I am feeling so blessed right now. There is a good reason why this blog post didn’t get written and posted yesterday morning as planned. I got up, made my morning coffee, and sat down on the couch to watch the news and blog. Before I could even log onto my blog, Kyle surprised me with an amazing birthday gift. He told me to get ready because Meighan was going to pick me up for a spa day! That wasn’t the end of the surprise either, he planned a trip to the smokey mountains for us and the pups. Now, I’m sitting here with a cup of coffee, in my cozy pajamas, and looking out at the mountains. The cottage we are staying in is over 100 years old and it’s the perfect spot to write my recap post. I feel so blessed to have incredible friends and family that go above and beyond to make me feel so special.
Meighan and Kyle had this planned for weeks and I had no idea. When we got to the spa, we had wine and delicious treats waiting for us. We felt so fancy <3
The little red velvet birthday cheesecake was adorable. We devoured the cheese and fruit within minutes!
We both had a ninety minute massage and other fun little treatments. It was the most perfect day! If you are looking for a spa in the Charlotte area, Natures Spa was wonderful! They treated us so well and we had the best experience.
After the spa, we headed to get our nails done! I was way overdue for a manicure. There is a place on Park Road in Charlotte that gives the best thirteen dollar manicures. I highly recommend them! It’s called Decor Nails. I went with a taupe color 🙂
First of all, I cannot believe I have never been to J.T. Posh before. I didn’t mean to make this blog post full of Charlotte suggestions, but I couldn’t help it. Meighan ran into this place when she was visiting the alteration shop next door. It’s a consignment store, but with all designer and high-end brands! I could have browsed for hours in there.
I headed to the Fresh Market for some road trip snacks, coffee for the cottage, and chew toys for the dogs. We took off around 6:00pm! <3 This was a tropical trail mix + party mix blend. Perfect little pick-me-up to go with my cup of coffee.
I’ll blog all about my mountain weekend soon, but it’s time to take this blog recap all the way back to last Wednesday! Meighan and I walked seven miles to grab dinner at Chopt.
My salad had grilled chicken, chickpeas, goat cheese, cucumber, avocado, hard boiled eggs, and a vinaigrette on the side.
Not only did we walk seven miles to dinner, but we walked seven miles back! It was a fourteen mile trip just to get a salad 🙂 We also babbled nonstop, grabbed a latte at the Flying Biscuit (which was surprisingly good), and enjoyed the beautiful warm weather.
Instead of my usual omelet with oatmeal, I decided to get creative on Thursday morning. I fried up shredded brussels sprouts and spiraled butternut squash. I used a little bit of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt.
I made an egg over easy for the top with three extra egg whites.
This breakfast was so delicious and I loved the oozing yolk mixed in.
After working on Thursday afternoon, I ran to Becca’s so we could go to the gym together. We love doing our strength training and it always feels good after a run because my muscles are loose and warmed up.
I am so happy that it’s finally getting lighter out at night. This makes fitting in later runs so much easier!
I was excited for Saturday because I had fun plans 🙂
I woke up super early, had my coffee with a Larabar (don’t forget to enter the Larabar giveaway) and headed out to run with Meighan!
It was a beautiful morning for a run and we finished just before it started to rain!
I ended up writing a post about the benefits of having a workout buddy after this run. I didn’t have any motivation to workout, but Meighan got me off my butt and we finished four miles! I would have never done that alone.
We headed to the mall after our run and back uptown so I could get ready for Aimee’s wedding.
*Aimee’s Bachelorette Weekend post*
Aimee’s ceremony was beautiful. We had an hour before the reception, so Becca and I headed uptown to grab umbrellas.
My hair was curly and styled before I left the house. Gotta love the unpredictable weather! It ended up looking like something out of the 80’s! I’m so excited for my hair appointment next week! I’m lightening it up, getting a condition, and some layers! 🙂
We headed to Ballantyne for Aimee’s reception at 6pm. Her dad gave the most beautiful speech and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
And any wedding serving coffee is my kind of wedding 🙂
Becca’s ring game was on point!
I plopped on the couch with Kyle, the pups and big bowl of popcorn around 10pm! We watched a couple episodes of “The Killing” on Netflix and then went straight to bed.
We woke up super early Sunday morning and took the pups for a stroll.
We decided to grab coffee and breakfast a block over at The Dandelion Market. They have strong coffee 🙂
I ordered the vegetable omelet with a side of bacon and fruit!
Delicious 🙂
I met up with Meighan later in the afternoon to go shopping and grab coffee at Dean & Deluca! I had no self control when I saw how delicious their pistachio macaron looked! The drink is just a cappuccino with skim milk.
I headed to the grocery store and picked up some Sunday night dinner ingredients! It was pizza night 🙂
We decided to make some gluten free pizzas, homemade pizza rolls and guacamole!
We filled Kyle’s pizza rolls with sausage, cheese, sauce, pepperoni, and sautéed bell peppers.
I used the Hodgson Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix
and it was amazing! It tasted almost like Papa John’s pizza crust!
I love weird combos and for some reason I always make guacamole and vegetables on pizza night or chicken nugget night! My guacamole recipe can be found here.
How about that smorgasbord!?
We stored the leftover pizza in containers in the freezer. It was easy to heat back up in the oven and tasted just as good as the first time we tried it.
Perfect Sunday dinner to go with our favorite show at the moment! 🙂
I was so excited when all of my Amazon goodies arrived on Monday morning! I got this cute Granite Computer Case for my computer 🙂
I also got a new coffee pot. I have been using the Bella Linea Collection Coffee Maker
for the past five years. I LOVE It and I still have my blue one. Kyle needed one at his place (I’m not a huge fan of the Kuerig) so I gave him mine, and I got a new black one to match my kitchen. I’m slowly retiring all the colorful kitchen gadgets. A new knife set is
next!
These coffee makers are inexpensive and make the best tasting coffee. They also come if fun colors!
I spent some time putting photos in my new picture frames for the hallway. I still have to paint the hallway (spring project), but I wanted to put something up to add character.
I am going to buy more of these beach wood frames and add a couple other beach shots from the summer.
Getting somewhere 🙂
I love random dinner nights 🙂 I cooked up shredded brussels sprouts, kale and peas. I added olive oil, gluten free soy sauce, parmesan, and garlic powder.
I baked up some gluten free chicken nuggets for the side. Leo always making am appearance in my food pics!
Becca came over on Monday for our Bachelor night. All I can say is….”DEAR LAWRD CORINNE”
I love waking up to this backyard view, my coffee and the pups!
I took the boys for a super long walk so they would be tired while I power cleaned the house. When I power clean, I mean serious business. I scrub every inch of the house until it’s sparkling. It’s therapeutic for me.
After my power cleaning session, I made these delicious peanut butter gluten free oatmeal cookies with chocolate chunks! You can find the recipe here!
Meighan came over on Tuesday night for dinner and paint night.
My salad had jalapeño havarti cheese, avocado, asian green blend, tomatoes, cucumber, roast beef, and smoked turkey. Meighan also brought sushi over!
We were out shopping on Sunday for a piece of art to go above her bead. She wanted something floral that would match her room, but we couldn’t find anything. When we did find something, it was way too expensive. We decided to just making something together instead.
We both worked on flowers and decided to go with the flow!
I was so proud of he final piece.
I was up early with the pups on Wednesday morning. I made an omelet with five egg whites and two yokes after our walk.
I also made a skinny chai tea latte to go with my breakfast. 1 shot of espresso, 1/4 cup almond milk, & skinny chai tea blend.
I had a random lunch on Wednesday afternoon! cucumbers with cream cheese and roast beef, almonds, crackers, sushi, and an egg!
It was 75 degrees out, so I took the boys over to my parents house so they could run around in the backyard!
I called it an early night with my pop-up box of popcorn and Netflix!
I spent Thursday morning blogging about my cookies 😉
Lunch: turkey, cucumbers, cheese, carrots, lettuce, honey mustard vinaigrette!
I headed out for a run Thursday evening. It took me about an hour to convince myself to do it! It was sunny and nice, but the wind was so strong and running through it sounded miserable. I was proud of myself once I finished.
Hair looking so red! ahhh.
I ran to the Park Road plaza, grabbed a post-run snack and a cappuccino. I had a gym date planned with Becca, so I grabbed her an Americano as well!
We sat in the sauna for 30 minutes (to waste time while there was a class in the gym) and then did our circuit.
I decided to make a quick and easy dinner.
These green beans were cooked in olive oil, sea salt, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
I broiled the carrots in the oven at 400 degrees. I added about 1/4 of cup of water to the bottom of the pan and topped the carrots with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt.
PERFECT VEGETABLES.
I picked up an organic rotisserie chicken at the Fresh Market to make it easy.
I packed up the leftovers for Friday lunch and dinner!
& that was the end of my week 🙂
I cannot wait to share my mountain weekend with you all! I’m about to get up and make some french toast and bacon! xo xo
Questions for you!
- What are you up to this weekend?
- Have you ever stayed in an AirBnB?
The carrots look sooo great! Great you for the tip! 🙂
Thank you!:)
Omg Kyle seems like such a wonderful boyfriend. You’re so blessed<3 Where can I find one? 😉 Have a great time on your trip!
He really is the greatest! 😉 I feel VERY blessed to have him in my life! xo xo
Im officially on a ‘staycation’ this week. So I slept in & just had a delicious breakfast with my friend!
Yes! I Love air bnb! I stayed at a beautiful house in Albuquerque, NM last January & it was perfect!
That sounds so lovely!
I bet Albuquerque is beautiful!
Tara, you are so blessed to have such a wonderful friend and boyfriend!! I hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay at the cabin. My husband and I are going night boarding at Cypress Mountain (Canada) this weekend. We’re excited to snowboard and be able to see Vancouver’s city lights below us!
I 100% agree with you!
We are having so much just relaxing here! 🙂 Just what we wanted. Canada sounds amazing right now! Have so much fun!
Happy birthday Tara 🙂 not only “your day” sounds amazing:)
Lots of love Marketa
http://listiration.com
Thank you!! xo
I just love your blog! It always makes me want to get out & enjoy life! This weekend is cleaning up the house & going to this animal refuge with giraffes & tigers! It’s so neat to see animals who have been injured or abused being nursed back to health in a natural environment! Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much Aimee!
That is what I try to do with my blog:) I want everyone to go out and enjoy life and all the little and big things it has to offer! Sounds like you have a fun weekend! So cool to see that as well 🙂
Have fun! xo
That’s so sweet of Kyle and Meighan to surprise you like that! I hope you’re having an amazing weekend! This weekend I am making lesson plans for my 4th/5th combo class, doing my credential coursework, and doing some wedding planning 🙂
YES I stayed at an airbnb for 6 days over Christmas in Portland, Oregon! My fiance and I are scouting out cities to settle in and wanted to experience Christmas in another city. It was incredible to be able to stay in a real home in a real neighborhood, I LOVE airbnb!!
Hi Katie!
Thank you so much & yes! So sweet of them.
Sounds like you’re getting a lot of work done this weekend. That is great! & yay for wedding planning! Have fun.
I bet that was gorgeous during the Christmas time!
xo
You and Kyle are a beautiful couple.
Thank you Piper! xo
what an awesome surprise!!! been feeling a bit run down this weekend so trying to get some rest! BUT still doing some workouts as i’m able…food prep..and blogging 🙂 – those cookies look SO GOOD. maybe i’ll add baking to my list!
It really is 🙂
Hopefully you were able to get some rest this weekend! Sometimes coffee and blogging is the perfect way to relax!
xo xo & you should definitely add those cookies to your list!
Taralynn
I love your new laptop case! Marble anything is perfect!
Okay how sweet is Kyle with all of his surprises for you?! Sounds like the best surprises ever. I’ve never had my nails done or gotten a massage before, but I really need to.
Enjoy your mountain weekend, you deserve it xo
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Thank you 🙂
He’s the greatest. I don’t know how I got so darn lucky. He’s one of the sweetest guys I know.
You should definitely treat yourself! 🙂
& thank you so much! Can’t wait to post all the photos!
xo xo
My husband graduated for a leadership course on Friday night so I dropped the kids off at my mom a s dad’s and met him in a town about 3 hours from our town! It was such a nice time just the two of us! Tonight is breakfast for dinner and tv watching with my husband and his twin who came to visit!
My in-laws love AirBnB! We want to plan’s trip and stay in one soon!!
Happy Birthday! Spa days are my absolute favorite I never better than when I leave a spa, and a trip to the mountains is the best too!! So happy for you and you deserve to be spoiled by the people in your life!!
That sounds so great! & congrats to your husband!
This is the first one I’ve stayed in and i love it.
& THANK YOU for the kind words! I feel so lucky to have such amazing people in my life! 🙂
Your blog is the best. Thank you for all the fitness inspiration, healthy eating, positive outlooks and cute clothes!
Thank you Christina!!! 😀
A mountain weekend sounds great! I was sad when I didn’t get to read your blog at work yesterday but I enjoyed it even more at home with my coffee.
Awww. I love hearing that! Reading my blog with coffee? SO SO SO fitting! xo
First of all…. what is your go to show right now???? You didn’t say! Is it The Killing?
Never tried AirBnB but I have looked in to it and it seems amazing!
YES THE KILLING!!
We are on season three and we’ve only been watching a week and a half!!
On a side note….. you are seriously making me miss Charlotte!!!!!
AWWW!! I really do LOVE my CLT! 🙂 XO Where are you located now
You and Becca both have SUCH great style! I’ve been reading your blog for a loooong time, and Becca looks amazing – the hard work is REALLY paying off! I’m excited to cheer you on at your half marathon here in NY 🙂
I just moved to NYC a few weeks ago. This weekend I’m taking advantage of Broadway week – my friend and I are going to see Chicago tomorrow night! Tonight I may stay in, but I want to go out and explore my new town more!
I’ve never stayed at an air bnb but my friend swears by it. Usually I just stick with a hotel when I’m on vacation 🙂
Thank you Jen!
I am so excited for the half! Meighan and I have already started planning everything for our trip.
How exciting that you’re in NYC!!!! OMG! SO fun 🙂 Congrats on your move!!! We are going to try to see a broadway too!
I bet there are some cool AirBnB’s in NYC! You could do some stycations!
Oh My, Becca looks wonderful. (Still loving her lipstick)
I love the flower piece for over the bed. Great idea.
I had Brussel sprouts skillet fried at a new restaurant and I’m wanting to try them at home. I usually roast them along with carrots. They are so good.
I’m trying to meal prep and menu plan more. We eat better when I do.
DOESNT SHE??
Yes, that was such a fun piece to paint and it looks amazing over Meighan’s bed
You should totally make them at home!
I’m on a vegetable kick lately and roasting!
You’re turning 26? I thought you were 20. You look so young! What are your secrets?
Hahaha really? Well thank you!
No secrets! Just happiness, lots of sunscreen on the face, vegetables and being active! xo
Do you and Kyle both drive jeeps?
Haha yes. Goldendoodles & jeeps for life!
Hi Taralynn!
What kind of dogs are Leo and Grumples?
Goldendoodles 🙂
Hi Taralynn! I follow and love your blog and your recipes! They look amazing and I have actually tried a few. Quick question what brand are the gf chicken nuggets and also the crackers?
Hi Michelle!
Thanks so so much!!
Those chicken nuggets are actually my grocery store’s brand! The crackers are called “good thins”
xo
what a lovely surprise from Kyle. Leo has gotten so big!. Air b&b’s are great I find that they are always in the best places to relax with stunning views . This weekend is a long weekend for me as Monday is a public holiday ?, so it’s filled with runs, walking the dogs, baking and working on a new jewellery collection to sell at the markets. Your peanut butter gluten free cookies are amazing!! hope you have a great weekend!
He was so lovely.
Leo is a giant. AND SO FLUFFY.
Sounds like you had a great weekend and a jewelry collection sounds exciting!!
& glad you tried those cookies!!! I can’t wait to get to my cookies in the freezer! hehe
YAAAASSSS Kyle.
Not much! Doing some baking, and my friend adopted this one year old dog so I’m going to head over and bring treats and meet the pup.
No but I want to! I’ve heard good things and I think my boyfriend and I are going to stay in one for a few nightss when we go to NC!
YAAASSSSSSS!
Awwwwww anything involving dogs and pups are my kind of weekend! SO cute you’re bringing treats!
You’ll love it! & what part of NC are you going to?
xo xo
We’re flying into CLT and staying one night there because of all of the amazing things Charlotte has (I was actually going to email you about that once I figured out the details) and then heading down to Sunset Beach for a few days and then Southport for a couple days! And throwing a day trip to Myrtle Beach in there too 😉
Let me know & I’ll definitely give you some good Charlotte places 🙂 I am actually writing a “things to do in Charlotte” post!
You’ll have fun in Southport! I blogged about it couple times!!
xo xo
Love the laptop case! I haven’t stayed at air BnB yet, but have a trip booked in San Francisco for March with Air BnB. Can’t wait to hear about the weekend!
Thanks sarah! I’m obsessed with it lol
I bet that’ll be so fun. SanFan has some awesome AIRBNB spots!
A mountain getaway was the first vacation my husband (back then we were first dating) was to Gatlinburg and we later ventured to the Smokies! I’m so glad he’s treating you to experiences and trips. To me, that’s the best gift! I cannot wait to see your blog post of your weekend!
XOXO,
Jess from Bham
P.S. Bought the Intuitive Eating book to start the new year. EXACTLY what I needed, thank you for the recommendation!
Awwww that is so sweet 🙂 Gatlinburg is beautiful.
He really is the best and we love doing experiences rather than gifts!
GLAD you loved the book! I live by intuitive Eating!!
Wow! That sounds great. I hope you enjoy your stay at the cabin. 🙂 And a shoutout to your great friend and boyfriend, they are doing a great job. Btw Happy belated birthday! (I really feel awkward now)
I’m studying for my French exam and preparing math papers for the students I tutor. I’ll probably head out later to the lake with my pup, although it’s still freezing cold here. But a run with the pup always feels good.
Thank you Leah-Maria!
Don’t feel awkward! My birthday isn’t until the 31st 😉
I hope you had such a good weekend & hope you got some time at the lake!
xo xo
Aww that’s so nice of your friend and boyfriend to arrange that for you. It’s seems like you had a wonderful time. I can’t wait to read the next recap. 🙂
I went shopping for my wedding dress yesterday with my two best friends and my mom. I found the perfect one. I’m so excited.
We went to Seville in Spain to celebrate New Year’s Eve with some
friends and we stayed in an Air Bnb. It was amazing. The apartment was huge and we had a roof top terrace where we could sit in the sun. The lady who owned the place was super nice and helpful. After this experience I would definitely try Air bnb again.
Thanks Lauren!
It was so wonderful & he’s the greatest!
SO GREAT YOU FOUND YOUR DRESS! Congrats <3 I bet you looked beautiful.
Wow your AirBNB sounds gorgeous!! I’ll have to look into that! xo
Meighan and Kyle are the sweetest to surprise you like that. You are so blessed. Oh, and your egg over easy looks SO good, how do you make it?
This weekend is Chinese New Year, so we’re celebrating that in Hong Kong! Super exciting 🙂
Yes, I’ve stayed in an Airbnb ONCE before! It was great. I wrote a blog post on it here: http://charmainenyw.com/minimalist-airbnb-shanghai/
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thank you Charmaine! I feel VERY VERY blessed for sure!
I just sprayed the pan with cooking spray, cracked my egg into the pan, cracked more egg whites around it, and then proceeded to cook it up like an omelet!
I can’t wait to check out your airbnb post! Your photos are so great!
xo
Hi Tara![is that ok I call you Tara .i am not really good at call English name ]..right now I just finished my lunch and lying down in the bed read your blog .Spring festival in China! Maybe you have no idea what I talking about .it’s just like your Christmas. The biggest festival in our country!all about wine. dimpling.delicious .be together with family and friends. We hang out together. This is thr only time for most Chinese people stay with family.which is very importantly and meaningful. I love this festival!!
So this weekend full of happiness
Hi Liuye!
Thank you for reading my blog 🙂 & your english is great!
Spring Festival sounds GREAT!!!! I know you’ve been excited for it for a while now!:)
xo xo have a great weekend!
I can’t get enough of your dogs! You should do a post about them 🙂
What should I write?! I could write posts about my dogs anyday/all day/everyday! haha
#BOYFRIENDGOALS
Haha this made me laugh! I feel pretty lucky! xo
I love your painting! So simply beautiful.
My husband and I spent the weekend rewatching the last two Harry Potter movies because we’ve been so busy all month we need a wind down. Today we start our new volleyball league.
I have never spent time in an AirBnB but we have thought about it. I love the idea that some of those places let you bring the pups.
Happy Early Birthday! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Thank you! Meighan and I had so much fun painting it together.
Sounds like it was a nice wind down weekend for everyone! Those are the best 🙂
It’s great for the pups and AIRBNB has a pet friendly option!
xo xo & thank you so much
taralynn
I’ve never heard of Air BnB before, but it sounds like something I’d try since I want to travel in my life.
Really!?
Definitely something to try if you’re traveling!
xo
Check out Kohls for beachy picture frames. I have to stop myself from buying more everytime I go there.
They do have cute ones! There is a place called “At Home” that has them so cheap!
Where did you get your green/blue running pants?
Marshalls! 🙂 $14.99
It is such a rainy day today where I live so having your blog post to read went perfect with some doggy cuddles from my two puppers. My plans for the rest of this weekend is to hopefully clean my room ( i have a new puppy and so everything is a mess now) and just relax and enjoy myself because I’ve been working killer hours lately at work. I can’t function if my living space is a mess so it’ll help me get back into the swing of things.
That makes me so happy to hear 🙂
Rainy days can be nice and relaxing sometimes. It’s a little reminder that we need to slow down and take a break from the go go go!
I totally understand the new puppy messes!! & I love cleaning. It’s therapeutic to me lol
I hope you had a relaxing weekend! xo xo xo
Sounds like such a fun and special weekend! Reading your blog is one of my favorite study breaks to take from college homework. Especially when I’m drinking coffee!!
What tracker do you use to keep track of the miles that you run? I just got into running and I’m trying to accurately track the miles that I run.
Hi Hannah!
That makes me so happy to hear that 🙂 & that is what inspires me to keep writing! + with coffee….WIN!
I use run keeper! I’ve been using it for the past four years and I just love it!!
xo xo xo
You have the perfect life!
My life is nowhere near perfect, but I am very bless and very happy! 🙂 xo
Happy early birthday! Can’t wait to read the cabin re-cap 🙂 You look like you’re in a really good place in your life, so happy for you! Have fun decorating the new house, that’s the bet part of home-owner ship!
Thank you Parker!
You’re absolutely right about that. I feel like my life is exactly where it’s supposed to be and I haven’t been happier. I am slowly getting around to the projects around the house:) I know I’ll be going full force once spring gets here for sure!
xo xo
Hey! I am wondering where you got your sofa from?? I love it!
Hi!
I got it from Value City Furniture about three years ago.
xo
Happy Birthday! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with amazing people to celebrate you! So happy to see you so happy!
This was a pretty quiet weekend for me because it still SO cold here! I started with cleaning my entire apartment and then pretty much hung out in my nice clean apartment all weekend! I just got a pile of books I ordered off amazon, so I’m loving getting back into reading more!
I love AirBnB! Whenever my family travels we like to use it so that we can all hangout together instead of being split into different hotel rooms. I want to use it more this year when traveling with my husband so we can get more of a feel for different cities and neighborhoods, rather than just the touristy/hotel spots of different cities!
*I can’t believe how BIG Leo is getting! He looks like he’s catching up to Grumples height wise SO quick!
Thank you Carly!
🙂 I feel too lucky to have such great people in my life!
Sounds like you had a great weekend. Cleaning is the best and especially when you have a few days to enjoy it!
I am a new fan of AirBNB and I can’t wait to try it out more.
I KNOW!!! HE’S HUGE!!!
I love oozing yolks–in fact I either like it well done fried or oozing. I don’t like anything in between! Do you have strength training after your run on the same day or the day afterwards? My goal for February is to run 2 and a half hours each week. I’d love to do what you did and run 95 minutes all at once. Do you have to muster a lot of willpower to do this at all? Or does it come naturally?
Sometimes I do it after a run, or the day after. Depends on how I’m feeling that day. I don’t think it comes naturally at all and sometimes I still struggle to run three miles. It’s all about fuel, hydration, strength training, and a good mindset AND GOOD RUNNING SHOES! I have to work every week to be able to run because it’s not natural at all for me.
Hi Tara,
I swear every time I read your blog, I am so inspired to get creative in the kitchen! I love all the random foods thrown together. Hope you had an amazing birthday! Can’t wait to read about your mountain getaway.
1. This weekend I am driving up to Anaheim from San Diego to take my real estate crash courses before my big state exam next week!
2. I absolutely LOVE airbnb! I even used them while staying in Europe and had nothing but positive experiences.
I love hearing that!
Thank you so much 🙂 & the weekend getaway was so relaxed and everything we wanted it to be!
Good luck on your exam!! Such a pretty drive.
I love hearing that, encourages me to use it more!
xo
Weekend Plans *Oh, man. We’ve been enjoying the colder weather (here in Huntsville, AL) because it lets us do yard work with minimal interference of black widows (ew ew ew)!!! We set up a great fit pit, started hacking down these horrendous 30 year old holly bushes that overtake the front and side of our house (and using the branches we cut down for nightly bonfires). We have plans for a massive garden (phase 1 this year, and phase 2 next year) so that we can grow the veggies and fruits we often go to the store for – potatoes, onions, berries, carrots, romaine, eggplants, peppers, etc) Eventually we’ll add a few chickens to the mix for eggs! Getting healthy and fit again has made me LOVE doing yard work! Especially on days I can’t go running (ankle tendinitis has me off the track/treadmill for a few days #FatRunnerProblems), I always end up sweating and starving and realize it was more of a workout than I thought it would be! AirBnb* I used to be a wedding/ boudoir photographer and I used AirBnb for locations to use for my boudoir sessions! There was one in an old plantation home about an hour from here that was amazing! Perfect secluded location and AMAZING light!
Hi Jessica!
Sounds like you guys have a ton of work to do! Nice job on getting it all done 🙂 I need to do a couple outside projects soon.
I love the idea of a garden. I am working on a little mason jar hanging garden for my back patio.
Sorry to hear about your ankle. I also had tendinitis in my achilles and treading water really helped with my recovery.
That is such a great idea for photography!!!
I seriously love reading your blog :). Question…what do you use to spiralize your veggies? I know you’ve posted it, but I can’t find it now! Thank you!
Thank you so much Andrea:) I have an oyster brand, but grocery stores sell them now!
this may seem like a boring request…but I’d be interested in your cleaning strategy. do you tackle certain things all at once, and how often do you clean specific rooms/places? haha am i crazy?
hahaha not crazy at all and I definitely have a routine!
I think it would be kind of a cool blog post.
I don’t touch the guest bedroom often, but vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing bathrooms, mopping, sweeping, and all the necessary cleaning happens once a week.
What a fun week! I had a nice relaxing weekend full of movie time and Glee marathon. I haven’t used Air B&B but I’m think of trying it for our yearly trip last this year!
I did a three week Glee marathon last year! That show is addictive. You should totally try it out, our first experience was wonderful.
airbnb is the bomb. We used it for our honeymoon in hawaii and it was wayyyy cheaper than staying in a resort. But just be careful, some places have ok pictures, but the places end up being dumps. Just read reviews closely:)
Thank you for the tip! I’m sure that happens a lot! Hawaii Air BNB sounds great!!!!
Cant wait to hear about your trip! Sounds like you’ve had a lovely week too–that pizza crust looks good. I’ve never tried that GF brand before. Looks simple enough!
I havent used an Airbnb before, but I’m looking to book one for a babymoon trip in April.
Thanks Heather!
It is a great GF brand! You should totally look out for it in the gluten free sections at the grocery store.
You should totally use it! & like someone else said, definitely read all the reviews!
xo
You seriously inspire me, especially with the food prepping! I’ve been trying to get into that more and be better at it. And this will sound like a silly question, but where do you get your food prep containers from? I find that that is what is holding me back is food storage, I can’t find anything I like, but I love the simplicity of yours.Hope you have a good week!
Thanks Abby!
My boyfriend gets them on Amazon!!
ummm don’t you know that wedding cake has gluten in it? so much for being gluten free….
lol the cake was placed on all the tables. I didn’t eat, but it was pretty and I wanted to take a photo of it.
You look gorgeous in that dress and so does becca. Where did you get your dress you wore to aimees wedding?
Thank you Lisa!!
I got it at Loft!
You look genuinely happy.
I love that you can see that 🙂
Your blog gives me life and positivity. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I come to your blog because you show me that happiness exists. I love how you make the littlest things special. You are my inspiration for a happy life. My English is average as I live in Oman.
Thank you Yimane! That means so much and you have great english! xo
You and your friends are so inspiring!
Thanks girlie!
So I think Corinne is annoying and immature, but I think she’s really done nothing wrong other than be herself! The girls are just not happy because she seems like the opposite of a wife for Nick (which I agree with), but she’s never said anything bad about any of them–until she was provoked by Taylor! Taylor WAS just being a bully and stirring the pot and I felt bad for Corinne! What do you think?
Lol definitely dont agree! She’s threatened to punch girls in the face and stripped butt naked in front of Nick in front of the girls. Now if a guy did that to a girl, it would be a whole different story. I think she’s nothing but drama and very very manipulative. Pretty disrespectful to the other girls. I think Corinne is the bully. I also think it’s weird she’s 24 and has a nanny that cuts her cucumbers lol. I don’t feel bad for her at all.
I’ve been to that nail salon! It is one of my faves.
Glad I’m not the only one who loves it!
Your hair is getting so long! omg
It totally needs cut!! Appointment Friday!
What place did you go to in the cabin?
I’ll blog all about it tonight <3
Where did you find Kyle? He is so sweet.
He’s the best! 😀
What place did you stay i?
I just blogged about it:)
Hi Taralynn, thank you so much for sharing your positive attitude and inspiring, fun photos. It’s always a bright spot in my day to see them. I love the beach wood photo frames you mention you got from Amazon in this post. Could you link to them or let us know what brand they are? I’ve been looking for cute frames like yours for awhile. They can be So expensive at craft stores if you want to get more than a few. Thanks!
The beach wood frames are actually from a store called “At Home” 🙂 xo
Just have to say, all your coffee pics definitely encourage my coffee obsession! What’s your favorite way to drink coffee?
A dark roast with a couple tablespoons of light cream 😉
HES A KEEPER
AGREED.
Kyle is perfect
yes he is!