Happy Monday, Everyone!
Can you believe it’s December already? If you haven’t heard, I’m participating in Vlogmas this year. If you don’t know what Vlgomas is, no worries! I didn’t know what it was until I had a few people asking me if I’d participate. Well, it’s just video vlogging every day in December leading up to Christmas. This is my cup of tea, and I’m enjoying it so far! If you haven’t checked out my videos yet, make sure to do so! Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and start watching. Not only will they bring my recaps to life, but they’ll show you some things that you won’t find here. They’ll also put you in the holiday spirit!
This week was filled with so many fun and exciting things. My Tuesday had the best start because my new couch finally arrived! ♥️ Even though it looks open and free right now, I have covers all over it, so the dogs don’t scratch it with their nails. I had been looking for a light sectional like this for so long, and I finally found it. This wasn’t the original one I was going to buy when I went into the furniture store, but after seeing it, I fell in love with it. When I saw that it was 50% less expensive than the first one, I fell even more in love with it. Of course, I spent the rest of my day having coffee and working on my couch.
Later on Tuesday evening, I headed to the gym with Kyle! I just did a light three mile was at a slight incline while listening to a podcast (Off The Vine With Kaitlyn Bristowe.) Yes, I like junkie podcast and reality television shows. No worries, I love Dateline too. For dinner, I had a bowl of spinach and arugula with garlic tahini, some cheddar crackers (the ones from day two vlogmas video) some avocado, and chive Kite Hill cream cheese.
After spending the day working on Wednesday, I put up all the Christmas tree decorations (also on Vlogmas day one video!) After decorating, I made a salad with crab smart (I know it’s weird that I like this), avocado, spinach, arugula, sweet potatoes (well what was left of them), quinoa, and a honey mustard vinaigrette. I finished up watching The Princess Switch on Netflix while I had dinner. If you’re looking for a cheesy and cute Christmas movie, that’s one to add to the list.
While Leo was getting groomed on Thursday afternoon, my friend, Caitlin, and I decided to ice skate at the Winter Wonderland rink at Southpark Mall. We had a blast, but next time, I’m bringing my own skates! It was almost impossible to skate in these clunkers.
When I got home, I had some bagels halves with avocado, kite hill, and a fried egg on top. I also cooked some quinoa in with my eggs.
I was excited to start Friday morning with some festive protein pancakes. It’s vlogmas, so you have to go festive or go home! I made some of my favorite protein pancakes, but a Christmas tree eggnog version! The tutorial can be found in my Vlogmas Day one video! 😊
On Friday afternoon, Caitlin and I headed to Anders Ruff workshop! My friend, Meighan and I went last March, and that’s when I became obsessed with this place! Our instructor was telling me that I could host a workshop with readers as a meet and greet sometime if I wanted to. If you live close to the Charlotte area and would be interested, let me know! That may be fun.
This workshop was such a fun way to kick off the holiday season! Caitlin made a boho pedestal, and I made a Merry Christmas porch sign. (this is the best photo of me)I was so excited to try out Haymaker in Uptown Charlotte. I had walked by this place so many times, and it’s been on my bucket list for a while.
Please, if you’re ever in the area, stop in there! You will not regret it at all. The service, the food, the atmosphere, and simply everything was exquisite! I started with a glass of La Puerta Malbec. We ordered an heirloom lettuce salad to start. It had shaved fennel, sunflower seeds, farmstead cheese, crispy farro, and a citrus herb dressing. Fresh and perfect.
For my dinner, I had a Grilled NY Strip with heirloom fall squash, harukei turnips, mushrooms, and salsa verde. We also had fingerling potatoes and roasted carrots for our extra small plates. We were rolling out of there by the time we were done!
This was one of the greatest nights and the best way to kick off Christmas!
On Saturday morning, I headed to play tennis with the group. Unfortunately, we got rained out after 45-minutes! I decided to use up the extra three hours and go shopping for all of the Christmas decor for the house. For my snack, I had a gingerbread RXBAR!
On my Vlogmas Day two video, I’m giving you guys the whole downstairs tour and taking you guys along on my holiday shopping so make sure to tune in! Look how cute those pillows are!!
I decided to put my porch sign inside because it looks so cute next to the tree.
🎄 ♥️
I had a light lunch. My salad had butter lettuce (which I love lately) my crab smart, avocado, quinoa, and some of my FAVORITE plant snacks!
I decided to finally sit down for the first time all day and enjoy my favorite at-home dairy-free peppermint mocha latte!
For dinner, Kyle and I had green beans with butternut squash and homemade chicken nuggets! (our faveeeee!!!)
For dessert, I had gluten & dairy free oreo ball! We made these for the blog, so that recipe will be up soon. I’ll also be doing a video for them for Vlogmas! On Sunday morning, I had a strawberry protein shake for breakfast! It had strawberries, almond milk, ice, and protein powder.
I was excited to pull out my 6-year-old favorite Christmas shirt! I was meeting up with Becca for a fun day together.
We decided to try out Lights Cafe in Ballantyne! It’s been on our list for a while, and it’s the perfect half-way point between the houses. I mentioned this before, but Becca and I now live 50-minutes away from each other. It stinks, but we’re making that long-distance relationship work. 😂We split some avocado taste that left our lips ON FIRE! Despite the burn, it was really good. Becca ordered a dark roast pour-over, and I had a cashew almond cappuccino. What do we think of this place? We loved it!
One thing I was excited for was our plan to shop from the donation’s list and drop off some much-needed supplies at the humane society. If this is something you’re interested in doing, go to your local shelter’s website, print off their list of needs, and just drop off a few things. Even if it’s just your old towels, some detergent, or food. EVERY SMALL AMOUNT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE ♥️
We had so much fun seeing the sweet animals, and I’m going to see what I can do about adopting a cat! I’m nervous because of the dogs, but goodness do I love cats, and this sweet baby would be such a great fit.
After leaving the shelter, we headed to Akahana sushi bar for lunch. We started with big house salads and then ordered some sushi rolls. I had the spicy tuna and the surf n turf. We love this place because they do BOGO sushi rolls. Plus, they have the best ginger dressing.
We had such a fun day, and I feel so full of all the fun activities I did last week! Now, I’m getting ready to head out and get a few things for the bathroom and bedroom for that holiday tour tomorrow! Don’t forget to check out Vlogmas, enter the giveaways, and leave a comment over there with a ♥️ 🎄! Again, thank you all for reading today’s blog, and always being so kind to me! Hope you have a great start to your December!
Questions for you!
- Do you have a holiday recipe you want me to try? Email it to me! I want to recreate a recipe of yours for Vlogmas.
- Do you have cats and dogs?
- Are you in the holiday spirit yet?
BELOW ARE THE VLOGMAS VIDEOS FROM THIS WEEK!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love the Christmas decor in your home, Taralynn! Getting all the festive feels looking at your photos. 🙂 Those Christmas-themed protein pancakes look super cute too! It’s the little things in life. 🙂 ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Charmaine!!!!
Brooke says
It sounds like a lot of fun you have been having. I also have been loving your vlogs. The music is cute and fun, and goes along so nicely with the photographs and video clips.
For the questions, I have a cat who is part demon. I love her to death though and couldn’t ever part with her. She knows how to use the system of smuggling after a moment of her attitude. I hope to get a dog in the future to complete my little family.
I haven’t fully gotten into the Holiday spirit, but your vlogs have been changing that. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Brooke!!
AHAHAHA my brother’s cat is part demon too. Maybe she’s just missing a dog 😉
Maybe today’s will help! Holiday room tour coming soon! xo xo
Sam says
I always love following along with every recap post! I absolutely love your new couch, it looks beautiful and fits the space perfectly! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Sam!!!!
Jessica Nuttall says
Yes! I would love to see a healthier version of my favorite Christmas coffee cake!
I have one dog & two cats. My husband is a cat person and I’m a dog person lol. With our little terrier, we had zero problems – they played together, slept together, ate together…it was great! With our German Shepherd mix, its definitely harder, as he’s very reactive to the cats running & playing. We do our best to keep everyone calm, but its an on-going thing for us. We’ve made it work, but we will always have to monitor them!
Yes! I have been working on finishing up (hah, and still starting) Christmas presents and I can’t wait! I love this season!
Taralynn McNitt says
ohhhhhhh sounds like something I’d love! I’ll start looking for a recipe for healthy coffee cake to review! Is there one in particular that you’d recommend?
Sounds like what Grumples would be like!
I love the season too! I’m going to be doing the Christmas shopping soon!
Carter says
You have got to adopt that sweet little kitten! I absolutely adore cats and used to have them, but my husband is severely allergic to them and has been really wanting a golden doodle actually. You look like you had such a fun and Christmas filled week!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love her so much!!! I just really worry about the aggressiveness of Grumples and the cat! It scares me a little. We are seriously talking about it!!
Jenna says
I think one of my favorite Christmas foods is Watergate salad! So yummy!
I have two cats & 1 dog. They “fight play” but otherwise they get along just fine <3
Have been in the holiday spirit since a few days before Thanksgiving!
LOVE your house and the way it's decorated!
Taralynn McNitt says
omg! LOVE watergate salad!! Maybe I’ll make a dairy-free version this year!
I think it’s so cute when dogs and cats play! When I was watching Kona in Hawaii, I’d find them cuddling together and my heart melted!
♥️ thank you so much!
Anastasia says
Taralynn I am LOVING vlogmas! It is so fun to see your recap posts come to life!!
After watching your videos I am getting more into the Christmas spirit. I am still in school and finals are next week so it has been a bit of a struggle to be merry and bright! Haha!
Keep up the amazing content — I can’t wait for that oreo ball recipe!
xoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Anastasia!!!!
I’m so happy that you’re getting into the holiday spirit! That’s what I love about doing the videos!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Lyric Madden says
I have been eyeballing the Anders Ruff workshop for a while now. I live in Fort Mill, and would love a meet and greet where we make some awesome home décor at the same time~! My birthday is at the end of the month, and I have been trying to find a cool place I’ve never tried before for a birthday dinner. Haymaker just may be the place.
Taralynn McNitt says
Don’t hesitate! Do it for sure 💜 I am thinking about doing it in February!
Seriously Haymaker will not disappoint! The Christmas market is right across the street so you can make it a trip!
Carly T says
I LOVE your couch, it looks great!
I have a dog, Moose!
I am defiantly in the holiday spirit! I’ve got the tree up, decorations up and christmas shopping done! I LOVE your christmas decor!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Carly!!!
Ahhhhhh how’s Moose doing!?!? (always my fave dog name!!)
I bet your house is soooo festive! ❤️
Natalija says
Hi Taralynn, I simply cannot describe just how much I’m looking forward to your Christmas related posts every year! There’s some magic in them for me and I just get so much inspiration and immediately move on to my own holiday season related preparations. And just how cute were those festive protein pancakes! Your living room looks so,so gorgeous with all those Christmas decorations. Cannot wait for more festive posts! Have a lovely month!
Taralynn McNitt says
That means so much to me, Natalija!!
thank you!!!!!
Amber O. says
Love your Vlogmas videos so far! It is really fun to see a different side of things. I have 2 crazy dogs and they will chase after anything that runs. We live in the mountains so they’ll try to run after anything from bunnies to deer!
We hunted for the perfect Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving and the entire house is decorated. Now to finish gift shopping!! Haha
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Amber!
Thank you so much 😊 My dogs will do the same!
OH YES! gift shopping…Luckily, vlogmas will inspire me to do it soon!
Jamenson says
Holy shizzzz! I’m loving your Vlogmas so far!
Taralynn McNitt says
ahhhhh!!!! thank you!!
Anonymous says
GET A CAT!
Taralynn McNitt says
I want to!!!
Kam says
I love that you visited the shelter! Great post as always.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Kam!!
Anonymous says
Have you ever seen the show the goldbergs? You look just like the actress who plays the daughter!!
For real!
Taralynn McNitt says
I haven’t seen that show, but I know who the daughter is because I get told that a lot! lol
Katie says
Your living room looks awesome & I love that Christmas sign that you made! SOOO cute! <3
XO Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
thanks so much, Katie!
Jane says
You’re so cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️
Zoe says
Every year for as long as I can remember, my mom makes shepherd’s pie! & My favorite dessert is our peanut butter blossoms.
When we moved into our new house, some cats kinda came with it (country living, lol) and at first I wasn’t happy about it. But eventually all the cats disappeared except one. And I LOVED her. But she disappeared a few weeks ago and hasn’t been back. 🙁
YES. Personally I love Thanksgiving & I like to get through that before diving into Christmas….but we put up our Christmas decor & started playing Christmas music this weekend & it makes me feel so happy!
Taralynn McNitt says
Peanut butter blossoms….YUM!!!!
oh nooooo 😔 maybe she’s just exploring and she’ll be back soon!!
Love that you’re getting festive and into the Christmas spirit!
Amy jade says
YouTube is such a good fit for you! I’m addicted to cleaning and decorating videos and would love to see a cleaning video from you as you sometimes mention epic cleaning that you do.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Amy!! Thank you so much!! Yes that would be so fun!
Erica says
I hope you are able to adopt the cat!!
I adopted a very skittish cat from a local shelter, it took some time but now she and my dog get along great 🙂 I think it just takes time for them to bond, with lots of patience it will be worth it! It took 3 months for my cat to let me touch her and now she is crawling into my arms whenever I am sitting on the couch or at the table. Adopted animals always have so much love to give 🙂
Also loving vlogmas! A lot of inspiration for my own decorating 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Erica! Appreciate you story on introducing them!
Amanda says
Hi Taralynn! Great post, as always 🙂 Where did you get your purse?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Amanda! From Catos Fashion!!
Kara says
OMG YES adopt a cat! I would love seeing him/her on your blog!
Love all the couch pillows (and the new couch) but what do you do with them when you need the space on the couch? This always keeps me from buying cute pillows. I can’t stand them being on the floor, oh the struggle lol
Taralynn McNitt says
Would be the best!!
I have a little nook between the couch and the laps place that I place them! 🙂
Katie says
1. Do you have a green bean casserole recipe that doesn’t contain the “cream of” crappy soup mix?
2. I have two Chihuahuas, so they’re basically like cats…
3. Getting there! My baby is 7 months old, so it’s even more magical experiencing the holidays with him!
After you say “it’s vlogmas” what is the song that plays? I keep obsessively replaying that part to listen to the song…I would love to hear the whole thing!
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t! lol But I may be able to come up with one! 😉
hahaha yes.
awwww I bet! What a special time! 💜
The song is by Loving Caliber and its called Christmas in my heart!
Cait says
I’m loving your Vlogmas so far!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Cait!!
Anonymous says
Love your place!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Jen says
1. Do you have a holiday recipe you want me to try?
Anything peppermint- cannot get enough peppermint this year! Or maybe a gingerbread spice “healthy” hot cocoa?
2. Do you have cats and dogs?
Two cats who think they are dogs 🙂
3. Are you in the holiday spirit yet?
I’m in the holiday spirit starting November 1 😀 I know that annoys some people so I try to keep it to myself until Thanksgiving. Speaking of which, I’m loving Vlogmas! I imagine that’s a lot of much work for you, but I’m really enjoying it (and the giveaways!)
I also add imitation crab to my salads! I was on a kick for months where I had a crab/avocado salad almost every day.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Jen!!!! So funny you like the imitation crab meat too! I usually get that “GROSS” look hahaa!
Heather says
I always love watching vlogmas for my fave youtube channels. cant wait to check out yours! What camera do you use for your blog pictures? I’m sure youve answered this before but your photos look really nice and sharp! I love sitting on the couch in the evening with a hot festive beverage and enjoying vlogmas!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Heather!!!! My camera always changes up! I use the canon powershot, or my canon mark iv, or my phone!
Susie says
Your couch, Christmas tree, sign and all look so great! Have you ever made a Christmas wreath? Your fall one came out so pretty. 🙂
Aww, such a cute kitty! I’m of the mind that every girls needs a cat of her own, but I understand your hesitation. I have a male dog (yorkie mix) and a female cat and she barely tolerates him but I catch them sharing the same blanket often and I melt. Maybe you can try fostering a cat first? That way if it doesn’t work out with the dogs you can send the cat off to it’s new home.
Looking forward to watching your vlogmas tonight!
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t think I have the heart to foster anything without keeping it forever lol It’s dangerous!
I hope you enjoy my Vlogmas!!!! xo xo xo
ohhhh a Christmas wreath may be a good vlogmas video!
Emily says
I seriously love your videos (especially the music you pick to go with it)
Taralynn McNitt says
THANK YOU!!
Josie says
Your vlogmas is better than most YouTubers with million + subs. Bravo bravo!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow thank you, Josie!
Lina says
You’re awesome for going to the shelter and giving back! Have you considered possibly volunteering at the animal shelters once a week? When I was more on a freelance schedule I had that flexibility to volunteer more often and it was what I looked forward to the most.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lina! I really don’t have that much free time during the week. I’m usually creating content or working on the back end 10 + 12 hours a day. I’d love to volunteer there may be in the summer when things slow down 🙂 Until then, donating is going to be something I do regularly 🙂
Jen says
A lot of your vlogmas has been you shopping, doing crafts and decorating. Could you not squeeze in two hours in your day to volunteer?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jen. I don’t spend everyday crafting, shopping, and decorating. I’m doing that for content creation for blog/vlogmas, which is how I make a living. After all of that, it’s hours of editing.
Nicole says
We always make a carrot and parsnip mash. I am drooling just thinking about it! Something we only make on holidays just boiled well, mashed with a bit of butter, salt and pepper. So delicious.
My mom USED to make a sweet potato mash with brown sugar and pecans too that was to die for… no idea why she stopped that!
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds amazing!!
Sara says
What’s vlogmas?
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m posting a video to Youtube every day up until Christmas! 🙂
Jay says
I’m just loving your vlogmas
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Jay!
Erin says
You are a pretty good ice skater
Taralynn McNitt says
haha! Thank you!!
Aly says
Hi Tarlynn,
I would love to come to one of your meetups. I’m in Raleigh and would happily make the drive!