Good Morning, Everyone!
I hope you all had a great weekend, fun 4th of July holiday, and feel refreshed going into this week!
My week was very productive. I got so much done around my house that I hardly took any photos of my meals (wuuuut.) That’s because my meals consisted of grabbing some trail mix out of the bag, eating a protein pancake out of the pan, and diving into leftovers shoved into containers from the holiday. I plan to be better with my meals this week. That’s my goal.
Let’s get to the recap post! My favorite part of the week 🙂
I spent last Monday morning writing and commenting back to readers at Queen City Grounds. I had their oat milk latte with an extra shot of espresso (it’s glorious.) I also made sure to stay hydrated by drinking tons and tons of water because it was a hot one!
When I got back, I dove into one of my gluten free & no added sugar vegan peanut butter banana chocolate chip muffins! The night before, Kyle was going through the fridge looking for one and he even asked if there were any left. I gave a quiet “not sure.” But the truth is, I was definitely sure. I was sure there was one left in there because I hid it in the back. I wanted to save it for breakfast in the morning, and so I sent him this picture and confessed. He thought it was funny, and it was definitely worth every bite! They are just so goooooood! (the recipe is in my previous recap post)
Later in the evening, I headed to play tennis after dinner!
I had a grilled turkey burger and the last of my quinoa salad (the one I blogged on Sunday.)
On Tuesday morning, I walked Grumples down to the vet. He had a skin infection and really bad seasonal allergies, so I needed to get him medicated shampoo, antibiotics, and allergy medicine. He was such a good boy!
After the vet, I headed to Whole Foods to pick up some things for the house. They had my favorite protein powder on sale for $24! (Orgain)
Leo is obsessed with running around in the hose water, so I spent about a half hour just spraying him. He goes nuts and when it’s hot outside, it’s a great way for him to get all his energy out while staying cool!
I had three hard boil eggs and a protein shake for dinner. My shake had 2 scoops chocolate protein powder (orgain), cashew milk, kale, mint leaves, ice, spirulina, and ginger.
I made some delicious vegan blueberry muffins on Tuesday night to keep in the house. I used the same recipe for the vegan chocolate chip ones, but added blueberries instead! They turned out great 🙂 I made some videos that I’ll post on my IG story later today!
I’m so good at organizing closets, but so bad at keeping closets organized.
Kyle and I spent 4th of July morning tackling the pantry closet. He took charge, and I just let him do his thing! He’s actually really good at organizing and minimizing. I, however, am not. But, I do try!
We took everything out of the closet, put things in jars, threw things in the donate box, and organizing things into sections. We took a trip to Good Will to drop off some boxes and then headed to Bed Bath and Beyond to get some baskets to keep items in sections. (there will be no more shoving and throwing 😞 )
The baskets were a game changer! They were super inexpensive and I need to order more for the bathroom and other closets in the house. I organized them into baking, canned, oils, snacks, powders, and the random! It felt so good to tackle the cabinet, and we are planning to do the coat closets and storage closets this weekend.
After cleaning the kitchen, I made a lemon blueberry Chex mix! The awesome people at General Mills sent me a cute kit to make the mix, and I thought it would be a great treat to bring over to my parent’s house for the 4th of July! The mix had 1 cup of white chocolate chips, 6 cups of their Blueberry Chex Mix (IT’S SO GOOOOOOD) 1 cup powdered sugar, and I added 2 teaspoons of lemon extract (I didn’t have any lemons in the house.) It was so tasty!
We spent the afternoon swimming at my parent’s house, playing backyard games, and grilling.
We had hibachi vegetables, sweet corn, kale salad, and ribs (TBH I don’t really like ribs, but I try to like them.)
Kyle and I walked the dogs when we got back to the house later in the evening, and then we were out! We couldn’t even get halfway through the show we’ve been watching. If you’re looking for a new Netflix binge, watch Marcella!
I spent Thursday blogging all about my snorkeling trip in Hawaii! Make sure to check that out if you haven’t had the chance! I took some fun pics under the water and shared which camera I used.
I had a blueberry muffin and eggs for dinner, and then planned on hanging out in my room while working on a few things for the rest of the night, but when Kyle asked if I wanted to play tennis, I hopped out of bed super fast and got a second whim of energy! I hardly ever turn down tennis.
It felt like fall outside.
It was breezy and 80-degrees! We ended up playing for several hours, and had so much fun! I’m going to film Kyle and I’s next match against each other for a YouTube video. I need you guys to see my serve. I’ve perfected it and it’s NASTY! 😂
As you can see, I’m still obsessed with my Elemental Bottle.
I was soooooooooooooooo excited for Friday morning!
Becca and I made plans to float down the Catawba River! Remember when we did this last year? If not, you can read all about it here! That post has the tube details and some tips if you plan on taking a river adventure of your own.
I woke up at 6 am to have coffee, and pack up the car! We decided to start early this year because of how hot it gets during the day. We started the float around 9:30 am.
I packed us some fresh fruit in a container for our float. It had blackberries, strawberries, peaches, kiwi, and grapes.
I also stopped at CVS to pick up some extra snacks! You get hungry when floating down the river for three hours!
This is my favorite photo of Becca (#sarcasm)
We think the tube was leaking air somewhere. We were shocked we made it to the end of the river without sinking. We were nearly underwater by the time we were finished. My prayers must have been answered because we made it.
When we floated last year, so many people were on the river. This year, we were practically the only ones. We passed a group of kayakers, and that was it during the three hours.
After hours of floating, we were ready for some espresso! We decided to try out Southern Sugar in downtown Fort Mill. I’m so glad we did because this place was adorable, and the coffee was incredible! I’m already having withdrawals.
I ordered an oat milk latte with an extra shot of espresso. I can’t wait to go back and try out their breakfast! If you’re ever in the Fort Mill area, make sure to stop in! You won’t regret it.
I bet this place is so cute in the fall!
I had mud all over my back legs, a wet swimsuit on, sunscreen plastered to my body, and wet jean shorts. You bet I was ready to go home and shower! After getting cleaned up, I walked the dogs with Kyle and then had a burger patty and salad for dinner.
We finished watching Marcella and then I headed to bed. I was exhausted. I’m always ready for bed when 10 pm rolls around!
Becca and I got so lucky because as soon as I finished dinner, a HUGE storm rolled in! If we were out on the river in that weather, we’d be screwed.
On Saturday morning, we headed out to pick up a vanity that I purchased on Facebook Marketplace. I was so excited to refurbish it for the bedroom. I’m really trying to make my bedroom cozy and putting it together has been the hardest for some reason. I think it was really missing this piece!
I headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up some paint, knobs, multi-surface stripper, and brushes so I could work on my project!
I stripped some of the parts of the vanity, and then added the first coat of paint! You can strip or sand the entire piece, but I’m too impatient. I decided to do more paint coats and used a primer on the legs.
I took a break from the vanity and headed to go play evening tennis with Kyle and my parents. We played for about three hours! Again, it felt like fall outside. This is so rare for July in the south.
We walked the dogs when we got home, and then I got cleaned off, and headed to bed! I wanted to wake up early and work on my vanity!
I spent the early hours blogging my quinoa salad and then walking the dogs.
And after that? You guessed it! VANITY TIME! I added another coat. I was going to give it more of a distressed look, but I really liked the classy cream paint for the bedroom.
While the second coat dried, I helped Kyle do his meal prep for the week, and then had breakfast. I had two eggs and sweet potatoes.
Kyle and I headed over to the courts for more tennis in the afternoon! It was so much fun 🙂
The vanity was finally ready to go upstairs! I couldn’t wait to see it in my bedroom.
The knobs are so fun because you can change them anytime you want!
I have to pick up a couple more of these for the bottom, but they were out. I’ll check back next week, and then show more updates once it’s all put together.
My room is finally coming together! I am going to order a cute little vanity stool to go with the vanity 🙂
We made a Blue Apron for dinner and then watched Naked and Afraid before falling asleep.
Questions for you!
- Have you ever floated down the river?
- What was the last thing you refurbished?
- In one word, tell me what you’re going to work on bettering this week?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m going to better my week by procrastinating less! In general I’m not that terrible when it comes to procrastinating, but this week, I want to take a stronger hold of the issue. 🙂 Lovely blog post, by the way! ❤️❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Charmaine!
I love your goals for the week! xo I’m a big procrastinator too! I’m right there with you on getting things done!
Krista says
Ah I used to not like ribs either! But mine was because of food poisoning from some as a kid with one of my brothers 🙁 I don’t eat meat anymore, so it’s not an issue, but oh man, I couldn’t even look at them for years because of that. I seriously need to try out those muffins, especially with blueberries. My husband loves blueberries, but he never remembers to eat them whenever we get them, so these are the perfect way to use them up (without me having to power my way through them, haha)!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Krista!
Oh, no!!! That’s definitely not something I’d want. I had food poisoning as a kid with mozzarella sticks and never looked at them the same.
Lol, luckily these muffins are so easy to make and you can just keep them in the fridge for the both of you!
Ann says
I love to float down rivers!! That is awesome that you made it the whole way with a small leak! I really love the vanity…you did a great job! I have tried to refurbish many times but mine never turn out that good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Ann!
I’m so happy we made it too lol
It’s always something with Becca and I!
My refurbish projects usually don’t end up looking great either! That is why I went nuts with excitement over this one!
Meghan says
Your vanity looks awesome! I went to a friends camp this weekend and we floated down the river there, it was so fun! We are planning to do it again soon! The last thing I refurbished was a leaning wall mirror for my bedroom, I just repainted the frame. I’m going to work on organization too this week! My husband is out of town for work so I’m planning to spend my time after work organizing things in our apartment and donating stuff we’re not using to cut down on clutter.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Meghan!
It’s so relaxing 🙂 If I lived on a river, I’d do it weekly!
Ahhh love that idea! I was going to do that but finding the right mirror it the hardest part.
That is what I plan on doing for the next few months! Let me know how it goes! xo
Kelly says
How do you not get lonely during the day while everyone is working? I also work from home but its rough some days!
Taralynn McNitt says
I keep myself extremely busy. Having someone around while writing ould be a big distraction. Luckily I have dogs for some company! And if I need a break, I’ll just go out for a walk, or get some chores done.
Linda @ the Fitty says
Hooray for baskets! They`re a saver for getting organized. Since Kyle meal preps, does it inspire you to also prep your own meals?
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely great for organizing!
Since I work from home, I don’t really prep my meals, but it does inspire me to prepare foods in advance! He always inspires me to make healthier choices!
Heather says
Hi Taralynn!
What is the organizer you used on you vanity? I know you’ve mentioned it before but I forget! I need to get it!
It looks great by the way!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Heather!
Here is the link to the organizer! 🙂
Paige says
Your hair is so cute curly!! 😊 I love floating down rivers in the summer, so fun! And I’ve only been home 2 days in the past 10 days for fun 4th of July plans, so now I’m looking forward to a week of resetting my sleep, working out, and eating better —and really looking forward to it 😊
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Paige!
That’s all it does nowadays lol
It’s nice to get away, but nothing feels better than a consistent routine!!
Have a great week!
Devin says
Your vanity looks great!
I love your blog for inspiration 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Aww!!
Thank you, Devin!!
Patricia says
The vanity looks so good! I love DIY furniture projects…I found a battered side table from the side of the road last year and spray painted it metallic, and it’s probably one of the most complimented pieces of furniture in my house.
PS – I read “Behind Closed Doors” by BA Paris based off of your recommendation….so so creepy! Probably the most disturbing thing was the puppy part 🙁 lol as a dog lover you were probably super scarred.
Have you heard of Ruth Ware? She writes similar thriller page turners and I promise you will love her!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Patricia!
Thanks so much 🙂
Glad you read that book, definitely read her others! (promise no more puppies) I just know it’s fiction so it didn’t bother me. But yet, so sad!! Read “The Breakdown” next!
I actually had a couple people recommend her books!
Alyssa says
Consistency. In all aspects of my life. You inspired me to blog and move to the south, so I’ve been trying to be consistent with that, but with working it’s hard. Also with working out.
Taralynn McNitt says
Consistency can be hard, that’s why we have to find a consistency that works 🙂
Blogging is a wonderful outlet and I’m so glad you’re joining!
Jala says
No salads this week? This is a new you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha It is for sure! lol
I had kale…does that count?
Chase says
When will you be going back to L.A.?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hopefully soon! Need to see my brother!!
Shauna says
I’ve never refurbished anything but want to do a dresser my grandmother gave me that I put in my daughters nursery. Maybe soon! This week I want to try and better myself when it comes to working out. I have an infant now and work full time so the gym doesn’t fit well into my schedule but I’ve found some at home workouts to do! My husband is deployed and my goal is to get back to my pre-pregnancy body (or close to it…babies change your body!) before he comes home!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Shauna!
I bet that would be a fun project! I love going through old dressers that have been refurbished on Pinterest. I made one into a T.V. stand once.
At-home workouts are the best when you have a little one for sure. Or long stroller walks:)
Tell your husband thank you for his service! 💜
Cailee says
I don’t like ribs either!
I am going to work on being more in the moment and try not to get distracted by Instagram stories.
The last thing I refurbished was my kitchen table. I painted it white!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve tried, but they’re just a bit “fatty” for my preference.
I need to do that too. I find myself browsing stories/pictures to distract me from my actual work.
I bet that is so cute!!!! I kind of want to do that same 🙂
Jessie says
Where is your white tank top from?
Taralynn McNitt says
I bought it at Dick’s Sporting Goods for like $7! It’s Reebok!
Jen says
How fun!
What do you use to edit your photos? I love them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jen!
I use Lightroom 😀
Katie Meshko says
Girl your pantry is total goals! 🙂 I absolutely love love loveeeee your vanity.. it turned out soo good!!!! My husband and I recently refurbished a dining table and It looks awesome … I’ll probably share it on my blog soon! It’s amazing what a little paint can do 😉
Have a wonderful week <3
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Katie!!!
I can’t wait to see pics of your table! I need to do mine soon.
xo
Rachel says
Floating down the river looks like so much fun!! There’s a place up here in New Jersey where you can float down the river, and after about an hour I think, there’s a river hot dog stand. Not going to say no to that!
Also love the way you refurbished that vanity. I’m thinking about buying a house in the next few months, and I am so excited to have a permanent space to call my own!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Rachel!
It’s such a blast 😀
Lol a river hotdog stand…GENIUS!
Congrats on buying! It’s nice to have a place you can invest in!! It’s so fun with all the projects 😀
Susie says
You made me giggle with the story of you hiding that last muffin, especially since I’m guilty of doing the same! And I can tell you felt bad fibbing. Lol, you’re too cute. I have no shame!
Your vanity looks gorgeous – you did great. I love the classic and simple look of it and it’s perfect in that corner. I’ve never refurbished anything, but I’ve been thinking of doing my nightstands. But time is not my friend these days…
Yummy -that lemon Chex mix! Yucky -those ribs. I don’t like ribs either or chicken wings, or any meat on the bones.
I love how you and Becca keep your traditions of hiking and floating, that is real quality time. And that picture of Becca came out great, haha!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol, I just wanted it so bad in the morning!!! I thought Kyle would think it was funny anyway and he did!
Thanks so much. I had so much fun remodeling it! Hopefully, you can find some time to do it. It’s pretty relaxing to get sucked into a DIY project.
I can totally do chicken wings…but ribs get me…ehhh
Yes, we are both crazy busy and live 45-min apart now, but try hard to make plans and stick to them! xo
Kelli says
Have you ever floated down the river?
YES! SO much fun! We now live in an area completely surrounded by lakes and rives, but no one floats?! All of the rivers do lead into Lake Superior and I’m wondering if that’s why, but you could easily float to the lake and then get in your car…what the heck!
What was the last thing you refurbished?
My fireplace! It was all white fake brick with a white mantel. We stained the mantel a dark cherry red and put up Airestone over the fake brick. It’s gorgeous and I’m proud of it 🙂
In one word, tell me what you’re going to work on bettering this week?
Organization/sense of calm. I’m 6 months pregnant (yay) and realizing how little time will be available for cleaning and organizing the house once baby is here (between work, school and internship, yikes!) so I’m making adjustments now that I’m hoping will stick!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelli!
Maybe they just need you to make it a trend! Only takes one person 🙂
oooooo that sounds amazing!!!
Congrats, Kelli!! Only three more months to go!!
Jenna says
Have you ever floated down the river?
I used to float and kayak in the river in my town all the time, but now the water is so dirty and unhealthy that I don’t get in it. It’s sad but the truth. But we have an annual trip we take to Ginnie Springs which is more North in Florida. We get floats and all float down the river and into the springs. The water is always like 70 degrees and it’s gorgeous! Not to mention, so much fun. I like the double seater tube that yall used. We buy singles and then use string to keep up with each other since we’re flowing down stream.
I don’t think I’ve ever refurbished something. But I want to, we watch the curbs the night before trash pickup to see if anyone throws out anything good.
I’m going to work on going to bed earlier and going back to the gym. I’ve been so busy and just keep putting it off.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jenna!
Are there gators in the waters where you float? I’d be terrified!!
Our tube was very useful with the cooler built in 🙂 Felt like a luxury chair!
Lol that’s a good place to find some treasure!
I feel ya, girl!!
Jenna says
Yes definitely Gators. The saying in Florida is: Where there’s water, there’s a gator. Even in your swimming pools, it’s happened before. Not to me personally though. Yeah I was just talking to my friend about our upcoming trip and we were both talking about gators being in the water there. I am terrified, but once I’m in the water I honestly don’t even think about it. They are more afraid of us than we are of them. Plus there is so many people.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I got gator anxiety just reading this comment lol
Jordan says
Beautiful photos like always – even if it wasn’t of your meals… 🙂
I have floated down a river but I enjoy being able to cruise around in my kayak a little more! It lets me get into the nooks and crannies of places that a tube might not!
The last thing I refurbished was an end table. I was also too impatient to sand/strip the entire thing but it turned out alright!
One thing that I want to work on this week: Planning. We are camping this weekend, so I have to plan meals, pack all the gear (and make sure nothing is forgotten!), and make sure that the animals are taken care of while we are away. Luckily, we are camping with friends and family, so if anything is missed, I’m sure we will be able to borrow!
I hope you have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jordan!
Thanks so much 😃
I need to get a Kayak asap. I just need to figure out how to load it, or paddle upstream lol
I’m so impatient tooooo!
I’m bad at planning too…You’re going to have so much fun camping!! And it’s good you’re staying with friends and family! 🙂
Have so much fun and make sure to come back and tell me all about it!!
Nadeen says
Your cabinet cleanout was very satisfying to watch on Instagram.
I need to go do the same!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol, thanks, Nadeen!
Susie | Mile High Dreamers says
The before and after pictures of your cabinet were SO satisfying haha. It’s seriously magical what a simple basket or container can do. We went crazy at The Container Store and totally redid our fridge and it’s AMAZING. Plus I feel like it helps you eat better!
We have the creek in Boulder to float down but honestly now that I’m a little older I realize how scary and sketchy it is haha. There’s like, an 85% chance you’ll wreck yourself on a rock and it’s way too fast. Not my cup of tea anymore!
Never have I ever refurbished anything but I need to. I think I’m just intimidated by that first one. Your posts always inspire me to try though and it’s insane that it looks like a completely different piece of furniture with just a few tweaks!
This week I’m focusing on productivity. I’m usually super productive but this heat wave is making me feel so BLAH because we have no AC so our house is stuffy and hot and it makes me want to do NOTHING. To do lists have been my best friend lately!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
Lol, I don’t go into the container store because I get in trouble…TOOOOOO easy to buy it all.
Yeah…I don’t think I’d be down for that type of ride either lol
You can totally refurbish things!! You are so crafty
Speaking of AC, my upstairs unit decided to stop working last night! I have the repairman coming. That’ll be fun! lol But productivity is a GREAT thing to work on!
Olivia says
Where is your stripe top from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Target from like three years ago!
Michaela says
I love your vanity!!!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you! 😀
Jessie says
We have been floating on the river in Montana for years! You would love it here.
Taralynn McNitt says
OMG I LOVE MONTANA!
I went when I was eighteen and floating down the clear river was amazing!
You’re so lucky to live there!
Chasidy says
Is the river safe to float on?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yup!!
Raya says
Glad you found Southern Sugar! I love that place. I’ll have to try out their oat milk!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes, it’s so good!!!
Casey says
No I have never floated down a river but would love to. I did actually do the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon at Disney, but that doesn’t count, still fun though! Your vanity looks great, you did an awesome job. Better this week: remember reusable grocery bags (I always forget mine in the trunk of my car!).
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve been trying really hard to stick to reusable as well!
Lol I love lazy rivers!!!
Harriet says
Wow pantry goals!! And that vanity looks incredible !! The paint has completely transformed it. The last thing I refurbished was my grandmas piano chair, I restained the wood then replaced the leather topper and added brass tacks for detail, it was a surprise for my mums birthday. But currently refurbishing two beach Buggys if they count! Floating down river is so much fun! And your photos are stunning. A several years ago our graduating class floated down a river into the lake and got the water taxi to pick us up. Only down side it rained all day but still had heaps of fun. Fantastic recap! Hope you have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Harriet!!
Thanks so much 🙂
That sounds like a gorgeous refurbish project and it’s so thoughtful that it was for your mom.
Lol I think the rain probably made it more adventurous!! xo
Meg says
Are tou going to post about Kyle moving in????
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol, no. I mentioned it on my Instagram, but there really is nothing to “post” about.
Cait says
I’d like to hear more about this too, it’s a big step in a relationship! I understand Kyle wants to maintain some privacy but it’s odd to barely acknowledge something as big as moving in together when we get such in depth information on everything else.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Cait.
I understand where you are coming from.
I leave most things about our relationship off the blog. I love to talk about the small stuff, but Kyle does want his privacy and I totally understand that. I acknowledged that he moved in when someone asked, but I’m not sure what more I can share? I think because we’re together most of the time, I didn’t think of it as that big of a deal. It’s been something we’ve been talking about for the past year, and it was finally the right time. I can’t share why he moved in without getting into details about his personal life, and maybe further down the line I’ll do a post with tips on how to live with your significant other, but right now we are just getting settled in together.
Amanda Peterson says
Love the pantry organization! Also, I refinished some dressers a few years back and my mom gave me the idea to have glass cut for the top. Genuis! That way, nothing sticks to the paint, and it’s much easier to clean without worrying about messing up the paint. Just a suggestion! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes, my dad always has glass cut for his dresser projects! Helps when you have things on the surface! I bet your dresser looks awesome 🙂
Tara says
A while ago you posted a picture of your living room coffee table. Where is it from?? I love your vanity!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Tara!
My dad actually built it for me for my birthday a few years ago!
Tara says
He did an awesome job! I’ve been looking everywhere for a similar one 🙂
Lizzie says
I have never been river floating but I would like to! The fruit you brought looks great. How do you bring the cooler on the float? What about your phone?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lizzie!
I bought a float that has a built-in cooler, so we can just put all of our stuff in it! It also has a “dry” cubby that we put our waterproof bags in. I also put my phone in a waterproof case 🙂
Whit says
Your vanity looks great. Where did you buy the paint?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hobby Lobby!