Hi, Everyone!
I hope you all had a fabulous weekend, and an even better post-Superbowl Monday! Even though I got a lot of work done on the back end, I feel incredibly sluggish. I always get like this after long weekends away from home. After doing some other tasks today, I decided to sit down and get this recap post put together. I was going to combine my recap post with the Charleston photos, but I felt like it would just be an overload. I opted for a shorter recap post, and I’ll share the very low-key Charleston trip on Wednesday. It’s only 5:30 pm here, and my eyes are already feeling heavy from being behind the computer screen most of the day. I’m sure dinner will wake me up because I need an energy boost to watch The Bachelor tonight.
I woke up on Wednesday morning, and I was no longer twenty-six. I started blogging before I was twenty-one, and now I’ll be thirty in three years. The time is just flying by so fast! Since I was uptown, I headed to the coffee shop around eleven to have a (decaf) Americano while putting together my avocado brownie post. I’ve been loving all the photos of the brownies you’ve made with my recipe. I’m really happy they’re a hit.
While editing, I just couldn’t handle the slow internet any longer. I headed back to Kyles to work a bit before heading back out to meet up with Becca for a birthday tea time 🙂 But, besides the slow internet, The Parliament Coffee shop in Uptown is fantastic. The Americano was tasty, and the interior was cool. I highly recommend it. They had healthy eats available, and some delicious looking pastries.
After working a bit longer on the post, I headed out to meet Becca on her lunch hour. We had hot tea at Caribou, and I highly recommend their hot cinnamon tea. It tastes just like the Harney & Son’s, which it probably is. I always take my tea to go in my favorite Erin Condren to go cup.
I ended up walking the mall for a few hours. I went to grab some new Lulu Lemon pants because I’m obsessed with their new ones. I did another closet clean out, so I got rid of a ton of patterned and colored leggings. I want to stick to more solid colors. There are a few I chose to keep. I loved this soft pink sweater from H&M! The material is amazing. It’s an oversized sweater because this is a size small that I’m wearing. I really wanted it for lounging around.
After shopping, I headed to Whole Foods to pick up some dinner ingredients. Kyle wanted to grab dinner, but I didn’t want to go out since we were going to celebrate my birthday in Charleston. I insisted that we stay in, watch a movie, and make salmon for dinner!
We had roasted carrots, broccoli, and incredible salmon! (the how-to on this go-to dinner.)
Meighan stopped over after dinner and brought some little desserts:) Kyle and I ended the night with a movie.
These are the gorgeous flowers Kyle got me for my birthday 🙂 I love the colors!
And the most adorable mug Becca got me! I’m so obsessed.
I sat down to post my brownie recipe and have coffee, and as soon as I was uploading, my internet went out! Ugh. It was a blessing in disguise because I got a lot of work around the house done. I also ran errands.
My parent’s and Kyle wanted to celebrate my birthday with a cake later in the evening, so I told them not to bring the cake and that I’d make one instead. I’ve meant to do a fun & healthy birthday cake recipe on my blog, so I used this as an opportunity. It turned out great, and I can’t wait to post this.
Since I was already in the kitchen cooking away, I decided to help Kyle out this week with his meals. He meal preps EVERY week. He has done this since college. He has the world’s best dedication and self-discipline. He inspires me to live a healthy lifestyle. I’ve made so many changes for the better because of him.
He was excited when I told him I was going to prep his meals for him on Thursday, so he didn’t have to do it before our trip to Charleston in the morning. He typed out how he does it all, and I started cooking away. It wasn’t that hard either.
If you’re wondering, this isn’t the only food he eats. If I cook, he’ll eat it instead of his meal. He works 9-5, so it’s important for him to have his meals made to make his life easier during the day.
If you’re wondering what he eats…
Ground turkey, chicken breast, sweet potatoes, rice, and sometimes eggs whites or turkey bacon added. He’ll change up the seasonings, or carb source to make it different now and then. I decided to do things a little different for him. I slow cooked his chicken and baked all of his potatoes. His meals are designed to fit his weightlifting routine, which is what he does for workouts.
He makes 21 meals once a week. He does a protein shake with oats at 8:30 am, a meal at 11 pm, meal at 2 pm, meal at 4 pm, goes to the gym in the evening, (always steals scoops of peanut butter or tortilla chips), and then a shake before bed.
And I passed on the meal-prep-operation. 🙂 Kyle said they tasted the best. (no offense Kyle, but it isn’t hard to make them the best when you go from microwaved potatoes to baked and seasoned potatoes.) <3 you.
While I was making Kyle’s meals, I made a GIANT kale salad to take with me to Charleston. I didn’t want to dine out for every meal, so I packed some healthy eats to have. I always feel blah when I eat out at restaurants for every meal on trips. I learned my lesson and packed some foods to keep in our AirBnB. Some of you have already made the kale salad from my insta-story! 🙂 I’ll post the full how-to on Friday. I’m already making another tomorrow and changing up the ingredients. I could eat this salad again and again. I actually couldn’t get enough!
Before my parents came over, I had dinner! I had leftover spaghetti squash (details in last recap post), leftover carrots, and a side salad. I’m so excited to meal prep for the week + weekend tomorrow. I get so into coming up with fun meals filled with vegetables. I don’ know why, but I can’t get enough veggies lately.
My birthday cake was a hit! 🙂 My dad has to lower his carb and sugar intake, so I was happy this was something he could eat too. My parent’s got me a brand new knife set, which is something I’ve needed for the past three years. I am so so so so so so in love with them.
We headed to my parent’s house to drop off the dogs Friday morning before taking off to Charleston. I made sure to wake up around 6 am so I could have my coffee and spend time with the pups before leaving them. I miss them after hours of being away. I’m a sucker for those little guys.
Kyle and I split one of the best flavors of the RXBARS, the Maple Sea Salt on the road trip. I also packed some delicious plums. I forget how good they are, and I need to buy them more. My doctor said they were great for helping the body absorb iron, which is what I need as an anemic.
We had such a great low key weekend in Charleston together. I’m excited to share my trip with you on Wednesday! Our AirBnB was amazing:) Kyle snagged a great one right off King Street. More details on that soon.
We are always go go go on trips, well I am more than Kyle. We wanted a casual and leisure weekend that consisted of nothing planned, nothing fancy, and comfortable clothes. I find myself always trying to go above and beyond to grab content for the blog, and it was nice just to CHILL. Don’t worry; I still took great pics of our restaurant eats, some cool shopping finds, and the charming homes. I loved just walking around in the yoga pants, sipping coffee with a view, and cuddling up on the couch to watch movies at night. I was rarely in my phone or capturing everything for the Instagram stories. I think it’s important to give yourself some downtime now and then. Next time, I’ll try to leave my phone in airplane mode the whole weekend.
We left just before the rain hit. We stopped at an AWESOME spot before taking off that I’m excited to tell you all about. We took breakfast to go and hit the road after walking a few miles downtown.
WE MISSED OUR DOGS SO MUCH. It was so pathetic. We kept talking about how we’d never leave them again. Honestly, we felt so weird without them. They are a big part of our lives. I know how weird this sounds, but it felt incomplete without them.
When we got back home, we had lunch and then headed to the gym for a workout. Kyle always heads to the free weights, and I hit the treadmill to warm up before my circuits. I love coming up with my circuits each week 🙂 I’ll work on creating a tab with them all in one place.
I love warming up on the treadmill before doing my circuits because it gives me time to get into the mindset to go hard during circuits.
Since cutting back on HIIT workouts, and getting some answers from my doctors (which I’ll talk about soon) my body is finally responding to my lifestyle the way I want it to. The frustration the past six months was awful, and I felt like complete crap. I’ll be sharing a lot of updates and share what I’ve been up to eventually. I’ve been working on a project that I cannot wait to share, and it’s been incredibly hard keeping it a secret. The worst part is that you won’t know for another couple months. It’ll be worth the wait.
Also, the difference between my circuits and going to Hiit classes is that they are usually only 30 minutes and a half as hard. The classes I was attending were sometimes over an hour, and they were straight up HIIT for 60 minutes with no breaks. My heart rate was ALWAYS up, and my cortisol levels were like “GIRL, NO.” I’ve learned that cutting them back and making them less stressful has been the best decision for my body so far.
When we got back from the gym, we headed out to walk the dogs a couple of miles. We worked with them on some training since we had to miss another session. We are excited to get them back into training on Sunday. They were outstanding though, and remembered all of their training!
For my dinner, I had a giant plate of veggies! I had the last of the leftover kale salad, sauteed bell peppers/snow peans/and carrots, and leftover ground turkey.
Before the Superbowl started, I made my lemon ginger tea with extra fresh lemon and ground ginger. I drink this twice a day 🙂 I cut back on my coffee intake tremendously, so this is what I usually go for when I’m craving that cup of coffee. Since drinking the juice of one to two lemons a day, my skin has cleared up. I haven’t had a blemish or breakout in weeks.
Speaking of skin, I get questions asked about my routine a lot. I just stocked back up on my face serums. If you’ve never heard of IT Cosmetics, you better check it out. It’s my favorite makeup. I’ve been using it for three years now. I use the anti-aging Confidence in a Cream after washing my face in the morning and the evening. I also use the Bye Lines Serum to prevent any eye wrinkles. The It Cosmetics team works with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to make amazing products that work. It’s never too early to start! I’ve been using sunscreen and anti-aging cream since I was twenty. I don’t talk about makeup or beauty products a lot on the blog because I always stick to the same products, and don’t venture out much. I’m not a makeup junkie but do enjoy the natural brands. That is why I LOVE It Cosmetics.
Kyle and I stayed up late watching the game, and I was so excited that the Eagles won because that’s his team. 🙂 He was so happy!
After walking the dogs this morning, I had my tea and a random breakfast bowl. I had protein yogurt, a crumbled waffle, and leftover pieces of birthday cake.
I used up the last of the veggies in the house for lunch. I made scrambled eggs with bell peppers, snap peas, summer squash, and onions with plum and kiwi slices on the side.
I treated myself to an almond milk decaf cappuccino while working this afternoon. A lot of you were asking about my Nespresso and Frother. I got them as a set, but here is the link to the new version frother. I use The New Barn for my milk choice, and it’s delicious.
I headed out for a two-mile dog walk before dinner. It was pretty nice out tonight. I just threw a plate together for dinner. I had a half of a sprouted flax bagel with avocado and paprika, rice, and leftover chicken and ground turkey.
Sometimes we call Leo “parrot” because he will randomly just come sit on my shoulder…it’s strange. Do any of your dogs do weird things?
Ok, back to The Bachelor!
Questions for you.
- Do you have a skin routine?
- What is something you’ve been loving lately?
- Any good movies I should add to my list?
Kelsey says
I thought you were like 22 lol
Taralynn McNitt says
Well, I’ll just take that as a compliment haha
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy birthday, Taralynn! Looks like you had a wonderful, relaxed birthday! 🙂 Hope you had tons of fun with your loved ones! ❤️❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine!
It was so much fun 😀 Thanks!
Lindsey says
I’ve been following your story for years, love your blog! The food pictures always look great.
Taralynn McNitt says
That is the sweetest! Thank you so much, Lindsey!
Hilary says
Looked like a fun trip to Charleston!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yup 😀
Chelsea says
You look so great and healthy, Taralynn! Keep it up.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Chelsea!!!!!
Britt says
I love the IT Cosmetics too! Did you know they carry their products in Sephora now?
Taralynn McNitt says
YES!! 😀
Elle says
If you don’t mind me asking. How tall are you?
Taralynn McNitt says
Nope! I’m 5″7 1/2
Karie says
I can’t wait to read about your Charleston post!
Taralynn McNitt says
😀 Writing it now!
Nori says
I was in Charleston over the weekend too!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was a cold one, wasn’t it!
Jesslynn says
GO EAGLES!
Taralynn McNitt says
Congrats on your team winning.
K says
Did you make any Superbowl food?
Taralynn McNitt says
Nope! Just made my dinner and some popcorn!
Asia says
Thank you for posting your workouts! I can relate with the long HIIT classes! I don’t bother with them anymore.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Asia!
Glad you found you balance.
Rayna says
What are your Valentine’s Day plans?
Taralynn McNitt says
Kyle and I are just going to dinner 🙂
Krista says
That lemon ginger Yogi tea is the best, especially to bring to work where everyone is coughing!! Trader Joe’s has an amazing ginger and turmeric one too!
My parents’ dog isn’t overly affectionate with them and he doesn’t really jump on anyone or get too crazy, but every time my fiance and I go home to visit, he just goes nuts, jumping all over us, being super affectionate, and he ends up sleeping on the end of my bed (aka he’s a 110 lb half great pyrenees, half yellow lab, so it’s about the lower HALF of the bed). It’s so weird, but I love it. 😛
I wouldn’t say this is something I’m *obsessed* with, but lately, we’ve been making a lot of sweet potato recipes.. mostly because my fiance wanted to get one of those big boxes of sweet potatoes at the farmer’s market in Raleigh when we were out there, and we’ve been trying to get through it over the past three weeks, keeping them in the garage because it’s cooler than the pantry. We’re down to the last probably four, and then I’m not buying sweet potatoes again for a while, LOL.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Krista!
Ahhhhh stay away from the coughers lol I’ll have to try out Trader Joe’s. I always forget to go in there!
Awwwwwwww that is the cutest!!! My dogs go NUTS when they see my parents and they always sleep with my parents when I’m out at their house lol
hahahaha sweet potato overload!
Ashley says
Those flowers are beautiful! And your air b&b looks amazing. My fiance and I love quick weekend getaways too. Glad you had a nice birthday 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Ashley!
Christine says
OMG, I totally feel you on the 60 minute HIIT classes! There was a 60-minute HIIT/Pilates class in a super crowded 100 degree room that I used to force myself to go to. It was awful. An hour of high intensity exercises in a 100 degree room FULL of people had my cortisol levels at their peak. I left every class miserable and frustrated. I eventually realized, “This isn’t good for me, and I don’t want (or need) to do this to myself anymore!” And, it was so long and hot, that I couldn’t give 100% for the whole time, or even do half the exercises with correct form anyways. I’m loving my 25-30 minute HIIT workouts at the gym, in normal temps, by myself, with better form!
I’m glad you’re in the same boat! Your workouts look challenging, but also relaxing (as far as cortisol is concerned) and fun! I hope you’re well! Take care! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Christine!
You’re so right!! I’m so glad you figured out that it wasn’t good for you! I felt like I was supposed to be doing it because it was working for everyone else. ONLY YOU know what’s right for you.
And you can totally go your own pace with my circuits and they are just as beneficial 😀
xo xo
Denise says
I can’t wait for your birthday cake recipe. I’ve made your brownies twice now.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!!!
Kelly says
1). I’m big into moisturizing. My skin is all over the place depending on the season. I love trying new makeup and different looks. Love IT! Thinking of trying the wrinkle cream.
2). I made a trail mix with different ingredients you recommended and i’m loving it!!!
3). I just saw “The Greatest Showman” with my friend and if you’re into musicals, I thought it was great. I downloaded the soundtrack the next day.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelly!
Yes, the season really makes a difference!
So glad you made a trail mix:) Always better to DIY.
Ahhhh I’ll add that to my list.
Elisa says
One of my dogs loves to go to the bathroom with me. She just sits there and watch me shower! (every damn time, if I close the door before she comes in she will scratch it until I open)
Do you have a skin routine?
I’m trying to have one. I have a bad habit of scratching my pimples so taking care of my skin helps me reduce the temptation to do it. I use almond oil and aloe vera to moisturize and I apply honey masks every week. I don’t really have acne, it’s just the scratching that makes things so awful!
What is something you’ve been loving lately?
Starting yoga! It helps me for dealing with all the stress in my life. When I’m on my mat I don’t think about my annoying manager or anything else that upsets me.
Any good movies I should add to my list?
Mamma mia! Meryl Streep is soo funny, and just for the songs, watch it! It’s THE feel good movie!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha Leo does that. He follows me EVERYWHERE! I have to shut the door. Luckily he doesn’t scratch the door.
You def don’t want to do that or they’ll scar.
That is awesome and a great escape. I’ve been doing yoga alone on my patio when it’s warm.
I saw that movie wayyyyy back. I actually didn’t like it lol, which is odd because I love musicals.
Lisa says
I love your blog! I’ve been curious about Kyle’s meals. My boyfriend needs to read this blog to get on track! Maybe Kyle can write a post for your reader’s men.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha that would be fun.
Linda @ the Fitty says
Did Beyonce perform again this year? I don’t watch the Superbowl but I called a lot of people on Sunday who all said Hey we’re busy watching the Superbowl. It was a common answer.
Also, that HIIT session you had that was easier…did you choose a random Pinterest one and do it all by yourself? And it sounds like Kyle is preparing for some sort of body competition with his meals of potato and chicken and egg whites! Does it encourage you to say healthy too?
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol, no Justin Timberlake.
No, I come up with Hiit workouts and write them out before I go.
No body competition, that is just how he eats everyday 🙂
I’ve always been a pretty healthy eater, but he does motivate me to prepare more.
Linda @ the Fitty says
Wowie; where did you meet a healthy guy like him? At the gym?!
debbie in alaska says
Are you still a Lions fan? Our former Patriot’s DC is now your head coach. Should be fun to see what he can do for you guys!
Taralynn McNitt says
I am 🙂 I don’t invest much time in football anymore, but I do like the Lions. They have so much talent on that team, so it’ll be nice to see what they do this Fall.
Rachel says
Your boyfriend is an Eagles fan? He’s a keeper so you know.
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol yes he is a keeper 😉
Atheena says
Well First, I keep forgetting we have the same birthday..so happy belated birthday twin! Second, yes I do have a skin care routine. I used my Mielle Organics products and they’ve been working so far so good. I’ve been loving mixed vegetables. Growing up I was never a big fan but my friend made some and she informed me that it was all on the seasoning. It was amazing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Atheena!
Happy belated birthday to you as well 😀
It really is all about the seasoning and the way they are cooked for sure:D
Kelsey Weissner says
I’m so glad to hear that you had a great birthday! I can’t wait to hear about the Charleston trip 🙂 I sadly do not have much of a skin care routine, but I need one BADLY! I’ve been researching different products lately as I tend to have dryer skin, hormonal-related acne, and blackheads. My face easily gets aggravated with new products so I’m in trial and error right now. Something I’ve been loving lately would probably be the fact that the days are getting longer and it’s not pitch black out when I leave work! haha, c’mon spring! As for movies, I like scary ones and 2 recent ones I’ve watched are It Follows and The Witch (which is no longer on Netflix, but it’s streaming on Amazon Prime, the 2015 version). What’s your favorite movie genre? Have a great week!! xo Kelsey
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelsey!
Thanks so much 🙂
I try to change up my skin routine with the seasons.
AGREE!!!! It’s so nice to be able to go out and walk the dogs before it gets dark that fast. I hate that about the winter! Not enough light to shoot for the blog either lol I’ll add those to my list. I love the scary films too!!
Dana says
For skincare if I try to use the same products for too long my skin gets immune to it so I switch it up often.
I’m super into Tazo tea glazed lemon loaf herbal tea, it’s so good for dessert cravings.
It’s not a movie bit I’m convinced everyone should watch The Good Place, it’s the best. Funny, smart, a little snarky but not mean, and very positive and uplifting. And if you don’t read spoilers, the plot twists always suprise.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Dana!
That’s a great idea. I always switch it up with the seasons.
mmmm love Tazo tea as well! Thier passion fruit is my fave.
WATCHED THAT IN LIKE ONE WEEK! LOVED IT! AND LOVE KRISTEN BELL! (sorry the caps.)
Lauren B. says
We have the same birthday!! Woohoo January 31st twins- Justin Timberlake has our birthday too! I just turned 26 so you’re exactly a year older than me! I love finding birthday twins! haha I’m glad you had a great week, that cake looks so good!
Taralynn McNitt says
lol yes he does!:D
Love the Aquarius life! xo
Anastasia says
Your recap posts are just the best! I always get inspired each week to eat healthy, exercise, and capture the beauty in life!
I can’t wait to read your Birthday weekend post…and HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY!
1. I love using a lot of oils on my face after I wash it. My favorites are Rosehip and Jojoba!
2. I have been loving MY NEW PUPPY lately. He is an Australian Shepard and boy, is having a puppy hard work! Oh my gosh. Haha! I did not realize having a puppy was basically like having a baby. He’s worth it though 🙂 He’s so freakin cute!! I miss him so much during the day when I am not at home.
3. I recently saw “The Phantom’s Thread” with my boyfriend and we loved it. It was weird, exciting, romantic, funny, and depressing all at once. Does that make sense? Haha You just have to watch it for yourself!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww, Thanks, Anastasia!
Sounds like you have a great routine!
AHHHHHH PUPPIES!:D Congrats on your new addition.
lol totally sounds like a movie my boyfriend would like.
Angelina says
Do you have a skin routine?
I used to have really bad skin, but a combination of hormonal birth control and a simplified skin routine has helped tremendously! I wash my face twice daily with a bar of soap formulated for facial skin – never liquid. I change up what bars I use, sometimes I buy things from LUSH but lately I’ve been using an oatmeal bar made by Aveeno. I moisturize with Ponds cold cream. Simple, easy, effective.
What is something you’ve been loving lately?
Sweet potato smoothie! 1/2 c sweet potato puree, 1tbs maple syrup, 1/3 c coconut milk, 1/3 c orange juice, fresh ground ginger. Tastes like an Orange Julius.
Any good movies I should add to my list?
Not a movie, but watch the TV show Marvelous Miss Maisel on Amazon TV. Written by Amy Sherman Paladino (Gilmore Girls writer), only 8 episodes, and so so so fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Angela!
What a great skin routine! 😀
Sounds like a great post workout smoothie!
I’ll add that to my list!:D
Kasey says
You should see Wonder!
Taralynn McNitt says
Um…i’m still recovering from crying over that movie!
So good 😀
Sara says
Thank you for inspiring me to cut back on my caffeine intake. I bought the yogi tea as you suggested and you’re right about it helping me kick those cravings. I can’t get on the ground ginger train yet!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome, Sara!!! You don’t have to get on the ginger train at all! A lot of people hate it. Cutting back on the coffee will be just as great! I still have my morning cup and I’ll never give that up, but I used to drink WAY TOO MUCH!!!
Abbey says
Hi Tara! Happy belated birthday!
I just wanted to say maybe you should ask your dog trainer about the “parrot” thing that your dogs do. Its cute but it actually is a sign of dominance (their dominance over you). I’m no expert but I do remember hearing that before after I had a friends dog who would do that. Anyways its just a thought! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s interesting!
Leo usually just does it because he’s a cuddle bug. He has ZERO dominance traits, now GRUMPLES!!! That’s another story. He’s dominant. He usually wants to sit on the end of the couch and hang off of it and he’s so big that his butt usually ends up on my shoulder.
xo
May says
27? Me too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!
Emily says
1. I’ve always been a ProActiv LOVER and started using it when I was 14 and had AWFUL acne. I’ve stuck with it since. However, I have added in Clinique’s moisture surge overnight mask and it works so great! That, plus lemon in my tea every night!
2. I started whole30 recently and instead of spending extra time in the kitchen trying to prep something extravagant, I’ve been sticking with meat and veggies. I will say though, adding avocado + Cholula makes all the difference!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome!! & woooo for lemons and tea!
I’ve been doing pretty much the same all month. (not whole 30) but veggies/protein!
Hannah says
Where are those light grey jeans from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Jcrew! Like two years ago though!
marti @fitwithheart says
IT cosmetics is my fav i LOVE confidence in a cream and i also love their CCC cream! –
can’t wait to try your cake it looks AMAZING!! – sounds like you had an awesome birthday <3
so happy you are feeling better and getting your stress levels under better control – i have totally been there and its not fun to feel like crap and a stranger in your own body!!! you got this.
Taralynn McNitt says
YES! THE BEST!:D
Thanks and I can’t wait to post the recipe!
I think you said it perfectly “stranger in your own body.” Man, that would be a great book title!
Jennifer says
I wish I had a skin care routine! I’m so bad at sticking to routines. When it comes to my skin, by the end of the way when your face is always the dirtiest, I just want to pass out! Washing my face sounds like too much work haha but I don’t wear makeup, so that helps a lot! I need to go more natural too, and start with the anti-aging products. I’ll have to check out IT cosmetics! I usually just use St. Ives exfoliating face scrub, but I’ve also been using Mary Kay and like it too! They’re very clean as well.
I’ve been loving baking recently! I couple of weekends ago, I made homemade bread for the first time and it was AMAZING!
I’ve had the urge to watch Eat, Pray, Love again, I love that movie because it gives me a travel bug. Some of my old-school favorites are Pink Panther, Get Smart, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit — I’ve watched all three at least a thousand times. No joke.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jennifer!
It’s never too late to come up with a skin care routine! 😀 Even if you don’t wear makeup, oils and dirt from the air will clog up the pores, so just try to get a nice wash in as soon as you get home or before bed! Plus, you don’t want any of the oils and dirt to get on your bedding. You may not see it, but everyone has it at the end of the day. I think you’d be obsessed with the IT cosmetics. I don’t wear makeup unless I have to and the IT brand look so natural. It also has sunscreen and vitamins that help the skin while you wear it.
yum!! I should do the same!
THAT MOVIES MAKES ME SO HUNGRY!!!!
Kelsey says
I remember you mentioning Kyle getting a suit in Charlotte. Could you provide the name of the store? My boyfriend needs a new suit for an interview and is having a hard time finding a good fitting one.
Taralynn McNitt says
Bruse Julian! 😀
Ellen Vandever says
I’ve been loving blogging and reading others blogs lately! That bagel with the avocado looks delicious- I’m going to have to try that! Have a great week! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Ellen! 😀
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
Sounds like you had such a good birthday weekend! And I can’t wait for the birthday cake recipe – no pressure considering the brownies were the best thing EVER haha.
I think Ben and Kyle would get along well haha, Ben is literally the MOST disciplined, focused person I’ve ever met. He eats so clean it’s ridiculous! And he eats a TON. I don’t even think I could eat as much as these boys if my life depended on it.
I’m the WORST at skincare routines. I think I rely far too heavily on my asian genes to keep me looking young haha. BUT, I did just discover a nighttime serum that has stuff in it… So does that count? I may or may not only be on my trial size still..
Something I’m loving lately… does sleep count? Holy cow I freaking love going to sleep lately. Being a teacher during conference season is beyond exhausting and I just love my cozy bed like non other these days!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
It was definitely a great one! I’m so glad you loved the brownies!!!!:D I made another batch last night lol
They probably would get along for sure!!
Lol yes any kind of serum counts!
LOL YES SLEEP COUNTS!!!
Anonymous says
Happy birthday!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Rachel says
You look so pretty in pink!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awwww thank you!
Amber says
Are those the Steve Madden boots you’re wearing in the dressing room photo?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes!
Andi says
You always find really fresh produce at the grocery stores. Maybe I should move down south! Do you have farmers markets open yet?
Taralynn McNitt says
We will in just a few months!
Olivia says
Have a great birthday trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Olivia!
Anonymous says
Do you and kyle live together? do you own a house?
Taralynn McNitt says
No. & Yes.
Chauncy says
Great workout!
Taralynn McNitt says
THANKS!
Jen says
I turned 27 a few months ago and I feel you! Time is flying when 30 is right around the corner!
Taralynn McNitt says
It really really is!!!
Dez says
Parliment coffee looks cool! I’m moving to uptown in three months and all of you posts excite me.
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhhh welcome!!!!
Aggy says
LOve love love your blog! I’ve been following our journey for years and always recommend you to my friends as a blogger to follow. I just recently got my husband to go on your blog (after 7 years), he is now hooked and begging me to make your meals.
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday next thank you so much for your the hard work you put into this blog!
Also before I forget, where did you get your Phone case?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Aggy!
I got my phone case at Target 😀
Thank you for the kind words about my blog and spreading the word! I appreciate that more than you know!:D xo xo xo xo xo
Kristin says
Happy belated birthday! I love how you throw foods together in combos I would never think of trying!!
1. For my skincare routine I use mostly Poofy Organics – their charcoal soap bar for washing in the morning and at night, then cocokind rose water toner, then in the morning Poofy BB cream, and at night their anti-aging PM cream. I love that I’ve simplified my routine over the years!
2. Even though it’s been so cold, I’m loving having a fire at night. It’s so relaxing to read and have tea with a fire going!
3. I am not really a movie person lately! I never know what to pick!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like a great skin care routine!!
Awwww a fire, tea, and a good book! perfection.
Natalija says
I’ve seen this really memorable movie recently and I wanted to strongly recommend it if you still haven’t watched 🙂 The movie is called “Mine” and it is about a Marine sniper who has to keep one foot on a land mine in an existential war thriller with a really unusual and therapeutic twists and turns 🙂
Everything from salads to cake look awesome. Happy belated birthday to you! Keep blogging, keep sharing, keep inspiring and just being yourself. It’s amazing to see your transformation from the time you were making first steps in blogging to now. It’s been a long way and it’s just so special to be able to follow your journey. Thank you and love from the UK 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Natalija!
Wow sounds like a great film!
I appreciate the kind words and lift-up! Receiving comments like this really put a smile on my face and remind me as to why I continue to do what I love!
Thank you thank you thank you! x 1000000
xo xo
Tish says
My chicken always seems so blah. Would you mind sharing how you slow-cooked the chicken? In water? Whole chicken for more flavor or just chicken breasts? Any seasonings?
Thanks for all your posts and ideas for healthy eating!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Tish!
I usually find a low sodium/gluten free/msg/low sugar-free marinade to slow cook the chicken in!
Christelle says
Hi Taralynn! I love you blog. I especially love the “atmosphere”: the little coffee shops, the streets and houses of your town, your trips, your workout…. It’s all simple and cozy and real (not superficial). I’s good to have you around 🙂
For the meal prep, I was wondering if your food is still fresh after one week? I’ve read that after 4 days, the foods lost its nutrients and vitamins so I’ve never prep more than for 3 days but I’d be curious to know your advice!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awwww thank you, Christelle!! That makes me happy to hear!
Well, Kyle has been eating those meals for the past ten years, and he seems to be doing fine lol I don’t think they lose nutrients and vitamins, but I’m no expert lol
Henrike says
Hey 🙂
You really inspired me to try meal prepping, but how do you make sure the precooked meals do not go bad (especially for the chicken, I am really prudent about preparing chicken)? Do you put the containers in the freezer or in the fridge?
Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Henrike!
They get eaten within five to seven days! So they stay good all week long in the fridge in those containers!:D
Ariel says
I know I’m super late to the game…but where is that dog besties mug from?! How freaking cute!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Caribou! 😀