Good morning & happy Monday!
I’m usually a morning person, but I’m still feeling groggy after my first cup of coffee. I’m happy it’s an overcast day because I plan on writing from bed this morning. Maybe I’ll find the motivation to go for a bike ride later. I was up around 5:45 am because the pups were ready for their walk. I don’t mind walking them super early because it’s nice and cool outside for them. We usually do a couple of miles around the neighborhood. I love starting my day with a long walk because it allows me to set goals for the day and enjoy the outdoors without any technology. The dogs rely on the same morning routine as well, and they start acting weird throughout the day if things change.
I had a great week. I spent a lot of time at home cleaning out closets, trying to declutter, and focusing on work. I set a record and wrote six blog posts in four days. Those will all be launched soon! This was also a special week because it was the first week Kyle and I spent together as ”roommates.” Kyle and I are officially living together, and it feels good to have him here. After a couple of years of dating, it finally felt like a good time, and recent life changes made a move a no-brainer. Maybe further down the road, I can do a post on transitioning into living together. But right now, we are settling in and just enjoying each others company 😊 a
Today is also a special day because it’s Mr. Grumple’s 7th birthday! 😮 We plan on taking him on a little trip this weekend and celebrating together. I can’t believe he’s 7! 💜 
After writing last Monday’s recap post, I made a refreshing smoothie for breakfast. My smoothie had cashew milk, ice, frozen strawberries, vanilla Orgain protein powder, and topped with figs and pistachios. 
Later on, for lunch, I had a delicious “random” plate. I sauteed brussels sprouts with sesame oil, sesame seeds, sea salt, and pistachios. I also had slices of avocado, two eggs, and a fire-roasted red pepper chicken sausage. The Applegate fire-roasted red pepper chicken sausages are so tasty!
Later Monday evening, I stopped at the store to pick up a new candle for my room and then headed to the grocery store to pick up some food to prep for the week. After walking the dogs, I started prepping a bunch of tasty foods! 
One of my favorite foods to keep in the house all week is egg cups. I grease a muffin pan and then pour in eggs, cooked sweet potatoes, vegetables, and then bake for about fifteen minutes at 375. They are so easy to reheat and eat on the go. These egg cups help me eat more protein in the morning.
I made roasted carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. I usually eat them as sides or add them cold to salads. I also made turkey burgers, baked chicken, protein pancakes, fresh fruit, and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. The protein pancakes are just one cup of Birch Blender paleo pancake mixed with one cup of protein powder and one and a half cups of almond milk.
I skipped out on watching The Bachelorette last Monday because it’s so boring. The drama they are trying to create is so pathetic, so I’ll maybe tune back in tonight. It’s better when it gets down to the final three.
After my Tuesday morning dog walks, I had two egg cups, fresh fruit, and a cup of coffee.
I spent the whole day creating and shooting new recipes that I can’t wait to share!
For dinner on Tuesday, I had my prepped food. I had roasted vegetables, chicken, and a turkey burger (tastes way better than it looks.)
This is how they look at me when they’re ready for a walk! How do you say no to a face like that? I ended up taking them to the park to walk Wednesday morning to change things up. It was nice and breezy in the morning, so they loved it.
Wednesday morning was a bit of a fiasco (after the dog walk.)
When you own a home, you have to prepare yourself for things to break and go wrong. My upstairs air conditioner circuit board decided to die, and it wasn’t a pretty price (bleh.) But, that’s life! I spent all afternoon with the repairman going in and out while I worked on my blog.
Leo has a new fear of the ceiling fan. It’s actually cute because he hides behind the pillows and stares up at it. I have some pretty weird and silly dogs.
My mom came over on Wednesday evening, and we went for a four-mile walk around my neighborhood.
Kyle and I headed out on Wednesday night for a really long dog walk (two in one night = win.) We were excited because the finale of Handmaid’s Tale was released! It was SO GOOD, but always a frustrating feeling afterward. I enjoyed a cup of lemon loaf tea while watching the show. 
For breakfast on Thursday, I had my egg cups with Sabra Taco Inspired hummus! OMG…It was delicious, and you definitely need to add this hummus to your eggs. It’s a gamechanger.
It was scorching hot out on Thursday, but I went out to explore and shoot some new photos for upcoming posts. I also stopped to get a couple of serves in at the tennis court. I’m mind blown because I found a beach park not even a half-mile from my house! I can’t believe it’s been here this entire time and I’ve never found/heard of it. I know where I’ll be going this week…
I can’t wait to start riding my bike there and taking a swim! 
I don’t recommend playing tennis in flip-flops. 😒 
Blackberries are in season right now here in South Carolina, and I can’t get enough! I stopped out at Bush n Vine to pick up some fresh blackberries for the week. I’m thinking about making a delicious blackberry pie later today! 
And it wouldn’t be a complete day without stopping at Southern Sugar for an oat milk latte in Fort Mill.
I had so many questions about my shoes on Instagram! They are from Old Navy and come in six different colors! They are so comparable, and suede cross-strap slides 🙂 You can find them here!
My jeans are from Target (but not sold online yet.) The striped shirt is also from Target for $8.00! I love a good v-neck with the front pocket.
Picnic basket details (here)
I don’t wear makeup often, and my skin always acts up when I do! I make sure to wash my face as soon as I get home and then apply a Charcoal mask to moisturize and clean out my pores. I use the Clinique Charcoal mask.
I was in bed by 8:30 pm, started working a bit, and fell asleep after watching Southern Charm. Ugh, that show is the jam!
For breakfast on Friday, I had a delicious smoothie inspired by the acai smoothie I had in Kona. This smoothie had frozen blackberries (fresh from the farm), almond milk, ginger, spirulina, acai powder, vanilla again, and ice. 
After finishing up a final write-up for the week, I met up with my mom to walk. I was craving a Panera salad, so I picked one up on my way home! I always get the Apple Fuji salad with extra chicken, no cheese, added kale, add avocado, egg, and mandarins! It’s so tasty.
I thought I would be in for the night, so around 5:30, I showered, made some popcorn topped with CVS snacks, and turned on a movie. I’ll usually edit recipe photos while watching movies as a way to relax. When Kyle got home from work, he wanted to play tennis! I never turn down tennis, and my new racket came in the mail Friday morning, so I figured it would be good to break it in and try it out before the Saturday morning tourney.
I’m in love with my new racket (I will post more on this later!) I’m actually writing up a beginner’s guide to tennis for those looking to start playing! We played until 9 PM and then took the backcountry roads home. 
Sometimes, I get an urge to make things. I decided to make some energy balls to keep around the house for the weekend!
I made Chocolate Power Bombs and Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Bombs! THEY ARE SO GOOD!!!!!!
They are high protein, vegan, dairy-free, low carb, and filled with healthy fats. 
I was up bright and early on Saturday morning to walk the boys for two miles and play tennis with the group!
I decided to have a bowl of coconut milk yogurt with protein powder for a light breakfast before heading out. 
I’m so glad I brought these protein bombs! We ended up warming up for about thirty minutes and playing for an additional 3 1/2 hours! 
Kyle slept in on Saturday and went to the gym instead of tennis. It was so cute when he sent me this snap of him and the dogs. ♥️ 
I was exhausted after tennis but so proud of the way I played. My new racket has made a big difference.
I stopped at Whole Foods on the way home to pick up groceries and some trail mix as a treat.
I had THE BEST lunch combo when I got home!
I topped fresh tomatoes with smashed avocados, dairy-free tuna salad (from whole foods), black pepper, and paprika! I think I’ll be eating this combo all week.
I needed an afternoon pick-me-up like ASAP. I decided to try out the new Califa Farms barista-style almond milk with my Nespresso, and it was surprisingly delicious! I’m not a huge almond milk person when it’s warm, but this was thick and creamy! I have new pods coming soon, so I’ll let you know which flavors I like!
Kyle wanted to play tennis on Saturday night. I was exhausted, but as I said, it’s so hard for me to turn down tennis.
We played best often, and our games went on forever! I was a total tomato face after playing! (yeah, I won 😉 )
When I got home, I showered while Kyle walked the dogs and then had my leftover Panera salad. We decided to start a new show called Sharp Objects on Saturday night. We only watched one episode, but it’s good so far. It’s a creepy/thriller with Amy Adams. It reminds me of the show True Detective. If you’re looking for a new show, definitely watch it. 
After walking the dogs on Sunday morning, I had two eggs with tomatoes topped with mashed avocado. I also had one of my chocolate powerbombs! I spent the whole morning and early afternoon on the computer working and planning some upcoming things. 
I’m really trying to downsize my closet, and it’s looking really empty right now, which is exactly what I’m trying to go for. I decided to take a couple of loads to my neighbor. She’s heavily involved with her church, and they donate them to shelters around Charlotte. 
Kyle and I took the dogs to the park last night, and they had more fun playing on the playground than in the dog park!
My week was simple, but definitely a good one! I can’t wait to catch up and chat with all of you!
Questions for you!
- What is something that you have a hard time saying “no” to?
- Are you enjoying the blackberries this time of year?
- What was the highlight of your weekend?
Blackberry picking looks so fun! I wish I could do that here in Hong Kong (just buying boxed blackberries is enough of a dent on the wallet, since they’re imported as we can’t grow them here!)! 🙁 The cherries, lychee and longan this time of the year are SO sweet though, so that makes up for it! 🙂
The highlight of my weekend was going out with my besties! We have monthly dinner dates and I love them so much 💕
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Yes, you can’t go wrong with cherries or lychees!
Sounds like you had a great weekend!
I have a hard time saying no to SALES! I often overbuy everything when I don`t need it all.
I feel ya!
1) I have a hard time saying no to chocolate. :p And my beagle’s cute face, of course.
2) I enjoy all kinds of berries this time of year.
3) We went to England to celebrate my cousin’s wedding. That was very nice. 🙂
Hahaha I can’t say no to my pups either!
Agree, they are the best and so fresh right now!
What a fun weekend!
xo
I haven’t had blackberries this summer, but I have been chowing down on cherries and peaches this month.
Also, I loooove Panera salads. I crave them all the time. My favorite is the Green Goddess.
Also loving that tomato + avocado + tuna salad combo. Will definitely need to try that out.
Have a great week!
MMMMMMM Cherries are my weakness!! I need to NOT buy them lol
I haven’t had the green goddess but I hear about it all the time!
It’s soooooooo delicious!!
Congratulations on a big step in your relationship! How exciting!! I have a hard time saying no to going shopping haha I don’t always buy stuff, window shopping or helping friends pick things out is fun too! I’m the type of person that will even grocery shop with a friend if they ask. I love blackberries, I definitely need to pick some up this week. When I was growing up we had bushes in the backyard and they were the best! The highlight of my weekend was just relaxing and going with the flow. We didn’t have any real plans so we just did what we felt like doing the whole weekend which was nice. I also got some new running shoes and tried them out Saturday which was great!
Thanks, Meghan!
Sounds like you love shopping 😀
Going with the flow is a great way to spend the weekend!
Always a great day when you get new running shoes! I just ordered new tennis shoes, so I can’t wait to try them out!
Have a great week, Meghan!
xo
I have a hard time saying “no” to ice cream! Haha. The blackberries are good, but I’m LOVING peaches right now. Your pics at the blackberry farm with all those zinnias are so cute!
Question- how do you season your turkey burgers? I usually go with garlic and onion powder, but have seemed very blah lately.
Haha because it’s so good!
That farm is my favorite and I want the zinnias all around my house!!
I’ll add 1 egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, low sodium/gf soy sauce, and cumin!
So many things to comment on!
First of all I LOVE Southern Charm…it’s so addictive…I HATE Ashley though lol.
And I totally am liking this season of the Bachelorette! After they got rid of Jordan all the guys have seemed really sweet….when she sent home Wills it was so sad!
And I’ll have to check out Sharp Objects, I read the book and it was one of those reads where it was impossible to put down!
Hi, Patricia (MISS, PATRICIA!!!) hahaha (southern charm ref!)
Ugh…Ashley is making Kathryn look REAL good right now! She’s a psychopath narcissist!!!
It got better last night! I like when they get down to the final four and do the hometowns. I hate the silly little dates/drama they create. I’m actually ready for BIP!!
I had no idea it was a book! I should have read it first!
I read Sharp Objects a couple years ago so I’m excited to watch the show. Also I finished Then She Was Gone last night. So good!
I’ll look into that!
Hey Taralynn, congrats on your moving in with Kyle. You seem like such a sweet couple. Going through a very painful split right now has me feeling very sad and like I may never be able to trust anyone ever again. Seeing you two gives me hope that there are actually good guys out there.
I did get the pooch though (jakethebernedoodle) so there’s that.
Thanks for writing this blog. You’re positive spirit is helpful.
Thanks, Mary!
So sorry you’re going through a rough time right now. I’ve been there, but it does get better. Those emotions and feels WILL pass and better things/people will enter your life! And it’s OK to be sad as well. There really are amazing people on this earth, but focus on you right now. AND YOUR NEW PUP!! ♥️
I am so happy Kyle moved in with you! Seeing you so happy is so wonderful!! I have followed your blog since the beginning so I feel like we are friends even though we don’t know each other hahaha
1. I have the hardest time saying no to getting coffee! When my friends text me for a coffee date I always say yes even if I have already had 3 cups that day. I am a sucker for being in a coffee shop.
2. I haven’t enjoyed any blackberries yet but my farmer’s market has THE BEST blueberries right now that I can’t seem to get enough of.
3. The highlight of my weekend was hanging out with the guy I’m seeing. You know when you just do random errands like go to the grocery or return something to Target but its like 132423 times more exciting when you do those things with someone you like!! It was just so great getting to hangout and do everyday things.
Have the best week!!1 <3
Awww, thank you, Anastasia!!
Lol, you can’t say “no” to coffee. It’s pretty dang impossible!!
mmmm you can’t go wrong with blueberries, EVER!!
awww sounds exciting!! A guy willing to go to Target? Sounds like a keeeeeeper!!!!
Happy Birthday, Grumples!
Thanks, Silva!
Awww Leo is so cute hiding from the fan! I wish we had pick-your-own berry farms in Colorado but I think it’s too sunny and hot here for them to grow so I resort to buying them packaged. I ended up with a ton of blueberries this weekend but no blackberries sadly.
Lol, he’s a silly boy!
I think the blackberries start to grow around August and September in Colorado! Look out for those 🙂
Blueberries are ALWAYS good!!
Where is your headboard from
My dad and I built it.
I have a hard time saying no to traveling! My boyfriend is a pilot and whenever he goes somewhere fun or suggest going somewhere for the weekend I can’t say no! I love it!
I haven’t had any blackberries yet this year but I definitely want to try some soon!
I spent this weekend in Austin with my best friend and we had such a blast! It was our first time in Texas and we ran around the city doing absolutely everything we could!
I love that you and Kyle moved in together! I can’t wait to hear more about it! And tennis sounds like a blast! Can’t wait for the post!
Lo, that’s not a bad thing to say “yes” to! Plus, if your boyfriend is a pilot…sounds like a fun and inexpensive way to travel together!
Austin is on my list of places to visit!! Let me know if you have recommendations!
Have a great week!
Definitely! Lazarus was a really fun brewery we went to for lunch one of the days! There’s a bar called “Garage” that’s literally hidden away in a parking garage (such a gem) and of course Zilker park was a blast! My friend and I drove out to Enchanted rock though and that was a big highlight of my weekend. It was absolutely gorgeous and a fairly easy hike! If you go in the morning the heat doesn’t bother you at all!
Taking notes!!!! Thank you!!!
Quick question! Where did you get your headboard? Super random, but I’ve been trying to find a good one 🙂
Hi, Beth!
Thank you 🙂
My dad and I built it, actually!
You can find some good plans on Pinterest!
YAY! It’s a little bit weird how happy I was to hear that you and Kyle moved in together haha, but I remember when Ben and I moved in together a couple of years ago and it was just SO NICE to not have to wait until the weekend to see him. I’m so happy for you guys!
And I was dying over the pic of Leo hiding from the fan. He’s so cute! I can’t believe Grumples is going to be 7!!
French fries… I literally can never say no to french fries haha. Serious weakness over here.
LOVE allllllll the berries during the summer. It’s seriously one of my favorite parts about this seasons because I can buy all the berries I want to without going broke!
The highlight of my weekend was going to visit the new house my parents just bought. They found their dream house and I’m just so happy for them because they’ve worked so hard and they get to enjoy that and their gorgeous new home!
Hi, Susie!
Yes, I think that is the best part! We used to have to wait until Friday nights to see each other and the week was so long! Now, we can do our nightly dog walks together and maybe go to the gym together in the evenings! Just the small things 🙂
Lol Leo has a new “thing” every week! This week, it’s the fan!
Who says no to “fries”?? haha
Awwww sounds amazing!! Congrats to your parents !
What was the name of the hotel you stayed at in Jackson County?
We stayed at the Balsam Mountain Inn!
Here is the post 🙂 https://simplytaralynn.com/2017/11/10/jackson-county-gem-waiting-discovered/
I can’t wait for your tennis post!
Thanks, Alison
Do you just buy clothes a lot?
I actually do not. I think I’ve bought one outfit in the past month. I’m just trying to get rid of all the clothes I don’t wear, and my parents had a lot of clothes in their attic from my earlier days! I went through them and got rid of those as well.
I think it’s great you keep most of your relationship details off your blog. Many bloggers exploit their kids and significant others for affiliate links and likes. Continue to do you!
Thank you, Sherri!
What is something that you have a hard time saying “no” to?
Commitments. I’m quite curious and like adventures so whenever someone proposes some activity I just say yes. But I really need to learn to manage my time and energy better. It is so much more important to take care of ones own needs than to be at every event possible.
Are you enjoying the blackberries this time of year?
OMG yes, just had some in my breakfast oats. We have them growing in the garden, so delicious!
What was the highlight of your weekend?
I volunteered at a music festival and saw lots of old friends again.
Hi, Vanessa!
Totally understand that. I think learning to say “no” is the best thing you can do when it comes to your time. Sometimes adventures and trips sound so fun, but having some time to relax to yourself is important.
MMM they are so good in oats!!
How fun!! Have a great week!
Where is your bed comforter or duvet from?
It’s actually from Wayfair 🙂 It’s duvet!
https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/under-the-canopy-100-organic-cotton-reversible-duvet-set-utcp1310.html
I love your style! Thanks for sharing the shoe details because I fell in love after you posted them on Instagram!
You’re welcome, Jessica!! They are so comfortable and I love all the colors they come in!
Those blackberries are mouthwatering. I would have a hard time saying no to those!
Lol, I don’t blame you! They are so delicious.
I love that you share how active you are, it’s so encouraging for me to be more active. I usually log 7 or so miles on my fitbit a day, with some jogging in there, but some days are easier than others!
The highlight of my weekend this past weekend was picking my husband up at the airport 😛 He went to Dallas to help his brother move, but I stayed back to chill out– it’s been a very busy month. I also burned through Dear White People this weekend, so that was pretty cool. Highly recommend!
I have a *very* hard time saying no to perfectly ripe mango. Sounds insane, I know, but I just paid $8 last weekend for a small container of it at Whole Foods. It’s relatively hard to get it where I live, but I was up in Virginia Beach after dropping Dave off at the airport on Friday and hadn’t had lunch yet, sooo you know how that goes, lol.
Hi, Krista!
I love to stay active, but in an enjoyable way 🙂 Sounds like you’re getting tons of steps in!
Yay! Glad your husband is home! 🙂
Does not sound insane! I LOVE mango. If you love them, then a trip to Hawaii is worth it. They taste COMPLETELY different there! The freshest ever.
I have a hard time saying “no” to kayaking! Whenever my hubby asks if I want to go, I don’t even think twice about dropping whatever I’m doing.
I’m waiting for my blackberries to ripen so I can start enjoying them! They are still pretty green, but I’m hoping that they will turn soon. And I’m hoping to beat the birds to picking them!
The highlight of my weekend was definitely the beautiful camping weather we had and the time on the water in the boat. We had a blast tubing, water skiing, and swimming. I think I would love for it to be summer all year round…
I need to get a kayak like asap! I live so close to the river, but I don’t know how I’d get back to the starting point. I guess id have to go upriver! lol
ahhh wasn’t done with my comments lol
continuing…
Lol, those birds love the blackberries!! They got to my strawberry plants!
Ahhh I bet that was such a fun camping weekend!!
You should totally get a kayak! We usually drive to a spot upstream, paddle down then pick up the vehicle later… but I bet heading upriver first would be an awesome workout!
I’m thinking if I went alone I’d do upstream! lol
1. I have the hardest time saying no at work when someone suggests going out to lunch………..it just always sounds better than what I packed haha.
2. Yes and PEACHES.
3. I love the weekend routine we have going currently. My boyfriend and I always get up early on Saturday morning, make coffee, and take our dog to group class training. Then when we get back, the dog is exhausted and we make breakfast. I’m a sucker for the little things.
Also, love that Leo is scared of the fan. Our dog is terrified when we kill a bug- it’s like the smacking sound scares him.
Hi, Emily!
I bet it’s also nice to get out of the office! Maybe it’s not even about the food, but the change in environments 😉
MMM Peaches are the best!!! Especially in the Carolinas.
I love the little things too! Routines, coffee, and my pups are all I need to be happy!
OMG that is so funny! Your dog sounds precious! xo xo
I have a hard time saying no in general. I tend to always say yes. Then later, I sometimes think why did I agree to this? Sometimes it’s a bad thing, but I try to help everyone as often as I can.
I actually have not had blackberries yet! I need to go get some! We have a u-pick place like 30 minutes North that I want to go to, but I think it’s just blueberries.
The highlight of my weekend was swim practice. I just started coaching swimming for Special Olympics and I love it.
Lol, I do the same sometimes. Actually, I think that’s a normal thing we ALL do 😉
Ohhh that could be a fun weekend trip, and blueberries are always delicious when fresh.
Wow, that is awesome, Jenna! I bet you’re an awesome instructor and it’s a very rewarding experience!
I plan to teach my boyfriend soon how to play tennis! I played in high school and on and off since. Im Also looking for a group I can join weekly to play! And I LOVE your pink shoes with your jeans and striped V neck! 🙂
Thank you, Emily!!!
Awesome that you’re planning to play tennis with your boyfriend!! Such a fun sport and great way to stay active!!
You look great in those jeans!
Awww, thanks, Olivia!!
Who is your favorite guy on the Bachelor?
I don’t know! I like them/don’t like them evenly! If that makes sense.
Such a fun post! I know all about trying to play tennis in flip flops.. I tried it once too.. no bueno! lol
What is something that you have a hard time saying “no” to? – When people ask me for favors that are super hard for me to do at the moment or when I am stretched too thin and dont even have time for myself!
Are you enjoying the blackberries this time of year? – Yes!! I didnt go picking for them at a farm but my mom planted some bushes in her yard and they are so fresh and sweet! <3
What was the highlight of your weekend? Highlight of my weekend was a beach trip for the day w. friends! We rented a Jeep and drove to a beach in NJ and had a blast.
I hope you have an awesome week girly!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Hi, Katie!
Hahaha not a good idea, ever!
I know how that is! I think saying “no” is so hard. Something we can all work on!
Ahhhh how awesome is that!! Way to go, mom!
Wow!! That sounds like a blast! Sign me up for next time 😉
xo xo xo
I absolutely love blackberries and actually just made blackberry muffins the other day! Very delicious. The highlight of my weekend was that I found my wedding dress! I was able to take it home the same day! It fit like a glove so I won’t need alterations 😁.
I made them yesterday! 🙂
Awww congrats!! I bet you look beautiful in it!
Those muffins you posted on your Instagram story look so good. I came here to stalk the blog for the recipe or ask when you’re posting it!
Posting it today!!!:D
Did you ever get your money back from that groomer? How’s leo?
Hi, Kari!
Leo is doing great, and YES! We got a full refund.
You’re good at tennis.
lol well thanks, catie!!
We loving picking strawberries and peaches!
Delicious!