Toast redeemed themselves yesterday morning. Remember when I went to Toast a while back? If not, you can read about it HERE. I wasn’t too impressed after hearing so many great reviews, but maybe it was just a bad day for the restaurant or maybe it was just the location. This time, I went to the Toast in Fort Mill and it was one of the best breakfast I’ve had in Charlotte so far! The coffee didn’t taste burnt, it was creamy and fresh!
I ordered the Western omelet without ham, wheat toast, and a side of fruit. Not kidding, the meal came out within ten minutes. I couldn’t believe how fast it was and everything tasted incredible! The fruit was fresh, the eggs were cooked to perfection and the toast…well they surely live up to their name. Great job, Toast!
After breakfast, Grumples and I went for a long walk. We have a path that is lined with old southern homes, the ones with the wrap around porches, and big pillars. Those are my dream homes.
He was ready to quit after four miles and I don’t blame him!
He knew he was getting a treat after the walk because it’s tradition every time we go on that walking path. He gets so excited at the bakery!
After our walk, I was ready to lay out by the pool for an hour with a good book and let grumples chase the bubbles.
I made a homemade lemonade to enjoy by the pool as well 🙂 The mason jar is green if you’re wondering why the lemonade is green! The lemonade has 1 packet of stevia, 1 lemon squeeze, and the zest of the lemon!
My hibiscus bush I bought at Lowes is getting bigger!
Grumples finally went into the pool. He really wanted his ball that was floating around. I was literally in shock. He actually seemed to enjoy it, and maybe because it was really hot outside. I helped him walk down the stairs and swim back out to them. He didn’t get back in after that though.
He was more interested in the bubbles.
After laying out and swimming for a bit, I drove up to the grocery store to grab shrimp and potatoes for dinner! I’l post that recipe next 🙂
After laying out, I looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe all the freckles making their way out for the summer! Does anyone else get crazy freckles in the summer? I even get them on my lips.
Also, after posting this photo on Instagram and had a crazy email. I won’t say any names, but people should really pay attention to the things they are saying when it comes to appearance. This is me, without makeup, sure there’s an Instagram filter, but it’s me. The email was basically just a analytical list of all the things I need to do with my appearance.
They were listed in this order:
- You should wear under eye make up and get injections for your bags.
- There is invisiline for that split of yours.
- Have you ever heard of injections for the rinnkles on your forehead?
- Your lips are super dry, wear lipgloss.
- Where do I start with those brows? They need shaped, plucked, and shaded in with a pencil.
- What is up with your hair?
- You looked better with your lighter contacts.
- I use waterproof make up before going to pool events. I can give you some cheap brands if you’re interested.
- Your cheeks look a lot puffier lately, lay off the salt.
To be honest, none of that bothered me. But you never know who you are talking to or how they will react. What bothered me is that people think they have the right to talk to others that way. If you don’t have anything nice to say….well you know the rest. That is what’s wrong with society; we change things because of what others say or think. I know I’m no Kendall Jenner, or Beyonce, I’m Taralynn. I don’t know if this girl was being serious or if she was just sending a mean email trying to work me up. I see girls bringing each other down all the time, why can’t it be the other way around? I did see all the nice comments on Instagram from my readers that made my day, but there is always that one person.
My reply to her?
- I love my dark circles and puffy eyes, It shows I’m human and sometimes have trouble sleeping.
- That split of mine was given to me by God, and I’m going to keep that piece of character.
- I’m 24 years old and I don’t need injections; no one needs injections. I passed as a middle schooler at a baseball game a week ago.
- My lips are dry because I’ve been out in the sun all day. Don’t tell me that’s never happened to you.
- I love my brows, I love how thick they are, sure they could use a little work, but they’re my brows and that’s how I like them. I fix them when I need to, but I don’t religiously wait for one to grow back so I can pluck it right away.
- What’s up with my hair? It’s called getting it wet in the pool. It’s fun!
- I think so too, but it’s more comfortable to rock my natural eye color. Brown eyes are just as pretty as blue, grey, or green eyes.
- Not interested in wearing make up to a backyard pool party for one. I wear makeup maybe one a week, and it’s basically just mascara and lipstick.
- I love my cheeks.
No matter what people say to you, or to people about you, just be you. Do what you love, what makes you feel pretty, and embrace every flaw. You’re beautiful, your flaws are beautiful, and no one can change that. Don’t let anyone stand between you and your self confidence.
One one person can judge you…
It blows my mind that people are so rude. More than likely they are insecure about themselves so they feel the need to pick others apart. I think you are absolutely beautiful. You have a natural beauty and it doesn’t need to be covered up by a bunch of fake crap. I commend you for being so positive. You are an inspiration to many exactly the way you are. You’ve shown that with hard work and a positive attitude, good and healthy change is possible. Are you perfect? No. But guess what? NOBODY is. We all make mistakes. Maybe instead of picking others apart, these people need to work on their own insecurities. I highly doubt they would enjoy it if someone was running them down constantly. Anyway, I think you’re doing a fabulous job so keep it up!
It happens a lot, and I’m not perfect. I’ve said things before when I was mad at myself and I’ve regretted it. People make mistakes, that’s what makes us human. I do hope she doesn’t feel like appearance is what makes a person beautiful and maybe she’ll read this and realize it. I really don’t know the point of that email or if she was trying to be rude or helpful, but it came across wrong.
Thank you for the kind words and the positivity! xo
The girl who commented like that to you sounds insecure. (obviously if she needs to wear makeup just to go to the pool) It’s sad that people are threatened by other who aren’t obsessed with looks and looking perfect 24/7. Real people look like you, even celebrities look like you we just never see it. You gorgeous! Good for you for having the confidence you do! Love your blog
Well I surely hope she doesn’t feel the need to wear makeup or change her appearance to feel beautiful. Thank you for the kind words!
what a crazy email taralynn! i don’t know how anything but “beauty” could enter somebody’s mind on seeing this photo let alone sending an unsolicited hate mail! I’m glad you just laughed it off!
I’m not sure what the email was trying to do, but I felt the need to say something publicly because I’m sure girls get comments or judged like this everyday and no one needs to change unless they choose to! That’s why I hate shows like fashion police and tabloids talking about girls features. Look what society did to Kylie Jenner? I’m sure if she wasn’t being compared or snarked at all the time, she would have never felt the pressure to change her features that were naturally beautiful.
Hi
I’m so sorry to hear about the rude email. I personally think you’re beautiful. Don’t worry about the haters. I personally admire girls who are confident enough to go out without spending an hour doing makeup and hair.
You’ve given me confidence to believe that I’m pretty just the way I am and I’m sure you’ve done it for tons of other girls as well.
XO Lauren
You are beautiful just the way you are 🙂 Make up is just a mask.
Wow I can’t believe someone actually had the cheek to say that to you. You look great in all your pictures, people who criticise others are generally the most insecure.
Ps. Grumples is so lovely!
Courtney x | Courtney Says What
Thanks Courtney!!
All I can say is WOW! Some people are just so negative! Why do some people feel the need to constantly put others down? Keep your head up Tara, you are a beautiful person inside & out! 🙂
PS – I love your responses back!!
Thanks Jessica! I don’t let things like that bring me down anymore 🙂
You look amazing! There is beauty in simplicity:) And I have the same freckles in the summer 🙂 I think it´s cute!
power to the freckles! 🙂
Pray for that person that wrote this. Because they must be miserable in the life they are living. You are beautiful!
Thanks Judy!
My first thought when I saw that pic is how cute you look with no makeup and all those freckles. I’m sorry someone said those things. My feelings would be hurt but you handled it like a champ.
Don’t be sorry. Truly, it didn’t make me feel any different about myself. I just hope she watches what she says to others because not everyone responds the same way.
I agree with Jessica one hundred percent; I had the exact same thought! You are beautiful, and your freckles especially look gorgeous!!
Way to go keeping your head up in spite of those nasty comments. You’re just proving even more that you’re beautiful on the inside too!
I think you’re the awesome bigger person, and truly, I appreciate that you call out some of the hate you receive. It makes me sad that people are so unhappy with their own lives that they go through this world trying to hurt others.
Looks like you had a wonderful afternoon, and just so you know, I’m jealous of that pool!!! 🙂
Thank you Sarah!!
That email IS insane. Wow! especially the contacts comment – your brown eyes are lovely and really go with your coloring! You look adorable, you should post these more often – it’s a great break from the heavy makeup and duck faces all over Instagram 🙂
lol Thanks sherry! 🙂 make up free feels so much better than wearing make up and I’m sure every girl would agree!
You know what they say, “They hate you ‘cuz they ain’t you!” You have been such an inspiration to me the last 3 years. It blows my mind how someone can be so insecure that they have to attack others. I almost feel sorry for them. You are BEAUTIFUL both inside and out! Also, I love your freckles, mine always come out in the summer time! 🙂 Keep on doing YOU, Taralynn!
Sometimes I wonder the same thing, Why there´s people so mean. What´s wrong with them. We are supposed to support each other like you said we are humans and we can´t be perfect. It´s obvious how beautiful you are and you inspire us with all the positivity things you do. Saludos Tara!
I’m surprised you didn’t just copy and paste the email the person sent you…that’s what I would have done! Haha good for you taking the higher road 🙂
You Go Girl! I can’t believe someone would even say (or think) that about another person. It just goes to show they have personal issues. You look beautiful in that photo. When you get older and many years pass, those are going to be the favorite pictures of yourself. Also the bubble machine is the best idea ever! I’m going to go buy my black lab one. It will keep him busy and help burn all of his energy! Tired puppy = happy dog mom! 🙂
Thank you Katie! I hope your dog enjoys the bubble machine!!
I couldn’t imagine taking the time and effort to say all those horrible things when it’s so much easier to leave a quick comment here and say something nice! You look beautiful in that picture! I would love some summer freckles 🙂 You are an inspiration for keeping the strength to stand up to someone like that, while still being kind.Have a wonderful day!
Thank you Abbey! xo xo xo
I just don’t understand people online sometimes- what do these nutjobs think, the internet’s cloak of anonymity just makes it ok to spread hate? A person actually took the time to email you those things- that absolutely blows my mind. You’re gorgeous, have a great life and your blog is fun to read and useful. Haters gonna hate, right? 🙂 I’m impressed with the way you handle these trolls- they must be so unhappy in their skin.
It’s all about insecurity. & Thank you lady! xo
Oh lordy, this girl should come over and see my face and hair on a daily basis then. She would NOT approve lol! You look beautiful and youthful, as always – you’re a better person for taking the high road on this one.
I feel sorry for people like her…it must be really difficult to be so perfect all the time. She’ll get her reality check at some point though – my guess is when she has kids…when chapstick is considered make-up and leaving the house in anything other than sweatpants is dressing up.
Lol than you Jen!! Love that comment.
You know what I thought when I first saw that picture of you on instagram? I saw a beautiful young woman just the way God created her! I can’t even believe someone would email something like that, and think it’s okay to say such things. I’m glad it didn’t get to you, but still no one should have to read an email like that. You keep being you and staying strong!
Thank you! xo xo
Total insanity! You look beautiful with freckles and no makeup!!
Flip Flops and Furs
Thank you Sarah!
Its incredibly rude how people think they have a right to criticize others. Why put other people down, you know? Does it make them really feel that good? If so, they have such a pitiful life.
You’re beautifully down to earth and human, Tara. Don’t forget that.
Maybe so! & Thank you Linda! Love all of your positivity all the time!
i saw your photo yesterday and thought it was gorgeous. It made me smile. As an old hag, I miss the days of going natural!!
lol you are not an old hag!!! hahaha but thank you Phyllis
There is absolutely no way the person was being serious. That is a beautiful photo. They just wanted to feel better about themselves and get a reaction! I’m not religious at all so i’ve got nobody judging me 🙂 😉
lol Thanks Emily.
Wow, that is so sad that people can be that rude! The Lord has made us all beautifully different. We all have different sized eyes, noses and different colored eyes. Some have freckles and others don’t! I think we should celebrate our unique looks! 🙂 you are beaitiful Taralynn!
The world would be a boring place if everyone was the same.
First off, you are beautiful. All this appearance hungry individuals are going to wake up one day and realize their looks are fading and they suck as individuals. It’s easy to throw on make-up but it’s not easy to become a well-respected, loving person. At the end of the day the latter is what matters.
Thank you Carley!
First of all I’m so glad you responded the way you did it shows just how classy you are 🙂
Second I kid you not before I read this post I was gushing over your picture! I love your eyebrows and all of your adorable freckles.
This post seriously makes me so angry! I’m angry because the person who wrote to you was told something similar sometime in their life and now they feel they need to go through all of these hoops to please people? I don’t know I don’t get the point of all of it, I’ll try not to rant but you are beautiful and nothing is more beautiful than your confidence to withstand nasty comments like the one your received, and its very unfortunate that your mean commenter didn’t have that kind of confidence to stand up for herself. End of rant keep on doing what you do!
Thanks Taylor! xo xo xo!
The scrutiny that girls get from fellow females is so sad. You are beautiful and I am so glad that you can take her comments and not let them hurt you. I don’t think people realize the courage you have to have to even post a picture of yourself online because of the mean words people say. We need to work on empowering each other and not bringing each other down. Loved your replies and love your page! Keep up the great work.
It is and it happens to women/and men daily. We are all beautiful despite any “flaw” we’ve been given. A picture isn’t meant to be judged, just a way of emotion.
Terralynn,
You rock and your responses were so tactful. Way to keep your chin up and not let someone get you down Sometimes it’s easier for people to pick apart others than accept their shortcomings. You are beautiful, and smart. I’ve always been told you reap what you sow, and you sow some positive & healthy vibes, keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Paige
Thanks Paige! Love your way with words! xo
I’m so sorry people wrote such terrible things. It doesn’t even matter how beautiful you are (which you are gorgeous) but that doesn’t even matter! You are just doing your thing, not hurting anyone and people need to make comments like that? I actually was laughing at the craziness of what was being said then thought about how sad it is about how mentally ill people are. Wow. Anyways, you’ve got a great message and I love the posts dear! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Christine!
Taralynn,
You are wise beyond your years and I really love that you love yourself (as every person should) and that you address the bullies when it happens. Cyber bullying is equally important as every other type of bullying and because of people like you…there might just be a little hope in the world! Thanks for sticking up for all of those people who can’t.
Amber
Thanks Amber!
Anyone being cyber bullied should never feel hurt from someone hiding behind a computer screen. They’re the insecure ones. Not a day goes by where someone doesn’t say something hurtful, and if I ever took it personally, I’d be a wreck! They really aren’t worth my time or breath.
You are beautiful without make up. I like it better.
feels better!
People are jealous because you are a true natural beauty! Keep shining Taralynn!
Thank you Lindsey! xo
You know what’s funny, I saw the picture before reading about that horrible email you got, and the first thought on my mind was “Wow, she looks so great!”
I have tons of freckles and I love how they go crazy during the summer!
I’m glad you don’t feel bad because of these people who have nothing better to do with their lives 🙂
Thank you Carolina!!
I love your brown eyes!! I mean, the blue is pretty too, you’re gorgeous either way. That person has some serious spiteful issues. Hopefully they get over it, cuz life’s too short to be angry. You have an amazing attitude…and amazing skin, I’m jealous!
Thanks Anna! You are just as beautiful and I love seeing your comments!
Look at Twiggy’s freckles and Brooke Shield’s brows. You could pass as their love child 😉 plus that photo is absolutely gorgeous and so natural and real. Art and photography are about capturing life and emotion, not creating static perfection with every hair smoothed down. How boring would it be for your grandchildren if all you had were stiff airbrushed photographs of yourself? they’ll want to see your soul and your sense of adventure in those photographs.
hahaha i love that! & thank you!!
I LOVE southern houses as well….some day…… Also..that pic of Grumples totally pooped out cracked me up!!! I love pups – they are so hilarious!
They really are!
I am so glad you are not letting this put you down! You are an amazing person inside and out, and no one can take that away from you. You have inspired so many people by sharing your struggles, success, and creativity. People like this do not deserve an ounce of your energy, keep smiling! 🙂
Thank you Jordan!
So sorry about those mean girls. Girls can be so hateful to each other. Just know that those girls are just jealous of your happy life. Don’t let them get to you and I love your answers to them! Stay true to yourself. I have this on my girls wall: Be-You-tiful. We need to stop tearing each other down and embracing, empowering and Accepting each other.
Don’t be sorry! I can handle it 🙂 Thanks for the advice! & you’re right about empowering others!
I saw your picture and thought wow you are so pretty, Natural and such a bright smile! I love the Grumbles and Tino pictures they are so cute!
Thank you Sandra!!
You are naturally gorgeous and I love those freckles! I am so happy that you don’t let a rude email like that get you down. Stay beautiful girl!
I adore freckles. I have a ton of them too and I use to be embarrassed. Now though, I love them. And they look super cute on you too.
You are beautiful. God made you lovely on the inside and outside.
I am blessed to see the way He shapes us each day.
Also, I am super jealous of your pool. My husband did get in to Charlotte seminary, so I’ll be crashing your pool in August! 😉 just kidding, just kidding!
That girl needs to sit the eff down. She was probably hammer drunk, blindfolded and had her computer upside down because you are gorgeous and don’t need to change at all!
Tara, I admire you for being yourself and standing up to mean people! Keep it up! 🙂
-Emily
Taralynn,
You handled those comments so gracefully. You are such a beautiful person! You are equally as beautiful on the inside, and that is so evident from your blog. God bless you!
Your awesome Taralynn!! Good for you for responding in such a classy manner. 🙂 You look beautiful and radiant in that photo!
You are beautiful! I’m sorry you have to deal with all of the negativity and rude comments. They stem from unhappiness and insecurity. It’s a real shame those people come here and shit all over everything. I’m sure it can make you question why you even bother blogging. But there are plenty of people like me who look forward to your posts and get so much inspiration from what you do. Your freckles are lovely – I LOVE them! They really make you look youthful and vibrant. I wish I had freckles!! Love the blog and love your face. Keep it coming with those beautiful head shots – those snide, classless bitches can wallow in their jealousy with every pretty shot!
Omigoodness that email you got was too funny. I’m sure she sent you a picture back for you to critique?…doubtful. And honestly she should have bc I’m sure you wouldn’t have had the same negative criticism. She would have learned something.
I can’t even believe that comment.. I literally saw that picture of you on Instagram when you posted it and I HAD to stop scrolling… I was like hot damn! You look SO so so stunning! But even more than that.. You look genuinely happy! I’m glad you’re such a strong person and are able to rise above her comments, and also that you are able to inspire some girls who aren’t as confident as you. You’re gorgeous and you always use your platform to share honest things that most girls go through.
But hey- If that person spent that much of her day to critique your picture, it must not be THAT bad to look at. 😉 😉
Wow. What a sad person. I really respect you for posting all your beautiful “flaws” and for your very classy response back to that bully. It always makes me happy to see people respond to meanness with love for themselves and others.
You look beautiful without makeup. Have you seen the documentary called Miss Representation? If not, please watch it soon. It is on netflix.
Looks good!
Here is the trailer, Tara 🙂
https://youtu.be/W2UZZV3xU6Q
Heres another trailer for an awesome video as well. This video was shown in my social psych, sociology, and women and gender studies classes. I am sorry for all the comments. I just cannot stand all of this dehumanization of powerful women. Keep working hard, Tara! Do not listen to comments about your appearance.
https://youtu.be/sJ6Py2OiBGM
I hope you know how beautiful you are. Your words and transparency and honesty are something that have truly affected me. You are a beautiful person taralynn!
Gosh. I know it’s so easy to tell ourselves that these are words, they don’t matter, and the person who said them is very insecure. Words hurt though, and I’m sorry that happens to you so much! You have much thicker skin than me, I wouldn’t be able to deal with it all the time. I hope you sent that reply to her! Sometimes people say these things because it makes them feel good, and they think you will be too “busy” to see it or reply.
You have way more supporters than critiques, and I think as long as they are talking, you are doing a great job 🙂
Wow, I cannot believe someone took the time to write an email like that. I am sure whoever it was is jealous of your looks and was just trying to make herself feel better. You are naturally a very beautiful person! I do not see any bags under your eyes at all…and no forehead wrinkles!
Wow, I am just amazed at your strength and courage in your reply to that hateful e-mail that was designed to cut you down to shreds. That person who wrote it had no idea who she was trying to mess with! I am so impressed and definitely would like to be as strong as you in your place of self-acceptance and love. I believe you are a great role model and I love your blog, Taralynn! I really respect and appreciate the wisdom that you have shared about standing up for yourself and remembering your opinion of yourself means more than some stranger on the internet. Where does your inner strength come from? I would love it if you could expand on that sometime – I sure would like to have some of that. Wish I could have had it years ago, but better late than never!
You go girl. And you’re beautiful! (in fact before I scrolled to read the email, my first response to your post-pool selfie was “She’s beautiful! Naturally beautiful, the most elusive beauty of all!)
– Long time reader, first time commenter in CA
One word- Donkey.
You’re gorgeous.
Taralynn,
You are such a natural beauty! That selfie just shows it all off and accentuates all the great things about you! Not to mention the best show-cases of all: your happiness and confidence! You are strong- you did the best thing possible not giving into that girl after what she said. Who knows what happened to that person in their personal life to make them that way. Pity. You took the high road and you are are even stronger now because of it!
Oh and by the way:
I really love your natural eyes, so much better than the contacts! Those beautiful big brown eyes really just complement the rest of you! They fit in perfectly with your freckles and hair! Stay confident!!
I read your lovely blog routinely and get inspired every time I’m on here! This is my first time commenting! The first thing I noticed about this post was how adorable & relaxed you looked! We r getting our pool ready! (Ohio). You are beachy! The email you got was well…it starts with a B and ends with a Y! I would not give those emails any time or thought! You inspire daily! I love reading your blog, you recipes, and of courses about Mr. Grumples! Thank you for being YOU! Hope you have a lovely weekend looking as beachy as you want!
Wow, that person sounds horrible! Your freckles are so cute, but I do need to say that’s a sign you’re not wearing/reapplying your sunscreen often enough. I used to get my freckles every year. I didn’t get any this last year because my goal was to wear a high protection sunscreen and reapply as much as I was supposed to. I even spent the same amount of time outside this year! The only change was sunscreen. Some are permanent, but most of my freckles come out in late spring/early summer due to sun.
i find it funny cause I was looking at your pic thinking “man, I’d kill to look like that even with makeup on”. People are dumb.
LOL! That person is crazy. You should’ve been like, “thanks for the tips! Now can I have a photo of your face without makeup so I can send YOU some critiques?”
Also I love when someone thinks they’re gonna get to you and it doesn’t at all.
When I first saw that picture at the top of this post, all I thought about was how cute your freckles are. Literally my only thought. Then I kept reading.
My next thought was “what the f$%# is wrong with people?!”
You do you girl. Haters gon hate. That poor girl probably has an extreme amount of hatred for herself. It’s sad, actually. Your response was great!
Wow! You’re a rock! She would’ve crushed me to pieces… As obviously intended..wow you’re an inspiration!! God bless xx