in a neighborhood that still has one. 🙂
3) What is your go-to ice cream order?
If I can’t decide on something more “fun” I usually go with a small twist/zebra cone with the crunchy sprinkle things on it. My first job was at a local soft serve ice cream place, so I’ve tried all sorts of interesting combos before!
Taralynn McNitt says
That really is one of the best parts of Strawberry picking! I love when the berries are super dark red!
Ahhhh I was so excited for the ice cream truck as a kid too! My mom used to have an ice cream truck jar in the kitchen for when it came around.
Zebra cones are always a good choice.
Valerie says
Yes! Now I can’t wait until it’s warm enough to be strawberry season here!!
Your mom was smart with the ice cream jar! My sister and I were always scrambling to dig in our piggy banks as soon as we heard it coming!
Ashley says
I am 30 with two baby boys (17 months and 4 months) and I’m truly struggling getting my body back and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You are such an inspiration. I enjoy your tips, posts, and recipes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Ashley!
You just had a baby and you have every right to relax and enjoy! Just go on some walks, play at the park and try to incorporate healthy snacks and meals into your lifestyle! You got this 🙂 xo
Hannah says
Those roasted veggies sound amazing!
1. My favorite summer treat is defiantly ice cream! I’ve been loving so delicious ice cream since its dairy.
2. I would have to say my favorite summer memory are the days my family and I have spent in Sunriver Oregon on vacation. If your ever in the west, you’d love it! There are so many biking and walking trails, it’s paradise.
3. My go to ice cream order is cake batter (when I was younger I always added gummy bears and almost broke my teeth!). If it’s not cake batter, it’s defiantly cookie dough. I love my raw desert flavors!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Ice cream is so good. I wanted it bad today but was too lazy to drive out and get it.
That sounds like a super fun vacation!
Cake batter is great! My fave froyo flavor! 🙂 Cookie dough is so good too!
Britt says
Where is that bag from?! its adorable
Taralynn McNitt says
Cato! 😛
Rachel says
That chicken looks delicious! What beautiful pictures! Grumples looks very nice after his haircut! I love your outfit. So cute! Thank you for the amazing post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Rachel!!
Kat says
This may be odd, but I requested you on runkeeper. If you don’t want to accept because of privacy reasons, that is totally fine! I just like seeing other people’s progress to help motivate me 🙂 I just got back into the running game again after a VERY long hiatus, but I’m looking forward to achieving my old 5k time of 27:00.
1. My favorite summer treat is watermelon while I lounge around on the beach. To me, there is nothing more refreshing!
2. My favorite summer memory isn’t even from childhood. Last year was my first summer with my boyfriend and it was a nonstop adventure. Couldn’t have asked for a better summer break from teaching.
3. When it comes to ice cream, my go to is ALWAYS cookie dough or cashew caramel turtle!