This morning could have been a bad one. I stayed out at my parents last night so I could have dinner with them before Thanksgiving. They’re going to D.C. to see my brother and I’m going to Florida with Kyle. Their coffee pot decided to break (of course, the morning I stay over.) I contemplated on picking up coffees, but I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. I ended up boiling hot water, adding coffee grounds to the filter, and making a little drip coffee over the mug. I poured the hot water into the filter and pressed down on the bottom tray. It worked like a charm! I’m now sitting here with my fresh coffee ready to blog. I figured I’d start this recap before heading out tonight! I still have to pack, go for my run and catch up on some other work. You can follow me on snapchat if you want to follow my day! @taralynnmcnitt
This week has been all about omelets for dinner. I love how easy, filling and high protein they are. They’re perfect any time of the day. I just add 2 eggs, 4 egg whites, spinach, cheddar cheese, skim milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced onion.
I made my roasted vegetables on Thursday for my mom’s work Thanksgiving. She asked if I could help her out with the cooking.
I also made my oatmeal cream pies, but added frosting to the top with a splash of cinnamon.
After baking away, I decided to head out for a run! It was so nice out and I ran in shorts! Running in shorts in November? Whatttttt. I’ll take that! 
This week was the peek of fall in the Carolinas. The trees were amazing and everyone was out taking photos. I have so many fall photos towards the end of this post. The scenery made all of my walks and runs so enjoyable.
I headed to the grocery store Friday night and picked up ingredients for salad. This is one of my favorite combos. 
It has spring mix lettuce, avocado, dried cranberries, honey flavored goat cheese, balsamic and walnuts. It’s good with grilled chicken on top. 
Kyle had Friday off. We walked to Coco and The Director for coffee!
I ordered a non-fat quad. The reason I love going into Coco & The Director is because the staff is so friendly. They treat you like they’ve known you forever.
We headed across the street so Kyle could get his hair cut. 
I had my go-to salad for lunch. Leo ALWAYS creeping.
Meighan also had Friday off, so we met up for a long walk! We did 8.6 miles.
Every time we walk by the Sunflower Baking Company, we always talk about going in there. Usually it’s closed, or we are too hot for coffee! We finally stopped in there Friday and ordered some large iced teas! 
We had the iced white peach tea! They were so good! Now I have to try their coffee next time:) Maybe next week!
We had a girl’s Friday night at Meighan’s. Facials, dance offs (you may have seen on snap chat) food, and manicures. 
We looked like smurfs. 
We did not plan on going out, but somehow went from blue masks to full makeup within thirty minutes. Luckily, we were in the presence of Miss Charlotte! Allison did our makeup 🙂 Don’t get used to seeing my makeup look this good!
I went to bed at 3:30am…and woke up at 7am(ugh.) Thank you little Leo 🙂 I started my day with a cup of coffee, cinnamon oatmeal, and the Food Network! 
The boys were cozy too. They melt my heart! 
I walked to the Grocery store with Kyle later in the morning and I couldn’t get over the gorgeous trees.
We drove out to my parents house Saturday afternoon to pick up Leo’s crate. How adorable is he in his little seatbelt? I love it! We got him the Kurgo Dog Harness Seat Belt
The temperature went from 70 and sunny to 48 and windy within a couple hours! It was cold and I was running on three and a half hours of sleep, but I didn’t want to make any excuses! I’m really trying to stick with running through the colder months and not make any excuses to quit. This pullover from Road Runner’s Sports is my go-to for cold runs. it’s perfect under sweaters too. You can use TARALYNN16 for 20% off!
The cold temperature and winds had us running a littler faster to warm up. We also were going uphill a lot of the time. 
We only planned on running three miles, but ran four instead! We walked two on top of that. 
We decided to warm up at Central Coffee Co! I always LOVE trying out new coffee shops. This coffee shop is in Southend and I think they have one in Plaza Midwood too.
I’m so glad I tried this place out. They made the PERFECT quad latte. I think I’m in love with their roast and this may have been the best latte I’ve ever had. Maybe I was just really hungry and lacking a lot of sleep, but I’m having withdrawals. I may grab one tonight before I head out of town!
The cute little coffee shop had delicious pastries and snacks. 
I decided to try their vegan zucchini bread. It just looked so good.
& it was out of this world! I want the recipe so bad!!!! No one would have been able to tell that it was vegan. It was so moist and the flavor was spot on! I have been craving this ever since Saturday night. Even Kyle loved it! 
Kyle and I ate like fifth graders on Saturday night. We had chicken strips, pizza rolls, and cheesy broccoli with pasta. We watched a movie and spent Saturday night catching up on sleep. 
It was FREEEEEEEZING Sunday morning. I bundled up and took Grumples for a walk around Charlotte. I took SO MANY photos because it was so pretty! 
The Fourth Ward Park <3
Meighan and I met up around noon for a 8 1/2 mile walk. We decided to do the Greenway. It was so cold, but a much needed walk! 
I made jalapeño black bean burgers for dinner on Sunday! You can find the recipe here 🙂
He’s getting so big!!!!
Kyle and I bundled up and walked to Coco & The Director so we could pick up hot cocoas!
They make their hot cocoas with house made chocolate sauce, milk and a vanilla bean syrup. They’re definitely gourmet.
Meighan and I met up for a workout Monday night. It was so cold, but NO EXCUSES! We planned on doing one fast mile around the city to warm up, but it turned into three miles. It was our fastest time yet! We always go off of each others energy and if we are both feeling good during a run, we don’t stop. It’s going to be hard running without her this week. I’ve never realized how running with someone is so much better than solo running. I used to tell myself I’d never run with another person, but now I hate running alone.
I’m still feeling the pain today!
I made an omelet for dinner, showered, and plopped on the couch with my popcorn to watch Dancing With The Stars!
It’s been such a fun week and I cannot wait for Thanksgiving! It’s time for me to go get my run in, start packing and head South! We are driving half way tonight and staying at a hotel with the pups! I can’t wait 🙂 Don’t forget to follow me on snapchat for updates!
*Nice job on he WECOMPETE challenge this over the weekend!
Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!
Questions for you!
- What are you grateful for?
- Will you put up your Holiday decorations after Thanksgiving?
- Will you workout on Thanksgiving day?
I loved this post! I’m excited to follow your tAravels!
Thank you & HAHAHA Love how you did that! TARAvels.
I’m grateful for my health and for my family & friends! 2016 was a rough year but I always tell myself it could always be worse & that I should be thankful for what I do have! I plan on turning it around in 2017!
Yes. My mom never decorated until after Thanksgiving when I was a kid, so I refuse to put up any holiday decorations until Friday!
I want to! It’s supposed to be a high of 38 on Thanksgiving here so I might go for a run! Only a few “warm” days left haha
That is a great positive attitude to have!
I always put mine up Friday!
38? BURRRRR
My coffee pot just broke this morning, love the idea of just pouring hot water over the grounds! thanks for that idea!
You’re welcome! 🙂 Desperate for coffee calls for desperate measures!
Your run time is incredible! Nice job!
Thank you!
1. I am thankful for the health of my family, and to have my extended family live so close. I am truly blessed!
2. Christmas decorations probably wont go up for another week or so!
3. YES! I made it my goal to work out this year on Thanksgiving. The past few years I’ve slacked, but this year I am going to a boxing class at 8am! Are you going to workout on Thanksgiving?
That is such a great blessing 🙂
Nice job!! I hope I can get a workout in! Maybe, depending on traffic!!
Yay I finally got to a post on time, I’ve been out of touch the past few weeks so I keep getting to your posts super late. ANYWAYS, questions:
I am thankful for my amazing family that I have and my 3 little fur babies that I have, aannddd for my new little fourth fur baby who was just born last thursday ^_^ I’m so excited to have a little munchkin again, I still have to wait a month and a half until I get him, but I can’t wait 🙂
I tried convincing my mom to put up decorations before thanksgiving but she wouldn’t let me so I have to wait until friday, but yes, christmas is my favorite holiday to decorate for, I go a llliittttlle bit crazy
I won’t be working out purposefully, but I do work on thanksgiving at a restaurant and we are already FULLY booked, so I will be running around like a chicken with its head cut off for sure, and I’m just going to count THAT as my cardio
Hi Caitlyn!
Better late than never! xo
So much to be grateful for!
There is no such thing as a little crazy! Martha May is #GOALS #thegrinch!
Totally counts as cardio!
You’re making me jealous with all these amazing coffee shops around you! There’s only a handful that I’m aware of where I live, and of course there’s always Starbucks and Caribou, but I want fun, unique ones!
I feel like we get a new coffee shop every couple of months. I love it!
Atleast you have SOMETHING! When I was growing up in a small town in Iowa, we only had McDonalds and two local shops. We didn’t even have a starbucks!
What are you grateful for?
My family, my boyfriend, and my new job this year!
Will you put up your Holiday decorations after Thanksgiving?
Probably. I have them out and waiting for me in my living room haha I can’t help it, I’m excited!
Will you workout on Thanksgiving day?
We will likely go on a walk at some point, but nothing too crazy. I’ve got a lot of cooking to do so it will be hard to find the time.
Congrats on that new job 😉
I’m excited too!!
True:) Have a wonderful thanksgiving!!
Where did you get that burgundy leather coat?
I actually got that at Target five years ago!
Now I’m craving an omelet and a latte after reading this lol
I am grateful for my friends, family, and kitties. I’ve been part of a 3 week gratitude challenge group this month and it has really helped me reflect on everything I’m grateful for.
I think I’m going to wait until next weekend to put up decorations. I have family coming in from out of town this weekend and I want to focus on spending time with them 🙂
I am planning on working out on Thanksgiving!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! That’s awesome that you get to spend it in Florida 🙂
They’re the best!!! I may make mine before I go on my trip tonight.
Love the idea of a gratitude challenge.
Next weekend is the perfect time! Im doing the same because of travels.
Thanks so much!
I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving as well!
xo
Can you and Kyle get married already?
hahaha 😉
I saw you at Starbucks tonight! You looked so cute in your green jacket! Wish I could have said hi!
Well thank you 🙂 You have have said hi!
Hi, I’ve been reading your blog for some years now and I really love it. I’m a brazilian follower and it’s pretty funny that we are preparing for summer over here.
Hi Adri!
Thank you 🙂 I wish we were about to have summer! I love spring, fall, summer….and NO WINTER PLEASE!
XO
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! And, I hope it’s warm in Florida! 🙂
Thanks girl!! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!!!
Leo is getting so big! What a cutie. Sounds like a really fun week, I hope your drive goes smoothly!
1. What are you grateful for?
I have so much that I am thankful for this year, got to travel, spend time with my family, started a new job that I love, moved into a new apartment that is really comfortable, etc.
2. Will you put up your Holiday decorations after Thanksgiving?
Yes, I can’t wait to put up decorations! My husband thinks I’m crazy, but I *love* the holidays.
3. Will you workout on Thanksgiving day?
We are going to go for a long run on Thanksgiving morning, and I’m actually looking forward to that more than cooking all day. Is that terrible? 😉
He really is! & Thank you!
Sounds like you’ve had a GREAT year! I love hearing that:)
No such thing as crazy around the holidays!
Ahhhh no. I wish I could do that!!
1. All sorts of things. Friends, family, my soon to be HUSBAND (which is crazy to think about). And I just found out I got a promotion at work! Lots happening here as usual.
2. Not like after Thanksgiving dinner. No, we’ll all be in food comas near the TV somewhere. We may decorate my parents house at some point over the weekend. And then I’ll figure out what’s happening at my house next week. I love a decorated house, but I hate the taking them down bit.
3. Not likely. Maybe a walk with the pup. But otherwise, Thanksgiving is the one day a year I embrace total gluttony and do pretty much zero activity. Wait, is eating cardio? Is butter a carb? I figure I’m active enough the rest of the year.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Hey Jessie!!
You’re definitely going places girl! Congrats on your promotion. You definitely deserve it!
Taking them down is definitely the worst part………..
Hahahaha Did you just quote mean girls? LOVE IT. Lift forks is like lifting weights. You’re all good!
Thankful for? I’m thankful for my faith, my amazing husband Landon, and my sweet baby boy, all my extended family, and my health!
Christmas decor? YES! I’ve been counting down the days until I can put up the Christmas decor. Bring.it.on.
Working out on Thanksgiving? Absolutely! I think I’ll do some intense Pilates and yoga!
Hope you have a fantastic time in Florida! Jealous of the warm weather you get 😉
Hey Bethany! You’re going to have such a wonderful Thanksgiving! Especially with the little one 🙂 What’s the weather like where you’re at?! I’m going to try to run in the morning!
It’s FREEZING, in the 30s and its that nasty, wet rain that hasn’t turned into snow yet. :\
I’m hoping to run in the am too! You are going to rock your run 🙂
And thank you! It’s definitely going to be a great Thanksgiving with the little man. Enjoy Florida!
Oh my! Will you run in that?!? I’m sitting here contemplating a workout, but I may save it for tonight! so much traveling to do still eeeeek
xo xo
Love love your posts! I have been following your blog for 5 years!
I am grateful for my friends, family, health, and job!
Putting up my Christmas tree day after thanksgiving 😉
Going to do some outdoor stairs on thanksgiving morning with a friend :).
Hope everything is well!
You are such a role model!!!
Hi Kristen!
Thank you for following me all of these years. That means so much to me:)
If I weren’t traveling, I’d be putting my tree up too! When I get back for sure!
Stairs are killer! Nice job:)
I made almost all of your recipes for Thanksgiving! It’s a healthy and light Thanksgiving over here!
I love it!:) Which ones did you make?
I am LOVING your fall photos! It has been all rain and freezing weather here, I miss the leaves!
Have a happy Thanksgiving :):)
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Thanks Brooklyn!! Hope you guys get some nicer weather soon!!! Have a great Thanksgiving!!! xo
Hi, i lived in the USA for two years,i am back home in South Africa now. We do not celebrate Thanksgiving here, but i do decorate after USA Thanksgiving. i love reading your blog and always look forward to your recap post.
Thank you Kershnie!
Love that you decorate and took that part home with you 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! xo
& HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Do you have a post about your running and how to get stared?
I do! http://simplytaralynn.com/2016/10/17/my-relationship-with-running/
What part of Florida?
Venice! 🙂
Your running inspires me. I wish I could find someone to run with, but most of my friends would rather drink wine and shop. How do you find running buddies?
Aww thank you! Running with someone else is so much better! You can join a running club 🙂 Or start one!
I love all of your fall photos. You should start framing them for your shop!
Aw thanks:):)
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Thank you!!
I’m so excited to read all about your Florida recap.
Thank you 🙂
I will have to try those hot cocoas!
Do you live in Charlotte?! You’ll have to!
Hi, Taralynn! I hope you’re having a wonderful time in Florida — the weather looks phenomenal!
Keep up the good work running in not-so-great weather. It will definitely pay off in the spring! And, honestly, you might end up really enjoying running in the colder months. So long as the wind isn’t crazy, winter is one of my favorite seasons in which to run. The snow makes everything so magical. And when houses are decorated for Christmas, it’s just gorgeous.
Freezing a big batch of black bean burgers is a terrific idea; I’m going to have to try that!
1. Oh my…so much to be thankful for. My husband who proposed a year ago on Thanksgiving in Michigan, the amazing home our Lord has given us, the ability to run, a hyper dog, a very strong church, my wonderful family and the amazing family I’ve married into, delicious and healthy food…I could go on and on.
2. We actually started decorating a little bit the weekend before Thanksgiving because that’s when we got our tree and we didn’t want to haul it downstairs only to lug it back up a few days later. (Good excuse to start early, right?) The rest of the decorations will definitely be coming out this weekend!
3. Nope! We took a much-needed rest day cooking, eating, crafting, puzzling, playing games, and just spending time together. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend with your friends, family, and pups!
Hi Lauren!!
The weather couldn’t be anymore perfect 🙂
Thanks so much. I think I enjoy the cold better…after running in the hot Florida sun yesterday, I would much rather be running in the cold! We won’t get too much snow in North Carolina, but I do know what you mean about the snow making running so magical.
So much to be grateful for 🙂
I can’t wait to see pics of your decorations!! I saw a snowman decoration down here while I was running yesterday and it made me laugh because its so hot!
That is great:)
xo xo
Can I ask what kind of chicken strips you posted about? Did you make them or buy them?
Thanks Taralynn!
Totally bought them lol But I do LOVE making homemade chicken strips! I use my chicken nugget recipe:)
Have fun in Florida! I’ll be in cold NY!
Thank you! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving 🙂
Ho did u meet Meighan?
We have mutual friends!
Your pics of the trees are so beautiful!! And call me an idiot, but what is a quad latte?
Thank you!:) I love taking photos!
A quad latte is just a latte with 4 shots of espresso! 🙂 A quad means 4! xo
The moment I read “You can follow me on snapchat if you want to follow my day!”, I was like: No need to tell me twice! 😀
Don’t know why I didn’t try to find your there sooner! I follow your blog now for a few years, just not that consistently (because yeah, life…) but now I am always updated and can go to your blog to read more :))
Have a great week, Taralynn and all the others :*
Love
Oh yay:D
Thank you for following me all these years and I’m happy you can follow along on Snap Chat!!
x o
When will you post about thanksgiving? I’m having withdrawals.
awww:) i’ll post this week!
Looks like you guys are having some gorgeous weather! We’ve been having lots of sunshine but it’s been so dry that we are having wildfires! We need some RAIN (I hardly ever say that!) Loved this recap – so much fun food! 🙂
We really are! We are having wildfires as well, but looks like we are getting rain today so that is amazing!
xo xo Hope you had a great thanksgiving!!
You have the cutest outfits!
Awww thank you!!! xo
I just have to ask who were you rooting for to win on dancing with the stars!?! I was rooting for jana for a little but then I started rooting for Laurie I felt like she was the best dancer overall. I will say I felt like James and Sharna’s chemistry was out of this world there was so many times I thought they were going to kiss lol (I know he has a girlfriend) but UGH they would have been so cute together!!!! I can’t wait to hear about your Florida trip!
I was rooting for Calvin Johnson the MEGATRON!! I thought they were so good and I loved their positive attitude the entire show! I feel bad for the contestants when they put gymnast or skaters on there, because they are already trained for dancing. She was really good though. James and Sharna were my second pick! I would have been a little nervous if I were his girlfriend! They always looked like they were going to kiss lol & his girlfriend is a trooper! xo xo
I love your pictures! What neat coffee shops. I think I need to explore more and head out to some around town. I also really need to make your black bean burgers.
It’s always fun to explore your own city! 🙂
Sounds like such a fun girls night! I decorated my apartment on black friday…i love having the decorations up as soon as possible! My workout this year was prepping a bunch of thanksgiving side dishes and a dessert haha!
Soooo fun! I don’t have a single decoration up and that so not like me!!
Hi Taralynn! I have followed your blog for a long time now. I love it and it motivates me!!! I was wondering if you had any tips on snacks or meals after working out?? I’ve done bars and shakes and I still feel hungry. Anything that I do eat during the day I just feel like is bad for me… I can’t have this because it has too much cheese or this has too much sugar… It’s so hard!! Any help would be awesome!! I’m a huge coffee drinker and started using soy in my milk. I’m use to the flavored creamer and cappacino powders but am willing to change it since it has so many calories!!
Hi Blair!
Thank you for following my blog 🙂 I think you shouldn’t really focus on calories. Just focus on clean and healthy food going into your body. If you start your day with a healthy breakfast, healthy snacks, healthy meals, you’ll feel better. You should shoot for high protein, healthy carbs and don’t really pay attention to the calories or it becomes hard. I love to snack on mixed nuts, yogurt, carrots, hummus, and fruit throughout the day to keep my body satisfied. I make sure to eat breakfast that have high protein and healthy carbs like eggs and toast or oatmeal and greek yogurt. I like a light lunch because I usually workout around that time, and then a protein shake or greek yogurt after my run. I like to have my dinner around six and it usually consists of vegetables, rice, and some sort or protein. I always have a little dark chocolate at night or some popcorn to satisfy my cravings! 🙂 As long as you’re eating healthy, working out, you should have to worry about counting calories or beating yourself up for eating something unhealthy. It’s a lifestyle 😉
In case you want to update your post – the code TARALYNN16 is for 10% off at RRS, not 20%. 🙂
Thanks for the update!