Good Morning and Happy Monday!
This week had its ups, and it had its downs. Rainy days, broken computers, broken phones, sick dogs, and sunny days, new computers, new phones, social media free weekend, and fun with friends! I think it’s safe t say that all the bad and good evened themselves out.
I learned something this weekend, which makes me think that my phone randomly dying was a blessing in disguise. Social media is not for the weekend, not for me anyway. Because my phone was broken, I stayed off Instagram and Snapchat all weekend. It’s crazy how much more time I spent at the moment, actually watching movies instead of Instagram stories, and I experienced zero FOMO. My mood was better, and I just felt happier! I loved not checking messages, comparing myself, I loved shopping and walking trails with friends without the distraction, and I can’t wait to have social media-free weekends from now on. My new phone and computer will be arriving today, which will make my work-life easier, but for now, I’m going three days strong without browsing Instagram.
Even though this recap post is going to be a pain in the butt on a broken computer, I’m going to get this done! For now, I’ll be hitting “command v” to type the missing letters. Such a headache!
The spring showers were in full force on Monday morning. That didn’t keep me from walking the dogs their morning mile. My neighbors probably think I’m nuts, but I put my raincoat on, and we headed out! My dogs get in depressed moods when it rains, so it helps keep them on their same schedule.
After our walk, I started writing last week’s recap post and had a delicious omelet for breakfast. I’ve been stuffing my omelets with quinoa lately, and it’s so delicious!
Later in the afternoon, I did my daily #reasonformymile, and then headed out on the dog’s midday mile!
I made a giant salad for lunch. It had kale, avocado, rice crackers, grilled chicken, carrots, and Herb Goddess dressing. I spent the rest of the afternoon working.
We went on our final walk of the night! I would say my dogs are pretty spoiled! Not many people would walk three miles in the rain!
My dinner was on the lazy side. I had a half bagel, and honey mustard nut-thins topped with Kite-Hill chive almond milk “cream cheese” spread and smoked salmon. I can’t get enough of the Kite-Hill cream cheese spread! It’s better than dairy-based cream cheese!
It was still pouring on Tuesday. I can appreciate a rainy day, but too much drives me crazy! But on the bright side? I had a hair appointment! I don’t get my hair cut or done as much as I should. I was excited to have balayage done and get my hair trimmed.
I had one large egg + three egg whites, sweet potatoes, pineapple, and grapefruit! I bought grapefruits at the farmer’s market last weekend, and they are the best tasting grapefruit I’ve ever had!
Every month, I like to share which coffee I’ve been enjoying! This month, it was a mixture of roasts I bought while in Asheville (Larry’s House), Hendersonville (Little Roasting Co), and Waxhaw (Provisions)! They were all equally amazing! If you have a favorite roast you think I’d like; please send me a link! Sumatra is my fave:)
I headed to Salon 42 on Carmel road in Charlotte! I read all of their Yelp reviews and was convinced after seeing the photos. I had Jessica do my hair, and she was awesome!
I brought my tea with me! I did the lemon and ginger with extra ginger powder and freshly squeezed lemon added.
Getting my hair done on a rainy day wasn’t ideal (HELLO, FRIZZ), but I was happy with how it turned out. I know it’ll lighten up when I’m in Hawaii because of the sun, but I’m going even lighter…
After walking my dogs in the rain, snacking on random things in the fridge for dinner (crackers, lox, grapes, turkey meat, and celery with peanut butter), I decided to make some popcorn and watch a movie. I fell asleep at 9:45 pm!
I was feeling so much more energetic and upbeat on Wednesday morning! The sun was FINALLY out, it was warm, and I had a great sleep. After walking the dogs and working that morning, I decided to make breakfast/lunch and then head out on a long bike ride.
You HAVE to try this breakfast combo! It was amazing.
I toasted an o’doughs everything bagel, topped it with kite-hill chive cream cheese, a fried egg, and avocado! Each bite was heavenly. I had grapes and grapefruit on the side. The weather was perfect for a ride. Every time I’m out on my bike, I feel like all the stress in my life just releases. It’s an incredible endorphin booster.
We had so much rain that the trails were flooding over! I just road right through them.
Look how high the river was! Those trees aren’t supposed to be underwater!
I ended up doing 14 miles in two hours. Listening to music makes the time go by so fast!
When I got home, I took the boys out for a walk, started doing some catch-up work, and then made dinner!
For dinner, I decided to make a salad with the lettuce my neighbor brought over. She has a huge garden in her backyard, and she’s always bringing me extra produce. It’s so sweet of her! I topped my salad with grilled chicken, rice crackers, onion, cucumber, and tomatoes. I also had a lemon-ginger kombucha!
Thursday morning’s breakfast: coconut milk yogurt mixed with chocolate Vegi day plant protein. This combo tastes just like pudding! 🙂
I decided to take my boys to walk around the lake on Thursday morning! They have been doing so amazing with their training that I can confidently take them everywhere! They ignore their dogs, people and walk right next to me. Leo now heals next to my side off-leash the whole time. They do wear collars that have a vibrate setting I use if they aren’t heeling.
They were so happy!
After two miles, we stopped on the dock to relax. It was 65-degrees and breezy! Perfect dog walking weather. It’s going to be 90 and humid before we know it.
I love this guy! I can’t believe he turns seven this year.
They drank their container of water, and then we headed back!
I made an omelet for my late breakfast/early lunch. I stuffed my omelet with fajita-style peppers and onions and quinoa!
I topped the omelet with the kite-hill chive spread and avocados. I had a side of grapefruit and grapes.
Later in the afternoon, I had a blackberry protein smoothie. It had vanilla protein powder, ice, frozen blackberries, cashew milk, and topped with almond butter and seeds.
For dinner, I had two eggs and sweet potatoes with a side of power greens kombucha. I brushed my teeth, put my pajamas on, and got ready to watch Southern Charm!
For breakfast on Friday, I had an omelet with kite-hill cream cheese on top and a side of grapefruit!
I was so excited when my Magnolia Table cookbook came in the mail! I can’t wait to try out some of the recipes!
For lunch, I had coconut milk yogurt with vanilla protein powder and matcha powder!
I made THE BEST chewy and soft vegan and gluten-free chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies! I can’t WAIT to post the recipe this week! You’ll be making these again and again and again!
I decided to use up the extra food in my fridge, so I spaghetti squash with pasta sauce and ground turkey to eat all weekend long.
Friday night, Kyle and I hit the tennis courts! We played for a couple of hours and then headed back to my place to have dinner, walk the dogs, and start the new season of Handmaid’s Tale!
I was up at 5 am on Saturday. My phone was blinking nonstop and just completely stopped working. I was frustrated because I lost all of my photos and videos…ugh. I spent the morning ordering a new phone and getting the new computer ordered. I felt better after sorting it all out! After watching Dateline and drinking coffee at 5 am, I headed out to walk the dogs! When I got back, I hurried up, got ready, and then met up with one of my friends at Not Just Coffee to make some plans for Hawaii! I’m so excited that she’s coming out to see me when I’m out there for two weeks!
I ordered an oat milk cappuccino and their muesli & fresh fruit. It tasted like a honey cinnamon roll! Yum!
After breakfast, we headed to the mall to walk around and check out some things for the trip! I picked up some cute new stuff on sale!
I stopped at Whole Foods on the way home. I picked up some specialty items for the house.
There’s a backstory to this photo.
Kyle and I currently have a 467-day snap streak. Since I didn’t have a phone, and we obviously did not want to break our snap streak, we logged on to my account with his phone so that I could send him a snap. This was the photo we took. 🙂 I love him so much!
Saturday evening, Kyle and I headed out to play tennis for a couple of hours!
We spent the evening making a Blue Apron, walking the dogs, and watching movies. I love when the last bit of sunlight shines through the windows in the evening.
Poor Grumples was sick on Sunday morning. He ate a bone on the sidewalk Saturday evening. Fortunately, I got most of it out of his mouth, but I think the part he did eat made him sick.
He didn’t want to eat, drink, and all he wanted to do was lay outside. Since he vomited, I was alright with him not eating, but I really wanted him to drink water just if he was dehydrated.
A couple of hours later, he finally went to the water bowl and got his appetite back. I made him chicken and rice for a bland diet, and he ate it, which was a good sign. He then initiated play with Leo, so I felt much better. I get horrible anxiety when dogs are sick!
I was about to meet up with Meighan for a seven-mile walk, so I made a filling breakfast! I had oatmeal with raisins, seeds, and bananas with a 1 egg + 3 egg white omelet. I also had green juice with a ginger shot.
Kyle was going to hang out with Grumples and keep an eye on him while I was walking.
Leo and I drove up the road to meet Meighan at the Riverwalk.
I brought my little digital camera just because I didn’t have a phone still.
We stopped at Starbucks for tea before our walk! It was really chilly outside.
Leo walked the entire seven miles with Meighan and me without a leash. He stayed next to my left side the entire time, ignored people, bikers, runners, and other dogs. Even when they barked or lunged at him, he kept walking. It was amazing! I’ve been working hard with Leo because I’d like to make him a therapy dog so I can bring him hospitals. The little girls next door always ring my doorbell and ask if they can pet Leo. He loves them, and he’s so good with them.
He was zonked. He crawled over on my lap when we were at the stoplight.
I made a salad and protein yogurt bowl for lunch!
My salad had baby arugula, avocado, strawberries, rice crackers, kale chips, chive cream cheese, and honey mustard dressing! The Primal Kitchen dressing was so good, and the kite-hill almond milk yogurt tasted JUST like dairy Greek yogurt.
Since we were already out of the chocolate chip cookies, I decided to make a spin-off recipe! I made vegan and gluten-free + no sugar added double chocolate peanut butter cookies! THEY WERE AMAZING!!!! That recipe will be up soon too! I’m trying to get some recipes shot to edit them while I’m flying next week.
We headed out on our final dog walk and then relaxed the rest of the night! We were excited for American Idol. There are so many great singers, and I have too many favorites.
I had a side salad for dinner, my leftover spaghetti squash, and Kye made homemade buffalo wings!
THE FITNESS CHALLENGE WILL BE LIVE FRIDAY!!!
Questions for you!
- Do you ever have social media free weekends?
- What was the highlight of your weekend?
- Have you planted any flowers yet?
Anastasia says
Even though your phone and computer died, it looks like you turned all the negative into positives and had an amazing week!! I think we could all learn from that. I haven’t had a social media free weekend before but I am definitely going to start. It is so easy for me to get trapped down the comparison tunnel.
I think the highlight of my weekend was this weather! I had to finish a final project for school but instead of staying inside, I parked my things outside on the porch and enjoyed the sun and warmth! I made sure to take my little pup for several dog walks though…you have inspired me to do that as well!! It feels so nice just take 20 minutes to walk and not look at a computer screen.
Thanks for always being so inspirational!! Have an amazing week!!
xx
Anastasia
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Anastasia!
I think so too. Those were just blessings in disguise!
Ohhhh that comparison tunnel is a big trap, and we ALL do it. This was one of the best weekends, and I hope to do it over and over again! I may break that when I’m on vacation though! lol So glad you had gorgeous weather! yay! Hope you got that school project done, and I’m all for quality porch time.
That makes me so happy to hear! My walks with my dogs are the highlight of my day and I just LOVE the break. They also need it and it’s good for their physical and mental health (and mine.)
xo xo have a great week too!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
What a fun week, full of outdoorsy stuff that once again, I’m jealous you get to do so often! I’ve never had a social media free weekend and I don’t think I’ll ever survive one, so major props to you for even attempting! 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Charmaine!
I bet you can totally survive one! Maybe try one day at a time to challenge yourself! 🙂
xo
Ariel says
Hey Taralynn! Social media free days are honestly the best. I feel similar to you, much more in the moment & enjoying the present. Social media always makes me feel like my life isn’t as great as others, but in reality I have an amazing life! It’s nice to disconnect.
1. I don’t think I’ve had an entire weekend free of social media… I think it’s time to give it a try.
2. My mom and sister came to visit me and we spent a whole day at an outlet mall. Safe to say, my wardrobe is looking a lot better. Plus great deals always make me feel better while shopping.
3. I have planted flowers in a pot, but since I live in an apartment complex, that’s the most I can do. I hope to add more pots to my balcony and having them grow! 🙂
Have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
I totally agree! Crazy what it can do to our minds!
You should totally give it a try!
Outlets are the best, aren’t they?! lol
It’s always nice to have flowers on a balcony 🙂
xo
Linda @ the Fitty says
Social media can be so addicting! And fake too…I talked a little about it and went on a rant. I’m not going to lie, I follow you pretty closely on your blog and I love the life you live–or how it LOOKS from the blog, and I’m sure there’s more going on behind the scenes than what we see.
May I share my thoughts with you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzUqerjxvIc
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Linda!
sarah says
Now that my oldest can ride her bike without training wheels, I need one. What kind of bike do you have?
Taralynn McNitt says
Aww that is awesome!
I have A Raleigh Misceo iE 😀
Katie says
Do you ever have social media free weekends? I don’t, but I love the idea!
What was the highlight of your weekend? We were finally able to get our boat out on the lake since we had a nice weekend!
Have you planted any flowers yet? No ): I’m impatient and want to but it hasn’t warmed up enough at night here in CO!
Taralynn McNitt says
I think you’ll love it! 😀
That sounds like a blast! We used to always do the boat when we lived in Iowa!
I haven’t planted them either! lol I know they’ll die when I leave for 2 1/2 weeks! lol
Abbey says
Hi Taralynn !
I don’t exactly do social media free weekends, but a few months ago I deleted Instagram from my phone. It made a huge difference in how I feel and my anxiety levels, and yes fomo too!
I can’t wait for the chocolate PB cookie recipe! 😍
Have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Abbey!
That’s not a bad idea 🙂 I actually turned off my notifications! I go to the app WAY less.
I’m excited to share it! (just had one for dessert)
xo
Jessica Brown says
I’ve been pretty social media free for about a week now. I am with you. I started to find myself filling my time with it and not being in the moment so I choose to cut it out. I took the apps off of my phone so that I have to log into them on my computer which I do about once a day while I’m cooking dinner on the side.
The highlight of my weekend was getting the cover built for our raised garden bed. We’ve had it for 3 years now but not getting as much out of it because of rabbits, squirrels and birds. We did all of the yard work including planting and mulching. I am so happy with how it turned out!
We planted a few flowers but we tend to go heavy on fruits and vegetables.
Have an awesome week Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessica!
I love that you did that. I turned my notifications off and I find myself getting on it much less! I’ll even put my phone in the kitchen drawer during movies lol
Wow that is so cool, and a great idea for those sneaky rabbits!!
Have a great week!!
Sonia says
Also going to Hawaii, soon! I had to scour your old posts re: Hawaii to figure out some places to eat at/visit!
Taralynn McNitt says
Which island? You’ll love it! xo
Sonia says
Going to Maui & Big Island (staying in Kona!) – your Kona suggestions look amazing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Sonia!! You’ll LOVE KONA!
Emily says
I think it’s so interesting when people turn their nose up at e-collars! We wouldn’t be where we were without one and I honestly don’t know how people control big/smart/active dogs without them haha.
Taralynn McNitt says
I have to agree. Our trainer made us feel them before we used them on our dogs. I was surprised at how mild the shock was and it felt like those little electric massagers you buy. We don’t ever have to use them because they are on their best behavior when they wear them. If we have to, we’ll use the vibrate setting and that does the trick.
Amy says
I love your hair!!! You are one of those lucky people that looks great with dark or light hair. I’m with you on the social media free weekends. I’ve tried it a couple of times recently, and it’s really refreshing! The highlight of my weekend was seeing Rampage with my family – we love The Rock;) I just bought a couple of hanging pots of flowers yesterday – now if I can just keep them alive. Have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Amy!
Thanks so much 😀 My hair has been at a “bleh” stage, so I’m just playing around with it! 😀
I totally agree! Refreshing is a great way to describe it.
Lol all of my neighbors have gorgeous hanging plants and all their porches put together! I’m slacking!
Have a great week as well!
Taralynn
Susie says
Your hair looks great! Can’t wait to see it lighter. What island are you going to? I’m planning our first trip to Maui and I’m so excited!
Poor Grumples, glad he’s feeling better. Leo is too cute, so impressive he walked so long without a leash -wow!
I have social media free weekends very often and I love it. I recently deactivated my Facebook account, I’m not on Twitter, but I do like Instagram and love Pinterest!
The highlight of my weekend was family movie night. I’m not into super hero/comic book movies like The Avengers which my husband and kids like so just relaxing at home in comfy clothes with lots of snacks and my loved ones watching a movie we all enjoy is special to me.
Nope, no flowers yet.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
Thank you so much 🙂
I’m heading to the Big Island! You’re going to LOVE Maui!! Pinterest is going to be your best friend.
Love that you do social media free weekends as well! It’s the best.
Ahhh love a good family movie night! Sounds like a blast and great way to spend quality time with the important ones!
Me either! haha
Have a great week!
Ashton says
YES! I just got the Magnolia cookbook too, I can’t wait to try and make her cinnamon bars! I had a pretty low key weekend but I would say the highlight was going to the movie to see Avengers Infinity War. Last weekend however we were at Disneyland for the Dapper Day Expo and the event. So it was fun to walk around all dressed up and see everyone else, thought it was a bit hot! I haven’t planted flowers however I did plant some succulents and a cactus. I try to avoid social media when I am out to dinner with my husband, I may take a picture of my food, but then I’ll put it away and we do our best to just be there with each other and talk. I hate looking over at couples & families and seeing everyone on there phones. I can’t wait to see and hear about your upcoming Hawaii trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ashton!
Those are the ones I’ve had my eyes on! I’m cinnamon obsessed.
Looks like you’ve been having some good weekends! I need to add Disneyland to my bucket list.
Love succulents! 🙂
I do the same when we are out and about! I take photos of food, but never on my social!
And thanks! I’m excited to go again!!
Tara says
The rice crackers look yummy! What brand are they?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Tara!
They are Arare Lotus Foods 🙂
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
You are like me with the Kite Hill spread! I literally eat it with EVERYTHING. People think I’m crazy because I rave about it so much but it’s THAT good.
I actually don’t have social media besides the blog and Pinterest. I 100% believe it makes me a happier person. People say we need to get one for the blog, but I’ve been dragging my feet because I know what’s down that rabbit hole. I think we’ll hold out a little longer :).
We had an amazing weekend, it’s hard to choose a highlight! But we did just buy a new chess board and we played our first game on it. I have yet to beat Ben… But it’s coming!
No flowers planted, but we have a hanging basket! Woo hoo spring time!
Also, I love that you want Leo to be a therapy dog. He’d be so perfect for it!
Happy Monday!
Taralynn McNitt says
For real, Susie! That stuff is addicting! My friend Meighan got me hooked on it!
I think it’s awesome that you don’t! If I didn’t have to use Insta for my business, I’d NEVER have it.
Just keep using your Pinterest for your blog until you want to! To be honest, Instagram is pretty oversaturated as it is.
Chess? I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO PLAY! It’s so intimidating to me lol Now Checkers?…I can do!
I think he would be perfect for it too! He just makes people happy and he’s so silly!
xo xo
Veronica Hendrix says
Taralynn, how do you cook the quinoa that you put in the omelet? Seems like i’d need a little flavor, so was wondering what you do there. 🙂
I tend to do more social media on the weekends than during the week, so I flip flop there. I helped move my older sister to the town I live in, so now I have 4 of my 5 siblings living in the same town as me- a first in a very long time! I recently cleaned up all my beds, am planting a few new roshbushes and planted some potted veggies. Will see if they all survive the Texas heat!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Veronica!
Sometimes, I’ll add a little onion and garlic powder with black pepper!
How exciting is that! My brother lives on the other side of the country lol
Rose bushes are on my agenda this summer! My neighbor has gorgeous lavender roses in her front law that inspired me!
Dana says
I’m trying for less social media, I moved the icon for Instagram a few screens away from my main one and edited who I’m following . It’s helped. I’m less Pinterest obsessed than a couple years ago so I mainly use it to store recipes and workouts now.
My apartment gets zero light so I planted a little indoor garden under a grow light this weekend.
I really like the front of your balayage. I’m going to show it to my stylist next visit.
Here’s a random question for you: do you use the smoothie blend Vega? I was going to order some and I wasn’t sure if it would work for protein pancakes too.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Dana!
That is such a great idea! I may have to try moving the icon now too.
A grow light is amazing! I need one.
Thanks so much! I can’t wait until it’s lighter! I’ve been itching for a change, and my hair tends to just turn red in the summer, so I thought the blonde would be fun!
I just use regular protein vega! 🙂
Dana says
Thank you 😀
Lee says
Thanks for always sharing! What does #reasonformymile mean? I might have missed that somewhere.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lee!
I have a highlight on my Instagram explaining it and mentioned it in my last recap post 🙂
Each day I’m dedicated one of my miles to something I struggle with or want to focus on.
Harriet says
Fantastic recap!! Your hair looks absolutely amazing! Oh your boys are so cute, Rainy dog walks are awesome, this weekend we had heavy rain and flooding but my dog still got her 5km walk in the muddy forest followed by a wash. I try to do 1-2 hours tech free every day, some days are easier then others depending on clients, I haven’t had a tech free weekend in months desperately need one, so good to help clear the mind. I haven’t planted any flowers yet but did finally dig over the vegetable garden and plant more vegetables for winter. Hope you have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Harriet!
Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Love that you also go for the long dog walks rain or shine! Helps with the rainy day blues!
Yes, I think we all need to be tech-free now and then!
You have such a green thumb! You go girl.
xo xo
Ann says
You’re doggies are so cute! I instantly felt your anxiety when you said Grumples was sick, oh those days I remember all too well. 😔 And Leo, I laugh every time I see him sitting, his legs all out and crazy! 🤪
Love the herbs/shelf, pretty and useful!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ann!
Thank you so much 😀 & I agree! Nothing fun about a sick dog 🙁 I hate that they can’t tell you what’s wrong!
Omg isn’t he so funny? He’s just like a frog!
xo
Dorothy says
You should try this coffee from my town! https://www.nineflagscoffeeroasters.com/
They just opened and they are amazing! They roast all their coffees out back. My favorite is the Costa Rica dark roast!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, I’ll definitely try this out!!
Kathy says
First off, just want to say I love your blog!
I do have a question though, obviously not everything you do can be posted to the blog, but is there a reason mentions of Kyle are vague? Is this because he would prefer to not be posted online? I’m just curious 🙂 I’m sure not everyone wants to be online!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kathy!
To be honest, I chose this whole “social media” life for myself, and choose to share all of my days. I don’t think it would be fair for me to plaster him all over the internet. Considering he doesn’t have social media, I think he likes it that way. I know that if I had kids, I’d never put them on the blog, and I want to treat him the same.
I still post the things we do, valentine’s posts, holidays with him and the family, but we are only together on the weekends, so most of the week it’s me and the dogs.
Hope you understand!
Taralynn
Sara says
Hey Taralynn!
I hope grumples feels better! I absolutely hate when dogs are sick! Also, the new hair looks awesome! Can’t wait to see how light you go when you’re back from the trip!
Can you link the spaghetti squash/turkey meat sauce recipe if there is an official one? I’m looking for a new sauce to make 🙂
Thank you! xoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sara!
I think he’s getting there! He’s doing much better today than he was Sunday and yesterday.
& thanks so much! Excited for some change 😀
Here is that recipe!!
https://simplytaralynn.com/2016/02/23/homemade-tomato-sauce-wtuttorosso-tomatoes-homemade-turkey-meatballs/
Casandra Reyes says
First things first… that is the cutest picture I’ve ever seen of you and Kyle! ❤️ You look completely happy and his love for you totally shines in that picture ❤️
I’ve been wondering what does Kombucha taste like? I know there a tons of flavors but I’m curious as to what to expect when I try it. Why is it so good for you? And how on earth do you pronounce it? Lol I’m not sure if I say it right in my head, I actually say it a few different ways in my head 😂
Great post! I’ve go to get my hands on that cream cheese! I love cream cheese and I’m sure a non dairy version is much better for you. I could eat cream cheese for days 🙊🙈 I’ll be making both your cookies this weekend too! I’ve had a major sweet tooth cake/cookie craving lately and my family and I decided to go gluten free a couple weeks back. It’s been good so far but being 6 months pregnant and craving chocolate cake or cookies is definitely not easy!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Cassandra!
Thank you so much. I love him more than anything! 🙂
It tastes like a soda and wine cooler mixed. lol Just fizzy and flavored! (that may have been an awful comparison lol) I don’t really know how to explain it!
YOU HAVE to try that cream cheese. IT’S SO GOOD!!!!
Well, I’m posting the chocolate chip cookie recipe tomorrow, so you’ll have to check that out!!
xo xo
Kelli says
I actually don’t have any social media (unless Pinterest counts?) so it’s pretty easy for me to unplug. I love it! I find myself getting to frustrated with friends who snap selfies mid conversation or are buried in their phone while were visiting.
I’m in a part-time masters degree program and I finished my final paper on Saturday! Now I have a 2 week gap before my next semester starts and I plan on reading a good book that has nothing to do with school!!!!!!!!
UGH no, I want to so bad but we’ve had such weird weather. I also know nothing about gardening so I’m afraid I’ll plan to early and everything will die 🙁
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelli!
That is so awesome! If I didn’t use it for my business, I don’t think I’d have it either!
You go, girl! I bet that feels amazing!
Make sure spring is locked in before! 🙂
Sally says
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS GIRL I LOVE THE BLONDE.
Pleaaaaaaase consider more frequent and shorter posts though. I get so distracted half way through and have to read everything four or five times, lol!
xxx
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sally!
Thanks so much!!! Lol, The weekly recaps are just how I do it around here 😉
Kate says
Your hair looks bomb!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Kate!
Brittany says
My favorite local coffee is http://www.honeybeecoffeeco.com/store/
They grind on Thursday and send out orders on Friday mornings! My favorite is the Harvester Blend. They have the cutest travel mugs too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much!!! Looks amazing!
Nancy says
Hey girl! I’ve loved reading your blog and have for years. You were one of the first people I ever followed as a blogger. Wanted to share this coffee that I love!! https://www.noblecoyotecoffee.com/
They are a micro roaster in Dallas and the coffee is absolutely amazing— I’ve tried several of their roasts and they are all great.
I always think of you when I pick up coffee bags from this roaster—I think you would love their beans & concept! Enjoy the rest of the week!
Nancy
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much!!! I’ll check that out!
🙂
Amanda Peterson says
What is the benefit to using Avocado Oil versus EVOO?
Taralynn McNitt says
It has a higher smoke point and can be cooked at higher temperatures.
Brittney Caughron says
Okay so I’ve been trying to use more avocado oil in my cooking for health purposes, but it smokes up my house like crazy. Should I be cooking my food at a lower temperature? lol I don’t know what to do, or what I’m doing wrong. Help! lol
Loved the post! Can’t wait to take my puppy on a hike. She’s 6 months old, but she is rowdy. I don’t trust her just yet to take her places. lol
Taralynn McNitt says
That is crazy? What kind of pan are you using? I’d make sure it’s a nonstick pan:)!
If I were you, I’d definitely put her in training now!:) Don’t wait until they are older! Learn from me lol
Brittney Caughron says
It’s a dark pan so maybe that’s why…hmmm lol I’ll have to make sure it is nonstick and see if it helps. 🙂
My husband and I are definitely thinking about it! We want to be able to take her places for sure! 🙂 Thank you!!
Taralynn McNitt says
No problem 🙂
Leila says
I think the one person who asked you about Kyle is because he really doesn’t seem very into you. You’ve been “dating” for more than one year now (might consider calling this a relationship eventually ? idk “dating” just seems so highschool-like) and it seems like you barely see each other or do anything together. I’m saying this because you report every single ingredient you put in your salads or your smoothie bowls so you’re kind of not fooling anyone when you say that you choose not to give us some details, or when you mention how “””in love””” you two are. Seems like a very bland relationship – err, sorry, “dating” stuff
Taralynn McNitt says
I guess you’re right. You seem to know a lot about our relationship. Time to end it!
Anonymous says
Yay !
Lauren says
Hi Taralynn, I just wanted to say that I think people are commenting on this stuff because you used to post so much about Kyle, and you really haven’t been lately. As someone who reads your blog a lot, I have wondered about some of the same things. Maybe he’s asked not to be on your blog so much because of work or something? I think some of these comments from people are a little rude, but so are your responses.
Taralynn McNitt says
People are investing way too much time in this. Sorry if you think I’m being rude, but I think this is completely ridiculous.
Natalija says
I think it’s beyond ridiculous that people feel so free to post comments like that,be openly rude and demand relationship details (!!!) while forgetting they are on a healthy food/lifestyle blog,and not on kim kardashian’s instagram where there are no limits to how much and at what emotional cost is disclosed/spoken about/exposed. Get hold of yourself,people,and if you yourself are that open about your own relationships that you are totally ready to discuss them in front of complete strangers or make a million posts about your second half,then I’d suggest a psychologist’s consultation should take place,because that’s just not healthy and in no way normal. Taralynn has nothing to prove to anyone in regards to her dating/relationship/lovelife/you name it. She has every right to write as little or as much about it or anything else as her heart desires.
Taralynn McNitt says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
Emily H says
Okay first of all, as someone who has read your blog for a really long time 1) I hate that people feel the need to comment on your relationship and 2) I honestly find it refreshing that you are an independent and self motivated person BUT that doesn’t mean you love your boyfriend any less…………geez.
On a different note haha, how did you get over people judging you when you were walking your dogs? We have been through training with our dog now (he was a rescue) and he is AWESOME in every single area except when we are walking him and come across another dog. He growls, barks, etc and we’re working on, but I just hate the judgmental looks I get. I know the more we work on it the better it will get, but I just get so anxious walking him right now.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Emily!:) I think it’s OK to enjoy the little things in a relationship like playing tennis together, walking the dogs, watching movies, and having extravagant things doesn’t mean your relationship is better than the next! I have never been happier in my life 🙂
To be honest, you just have to give a little apology as “sorry, we are working with him” or something little like that! Now that my dogs don’t freak out at other dogs, I get other peoples dogs lunging at them, and I don’t think any less! If they are going to judge, oh well! Just keep working with your pup, and one day you’ll have them asking how you got your pup so well trained! 😀
Kristi says
Hi Emily. I had a dog that would do the same as yours so I completely understand when you talk about judgmental looks. I would not worry about those folks. Keep thinking about your dog and walk with confidence. Dogs feel our anxiety and emotions so stay calm and just keep doing what you are doing. I am sending great thoughts!
Stacy says
What’s going on with the weird comments? I’ve been reading your blogs since you’ve pretty much started. It’s your blog, and you can say/do whatever you feel/want. Your main content is health/fitness. Whatever little extra tid bit you feel like adding is just a nice small little bonus for the rest of us to enjoy! No complaints here with how you’re doing things. I always look forward to reading the next!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Stacy!!!
Windy McConnell says
Hey lady do you know where your bowls are from? I love the look of them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi!
Those bowls are actually from Hobby Lobby!
Natalija says
So glad to hear about your technology-free weekend!(and what a relief to get replacement phone and computer so quick!) It really gives a breathe of fresh air and helps to be in the moment, mindful,aware,fully participating in life that’s taking place now.
I’ve never heard of “Magnolia table” recipe book before,so I’ll definitely check it out. (and I keep waiting for you to announce your own recipe book in the publishing!)
I always liked your photos, but I loved,loved,loved the ones in this blog,especially the steaming coffee cup one and the evening sun, gorgeous!
Leo and Grumples are cute beyond description and I remember them since the time they were much smaller! How time flies!
Have a lovely holiday and best wishes from the UK, we’ve had only +11C today and it’s May! (grrrr)