Hi Guys,
I love keeping my blog as positive and upbeat as I possibly can, but today my heart breaks for the city I love, the city I call “home.” I blog about my city all the time, and I love living here. With my job, I could live anywhere in the entire world, but I chose Charlotte. I knew from the moment I got here; I’d never leave. I ended a four-year relationship with someone because I didn’t want to leave the city. The people of Charlotte take pride in making the Queen City beautiful, providing safe places to explore, and the streets are filled with the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. It’s crazy to think that everything happening live on t.v. last night was happening right outside the window. I could feel the helicopters above, the loud booms, and the sirens all night long. I didn’t know if my car would still be on the street in the morning or if I’d wake up from a rock being thrown through the window. I went to bed in fear, and that is not what I ever imagined Charlotte being like. This is not my city; we are better than this, Charlotte. I understand that there are people wanting justice and families grieving, but violence is never the answer. A peaceful protest is more effective because violence only equals more violence and more of a divide. Please stand up for what you believe in, practice your rights, but remain peaceful. Give your fears, your hatred, your anger, your frustration, your doubts, your helplessness, and your problems to God. He’s more powerful than any force out there.
Now, I want to get back to being positive and tell you all about my weekend. I started blogging the first part yesterday but didn’t want to overwhelm you by shoving it all into one post! This is part two, and yes! There is a part three coming tomorrow! Sheeeesh.
I woke up incredibly early on Friday morning. I wanted to get some work done, have coffee, and fit in a quick run before starting my day. I decided to run around the hotel for thirty minutes and then stretch a bit. A little workout is better than no workout. We were in full-on shopping mode. We headed to King Street to shop and hung out a bit before meeting up with the girls in Folly. I grabbed a green juice at BEECH to go with my No Cow Bar for a late breakfast.
Drinking a $10 juice was a bit cringe-worthy, but it was good and convenient. It had kale, green apple, romaine, ginger, spinach, celery, parsley, lemon. I like a juice that is more vegetable-based.
I had a never-to-be-forgotten cannoli from Carmelo’s a couple of years ago. I have wanted to go back to try their coffee for a very long time, and I finally had the chance to! It was even more special because it was with my best friend, who appreciates coffee just as much as I do.
I absolutely love this place. It’s so cute inside, and I’m obsessed with the exposed brick and the bright details.
It was a gorgeous day to sit by the open windows with my cappuccino. The breeze from the outside was pouring into the cafe, and it felt like I was in a dream.
I ordered a cappuccino with skim milk and a splash of cinnamon on top.
I wish I could sit in this spot every morning.
If you’re ever in Charleston, don’t forget to stop here to grab a coffee and a dessert. And…it was time to shop! Outfit (basic per usual)
Top: Express
Jeans: Gap
Comfortable AF walking shoes: Sperry
Sunglasses: Nine West
Bag: CatoWhen I walked into Forever 21, I saw a pair of super cute jeans. I didn’t think about trying them on because Forever 21’s sizes are weird. I never leave the dressing room happy. Becca convinced me to try them on, and I fell in love! I like them better than my expensive jeans! Sometimes you have to try things on, even if you don’t want to! We spent the next couple of hours walking into all the shops and exploring cute little boutiques. I only bought a new pair of jeans and a pair of earrings. I was proud of myself for keeping the spending under control! Before we took off for Folly, we stopped at a cute little coffee shop. I walk by City Lights Coffee every time I’m in Charleston. I’ve never gone in, but I have always wanted to love how cute and rustic the coffee shop was. It looks like something out of a movie or old photo. I ordered green tea and relaxed in the air conditioner for a bit. We finally met the girls in Folly at three! We had to bring the best desserts of all time. Cookies & cupcakes. Things were about to get wild! We headed to the beach to the layout before settling at the house for the night. We sat at Jack of Cups Saloon for a bit to fill up on water and order some to-go salads to bring back for dinner. EXHAUSTED. NAP TIME! We all did personal pizzas and salad. Mine had peppers, onions, cheese, and sauce. Becca’s had olives…gross. It was so nice to relax with all the girls and play hilarious games! It escalated real quick…I knew some of the girl’s sexual fantasies before knowing where they were even from. Because I’m old…coffee FIRST & LAST. And then the night got wild…
We all stayed up until 2 am chatting away! I’ll be blogging all about our night out tomorrow 😉 You won’t want to miss it because it involves a random man’s underwear and shirtless men.
Questions for you!
- Do you have a favorite place to shop for jeans?
- If you could bathe in any substance, what would it be? (question from the beach ball)
- Where was the last place you traveled to?
Melissa says
I love the jeans at American Eagle, the hold up for years and they carry short 😉 lol
Hahah that is an odd question, my initial though was that anything other than water would just be dirty lol but I guess thats not the point so coffee!
In August I took a road trip to East Canada (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) with my boyfriend and two friends. It was awesome, we camped and did lots of walks and the weather was amazing – its so humid here in Ontario!
Oh side note, I just wanted to say Becca is looking great! I know you said a while back that she’s been working out and went on that 1 year hike with her and such. From a reader that sees photos of her on occasion lol let her know she looks fabulous and the hard work is paying off 🙂 I hope thats not weird lol
Take care!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love AE jeans too! I don’t like how they stretch out by the end of the day though! I have to buy a size smaller!
I bet that was a gorgeous part of Canada!!!I’d love to visit sometime.
Becca is!!!!!!!
She’s actually next to me! I showed her the comment and she said thank you so much and you’re so sweet!!! She’s actually going to co-run the October Challenge with me!
Mariell says
So happy you’re safe Taralynn!! Was thinking about you all day!!
1. Jeans are the devil to shop for! But I do love Target for them!
2. Bathe in any substance? Hmm… Probably would have to be fleece blankets if not water. They’re just so soft!!!
3. Last place I traveled was Arizona, it was super cold winter here in ND so it was perfect!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Mariell! I’m away from the city tonight just in case!
TARGET?! UGH. I can’t do target jeans or shorts!!!! I look horrible lol (worst critic)
Someone actually said that at the party!! lol I said coffee…(of course)
I bet it was!!! I love AZ!
Jess says
You said it perfectly about the recent events in Charlotte. I visited Charlotte for the first time two weeks ago. I can’t imagine the city being like this and it broke my heart to watch the news this morning.
I have the hardest time finding jeans that fit that aren’t ridiculously expensive since I need petite sizes. So, honestly, the thrift store is my favorite place to shop for jeans. I know what brands to look for and have better luck finding petite sizes there.
That’s an odd question haha. Hmm…I recently fell in love with apple butter, so I’ll say apple butter. Is that weird? Yeah, that’s pretty weird…haha.
Anddd Charlotte was the last place I traveled to, as I mentioned above 🙂 I’m pretty sure I’d move there in a heartbeat.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jess!
Yes. Our city is better than this and it sad. This is my favorite city in the entire world and it’s beautiful.
That is pretty cool you can find them at thrift stores! I’d have no luck. Jcrew has good petite sizes!
lol I love these answers! haha Apple butter is so random, but I don’t blame you!
It’s the best place ever!! xo
Jenni says
Wow, your beach pictures are incredible!! What an amazing sunset and gorgeous scene! I’m from California and have been to the pacific ocean a million times…this makes me want to take a dip in the Atlantic!
1. I randomly discovered Aeropostale jeans last year while shopping for sorority recruitment outfits. Not a place I ever shopped at before, but I found these really cute jegging-like jeans that I get compliments on all the time! But now the Aeropostale at my mall is closed so I need to find a new place to shop…
2. It would be interesting to bathe in jello.
3. Earlier this summer I went on a choir trip to Florence and Prague and it was so wonderful! I also got to visit some other parts of Italy while I was in Florence. Milan was one of my favorites… incredible architecture, great fashion, and this wonderful park that my friend and I discovered! We were only there for five hours so now I want to go back!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much!!!
I want to dip my toes into the Pacific!! 😀
I feel like their jeans are so short, but I haven’t tried or been into an aeropostal in almost eight years!
lol that would be so fun haha
GORGEOUS! I’d love to visit Prague! Sounds like you had some fun summer travels.
hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Taralynn
Jen H. says
1. I do not have a favorite place to buy jeans. I hate jean shopping. Let me reiterate that….I HATE JEAN SHOPPING!!! I do have those random old favorite pairs tho. One from Old Navy, Forever 21, and a random pair from JCP.
2. No doubt about it….PEANUT BUTTER. Need I say more 🙂
3. I went to good ole Iowa City a few weekends ago for the Iowa State football game. I am an alumni so it’s always good to go back. Plus I have a lot of friends who still live there. I know Iowa is near and dear to your heart too! 🙂 GO HAWKEYES!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jen!
Jean shopping is only allowed on good days for me! I think all girls get a little touchy on the jean subject!
LOL CAN YOU SWIM IN PB?! haha I feel like you’d sink. I guess you’d have to eat it all to survive.
GO IOWA!!!!!! Best game of the year.
xo
Jenn says
I’m glad you’re safe – my friend and I had to cancel our trip to Charlotte this weekend since we would have been about a block away from where the protests happened last night. I’m super bummed, but we plan to make it there eventually!
1. I used to work at Gap, but for some reason I CANNOT wear their jeans. I stick to American Eagle, since they have the only ones that make me feel super bloated!
2. I’ll have to take your answer and say coffee…as I sip my coffee at 9 at night
3. I went a few miles south a couple of months ago and visited the Kennedy Space Center. It was SO much fun for a space nerd like me 🙂 Next weekend I’ll be in NY, and in November I’m going to San Fran and Vegas (for my brother’s wedding!)
And I second what Melissa said! Becca is looking awesome! It’s really motivating to see you both live an active lifestyle – it makes me get my butt off the couch sometimes 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jenn!
That is smart. Please come visit Charlotte though! It’s pretty in the Fall. It’s so sad to see this all happening. Our city is so much better than this.
I like AE jeans as well and it’s a hit or miss with Gap!! They make the butts too big lol
You’re my kind of girl!!! Coffee allll day alll night.
WOOOO I’m going to San Fran next week! I can’t wait.
Thank you! & yes she’s a boss!! xo xo
Thank you for your kind words!
Have a great weekend!
Emily says
I can only find jeans at forever 21 or banana republic! I need super stretchy skinny jeans for my odd shape haha 😉 big hips skinny legs
I’d go with coffee to bathe in!! The smell is so relaxing
Last place I traveled to was France last month, we went to Paris and Brest and it was amazing! I am fitting in a California trip this weekend though before it gets too cold!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Emily!
It’s crazy how we are all built differently but expected to categorize our bodies on the same number scale. Shopping and sizes are strange.
YES!!!! COFFEE!! I also heard that it’s super good for your skin, so its a win/win situation.
Sounds so wonderful!!!!
I am going to California for the first time next week 🙂
xo
Kristen says
Macy’s- American rag brand
Bath in/ champagne – just sounds super glam
Last place I traveled- Richmond, va
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol champagne baths…how is that not a thing??
Rich what? Richmond!! (sorry movie quoting over here)
xo xo
Kristen says
I am driving to Charleston in a few weeks and wanted to stop in Charlotte (never been!) but am a little worried now! Please stay safe and keep us updated!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kristen!
Just keep up with the news and make sure it’s safe to come! I think everything will be back to normal soon. I can only pray!
Milena says
Hi Taralynn 🙂
It seems like you had a lot of fun this weekend 🙂
I wanted to say that I pray for Charlotte and hope your city comes back to normality as soon as possible. It really breaks my hear to see what is going on.. 🙁
Answering your questions:
1) My favorite place to buy jeans is Mango. It´s a Spanish brand and usually their jeans match perfectly. Do you know this frustration when in one place you try one size and it´s too big, while in another place the same size is too small? And you never know which size you should try on in the end. Well, in Mango I alsways know which is my size and save my time on trying things on 🙂
2) The second question is great heh 🙂 I think it would be coconut milk 😀
3) The last place I traveled to was Bologna in Italy. It was my first time travelling alone and I loved it! I didn´t expect to enjoy that much alone because I always travel with someone, but it was kind of cool. This experience has helped me to know myself better. I remember when you went alone to Paris and I was thinking… wow, she´s so brave, she´s crossing the ocean alone. Italy and Spain are not that far away but even though, I´m proud I did it. I love traveling and I don´t want my fears to stop me! BTW, have you ever been in Italy? I´ve been multiple times and for it´s the most beautiful country in Europe. You should totally go 🙂
Have a nice weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Milena!
So much fun this weekend and I get sad anytime I have to leave the beach.
Thank you for your prayers, I think they’re the strongest force.
YES. I totally get that frustration. That is why I rarely ever shop at Forever 21, but I think a lot of us girls deal with that. Hopefully they’re making some changes. Once you have a brand that is so consistent, you have to stick to it!
Coconut milk? That is a new one! Skin so soft lol
That is amazing that you went alone and enjoyed it. When I went to France alone, I loved it, but also wish I had someone with me to enjoy the moments. I guess if you can travel alone, you can do almost anything 😉
I would LOVE to go to Italy! If it weren’t for Italy, I wouldn’t be alive today. My parents met on a ship in Italy 29 years ago and lived there for four years. My mom and I have talked about planning a trip together.
Taralynn
Lauren says
Hi! It sounds like you had an amazing weekend! I love girly weekends!
1) I like American Eagle jeans, but we don’t have that in Belgium. I also like the jeans from America Today (I don’t think it’s a known brand in the US) because they are stretchy and they have different lengths. I’m tall and it’s difficult to find a pair of jeans which is long enough! 😀
2) Chocolate!!!! 😀
3) I went to Amsterdam in the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago. It’s only 1,5 hour drive from us. My last real holiday was to Canada in May. It’s my favorite country! We are going to Prague in two weeks with a group of friends to visit a friend who lives there. I can’t wait!
Have a nice day and be safe!
Taralynn McNitt says
Most definitely!
I don’t think that’s in the U.S. either! I love AE jeans too (just not at the end of the day when they are all stretched out.)
CHOCOLATE & COFFEE for the win.
Wow, that must have been beautiful! So jealous of where you live. I’d love to visit Prague one day. I have a really good friend that lives there.
XO XO Have a great weekend.
Taralynn
Myriam says
1) No, in fact I hate jeans because I don’t like how they look like on me, I almost always wear dresses/skirts or leggins.
2) Mmm, I’m not sure I’d like to bathe in something other than water… xD Maybe chocolate but I would probably end up drinking all of it lol
3) I think Tarragona, a city not far from Barcelona. I was supposed to be in Hamburg this week but my boyfriend left me and then decided he would go to our planned trip there by himself (he never asked for my opinion). Nice, right?
I have a question for you, sorry to be nosy 🙂 I realized Becca was eating fish and I think meat too recently, I thought she was a vegetarian? :O Sorry if this bothers you in anyway, it’s pure curiosity. Have a great weekend 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Myriam!
I totally understand that. Jeans are definitely not for everyone. There are days where I feel icky in everything I put on!
HA! such a strange question…but if it was a life or death situation…;)
That doesn’t sound like much a boyfriend to me! I hope you’re doing OK! xo
No no no doesn’t bother me at all! Becca was a vegetarian for a couple years, but has slowly started eating meat again because of lifestyle inconveniences.
I hope you have a great weekend and go out and do something fun for yourself!
xo
Hilary says
Your photos are incredible. I love how organic and majestic they are! You should do photography professionally because I’d buy all of your prints.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much!!! I love putting my prints around the place!
Samantha says
I want to frame that photo of the pink bike for my daughters room!
I can’t wait to read more about your girls night out!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!!:)
Lindsey says
Where did you get that white top?
Taralynn McNitt says
Express! xo
Jane says
How do make so many friends? How did you meet your friend that was having the bachelorette party?
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t have THAT many friends. I just meet them overtime:) It was my friend Aimee’s bachelorette party. We went to high school together !
Lauren @ Following the Path of Life says
Hehe…all your coffee pictures are making me want a cup of coffee! I think I’m going to have to find a pumpkin spice version soon, now that it is officially fall.
1) I actually get pretty much all of my jeans and shirts from thrift stores; it’s fun to find really nice clothes for an inexpensive price!
2) Hmm…I’d probably pick crystal clear water in a mountain lake. It’d be freezing, but so worth it!
3) Alexander and I were in Colorado last Thursday through Sunday. We went to the Needtobreathe concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, camped out at Chatfield State Park, and visited the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. It was a beautiful and refreshing trip.
Also, to answer your question from another comment, yes, Alexander and I are building a new fence around our backyard. 🙂 We need something that’s a little more secure than chain-link for our very athletic and hyper dog!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Lauren!!
You better go get yourself some coffee!:) I don’t like the pumpkin spice coffee from stores because they are all light roast and taste like water. I have to add espresso to them! lol
So cool that you do that! I should give it a try.
YES! I agree.
I’ve heard all about the Red Rocks Amphitheater!! I bet you had a blast.
So cool that you’re doing that. It’s a lot of work, but so worth it!!
xo
Mary says
Your posts are very inspirational. Thank you for staying positive and making my mornings better everyday. I almost can’t wait to rush to work so I can have coffee while reading your blogs. Mr. Grumples is the cutest and you are so great with him.
Taralynn McNitt says
Well thank you! That is the sweetest:)!! That comment just made my day.
Jennifer says
I’m glad you’re staying safe through everything that’s happening! All of this is so unnecessary and people are only making it worse by feeding the violence.
Currently my favorite place to shop for jeans is Express! You really have to try them on before buying though because their sizes run weird (usually too big) but they’re always so soft and comfy!
Bahaha umm… liquid gold.
South Charleston, West Virginia where my mom grew up!
Taralynn McNitt says
I couldn’t agree more with you!
I can’t wear express! I wish I could because their jeans are super cute.
LIQUID GOLD! haha love that.
Sounds wonderful!
Jessica says
Hi Taralynn! I’ve been watching what’s been going on in Charlotte and all of the violence saddens me. I live in Milwaukee and we had protests over the summer, people were burning down gas stations and throwing things at cops. I feel for you and your city, stay safe and positive! <3
I used to buy my jeans at AE all the time, but I've recently been buying my jeans from Madewell! They are a much nicer denim that lasts longer and are super comfy – highly recommend!
LOL I guess I would bathe in….coffee? Or coconut oil to have silky smooth skin and smell like an island paradise? haha
Last place I traveled was in June to Iceland! My man and I were there for 10 days and he proposed to me there. Such a beautiful country to adventure around! We miss it everyday!
xoxo, Jessica
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jessica!
My heart breaks for the city and I hope this can make us stronger. Violence is NEVER effective.
xo
I will have to try out Madewell!!
Maybe coconut oil coffee?!?!
Iceland!? WOW! Such a cool place. I bet you took amazing photos!
xo
Annie says
It’s important to know that under these circumstances, the circumstances people are protesting, the police are the instigators of the violence. There is something majorly wrong going on here. We are witnessing a remarkable abuse of power.
Bethany says
Do you have a favorite place to shop for jeans?
– Right now, my favorite jeans are called Articles of Society! I find them at the Nordstrom rack! They are SUPER slimming, and they are stretchy and SO COMFY!!!! Only $32 if you get them on sale (I never pay full price for anything….)
If you could bathe in any substance, what would it be? (question from the beach ball)
– I gotta go with champagne…. the bubbles!!
Where was the last place you traveled to?
– I went to Charleston this weekend as well! It was very low key, my friend and I went to the Lumineers concert on Daniel Island! Such a mellow concert, it was great! On our way home to Charlotte we stopped at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia! SUCH a cool zoo and they have so many different animals like KOALAS! 🙂 I’m a child at heart!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Bethany!
I’ll have to remember that. I have a Nordstrom rack close to me but I never go! I
needwant to soon though!I’m telling ya’ champagne baths should be a thing!
WAIT. THE LUMINEERS WERE PLAYING IN CHARLESTON!?!?!!! HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS?
I heard that Columbia had a zoo!
XO XO Glad you had a fun weekend!
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
1. Umm, I got a few nice pairs from Nordstrom Rack last year. I have a bit butt // legs compared to my waist, so I have to do some serious searching to find jeans that fit without having a huge gap at the waist. I have a pair or two from Target I love too. We just got a Nordstrom Rack here, so that will probably be my new go-to now that I can try things on in the flesh.
2. Baths freak me out, like you’re just floating around in your own filth. How is that relaxing? But I guess I would go with coconut oil, I could use a good dose of moisturizer. But I think also I would be better off answering that question if I had a drink or two first.
3. My last big trip was Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro & Venice, but that was back in April. My last trip out of town I guess was last weekend for a relay race called Ragnar. It runs 200-ish miles from Cumberland, MD to Washington DC. Usually I get to spend some time in DC, and was going to check out the places you talk about, but had to rush back to Pittsburgh.
The violence all makes me so upset and angry. I understand how no one wants to be shot, and I also understand how in a split second these officers are making life altering decisions. And trying to protect citizens & their own lives. And it all just sucks.
Taralynn McNitt says
I need to go to Nordstrom Rack soon (want not need.) Sometimes if you dig through the jeans at Tj Maxx or Marshalls, they have good ones! I feel like Old Navy, Express, & Gap have more butt room!
hahahaha baths are pretty gross, but sometimes so relaxing. You just have to shower off when you’re done!
You’re just a travel bug and I love it! Hope you get to stop at some of those places soon:)
I couldn’t agree more with you! It does just SUCK.
Brooklyn says
I am the worst when it comes to shopping for jeans. I think I have a weird body, as it is rare to find a pair that fit perfectly!
So when I do, I love those jeans more than I normally would have haha 🙂
How did you and Becca meet?
Also, olives, gross!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
I think we all have trouble finding jeans! I’m pretty picky about how they look. I’ve been getting better though!
Becca and I met through mutual friends at a game night!
ewwww olives.
Cate says
A few years ago I threw out all my cheap jeans (old navy, ae, gap…) and went to an upscale thrift store and shopped the sale rack. Designer jeans are life changing! They look so much better and last so much longer! Also, they don’t stretch out 2 sizes over the course of the day (old navy always stretch terribly) And since I love thrift stores, I don’t mind searching for the right pair. Citizens of Humanity, 7 for all mankind and AG are my favorite. I can usually find them for under $8 a pair at Goodwill- often they look brand new! Or you can shop an upscale thrift store or consignment shop and pay $30 or so for the same brands, but much less searching.
And my last trip was to NYC… It’s been way too long since I travelled!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Cate!
You’re so right about sizes stretching out two sizes by the end of the day. SO FRUSTRATING! I’ll have to look into Citizens of Humanity!
Thanks for all the tips!
& I need to get back to NYC soon!
Brittany M. says
Hi Taralynn!
I’m glad you took the time to acknowledge current events in our news. It must have been terrifying for you. I’m sorry you had to go through that. We are definitely living in an unpredictable world but ultimately it’s in God’s hands as you said.
I went to Charleston in June. We stayed at a lovely historic hotel. I curbed my shopping appetite which is a good thing because some of those places are quite pricey. ?
I haven’t been the most confident girl in jeans which should be a go-to for everyone right? Lol That’s why I opt for leggings but I’m looking forward to restoring my jean collection once I lose some pounds. That’s why I’m constantly browsing your website for recipe ideas and products I can eat on the run! I like NY&Company jeans though! I need some weekly meal prep ideas girl.
The last place I traveled to was Atlanta which doesn’t really count because I live like an hour and a half from there. I did make a trip to Stone Mountain. Oh my gosh amazing views! A perfect place to take a picture doing a handstand. I used to be a competitive gymnast and we used to have to handstand walk all the way across the floor without stopping!
To bathe in? Hmm. I saw something on Pinterest that is homemade with coconut oil, lavender drops, and Epsom salt. I might try it out. I think bathing in anything that helps the body detox is beneficial!
Were the personal pizzas you ate homemade? I would love to get a recipe. My daughter is a huge pizza fan and I think it would be a nice project for us to make pizzas together. And btw yuck! I hate olives too. Lol
Have a nice weekend! I think the email I sent you go lost in cyberspace!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Brittany!
It’s just not the city I know and brag about. I understand that everyone is frustrated, but violence and looting isn’t the answer. There are so many effective was to protest and it’s sad when it turns to riots.
Historic hotels in Charleston are so beautiful!
I bet you look great in jeans girl! It’s all about the fit and style! I haven’t been in NYC&CO in a long time! I always like their summer shorts.
I love Stone Mountain! I hiked there when I lived in the Atlanta area. I’d roll off the mountain if I did that!!
Oh wow! That sounds therapeutic!!!
my emails are kind of all over the place right now!
Lauren says
The opening of this post really gave me goosebumps. It’s so sad to watch all of this violence unfold. I can’t imagine feeling that unsafe in my own city. I’m praying for peace.
That sounds like such a fun weekend though!
1. My favorite jeans are from American Eagle
2. I would totally bathe in Chai tea! Because why not? 🙂
3. The last place I traveled to was Castiglione, Italy! I would go back in a heartbeat!
I loving reading your blog so much!
http://clareascanbe.blogspot.com/
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you for your prayers Lauren! I have no doubt that the city will pull together soon.
American eagle jeans are wonderful!
Well…I’d blow up lol I can’t get cinnamon on my skin or I swell! I can eat it though, totally weird! I break into hives whenever I walk near cinnamon candles or cinnamon air spray!
WOW! That place sounds wonderful! I think Castiglione is a cool name!:)
xo xo
Anna says
1. Old Navy is my go-to for jeans! They’re one place that actually fit my hips without being too big in the waist or legs.
2. Oh goodness… I’ve been eating a lot of pickled beets lately so now they’re on my mind. I feel like if nothing else, they would be incredibly interesting to swim in hahaha
3. Billings, MT. Beautiful city and the mountains around there are incredible! Living in flat-land ND, I get excited to even see some hills 😀
I’m so glad you’re safe and am praying for your city. I hope things get better for you all.
Anonymous says
First of all, let me say – I enjoy your blog. I always like reading recipes and seeing pictures of Grumples (I have a golden doodle too that I love).
I live in Charlotte and share your hurt over seeing peaceful protests turn violent. I am somewhat disheartened by your first paragraph. While you did mention briefly that people want justice and are grieving, I wish that your discussion of that was equal to your discussion about the impact the riots had on you. I also think it is a perfect example of the privilege we have as white individuals to say that people should simply give their fears to God. I believe in God. I believe in the power of peaceful protests. I also believe that there are some clear examples of racism and injustice and it is somewhat dismissive to say people should just “give your problems to God”. Again, I appreciate you and mean this truly to be encouraging. If you are going to discuss social issues, I think your blog is a great platform that you could use to raise awareness for peace AND social/racial equality (which are both equally important in this matter).
My kindest wishes and sincere blessings!
Fleur says
Got to agree with anon. Your heart is in the right place, Taralynn. But it’s not the protests that began the chain of violence, it’s the murders of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, et al. Black people fear for their lives at the hands of the police in the U.S., and it’s vital, as white people, that we use our platform of privilege to call out broken, racist systems and demand change.
Caitlyn says
Old Navy is where literally ALL of my jeans are from because they are one of the few places that have jeans that fit my legs and hips almost perfectly because I have large hips and back side if ya know that I mean 😉
Hmmmm, if I could bathe in any substance I would have to say it would probably be chocolate because I mean come on, it’s chocolate, does it need an explanation?
The last place I traveled to was Tampa do visit my best friend for her birthday and it was SOOOO much fun, I went to my first ever tail gate and it did not disappoint ^_^
Taralynn McNitt says
I havnet tried their jeans in a long time! I do love Old Navy though!
OK…IT DOESNT + It’s good for the skin!
Glad you had a blast in Tampa! I bet that was one hot tailgate!
Caitlyn says
oooo yea it was quite literally HOT, it was like 95 degrees with humidity putting it at almost 110, thankfully we got one f the two shady spots *SCORE* ^_^
Hilary says
I just recently took a trip to Charleston, now moving to Savannah I can’t wait to take the short drive up there again to get some coffee at the coffee shops you described!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’ll love Savannah! I can’t wait to go back! <3
Beatrice says
Love your photos and your blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
Carly says
My heart breaks for your city. Through your blog I feel like I’ve fallen in love with Charlotte, so its hard to see such negativity happening in such a wonderful place.
I love that you find coffee shops wherever you go! It makes me want to get out an explore more coffee shops instead of always going to the same place!
I always loved american eagle jeans, but also recently discovered jeans at old navy! Which are great because they happen to fit well and they always seem to have good deals going on so they are really affordable, which is good because I have at least 5 different colors ha!
I’m not sure I’d want to bathe in anything other than water. But for the sake of the question maybe mud?… I’ve heard ‘mudding’ is a thing so maybe its good for the skin?
The last place I traveled to was Norway! Such an amazingly beautiful country with such friendly people! Defiantly worth the visit if you ever get the chance!
Linda @ The Fitty says
Curious, Tara: Do you use any filters for your photos?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Linda!
I use an app to change up the colors and lighting:) Sometimes I’ll just run through instagram!
Sarah says
Hi Taralynn!
I am a huge fan of Paige jeans. They are pricy, but I have had the same pairs for 5+ Years and they still looking/feel brand new! The fit is perfect and they don’t stretch.
Baths freak me out. I don’t think I would bathe in anything. My answer is rather boring haha.
Last place I traveled to was Charleston, actually! My brother moved there in January, and I finally got around to visiting him in August. I loved it, and cannot wait to go again!
Like many here, I love your pictures. What kind of camera/smartphone do you use? I am just getting into blogging, and would love to take the quality of pictures you do. Did you take photography classes?
~Sarah
GrapePairings.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Sarah!
I’ll have to look into those jeans! I think the stretchy thing kills me! I have baggy jeans.
HAHA no it’s ok. Each to their own 😉
SO cool! I’m sure you had a blast. It’s super hot in August though!!
I’m just using my iPhone 6splus! I’ve just been playing around with it for six years now and you kind of get a feel for your own style! 🙂
xo
Jaime says
1. Oh my god no and I have a jeans crisis. I lost a lot of weight and now I only have one pair that were hand me downs from my sister. Do you have any favorites? I tried LOFT and Old Navy and both didn’t fit quite right.
2. LOL so funny!! um i would say sprinkles. I know so random but it popped into my head. I feel like it’d strangely feel pretty cool.
3. I just went to Rehoboth Beach Delaware for the weekend. It’s beautiful, there are tons of (sales tax free) outlets and I bought a bunch of local produce and a pretty pumpkin to bring back home.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jaime!
Well it all depends on body type!! I love AE, GAP, JCREW, and sometimes marshalls!
lol so random but I totally feel it! xo
So gorgeous!! I can’t wait to visit the pumpkin patches in October:)
Annie says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klm7zvIdZiI
A great video about why it’s frustrating to tell protestors to remain non-violent. “remain non-violent means remain passive. It means keep on taking your oppression…”