Good Morning!
I’m two cups of dark roast coffee deep and ready to blog all about my Thanksgiving adventures. I won’t be participating in cyber Monday or any of the crazy shopping days. I refused to watch the news this morning because listening to all the shopping hustle and bustle gives me anxiety. I’ve decided to try buying things I need rather than just things that I want. It’s tempting to buy things because they are on sale, but I hate the rush of it all. But if you are participating, I hope you get some good deals!
I am having major withdrawals from our Thanksgiving travels. Kyle and I got home late last night, but I was sad when I woke up and wasn’t in Florida. We love going down there to visit his mom because she always makes us feel right at home, and she’s just one of the best people you’ll ever meet.
Our flight wasn’t until Thanksgiving morning, so I spent Wednesday finishing up my work and getting ready for our trip. I did end up fitting in a two-mile run. I was shooting for three, but I lost my energy somewhere during the first mile. Some things never change. One day you can have the best run, and the next day it’s like you’ve never run a mile in your life. I went ahead and walked the remaining mile while trying to catch my breath walking up the hills. Later in the evening, I dropped off Grumples and Leo at my parent’s house. My parents took them in for the weekend 🙂 They love spending time out there because my parents take them on long neighborhood walks, car rides, and let them run around like crazy dogs in the backyard all day. We took them to Florida with us last year, but we didn’t want to make the drive again this year, so we left them behind and flew instead (such great parents.)
When I got to Kyle’s, we headed out for a quick Target run and bite to eat at Zoe’s Kitchen. I ordered their tossed Greek salad with extra chicken, no pasta, no feta, and extra cucumber!
Whenever I have to be somewhere, I make sure to be up about an hour or two before! It takes me a bit to wake up, so I like to make coffee and just reply to blog comments or check emails. Because we had to leave for the airport at 5 am, I was up at 4 am drinking coffee and watching the news. The news reporters were saying that Thanksgiving day was the busiest day for traveling and that the roads and airports were swamped. I was thinking we’d be faced with some trouble getting to and through the airport.
Of course, the news was wrong. There wasn’t a car on the road, and it only took us ten minutes to get through security. I’m sure other cities had some bigger traffic jams and security backups though!
We boarded the plane at 7:30, but something was wrong with the plane’s system, and they had to refuel, so we ended up sitting on the plain until 8:45 until we finally took off for Florida. Luckily, I picked up a fantastic book and got sucked into it right away.
*I am going to start doing a book review + recipe post every two to three weeks. I want to encourage escaping technology (unless you read on the Kindle) and reading for one hour a day! I love to read, but sometimes I feel like I need to be doing something else. Reading is a great way to work on your focus without the distraction of buttons and beeps. I will be blogging all about the book I’m reading now, plus I’ll be making a recipe inspired by the book! I think it’ll be so fun. The book I picked up was Behind Closed Doors, and it’s one of the first books I’ve finished in two days because I couldn’t put it down. A couple of other books I read this year that were really good were: All The Light We Cannot See, The Perfect Stranger, & Everything We Keep (& I need to read the sequel)
We landed in Florida at 10:30 am! We were so happy to see Kyle’s mom 🙂
When we got to her house, we were so hungry. She made us the sweet potato and egg dish I was raving about last year. She changed it up this year by adding some mozzarella and ground chicken. It was insanely delicious. After breakfast, we all went out for a walk around the neighborhood, and just relaxed and chatted. It felt so good to be back.
I had been dreaming of this dinner for the past 365 days. The only unfortunate part is that I have to wait another 365 days to do it all over again. It’s funny because I never appreciated Thanksgiving food when I was younger, but now I could eat it for every meal. We all sat around the table for dinner at five. The food was just as I remembered. We even ate on the same cute plates I obsessed over last year.
We had baked sweet potatoes with an orange cranberry sauce, perfectly cooked turkey, tasty stuffing, and freshly steamed broccoli with a touch of lemon. I must have a stomach of steel because I had about three cups of that broccoli. It was so good.
A special occasion dinner isn’t complete without dessert and coffee! Kyle’s mom made these bars that had brownies on the bottom, peanut butter filling in the middle, and chocolate ganache on top. She is going to send me the recipe because you guys have to try them. Each bite felt like a sin, but the kind of sin that outweighs all the consequences.
We turned on Dateline after dinner, but all of us were fell asleep on the couch at eight. We made our way to bed, and I slept like a baby for the next ten hours.
Kyle’s mom had coffee made early on Friday morning, and we sat on the couch chatting, and I read a couple more chapters of my book. She loves waking up super early and having (dark roast) coffee too.
At 10:30, we headed to the tennis courts for a two-hour lesson with his mom’s instructor, Dalton. I was so happy we did this because we learned a lot about form, fixed some footwork, and learned a new technique to serving. We improved so much in the two hours we were there. It’s crazy how fixing a small movement or grip can change up your entire game.
After tennis, we headed back to have Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch! Kyle wanted to lift weights at the gym, so I tagged along and brought my book to read while riding the bike. Reading and bike riding at the gym maybe my new go-to for incorporating fitness and reading into my winter routine. I also sat in the sauna for a bit.
Around six, we all got dressed up and headed to dinner! We went to a cute little Italian restaurant, Lunas. It’s in downtown Venice across from the theater. Kyle’s mom got us tickets to see A Christmas Story Musical!
Luna’s is the type of restaurant that is meant for sharing. All of the portions can serve a family of 4-6! We started with an antipasto! It was one of the best-looking antipasti I’ve ever seen.
Kyle and his mom split a chicken and broccoli pasta dish. I can’t remember the name of it! (whooooops.) If we ever go back, I’d like to try their pizza. The aroma of the pizza sitting on the table next to us was incredible.
We had an hour to spare before the show started, so we walked the town a bit and stopped for an espresso at Kilwins. The downtown area in Venice is so charming, quaint, and filled with fun shops, bakeries, and restaurants. It seems like the perfect happy place to live.
The Musical ended up being so funny and so entertaining. Musicals can be a hit or miss, but this one was awesome. So many talented kids and younger boy playing Ralphie was nearly identical to the kid in the movie. It was the perfect kick-start to getting into the Christmas spirit.
A beautiful Saturday morning 🙂 They have the best views! Imagine waking up to those views every day with your morning coffee?
Kyle and I headed to the gym early Saturday morning. He lifted weights and I read my book on the bike.
After we cleaned up, we headed to walk Siesta Key Beach. It is the #1 beach in the U.S., and I understand why. The sand was cold, even under the blazing sun. It wasn’t the sand that burns your feet and gets stuck in everything. It felt like powdered sugar. The reason the sand is so cold and soft is that it’s made up of 99% quartz. You must experience this. If you’re ever in the area, just go for a walk along the beach. Just don’t forget your sunglasses.
After exploring the beach, we headed to St. Armands to shop around and explore. This was such a cool area. People who live near Sarasota are so lucky! There are endless things to do and explore. We stopped into Alicia’s dream so Kyle and I could pick out some new sunglasses. I finally found a perfect pair (Ended up buying the first pair I tried on!) The store was awesome and the owner was very kind.
I was in need of a serious afternoon pick-me-up, so I walked into the Kilwin’s to grab a quick shot of espresso with Kyle’s mom. I’m glad she loves coffee just as much as I do! We did shots together all weekend.
We were all hungry, so we stopped at Green Zebra Cafe for lunch. This place was right up my alley and everyone loved what they ordered. The staff was so friendly, and the girl working came out and did the power shot with me. It had wheatgrass, ginger, lemon, and cayenne pepper. It was so good that I could have ordered a giant glass of it. The shots are good for immune system, energy, circulation and they work as detoxification. Kyle’s mom also ordered a shot! I’m not kidding about the shots all weekend long.
I ordered an Acai bowl. They had so much to choose from on the menu, but the girl sitting at the table when we walked in had an acai bowl that looked impressive. I was so intrigued and had to give it a try. I went with the Brazilian acai bowl which came with acai berry, blueberries, strawberries, banana, and granola. It was definitely in the top for incredible tasting acai bowls.
The food didn’t disappoint and we all left satisfied. Take note and definitely stop by there when you can!
We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping around the cute town. Kyle’s favorite spot is the bench.
It has now become a tradition to go to the Christmas Parade in Venice on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We headed to the downtown area around six for dinner before the parade. We were all thinking sushi! We headed to Bushido 🙂 Kyle and I split some different rolls, and I ordered a ginger salad. Everything was good and tasty!
More shots for Kyle’s mom and I.
We spent the evening watching the parade and spending time together. This is what the holidays are all about!
I already can’t wait until next year!
I was sad that Sunday was our last day in Florida.
Kyle’s mom made us freshly squeezed orange juice…because when in Florida…
AND IT WAS GOOOOOOOD!
Our flight wasn’t until the evening, so we had time to fit in a fun game of tennis. We played for about two and a half hours! I could play tennis all day long and never get sick of it.
After tennis, we headed back to get showered off, packed, and relax a little before heading to the airport. I read a bit more and had some peppermint mocha coffee. This coffee tastes just like the peppermint mocha lattes I order at Starbucks! I’m going to pick up some more today.
We got to the airport at seven, and Kyle and I decided to have some dinner before getting on the plane. It was going to be near midnight when we got home, so we thought it would be smart to have dinner before boarding. We had some Jamaican Jerk wings to start…oh and they were good!
I ordered a Jamaican jerk chicken sandwich and wrapped it in a lettuce wrap for my meal. We also packed some M&M’s and mixed nuts for plane snacks.
I sipped on some diet coke (once and a while I treat myself to this crap), and read the rest of my book! It was such an incredible weekend! I’m now off to head to the grocery store, and then go get my pups! I hope you all have a magnificent week!
Questions for you!
- What was your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
- Did you travel this Thanksgiving?
- Do you participate in the black Friday/cyber Monday shopping days?
Cherry says
What a fun weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you! It was 😀
Linda @ the Fitty says
My dream is to go on the gondola in Venice! How beautiful.
Italy coffee must be divine.
How do you stay grounded during all this traveling?
Taralynn McNitt says
That would be fun! (I was in Venice Florida) WOULD LOVE to go to Italy though! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Wow, the trip looks amazing! The views are beautiful. ❤
We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving where I live (no holidays, sadly), but in a week’s time my boyfriend and I both took time off our jobs to travel to Thailand! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Charmaine!
Thanks so much!
WHAT A FUN weekend!!! In the book I’m reading they go to Thailand lol (not for good things though! haha)
Kristen says
Such a great way to spend thanksgiving in sunny Florida! I live in Chicago, but it was sunny and 40 here(not too bad for the Chi end November;))
My favorite thanksgiving dish is stuffing, mashed potatoes, & PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE YUM
No travels here but I did do one cyber Monday shopping which was a Christmas gift for my boyfriend!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! It was lovely. Glad you had “warmer” weather! 😉
MMM I love stuffing!
So sweet of you!:)
nicole @ bento momentos says
Nice wellness shots! Cranberry sauce on top of a sweet potato sounds good. Nice pictures, seems like a great trip and time spent with the SO’s family!
Taralynn McNitt says
They were so good!
It was a wonderful thanksgiving 😀 Hope you had a lovely weekend.
Lace says
You and Kyle are perfect.
Taralynn McNitt says
He’s the best!:D
Danielle says
Will you every travel to italy?
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope so!
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
SO fun! How lucky that you guys get to go visit Kyle’s momma in such a beautiful place! It’s so funny to see everyone at the beach and wearing shorts when it’s going to be snowing here in a few days. I think we might have to put it on the bucket list to experience a tropical Christmas at least once!
I think it’d be impossible to choose just one Thanksgiving dish we loved the most. It was all SO good. We literally had 4 different kinds of pie. YUM. I’m with you on the waiting 365 days for this meal!
And the only reason I participated in the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals was to get ALL of my Christmas gift shopping done. It feels so good to be almost finished AND to have saved money on it!
I did try to go to the actual stores on Friday and lasted 5 whole minutes before I went back home. Those crowds are NOT for me. Thank goodness for online shopping!
So glad you and Kyle had such a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
Yes, we are so lucky we get to go visit her for sure and it’s just a plus that she lives in a fun area! It feels like it’s going to snow in Charlotte too! It was 28 degrees this morning.
mmmmmm I could eat pie every meal too haha
Nice to get that done for sure! I’m a “last-minute-er”
xo xo xo xo have a great week!
Susie says
Wow, what a perfect Thanksgiving you had! I nominate you and Kyle cutest couple ever! Your dessert looked divine, but what? no pumpkin pie?!
My fave Thanksgiving dishes are stuffing and mashed sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows on top, mmm. And pumpkin pie, of course. No Black Friday shopping for me, but I did place a couple Cyber Monday orders on my lunch break today. Like you, I’m really trying to only buy things I need and really love.
I read that book and couldn’t put it down either. . .Crazy! Evil! OMG, PLEASE start doing book reviews! You’ve yet to disappoint me with your suggestions.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
That is so sweet!:) He really is the greatest and I’m just so happy I get to spend time with him. Love him to peices!!
My mom and I devoured pumpkin pie last night haha!
OHHHH yum. That’s a great dish!
It’s a great time to get things for Christmas and things you need for sure!
I am totally doing a book & recipe review!
Virjinia says
Wellness shots are definitely awesome! It looks like you had such a fun weekend.
http://www.withpurposeandkindness.com
Taralynn McNitt says
They are so good! I would drink them all day!:)
Laura says
I wish I had an hour a day to read. I’ve started doing the “Miracle morning” and focus on getting around a chapter done each morning before work, and it’s significantly improved my days. Loved Everything We Keep, the sequel wasn’t as good. If you like All the Light we Cannot See, you’ll love The Nightengale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love that too! A chapter a day is great. It gives you time to think about the chapter and waiting for the next chapter is always exciting! I’ll check out that book. I saw it under recommendations!
Meghan Richer says
Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving! My favorite dish was my sister in law’s green bean casserole, it’s soo good! I didn’t do any traveling this year, my family is all pretty close together. I go out for Black Friday if I’m back in my hometown, it’s so small that even the crazy shopping day isn’t very crazy. There was nothing that I really needed this year though, so I didn’t do any shopping.
Taralynn McNitt says
It really was!:D
Ohhhh sounds great! I love anything green bean!
Sometimes the adventure of going out can be fun!:) I root for it for the small business for sure!
Jessica says
Haha I love that you called Diet Coke, crap. It totally is, but for some reason I have one myself every once in a while!
1. My favorite is the dressing – I grew up calling it dressing because we never stuffed it inside the Turkey.. But to each their own 😉
2. But we stayed home this Thanksgiving, but then travelled on Friday to my moms house which is about 2 hours. We seemed to miss the traffic that way!
3. We just closed on a house so we did participate in Black Friday and we were trying to find a lawn mower.. No dice tho! Sales weren’t that much better than any other day. I did go to target while we were out and get some clothes for me 😉 We also found luggage on sale at Kohls, but I ordered it online. We feel the same way about only buying what you need, especially since buying a house. However, we are finding that since we are first time home owners, theres a lot we need that we didn’t need with an apartment.
Book recommendations — Anything by Jodi Picoult – she wrote My Sister’s Keeper.. Movie doesn’t do it justice and all of her books keep you wanting to read all night.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessica!
Lol it’s TOTAL crap, but treat yo self SOMETIMES 🙂
hahaha that is funny. I never thought about it that way!
Great missing the traffic!!
NICE JOB! AND CONGRATS! SUCH A FUN ADVENTURE AHEAD OF YOU!!
I really love psychological thrillers! Her books can be sad sometimes:/ My friend Meighan has read every one of her books over and over and over.
Kelli G. says
I’m so geeked out that you visit Venice! My grandma lives in Venice and visiting around Christmas time has always been a family tradition. Sharky’s on the pier is a must!!! If you ever get the chance, Punta Gorda’s fisherman’s wharf is pretty cool, and if your okay with a little drive, Boca Grande is AMAZING! Glad you enjoyed the trip 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelli!
We went to Sharky’s on the pier last year and it was amazing! Thank you for the recommendations! 🙂
Cassie says
Hi Taralynn! Love your blog – been reading it for years 🙂 How did you meet Kyle?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Cassie!!
Thanks so much for reading 😀
I’m going to do a Q&A with Kyle eventually and a “how we met” post!
Brooklyn says
Awe this looks like such a nice trip! I love how close you are with Kyle’s mom. It’s so important to have those relationships.
Your hair the night of the parade looks gorgeous!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brooklyn!
She’s one of the greatest people! It’s not hard to love her.
AND THANK YOU! To be honest, it was messy from the gym/beach, so I just threw it in a quick nape!! lol
Anonymous says
When are you and Kyle moving in together?
.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha we are only dating. There is no “when.” We are just going with the flow! We have our own places and see each other when we can! 😀
Margaret Lynch says
I absolutely love the sarasota area! My grandparents have lived there since I was a kid and I went to Siesta Key Beach every summer growing up. St. Armands is the best. We are related to the people who own Lynch’s Pub on the square. Glad you had a good time. I’m hoping to head there this summer to visit. fingers crossed!
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s such a great place!
Siesta Key beach is literally magical. I didn’t realize how amazing the sand was!
I felt like St. Armands had the Hamptons of the South vibe! Loved it.
XO Enjoy your time.
Gina says
Get engaged already!!!!!!
How long have you two been dating?
Taralynn McNitt says
hahaha we are loving life right now! no rush for anything!
we’ve been dating two years in march
Teresa says
Hey girl! Your pictures from the holiday are so colorful and festive. It looks like a great time- and the FOOOOD. Holy cow !
My favorite dish was a broccoli casserole that my husbands Grandma makes. I had a GIANT helping of this!
We did not travel- we stay local and are very blessed to see both families on this day. Though, after running the turkey trot and attending two thanksgiving dinners, it certainly felt like we had traveled!
I normally go out with my girlfriends every Black Friday and shop until early AM. It’s a tradition I’ve come to love less and less for shopping and more for just being with my girls, listening to Xmas music in the car, and getting breakfast on the road in the early AM. I bought a couple Christmas gifts and we bought a Cyber Monday vaccum (you know you’re old when… 🙂 )
Have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Teresa!
Thanks so much 🙂 Kyle’s mom is an amazing cook! I’m probably five pounds heavier haha
Ohhhhh broccoli casserole sounds devine.
Two dinners is a lot! Way to be a trooper!
I think the tradition to kick off the Christmas spirit is great! 🙂
J. says
Where is that skirt from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Pacsun but last year!
Tina says
What brand tennis racket do you use?
Taralynn McNitt says
HEAD
Katie says
Looks like such a fun Thanksgiving! So many good eats and cool places!! I’d love to be at the beach this time of year. You & Kyle are adorable together!! 🙂 It’s sooo hard to pick just one thing I love from the Thanksgiving dinner but I’d have to say the turkey and mashed potatoes w/ gravy. Also, leftovers from Thanksgiving are the best!!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
It was so much fun!:)
The beach was nice and cool! Perfect time of year to be in Florida. Makes me want to move there!
& Thank you!!! I love him to pieces.
MMMMM YES TO BOTH of those!!! & I agree that the leftovers are the best.
Quinn says
Venice looks fun! I’m loving your Instagram videos.
Taralynn McNitt says
It most certainly was & thank you!!
Chelsea @ Just Me Chelsea B. says
What a fun Thanksgiving!! Love all of the gorgeous scenery there in Florida! The beach never disappoints! 🙂
My favorite Thanksgiving dish is definitely sweet potato casserole! SO SO good and I swear I could live off of it!
I traveled to Orange Beach Alabama for Thanksgiving with my boyfriends family and it was just perfect in every way! We had SO much fun going to the beach to celebrate the holiday instead of the same old thing we usually do with dinner split between our families houses! It was a blast!
No Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping for me! I steer clear of the crowds and chaos as much as possible for sure!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’d have to agree with that! The beach is just a great stress reliever.
mmmmmm I agree with you! Love sweet potatoes in all forms.
Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!
You sound like me haha
Kasie says
How fun!
My favorite Thanksgiving recipe is your sweet green beans and cranberry cookies!
I stayed home and baked for my family! 🙂
Happy Week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Glad you love my recipes!:)
have a great week!
Kelsey Weissner says
Hi Taralynn! Looks like you had an amazing Thanksgiving in the books. Seeing all of the sunny and beachy pictures makes me miss the warmer months so much! I LOVE the idea about posting a book review. I actually bought All the Light We Cannot See purely based on your recommendation in a previous post you did and so far it’s great!
My fave Thanksgiving dish this year was a new side my mom made which was steamed green beans with onion and turmeric! She tries sprinkling that spice into everything nowadays after learning the health benefits and it really transformed the dish. So good! I didn’t travel for the holiday because all of my family lives in and around Baltimore, however I did have to drive to 3 different houses so it was a jam packed day. I’ve never been black Friday shopping and I never intend to haha, there’s just nothing I need or want that badly to stand outside for hours or brave the “crazies” lol!
I hope you have an amazing week!
xo Kelsey
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelsey!
Yes the warmer months are certainly nice! They’ll be back soon 🙂
So glad you like the book so far!!
Ohhhh sounds like a healthy and delicious side. Wow that is a busy Thanksgiving day for sure. HAHAHAHA too funny but agree!
xo
Emily says
Do you drink black coffee now?
Taralynn McNitt says
I DO 😀
Vanessa says
Wow I am so jealous of the incredible weather!
Over here in the Netherlands its cold, grey, wet and windy. Such an uncomfortable weather. But at least christmas is rolling around soon, and I am beyond excited to celebrate with my family! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
OH no! Hope you get warmer/nicer weather soon!! Yes and Christmas is right around the corner!
Katie says
What was your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
My favorite dish was a cauliflower casserole we make. It sounds healthy, but it’s definitely not. But you just can’t pass it up
Did you travel this Thanksgiving?
We didn’t have to travel this year. It was kind of nice!
Do you participate in the black Friday/cyber Monday shopping days?
We went out for Black Friday, but honestly I was pretty unimpressed with the deals anyway. I ended up buying one thing off Amazon on Cyber Monday but that was it! I’d rather do my shopping without all the pressure!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
Cauliflower casserole? Yum!
It is nice to stay put sometimes for sure!
Yeah, I agree! An amazon CM is much better than going out in that madness!
Jessie says
Did you eat a biscoff cookie with diet coke? lol not tea?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha I didn’t eat the biscoff. I was too full from dinner, but they gave it to me with my diet coke. They are good with coffee though!!
Emily Marie says
I eat at the Green Zebra twice a week! The wellness shots are my favorite and it’s so cool to see you going to my favorite spots. Love your blog!
.
Taralynn McNitt says
So lucky you live so close!!
Anonymous says
I went skydiving in Venice six years ago! You should do that next time you’re in Florida.
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol I don’t know if I want to do it again!! hahaha
Lindsey says
I love the relationship you have with Kyle. You should write a post! Do you guys ever fight? I feel like my boyfriend and I fight too often. I need some tips!!!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww thanks, Lindsey!
I know it may sound weird, but Kyle and I have never fought. I’ve never communicated with a person the way Kyle and I communicate and I think that is key in a relationship. He is so sweet and I love him to pieces. There isn’t a bone in my body that could ever get mad at him. I just love his heart! But…communication is my tip!! Don’t hold things in because nothing is worth fighting over.
Jessie says
What camera do you use? The palm tree photos are great.
Taralynn McNitt says
That was actually taken with my cell phone! I use lightroom to change up colors.
Stephanie says
Hi Taralynn,
My favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal is the stuffing. I never eat it throughout the year and then load up on Thanksgiving. I didn’t travel or head out shopping on Black Friday, but caved and ordered a lot on Cyber Monday. Things I don’t need but I couldn’t pass up a deal, I need to start doing what you do and stick to what I need. Maybe next year! 🙂
I love your book and recipe idea. I love reading so can’t wait to check out your suggestions!
Glad you had a great Thanksgiving and great trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Stephanie!
Ohhhhh I love stuffing!! Cyber Monday is better than Black Friday IMO!
I’m excited to start it:) We are doing the recipe on Friday!
xo
Tess says
Why was the news “of course” wrong? Don’t tell me you’re one of those fake news morons. But I guess you like the idiot Trump. Good lord, woman.
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol this comment gave me a good laugh!!
why was the news wrong? I don’t know? Because it was…haha
Anonymous says
Are you friend with Becca still?
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol yes. She’s my best friend!
G. says
It was snowing here on Thanksgiving. Your photos make me want to move!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww! But the snow can be beautiful too!
Harriet says
Wow, your thanksgiving trip looks amazing, oh and those sunset/sunrise photos are stunning!! We don’t celebrate thanksgiving in New Zealand, but over the holiday season I make cranberry and orange roasted turkey with all the trimmings , it’s my most favourite holiday dish!. I cannot stand Black Friday or cyber Monday, I try to only buy what I need, as saving for a 45day holiday. Have a great week!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Harriet!
Cranberry & orange roasted turkey sounds incredible! Fave combo.
XO XO
Melanie says
I saw you at the musical on Friday night! I wanted to say something to you but I didn’t want to bother you! Maybe do a meet up when you come back.
Taralynn McNitt says
Awwww! I wouldn’t have minded! I’m never bothered. xo xo xo
But seriously…how funny was that musical??
Annie says
I wish my Thanksgiving plate was that healthy. We had fried turkey, sugary sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, buttery potatoes, and loads of pumpkin pie!
I traveled to my dad’s house for Thanksgiving and his wife made us more pie!
Taralynn McNitt says
Holy Moly! That all sounds amazing.
Whit says
Where did you get that skirt!
Taralynn McNitt says
Pacsun!!
Jess says
That book made my stomach hurt because of how dark it was but I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to your review!
Taralynn McNitt says
Same, girl!!
Victoria says
I love Lunas! My grandparents live around the corner from Venice downtown.
Taralynn McNitt says
Ahhh that is so awesome!
Chloe says
We didn’t have trouble with traffic or airport security either! We left four hours before our flight because our news made a huge deal out of it. So insane!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha the news channel made it look like a mad house!!
Shannen says
SWEET POTATOES!!!! I love them! But I’m awful at making them myself, I don’t know why, but my uncle makes some of the best! I loaded my plate with them. #unashamed 😂
As for shopping, I’m right there with you. It stresses me out and I would rather sleep in and have my morning coffee on the couch with my pups.
Taralynn McNitt says
MMMM love sweet potatoes!! & they are so good for you too! So no shame 😀
hahahaha coffee and pups for sure!!
Edina says
All of that food looks so good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh it was!!
Stephanie says
Kyle’s mom is so cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
And she has the personality that fits it! 😀
Alison says
I have that pink sweater from your collection!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Its one of my favorites!
Siobhan says
All The Light We Cannot See is an amazing book! I read it a couple months ago and absolutely loved it! I am very excited for your book review + recipe posts.
My favorite Thanksgiving dish is probably mashed potatoes and gravy. I just love gravy on everything for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner haha.
I’m glad your Thanksgiving was so wonderful, Venice sounds absolutely delightful! And that beach sounds unreal.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Siobhan!
I had to read some of the chapters over again! It was a really good and deep book. I’ll be doing my first one (making the recipe) Friday!!!
MMM I love gravy too!
xo xo
Erin @ Brownie Bites Blog says
You look incredible and it looks like you had a wonderful (and colorful!) holiday weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
AAwwww well thank you, Erin!!!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
What a great trip–sounds like Venice should be on my travel list, it looks beautiful! I actually just picked up All the Light We Cannot See by my apartment building’s lending library. I’ve heard great things–cant wait to read it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! It was an amazing place and it’s so close to the larger cities as well 😀 Ohhhh let me know what you think!
Carly T says
Looks like an amazing trip to Florida!
I’m the same way about being up/ready extra early! I don’t know how people jump out of bed into the shower and out the door. I need my cup of coffee and dog walk/exercise, otherwise my entire day is thrown off! ha!
I’m excited to see your book reviews! I’m always searching for new books to read! And just ordered ALL of the ones you mentioned ha!
I’m not sure I can pick just one thanksgiving dish! I love my mom’s sweet potato soufflé but the combination of turkey and cranberries is also one of my all time favorites! I recently had a sandwich with turkey, cranberry sauce and horseradish… sounds like a weird combination but the sweet of the cranberries and the spice of the horseradish are delicious together!!
I was finally lucky enough to move home to Colorado in June, so it was the first year in the past decade I didn’t travel! Traveling is fun, but durning the holidays always seems to be extra stressful with the bigger crowds and peoples emotions and stress levels running high.
My only black friday shopping was online for a Christmas present for my husband that was 200$ off! Couldn’t pass it up! But also avoided the rest of the hustle and bustle to avoid things I don’t need and would probably only buy because they were a ‘good deal’ :p
Anonymous says
Hi Taralynn, I actually live in Venice – on the “Island” near Main street, Sharky’s and the beach. Our city has really changed over the years – not for the better. 🙁 Sadly, “Snowbirds” only make it their part-time residence -so the economy suffers here terribly. Many businesses are closed and the city is in disrepair in a lot of areas. It really is not the Venice that I fell in love with years ago. There are not a lot of jobs for young people except retail. This area’s average age is well above 60! But thank you for highlighting it’s positive side. I missed the Christmas parade this year (I was visiting family up North for Thanksgiving). I’m glad to see you enjoyed it! After Hurricane Irma, it made me want to move from here. I can’t imagine growing old in a place that I always have to be worried about evacuating 6 months out of the year. (Hurricane season lasts from June through November) The summers are pretty brutal with extreme heat. I truly appreciate you seeing it in the light that I used to see this city in. Vacationing here is definitely the way to go. I would never recommend living here year-round. (especially to younger people).
Jenna says
Awesome post and beautiful pictures! I can’t wait to read your book reviews.
Taralynn McNitt says
😀 excited to write it!