We did it! We found the motivation to leave the couch and give True Detective a break. It was too nice out to waste the day inside. Joe, Nick, and I got ready and headed out to grab brunch. We couldn’t decide on where to eat. It was one of those “where do you wanna go?” “I don’t care, where do you wanna go?” Finally, we drove by Cafe Monte, and boom! We knew where we were eating. That should never be a struggle in Charlotte. There are so many good places to eat, especially for brunch.
The line was pretty long, but that was for inside seating. I couldn’t understand why people wouldn’t want to sit outside on a gorgeous Sunday? It was in the 80’s and it felt like Fall! We got in right away. You guys will also be proud of me. I’ve cut my coffee down to 1-2 cups a day. I’ve been drinking tons of water instead. I actually feel more energetic without having all the coffee. Let’s see if this can last in the winter.
I ordered their French country breakfast. It came with fresh fruit, multigrain toast, bacon, eggs, and a potato. Their food is always delicious. I’m excited for their butternut squash soup and kale salad this fall! It’s a must.
After breakfast, we headed to a golf shop. I’ve been in the market for a new set of clubs. I worked with a golf pro and tested out a couple. He said I clocked in around 85 to 90mph on my swing and was impressed. That made me feel good because I’ve been really working hard on my golf game. My other clubs allowed me to max out at 210 yard drives, but he said the new Cobra club could probably put me 30 yards further….but WE’LL SEE….
I did end up getting all new Irons and a new driver. I’m itching to golf again today because I love my new driver so much. My old driver had too much flex which caused a bit of inconsistency.
I’m really excited about my new vintage floral golf bag. The guy looked at me like I was nuts when I said I wanted that one over the purple and green Ping bag.
Video of me testing out my new driver.
Nick gave me some of his Sparks energy drink from his advocare program to try out and it was pretty good. It tasted like sunny delight Orange Juice. He’s been doing the 24 day challenge with Advocare for ten days and he’s already lost 13 lbs. I may order some of the products on the site because I love their fiber drinks, the energy drinks, and the post workout recovery supplements. Have any of you done the Advocare products or 24 day challenge? I’d love to get your insights.
I couldn’t have asked for a better day. We talked about what we were going to do for our one year, and decided to just do something we loved rather than getting all dressed up and going to dinner. We have more fun golfing together and being outside. I’m not into all the over-saturated lovey-dovey stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I like romantic dinners, and cards on Valentines day, but in reality, I’d rather be out on a golf course.
We stopped at Earthfare on the way home for dinner. I got their salad bar and a Suja drink. We went back to watching True Detective and I fell asleep at 9:30!
Old Lady status.
And before you get the urge to leave me more nasty comments…just remember…
Hannah says
I’ve been itching to try the Advocare challenge as well! My boyfriend’s friend did the challenge and kept using the products and is down 30 lbs so far plus quit smoking. As soon as he told us about it I feel like I’m seeing this stuff everywhere! And that Spark stuff gives you some serious energy. I drank it after 4pm and couldn’t get to sleep that night!
Taralynn McNitt says
I wonder if it just works better for men lol? Well, doesn’t everything?! I did try the Sparks and LOVED it! I may just order some of their products for the benefits. I don’t think I’d be able to do the cleanse though! 🙂
Stacy says
Me and my friends love you so much. We think you are such an amazing inspiration. Would you ever consider doing a live stream on YouTube? It would be so cool to get to ask you questions live!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!:) if I can figure out how to do that, I will! Xo
Shannen says
LOVE this idea!!!
Cassandra says
Me too!!
Fatina says
You are amazing,I have yet to try your recipes. What is your favorite one?
Taralynn McNitt says
Favorite dessert would be my pumpkin bars and my favorite meal would be my zucchini pizzas!! Breakfast? banana egg pancakes!
Lauren says
Hey .. I’m sorry people are still leaving you nasty remarks, I don’t know what their problem is, but it just looks bad on them not you. That’s why they never leave their full name.
And it would cool to ask you questions on YouTube..
You could just ask people to leave their questions for you and the most popular questions you answer on a video you make and just upload it to YouTube.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Lauren! No, why would they leave their real name? They are the same people that see me in public and are afraid to say any of this to my face. Weird, how they can hide behind the internet screen and say whatever they want. I guess they don’t have a strong backbone to be able to say any of it straight to me. But, oh well.
And Youtube? I’ll definitely look into that. I have a friend who does youtube that may be able to help me set some things up!
Jessica says
I love that you guys went out and did something that you both love to do instead of doing the typical anniversary dinner 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Jess! It just made more sense to treat our anniversary like any other day. Everyday should be equal:)
Alexandra says
Taralynn,
I’ve been following your blog for about three years & I think you are awesome! I love reading about your journey. You definitely help inspire me to start my own to be more healthy!
Much love & support! You go girl 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Alexandra!!
3 Years? Wow!! 🙂 My healthy journey has had it’s ups and downs, but I think it’s my readers that inspire me to make better decisions.
xo
Sarah says
Hi Taralynn,
Nick looks fantastic! I love you two as a couple and how much you make each other happy. Happy Anniversary!
Also, I just finished the second season of True Detective! I haven’t watched the first season yet so I’m going to do that as soon as possible.
Have a great day!
Sarah
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Sarah!
He makes me happy and allows me to be 100% me around him. I’m still on the second season! eeeek it’s so good!! It’s funny how you can watch the seasons out of order, because they have NOTHING to do with the first and have completely different actors and roles!
xo
Linda @ The Fitty says
That monstrous salad looks DARN GOOD!
Taralynn McNitt says
You know it Linda!!
Taryn says
Hi Taralynn! So I’ve known about 6 people who sold Advocare and over a dozen to be on the program. I’ve I’ve seen 75% lose tons of weight, BUT I have never seen one person keep it off. Two girls I know both gained and weigh more than when they started. Funny thing is that I give them advice to check out your site! It teaches more about moderation and healthy choices. I’ve also known quite a few doctors who have advised against it (probably based on their medical history). Good luck!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yeah that is the problem with diets like that. If you go off something, you don’t know how to deal with real life scenarios and independent food plans. That’s why diets don’t work and lifestyles do. I like some of the products on there and I couldn’t definitely fit them into my lifestyle. Like the post workout supplements and the energy drinks. Nick follows the 24 day challenge but doesn’t restrict himself and it seems to be working for him. As you said, moderation is key key key! 🙂
Bailey says
I’ve done the 24 day challenge a few times and then have continued using some of the products after I finished (catalyst and omega plex). I like the chocolate meal replacement shakes blended up with ice and a almond milk. I found when doing that challenge that I had a lot more energy at the end of the day. The orange spark is good I’m not a fan of many of the other flavors tho.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yeah, I’ve heard that too! I have been drinking a sparks instead of my afternoon coffee and I sleep better at night because of the vitamins rather than the caffeine!
Jen H. says
Hey Taralynn! I’ll start by saying I’m a HUGE fan. I literally check you blog every. single. day. for updates!! (totally not creepy) I find you very motivating and inspiring…plus you cook some damn good food! 🙂 I always come to you for motivation, inspiration, and fun new workout ideas and recipes to try. I can attest that I have used quite a few of Advocares products. With a clean diet and great workouts, the products DO work…but thats with ‘diet and exercise’! If you don’t add those two vital components, the products are just like any other products. But with the help of Spark, you should have no problem finding the motivation to workout. That stuff is seriously killer. Anyways, keep doing what you’re doing! Love ya!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jen!
Thank you so much for the support. I have no doubt that the products work with diet + exercise. That’s the proper equation for weightless right!? 😉 I do love some of their products and they fit well into my lifestyle. Glad to know you had some success with them!
Keep in touch!!
Love ya tooooo! xo
Kerri Mcgrail says
Sounds like a great Sunday! I am a huge fan of Sundays because I relax, grocery shop (my fav) and just kind of chill out. I have been enjoying the fact that you have been posting more recipes lately! Also can’t wait to hear more about you heading back to school- keep us posted!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ahh I love grocery shopping too! I hit my favorite grocery stores in order 🙂 I will definitely keep you guys posted on school! I’ll do a post once it starts and I’m in the swing of things.
Marlee says
YOU GO GIRL! I like the end to your blog post 🙂 you truly have been so much fun to follow over the last three years!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Marlee!!! xo
Stephanie says
Hi, Taralynn! I’ve been following your blog for years, and your recovery helped me get through my recovery as well. I’ve also ordered some things from your shop, and they’re my favorite date night outfits. Like you, I have been overweight and unhealthy, underweight and unhealthy, and everything in between. Some days are better than others, and your story helps those who need to hear that recovery is possible. Also like you, I love animals and baking, and I truly believe you’ve found a balance that I hope to achieve for living a healthy lifestyle. I’m also glad you found someone who treats you right, and loves you for you. You’re an amazing person, you look amazing, and you’re doing amazing things. Ignore all of the nasty comments, because it’s your life, and you’re a strong, beautiful, inspirational, and healthy woman. Thanks so much for all you do! 🙂 Give the dogs a hug for me!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Stephanie! Reading an uplifting comment helps me start the day off positive. If we had more women lifting other women up, we’d be one powerful group!
So proud of you for your recovery. & thank you for supporting my boutique! Seems like we are a lot alike! Too bad you don’t live in Charlotte!
xo xo
Ty says
Not a perfect Sunday. Where are my boys Grumbles and Santino?
I don’t follow your blog my girlfriend does more pictures of the dogs please especially Grumbles or Santino or any other animals you have
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahah ok i’ll work on it!
Taralynn McNitt says
GrumPles** 😉
Jess M says
I’ve been following since you’re Undressed Skeleton tumblr days, but I must say, I enjoy your recipes & posts a lot more now. They’re things I would actually make myself, with ingredients I’m more likely to have around the house. Don’t get me wrong, love following your journey, all the parts, but it’s visible you’re continually making changes for the better. Which really seems to bring the haters out of the woodwork, doesn’t it?!
Anywho, this going back to school business is exciting. I hope you’ll do some posts on a day in the life & how you manage & plan for days away from the house and in class. Packing lunches & snacks, meal prep & lunch ideas. A few years back you did a 500 cal & under lunch idea & I would love to see something similar. Just different ideas of practical lunches & snacks.
Amanda says
Hey Tara! I’ve been following your blog for a few years now.
I just saw that you mentioned AdvoCare. I am an AdvoCare Advisor based in Cincinnati, OH. If you have any questions about the products I would love to help you!
Amanda says
I have personally done the 24 day challenge twice, and the 10 day cleanse going on 3 times now. I’ve had great success, and I have helped coach others to have success as well!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
Mary Kathryn says
Hey Taralynn!
I love reading all your updates. I think you have made Maine a top destination for my travel list 🙂
I saw that Nick is doing Advocare. I have tried their Spark drinks and they taste good. However, when I was looking to do a fitness challenge, I came across beach body. I tried some samples of Shakeology for a month and then started researching. Im a super skeptic of all things so I have to do my research! I actually found that the ingredients in Shakeology are better than in Advocare. Nothing artificial, full of superfoods and nutrients. I also started looking into what the 21 day challenge entailed, and to me, it wasnt a sustainable lifestyle. Instead, I joined an online fitness group with Beachbody and drank Shakeology every day while also doing a workout program. I saw reduced cravings (biggest sweet tooth in the world and was addicted to diet coke), increased energy, and started to notice progress in my fitness as well. Just something to think about!
Patti says
Hi Tara,
Ive been following your blog for several years. You are an amazing writer and an inspirational role model. Keep doing what you are doing! You’ve helped me get through a rough patch in my disorder! Best of luck!
Patti
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Patti! Keep getting better and stay strong!
Melissa says
How much would it cost to have you follow me around and make good decisions for me??!!? And slap my hand when I make wrong ones?! 🙂 I love reading about your adventures around the Charlotte area. I live in Charlotte and am a native. Sometimes I forget how much the city has to offer and your blog reminds me just how awesome it is! Thanks for the good read!
Ashley says
Taralynn, I’ve been following your blog for a couple years now. I love following your life! Great job, keep on keeping’ on. You make me want to start my own blog…maybe someday soon! 🙂
Much love from Washington state, Ashley
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Ashley!!! xo xo xo
Lori says
Thanks for posting such a honest, fun blog! I enjoy your photos, recipes and journey whether it’s up or down. Looking forward to much more!