Good Morning! It’s actually 12 AM, but still morning I suppose. I was sound asleep a couple of hours ago, but the pups were acting weird. I’ve never heard them whining in the night, or acting like they needed to go outside. I leashed the boys, bundled up, and headed out for a midnight walk. I don’t know why I thought it was going to be freezing, but I had gloves, a hat, boots, and a winter coat on. It ended up being 60-degrees outside. Also, walking around the block at midnight is creepy. Luckily, I have a powerful set of vocal chords, pepper spray, and a disgusting right hook if anyone were to come for me. My dogs wouldn’t let them get near me anyways.
The dogs were still acting weird after our walk around the block. I starting thinking about what they could want. Then it hit me. Kyle took them on a walk around five while I was up in the office, and I just assumed he fed them afterward. And he probably thought I fed them. I grabbed their bowls, and they immediately jumped up. They scarfed down their food, ran to the couch, and instantly fell asleep. Problem solved. And the midnight walk just means I get to sleep in a little bit longer tomorrow morning instead of walking them at 6 AM.
The problem now is that I’m wide awake. I figured it would be a good time to fit in my recap until I’m tired again. This week didn’t have enough hours, even though we did gain an hour, I could have used like fifty. I wasn’t going to do a recap post because of everything I’m working on, but it wouldn’t be the same without one to start the week! So here it goes!
By the way, I went through 1600 photos for the Jackson County post over the weekend, started writing the dog-training post, working on a new pizza recipe, muffin recipe, fun flavored pancakes, and a couple other fun projects!
There was no structure in my meals this past week. I had a house full of vegetables, different proteins, fruit, and just threw things together all week long. The food was filling, healthy, and easy to cook up. That is ideal for a busy week, or if you have healthy produce that you need to use up. I was eating to live this week because nothing was fancy or decadent.
This is the only photo I took on Monday, other than the picture of my coffee in my last recap post.
IMy lunch plate had a three egg (1 yolk/2 egg whites) omelet with avocado, sweet potatoes, and spicy hummus.
Today marks one year since I made an offer on my home. They accepted it two hours later, and I moved in 25 days after. It was scary, stressful, but totally worth it. I’ve been working on one room at a time along with some other random projects. What I should have done was start with the office first. I’ve always had an image as to what I wanted, but I kept putting it off. Having that space to myself this weekend without the distractions, or the dogs playing around me has been amazing. I spent most of the weekend editing and writing.
My dad came over on Tuesday to help me paint. I honestly hate painting, and he likes it. I love the idea of painting, but after the first wall, I’m so over it. I think I’m like that with most things. I still have so much to do to complete it, but it feels so good to get it done!
For my Tuesday lunch, I had scrambled eggs(1 yolk/2 egg whites) and sweet potatoes. I also had a scoop of protein powder with cashew milk blended.
I decided to make my dad a delicious lunch. I roasted brussels sprouts and then put together a tasty turkey burger. I used the Udi’s gluten-free bun with a cast-iron-cooked Applegate turkey burger topped with lettuce, mustard, sauteed butternut squash noodles, and avocado.
The brussels sprouts were seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, garlic, olive oil, and onion powder.
My neighborhood was insane on Halloween night. About a hundred of my neighbors decked out their homes from head to toe in Halloween decorations. Some of the decorations were homemade and pretty creepy! Walking around the Halloween decorations at night were terrifying. I think the neighborhoods have some friendly competition going on. I didn’t want the dogs to go insane with the doorbell ringing every ten seconds, so I just put a giant bowl of candy on the porch.
My parents only had three trick-or-treaters, so it was nice being out at their house with the pups. We sat around the fire with the dogs, and I had coffee. I also randomly did my mom’s hair, and it turned out to be pretty cute! Don’t ask me how I did it because I have no idea. This wasn’t a planned masterpiece. The coffee I had was from a really neat smokey mountain coffee roaster in the mountains. It had such a great taste!
I did one of my “throw-together” meals for dinner. My parents made pizza, and as much as I would have loved to eat it, it had mushrooms and their favorite toppings that I despise on top. I brought over some kale, turkey, and butternut squash noodles to cook up. I added a little seasoning, threw it in a bowl, and done.
I had coffee early on Wednesday morning. My dad was heading over to help me finish the office and pick out flooring.
I was excited that my Healthy Human came in the mail! These bottles are perfect for hot and cold liquids. They keep the hots HOT and the colds COLD. I’ve been filling it up with coffee and taking it upstairs with me while I work. It saves me a trip downstairs for a fill-up. When I took it hiking this weekend, I filled it up with extra ice because I figured it would melt. Five hours later, the ice hadn’t melted at all!
The Healthy Human comes in so many fun colors and sizes! Check them out here! & you can use code TARAMC10 for 10% off 🙂 I love this aqua color of my body, but I also love the rustic wood look too! I’ll be ordering that one next!
Since training my dogs to walk together, I’ve gained about two extra hours a day! I used to walk about seven miles a day just walking the dogs separately around the block. My route is a mile around, so I’d do that three times a day with each dog, and now I only do it once. This has been a huge stress-reliever!
Even my breakfasts have been quick “throw-together.” Shoving as many vegetables into my breakfast is a great way to stay full longer, nourish my body, and use up all the vegetables in the house. I had my go-to (1 yolk/2 egg whites) omelet on sauteed kale, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
Because I love the Hot Cinnamon Harney & Son’s tea, I decided to try out their holiday blend! I found it on Amazon. It’s a rich-tasting black tea, but still pretty good. I still like the Hot Cinnamon better. I’ve been enjoying all of your messages about this tea! Apparently, I’m not the only one obsessed with the cinnamon 🙂
My Thursday throw-together dinner consisted of green beans, kale, bell peppers, onion, brussels sprouts, and ground turkey. Instead of buying big packages of ground turkey, I like to crumble up individual turkey burgers. They stay frozen and last much longer!
We finished up some more work up in the office on Thursday. I also went on a massive power cleaning rampage. I spent three hours doing laundry, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down every inch of my house. When I get into power cleaning mode, there is no stopping me.
While we were away in Jackson County, Becca got me hooked on these cold-brew High Brew coffee drinks. I like the dairy-free black & bold. This is great for road trips because most gas stations carry it. I just ordered a case on Amazon. Not that I need more coffee around, but it’s a great pick-me-up!
This throw-together had eggs, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, summer squash, zucchini, kale, and onion. I am a veggie-obsessed person, so these meals never get old for me. If you have trouble with healthy eating and cooking, making random meals like this makes it easier. You don’t have to follow any recipes or worry about time-management. These meals end up taking about fifteen to twenty minutes to cook up, and you don’t feel hungry afterward either. They are also great for using up all the vegetables in the house. I get a lot of questions about vegetables going bad, but if you eat a ton of them at every meal, you won’t have to worry about it. But if all else fails, just freeze them.
I had a sweet tooth around midnight, so I had mixed fruit with some peanuts on top. Sweet & Salty!
After walking the dogs, and having coffee on Friday morning, I started making homemade pizzas for a post coming to you guys this Thursday! I had so much fun cooking these, especially with the Italian music blasting in the background.
For lunch, I had a protein shake with frozen banana, hemp seeds, cashew milk, collagen peptides, wheat grass, and spirulina.
Finally! Having a place to work feels fantastic. I wanted something warm, cozy and tranquil. I don’t know how some people work in bright white offices. I get headaches!
Sometime soon, I am going to make rustic shelves that match the desk, add curtains, get a new reading chair, and find artwork to pull it all together. I also need to find a rug and desk lamp! I’ve appreciated all of your ideas and suggestions on Instagram!
The dogs still couldn’t leave me alone, but I didn’t mind. I brought their dog bed into the room and a blanket so they could sleep. I think the separation anxiety is real…
On Friday night, I heated up my crock pot soup that I froze about a month ago. Actually, like two months ago. It was just as good as the first time! It was convenient because I wanted soup, but I didn’t want to prepare any in the crockpot, and it would have taken hours before it was done. This has inspired me to make some chili recipes and vegetable soups to freeze. Soup lasts about 2-3 months in the freezer. The recipe can be found here! I also added one cup of mixed lentils to the soup.
After coffee on Friday morning, I headed out on a little adventure with Leo. We took the back roads to Crowders Mountain to meet up with some friends to hike. The last time I took Leo to hike Crowders was in January. He was only seven months old!
Leo loved hiking with five girls. He’s such a lady’s man. When we walk, he always goes towards groups of women but avoids men like the plague. The fall views were beautiful on the mountain top! I don’t think I’ve ever hiked Crowders during the peak of fall. I usually go summer or winter.
Leo ended up sleeping on my lap the entire way home. He’s never done that before, so I knew he was zonked.
While I was out with Leo and the girls, Kyle took Grumples to the Riverwalk for a five-mile walk! I loved receiving these photos and hearing how amazing Grumples was. The last time Grumples went to the Riverwalk was the time I wrote a blog post about this behavior and how I left in tears because of how bad he was. Kyle said he barked a couple of times when other dogs barked first, but other than that he was so well-behaved and seemed so happy!
I was starving when I go back! We spent a while on top of the mountains, so my banana and egg whites for breakfast was barely holding me over. I should have packed a bar or something, but lesson learned. Leo and I got back around 4 pm! I made a quick salad with a homemade honey mustard dressing (recipe will be in Thursday’s post) topped with sweet peppers, tomatoes, avocado, spring mix, kale, and egg whites.
After my salad, I made a protein shake to take upstairs with me. Let’s be real, obviously that after that hike and hardly eating breakfast, that salad was not going to hold me over. It had a frozen banana, ice, hemp seeds, cashew milk, collagen peptides, wheat grass, and spirulina.
I spent the rest of Saturday working until 9 pm, and then headed downstairs to shut off work-mode. I honestly can’t wait for you guys to see the Jackson County post! I spent a lot of time putting it together and editing the gorgeous Fall photos. It’ll be live Friday!
I had the last of the leftover soup for dinner topped with two eggs. I thought I’d be up to watch movies and relax, but nope! I passed out at ten. I never get through a movie as soon as the lights go out.
After our long dog walks on Sunday morning, I made light and fluffy pancakes for breakfast. Kyle had chocolate chip banana, and I had blueberry! Blueberry is my favorite flavor. I love when the warm juicy little berries pop in your mouth. You either love them or hate them. I took an Instagram poll yesterday, and people seem to favor the chocolate chip banana ones. I’m so weird when it comes to chocolate in my waffles or pancakes.
Kyle loved the pancakes! I’ll have that recipe up soon 🙂 It’s actually my mom’s recipe! Lots of eggwhite whipping involved. A couple of hours after breakfast, we headed to the gym to workout.
I ran one mile, did like twenty sit-ups, stretched, and that was it. I lifted dumbells for like one minute, and instantly was like “nope.” I layed on the yoga mat stretcing in a private room for thirty-minutes and it felt really good.
We stopped at the grocery store on the way home from the gym. I picked up a ton of protein and vegetables for the week. I roasted a ton of vegetables so I could eat them in omelets, salads, and for sides this week. I love roasted veggies so much that they’ll probably only last like two days at the most.
For the roasted vegetables
brussels sprouts, red/green/yellow/orange bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash! You can add any extra veggies you want.
Seasonings
red chili flakes, dill week, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, minced onion, black pepper, sea salt.
Bake
400 degrees for 45 minutes. Flip halfway through.
This chicken was SO GOOD and SO EASY! I roasted chicken in the oven with zesty honey mustard from Dietz & Watson (this stuff is INCREDIBLE!!!!) I also added red chili flakes and minced onion. I baked it for 22 minutes at 375.
I will be making this again soon 🙂
Questions for you!
- Do you have any November goals?
- Do you ever have “throw-together” weeks?
I just wanted to add a quick note and say my heart goes out to the victims of the NYC terrorist attack and the Texas church shooting. These attacks have been happening way too often, and it just makes me sick. It doesn’t seem real, and my heart is very saddened by the hate in the world.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Ooh, you just reminded me, I actually haven’t set any goals for November yet. Thanks for the head’s up!
I LOVE roasted veggies too. The batch you made would only last me two days at most as well! 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
No problem, girl! 😀
They are so good and perfect for any meal!!
Linda @ the Fitty says
As much as I appreciate multiculturalism in my city, unfortunately it has watered down all the holiday traditions and Spirits such as Halloween! Seems like it’s happening in your parents neighborhood too with only three trick or treaters! We only had a few, and in our neighborhood, we had about one in every 5 houses give out candy. It used to be almost every single house on the Block!
Also, congratulations on the house anniversary! Is that a thing? I guess now it is, because I made it so.
When you first moved in, did you move in by yourself or with your boyfriend?
Taralynn McNitt says
My parents only have like ten houses in their neighborhood so that is probably why lol My neighborhood was flooded with kids.
I guess it is a thing! 😀
My boyfriend and I don’t live together 🙂 I bought the house and it’s just me and the dogs!
Shannen says
I honestly love the colors in your office, and I’m typically a “bright office” kind of person!
You mentioned that the dogs walk together now, did you actually do something to train them to do that? Or was it a result of Grumples training? (And if this is in your dog training post then just ignore it!) ☺
ps. I’ve always wondered how did you come up with Grumples name?!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Shannen!
Thanks so much! I was about to go for a bright look, but I’m a cozy/rustic type of girl. I do, however, LOVE a white and bright kitchen. That is one thing I’d like to have in my next house.
It’ll all be in the dog post, but yes! It took time to get them to walk together. They used to attack each other when they had barking episodes. It was a “correcting” characteristic that Leo had towards Grumples.
And he used to make little grumpy sounds as a puppy!
Jessica says
I love love love your office, so perfect! Well done 🙂
For my November goals, I would say that I’m making it a goal to stay on track with as much healthy eating and working out as I can. With the holidays starting, it can be hard to fall off the train but I’m gonna work on staying strong through the holidays! Also to save some money and not spend so much on going out or fancy meals to make at home. Just keeping it simple will save money since I’ll be spending more on presents for my loved ones over the next month!
I LOVE roasted veggies so much my fiance makes fun of me for it haha. I did roasted sheet pan chicken and veggies a few times last week, I recently started adding freshly grated ginger to my roasted veggies (such as sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and onion) – it’s so good!! Highly recommend 🙂
Can’t wait to see your next upcoming posts! Have a nice week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessica!
Thanks so so so much!!
Yes, the holidays can be hard for sure, but if you look at them as just ordinary days, you’ll be fine!
Oh, that sounds like a great addition to roasted veggies and chicken! I bet that would be good with the honey mustard sauce.
xo xo xo
Addison says
Love your new office!! It looks so cozy! I usually have “throw together” weeks when I’m busy with work and school! Those are weeks that I eat super unhealthy because I didn’t have time to meal prep. This November I want to try to workout more! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Addison!!
I always say choosing healthy food is just as easy as choosing unhealthy food. Both available, it’s just having the willpower to do it !:)
xo
Jessica Brown says
I looooove your office. That is the color scheme we have in our bedroom and the room makes me happy just walking into it. Spending time in a well put together room is so comforting.
My goal for November is to treat my body with love. Your post about your workouts really spoke to me because I was doing the same. I am now focusing on moving my body and feeding my body without stressing it out.
I try not to have throw together weeks because if it happens too much my husband likes to start going for fast food and I’m not about that. We do however go grocery shopping for 2 weeks and if I want to switch something up I do. My version of throwing stuff together!
Happy Monday!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessica!!
Thank you very much 🙂 I love a comfortable and cozy room too. I will most likely paint my bedroom a similar color, but maybe a tad milder.
That is a great goal! I am doing the same!
Lol that is smart that you know what a “throw-together” week leads to!
Have an amazing week!
xo xo
Amy says
How does Leo do on the hike with other dogs?
Taralynn McNitt says
Leo is really good on the hike! He ignores other dogs and sometimes just hides behind me when we pass them. He’s never had the issue of other dogs 🙂
Carly T says
I am in LOVE with the desk in your office!! I’ve seen a ton of rustic type shelves at TJMaxx and Home Goods recently 😉
I just started an Easy shop for my digital design projects, so my November goal is to create more products and maybe even get my first sale!
I had an entire throw together weekend for food. Full fridges make for the best random meals, although I can usually never create the same thing again because I can never remember exactly what I used!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carly!
Thanks so much! I think we are going to go all out and build our own rustic shelves across the walls that match my desk !:)
Great job on your shop!! Good luck and I can’t wait to check it out!!
I’m like that too, but I always have my go-to seasonings.
Chandler says
The office looks great! So cozy and inviting! 🙂
November goals are to get the house in order and to get on track with healthy eating in the evening. I am so good at healthy eating in the morning and afternoon, but once the evening comes, it’s really hard for me! Part of it is being prepared.
I do “throw-together” weeks all the time lol! This week my husband and I prepped a ton of roasted veggies, potatoes and protein as well! I’m going to make a huge batch of lentils sometime this week too. We also keep a ton of healthy frozen things on hand for those moments when we have nothing in the fridge. We keep frozen cauliflower rice (and a ton of other frozen veggies), chili lime chicken burgers and turkey burgers on hand from Trader Joe’s!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Chandler!
Thanks so much 😀
Sounds like you have great goals!
Great that you and your husband food prep together! That is so awesome. I need to get on your level of meal prep for sure!
Peggy O'Neill says
First of all….that TEA! I just got the green tea with coconut and vanilla and the cranberry autumn is on the way. This November, I am going to continue to make sure I am eating more fiber, and drinking water. I do have throw together weeks…this week I am trying to eat up stuff from the freezer. I have 30 people coming for Thanksgiving and need the space for some spinach madeline and sweet potato casseroles.
Taralynn McNitt says
OMG. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW THE CRANBERRY IS!!! I have the green tea and coconut one sitting in my cabinet and I still need to try it out!
Great goals 😀
30 people coming over?!?! I’ll pray for you hahaha That is a lot!!
Amanda McCaffrey says
I am trying my first throw together week ever! I’m a shift worker and I’m off work until Friday and I find meal prepping full meals to be a pain in the butt when I’m just lazing around home for the week. So as I type I have a whole bunch of veggies roasting in the oven and later I’ll be doing up some ground turkey and some chicken so I can just make up some plates as I go this week. I’m pretty excited!
Taralynn McNitt says
Enjoy your week!!!
Abbey says
I’ve never heard of that cinnamon tea before but I just grabbed some off of Amazon because holy moly that sounds delicious! I definitely need to up my game on the throw together meals, I’m usually more of a planner, but then I’m always caught off guard when I don’t have any ideas.
Taralynn McNitt says
I cannot wait to hear what you think of it!!! It’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever had.
Yes, sometimes getting yourself out of a planning routine can pull out some creativity!
Brittney says
Thank you for introducing me to that tea! I tried one sip and ran to the computer to order more! I can now see why you replace your desert with it!
Taralynn McNitt says
It makes for the perfect dessert!
nicole @ bento momentos says
So many yummy colorful eats! Your pictures are inspiring me to go hiking — we finally got 60-70 degree weather (although it’s before 10AM)!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Nicole!! lol We have just random cold/hot/cold/hot days!
Anonymous says
Do you ever just eat fast food or mcdonalds?
Taralynn McNitt says
lol no.
I’ll go to spots like Chopt for salads, hot bars at Whole Foods, or Panera, but no. I don’t eat fast food or McDonalds.
Maximiliane says
One quick thing: I LOVE your office desk! Where did you get it, or did you make it yourself?
Reading your posts has me inspired to try out some more hiking paths in my local area, so thank you for that!
1. For my November goals I have the following: try out Soulcycle (have myself and a friend signed up for Wednesday), organize my desk space, read 1 book, do 1 thing that terrifies me, learn how to cook 1 new dish, and go on a field trip with my brother. A sub-goal is to try the new dairy-free Halo Top ice cream. I’ve been hearing mixed reviews so my curiosity is piqued!
2. We definitely have more busy weeks than others, and having a full pantry/fridge/fruit bowl is crucial in those moments! Typically we buy a bunch of fruits and veggies during that time so we can throw them together, or we buy some salad mixes and dressings so we have some quick meals that way. Smoothies are also quite helpful and filling (if you put enough in them) during those times.
Can’t wait for the new recipes!!!!
Maxi
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Girl!!!
My dad actually built that desk for me for my birthday. He’s insanely talented.
Glad you’re getting out there to hike! Such a fun activity.
You’ll love soul cycle! My friend, Meighan, is obsessed.
You have amazing goals!!!!!! I’d love to try that halo top as well! I haven’t been able to find their new dairy free in stores yet.
That is a great way to eat healthy and stay on track throughout the week.
Alison Williams says
Love the office! I can’t wait to see it when you get it completely done and all the final decor. I love the color. I absolutely love the desk. Everything looks great… and cozy too.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much!!!
Samantha says
I love that it is finally soup weather! (Although I live in Tucson, AZ and 80 degrees is considered soup weather for us).
My favorite thing for pancakes and/or waffles is to saute blueberries and sometimes even raspberries until they turn into almost a sauce and then pour the sauce/sauted blueberries/raspberries on top. When I make that for toppings I usually don’t even need syrup! Soo good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha take what you can get, right?
Ohhhh I’ve never tried adding raspberries to my pancakes! Great idea 🙂
Nina says
I really like how you styled your mom’s hair, it’s very classy! And, as usual, your meals look sooo delicious! (even the brussel sprouts part – I’m a well-known brussel sprouts hater in my family :D)
Do you have any November goals?
Getting back into a daily yoga routine, planning my New Year’s Eve city trip to Glasgow, and I really need to spend more time in the kitchen (fall is all about comfort food for me!)
Do you ever have “throw-together” weeks?
Last week was one of those weeks : I didn’t eat anything looking like a real recipe (after a week of night shift at work, I was totally exhausted)
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Nina!
I used to HATE brussels sprouts! Then I tried making them fresh. The first time I had them, they were from the freezer, so I immediately put a hex on them! Try them baked or sauteed fresh from the produce section!
Great goals!!
Those can be the best weeks sometimes!
Chelsea @ Just Me Chelsea B. says
This post totally inspired me to whip up a roasted veggie dish today!! I’m always eating roasted sweet potatoes and golden potatoes, but I’m adding in brussels for sure! They look amazing!
I love your office too!! So so cute!!! It definitely looks so cozy a great inspiring spot to work! Having a designated work spot at home makes a world of difference.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you! Always an easy thing to whip up and they taste so good!
It really does make a world of difference 🙂
Taylor says
I have been trying to write out monthly intentions at the start of each month! It’s been really fun to do and fun to look back on at the end of the month and see if I’ve completed them, and to look at during the month to gain perspective on some of my goals. Some of my intentions for this month are to be grateful and write down 3 things I am grateful for each day, make an apple pie, and read three books! I posted a picture of my intentions on my insta @tay_spiration!
I feel like I do “throw together” meals at least twice a week and they tend to be the best!! Either on Fridays when I’m lazy and just decide to make something random or at the end of the week when I’m low on food or need to use up the rest of what I’ve got!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Taylor!
Those are amazing goals for the month. Making an apple pie is on my list too!!
Sounds like my Friday’s as well!
Have a great week!
Ally says
Your blog is amazing! Just found you on Pinterest!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Ally! Welcome!:)
Kim says
What color did you use in your office? I’m in love.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s called “sophisticated teal.”
Shauna says
I’m with you on the blueberry flavor. It’s my absolute favorite! I love blueberry anything. Any time I find anything different that I’ve never tried with that flavor, I always buy it. My most recent purchase was blueberry Chex cereal. I wish I could find a blueberry creamer for my coffee!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhhh yum!!! Blueberry tiny toast from General Mills is a real treat too!! Oh, and blueberry oatmeal 🙂 You could maybe try finding a blueberry syrup to add to your cream!
Kelsey Weissner says
Hey Taralynn! I LOVE the new office space! The color on the walls is gorgeous.
For November, I want to make it a goal to be more present during time with my family. By ‘present’, I mean with no phones or electronics. It’s so easy for people these days to get distracted by our phones wherever we are, but I feel like we can miss so much of life that way! So I want to make more of an effort to spend time with loved ones and when I do, I’ll turn the phone off 🙂
For my throw-together meals, I try to make them as simple as possible. I’m so bad about fresh produce going bad before I can use it (something I am working on!) so I tend to stock up on frozen microwavable veggies. I can easily kill a bag every time I make some–and if I kill a bag of anything, thank goodness it is vegetables haha! I’ll then add a lean protein like grilled chicken or turkey/chicken sausage that I always make sure is nitrite-free and antibiotic-free. Then if I want some more carbs, I usually add brown rice or I’ll roast a batch of potatoes and use them throughout the week. A pack of chicken sausage, several bags of frozen veggies, and a box of brown rice will last me all week for lunch!
I really want to make some of your freezer crockpot meals! I’m not the best meal prepper so maybe that can be a November goal too lol!
Have an awesome week! 🙂 -Kelsey
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelsey!
Thanks so much 😀 I’m loving it so far too!
That really is a great goal. I’m hoping to do that this Thanksgiving. I’ll use phones to take photos, but I’d love to be present as well.
Making them simple is KEY!! All of that has me hungry!!
I need to get on top of that freezer meal prep asap!
Kaitlyn says
Hi Taralynn, great write up and what a cute office! I’ve really enjoyed seeing your home come together – thanks for sharing!
My November goal is to minimize my possessions. I tackled my dresser and a chunk of my closet this weekend and as the month goes on, I plan to chip away at the rest of the closet and a hall closet that stuff has just been chucked into. And the trunk of my car… It did feel really good dropping off a load at Goodwill yesterday night.
I’ve had throw-together weeks too often lately, which leaves me feeling frantic and anxious about meals all week, even if I have healthy ingredients on hand. I got back on track yesterday by meal prepping lunches and three breakfasts for the weeK!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kaitlyn!
Thanks so much!:)
That is a great goal. I’ve been doing so much of that as well. I’m finally down to ONE closet instead of two. I also chucked out so many things I don’t use! The more you get rid of, the better you feel! Keep it up!
Just look at “throw-together” weeks as a fun way to bring out your creativity and make randome healthy foods! You got this 😀
Ann says
Uh, blueberry pancakes!!!!!! (I must be weird too, I don’t like chocolate in things like that either!). 🤗
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha i like chocolate in my cookies and I love chocolate, just not in my muffins, bread, pancakes, or waffles!
Katelyn says
I love that cinnamon tea. If you want a real treat…boil some coconut milk and steep the tea in it. Add a shot or two of espresso (or don’t) either way it’s like dessert in a cup. It’s my favorite way to satisfy my sweet tooth in the cold winter here in MI.
Taralynn McNitt says
How amazing does that sound! I will try that for sure!
Brit says
Where are your dogs harness from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Ruffwear! 😀
nicole @ bento momentos says
Love your mom’s hairstyle! That’s seriously really cute. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha and I don’t even know how I did it! 🙂 lol
Harriet says
Fantastic recap as always! The hike photos with all the fall colours are amazing. Your new office colour is stunning! I work for my fathers painting company when I started the office had white every thing and would suffer from migraines, i repainted the office in dark greens and blues, so much softer on the eyes. Most of my weeks are “throw together” when it’s leading up to the Christmas season, work is so busy that I hardly get any time to myself, I am continuously working on paint colours for clients wanting there houses painted before Christmas. But I am determined to drop another 5-7kgs before Christmas. I have already completed my first goal for November, which was to complete a half marathon, I am so happy and proud that I did it, was the most amazing feeling crossing the finish line, it seriously makes you feel like you can take on anything. I hope you have a fantastic week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for stopping by again, Harriet!
& Thank you for the kind words!
It’s funny what a little paint change can do to your mood/eyes!
CONGRATS ON YOUR HALF MARATHON!!!!!!!!! You are amazing and you will just go on to bigger things!
Liz Strout says
Would love to see you have a recipe book! It would be a best seller!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha! Only if you bought them all!!:) Love you, Aunt Liz!!!
Tessa says
I have been looking for a desk just like that. Do you mind telling me where it’s from? And the chair?
Taralynn McNitt says
My dad actually made the desk! & the chair is from Wayfair!:)
Jessica says
Where did you get the green coat? Looks so warm!
Taralynn McNitt says
Last year at Old Navy!:)
Emily says
Where did you get the teal chair?
Taralynn McNitt says
Wayfair! It doesn’t belong in there, but I had to get an image! It’s for the guest room. I’m going to actually put a leather chair there 😀
Raea says
I am totally obsessed with your office! I cannot wait to see the final!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks girl!!
Tammy says
How cute that Kyle took Grumples!
Taralynn McNitt says
He’s the sweetest !:)
Rebecca says
I have been living on “throw together” meals for the past couple weeks. I threw in a couple thought out/fun meals but mostly I’ve just been roasting veggies then adding a grain (farro is my fav!) and tahini dressing and calling it lunch. It’s been super satisfying though and that’s what matters. I cut out alcohol and added sugar for the month of November because the end of October kind of killed me/my stomach, so that is really my only goal. It’s going great so far!
Taralynn McNitt says
MMMM I bet tahini dressing is so good with farro!! That is an awesome goal! Good lucky, lady!
Shelby says
Where did you get your dog leashes?
Taralynn McNitt says
Amazon! They’re called “leash boss”
Anonymous says
Awesome, thank you!
Kristen Kassel says
I just signed up to run my first half marathon! I have followed your journey for a while, and ever since you ran the half, I have been wanting to try one. I never thought I would be able to finish one, but I signed up and now I have no excuses. Thanks for inspiring me to dream big! BTW it is the Des Moines Women’s Half in Iowa 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!!!!! How exciting 😀
You can do it. I NEVER EVER thought I’d be able to run one! I didn’t even think I’d be able to run a mile!
GOOD LUCK!!!!! & YAY IOWA!!!!
Jesslyn says
Your blog brings me happiness during my mornings. I ask you to never stop!
Jesslyn
Taralynn McNitt says
That just made my day!
meryl says
Hi Taralynn !
I have been a reader of yours for years now and I enjoy every recap post you write 🙂
I’ve recently move from France to Atlanta and was wondering if you had any recommendation on how to make new friends when moving to a new city ?
thnks
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Meryl!
Congrats on the move!
I think the best thing to do is be 100% more outgoing than you normally are. It’s hard, but you have to put yourself out there. Do local meetups for froups you’re interested in. Once you meet one person, you’ll meet another and another and so on!
Dez says
Does the mountain get busy during the week or on the weekend? I want to go but not alone!
Taralynn McNitt says
If you wanna go alone, definitely do it when it’s heavily populated on the weekend! Never alone!
Aden says
Lovely workspace!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!:)
Christy says
I always love your weekly recaps!
They are always so full of inspiration! Always making me wanna get outside and take my dog on more walks and eat more veggies! haha
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, CHristy!!
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
LOVE that color you used for your office! It looks like the perfect place to get lost in work and still feel chilled out.
Also, fun fact (Ben wanted me to spread the word haha), did you know that you’re supposed to grind up your seeds before you add them to smoothies?! Our bodies can’t process a lot of the seeds in their full form (like flax and chia), and they’re way more effective if you throw them in a spice grinder first. We just started doing it!
These next few weeks are throw together weeks for me haha. We just finished parent teacher conferences, and now we’re doing report cards, and all the kiddos are going a little crazy with breaks coming up. It’s officially survival mode!
My November goals are to treat my body better, and that means feeding it better and also just being NICER to it (aka not so critical). I forget how much my body does for me sometimes, and I pick it apart way too much. My goal is to appreciate it no matter what it looks like!
Happy November!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!!
Thanks so much and it’s much easier to get lost in the deep blue/teal 😀
I actually did know that lol, but luckily hemp seeds don’t need ground. But, yes I did know that 😀
I’ll pray for you this week! lol good luck!
amazing goals!!!!
Tiffany says
So great to meet you yesterday! Sorry if I came off as awkward, I was a bit nervous! Thank you for being so sweet 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
It was great meeting you as well! 🙂 You weren’t awkward at all!! Hope you got some good stuff at Target! 😀
Amber says
This is going to sound so strange, but I went to high school with you! I came across your blog and thought you looked so familiar. I love seeing how great you’re doing! – Amber Wilcoff
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a small world! & thank you for the kind words!!!
Anonymous says
Did you live in Iowa?
Taralynn McNitt says
I did!
Kayla says
Great post and I love your office!
Odd question. Do you still keep in contact with any of your ex boyfriends? I’ve been reading your blog for years so I’ve followed all of your life changes. Just curious!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Kayla!
Hahaha I do not! 🙂 We left on a civil note, but no contact necessary.
Cassie says
Hey Taralynn!
Is there any chance that you’re going back to smaller blog entries? I used to LOVE your daily updates and while I know that’s probably a LOT of work for you, the long ones take forever to read … and to wait for!
Is there any possibility of two or three smaller recap posts a week?!:)
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ll keep that in mind!:) XO
Ally says
Keep up the awesome posts! It’s my special treat each week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awwww!!! xo
Katie Rampey says
Where did you get the grey desk chair in the before shot of your office?
Taralynn McNitt says
Target!
Jenna says
About how much of each seasoning do you add to your roasted veggies?
Thanks for the meal prep tip. Your blog is an inspiration for me to be healthier!
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t ever measure. I just kind of pour it over the top a couple of times! 🙂
xo xo
Shannon Parker says
Taralynn,
I love the posts and recaps! Glad the dogs weren’t having upset bellies and the midnight walk went well, I hate going out at midnight for pup walks too.
Reading through your posts have created some questions for me, maybe they can be inspiration for future posts (if you’ve already done something similar, I apologize for bothering you).
1) How do you store/save/organize all the photos? I get so anxious if I take them off my phone/memory card onto an external drive, what if I lose them?
2) I know you’ve done a post about starting a blog in the past, I was curious how her blogging is going?
3) I work an 8-5 job and have an hour + drive to/from work, do you have any suggestions for starting meal prep/ making things easier for lunch/dinner without having to eat out/ order delivery? (I love your recipes by the way! I can’t wait to try the roasted veggies recipe, maybe cooking them this way will appeal to my boyfriends’ taste buds.)
4) How do you motivate yourself to go to the gym (even just to stretch)? I feel like I never have the time or am injured so I’m not medically clear to go. I finally have the all clear (after months of rest and physical therapy), but I am so worried about getting hurt again, that I make myself sick worrying about causing damage again. My doctors say I’m fine and gave me a loose plan, but I’m so scared.
To answer your questions:
1) My November goal is to survive Thanksgiving (it stresses me out and I’m not even the one cooking) and create artwork during the days off from work.
2) I have “throw-together” weeks, and almost all of my lunches are thrown-together from previous lunches or dinners.
I hope you have an awesome week!
Shannon
Shalee Holt says
Would LOVE to see a post on the plans and design for that desk! I have been wanting to build one just like that, but don’t know where to start or what materials to use. That desk is pretty close to the exact vision i had so would love to see how you/your dad built it! Love the blog 🙂
-Shalee Holt