It’s so hard for me to sit here and write this post right now. For the silliest reason, of course. I’m starving, and all of these food pics are making it worse. I just started a new workout regime, and it involves a lot of strength training, and I’m hangry every forty-five minutes! It’s only been a week, but it’s certainly kicking my butt.
Oh, and good afternoon! I guess I should have started with that first, but usually, hangry people don’t think logically. I think I’m going to need snacks to get through this. Be right back.
Now that I have a bowl of cherries, I can write clearly 🙂 Let’s get started with the recap! 
Becca and I were supposed to float down the river last Saturday, but we had to switch some plans around. I decided to tag along with my parents and look for some patio furniture. Before we went shopping, I did laps in the pool and floated around soaking up some sun.
It was 3 pm by the time we were done shopping, and we were all hungry. I introduced my parents to Zoe’s Kitchen, and they loved it! I ordered the tossed Greek salad (per usual.) I wish there were a Zoe’s Kitchen closer to my house because I would eat there every day. The ingredients are always so fresh, and the salads are huge. Great for leftovers!
Latte after lunch 🙂 3 shots of espresso & skim milk! (8 oz)
I’m not sure what happened, but I used to hate sparkling water! I would have to add Crystal light or flavoring to make it tolerable. I thought it was awful, but lately, I’ve been enjoying it. The Dasani berry sparkling water is really good.
The deck isn’t done, and we have a lot to add to it, but we enjoyed sitting outside on Saturday night! While we were out looking for patio furniture, I couldn’t help but notice the ridiculous prices on outdoor furniture. I could buy a new living room set for half the cost of outdoor furniture! So what did my dad and I decide to do? MAKE IT OF COURSE! 
We found the plan for the above set on Ana White’s website and will use this as a guide. We are actually thinking about making it into a sectional! I have found some cute cushions at a local store that I’ll be using! 🙂 We can make the entire set for $300 (that is including the cushions) instead of buying a $2500 set at the store. We also made a coffee table to match! I even picked up the hanging lights 🙂 I’m so excited to share the final pics of the deck project. We built the deck with treated wood so that I can stain it in a couple of weeks!
The dogs love sitting outside and watching all the birds and squirrels in the woods. It was so pretty out last Saturday, so I had iced coffee and enjoyed the rest of the evening with them.
I had such a random dinner on Saturday night. Not the healthiest, but sometimes cravings trump healthy. I had baked beans, sweet potato fries, and a spicy black bean veggie burger. I don’t know why, but Kyle and I are obsessed with these veggie burgers. They are so good!
I was so excited about our Sunday adventure! For breakfast, I made oatmeal with cinnamon and Swerve! Swerve is way better than Stevia or Truvia! Tastes the closest to sugar. Shaughna introduced me to it when I was in Hawaii.
We spent four hours on the river followed by a coffee date. If you missed this post, you can read it here!
Kyle and I decided to do taco quesadillas on Sunday night. We filled up tortillas with beans, cheese, ground turkey with taco seasoning, taco sauce, plain Greek yogurt, and cooked them on the panini maker!
These were so delicious and really easy to make!
After a 40 day hiatus, I decided to head out and go for my first run. I only did two miles, but it was pretty successful. I was tight and stiff, but I managed to keep a 9:50 pace. I walked four miles after my run and then did a complete stretch session. My groin is acting a little funny, so I’m hoping that the strength training and yoga will help. 
I really missed running. My goal is to get about 12 miles of running a week starting this weekend. 
I found this fingernail polish at CVS (also don’t forget to check out my new CVS post and how I save so much by shopping there.) It’s called Pink Stilleto!
And…find out that Whole Foods has a Mochi section…made my day!! You better believe I am going to be getting a mochi smorgasbord for a future date night.
The mint RX bars are my favorite. They taste like Thin Mint cookies! I also like Whole Foods’ vitamin water.
I picked up a salad for lunch. It had chicken salad, broccoli, cucumber, onions, zucchini, quinoa, kale, and balsamic on the side. 
I met up with Meighan for an evening coffee walk!
We stopped at Coco & The Director, and I ordered a small cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso. 
We took about a four-mile walk around uptown! 
All of the flowers were in full bloom and so beautiful! Charlotte is literally the prettiest city ever! 
I picked up a salad to-go for dinner at Duckworth’s. They have a really good grilled chicken salad! It has cucumber, lettuce, grilled chicken, onion, and tomatoes!
Tuesday morning cuddles with Leo <3 My shake had blueberries, Vanilla Orgain Vegan protein powder, almond milk, banana, and chia seeds.
I had leftover ground turkey and scrambled eggs with cheese for dinner! I glued myself to the couch with coffee from 9 am to 5 pm working. I got so much done!
I headed to my parent’s house on Tuesday night to have a glass of wine and do laps in the pool. Laps and wine go great together 😉 Doing laps is a great way to destress, and the wine helped a bit too. We took the pups for a long walk before it started to pour. 
Becca and I met up for a four-mile walk on Wednesday night! It was so nice out. 🙂
On Thursday morning, I went to a kettlebell class, and it was tough. I headed home to clean off, and make breakfast. I had scrambled eggs and blueberries! Coffee tastes so much better after a workout! 🙂
On Thursday night, I went out for Meighan’s birthday! I was excited because we went to dinner at Ruru’s Tacos & Tequila! I’ve wanted to eat there for so long! I immediately added Ru Ru’s to my Charlotte list because it was so good.
I decided to treat myself to a Magic Mike 😉 Just a sexier name for a skinny margarita. 
We decided to start with the 3 Amigos for an appetizer! I mean, how could you not? The three amigos consisted of warm sea salt tortilla chips, chunky guacamole, house salsa, and queso blanco! When at Ruru’s, treat yo self! 
I decided to order the fajitas. I knew I was going to have leftovers, and fajitas are Kyle’s favorite, so I could bring them back for him to eat as well. They were really good!
They brought Meighan out a birthday dessert, and we all had a bite of it. HOLY MOLY! I’m going to use the word some people can’t stand, but it’s the only way to describe it…MOIST!!!! This was probably the best tres leches cake I’ve ever had. 
If you’re looking for a refreshing and light drink, you should try their “Vote for Pedro.” It has rain cucumber vodka, lime juice, cucumber puree, and topped with ginger beer. 
It started pouring down rain, but luckily we had a huge umbrella to sit under. We had so much fun:) Girl’s night needs to happen more often.
P.S. If you’re looking for a new blog to read, you should check out Sara’s! It’s called Oats & Rows! She blogs about health & fitness, and she’s very inspiring! I think you’ll love it! Also, her dog Winston (a frenchie) is the cutest!
I dropped Kyle off at the airport around 5:30 am on Friday morning. He had to make a day trip to New Jersey. I took the backcountry roads from the airport to my parent’s house. I decided to have coffee with them, and let the dogs run around. 
My dad and I gave the boys a hose bath! I could lie and say they loved it, but it was a circus! It was more fun for us.
Becca and I went to see A Book of Henry on Friday night. We packed our own snacks (so bad I know.) We brought turkey jerky, trail mix, fruit snacks, and sparkling water! The Jammin’ Jamaican jerky is the best tasting jerky I’ve ever had! Becca agreed.
I decided to bust out my juicer on Saturday morning before heading to the gym. My juice had kale, cucumber, lime, carrots, ginger, lemon, and one apple.
While Kyle workout out in the weight room, I did a 45-minute circuit!
Circuit
20 Jumping Jacks
50 Crunches (right/left/center)
10 Push-Ups
20 Squat + Right Side Kicks
*10 sprints
10 Push-Ups
20 Squat + Left Side Kicks
1 Minute Wall-Sit
50 Crunches (right/left/center)
10 Burpees
*10 sprints
10 Push-ups
50 Sit-Ups
20 Mountain Climbers
*10 sprints
20 Dumbbell Bench Presses
50 Jumping Jacks
100 Crunches (right/left/center)
X2
Kyle and I made a Blue Apron for dinner! Blue Apron is an awesome meal kit delivery service. We made the Roasted Beef & Farro salad! It was so good 🙂 I left the olives out, and added a ton of kale! I love customizing the meals. It went well with my glass of wine.
I was so excited to give my dad his father’s day present! He needed a new wheelbarrow so badly! Not only did he get a new one, but he got one filled with his favorite, Budlight! He was SO SO SO HAPPY! He started wheeling his wheelbarrow around the yard like a little kid. And thank goodness Hobby Lobby sells Christmas decor all year round! That red bow was the perfect touch. 
We had such a fun pool day 🙂 My mom was so proud of her photo bomb. 
For lunch, I made a healthy salad. It had kale, goat cheese, radishes, blueberries, strawberries, and egg whites. I use balsamic for dressing.
I headed to the gym with Kyle Sunday afternoon and took a kettlebell class while he lifted weights. I’m going, being honest; I’m not a huge fan of the kettlebell class at my gym because there is too much dancing and that’s not my thing. It’s only my thing when I’ve had wine, and Lil Wayne is blasting in my living room. It just felt kind of awkward, but I’m going to suck it up because it was a DAMN GOOD workout. My heart rate was going nuts, and I loved the cardio/weight alternation.
After we had walked the pups, Kyle and I cuddled up on the couch for a Sunday night movie 🙂 Instead of the ice cream in the freezer; I settled for coffee. Coffee helps me fight sugar cravings! I ended up getting a bowl of cantaloupe afterward. I needed some sugar.
I headed to a custom cuts workout class yesterday morning, and I absolutely LOVED it! It was an hour of mini circuits. Each circuit was five minutes long, and we would have to do as many sets of ten as we could. After the five minutes were up, we’d have to do walking lunges (around 25) around the room. I am feeling it today, and I can’t wait to take more of her classes.
After the gym, I made breakfast. I had an egg white omelet, chocolate chip waffle, wheatgrass, lime & ginger shot, and peach slices. 
For dinner, I had sauteed veggies and ground turkey! I cooked radishes, carrots, broccoli, snow peas, and zucchini in olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. 
I’ll have leftovers for the rest of the week:) Tonight, I’m making another Blue Apron 😀 I’m still debating on taking a rest day or going to a class tonight. I may just get in more miles for the June Walking Challenge, and go to the gym early morning tomorrow. I’m excited to get back into taking classes.
Questions for you!
1. Is Anyone over the heat yet? (I kind of am)
2. What are five items you ALWAYS have on your grocery list?
3. What is your favorite fun fact?
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Love your blog! I would love to meet you one day.
Thank you, Haley!! xo
I will NEVER be over the heat!! I hate winter. And for groceries, it’s always fruits for me, especially grapes, papayas and dragon fruit! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I wish the papayas were as good as the ones in Hawaii here! I’d get them all the time!
omg that wheelbarrow filled with bud light is epic!!! the perfect father’s day gift! and i’m super impressed you guys built that patio furniture – it looks gorgeous!! obsessed with those mint chocolate rx bars too, my favorite flavor!
i’m with you on the heat – people complain all winter long that it’s cold here (which in LA it is defffffinitely NOT cold!), and then it hits 100 in june and stays that way until october. i’m not a fan of sweating profusely at all hours of the day! although i do love summer and beach/pool days are the best 🙂
HAHAHA My dad was in heaven!!!
We haven’t built the furniture yet, but excited to see how it turns out!!!
Same here with that weather!!!
I just made coffee so I could sit down and read your blog!
You don’t know how happy that makes me 😀
Hi Tara! I have been following along your blog for YEARS and am just finally leaving a comment. It’s funny how much I enjoy reading a recap post from a total stranger?! But I do! I usually love the heat but am so over it this year since moving to NYC. Everything feels so much hotter and more stuffy in the city!
Hi, Jaclyn!
I totally get it 🙂 I also enjoy reading blogs and looking through Pinterest, which is also filled with strangers lol Thank you for leaving a comment 🙂 OMG NYC city heat is brutal!
I am so not loving the heat! I live in Toronto Canada, and this entire week has been Thunder on and off, lots of humidity, and a heatwave. I can’t wait until it cools down so that I can actually run outside. Speaking of which, we are a long time reader, are you participating in the July walking challenge by Tara?
Do you have a “Charleston” list much like your Charlotte list? My boyfriend and I are going to Charleston and Folly Beach and would love some recs!
I don’t, but if you type in “Charleston” into my search box, you can browse through all the places I’ve been to get some ideas 🙂
I’m definitely not a heat person. I live in the DMV area, and it’s so humid and hot outside, it’s absolutely gross. I love love love the spring and fall weather, so I’m already looking forward to the fall weather when it arrives!
My grocery must-haves are: kale, avocado, sweet potato, ground turkey, and spinach (also, bananas). I pretty much eat all of those things every week so we typically have to do several grocery runs. 🙂
The humidity is what sucks. I can do heat, but not the sticky feeling! I have a feeling I’ll be in FULL FALL mode this year. I wasnt last year.
MMM THOSE ARE ALL ON MY LIST TOO 🙂
I love the heat.. just not the humidity. At least in eastern NC, I’m basically swimming if I walk after 11 am. xD In terms of groceries, though, I always have to have onions (weird, but you can put them in everything), a block of extra firm tofu (super versatile– we just made an oil-free pesto with it & my basil last week!), sweet potatoes, frozen veggies, and some kind of fruit. Lately, I’ve gotten a ton of bananas– you can peel then freeze them, then whir them up into a soft serve in your food processor/super strong blender. So good!!
I love that you and your dad are building your patio & patio furniture; that’s so cool. Outdoor furniture is just so expensive!
same same same!!
Not weird. Onions are the ONE item I always forget and regret not getting later! I only get them if I actually make a list with recipes on it. Bananas are so amazing for smoothies, baking, and quick pre-workout snacks!
It’s crazy how pricey it is! Some of it looks cheap too. MIND BLOWING! It’s going to be fun to build it!
Looks like such a fun week!
1. Heat sucks but I’d take heat over humidity here any day lol. It’s like at 90%humidyt all the time.
2. Oatmeal, strawberries, zucchini, any kind of seed/nuts and kale
3. A fun fact would um I’m 22 but I get mistaken for 18 but when I was 13 I got mistaken for 18.
Ps I know you love to sing and make music. You should TOTALLY do a cover of one of Laughton Meester’s songs from her album Heartstrings. She has such a lovely voice and you / your style kind of reminds me of her?
Heat over humidity for sure!!!
mmm good list!!
That is actually funny! I always get mistaken for 18…(lack of boobs lol)
hahaha that would be cool! I do love Leighton!
Hi Taralynn. I also have been following for years… and I get so excited to read your blogs! Aaaand I also feel slightly weird about ghostly following for so long :). I promise I’m not creepy!
I saw your wheatgrass, lime & ginger shot on instagram too. Did you make that with your juicer? Been debating buying one but I’m not sure if I’d use it. That circuit looks intense! I might try it. I’ve been doing your June walking challenge (which has been so fun, by the way) and it’s great to pair with strength and flexibility I’ve noticed.
I must admit, not over the heat 😉 but I spent some time in Minnesota this winter, so I think I’m still thawing out. My 5 items are probably weird, since I travel a lot for work but generally: Matcha packets from Trader Joes, Eggs, Kale and Broccoli Salad from Trader Joes, Avocado, Apples.
Awwww Thank you, Michelle!
Not creepy at all!!!:) I ghostly follow people as well lol That’s the beauty of blogs. I am happy you stopped to comment!
I do! It’s much cheaper to own a juicer. It takes a bit of time to clean, but totally worth it!
Let me know if you try the circuit 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying the challenge!!!
omg, you deserve all the heat you can get! I think I’m more over the humidity and not the heat. I didn’t know Matcha packets were a thing!! I will have to check into that 🙂 Thanks for the idea!
Have a great week!
Your dogs are so cute and I love how much time you spend with them! They must really love you.
I love them!
I am TOTALLY over the heat. Here in Iowa, it’s HUMID! We just had the first rain we’ve had in 60 days about a week ago. It cooled off the weather for a little while, but were right back to hot & humid 🙁
I always have chicken breasts, frozen veggies (for quick meals!), romaine, and Parmesan crisps (LOVE these! On salads, or just plain), and HALO TOP!
I don’t know that I have a fun fact, but I am ADDICTED to those quick home DIY organization tips. I could read those on Pinterest all day, everyday.
ohhhhhh I actually miss the IOWA summers, although they were HOT HOT HOT!!!!! I want to go to the Iowa State Fair so bad this year!
HALO TOP FOR THE WIN! What’s your favorite flavor?
haha they are the best. I want someone to come just organize my entire house with those hacks!
It’s a tie between Birthday Cake & Sea Salt Caramel! LOVE!
The Iowa State Fair never disappoints 😉
What is the fried treat on a stick this year?!?!
Those fajitas look amazing and that back patio furniture is a DREAM! I want a patio like that. I love the warm weather, but not TOO TOO hot. I tend to feel sick if its too hot, hah! I always have fruit, veggies, nuts, eggs and fish or meat on my list!
I can’t wait for it to be finished, and the fajitas were amazing! IT’S SO HOT RIGHT NOW! BRING ON THE FALL AND BRING BACK SPRING!!! It’s just so muggy out.
Is it safe to do a workout class after drinking?
Lol, not sure? Although, A lot of people go to the club and dance heavy while drinking…could be considered the same thing. I’m sure it can’t be healthy since it dehydrates you, and you’ll lose coordination depending on how much you’ve had.
I’ve never been a fan of radishes, but the ones in your sauteed veggies look so good! I may have to try them again 🙂
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
They taste so different when they are sauteed! Almost like potatoes!
I can’t wait for some heat! I live in the NW and the constant cloud cover is really getting to me.
Bananas to freeze (for smoothies and nice cream), kale, lettuce, boneless skinless chicken, and eggs.
I can’t think of one off the top of my head, but I looooove reading science facts.
I guess it has been “summer” down here for the past four months and we have like four/five more left lol
I have a giant bag of frozen bananas in my freezer for the same reason! I have ALL of those on my list too!
We haven’t had too much TERRIBLE heat in Nebraska yet. As long as we can avoid the humidity, I can handle it until fall. Crossing my fingers that it stays this way! Always on my grocery list: chicken breast, lettuce, bananas, lemons, milk.
Stay cool out there!
I think it’s the humidity that bothers me!!
All of those are on my list as well xo
Enjoy the midwest!! xo
I am loving the heat–when I am by or in a pool! I love summer and warmer weather, but I also like working out outside and I just cannot seem to get it together in this heat!
Grocery staples-veggies and fruits galore (particularly bananas and berries and salad), nuts, chicken, and yogurt. I love grocery shopping; I find it therapeutic!
I think the heat gets worse with age haha.
Love all of those things and they are certainly on my list as well! YES! I love it too!!!
Hi ya. I’m from England and been following your blog for many years. I find it inspiring and it helps lift me ?
I’m a Vegan so the things always on my weekly shop are Almond Milk, tofu, tomatoes, olive oil and Tassimo coffee pods for my machine ☕
It’s been hot here too, but we make the most of it because the Winter is far too long ❄️
Thank you, Kathy!!
I wish I could like olives, but I’ve tried lol I was surprised at how good tofu was!
We have pretty short winters!
YES!! I am so ready for fall already! The only reason I like summer is because I get to have a garden. Otherwise it could be fall all year!
I just sat down to write out my grocery list actually 🙂 seems like I always have bell peppers, apples, zuchinni, Halo Top :), and Hummus on my list. I only get to town every couple weeks so I always have the same things on my list, but those are just the things that never really change 🙂
Totally need to give my pup a bath! Your pictures made me laugh!
Same here!
Those are perfect for the grocery list! I love Supremely spicy & jalapeno Sabras hummus!
The boys weren’t to happy with their bath!
Loved your circuit! I think I might try it tomorrow (or at least use it for inspiration). Five items always on my grocery list are: apples, some sort of nut, carrots, sourdough, and broccoli. My husband and I go through those staples crazy fast! ? Hope you’re having a great week!
Ohhh let me know how it goes!
Apples are always on mine too! XO XO
Love the deck plan!
Thank you!!
Hi!
Not over the heat (I’m only in Boston, not Charlotte), but I am VERY done with the humidity. 95% this morning :D!
This month, I’ve been eating a lot of eggs, waffles, red peppers, popsicles, and rice.
Not sure about fun facts, but I’ve read your blog and picked up your habit of waking up early to enjoy coffee before the day! I have to leave the house at 7:30, so I wake up anywhere between 5:30 and 6 so that I can have time to chill before I have to get out. It works great until 3 PM and I need to go to bed!
I think I should have asked if anyone is OVER THE HUMIDITY! lol it’s been so bad down here!
mmmm love eggs & waffles! I just bought a new waffle maker, so I’m excited to try out some new recipes.
Isn’t it amazing?!?! That alone time to have coffee and just relax is everything! Kyle knows how important that time is to me and he calls it “teelee time” and he knows I’m in my own little world lol
I’m over the heat after the first week of summer! ? Fall and spring are where it’s at!
Those fajitas looked amazing! (..and now I’m hungry)
oh well. I’m about to go get in some more miles for the June walking challenge. It has definitely been much more difficult than I has anticipated! But I’m loving it!
Fall and Spring here are like the NORMAL summer temps. 70-85 Right now the humidity is awful!
It’s getting harder! The more I walk, the more tired I’m getting now! I think it’s because I’ve added in more strength training the past two weeks.
HAVE FUN WALKING!!
I’m ready for the heat! Massachusetts has been rainy & cold one day then hot & humid the next. Hoping for a sunny summer!
I always have spinach, squash and zucchini, berries, yogurt & cheese on my grocery list.
Favorite fun fact? Hmmmm. I swear I’m a gypsy soul but coming home to my own bed is the best feeling ever.
Ps I still can’t understand how you sleep at night with all that caffeine in your system! I would be up for days!!
I bet your summers are LOVELY though!! I loved the weather when I was in Maine!
Yogurt and berries are amazing!
I think we all feel that way sometimes. NOTHING better than your own bed.
HAHA I only have about 1 1/2 cups a day!:)
Taralynn! I’ve been following you blog forever, and you’re so inspiring! I never can seem to stay on track with any diet goals I set for myself. How do you live a realistic and practical healthy lifestyle without going off track? You’re such a role model 🙂 thanks for sharing your life with your readers!
Hi, Meg!
I think the key to keeping consistent is to setting ZERO boundaries or “off limits” when it comes to food. You have to treat yourself, eat what you what when you want, and be in tuned with your body. When you’re hungry, you have to stop worrying about calories and eat. When you want something sweet, have it. The more you create a “diet” and guide for your body, the more likely you are to fail. There are days when not one single veggie enters my mouth, or I skip dinner for a bowl of ice cream. It happens and that is life, but it doesn’t mean I went “off track.” It’s just living, and everyone does it. 🙂 I love to set exercise goals, and try to move as much as possible, but when it comes to food I shoot for the healthy food because I truly love the way they make me feel, but I treat myself to the other types of food anytime I want! I had a handful of potato chips tonight and then a salad right after that. That’s the beauty of it. I highly recommend that you look into Intuitive eating! http://simplytaralynn.com/2017/01/05/lost-17-pounds-2016-without-dieting/
Is that an engagement ring on your finger (pic of hosing off dogs)? Just checking ?
Your Father’s Day gift was adorable and great idea!!
Ha! No no no! That’s a giant opal ring. I bought it at an antique shop and it matches the pearl ring on the other hand.
My dad was in love with his “beerbarrow” 😉
Hey Taralynn! I have followed your blog for many years now, I love reading it! You seem like such a genuinely great person, I love that you show your real life, not making yourself look perfect. It’s so nice to see that! Anyway, I see that you really like circuit routines and I thought I would suggest a workout that you might like! I have been doing it for a few weeks now and I love it! It is Kayla Itsines’ strength program. Check it out sometime if you are looking for something new. Also, I love all the pictures of Grumples and Leo! So cute 🙂
Thank you, Heather!
I love blogging about my life even if it’s boring or crazy 😉 It is what it is! 😀
I do love KI circuits! She’s great.
xo
I’m so glad you made that comment about the mint Rx bar! I’ve really been wanting to try it, but I didn’t want to spend 2.50 on another bar that taste like… Yuck, haha. I’ll be buying some my next trip to Sprouts!
And are those the black bean burgers from Costco?! Because if they are… We love them!
So funny you ask about the heat because Ben and I are currently dying in our little sauna of a house. While we love Boulder to death, most of the houses are really old, and don’t have AC. Summer is our favorite, but I’m a little over being sweaty all the time..
Five must have items: eggs, spinach, dried mango, bananas, and Dr. D’s Grape Water Kefir (it’s like kombucha… but DELICIOUS).
My favorite fun fact is that bananas are curved because they grow towards the sun!
I hope you like them!!
I think you can get them at Costco! But they are the morning star ones!
HAHAHA But old houses are charming 😉
ohhhh I may have to look for that! LOVE KOMBUCHA!
I had no idea!!!! hahaha
NO! Not even close 😉 considering we only get like 3 months of hot weather… I’ll take as much as I can get! I need to move somewhere warmer.
Grocery list — eggs, fruit, meat, some sort of snack, sour cream (I’ve come to find that I put it on so many things…. weird right?? I love dipping the black bean burgers in it)
Fun fact – did you know flies puke every time they land?
P.s. your mom is awesome. That’s the best photobomb I think I’ve ever seen.
Hahaha, I know you have those BRUTAL winters girl!
Have you tried using plain greek yogurt for sour cream!? Tastes the same!
lol I did know that! so gross!
HAHAHA SHe was SO HAPPY with herself for that.
I’m going to steal your wheelbarrow idea!!!!
haha go for it!
Your blog is so great!
Well thank you! xo
Great job getting back into running! I really enjoy seeing all of your eats.
Pickles! Lettuce! Turkey! Bacon! Eggs!
Thank you!
The pickles part made me laugh!
I try and keep my shops seasonal… at the moment it’s bananas and apples, broccoli and pumpkin, and a curry paste to warm me up on winter days!
MMMM can’t wait for pumpkin season!
Loving your Charlotte list!
Thanks!
I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR COUCHES!
thank you!!
You and your dad are awesome!
lol he is awesome 😉
wait omg this is nuts, sara and i used to carpool home to maryland when i was a freshman at HPU! we went to the same middle school! i literally did a double take at that picture haha such a small world.
side note – my opinion about the heat is only good thing about summer is the promise of fall in a few short months lol
Hahaha that is too funny. Small world for sure!!!!
Our Fall doesn’t start until like November lol
Obsessed with Ruru’s!
SO GOOD!
Hi!
Your dad had a great present ^^ (and, clearly, your mum is a photobomb’s boss 😀 )
1. Anyone over the heat yet? (I kind of am)
I don’t like the heat, but the possibility of going to the beach every day (I don’t do that, I have to work) is a great compensation!
2. What are five items you ALWAYS have on your grocery list?
Lemons, tomatoes, feta cheese, soy milk, chocolate
3. What is your favorite fun fact?
At work, most people think I’m five years younger (I’m actually 25) and I just graduated (I started working 4 years ago)
My new boyfriend thought I was something like 18-20 years old…
Hahaha yes she is 😉
I think if I lived by the beach I’d be SO HAPPY with the heat. It’s more of the humidity that drives me crazy!
Chocolate! YAAAS! (& pb)
hahhaha I get the age thing a lot too! & it’s not a bad thing!
Thank you for introducing me to a new blog! I can’t wait to browse.
It’s a good one too! 🙂 Enjoy!!
I have a bit of a technical question…what app do you use to collage your photos? I love they way they look and would like to do something similar in my blog posts 🙂
I love your mom doing the cannonball into the pool!
I just use Pic Monkey to make collages! There are also a ton of phone apps that make them!
Hahaha she’s a goof!!
Wow! I am definitely inspired to work out after reading this post. What a coincidence that today is international yoga day 🙂 I love juicing too, I feel like my body is buzzing with energy after drinking freshly made juice. Is making the furniture difficult? That’s an incredible amount of savings and I’m sure there is a sense of gratification that comes from making it yourself.
1. This is the first summer where I am accepting and even appreciating the heat instead of fighting it. I think every year I get a little bit more acclimated. Plus all that Vitamin D is so good for us! It’s been so bright in the mornings that it’s easy to get out of bed and start the day.
2. My 5 grocery must-haves: oatmeal, apples, arugula, lara bars and potatoes.
3. Fun fact: Termites chew through wood faster when listening to rock music.
(So random, I think that was a fact from a popsicle stick when I was younger lol)
Hi, Avalon!
We haven’t started it, but my dad said it would take about two hours. The hardest part would be getting the wood lol
I totally agree about the juice! Especially when it’s FILLED with lemon & ginger!
MMMM OATS!!:)
Ohhhh I believe it! I hate those litle bugs.
OK I’m at 74 miles…My goal is 100 m so i’m close! Ps thanks for sharing the furniture how ridiculous is it that they want so much money for it!
Hi, Kailey!
Nice job on reaching your goals. ALMOST THERE!!!
sometimes doing the hard work pays off!
Your parents are adorable!
I’d have to agree 🙂 Love them so much.
You hang out with your parents a lot
Yes I do! LOVE THEM TO DEATH! Life goes by fast, and it’s important to spend your time with the ones you love!
I always bring my own snacks to the movies. Hit up the dollar candy section at the store and grab a bottle of water and I’m good to go. Occasionally I’ll buy popcorn because it’s just so good.
Patio furniture looks amazing! Your dad is so talented!
I know it’s summer but are you taking a break from classes? You haven’t mentioned them in a bit.
Hahahaha helllll yeah.
We haven’t made it yet, but he is pretty incredible!
Isn’t that nail polish the bomb?! It’s one of my favorites because it starts on so long! How was that movie? I thought it looked good. Five things that are always on my grocery list: bananas, eggs, lettuce/kale for salads, berries, and Diet Dr. Pepper for my hubs haha
YES YES! & It’s so cheap at CVS!
That movie was incredible and it makes me sad that it had bad reviews.
All of those are on mine…I definitely treat myself to a doctor pepper now and then.
Those taco quesadillas are such a great idea. I’ll have to try that with my kiddos!
Let me know how it goes!
Hi!
I just love your blog.
Can you tell me how to start blogging?
Hi, Sandra!
Thank you 🙂
Check out this post for building a blog! I think you’ll enjoy it.
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/fsba,fsbo_lt/house,condo,apartment_duplex,mobile,townhouse_type/11660308_zpid/0-320000_price/0-1175_mp/lake-front_att/globalrelevanceex_sort/34.155994,-81.214199,33.994469,-81.455898_rect/11_zm/0_mmm/
Hey girl, I don’t think that’s the link you meant to send!
Hahaha! I have no idea how that link showed up! HOW RANDOM?!?! lol I don’t even know who’s house that is.
HERE IS THE LINK!:)
http://simplytaralynn.com/2017/02/23/build-blog-one-day-ten-steps/
Totally stealing that idea for my dad!
Go for it:)
Dearest Taralynn! Love your blog and have been following it for many years! You were my biggest inspiration for my healthy lifestyle changes 5 years ago 🙂
I was wondering, have you cut out from your diet carbs like rice, bread and pasta? I rarely see photos anymore of such food so wondering if you are more paleo based now or what?
Thanks <3 Keep on the good stuff !!
Thank you so much!
I haven’t cut anything out of my diet 🙂 I still eat everything from every food group!
Hi, you was had a good weekend.
I have never taste kale, It’s similar than lettuce ?
I always have a cream cheese or goat cheese (I love it), tomatoes, quinoa, chicken and bananas. Oh, and watermelon on the summer.
Dogs are very cute ♥
(Sorry for my bad English, I’m french)
Kiss
Hi, Jolie!
Kale is a bit like lettuce, but more bitter/dryer!
MMM goat cheese is my favorite!!! & you can never go wrong with watermelon in the summer.
Thank you for the kind words & your english is great! xo
I live in Las Vegas. Its been 117 degrees here the past few days. I’m beyond over the heat! I feel like I’m being burned alive every time i walk outside. All the local pools are even to hot to swim in from the sun. Its not refreshing at all. I feel especially bad for my Golden Retriever. Its too hot to walk him, so he’s been cooped up indoors for the past few days. And destroying EVERYTHING! Cant even go at the but crack of dawn. Its still in the 90’s before the sun even comes up. Your lucky you live in such a beautiful place.
lol so you’re over the heat? haha
Can’t wait to see your deck!
Me either lol
Your dad and mom are adorable.
They really are 😀
Love rurus!
It was really good 🙂
Love the wheelbarrow idea! And I just have to say that I wish you could come decorate my house. I LOVE your style! 🙂
HAHAHA thanks, Traci!!!
Random question, do you recycle?
I do! 🙂 I think my recycling bin has more in it than my trash can.
I’m sooo over this heat. I just got back to Nebraska from Colorado. Thinking it would be cooler in the mountains than our 100 + degree days, nope. They had records highs while we were there and of course nowhere had A/C. I’m be bitching about the Midwestern winters soon enough though, ha.
I loved your float trip pics. Being from a very hilly part of Iowa, river floats are what we do every weekend. I just moved to Nebraska, and am excited to try some of the rivers near us.
I hate dancey workouts! I’m so uncoordinated that it’s sad. I call those chick workouts. With the exception of yoga, I only want to do workouts that are going to push me to almost puking. I’m a big ” Insanity” fan.
P.S. more snaps of your puppies please. My 2 year old loves them. He grabs my phone away when he sees I’m on snapchat “puppies?!”
AWWWW So glad he likes the pups!! so cute :):)
Oh the heat is back here! We had a nice little breeze the past two days and it felt so good. THE MIDWESTERN WINTERS…AHHHHH so bad haha
Wooohoo! Iowa girl 😉
Insanity is great and thats why I like HIIT classes. They remind me of them.
That is the coolest gift I’ve seen! I’m sure my father-in-law would appreciate that idea for next year. Maybe a tool chest for my dad, something along the lines for a mechanic. Lovely post!
Yes! 🙂 He loved it!