There is something so relaxing about the beach. I feel like I just did a cleanse or hit the restart button after leaving. The beach puts my senses into overdrive. I love to listen to the waves, smell the beachy air, feel the sand between my toes, and watch the sunset.
My friend Becca and I headed to the beach on Saturday morning. The great thing about living in Charlotte is that it’s surrounded by all kinds of scenery. I can drive two hours north and be in the mountains or two hours south and be at the beach.
We stopped at CVS to grab beach and road trip snacks before we left. Becca picked up these naturally flavored Wasabi soy almonds and they were out of this world! I had to tell her to get them away from me because I could have eaten the entire container! Partnering up with CVS has been the best because I am introduced to new delicious products daily.
We hit a little string of beach traffic, so we got off the exit to grab an afternoon pick-me-up at Starbucks. Our two-hour jam session to 90’s music took a toll on us. We saw these little Moon Cheese snacks at Starbucks and were super intrigued. I love how Starbucks has a rack full of unique snacks. I’m a sucker for pepper jack cheese, so I bought them. They were great! I want to chop them up and add them to my salad for an extra crunch. They had other flavors too.
Charleston was HOT. We could barely breath in the heat. We walked for about 45 minutes downtown and then decided to book it and go to the beach. It was unbearable. We plan on exploring the downtown area together sometime in the fall. This was Becca’s first time there and I want her to experience it all!
The Charleston area has tons of beaches to go to. I’ve been to a lot of them and love them all! We chose Folly because we wanted to just chill, walk the town and have some delicious seafood.
This post is going to be filled with photos from the day!
Some of you were asking for the link to my bathing suit! I bought it at Target, but you can find it online here!
I know my nails are equivalent to a five year olds, but I loved it.
CVS has the best sparkling waters! The pomegranate blueberry was my favorite.
Whoever you are, whatever you look like, just whatever…be happy.
I loved sitting at the edge of the water as the waves rolled in.
Ocean air, salty hair. ♥
SALT WATER IN THE EYES…OUCH
Life is better at the beach ♥
Blanket is from Ankit!
After about five hours on the beach, we headed to the car to change. I threw on a white dress, rocked the salt water hair and tried my hardest to wipe off all the mascara from my eyes. I was rocking the raccoon look for a bit.
We went to the rooftop at Snapper Jack’s for a drink and an appetizer.
Beach hair, don’t care ♥
I had Shark Blood. It had cranberry juice, tequila, peach schnapps and pineapple.
We split the hummus appetizer. It had chips, celery and hummus (obviously).
We went to the Island Grill for dinner. I ordered the catch of the day! A delicious grilled grouper with rice pilaf and roasted vegetables. The grilled grouper had some kind of spicy peach glaze and it inspired me to make a delicious fish dinner on Sunday night. I’ll be sharing that recipe on my weekly recap soon!
I originally wanted crab legs but I wasn’t about to wait an hour to be seated.
AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT.
I eyeballed the Corner Street Coffee shop from the minute we got there! I wanted to end my day at the beach with a delicious latte and dessert.
Maybe you don’t like coffee. BUT, if you do go to Folly Beach…do yourself a favor and buy a chocolate chip cookie at the coffee shop. It was hands down THE BEST COOKIE IVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!!! It almost tasted like they only baked it for five minutes because the centers were almost like cookie dough, the edges were chewy and the flavors were just right. A cookie like this belongs on the food network or travel channel. I want to go back just for those cookies.
The Center Street Coffee shop KNEW how to make a great latte. It was perfection. Coffee while watching the sunset was one of the best moments. If I could spend every night like this, I would in a heartbeat.
Cheers to the best day!
I am truly lucky to have a best friend like Becca. We both have an obsession with photography and random adventures. I think my abs have grown simply due to our laugh sessions. Her Instagram is pretty bad ass! It’s funny how we are both so different, but get along so well. I truly believe in best friend soul mates (call me crazy). She’s into skulls and I’m into butterflies, but it works.
My happy place ♥
I’m excited to have a beach day at Folly with Kyle. I think he’d love it. Any excuse for me to be on a beach 🙂
This year has been one of the best years of my life so far. Amazing people have entered, I’m truly happy and so many good things are happening.
You are the captain of your own life. You need to learn how to steer it, through the storms, through the waves, and if you can ride it out during the hard times, you’ll see the sun again. And believe me, the sun is always brighter than the previous one. ♥♥
I hope you enjoyed all the photos from the day! ♥
I’m excited to get the July Fitness Challenge up! 🙂 I hope you’re all ready!
Questions for you!
- Where is your happy place? (mine is anywhere coffee is)
- How far away do you live from the beach?
- Have you ever created a meal inspired by a vacation?
’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about how to #FindYourHealthy. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
Tonia says
Oh.My.Word. I’m loving the Grilled Grouper dish.
As I was looking at the pictures, I was thinking the same thing. You two do not match. Skulls and girly. But whatever works. (Love Becca’s brick red lipstick)
Several years ago I came across a chocolate chip cookie recipe (browneyedbaker.com) I have used since. Love it!
My husbands favorite saying is “you are the captain of you own ship.”
Any where I’m reading is my favorite place. I’m from WV so about 7 hours or so from the beach. We were at the beach the first week of June.
Taralynn McNitt says
It was amazing!
Sometimes people work better when they are complete opposites! She has the best lipsticks!
I may have to try that one out. I don’t know how they made that cookie so good.
Your husband is right!
Do you guys go to VA beach or what beach is the closest? I bet that was a fun trip!
xo
Joy says
Hey Taralynn,
I’m actually going to Folly in a month for my honeymoon. So any spots I definitely need to hit or cute hid away restaurants that we need to try??
Thanks
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Joy!
I’ll be going back again in September:) I heard the Lost Dog Cafe is a must, BLU for drinks on the beach, and walk around the town! Everything is so close together 🙂 Also make sure to hit up Charleston!
shanna says
beautiful! I read a book that was set in folly beach, so it was nice to see it live. if that makes sense. haha.
1. outside in nature is my happy place. unless there is snow. blech
2. it depends on the beach. I live within an hour of 76 lakes, the closest being about 10 miles away. I live about 8 hours from the ocean. the Puget sound is about 300 miles away.
3. nope. but I can’t wait to see your new recipe!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes:) I love visiting beaches in the Carolinas based on Nicholas Sparks novels.
1. I can agree with that!
2. Sounds like you live in a beautiful place with a lot of outdoor activities! A beach is a beach 🙂
3. Thank you!! xo
Ashley B says
1. I’m pretty sure mine is the same as yours! I adore coffee and always love your postings on neat coffee shops you find on your trips. 🙂
2. Too far! I’ve actually never been to a beach, but just know that I would absolutely love it!
3. I have! It’s always exciting to put together fun recipes that remind you of a fantastic trip.
Taralynn McNitt says
I am always looking out for new coffee shops. It’s like Christmas to me all year round!
You’ve never been to the beach? Please please please stop whatever you’re doing and plan a trip! YOU HAVE TO.
It really is fun to do! 😀
Alex says
After reading your blogpost, I am really excited for some beach time on the weekend – is it really only Tuesday?
1. Anwhere where it’s sunny! I can appriciate sunshine so much, it really increases my mood significantly. I am from Germany and during the winter we don’t have much sunshine, I find that really depressing. Luckily, I just moved to the Sunshine State a couple of months ago 🙂
2. 5 mins by car, 20 if I walk. I feel so lucky, it is like taking a mini-vacation each weekend. South Florida living.. 🙂
3. Always! Especially after vacations in places like India or Morrocco. The food was so amazing, I just had to try to recreate it at home. Just thinking about a tagine dinner makes my mouth water.
Taralynn McNitt says
Almost Wednesday though! You’re halfway there.
I love the sunshine and sometimes like the rain. It forces me to stay put. I bet you’re enjoying the shine now!
SO SO LUCKY! Love Florida so much.
Your vacations sound exciting! I bet the food was great!
xo
Abbie says
My happy place is probably the beach! It is so peaceful!! Or anywhere my husband is!
I live less than a mile from the beach! I walk there frequently!! (:
And yes! A white wine pasta dish!!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is a cute answer 🙂
SO LUCKY. I’d be walking there every single day.
OH YUMMY!
CM says
Becca looks fantabulous! We need a tutorial on how she keeps her face so flawless!
Taralynn McNitt says
Seriously!:) I think I can convince her to do some!
Linda @ The Fitty says
Moon cheese snacks are my favourite on-the-go snacks at the moment! They only use 1 ingredient and their products are keto friendly, that’s why I like them.
It’s interesting (or rather, common I’d say), that you enjoy the beach. I generally don’t because I dislike hot weather!
Taralynn McNitt says
They are so good!:)
I think there are a lot of people that do not like the beach. The water was not hot, just right 🙂 Are you more of a pool person?
Katelyn S says
1. I’d say my happy place is also the beach, or anywhere in nature. There is a large network (over 23,000 of acres!) of parks and places/ways to be active called the Cleveland Metroparks. It’s fun to always have new trails and places to explore/kayak/geocache/swim/bike/climb/golf whatever!
2. I live about 2 miles from a beach.
3. And yes! Mexico, nothing ground breaking but changed up my guac recipe and super spicy green salsa!
Taralynn McNitt says
Being outside is always a great place to be <3 Sounds like you have endless options!
SO LUCKY.
OH YUM. Now I want guacamole.
Ashton Jury says
Girl! I love that white dress! It is gorgeous, and your hair looks flawless even after being in the water!I actually live 5 minutes from the beach, or a 20 minute walk. I love riding my bike down to the Seal Beach pier, but Balboa is my favorite if you’re ever in California its a must. I love being outside and in the forest. I would say that is my happy place, or perhaps a bookstore with coffee. Powell’s in Portland is probably the best! And yes to question #3 after going to France for the first time 10 years ago, it changed the whole way I ate food. I have recreated many versions of the Alsatian and Parisian dishes I have eaten.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Ashton!
Thank you so much! I’m so jealous you live that close to the beach. I dream of that! I’ve never been to Cali! I can’t believe it. A bookstore and coffee is a great place to be. I think that would be a great candle scent! Is that weird? haha. YES! I did that when I got back from France too. I love their culture and their love for GOOD and WHOLE food. I loved the fried goat cheese salads.
Logan says
I have been reading your blog for a little over a year now and I think it gets more raw by the day. It is so refreshing to hear your honest opinions and real play by plays of your day, it is extremely exciting!
Taralynn McNitt says
Well thank you 🙂
Andrea says
Wow. Becca looks great in that dress. Can you find out where she bought it? I would normally be into butterflies as well but I would totally wear that because of the little bits of pink in there.
Taralynn McNitt says
She does! She got it at Hot Topic! She has them in all kinds of designs and colors 🙂 I love them!
Kyla Woelfle says
Ahh! I am so happy you went to Charleston & Folly Beach! My parents live there, and I miss it so much! I can’t believe how much Folly Beach has changed – but I’m happy that Snapper Jacks is still there! I will definitely have to check out the coffee place next time I’m there!
1. My happy place is going somewhere new (like you, I enjoy adventures)!
2. I live about 6-7 hours away from Charleston and the beach. It’s not a terrible drive, but it can get old relatively fast. I wish I lived closer.
3. I have created meals inspired by recipes from restaurants – like a skinnier version of bang bang shrimp from Bonefish, but I really like your idea of creating meals inspired by vacations! Great idea!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Kyla!
My parents used to live there when they first moved to South Carolina! I missed visiting them. I just love the area 🙂 That coffee place IS SO GOOD and I don’t think it was there the last time I was!
1. New places are always fun and I just love exploring.
2. That is pretty far, but I’m sure it is worth the drive and plus you get to see your family and maybe stay free?
3. I love doing that with restaurants too! 🙂
xo
Melissa FitzGerald says
My happy place is also anywhere coffee is! 🙂 There’s this adorable coffee shop around the corner from my apartment where all the baristas know my name and my order. Every time I walk in there I just feel calm. (And is it weird that I get the same sense of calm at Whole Foods…? I’m strange.)
If you count Chicago’s “beaches,” I’m about 5 minutes away, but it’s super tiny and the water is ice cold! My parents in Florida live about 15 minutes from the Atlantic ocean, though, and that’s always fun. My old college was almost right on the beach, and I may or may not have ditched several classes to go get crab cakes benedict and play in the sand! 😉
All the time! Vacations are my favorite spot to find foodspiration. The last real trip I went on was to Austin, TX for SXSW… SO much good food happened within those 5 days. I want to recreate all of it but I’m scared I won’t do it justice!
Taralynn McNitt says
I can say “AMEN” to that! That is like the coffee shop in the movies. Sounds fabulous! NO. I LOVE going to Whole Foods and it’s definitely a happy place for me.
Chicago’s beaches DEFINITELY count. I used to take Grumples there as a pup! I bet it’s nice having parents in Florida! Such a fun trip 🙂 College on the beach? HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO FOCUS? That is like permanent vacation.
I really want to go to Austin TX. I’ve heard so many great things about the city! You can recreate it for fun and the memories! It may surprise you and turn out super delicious!
xo xo
Amber says
Hi Taralynn! You are looking fabulous, as always!
Would you maybe be able to remind me what a typical day in your diet looked like back when you lost all of your weight? Just an example maybe?
Thanks so much!! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Amber!!
I don’t really have a “diet.” I try really hard to make healthy choices and practice moderation! I love oatmeal, cereal, almond milk, chicken, fish, roasted veggies, greek yogurt, hard boiled eggs, dark chocolate and fruit!
xo
Mila says
Looking good girl!! Love this post and that you and your friend are opposites, I always say it would be boring if we were all alike.
1. My happy place is my porch with a cocktail or coffee i am a huge coffee snob too
2. I live on a peninsula so lots of beaches
3 I’ve had desserts inspired by my trips around te us!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much Mila!
It really would be boring if we were all alike!
I’m a porch person and a coffee snob. I think we’d get along so well!
I bet you’re at the beach all the time!
I’d love some recipes!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Such a great time! The beach is definitely my happy place too–especially if i also have coffee on the beach! 🙂 I live about an hour and a half to 2 hours from the beach so i can go relatively often in the summer.
I love to try and recreate things that i ate when im away on vacation. its never quite the same but its a fun little reminder!
Taralynn McNitt says
Coffee & the beach is an overload of happiness!
I live about that same distance and it’s always worth the drive!
I agree! SOMETIMES it can be even better!
alexe says
Ohhhh I LOVE this so much!!! I absolutely adore your recap post (and you in general but that wuold sound creepy…) 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Alexe!! You don’t sound creepy at all:) LOVE that you LOVE my posts!! xo
Amanda says
Hi Taralynn! Folly Beach looks amazing!
1. Anywhere my husband is 🙂
2. 20 minute drive! Yay!
3. Yes – I recently visited Honolulu and ate at ‘Heavenly Waikiki'(my first trip to the US!). It’s a farm to plate resturant that sells amazing Acai bowls! When I got home I totally had to re-create 🙂
Lots of love from NZ
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Amanda!
It really is. So fun and the perfect little beach town.
Ah I think that is so cute. A couple other people mentioned their husbands and I love all the LOVE!
20 mins? LUCKY!!
Honolulu is so fun. I lived 20 minutes from Honolulu for four years. I cannot wait to get back there. How did your acai bowl turn out!? Would love that recipe!!!
xo xo
Sara says
My happy place is the ball diamond.
I live in a Canadian town that is bordered by water! We’re surrounded by beaches, and are in between 2 of the Great Lakes , have many bays and rivers running through. If you ever get the chance to travel an hour from the Detroit border, do it! Chatham-Kent, Ontario!
Yes! We travel to Florida annually and I’m always inspired to create crab cakes upon my return!
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet the beaches are gorgeous there! People always told me about it when I used to live in Detroit!
Crab cakes are so much fun to make!! Whenever I go to Canada, I feel like making Poutine. 🙂
Lindsay Rule says
I love the beach and am busy planning several day trips with my bff as well. Great pics and your closing words are so inspiring!
That white dress is gorgeous! Would you mind sharing where you got it?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Lindsay!
Planning beach trips are fun! 🙂
That dress is from American Eagle.
Evie says
Becca should start a blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
I agree! I tell her that everyday.
Karlye says
I live about 30min from Folly! It is my happy place 🙂 so glad you love it
Taralynn McNitt says
Love that area and all the other surrounding beaches! You’re lucky to live so close.
Michelle M says
1. My happy place is at the beach. In college I lived 5 minutes from the beach and that was always my go-to place on the bad days. There is nothing that a good book, an iced coffee, and the sound of waves crashing can’t solve.
2. Right now I live about 40 minutes from Long Island Sound (which doesn’t really count as a true beach if you ask me), but in a month I will be moving to South Florida and just a 15 minute drive to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. I am definitely very excited.
3. Definitely. Vacations are always filled with the most amazing foods and new culinary experiences and I love coming home from a trip and recreating all those wonderful emotions that I felt.
Taralynn McNitt says
How did you manage to focus in college living so close to the beach!? Coffee and waves are the best combo. I think that’ll be my next inspiration for a painting.
You’ll LOVE South Florida and the beaches! So jealous of you (the good kind of jealous)
You’re right! I also love watching the travel channel for that reason.
Lindsey says
Looks amazing! I envy the heat and the closeness of the beach!
My happy place is in the mountains. It’s so quiet up there and my favorite place to go for some clarity or to blow off some steam.
I live in Alaska, pretty far from what you would probably consider the beach 😉 We technically have “beaches,” but the water is freezing, the air is usually cold or freezing, and there’s no sand. I visit extended family in New Jersey occasionally and the first thing I always do is hit the beach!
I haven’t been on vacation in several years because I’m terrified of flying, so can’t think of any meals inspired by vacation 😀 (Maybe since you fly a lot you can give me some calming tips? I’m flying to New Jersey with my 4 year old next week and could use some words of wisdom!) Love your posts!
-Lindsey
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
I love the mountains as well. They are beautiful! I especially like them in the fall when all the leaves are changing. I bet Alaska is GORGEOUS!
Don’t be afraid to fly! It’s much safer than getting into a car. Once you do it and keep doing it, it gets easier! Bring gum for ears popping, earphones for music, and just enjoy the ride. I LOVE flying. Something so cool about being up in the air! 🙂
xo
alyssa says
This makes me miss the east coast, I lived 5 mins from the beach in North Carolina. Now, I’m in Los Angeles county and nearly 45mins+ (without traffic) away. Love all of the ocean pics, the appetizer looks yummy!
My happy place was always Marina Cafe, a little cute restaurant with a dock full of rocking chairs, a loud annoying but cute parrot, a ring toss game, and the absolutely best crab dip your tastebuds could enjoy! I’ve tried many times to recreate the crab dip, no luck so far. One day I’ll get that recipe on point. Thanks for sharing, you look stunning.
Taralynn McNitt says
I am jealous of you! I have never been to California and I really want to visit the beaches out that way.
Marina Cafe seems like heaven! I love the way you described it. 🙂
Irene says
Hi tara!! Love the pictures, you and becca seem to be having a blast 🙂 Just wondering, do you use any teeth whitening products? Your teeth are so perfect!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Irene!
Thank you! I actually mix coconut oil and baking soda in with my toothpaste twice a week! 🙂
Cory says
Hi Tara!
1)Beach is my happy place!
2)I live in the south south south west of France (15miles from Spain),only 5 miles away from the beach, i run 3 times a week along the beach.
I work 1 mile from the beach, so i take my lunch box and eat it “feet in the sand” almost every day, looking at the surfers and the waves. I love the place i live.
3)every meal prepared with a BBQ is inspired by a vacation for me!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Cory!
I don’t blame you. Something so peaceful about it!
The South of France is beautiful! I loved the beaches in Marseille. Unfortunately it was way too cold to swim! I would do the same thing if I lived that close to the beach!
Love BBQ!
Sam says
I’m with you girl. I always feel happier with some coffee & I absolutely love me a good, cozy cafe! I live 2 hours from Charleston in Cayce, SC, so folly is actually my beach of choice (: My parents live on James Island about 5 minutes away so I always go when I’m in town & make sure to visit King Street! I also love King Street Grille, though I may be biased because my uncles started & own them. I always try to recreate their salads with artichoke & heart of palm.
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely. I’m sitting here in my living room with coffee and it’s so peaceful. The small things in life <3
I love the Charleston area! I kind of miss my parents living there. James Island is a cute place to live! I bet those are delicious salads!
xo
Bethany says
Where is your happy place?
-I grew up 1/4 mile from the ocean (live in Charlotte now) so anytime I can get to the beach, I just go! The smell of the salt air and the sound of the waves put me in my happy place!
How far away do you live from the beach?
– 2-3 hours 🙂 going to Folly Beach/Charleston this weekend, actually! I already told me friends that we MUST stop at that coffee shop! (Lattes are my lifeline) I bribed them with cookies 🙂
Have you ever created a meal inspired by a vacation?
– Coconut crusted chicken!
Taralynn McNitt says
I couldn’t imagine living that close to the beach. I’d be in heaven! Good thing we aren’t too far now!
YOU WILL LOVE that coffee shop. You have to get one of those cookies. Split it with a friend if you’re feel in generous! I can’t wait to hear what you think of them. You can bring me back one too 😉
yum!!! I need that recipe.
Amanda T. says
Ugh! You are giving me beach fever! I used to live so close to the beach and didn’t think much of it and now I miss it so much!
Excited about your July fitness challenge!
Taralynn McNitt says
The beach fever is real. I already want to go back. & THANKS! it will be posted today!
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
1. I think my happy place is on a big front porch with a good book & a cup of coffee (that keeps getting refilled by a hott guy). <– specific, right? Or, I love being on the river first thing in the morning, when it's calm, and quiet. It has a crisp water smell, that it loses once the sun is high & hot.
2. Umm, I literally have no idea. Like a beach beach, where there's salt water & an ocean? Probably 6-8 hours? There are some nice lake beaches & Lake Erie is only 1-2 hours away.
3. Oh hell yeah! My Caribbean & Latin vacations always leave me super inspired to come home & recreate beans & rice, or some of the other super flavorful dishes I eat there.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha LOVED THAT!
Your happy places seem like dreams.
A beach is a beach 🙂 Salt water or not!
I bet you make the BEST dishes!!!
Carly says
Your beach day looks like so much fun! So happy to see you enjoying life to the fullest!
My family is in the midst of planning a beach/Charleston trip for later this summer and I can’t wait! I am defiantly taking notes from this post (and the rest of your blog) for places to visit while we are there!
My happy place is anywhere outside and with a dog… even better if there is coffee too!
I’m lucky and I live less than a mile from the beach! But being north of Boston most of the beaches are rocky so its not as beach like as you’d expect! But I truly love being able to walk and see the water and listen to the waves crash on the rocks!
After vacationing I am always inspired to create meals that remind me of vacation. Two years ago I went to the cook islands and ate coconut in every form possible (pancakes, muffins, smoothies, shrimp, etc). To this day I still get inspired by that vacation and add coconut to seemingly random dishes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Carly!
You will LOVE Charleston and all the surrounding areas. Let me know if you need anymore tips.
Love being with my pup too! Love than answer.
You are super lucky! I bet it’s gorgeous.
You can never go wrong with coconut!!
Ally Johnson says
I love all of your Folly pictures! I love going there, it has the best laid-back beach vibe and some fun restaurants. I suggest Taco Boy when you go back in September if you haven’t checked it out yet!
And you are right, it was COOKIN’ in Charleston on Saturday. Normally we are always running errands and doing things, but Saturday we stayed inside majority of the day; even our dog wouldn’t go outside!
Where is your happy place?- Anywhere with a good margarita, chips and salsa on a fun patio!
How far away do you live from the beach? – I actually live in Charleston! So Folly is fairly close, but Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are about 5-10 minutes from my door step.
Have you ever created a meal inspired by a vacation?- Yes! I like to pretend I am still on vacation when I return back to reality so depending on where we went I always try and stick to the same kind of cooking!
Thanks for all of your great posts! They always provide me a nice break during my work day 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Ally!
I agree about the laid-back feel of Folly and that is why I chose to go there! I will look into Taco Boy for sure! thank you!:)
There was something so unnaturally hot about Charleston. It almost felt like I was standing next to a hot semi’s exhaust pipe! The beach was so much better!
OH HELLO TO THAT! Love my margs.
Those are both fun beaches! I visited those a couple falls ago when my parents lived down there.
I bet you’re inspired from all the delicious places around you!
thank you for reading! xo
Lauren says
Beautiful pictures, Taralynn! The ones of your reactions to getting hit by the waves are priceless. 🙂
1) My happy place is probably on the back of a horse. Either that or walking along some forgotten forest trail.
2) Um…I’m not sure exactly how far it is to the ocean, but I live in Wyoming so…it’s a ways. There are some nice reservoirs nearby though.
3) I had a huckleberry salad dressing at a restaurant one time, so I recreated that once I came home. It was delicious!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Lauren!!
That sounds so great. I’d love to ride a horse soon! I love the trails too.
WYOMING is so beautiful. I was there back in 8th grade and cannot wait to go back. The lakes are beautiful.
OH YUM! What was in the dressing?!
Lauren says
I use plain, unsweetened coconut milk yogurt and mashed avocadoes as a base for most of my dressings. To make it huckleberry flavor, I actually just added some huckleberry jam! So good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yum!!!
Jennifer says
Southport, SC! Many many childhood summers spent there. Only good memories! I’m hoping to go back next summer and I’m so excited!!
From a lake beach, 25 minutes… From an ocean beach, 1500 miles haha
I’ve been trying to make “flan” pizza (I think that’s what it was called, with the super thin crust) that I has in Paris many years ago. I’ve never been able to figure it out, but that was the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life!
Jennifer says
*Southport, NC
Taralynn McNitt says
I love love love southport!!! Did you see my two posts from southport? You might love the photos for some memories!
that is a long way!! Lake beaches are fun too.
That sounds so good! Have you checked out pinterest for any?
Jennifer says
Yes I did!! So many memories and I’m so excited to go back. I love that you add all the details about your trips so now I have some new places to visit!
I have, but only the dessert comes up! I’m guessing my 10th grade mind got it wrong or read it wrong and that’s why I can’t find it haha
Taralynn McNitt says
So glad!!!
Guess you will have to go back and have that pizza in france again!!!
Kelsey says
1.Where is your happy place?
My happy place is the smokey mountains. I love being way up in a cabin and being anble to wake up and go out on the deck and swing or sit and see nothing but mountains and trees for as far as you can see. That is so relaxing to me.
2.How far away do you live from the beach?
I live about 11 hours away from Florida 🙁
3.Have you ever created a meal inspired by a vacation?
I don’t go on Vacay alot 🙁 bummer I know. Most of my meals are created from the internet lol
Taralynn McNitt says
I love the mountains too! Especially in the fall.
That is a long way! good thing for flights 🙂
The internet has some good meal options 😀 y
Milena says
It looks like you had a really good day 🙂 Those kind of days are the best, just sun, smile, the sound of the wind and a good company 🙂 Btw, I love your white dress!
1) I live in Barcelona so it takes me around 20 minutes to get to the each from my home. I am very, very grateful for having beach that close. I love to go to the beach for an evening walk, with my headphones and head full of thoughts. It helps me calm down and relaxes a lot!
2) My happy place is a viewpoint in Barcelona called the bunkers. You can see the whole city from above. When I have a bad day, I head directly there. You see your problems from different perspective.
3) My food inspiration from vacations.. I think the toasts from Lisboa. I found a great place for breakfast there last year. The toasts were very big, with pesto, rucula, cheese and fresh tomatoes. I love pesto sauce and I add it to almost everything. After that trip I started to add it to my breakfast toasts as well 😀
I´m happy to see how happy you are. Have a nice week, Tara!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was a great day!& thank you so much!
1. I would love to visit Barcelona one day! You’re lucky to live so close to the beach and in such a gorgeous place. Beach walks are the best! Make sure you don’t walk the beach alone!
2. You should definitely send me a photo of the bunkers. It sounds so pretty!!!!
3. ALL OF THAT HAS ME HUNGRY!!!!!!
Nicole says
We have the same happy places! The beach and with coffee in hand 🙂 Or on a boat. I live in Orlando now, so about 30 minutes from a beach – but I grew up two blocks away from some of the nicest Florida beaches and go back at least once a month to visit friends/family and get out on the boat. Nothing beats relaxing in the water at a sand bar! Folley beach looks gorgeous and that dinner looks amazing! I can’t wait for the glaze recipe.
Taralynn McNitt says
So lucky to live close to the beach! I bet the boat is amazing and fun! 🙂
Colleen says
1 – My happy place is also anywhere coffee is! I also love hiking – when you get to a peak and just breathe and take in the scenery that feeling is the best <3
2 – Lucky for me, I live really close to the beach! Probably 30-60 minute drive depending on where you go 🙂 I'm also close to the city so I've got the best of both worlds and I love it! I've got to get myself to the beach ASAP – I haven't been all summer!
3 – I don't think I have! But you've inspired me to pay more attention to the next dish I try at a restaurant!
All these photos are beautiful, Tara! You're absolutely glowing and lookin' great, it's a wonderful thing to see! You're inspiring me to run and challenge myself more in my own workouts 🙂 (Also I have the same white dress – it's my FAVE one from AE haha! <3)
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much Colleen!
I love that dress too:) It’s one of the “thank god i can go braless” dresses!
Hiking is a great place. I want to go tomorrow! That feeling when you get to the the top is the best.
So lucky to live that close!!!You better go take advantage of it!
You better do that:D It’s so much fun to recreate them.
Sarah says
Oh wow that looks like such a fun trip! Can you tell Becca I LOVE the way she’s rocking the lipstick!! Does she have a blog? Also I love the grainy look of these photos 🙂 reminds me of old film cameras.
Taralynn McNitt says
I will 🙂 She has instagram and she’s going to start doing tutorials! hel_and_garm is her insta!!
& thank you! I love adding the old grainy feel!! Trying to do a new style 🙂 Glad you noticed!
Brooklyn says
What a fun and awesome day you had!
My happy place is by the water or hiking the trails.
I haven’t been to the beach for so long because I live kinda far. Which sucks!
I love throwing meals together and inventing something new. I do it all the time.
Folly beach looks like a gorgeous place! I think I would love it there. Beaches are the best!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
It really was 😀
I can agree with both of those.
Hopefully you get to visit the lakes or a pool! I think you’d LOVE Folly too!
xo
Amara says
fun photos! seriously girl i’d love to go on a photo adventure with you sometime. any who –
1. my happy place is the lake, up north, either at my husband’s family cabin or just up north in general. i’m not a beach person really but being on a boat at the lake is heavenly. my hubby will fish and i’ll take photos [and sometimes fish]. it’s so refreshing to be up north and northern minnesota is so beautiful… sometimes it drives me crazy to not have the best cell phone reception and limited wifi but then by the time i get back home, i’m overwhelmed by technology. can’t wait to go back up and do some blueberry picking!!!!
2. technically, a beach is never too far away from us, but beaches for lakes ;P i love the twin cities area because there’s always a lake and most likely a beach nearby, if not a fun waterpark
3. one time my sister in law and i cooked dinner at the cabin and she made a bruschetta flatbread and for a good couple of months, i was obsessed with making them as well. i haven’t for a long time, so maybe it’s time to get on it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Amara!
Family cabins are always fun! Blueberry picking? count me in!
Lake beaches are just as fun. I especially like the clear ones out west.
OH MY GOSH THAT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!!
Harriet says
Your day looked so amazing and its making me have summer withdrawals (it’s the middle of winter where I live).
My happy place is the small town where I live, because I am only 5 minutes from the mountains, lakes and some of the best coffee shops and to top it off I am 25 minutes from the beach.
There is this amazing boutique cafe near me, who make the most amazing pumpkin and walnut salad with a maple syrup dressing, and they will give you the recipe if you just ask !!
Becca is looking amazing! Where did she get her dress from??
Taralynn McNitt says
I get winter withdrawals now and have been craving pumpkin. SO BAD!
I love the mountains and lakes too and ANYTHING with coffee shops. Sounds like you live in a gorgeous area.
OH THAT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!!!!
She got it at Hot Topic!!
Courtney Haas says
1. My happy place is basically anywhere that I get to travel to! I absolutely love traveling and visiting different places.
2. I live in northern MN so we have lakes and beaches everywhere, but I’m 2-3 hours away from Lake Superior, which is basically equivalent to going to the ocean beaches (except freshwater) up here. I would love to live on the coast though! I actually planning on going to grad school in a few years down in North Carolina 🙂
3. I’m not much of a cook (at all) so I don’t really get inspired by cuisine from vacations. I’ve gotta say, though, if I did cook, I would be inspired by Spanish dishes. Spain was probably the best trip I’ve ever worked my ass off to go on, I love it there!
P.S. I love your saying down at the bottom about living your life 🙂
Ashley B says
The next time you are in Charleston, try to get to the John’s Island Farmers Market on Maybank Highway. They have a Brownfox Coffee Truck with coffee to die for! I ordered an iced dirty chai latte with vanilla almond milk and seriously did not want it to end!!!! Plus, they have so many fresh fruits and veggies! I couldn’t buy any because it was my last day in town and I live too far away for everything to keep on my journey back–but I really wanted to!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for the recommendations! Becca is obsessed with the chai drinks! I’ll make sure to go there.
Taylor says
Ahhhh! I live in charleston SC! ???❤️
Taralynn McNitt says
LUCKY!
Taylor says
Rita’s is THE BEST!!! I was just their yesterday!
Jillian says
I definitely believe in best friend soul mates too! I think anyone who has a true best friend should feel so so lucky, I know I do!
Taralynn McNitt says
Agreed 😉
Deanna says
Hi Taralynn! I’m a long time lurker never commented before, however, one of your messages in this blog touched me and I wanted to say thank you. Specifically this part:
“You are the captain of your own life. You need to learn how to steer it, through the storms, through the waves, and if you can ride it out during the hard times, you’ll see the sun again. And believe me, the sun is always brighter than the previous one. ♥♥”
It was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you for sharing your bright spirit with everyone.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Deanna!
Thank you for commenting! Knowing that I could touch you in a positive way has just made my entire morning. Keep your head up! xo xo
Jess says
You are so cute Taralynn