It wouldn’t be a normal blogpost if I didn’t inform you on today’s weather. I’m going to be blessed with a day of sunshine and a high of 77 degrees. I’m thinking a bike ride is in my near future…
Kona slept till five today (WIN) and we headed out for a little stroll around the block. We came back in and watched the news and cuddled up with some coffee. He is a huge cuddle bug in the morning. He reminds me so much of Mr. Grumples and Grumps is loving his time with my parents. They keep sending me photos of him doing silly things.
I just made another cup of coffee to enjoy while the sun comes up.
It’s been a day since I’ve blogged, so let’s catch up!
These past couple of days have been very relaxing. I’ve been doing a lot of studying and running.
My mornings are dedicated to walks with Kona. After our walk yesterday, I had to catch up on Scream Queens (getting weird) and I’m pretty sure I know who the red devil is…
Around 11, I headed down to the gym to run. I was going to run outside, but I didn’t feel like facing all the stoplights and I didn’t want to drive to a trail. I did three miles doing intervals and finished in 29:15. Afterwords, I spent twenty minutes stretching.
After my workouts, I grabbed some citrus orange tea and relaxed on the rooftop for a half hour.
I made lunch when I got back. I had a salad with vegan burger crumbles, avocado, spring mix lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, and garlic balsamic dressing on the side.
Kona and I relaxed the rest of the afternoon and he helped me with my homework by changing the pages on my book. He loves that game…
Later on, we headed out for another stroll. We like to sit at the little park and people watch. I was pumped to wear my new jeans. American Eagle had buy one get one half and I definitely took advantage of it. Now that winter is approaching, I need new jeans! I’ve been working out a lot lately, so my jeans weren’t fitting me as well. I’m obsessed with the stretch skinny jeans because they are so comfortable. I also bought a lighter pair. I don’t care how old I get, AE jeans will always be my favorite.
OH, and part of my halloween costume came yesterday. So excited!
For dinner, I had veggie fries, a cup of butternut squash soup, and a Suja lemon love. That stuff is spicy! For dessert, I baked half a brownie quest bar and topped it with walnuts. That was definitely a delicious treat.
I turned on Nashville, and then fell asleep through half of it. I can’t stand how late that show comes on. I also don’t like how long I have to wait between seasons.
Karlee had Tuesday off, so I hurried up and did three miles on the treadmill followed by weights.
Karlee and I headed to Pentagon city to shop for dresses. Of course the only thing I left with was a green juice and two new pairs of jeans. Have you ever NOT been in the mood to shop? That was me on Tuesday. I think I was just “hangry” and tired. I still need to go find some dresses.
That was my tired and “hangry” face, but then I had dinner and was fine. 😉 It happens to the best of us.
For dinner, I had a salad with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, avocado, croutons, and red onion tossed in a garlic vinaigrette. I went grocery shopping for salad ingredients and that is why I’ve been eating the same salad for the past three days.
Today is my rest day. I think I’m going to get my hair done and shop a little. I neeeeeed to find some dresses. See the color above? What do you think? I am going to get an inch of my hair taken off and have it died this color. I haven’t had my hair died since 2013! I’m sick of the sun damaged blonde ends and I want something different.
Veronica says
I am so obsessed with your blog right now! I grew up in Alexandria and moved away a year ago. This is the first time I am really missing the city, so I am living vicariously through you. Alexandria is beautiful in the fall and you are capturing it perfectly!
I love the hair color! I had a really good experience at Glynn Jones Spa if you are looking for a recommendation. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Veronica!
I don’t know how you ever left Alexandria! it’s amazing. Thank you so much for the recommendation! Where was your favorite spot to get breakfast?!
Veronica says
You’re welcome 🙂
I guess I just needed a change. I am living in Westchester, NY now and love it! So I really can’t complain. Plus I have enough friends and family in the area, that I can always sneak back to Alexandria for the weekend! 🙂
I love Table Talk on King. I think you posted about it before. They have great breakfast and lunch. if you like Thai food, Pasara is great. They have an old town location and a kingstown location. Le Pain Quotidien is good. One of my favorite brunch places is Jackson 20. It is on King St, connected to a hotel. They have great outdoor seating, if it is still available.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s crazy how much you appreciate a place once you’re gone! I bet Westchester is gorgeous right now with the leaves changing.
Table Talk is one of my favorites. I’ve been there twice so far! I’ve been wondering about Le Pain! I think that is going on my list. Jackson 20 is def on the list!!
Joslyn says
That dark color would be perfect for fall/winter! I say go for it 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!!
Silvia says
You look great in recent pictures! How do you stay motivated to lose weight? Because I seem to lose it fairly quickly..
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks! I just try to make it fun…and set little goals!
amy says
Hi! just wanted to say hi… I love your blog… I’ve been reading for years. I’m not a commenter… bothers me people can use this space to be so critical at times… I’ve traveled all around for work and have now settled in CLT for the past 3 years as well… So I love how you talk about local places…My boyfriend and I love going to Stacks thanks to you! I’ve also made a number of your recipes over the years. Just sending you a little blog love I guess…and saying thank you for sharing all your experiences… reading your posts put a smile on my face. I’m super jealous you’re a morning person!!! I wish I could get up that early and get my day started… your days are so productive. Have fun in DC what a great city!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Amy! That means a lot and I’m glad that you commented. I post some weird/uninteresting things sometimes and just knowing someone else may care, makes my day! I really do appreciate it. Charlotte is a great place to live! Did you know they moved the Stacks location in Waxhaw? I haven’t been to the new one yet.
xo
Mandy says
Love the Color and Hairstyle!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
thank you!!
VioletaG says
Hi Taralynn thank you for your post today,
I love AE jeans too! I have like 6 or 7 in the same model.
That girl in the picture really looks like you!
Are you having a party?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for reading Violeta!
You can’t go wrong with their jeans! We are having a weekend away for Halloween at the mountain house 🙂
Caitlin says
DO IT! I am loving that dark brown, and that cut would be so cute on you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!! No cut for me (other than a trim) but i’m excited…only one more hour!
Mindy says
Ummmm you better do your hair like that! You’re going to look so so so beautimous! Can’t wait to creep on snapchat.
Taralynn McNitt says
I am for sure! Not the cut, just the color though!
Tara says
All your salads have gotten me in a salad mood! They look delicious! I found a new one at Walmart this week – it’s a kit for a southwestern chopped salad. It is amazing!! It’s on my blog today!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh yum!! That sounds delicious.
Rachel says
Love the color! You should get the cut too! I used to have super long hair and I just recently cut it shorter and I’m addicted! It curls just right, no fuss, throw it up in a bun to run! It’s perfect.
Taralynn McNitt says
No cuts for me! I’m trying to grow mine out. I’m just going with a trim 😉 But I’m excited to get the color!
Jenna says
Who do you think the Red Devil is? I think I may know, as well-I don’t want to wait until the season finale to find out! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I think it’s the baby!!
Sarah says
Looks like you and Kona are having a great time! He’s so adorable 🙂
I also took advantage of the BOGO at American Eagle. Their jeans are amazingly comfortable!
That hair cut is super cute. I say go for it!
Taralynn McNitt says
He really is the sweetest 😉
Gotta love the bogo!
I’ll make sure to post after pics!
Laura says
I still love American Eagle jeans as well (I’m 27 ha)! Good for a shorty like me!
Taralynn McNitt says
I feel like they make them for all kinds of body types!
Karissa says
I love the color!! Great choice post pics!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!!
Amanda says
Stretchy jeans have ruined all other jeans for me!
Taralynn McNitt says
seriously!
Jess says
Hi Taralynn! I’ve been following your blog since day 1 and you’re such an inspiration! I really admire you and all that you’ve overcame. You’re killin it girl! Just wondering. What’s your snapchat name!! I would love to follow ya 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jess! Day one!? Ahh! That is awesome. 😀 😀
My snapchat is taralynnmcnitt! I try to snap everyone back as much as I can and I do look at everyones snaps! xo
Heather says
Love that hair color and length! that would look really good on you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks! I LOVE IT SO FAR. She ended up cutting way more than an inch off (that seems to always happen) so I’ll have to show you guys!
Kim says
Im obsessed right now too! I am living in the DC area for a few months and I have been excited about these posts. It seems like you review all of the places that are consistently recommended to us to try. Keep the updates coming 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kim! I’ve been slacking the past couple of days, but so much homework this time and I’m trying not to eat out ALLLLL THE TIME lol. I did that last time I was here! You’re lucky to be living here. Have you tried out any palaces you recommend yet?
Kim says
Yes! You should try Sweet Fire Donna’s in Alexandria. It is a bbq place. Go to there fb page and get the secret word for the day to get a free side. They have amazing brisket tacos (on special days) and spicy mac and cheese 🙂 mmm
Taralynn McNitt says
I love me some BBQ!! I know my brother would LOVE Sweet Fire Donna’s!
Whitney says
Hi Taralynn! Love your blog! I wanted to ask you… how do you get the motivation to get up and work out? I am currently struggling on my journey to lose weight (a lot of weight), and I have a hard time getting up and getting going. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for the input!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Whitney!
I don’t really like to wake up and workout. I’m not good at working out in the morning and I like to relax in the mornings. When I used to have to wake up early to workout, I’d make sure to wake up an hour prior to the workout to relax, eat, hydrate, and then go workout. So if you have to workout at six, wake up at five. It gives you time to wake up the body! Also, have your workout clothes ready the night before, get a workout buddy so you can’t bail, and make it a workout that you ENJOY doing! 🙂
Whitney says
Great ideas! Thanks so much!
Heather Toombs says
I will always love American Eagle jeans too!! They have the best fit!
We can’t get Suja here in Canada, but I’m dying to try it!!!
I’m in love with Kona, his personality reminds me of my pup (mines a Husky).
Your pictures are always so beautiful 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Heather! You just need to come to the boarder and I throw you some 😉
Kerri Mcgrail says
American Eagle Jeans will always be my fav too! I love how they fit! And they are super affordable – especially when they have sales and jeans on the clearance rack! Your green juices look so delicious! I need to break out my juicer and make some homemade juice. I still have not used it yet! Love the hair color too btw- I’m getting my hair cut today and I love that cut! It is similar to the one I picked out for myself.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes I agree!
& I need to actually use my juicer and stop buying it lol & thank you! I’ll post some more hair pics soon!
Kim says
Oh i forgot Pizza Paradiso in Georgetown too. So good! None of my recommendations are healthy =P
Taralynn McNitt says
Hhahaha! That’s ok 🙂
Linda @ The Fitty says
I’m typically really lazy the rest if the day if I work out that day haha 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
lol it happens
Aimee says
Love the new hair! It looks great!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Aimee!!!
Selin says
Hey Taralynn! I love your blog, I’ve been reading it for a couple month but it makes me happier:) I wanted to ask you why is almond butter better than peanut? What is difference from nutrition?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Selin!
I think peanut butter and almond butter are pretty similar, both containing fiber and about the same amount of protein. BUT, almond butter has vitamin E, magnesium, and a higher iron content. Peanut butter also contains more saturated fat. BUT, peanut butter is still a healthy choice. I also think almond butter is easier to practice self control with. Peanut butter is just so darn delicious!
Selin says
I know right? Also I could suggest you a great book about self controll. Calling Diet Rehab in English. Its about seratonine and dopamines import in food also activities.
Selin says
There is another think I wanted to ask. I promise this is the last haha. How do you take your limits in eating?
Erica says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now and you inspire me everyday! AE jeans are my absolute fav too. I never comment so I thought I’d leave a little message 🙂 much love, all the way from Canada xo ps: Kona is sooo cute.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much for following 😀 Seems like everyone loves AE! XO XO & YES…I’m gunna miss this little booger when I leave!
Joi / Joiful.me says
I love the new hair!!! (saw your photo on Instagram) It really suits you! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Joi!!
Shannon G says
Great post and glad your having a great time in DC! 🙂 I’m in my 40’s and my favorite jeans are Forever 21 stretchy skinny jeans. I’m short: 4’11” and have long legs for my size, so these are the only ones that fit perfectly. Your right though they are so comfy! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I can’t wear Forever jeans! I’m way too tall for them lol. I like their shorts though!
brit says
Thank you for inspiring me. I open your blog before any social media page in the morning.
Taralynn McNitt says
What an honor! Thank you 😀
Sarah says
Loved this post and love seeing your snapchats as well! You are very inspiring!
– sefoster8.blogspot.ca
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Sarah!!