“Your life is an occasion. Rise to it.” -Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
Happy Friday the 13th!
Today is already off to a great start. Grumples and I just got back from a long morning walk, I have my coffee sitting next to me and I get to spend some time blogging. I love writing all of my other blog posts, but doing the recaps are my favorite. I love filling you guys in on what I’ve been up to and hearing all about your weeks as well. To be honest, this has been a pretty low-key week and very relaxing. I hope I don’t bore you before you get to the end, but not every week can be as exciting as the last.
When I got back from D.C., I decided to go out for a run. It was sunny and there were no visible clouds in the sky. It was rainy almost every day in D.C., so I was excited to finally get a sunny day for running.
After a couple miles in, the sky turned black and it just started pouring. I’ve never ran in anything so powerful and it felt like rocks hitting me as I tried to run back to my place as fast as I could. This may sound weird and contradicting, but it kind of felt refreshing and therapeutic. I’m sure people thought I was nuts, but running back was my only option.
Of course as soon as I got back to my place, the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Becca and I met at the fields later that night to let our dogs play. I quickly regretted that decision after seeing Grumples get filthy in the red dirt. I normally wouldn’t care, but he just got groomed and was clean!
But he was so happy and it was nothing a bath couldn’t fix.
Grumples and I walked back home and I carried his 90 lb self into the bath tub. I didn’t want his paws touching anything. He also thinks it’s funny to dive onto my bed when I’m chasing him around to get him into the bath. I didn’t give his stubborn self a chance. I also just cleaned the sheets and it would be just my luck to have to clean them all over again.
An hour later, I finally had the chance to sit down and have dinner. I roasted some garlic parmesan brussel sprouts, two spicy black bean veggie burgers and a side Caesar salad.
The next morning, Becca came over and we headed out for coffee. She wanted to try out a new coffee shop and I’m always down for an adventure. Our coffee was really bad, so I’m just going to keep that coffee shop nameless.
It’s a known fact that Becca likes to take photos of creepy things. The last time we walked into an antique store, I walked out with a cute floral teacup and she came out with a gas mask from WWI. Her and I are so different and that is what makes us such great friends. There were a couple abandoned buildings she wanted to stop by to look at and as a good friend, I ask no questions. As I said before, I’m always down for the adventure.
Later that day, I cleaned up and got ready to go get my nails done. It’s been a while since I’ve actually gotten a manicure and I forgot how amazing they do (compared to when I do it myself.) I went with a lavender taupe color.
I’ve been all about the black bean veggie burgers lately and so I made a couple of those with a side salad for dinner!
It was finally sunny and clear on Wednesday. I decided to go out for a run and then follow it up with a light eight-mile bike ride out in the country.
I love how Grumples gets so excited when I come back from running. He can’t handle watching me run down the road and not being able to run next to me.
I had to sit next to him for a bit before going out for a bike ride to calm him down.
There is nothing more relaxing than riding my bike after a run or on a sunny day.
The E-bike is the best because I can coast uphills, but I decided to turn the coast off so I could get a nice leg workout in. I cannot wait to ride out in D.C. and you can join me! You can even rent an E-Bike. I’d love to meet you guys:)
This lil/big guy <3
Early morning on Wednesday, My 30 pack KIND bar box came! If you’re a frequent reader here, you know how much I love my KIND bars! You can find them everywhere too.
The box has five new flavors!
Black Truffle Almond & Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Almond & Coconut, Dark Chocolate Almond Mint (yum!), Raspberry Cashew & Chia, and Honey Roasted Nuts & Sea Salt!
I can’t wait to spend a month trying out all the new flavors! I’ll be taking these on my road trip to D.C.
KIND snacks are made from whole nuts, fruits and whole grains.
The Almond & Apricot Kind Bar was SOOOOOO good!
Grumples is really making his appearance in this post.
I had to run some errands Wednesday afternoon and I found these little gummy ducks. I needed a quick snack because I was so hungry! They were actually really good, and they are definitely not just for kids. These would be perfect for the movie theater instead of the candy at the counter.
I picked up a Panera Bread salad for dinner. I didn’t feel like cooking or grocery shopping. I ordered the Chicken Caesar salad with all kinds of different toppings added to it.
I can’t even remember what I did last Thursday, but I do remember what I ate. I made sweet corn, grilled asparagus and chicken!
I was so excited for Friday because my friend Rachel and I had plans to go to the Wells Fargo Championship tournament. Who doesn’t love the excuse to wear a cute sundress and watch hot golfers?
It rained almost all week, so I was a little nervous, but it ended up being a gorgeous day.
Beverages.
The Qual Hollow Club is absolutely gorgeous. It’s too pretty for me to even imagine golfing on. I’m going to stick to the dibbet filled courses.
This is a dress that I bought at GAP a couple months ago and I’m in love with the purple and red floral!
I couldn’t believe I was standing that close to Jamie Lovemark…
We ended up walking miles on miles at the tournament.
Outfit on point! °
We left the tournament at six and I was so ready to get out of those shoes!
Around 8:30 on Friday night, I went for an eight-mile night walk! It was a beautiful night and the weather was perfect. I didn’t mind trading in my wine for some walking shoes.
Saturday morning, Becca and I went out to explore Charlotte and take a few shots for the collection.
We stopped for sushi and salads afterward! I’m IN LOVE with ginger salads.
I was so thrilled with how the photos turned out. Becca is such a great photographer!
I love this look so much! I didn’t want to take this outfit off.
I spent Saturday night relaxing and watching movies. I told you that my weekend was pretty low-key:)
SUNDAY WAS ALL ABOUT MOM!
I bought her a beautiful bouquet filled with hydrangeas, poppies, and white carnations. I also bought her a gift certificate to IT Cosmetics and some office decor. No matter what I give my mom, it’ll never compare to everything she’s given me throughout my lifetime.
My dad and mom put together a little backyard garden. I’m so excited to go raid it! I’m worse than the backyard rabbits.
I took my mom to Amelie’s before we went shopping.
I had a coffee and we ordered a Napoleon for dessert. She had the Le Sombre Chai! I have her hooked.
We had a great day shopping and I loved spending Mother’s Day with her!
My salad on Sunday night had spring mix lettuce, chickpeas, avocado, tomato, goat cheese crumbles, cucumber, blueberries, almonds, craisins, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. I have been making these salads for the past seven days! I like to buy tons of salad ingredients on Sunday and make salads all week long. It’s fun to switch it up each week.
You guys will be so proud of me. My water game has been on point! I’ve been drinking 62+ ounces of water a day. I used to go days without drinking water and I feel so much better now. My mood has even changed. The more I drink it, the more I crave it.
Grumples and I cuddled up on Sunday night and fell asleep to a movie. I love this lil man.
Monday night, I made another one of those salads with Harvest Snaps on top!
After dinner, I met up with Becca for a long walk at the Riverwalk.
We were trying to book it so we could make it back before it got dark.
What else is there to do other than take a selfie when Becca is off taking photos of graffiti?
I mean…the graffiti was pretty cool.
Nothing is more beautiful than the peacefulness that nature gives.
I know I walk this trail a lot, but it never gets old. I find it gorgeous and breathtaking every time.
We tried making it back before dark…but we did hit six miles.
FAIL.
Call me crazy, but I met my friend Rachel the next morning at the Riverwalk for a seven-mile walk! I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of walking.
After our walk, we decided to have a pool day!
I’m in love with the CVS breakout free lotion. I wear it while running, at the pool and pretty much all day! If you ever get skin irritations or breakouts, this stuff is amazing for it.
Later that night, I met up with my friend Aimee at Brazwells for dinner. It was a beautiful night to sit outside. I ordered the Montford greens salad. It had a kale mix, sunflower seeds and tomatoes tossed in citrus vinaigrette, topped with bacon, bleu cheese crumbles and 2 over easy eggs. I also had them add grilled chicken for extra protein.
After dinner, I met a new friend. I literally sat for an hour playing with this kitten.
He lives outside of Becca’s apartment with his mom. He was the only kitten that survived. I think I love him!
Later that night, I went for a long walk with Grumples!
I did a workout with my trainer on Wednesday and I still can’t move my body properly. I have a love/hate relationship with him.
Dog with a blog!
For dinner I had the two black bean burgers and a side salad!
Thursday morning, I went for a three mile run and it was SO SO SO hot! I planned on three miles but I simply could not do it. I was burning up. I ended up walking the rest. It was an awful run, but not every run can be great!
For lunch I had two eggs and half a small avocado!
I really wish I had something more interesting to blog about, but thats my life! 🙂 I’d love to hear more about your weeks!
Questions for you.
- What has been your favorite part of the week so far?
- What are your weekend plans?
- Tell me one crazy fact about you!
- If someone asked you to describe yourself using ONE WORD, what would it be?
*Don’t forget. Larabar giveaway ends tonight at 12AM & the Beach House Sport giveaway ends next Friday!
Oh my goodness, I read your blog frequently but can I just say that I love you even more for using a Mr.magorium quote?! Even though I am 26 I absolutely love that movie and no one else understands my love for it. For some reason I can pull so much inspiration and life lessons from that movie even though it’s about a magical toy shop 😉
I don’t think anyone can watch that movie without learning something from it or taking it as inspiration! 🙂
Rain makes running feel so much more badass 🙂
For real!!
Don’t mind me not answering the questions, but your legs look FABULOUS and I had to tell you. Happy Friday!
Thank you Alexa!!!! I’ve been trying! xo Hope you had a great weekend.
Great post friend!!! You look so happy! It’s great to see how far you’ve come from a few months ago. You have such a beautiful spirit!! Thank you for always sharing!!! Xoxoxo ??
Thank you Sara!! That means so much to me!
Love these recap posts! I don’t think it was boring at all, it sounds perfectly relaxing. And you seem so happy, which is what matters most.
1. My favorite part of the week is today, because it’s Friday, haha! My work has this awesome thing called “summer hours” where every other Friday you get to leave at noon, and still get paid for the whole day. Today is one of my summer hours so I’m pumped 🙂
2. My weekend plan is to de-clutter my entire apartment! I can’t wait to find stuff to donate and have it feel fresh and new in my place.
3. Crazy fact.. hmm.. I can’t think of anything too crazy, but you saying how you’re trying to drink more water made me think about how it’s probably odd that the drink I’d choose above anything in the world is ice water, haha. I guess that’s probably crazy to some people 😛 And that is so great that you’ve been drinking more! It really does help your body and mind.
4. I’d describe myself as friendly. I try to be nice to everyone no matter what.
Thank you for always being inspirational in your happy outlook on life, and making me want to get my butt out there and exercise!
Thank you Anna & yes…I am VERY happy.
1. Your work sounds great and that is a nice thing to do for Employees!
2. I just did that last week! It’s so refreshing.
3. I need to get on your water level! I’ve been doing much better though 🙂
4. I love friendly people 🙂 They’re always the best to approach.
Thank you for taking the time to comment!
xo
Great blog post, I always look forward to see what you have been up to! Now summer has finally hit the Netherlands as well (at least until tomorrow) and I also got a little tanned 🙂
What has been your favorite part of the week so far?
Last Saturday I met my mum to watch a stage of the Giro d’Italia (one of the biggest bike races in the world). It was a huge event and we had a lot of fun and great weather there.
What are your weekend plans?
This weekend I’ll finally be done with exam period. Tonight, I’ll head out to party with some friends and tomorrow I’ll travel home to my family for a week. Also I will have my first date in a pretty long time and am kinda excited.
Tell me one crazy fact about you!
I have a secret passion for boy groups. Started as a teenager and never really left me again 😀 Although I usually listen to rock or metal.
If someone asked you to describe yourself using ONE WORD, what would it be?
Curious 🙂
Thank you Vanessa! I bet feeling the heat is nice:)
I bet that was so much fun! What a nice weekend.
I hope you come back and tell me all about your date!!! That is so exciting.
There is nothing wrong with that. I was an Nsync fan!
Curiosity killed the cat, not the human!
What brand of Black Bean Veggie Burgers do you like? I have tried some in the past and they were not good, and had no flavor. I would like to try them again if I can find a better flavored brand.
Just the Morning Star! They are filled with flavor:)
Holy legs and abs!! You’re pictures are beautiful!
My favorite part about this week was getting to take my dogs for a nice walk twice! It’s finally getting warmer in Denver and staying consistently that way! This weekend I will be going to two pole fitness classes, a flexibility and conditioning class AND I have a private pole lesson too, which I am super excited about!
A crazy fact about me: I’m right handed for most things but when it comes to sports, I’m predominantly left handed. I get it from my dad 🙂
One word to describe me: dreamer. I am always in my head and fantasizing about what’s to come and what could be!
Thank you Whitney!
I bet your dogs just LOVE that. Grumples LOVES going on walks. We are about to go on one in an hour! I’ve thought about doing the pole classes because I’ve heard its such a great workout and great for toning. I’d love to hear more about it!
My dad is the exact same way!!
Love that you’re a dreamer. Thats the way to live.
I adore this post, for the simple reason being that your life is real. As odd as that sounds, it’s refreshing. You drink wine, have an occasional beer and yet stay balanced. That seems like the hardest part of a healthy life style, and inspiration is useful.
Okay, now to the questions!
1) The best part of my week is probably right now, when my pug is snoring away on my lap and I am sleepily drinking coffee. It’s an oddly comforting feeling.
2) My weekend plans include driving down to one of my friend’s houses to help prepare for her wedding next month, including gossiping over wine and doing DIY projects (wish me luck, no my forte).
3) I have to distract myself and force myself not to gag over tomatoes and onions, but I adore all tomato sauces, and also love onion powder. If only there was a food hypnotherapist or something out there haha!
4) One word to describe me would probably be contradiction. Not necessarily in a bad way, but answer number 3 gives you an example.
Thank you for writing these blog posts, I genuinely appreciate it!
Thank you Ashley!
That is one of my favorite moments too. I love when I have my coffee and my pup is snoring next to me. It really is a content and happy feeling. Soak it all in!
That sounds like it’ll be a blast. DIY with friends is fun! – Even if you’re not great at it.
I was like that as a kid! The more I eat tomatoes (not in sauce or ketchup form) i like them more and more and more! I can eat them in just about anything as long as theyre not plain.
That is a unique way to describe yourself, but i like it!
Thank you for reading my blogs and taking the time to comment to me!
1. My Thursday evening yoga class. No matter what my week has been like, that is my hour to forget it all, relax, recharge, and finish out the week at peace.
2. Meeting a friend for lunch on Saturday, my boyfriend’s niece and nephews’ birthday party/bonfire Saturday night, and (hopefully) planting flowers and my garden on Sunday. It has been so cold/rainy/busy I haven’t gotten to it yet and I’m getting anxious. It’s only supposed to be in the 30s here in Wisconsin on Saturday night again. 🙁
3.I have become a crazy cat lady! A year ago we “adopted” two male kittens from my boyfriend’s brother’s farm and they have become a huge part of our family. Now people buy me cat stuff and I love it! Coffee mugs, pillows, shirts, and it’s all so cute. I may as well just embrace it…One of them is at the vet right now for an ulcer on his eye and I get to pick him up in 20 minutes and I can’t wait!
4.Caring. Sometimes I care too much. I have such a big heart when it comes to children and animals that I just want to adopt or save them all!
1. That is great that you have that outlet and something to look forward to no matter what is going on during your week.
2. Sounds like you had a BUYS, but FUN weekend. I also hope the weather wasnt too cold!
3. If Grumples got along with cats, I’d have at least two of them!
4. I don’t think you can care too much. Having a big heart is a good thing and it makes you a great person.
I love questions…my favorite part of week was having wine and tapas at a great small town wine shop with my daughter who is just finishing up her senior year of college there…we manage to talk for hours and it’s so relaxing and quaint, I am planning on going to a local Lebanese food festival here in Richmond…yum, crazy fact…I love my job so much that I am actually planning for the next school year’s theme! ONE word….PASSIONATE. Have a great weekend and thanks for inspiring my walks…heading to DC soon.
I love hearing answers!
Wine and tapas are my favorite! I love that you can do that with your daughter. That time is so important. I love food festivals! I bet the Lebanese one is so much fun. Passionate is always a great quality to have! People can always tell when others are passionate about things. I’m heading to DC soon too! xo
Where did you get your cute rug and couch?! So so so so cute!!!
Thank you! The rug is from One Kings Lane and the couch is from a local furniture store in Charlotte!
Hi…i just love teading ur blog and looking thru your pics…makes me so relaxed.you are looking better than ever and glowing
What has been your favorite part of the week so far? Probably sayurday last week….just did nothing for a change
What are your weekend plans?pretty much relaxing at home
Tell me one crazy fact about you! I am 34 and have a 16 year old son :/
If someone asked you to describe yourself using ONE WORD, what would it be?
Determined
ANSWERS:
1. The new flats I bought yesterday that are adorable AND good for my feet!
2. Headed to the Aunt’s ranch to play with horses.
3. I hate strawberries and bacon.
4. Smiley.
Questions for YOU:
1. What is your workout routine? I know you have answered this before, but I need a little more detail, please. You run, walk and weight train. How many miles do you run/walk each day and how long do you lift weights/days a week?
2. What kind of weight training do you do?
3. You mentioned a trainer; how many days a week, is the routine always the same, and is it just weights or cardio or a mix?
4. Do you recommend getting a personal trainer?
5. Do you track calories and/or macros?
6. If so, how many calories do you eat and/or what are your macro ratios? If not, is doing that a waste of time?
1. I bet they are super cute!
2. That sounds like so much fun. I want to go horseback riding this summer!
3. YOU DO!? Those are my favorites.
4. Smiles are always great to have!
Questions for me!
1. I really don’t have a schedule. I TRY to walk everyday and 2-8 miles. I like to run 3-4 times a week and weight train 1-2 times a week.
2. All kinds of weight training but very light. A lot of light weights and more reps. I use the NIKE training app when I need workout ideas.
3. I only workout with a trainer once a week. He changes it up every time but its mostly strength training. I can handle the cardio on my own.
4. Only if you want someone to push you or teach you to do some new things in the gym!
5. I do not!
6. I think counting is a waste of time. I just make sure to eat when I’m hungry, drink lots of water and make sure I’m eating enough.
When were you in DC? I was there for the past 2 weeks and it rained the entire 2 weeks!! But thankfully, I love rain. 🙂 My favorite part of this week was probably my last day there. I walked down to Georgetown Cupcakes and got a brownie cheesecake cupcake which was delicious! Then I walked back in the pouring rain and found this beautiful little pathway that I spontaneously decided to follow. It was lovely 🙂
I was in D.C. at the beginning of the month:)
Georgetown is my absolute favorite as well. There is so much to see and all the back neighborhoods are gorgeous. I’m glad you enjoyed your time! I get to go next week 😀
xo
1. Yesterday was great. I made a huge presentation at work that went really well. And I’m being presented for a special certification. So to celebrate my friend, the pup & I grabbed ice cream & pizza. & ’cause were grown ups & do what we want, we totally ate the ice cream first!
2. My parents are driving from KY to PGH this weekend to meet the BF’s parents. EEK. So, we’ll have a big cookout on Sunday, but I’ll get to spend the rest of the time showing them my favorite parts of the city. It has been a while since they’ve visited.
3. Crazy fact about me…I spent the summer of 2012 biking (like bikes with pedals, not a motorcycle) across the country. We biked 4200 miles.
4. Sassy. I am nothing if not sassy. Haha. Hence the blog title. But seriously.
I love taking pictures of graffiti. I know it’s not always beautiful & can be a bit destructive, but some of the tastefully done stuff I love. 🙂 Happy Weekend!
I get so excited whenever I see your comments. You’re always up to something fun and I just love hearing about it!
Congrats on your presentation. I’m sure that felt great afterwards. Pizza and ice cream is the best celebratory treat! Glad the pup got to join:)
I hope the meeting went well and I cannot wait to hear all about it!!! I’m sure it went great though! It’s always fun to show family/friends around the places you love!
I’m not even surprised anymore when you tell me about all the adventures you have done. They just get more and more inspiring! 4200 miles….wow!
Gotta have a little sass in your life!
Graffiti is always fun to look at. I hope you had the best weekend ever and I cannot wait to hear all about it! xo xo
Hi Taralynn!
1. Lately everybody around me (including myself) has been working a lot but this week my friend had her birthday and we all went out for dinner and had a great time. It was nice to relax and talk. I enjoyed it very much.
2. This weekend I will prepare everything for our roadtrip. We are driving from the West Coast to Chicago for a wedding with our puppy 🙂
3. I am Hungarian (People for some reason think Hungarians are crazy haha)
4. Loyal. I am very loyal to my friends and I would do anything for them. (I kind of expect the same from them too so once I get betrayed, I can’t really forgive. I guess this is something I have to work on)
Hi Orsi!
I bet that was so much fun! I love going out with the friends now and then to celebrate special moments. I hope you had a blast on your road trip, especially with your puppy!
I’ve never heard of a Hungarian being crazy, but that made me laugh!
Loyalty is everything and hard to find nowadays. xo
What has been your favorite part of the week so far?
– I was in San Francisco/Napa/Sonoma last Thursday-this Monday… One of my favorite places to travel to! So much to do!
What are your weekend plans?
– It’s my birthday on Sunday! My best friend and I are going to Cork Buzz, an adorable little wine bar tucked away in SouthPark. If you haven’t been, I HIGHLY recommend! Hopefully it won’t rain anymore this weekend so I can sit by the pool 🙂
Tell me one crazy fact about you!
– I laughed almost the entire time I got the tattoo on my rib cage!
If someone asked you to describe yourself using ONE WORD, what would it be?
– Compassionate
1. I have always wanted to go up that way and out to California!
2. I know it’s Monday, but happy belated birthday! I hope you had such a fun time:) I don’t think I’ve ever been to Cork Buzz, but I’ll make sure to check it out. I love my wine.
3. I just laughed picturing that. Hopefully it wasn’t hard for the artist to keep the tattoo straight! I’d be crying.
4. Compassionate is a great quality! xo
Hey! I’ve been reading your blog for years. I think you’re so cool and really push me to want to get more fit. I definitely need more salad ideas and healthy sweets (sweets are my downfall and the reason for my recent weight gain!).
1. I took a random day off from work today and it feels soo nice! It feels good to decompress.
2. Double date dinner with my bestie, chaperoning prom (I’m a teacher!), and bridesmaid dress shopping with my bestie for her wedding in December.
3. It’s taken me years, but I’m FINALLY starting to like avocado! I hated it for so long, but I’m slowly warming up to it.
4. Kind. I try to always be an understanding person.
Thank you so much Jamie! Sweets were totally my downfall but I had to slow them down after the winter! It was starting to show haha. Good thing there are always healthy alternatives.
Decompress days are the best days.
That sounds like a FUN weekend!! I just want to join!
AVOCADO IS THE BEST!:D
I bet you are kind. Most teachers are 😀
I loved this blog post! It was so simple yet relaxing. We all need those weeks every now and then!
The nail color you got done is gorgeous. I have a shade so similar. It is one of my favorites.
I am now craving a salad after all of your yummy salad photos 🙂
Happy Friday the 13th!! Do you have anything spooky planned?
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Thank you B!
I like it too, but I just had a light white/blue done yesterday. I’m already excited to go back to the previous color! I’ve been trying to get my nails done weekly. I’m always craving salads….its bad! (the good kind of bad)
Nothing spooky planned! Just watched Room last night! That is as spooky as it gets! Did you do anything?
I always look forward to reading your blog posts. Your week sounds crazy with all the walking and running, sounds about like mine. I work full time but I still manage to be active. I always take one day off a week just so I can be outside in the awesome weather. But I live in Nebraska so the weather is always on and off here. Not my favorite. I hope your having a great day.
Thank you Haley!
That is great that you stay active with an already busy lifestyle. I hope its warming up in Nebraska and you get to spend all that time outside!
xo
Hi Taralynn 🙂 I love to read your recap blog post, I actually waited all week long to read this post haha!
I was wondering how long it takes you to do an eight miles walk? I am so impressed by the walks you do! Keep up the good work!:)
Hi Jessica!
Sorry it took me so long to get it up there! It takes about an hour and a half! about 16-17min miles. Sometimes more when we are off taking photos of the river! They are very therapeutic.
Hi Taralynn!
I have a question for you. How do you meet new people when you move? I’ve read your blog for years and know how often you used to move around. I on the other hand am 21 and have lived in the same small beach town my entire life. I don’t regret it, I LOVE it here. But my job is having me travel this summer and I will be in different states for months at a time. In school it is easy to make friends because you have classmates. But what have you found to be a good way to meet friends in new areas? I’m pretty quiet and shy too.
Hi Rachel!
It seems hard to move and make new friends, but I think it’s exciting. You just have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. This is a great opportunity to break out of being quiet and meet others who enjoy doing the same things as you. Join some meet up groups, talk to people you normally wouldn’t and never settle for a night alone. There are ons of people around looking for friends just like you! Never be afraid to make that first move.
xo
I like reading about your life and it seems very interesting! Question??? Do you make your black bean burgers or buy them if you buy what kind and if you make, recipe please lol?
This week was my sons birthday so we went out to dinner and to a fun park arcade place. He turned 9.
This weekend I am going to a 6 year old birthday party and then to some my best friends graduation party that I havent seen in person in forever so I am SUPER excited to see them and catch up.
I am about to turn 27 and I have 4 kids. 2 are my step children who live full time with us and my 6 yr old daughter and 9 month old daughter.
This is a hard one …. I guess helpful I like to help people maybe caring.
Thank you Jennifer!
I use the Morning Star spicy black bean burgers. They’re so good.
Fourth grade?! I bet that was so much fun.
That’ll be a fun weekend. It’s always nice to catch up with friends!
You sound like a great mom and have accomplished so much!
Helpful is a great quality to have.
OMG OMG OMG 30 pack KIND bar box?? I need that in my life asap!!!
SERIOUSLY THE BEST!
I’ve been loving those black bean burgers this week too!
Also, your legs are looking AMAZING!!! All your running is really showing!
1. The best part of my week was sitting on my friends back deck enjoying the sunshine yesterday! I was feeling sick and recovering from night shift but good company and beautiful weather was exactly what I needed ?
2. This weekend I’m planning on getting in a good run, hopefully a little adventure tomorrow and a hike with friends on Sunday!
3. Hmmm this is a tough one! I can’t think of anything too crazy. Last year I quit my job and moved to England to work as a nanny, it was a pretty crazy decision but i learned a lot from my 5 months of living there. Not so much a fact, more of a thing I did once lol
4. Compassionate. I’m a nurse and I think being compassionate is a big part of my job and a quality that carries into all areas of my life.
What word would you use to describe yourself??
They are so delicious and easy to make.
Thank you for the complement! I’ve been trying 🙂
That sounds like an amazing time. Sometimes all you need is a friend and a good scenery.
That is pretty crazy for most people and you are so brave and confident to be able to do something like that. Such a inspiration! I’d love to hear more about it! The ups and downs:)
You sound very compassionate and INSPIRING!
Hmmmmm right now…HAPPY. I find myself using that word a lot lately.
Favorite part of the week is usually Fridays because it means the work week is done! Got a one year olds birthday party to go to Saturday. No idea about Sunday. Crazy fact? Thanks to a spinal surgery when I was 12, I can’t bend my back. I have no memory of what its like to do sit ups or bend to touch my toes. One word to describe me? Introverted. I love spending time with friends but then I need to be by myself and recharge
Fridays are the best!
You are so strong and I know there must be tons of people that look at your for inspiration. Everyone needs to be a little introverted now and then to recharge! I think its important:)
TARALYNN
If you think your week was not very exciting, you wouldn’t like to hear about mine! The weather in Miami was hot and humide that I tried to stay indoor as much as possible. When I see your posts full of nature pics, you get me jalous! down here we don’t have magnificient trees, we have palm trees. No shade provided 🙂 and I would love to be able to hit a 7 miles walk too but this is not the good place for that. LACK OF NATURE, hello! Charlotte is amazing. Thank you for sharing the city with us.
What has been your favorite part of the week so far?
Okay, even if my week was not the best, I enjoyed my Monday night. My bf and I met with some friends and it always feel good to be around people who care about you. I am not from America so I get homesick sometimes. staying social is needed.
What are your weekend plans?
If the weather is not too hot for a bike ride then I plan on going for a ride in the Everglades with my bf. We have never been there in the almost 2 years that we moved here. So let’s see..
Tell me one crazy fact about you!
maybe the fact that I speak 4 languages.
If someone asked you to describe yourself using ONE WORD, what would it be?
EMOTIONAL
Well, have a great weekend!
Miami is actually on my bucket list! I’d love to spend some time on the beaches. I’m sure it’s beautiful and I’d love to try all the coffee shops and healthy restaurants I’m always seeing on Instagram. I have a good friend who has a blog living in Miami and she’s always posting about it.
https://uniquelylulu.wordpress.com
Being social is definitely needed and that is always nice to be able to meet up with friends.
That sounds like an amazing bike ride!!!
You are incredible talented. four languages? I can hardly get English down!
I can be pretty emotional too, but if I had to describe you…it was be SMART!
Are you dating anyone?
I think when the time is right, I will share an update on my dating life with my followers! I’m enjoying life right now and very happy.
First, love that dress where your’e posing with the bouquet of flowers. I think I’ve seen you wear it before, like a long time ago, but i can’t remember lol.
My favorite part of the week was finding out I passed all my classes XD
I’m not doing much this weekend. I’ll get to visit my baby cousins and work lol. That’s about it.
I don’t really have any crazy facts.. :O haha I share my birthday with Chris Rock and Jeremy Davis. I don’t know XD
I’m very introverted. That’s the best way to describe me lol.
HI Whitney!
Thank you & I’ve had that dress for years! I really do not remember where I got it, probably forever21 or something!
Nice job on passing!!
Sounds like a good and relaxing weekend. Those are fun facts:) I share mine with Justing Timberlake.
There is nothing wrong with being introverted!
Oh my gosh can I just say look at his butt… ??
You sure can 😉
Didn’t you say you were going to post the bed plans soon? Anxiously waiting!!
HI Jessica!
My dad said he’d put the plans together when he gets a chance! He’s been pretty busy building furniture for some people 🙂 Hopefully sometimes next month.
1. My favorite part of the week so far has been knowing that I finally have all my big assignments in for the semester! Now just one more week to go!
2. I had off yesterday, work all day today (yuck), and then off again tomorrow. I get to spend a little quality time with my boyfriend and my roommates since we all actually have some free time this weekend, so I’m happy!
3. Hmmm…crazy fact about me…I get paid to sing for funerals.
4. Honest. I was gonna say sassy but that makes me sound mean. I care a lot about people, I just don’t think there’s always necessarily a point in sugar coating something you think.
1. Nice job getting those assignments done! 🙂
2. That sounds like such a fun weekend! & well deserved.
3. That is a very interesting job, but a pretty important and powerful job! I bet you are a beautiful singer.
4. Sassy is not mean! It’s fierce! 😀
I really enjoyed your recap! A blog full of workouts, healthy meals, dogs, and coffee… whats not to love! I also just got my nails done for the first time in a long time at a salon and am so impressed with how good they turn how… how do they do it!?!
My favorite part of the week so far is my best friend from 3,000 miles away flying in to visit me! She’s someone who loves random adventures as much as I do! We actually drove up to Ogunquit Maine on a whim after being inspired by your blog!
My weekend is consisting of being outside as much as possible with the beautiful weather! Dog walks, hikes, reading on a blanket in the park… sign me up!
A crazy fact about me on the spot sounds so hard. I guess my random fact will be that 4 years ago I moved across the country from 10 miles from the coast in California to a mile from the coast in Massachusetts… literally as FAR as we could move! Its an adventure for sure!
One word to describe myself would be sensitive… I’ve always uber aware of others emotions as well as my own. Also I cry at anything… happy, sad, anything. So I guess it makes sense!
Hi Taralynn! I read your blog frequently and today I have to say something 🙂 I see you condifent and fine with yourself, which is great! I mean, you can spend time alone and be fine, something that I’m not able to do. I really admire you for that. You are jogging alone, eating alone, walking alone. Ok, you have Mr. Grumple but still, you are a very independent and strong person. You know, when I’m alone for more than few hours, I start feeling anxious. Usually I call my friends and ask them to do something together because I can’t be just by myself longer and feel ok. I wish I could change it. I try to do things alone. Like today, I went to the beach alone. I live in Barcelona, this city is wonderful and I could do million things here alone. But in 99% of cases I call some friends, because I don’t feel fine just with myself. I start to think to much, analyze… My brain doesn’t stop even for one second. So, to avoid my own thoughts, I need people around. I know it’s bad and I should work on it. It’s probably related to my self-esteem. I hope it’s gonna change but to be honest, I don’t know how to change it. I just wanted to tell you this because you’re a great example of how to love and accept yourself the way you are, spend time just with yourself and feel fine. That’s something that costs me a lot. Anyway, I wish you all the best and I love your blog!
Love your blog!!!!! You make me want to move to the Carolinas. My boyfriend and I have been talking about it lately! Right now we are in south Florida! Anyways, love your catch up posts! What kind of workouts do you do with your trainer!!?
Looks like some beautiful weather…minue that downpour haha! I love those black bean burgers too. I need to make my own now because there’s wheat in the ones I was buying..womp!
I agree with you, walking is awesome. It’s so relaxing when you’ve been feeling stressed out. 🙂
Yes, I want to make my own too! Let me know if you end up doing it because I’d love a recipe!
Walking is the best with music or with a friend!
okay, ive been playing around with some different variations…ill let you know what comes out best!
Tara!! your skin is GLOWING!! I noticed it immediately in your pictures in this post- it’s definitely the water!! Keep it up girl, you look amazing 🙂
Well thank you 😀
Happy Tuesday!
I’ve been following your blog since my freshman year of college and I’m now 2 years post grad. I have to say I’ve really enjoyed that you include a variety of recipes & exercises that are doable for me. Sometimes the blogs on health/fitness use foods that I either can’t afford or am not really sure I even want to try and include exercise routines that are way over my head. So, in sum I appreciate that you offer such a variety of things to your audience.
I’d love to participate in your drawings and contest, but I’m a little “off the grid” in that I don’t have any type of social media account. Just email for me 🙂
Would it be possible to create contests and challenges that people who are in the same boat (if any exist!) can participate in?
Was that picture from your night walk at Freedom park? I love walking there!
I LOVE that you incorporated “Dog with a Blog” :p
You walk SOOOOOO much! I get tired from two miles!
Hey Tara
I’ve followed you for awhile now and love your blog. Although not related to this post I’ve noticed anytime my boyfriend asks me to run with him I can’t keep up because my knees start to give out from the bottom of the kneecap if that makes sense. I was wondering if you had any suggestions/ or experience.
Much love and I can’t for your next post
Hi there! First off, love your blog! I really look forward to all of your posts! I just wanted to ask if you thought about rescuing or trapping, neutering, and releasing the mom & kitten in your post? I’ve rescued and homed a number of cats and the streets are always very mean to them. I hate to think of that kitten having to grow up on the streets and having a very tough life. It also makes me sad to think of the mom having even more kittens that most likely have a very tough life as well!
Sorry for the the long post, big animal lover here! Again, LOVE your post!
🙂
Lindsay
Taralynn I love your blog!
I was wondering what type of black bean patties you get? Are they morningstar?
Stay wonderful 🙂
Hi Dalia! yes:) Morning Star!
So this is rather late, since you posted this over a week ago…sorry! But seeing that you are as obsessed with Black Bean Burgers as I am, I HAD to tell you!
I always buy bags of dried beans for like 75 cents when they’re on sale. We buy all kinds, they are one of my 16 month old’s favorite foods! But anyway, I figured, “How hard can black bean burgers be to make?” Turns out…not hard at all! Literally, for under a few bucks, I made 15 BIG black bean burgers and froze them for whenever! Here’s what I did:
– Soak and cook the beans as directed (the whole bag, 1 lb I think?)
– Mash them up, but don’t puree it. You want the chunks!
– Mix them up like you would regular turkey burgers or hamburgers or whatever. Add what you love! You NEED the usual eggs and breadcrumbs. But I added a ton more veggies too! I added corn, bell peppers, onion, carrot and garlic.
– Season the mix however you like it and start forming patties.
– I made them into pretty big patties. I cut pieces of wax paper into little squares and put it between the patties, stacked them up and froze them all in big ziplocks, labeled and dated!
We grilled a couple the other day and they were SO GOOD! I posted on FB to everyone I know because it was seriously the cheapest way ever to fill my freezer (I also made a big batch of black bean and chicken soup with a second bag of beans!)
Try making the burgers…you won’t be sorry!! <3
As always, love your posts! Keep on keeping on! 😉
love you tlynn