Happy Monday! My alarm clock went off at 6:00 am this morning, and I did not want to wake up. I was in one of those deep rem cycles that made it almost impossible to snap out of it. Sleeping a bit longer in my warm bed sounded so fantastic, but I promised myself that I’d start going to morning yoga to start off my week on the right track. I hit the snooze button once, and then finally got the energy to get moving. I made my coffee, took the dogs out while it brewed, and then sat down for an hour to wake up before heading out. I hit the earlier class today because it was a bit more advanced and I needed the challenge. I love that it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I was drenched in sweat when it was over. It was a tough one. That hour of meditation and yoga practice has me ready to start the week off calmly, determined to accomplish all of my tasks and motivated to conquer my personal goals. I can’t wait to see what this week brings 🙂
Now that I’m sitting inside with my big bowl of oats, I can finally get started on this week’s recap post! It’s a long one, so I hope you have plenty of coffee or tea ready.
Just like this morning, I started last Monday off at yoga. This was an easy alignment style compared to today’s class. I loved this for getting a good stretch and creating circulation throughout the body. It’s insane how relaxed I feel walking out of class. It’s also a great time to escape from all technology and just live in that moment.
When I got home, I had a green juice for breakfast with an apple cinnamon RXBAR(favorite flavor) topped with cashew butter. My homemade green juice had celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon, kale, peaches, pineapple, and wheatgrass.
I made a delicious decaf cappuccino while I spent the afternoon blogging. I’m so obsessed with the Oatly milk! If you havent already, make sure you enter the giveaway for my nespresso + milk frother machine!
Leo always sits like this while I’m typing my blogs. He nestles up on the pillows and then falls asleep on my shoulder. It’s the cutest.
After getting most of my work done on Monday, the dogs and I headed out for a long walk together. When we got back, I had a quick dinner (bagel and grilled chicken) and then started going on a cleaning rampage. I get in very intense cleaning and organizing moods.
When we sat down for the night, there was a knock at my door. My parent’s stopped over to bring me coffee they picked up for me. My mom knows I love Sumatra, so I was so excited when she pulled it out of the bag. We hung out while playing with the dogs for a bit before they headed back home. I was glad they stopped over because I had a big bag of lemon chia energy balls waiting for my mom! Lemon is her favorite flavor, and she was OBSESSED with them. The text messages from her about the lemon balls the next day were funny. I’ll share them with the lemon ball recipe soon!
I headed to another yoga class on Tuesday morning before starting my day. I think getting in the routine of going is the hardest part. After I left, I realized how worth it it is. My morning time is usually spent watching T.V. and being on my computer. Starting the day without any of the technology is beneficial.
When I got home, I made some smoothie bowls! I had one for breakfast, and then stored the other in the freezer for later! When I save smoothies, I’ll let them defrost in the fridge for an hour and then reblend them with almond milk.
Let’s talk more about these smoothie bowls…
The Hype! I never understood the whole smoothie bowl thing when it’s so much more convenient just to throw it in a cup and go, but there is this weird satisfying enjoyment you get from eating a smoothie out of a bowl. I just love it! I still love smoothies, but am totally team smoothie bowl now too. (I’m actually eating one right now.)
I had a lot of you asking about these smoothie bowls when I posted them on Instagram. I promised a little tutuorial and it’s so easy. First, build your base!
Green Smoothie Bowl: 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen spinach, 1 cup frozen peaches, 1 cup cashew milk, 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder, 1 tablespoon green matcha powder.
Yellow Smoothie Bowl: 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen pineapple, 1 tablespoon tumeric powder, 1 cup cashew milk, 1 scoop vaniila plant-based protein powder.
Once you make the smoothies, pour them into a bowl and place them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes!
Choose your fruit toppings, your liquid toppings, and your crunchy toppings!
Fruit toppings: mango, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, blueberries, banana, red prickly pear, pinapples, dates.
Crunchy Toppings: pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, granola.
Liquid toppings: honey, nut butters, coconut oil, agave, or chocolate drizzle.
Once all of your toppings are out and prepared, take the smoothie bowl(s) out of the freezer. Top with fruit, your crunchy toppings, and liquid toppings.
To get the nut butter liquidy, microwave it with coconut oil. The great thing about doing this is that it’ll harden as soon as it hits the smoothie bowl. (1 tbsp of nut butter + 1 tsp coconut oil)
I spent the rest of the day blogging about my trip to Asheville and fitting in a ton of dog walks.
Tuesday night was the scariest. Being home alone at night in a horrible thunderstorm while the power goes out is not fun. Luckily, I prepared myself when the sky went black. I knew something was about to hit. I lit about seven candles so I wouldn’t be in the dark, had my computer and phone fully charged just in case. The quarter-sized hail was coming down so hard. My grass was covered in ice because there was so much of it. Luckily, my car was in the garage!
When the storm died off, we got tucked in and went to sleep early! We finally got power back, which made me feel a lot better.
On Wednesday morning, I took the dogs out for a long hour walk around the neighborhood. It’s so much nicer now that I can walk them together instead of the individual walks. This saves me a lot of time! We went at the perfect timing because it started to rain when we got back.
I made a smoothie bowl for breakfast. The base had frozen blueberries, frozen raspberries, almond milk, plant-based protein powder, and ice. I topped it with granola, pumpkin seeds, almonds, raspberries, and blueberries.
I also took a package of pitted dates and stuffed them with cashew butter and topped them with the no sugar added dairy-free vegan chocolate chips to keep in my freezer. These are my favorite dessert or post workout treat!
I finally decided to take on the pantry disaster project.
This closet used to be so organized, but I let it go after the holiday baking. You can see how bad I let it go…All I needed to do was break down a ton of boxes, throw out the food that hasn’t been touched, put some items in jars, and organize.
It took me less than an hour, and I didn’t have to buy anything to organize it. It’s not the prettiest pantry, but it’s my most opened door in the house! 🙂 I did a lot of re-organizing and de-cluttering this week. De-cluttering and cleaning helps with my anxiety.
For lunch, I had my protien yogurt (Vanilla Orgain protein powder, and unsweetened coconut milk yogurt (SoDelicious.) I used it as a fruit dip for my strawberries, pinapple, melons and grapes.
After mopping and vacuuming, I relaxed a bit while doing a 35-minute yoga video! The dogs laid with me while I stretched.
Later on Wednesday afternoon, I made a giant batch of stir-fry! I’ll post this recipe soon because it was too good not to share. It didn’t have any store-bought stir-fry sauce on it. If I find myself eating too many smoothies or bowls of protein yogurt, I’ll get an intense craving for hot and savory vegetables, which is why I made stirfry.
The pups and I went on a long dog walk, and then hopped on the couch with homemade stovetop popcorn and watched a movie. I’ve been making stovetop popcorn with avocado oil recently, and it’s so delicious. I usually sprinkle a little bit of black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne on top.
I made the big mistake of watching Pitch Perfect 3…OMG! It was so bad. I was disapointed because I loved the other two movies.
Thursday morning breakfast smoothie bowl 🙂 It had raspberries, pineapple, and ginger lemon water blended with honey, granola, avocado slices, sesame seeds, and orange slices on top.
I make my ginger water by soaking ginger in water for 6 + hours with fresh lemon juice. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of honey and cayenne.
I spent the afternoon watching YouTube videos for about five hours learning everything there is to learn about my new camera and several different lenses. I’ll be sharing “what I learned” post in a month from now! I’m such a newbie still, so I can’t wait to see what I can do overtime with more experience. Life without a point and shoot is much different.
After taking notes and watching videos, I decided to make some homemade lemon blueberry muffins! They are vegan, no added sugar, gluten free, dairy free, and soy free! They were sooooooooo tasty! The lemon glaze on top was out of this world. I’ll get that post up soon because it’ll be perfect for Easter!
I had leftover stirfry for dinner, and then fell asleep by 9 pm!
I started off Friday with another yoga class! It was the perfect way to go into the weekend with a positive attitude. Kyle worked upstairs in my office on Friday, so it was also nice having him around too. I loved the yoga class I did on Friday because our instructor kept a very consistent flow to the routine. It felt so good!
Kyle said the boys sat on my bed and watched me from the upstairs window from the time I left until the time I pulled into the driveway! I leave for ten minutes, and they act like it’s been a week (I secretly love it.)
Another smoothie bowl for breakfast…imagine that! 😀
This bowl may have been the prettiest I’ve ever made! The base had frozen blackberries, frozen peaches, cashew milk, and vanilla plant-based protein powder. I topped it with coconut oil/cashew butter, granola, blackberries, kiwi, pumpkin seeds, and black sesame seeds.
I also had a cup of coffee! I only had a half a cup before I rushed out the door to yoga, so it was necessary.
I worked the rest of the afternoon on my blog post for the macadamia nut balls 🙂
For dinner on Friday night, I had ground turkey with rice and sauteed cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage. I sauteed the vegetables with toasted sesame oil and se salt. I love keeping meals balanced and simple (now if I could do the same to my closet.)
Kyle and I spent the evening out on the patio grilling some food to keep in the fridge for the weekend and enjoying the weather. The sun finally came out, so we took advantage of it. The entire weekend was going to be cold, rainy, and overcast.
We ended the night like we do most Friday’s…with a good ole Dateline.
I planned on going to yoga Saturday morning, but the overcast, rainy weather made me want to toasty up on the couch with my dogs and drink coffee, so that’s exactly what I did instead.
Around noon, I headed to Waxhaw to meet up with Becca for a little lunch date and walk around the town.
We stopped at Maxwell’s Tavern for some of the best salads around. I ordered the grilled maple salmon, and it was phenomenal. I love when a protein has a nice char on it. This place is always busy in Waxhaw because the food is so good.
And if you’re going to be in Waxhaw, you have to walk the town.
We stopped into Provisions for some treats first. I’ve been going here for years! When I first visited, it was just a small storefront with a couple of shelves. Now, two stores combined with a restaurant, and so much more to offer! I love seeing a business like this do so well. I’ll have to stop in and have lunch there sometime.
And the coffee selection is my favorite part! I bought a pound of the Organic Sumatra Mandheling to take home with me. I can’t wait to try it 🙂 I’m still working on my roasts from the Asheville trip (which by the way the coffee was outstanding.)
They also have a bread dipping spice blend that is so good! Becca and I both cook with it. You can sample it in the store if you stop in.
Waxhaw is filled with fun home decor stores, antique shops, art stores, book stores, and more! It’s the cutest date night spot. Walking the square is one of my favorite things to do. I always get so inspired when I leave.
I love these jars! They speak my language.
I am so obsessed with the HOME sign! I want to DIY it! If I do, I’ll make sure to blog about it 🙂 I love the farmhouse look.
As we were walking to a pottery store, we came across a petting zoo and my heart just melted. I wanted to take all of them home! They were so cute and friendly.
I was down taking photos of this little pigmy goat when the man gave him to me to hold. I was honestly in heaven! My heart was so happy that I almost cried because of the cuteness! I just loved him so much. It’s moments like this when I consider veganism hard.
And if you’re wondering…no I did not brush my hair.
Little pigmy 😀
I told Kyle that my five year plan is to buy a farmhouse and get a bunch of animals 🙂 He’s totally cool with that.
I decided to step out of the box and make something other than a smoothie bowl or salad for Saturday night dinner. I made sesame fried tempeh wrapped in zucchini slices. HOLY MOLY WERE THEY DELICIOUS! This recipe is coming VERY SOON to the blog.
When I was at Provisions, I also bought some gluten & sugar-free vegan oatmeal cookies. I wasn’t expecting them to be great, but the first bite surprised the heck out of me! I couldn’t believe how amazing they tasted! I treated myself to a decaf cappuccino with an oatmeal cookie (okay two) and vegan cream cheese frosting on top! Now, THIS was a treat! These cookies were so good that I ordered three jumbo packs online! And the cream cheese frosting was really good. I look forward to trying out all the other vegan flavors!
Kyle and I watched All The Money In The World on Saturday night and it was really good!
Since we didn’t have dog training in the morning, I slept in until 8 am! That rarely happens, but it felt really good!
My four-ingredient Sunday morning breakfast had frozen blackberries, frozen peaches, cashew milk, and vanilla plant-based protein powder. I’ve been loving the blackberry & peach combo lately!
After walking the dogs with Kyle, we treated them to the empty peanut butter jars! We make sure to have two of them to make it fair. Kyle eats so much peanut butter that it’s not hard…
They were literally in heaven and it’s so fun to watch. Leo’s face says it all.
After the peanut butter fiasco, I made a waffle with cashew butter and honey and then headed to run errands! I needed some new cleaning supplies, bathroom shelves for organizing, and a couple of pieces for spring to brighten up my place.
How cute are these little arrangements I picked up? The wood block is from the Magnolia collection at Target. It’s used for utensils, but I thought some flowers would look cute in it! It was only $11.99!
I picked out some little flower pieces at Michaels to go into the slots. I was shocked when they fit perfectly!
I bought these jars at Michaels, too! They were on sale for $6.99! I thought they’d also look cute with some pink spring flowers added to them. What’s cool about them is that you can add different flowers to fit each season. I can add pines in December, and orange flowers in the fall. If you like plants and anything green, Michaels is where it’s at right now!
I’m good at making messes, but also good at organizing messes. I have a lot of random paperwork and notebooks lying around, so I decided to get a couple of boxes to store them in so that they are still there, but out of site. Whenever I need them, I can open up the box. I bough these boxes over at Home Goods!
I don’t share much about my cleaning supplies, so I thought I’d start doing that! I love the Seventh Generation laundry detergent because anything other than that makes my skin itch like crazy! I also use Meyer’s Clean Day lavender scent dryer sheets to add the softness.
I have to clean my floors once a week since I’m not a fan of little pawprints all over them. I like to use the Method floor cleaner. It’s nontoxic, plant-based, and does just as great as the other brands.
I need your opinions…
This is something I’ve been contiemplating for a while now.
Should I paint and finish my kitchen table the same as the one in the photo, or keep my table dark? I love the lighter table, but I don’t want it to be too much. What do you guys think?
I am going to be getting a different rug to go underneath the table soon, so maybe start with that?
I took a break from organizing and cleaning and had a delicious bowl for lunch. It had leftovers from Friday night topped with sweet potatoes and avocado.
I ended up choosing the other piece for the table center and placing this block on the dresser. Now, I’m wanting to change the mirror there, or paint it! More opinions 🙂
And see that couch? This is it’s final season…
I’m getting a new sectional in the fall. I’m ready to peace out with this one.
I changed up the fireplace mantel a bit with some spring flowers as well.
A weekend of food photographer, camera cleaning, and paperwork all on the table…
and the after…
My table definitely gets used.
Kyle stopped at the store and picked up some groceries after the gym on Sunday night. He was making dinner! woo!
Kyle makes THE BEST wings! He bakes them in the oven and they are so crispy.
Coating (1/2 cup rice flour + 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda) You could use regular flour too. Kyle usually adds powdered buffallo seasoning into his coating mix as well. You could use any seasonings you’d like.
Into the oven they go at 350 for about 13 minuts on each side.
He takes them out and adds the sauce, and then puts them in the oven while it’s still warm (but off) for about twenty minutes.
These are better than any restaurant ever.
He had buffalo sauce on his side and mine had a barbeque sauce with a tiny bit of buffalo mixed in as well.
Kyle is going to have to start making dinner more often…
Questions for you!
- What is one of your favorite cleaning products?
- Are you team smoothie, or smoothie bowl?
- Paint the kitchen table or leave it?
Sarisha says
Ohmygosh Ohmyghosh Ohmygosh! I can’t believe you’re posting about the Healthy Alyssa Vegan Bites. I have been eating these almost daily for about 6 months now – they really are DELICIOUS! The only problem is, they can get pretty costly (at $6 for 8 cookies at Wegmans). I have very little experience at “copycat recipes” but I would LOVE to figure out a copycat recipe for these.
So glad you had a great week! – and thanks for the “realness” in your posts!
Taralynn McNitt says
THOSE ARE THE BEST EVER!
Have you looked into the jumbo pack online? It’s 32 cookies! SO MUCH CHEAPER! I will totally try to create a copycat recipe, but it’ll be so hard since they are so good hahaha but I’ll try for sure!!
Meghan says
I am so happy you did this post! I just made the decision to go dairy free about a week ago because I was tired of feeling like crap everytime I ate dairy, so yesterday I did a ton of grocery shopping so I can be fully prepared this week and I was actually going to scour your blog for smoothie bowl recipes haha I’ve found by eliminating dairy I’m eating so many more fruits and veggies, since my go to snacks used to be string cheese, cottage cheese, or chobani. I love smoothies for the conveniece on the go, but if I can sit down I’m totally team smoothie bowl.
My favorite cleaning product is Clorox wipes because I’m a germaphobe and wipe things down all the time during cold and flu season to avoid getting sick. So far it has worked haha.
I think the table would look awesome painted! Your design style is so cute and eclectic, I think it would fit in great!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Meghan!
I have been eating so much fruits and vegetables since going dairy free for my endometriosis. And the plant-based protein powders are so good!
I have the Earthfare brand wipes and they are the best!
and thank you so much!!
Lisa Wilson says
Love the farmhouse dark dining table, dont change it! But i think change the mirror in the living room as the black doesnt go with the glass cabinet. Youre style is lovely!! xx
Taralynn McNitt says
The mirror for sure needs changed! 🙂 thank you for your input!
Kristi says
I say paint the table and the mirror!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Could be fun spring projects!
Kelsey Weissner says
Hi Taralynn! All of your smoothies look so colorful and pretty–almost too pretty to eat haha! I prefer the bowls over a regular smoothie because it’s definitely more fun to eat it that way. I usually do an almond milk, frozen strawberry & banana, and Orgain protein base. Then I’ll top it with blueberries, shredded coconut, flax & chia seeds. So good! I’m so excited you posted the wing recipe! I haven’t eaten chicken in a couple of months and I kind of want to try that recipe now and break my no-chicken streak lol. My favorite cleaning product would probably be my clorox sanitizing wipes. I love to hit the kitchen and bathroom with those bad boys as much as I can haha! For your kitchen table—I usually like darker colored wood for furniture, but the sample picture you showed is really pretty! I feel like if you plan on revamping the entire space with new pieces and ideas, you might as well do the table too! Go big or go home! 🙂
I hope you have a great week! Xo Kelsey
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelsey!
Hope you had a great weekend.
I have to agree with you! It really is so much fun to eat them like that. I feel like you can taste them better!
That sounds like the perfect smoothie bowl!
lol any wipes are friends of mine.
I think that may space may be a fun project I could do this spring or summer!
Jill Beemsterboer says
I’m loving the Method cleaning products.
I’m addicted to smoothie bowls. I always call it protein ice cream 🙂
As far as your table, I personally looove the lighter look. I want to sand and restain my dark wood dining table too. I think I watch to much fixer upper!!
Your pups with the pb is adorable. I lieterally did the same thing with my dogs today 🐶🐶
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too! 🙂
lol the chocolate bowls are so similar to ice cream 🙂 (I tell myself that too) haha
LOL ME TOO! It’s my Saturday and Sunday guilty pleasure while blogging and baking.
omg they love their PB!
Shannen says
I love seeing your house coming together! It’s so cute! I definitely would say start with the rug first and see how it looks! You can always paint it later, but you can’t really go back to the look it’s at now..
I LOVE smoothie bowls! I don’t know why, but I never liked drinking smoothies that much. Something about the texture… but I love making bowls and adding all the extra goodies to them!
I don’t know if you’ve heard of/use essential oils, but Young Living has a cleaner made out of their Thieves blend and it works well, is good for you, and it smells amazing! (And it’s safe for humans and dogs!)
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Shannen!
Rug first for sure!:) You’re right!
Less brain freezes, that’s for sure lol
I’ll look into that! thanks!:)
Deanna Perry says
I’ve been using Grove collaborative cleaning products. They are really amazing.
I would paint the table 😉
I showed my husband the smoothie bowls and I am trying them. So good. I already had most ingredients too.
I also recently organized the pantry. One year we got moths in it from having the doors open letting dogs out. It was awful to get rid of them when they lay eggs. So now once a season I wipe the shelves, inspect expire dates and keep all my grains (farrow, quinoa etc) in oxo containers since that is what they gravitate towards. I also painted it this year since it had never been painted.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Deanna!
I think painting the table is going to be a fun little spring project!
OMG that sounds horrifying lol I’ll be keeping my cabinet very clean now lol
Emilee says
Those wings look so good! One of my favorite cleaning products is Scrubbing Bubbles. I don’t think they’re particularly environmentally friendly, but I like that I can spray all the surfaces of my bathroom and by the time I finish, it’s ready to be wiped off in the same order I sprayed it. Right now I’m still team smoothie because I like the convenience. As for your table, I personally like the lighter color. Would you change the chairs if you painted the table?
Taralynn McNitt says
They were amazing!!
lol I have used a lot of scrubbing bubbles in my life. The foam is the best part.
I’d change the chairs for sure!
Kam says
I’m proud of you for exploring yoga more. It changed my life three years ago!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Kam!
Hannah Schwartz says
I love the Young Living Thieves all purpose cleaner! It cleans everything and anything!
I definitely am a smoothie bowl girl. I love to make a protein smoothie bowl with frozen banana, vega sport protein, ice, and the special ingredient xanthan gum to thicken it! Of course it is topped with peanut/almond butter and cacao chocolate sauce (cacao powder, water or oil, and stevia).
I didn’t read the writing before I saw the picture of the dining table and absolutely fell in love with it. It is so bright and seemed to open up their space well. I think if it matches with your homes colors, definitely go for it! Sometimes a little light is all we need to completely change a room. A rug sounds like a great idea too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, then I definitely need that.
That sounds like a delicious smoothie bowl. I never would have thought to use xanthan gum to thicken it! So creative!
I think I’m really leaning towards painting it! I mean, if it goes bad, I’ll just build a new one with my dad! 😀 haha
xo have a great week.
Tanya Rausch says
I do love Meyers. Also love young loving oils. Thieves cleaner. I have never had a smoothie bowl. But I’m thinking I have to make one. Your bowls look so delicious. I love the painted table. With some distress
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Tanya!
I love the distress too! I learned how to do it in the woodworking class 🙂
I’m taking note with all of these cleaning supply suggestions.
It’s just so fun to eat it in a bowl lol
xo
Dana says
Mr Clean magic erasers; they work so well on sinks, bathroom walls and the white part of your sneakers!
I’m a smoothie in glass girl, easier to have when getting ready.
I’m a fan of dark wood so I say leave it. I once refinished a dresser to a light finish and ended up taking it back to dark a year later.
PS- glad Kyle shared his wing recipe, it always looks so good when you post photos.
Taralynn McNitt says
OMG I forgot about those! They were the BEST for my shower and tub! I never thought to use them on sneakers!
Yes, I like the convenience of the smoothie, but when I have nothing going on around me, bowl allllllday.
His wings are so good. He’s making them again this weekend! 🙂 We are going to do four flavors!
Caily says
Your smoothie bowls look better than the cafes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Well thank you!
Becca says
Hi Tatalynn,
What did you use to finish your farm table? I love how shiny it looks!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Becca! I used polyurethane!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Love the recaps, Taralynn! ❤️❤️
Always so colourful! 🙂 Stay happy! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine!!
Jessie says
I watched Sex and The City on Sunday too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol LOVE the series:D
Emily says
I love your style! Come do my house?
Taralynn McNitt says
lol of course 😉 & thank you!
Anonymous says
Your dogs crack me up! I can’t give my doodle jars like that because she shoves her whole snoot in and just ends up with a face full of peanut butter! Practically impossible to get out! I love all your spring decor 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha! That is so funny! Luckily they are too big to fit their whole heads in it! 😀
Blair says
I love the smell of the method cleaning products this weekend I just bought the floor cleaner in almond, house smelled so good!
I haven’t jumped in the smoothie bowl bandwagon yet.
The table I think you should go lighter with! I prefer accents that are dark and everything else light keeps the room light over all. Too much dark makes me depressed.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! Love that smell.
When you do, you won’t stop 🙂
I think a light table will look good too! especially since I have dark floors!
Linda @ the Fitty says
I love these kind of posts! Hearing about your day, your week, and what she’s been up to. Sounds like this week has been pretty chill with the blogging, morning yoga and walks? I think it’s also interesting how they have the advanced yoga class before the beginners yoga class over at your studio, huh?
Taralynn McNitt says
They have all sorts of different classes available 🙂
Haley says
Post those lemon balls girl~
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I will!!
Danielle says
Hi Taralynn,
My absolute favorite cleaning product is the Lysol lemon kitchen cleaner! I love the way it smells! It may not be the best for the environment, but it’s such a great cleaner and smells amazing! Also, I see so many people telling you to use YL Thieves essential oil cleaner, which I’ve heard such wonderful things about, but I know you have a cinnamon allergy and I do too. My sister uses Thieves in her hometo clean and I used her hand sanitizer once and my hands broke out really badly. I know you can eat cinnamon, but not let it touch your skin, so be extremely cautious if you try it and maybe wear gloves! 🙂
I’ve never had a smoothie bowl, but you got me hooked on smoothies about 5 years ago, so I’m heading to the store this afternoon as soon as I get off work to get more smoothie ingredients to try my first bowl. They look incredible and I can’t wait to try one tonight!
I say leave the table! I love a dark kitchen table and I love the contrast of the dark table with the light walls!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Danielle!
Thanks so much for giving me the heads up! It’s crazy that I can eat cinnamon, but if it gets on my skin I’m done for! And it amazes me that you remember little things like that about me! 🙂 Makes me smile! lol
Omg please let me know what you think of the smoothie bowl!
Thanks for the input!
Have a great week! xo
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
Haha I used to think the SAME thing about smoothie bowls! I thought it was so ridiculous and trendy. And then I tried it… 100% converted. There SO GOOD. I think one of the best things is that you can load it up with all the yummy toppings! And even when I’m not taking pics of mine for the blog, I STILL make them look pretty. You eat with your eyes first!
I DIE over pygmy goats.One time I saw this guy walking his pet pygmy goat and it had on a tiny sweater and I just about lost it. SO cute.
To be honest, our favorite cleaning ‘product’ is a mixture of vinegar and water! It’s completely chemical free, won’t irritate your body, and WORKS. If we need to really scrub, we throw some baking soda down first. It leaves everything sparkly clean and wipes out germs. TRY IT. There are way too many sketchy chemicals out there these days!
Paint it! I adore the white look. It makes everything so bright and beautiful!
And you’re seriously inspiring me to get back into yoga. For a whole year I was doing it almost daily and then I completely fell off (partly because it’s so pricey). But you’re right, it’s SO worth it!
Idk why, but this post made me so happy and motivated this morning. Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
Lol converted as well! 🙂 I love adding the toppings!!!
OMG THEY ARE THE CUTEST AND SO ARE THE LITTLE LAMBS!!!
I usually add lemon and baking soda to vinegar for cleaning!
I am three seconds away from saying yes to paint!
Do it!! do it1 😀
Thanks so much for reading!!!!! Have a great week 😀
Nicole says
You should open a restaurant!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol thats a dream
Andrea says
I watch cleaning YouTube videos sometimes. It’s inspiring. I like to watch How Jen Does It. I usually go crazy cleaning after watching. Maybe you could do a video? It’s interesting to see how others clean or organize and pick up a few tips.
Taralynn McNitt says
That could be interesting! lol I get into super cleaning mode! But im also good at making messes 🙂
Jenna says
I love the table as is! Love the dark color. Yoga is life! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank Jenna!:D
Jenna says
My favorite cleaning products are Mrs. Meyers all purpose cleanser (in basil or lemon verbena) and the method toilet bowl cleaner (in mint, it smells like toothpaste but it’s actually great).
Definitely paint the table!!
I’ve never had a smoothie bowl but I wrote down your recipes and now I’m excited to try them!
Two questions – what do you use for the chocolate drizzle you mentioned? & for the ginger water, do you soak the ginger root for 6 hours?
Oh and I gave my pup a PB jar and she knew it was good, but wasn’t exactly sure how to get the PB out, so maybe we will try that again soon!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love those products!!
🙂 really leaning towards doing it!
If you’re going to do chocolate, melt it with a little coconut oil in the microwave! 🙂
hahaha that is so funny! My dogs go right in!
Ashton says
Yum! I have been obsessed with making wings lately, we got an air fryer and it has been a game changer! I definitely recommend getting one. I am most definitely team smoothie! I love acai bowls but really only in the summertime, smoothie bowls just remind me of yogurt which I’m not a huge fan of. Right now my breakfast of choice is either oatmeal with berries and bananas or avocado toast topped with red pepper flakes and Trader Joe’s Everything but the bagel seasoning. Sometimes I’ll even throw an over easy egg on it and let the yolk run all over it. I am also team leave the table as is. I think it’s so pretty in the dark tone!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ashton!
We use Kyle’s roomates air fryer and it’s awesome!
mmmmm I love avocado toast!
🙂 so so thanks for the input!
Ashley Young says
Everything but the Bagel seasoning is LIFE.
Madeline says
1.What is one of your favorite cleaning products? Hmmm… I guess Clorox (or any brand) wet wipes because I can quickly disinfect high traffic areas (doorknobs!) and use them for wiping counters at the end of the day. Sometimes if I’m lazy, I’ll use those to wipe the toilet, lid, and bowl if I don’t feel like using the toilet cleaner (because then you have to get out the cleaner to use, let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub with a brush then wash the brush before putting it away).
2.Are you team smoothie, or smoothie bowl? I’ve never tried a smoothie bowl so I can’t compare They look beautiful so I’d like to try one soon! Maybe when it gets warmer outside.
3.Paint the kitchen table or leave it? This is difficult. I prefer a “boho” style with dark wood, white walls, lots of house plants (and dreamcatchers/macramé like you have in the spare bedroom I think) vs. the traditional farmhouse whitewashed/distressed look, but that’s completely personal. Here’s what I would do: keep the table and bench dark, paint walls white or light gray, different rug and curtains. If you prefer the white and shades of tan look, I’d paint the table and bench like the picture you posted. This probably doesn’t help at all but both styles are pretty… just depends what you like.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Madeline!
*Oh, I use those wipes to clean the toilet lids daily! lol I’m a weirdo!
*I can’t wait for it to get warm here again! Feels like winter!
*Thanks for your input! It’s always interesting and helpful to hear everyone else’s thoughts and ideas!
Casandra Reyes says
PAINT THE TABLE!!!!! It would look so gorgeous in your house and with the style you have going on. I definitely can’t wait to see what you do with it and the new couch you get this fall/ Your current one looks so comfy though and I love the color. I’ve always been a team smoothie person but wouldn’t mind trying a smoothie bowl. My niece is team smoothie bowl and hers always look so good too!
For your frozen fruit do you buy it from the store frozen or buy the produce fresh and freeze it yourself at home?
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY Taralynn! you are my absolute favorite blogger ever!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Cassandra!
Thanks! I just might 🙂 I do love this couch but it’s four years old and has been through HELL with the dogs lol The back on the giant part is also broke (hidden by pillows) so it’s ready to go!!! I may hold off and put it upstairs, but we’ll see!
Smoothie bowls are a great way to get little kids to eat them!
A mixture of both! I’ll buy the blackberries and raspberries in the freezer section because you save a ton of money! If my food in the freezer is going bad, I’ll freeze it right away for smoothies!
AND THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Lea says
How old are your dogs? They are cute. What kind are they?
Taralynn McNitt says
Grumples (white one) is going to be 7 in July! Leo (orange) is going to be 2 in August!
They are both goldendoodles 😀
Brooklyn says
Ooooh both tables are so nice! Personally I love it dark though. I just prefer dark wood.
Your home is so beautiful. I am so happy for you. I’ve been following along since Undressed Skeleton and you have done so amazing for yourself. Proud reader!
Also, I used to hate kale but suddenly the last two weeks I have become obsessed, so I’ll soon be trying your kale salad 🙂
Leo’s face with the peanut butter is adorable!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Charity says
I LOVE the farmhouse look as well, along with a little “southern charm” incorporated. My husband and I are currently in the process of drawing up a house plan so we can build in the near future. I am SO excited… I have way too many ideas in my head! 😉 Also, I think you should totally go with the lighter table if you want, I think it’s so pretty! My style has changed from darker type furniture to light and bright in the past couple of years. I’m ready to update my furniture as well. Loved the post as always! ♥
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charity!
I’m really thinking the light table too!
Jennifer says
My whole life I’ve been using the “bad for you” cleaning products like scrubbing bubbles, windex, etc. However, I wanted to try the Method products at Target and I’m happy to hear that you like them! I will have to give them a try as I need to stock up on more products!!
I’m team both 🙂 I LOVE the styling/decoration/whatever you want to call it of your bowl! So vibrant I love it!!! I have to start making my own. I just bought a Ninja blender at Target (on sale, brand new, with the food processor and two individual cute for only 98 bucks! Score! My other, cheaper blender was dying on me…) and now I want to use it all the time!!
That’s a tough decision… I would say leave it? I LOVE dark wood, but I also really like white pieces. It’s either one or the other for me haha! No matter what you decide, I’m sure it will turn out looking fabulous!
Taralynn McNitt says
Girl, scrubbing bubbles is still my jam. I use it on my toilets because I need something to kill off everything.
Team both too!!! Kyle has the Vitamix so I’m just waiting until we live together so I can use it lol
Thanks for the input!! 😀
Kasey says
The smoothie bowls look great!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Kasey!
Georgie says
Did I see you at hobby lobby Sunday?
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t think they are open on Sundays lol so I don’t think so!
Shannon says
Where do you get your bowls? The blue ones?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hobby Lobby!
Patricia L says
I use thieves cleaner from young living oils on almost everything so it’s probably my favorite cleaner. However… I found out spray sunscreen takes black sharpie off leather car seats so that’s definitely a favorite of mine after challenger had an accident. Amazing what a two year old can accomplish in 30 seconds… wish I had his energy!
I love smoothie bowls but enjoy them much more in the summer when I’m able to get fresh fruits. I don’t like frozen fruits as much.. might be the brands I’ve bought in the past. We have a berry farm minutes away where you pick your own strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Amazing. Truly amazing.
The table is a hard choice…. if it were ME in MY house I would say leave it brown…. but everything you show in your house seem light and bright and I think the white washed look would look awesome in there! I said go for it. If worse comes to worse you could always sand it down and refinish it again and make it brown. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Patricia!
Woah! That is some powerful sunscreen!! lol
That sounds amazing! I can’t wait until it’s strawberry season here! 😀 We have a whole festival for it.
You’re totally right about the table! And I could always just build anther one with my dad lol
Courtney says
favorite cleaning products- a steam mop. I have the Shark steam mop, and after buying it 3 years ago, have not once put any chemical on my floor. It’s amazing, and does such a great job at getting my floors clean and shiny. Bonus : You put the steam mop rag in the washing machine to clean, so less waste! For my counters, stainless steel stove, and pretty much everywhere else in my kitchen, I use e-cloths. Theyre fairly inexpensive on amazon, and they work great! Again, only using water, they get rid of all bacteria, they don’t scratch, and you can re-use them!
Taralynn McNitt says
I LOVE THE STEAM MOP!
Catherine says
GURL. That waffle is looking SCRUMPTIOUS. Is it filled with some fruit or something? It looks absolutely delicious and I want it so bad!
Taralynn McNitt says
Nope!!! They are the Vans!
Ann says
Leave the table dark! It’s so beautiful and natural, you have so many other lighter things that it’s such a nice contrast!
Are you posting the lemon balls soon? I can’t wait! Mmmmmm! 🍋
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ann! Thanks so much for your input! 🙂
I will post them soon!! xo
Natalija says
Leo’s face when he got that empty peanut butter jar is just a phenomenal expression of pleasure :))) I like Method cleaning products,too,but their range is smaller in the UK for some reason. Seems like we’re missing out on a lot of stuff here, just like those personalized vitamins you were telling about in another recap.
Team smoothie bowl since getting inspired by your method of topping! Your photos usually are gorgeous,but the ones you posted in this recap are just masterpieces.Colourful,vibrant,simply gorgeous. Well done!
I think your kitchen table is gorgeous, so maybe just leave it as it is? Can’t wait for those homemade lemon blueberry muffins,super,super excited as I love lemon more than any other flavour and the combination with blueberry is my favourite,too.Have a lovely day and best wishes from England.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Natalija!
Lol it’s pure love with the peanut butter jar!
Guess you need to move to U.S. 😉 haha
AND THANK YOU! I’ve been practicing with my new camera!
Thanks for your input!! 🙂
Stephanie Doyle says
Hey lady! Clorox wipes for the win!!
Question: how do you keep your house dirt/mud free with your dogs? I can see they get up on your furniture/bed. AND you have light rugs and bedding. I have three dogs, live on a farm, and they are allowed anywhere they want. How do you keep things clean?? How do you keep your rugs and bedding looking so nice? How often do you bathe your dogs (and omg if you do, how do you keep from destroying the bathroom when they shake off)? So many questions, lol!
Also, I’m interested in getting the protein powder you use. Is there a certain reason you landed on this brand/flavor? Thank you so much! You are inspiring me to live a healthier lifestyle!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love wipes! 🙂
My dogs (if it’s dirty or wet outside) have a routine when they come inside after walking! They sit on rug by the door, and they stay until I wash each paw with a towel. Luckily, they don’t get dirty often, but they are no strangers to a paw bath! I only use my guest bedroom bathroom to wash them. I dry them off with a towel and make sure to scrub the wet floors and walls when they shake off. In the summer, I’ll actually those them down outside.
I make sure to clean my bedding every two weeks and use my upholstery steamer to clean the couches and rugs if they do get muddy.
The taste is the best! And I love the nutritional value.
Anonymous says
Hey girl!
My favorite cleaning product is a tie between clorox wipes and Mr. Clean’s magic erasers!
I am 100% team smoothie bowl! It feels more like a meal than drinking a smoothie (yay extra toppings!)
I like dark tables and keeping the rest of the room decor light, but either way I’m sure it will look good in your house! You are so creative and can actually pull off DIY projects, so I’m sure the lighter color will look great!
Side note, I saw you are contemplating veganism. My fiance and I made the change last summer and we have felt so good since! It can be a little challenging sometimes when you are looking to go out with friends, but not impossible especially in a city. We found that we have been more adventurous in trying out new recipes (yay Thai and Indian!). If you are looking to learn more about a plant-based/ vegan diet there are some good documentaries to watch on Netflix. I would recommend Forks Over Knives or Food Matters! Another fun one is Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (that one’s about juicing though, but the Australian guy has a good sense of humor). Even if you don’t want to make the change, it’s interesting to learn about the health and environmental benefits! I appreciate when you make vegan recipes, or offer ways to make your recipes vegan!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol those are both great cleaning products!!
The extra toppings are the best!!! I love the crunches.
I can’t ALWAY pull them off hahaha!!
Thanks for the recommendations!! I love eating more plant-based foods when I can 🙂
Kayla says
I know this sounds silly and has nothing to do with your questions. I want to tell you that reading your blog has really helped me over the last few months. I know you have gone through several breakups and have been open about those on this blog. I recently went through a break up wit someone after 3 years. We owned a home together and he had a child (3.5 years old) that I helped to raise since she was just a baby. I’m terrified of starting over and what the future holds. I just bought a home for myself and am working step by step to move on. It’s been so helpful to read about someone who has been through hard break ups and has picked herself up and has looked at everything so positively. It makes me see that I’m going to enjoy living alone and with the help of some great friends I can start over and make my life what I want it to be.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kayla!
That actually just made my day. Thank you for taking the time to be kind and drop me that note.
Breakups are not fun, but only good can come from them. I have came out on top after every breakup, and they just made me stronger. I have no doubt that you’ll be stronger because of this. Focus on you, your daughter, and how you can grow! Do things that make you happy, selfish things, and when you’re stressed, go out on a walk and listen to a podcast. I love doing that. Things happen for a reason, and if I never would have gone through those breakups, I would have never found, Kyle. He’s unlike anyone I have ever met and I can’t believe I’ve lived so long without him. You’re going to find that one day, but for now, enjoy this new and excited lifestyle with your little girl!
casey says
Paint the table! I think it would look awesome!
Taralynn McNitt says
I might do that soon!
Emily says
I am definitely Team Smoothie Bowl! You are right on about how much more satisfying it is to sit and eat 🙂 I freeze zuchinni and use that to cut down on on banana and add more veg. They blend up super creamy and have no taste. I use about half as much liquid so I don’t have to put them back in the freezer, aka can eat them faster haha 🙂 just have to use a spatula to keep it moving sometimes!
I have to try those dates, look amazing!
I love love love that you are trying so many vegan products! There are so many amazing options these days 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
woooo for team smoothie bowl!
I love adding zucchini to my smoothies too, especially my matcha ones!
Yes, I’m loving it too! It’s fun to step out of the box 😀