I had so many people asking if there was going to be a recap post this week. Of course! A little late, but better than never. It always makes me smile knowing that readers enjoy these posts. They aren’t the fanciest of blogs, but I love sharing a little glimpse into my daily life.
The weather this morning was absolutely breathtaking. Before Kyle headed to work, we took a mile walk around the block with the dogs. I almost grabbed a sweatshirt because it was a bit chilly but every time I take a sweatshirt I instantly regret it about five minutes in.
Now that the dogs are walked and I have coffee in my hand, I’m officially ready to start this weekly recap!
Last week felt so off.
You know that feeling you would get as a kid when you were waiting for school to be canceled because of a snow day? I don’t know why, but I had that nostalgic feeling all week. I think it may have been because of all of the hurricane preparation going on. Everyone was rushing around getting everything they needed to prepare for the storm. Even though you couldn’t see it, you knew it was coming.
I had a lot of writing and editing to get done on Monday so I locked myself in the office most of the day. I had an RXBAR and hardboiled eggs for breakfast, and then a protein smoothie for lunch. This smoothie had frozen mixed berries, cashew milk, two scoops vanilla Orgain, and a crumbled no-bake oatmeal breakfast ball on top!
I headed to the gym with Kyle on Monday night for a treadmill walk. I was SO MAD when I got there because I forgot my headphones. That’s the worst! I powered through it and managed to get there very boring miles in. I learned my lesson and will never forget them again 😊
I don’t care who judges me, these kale puffs and broccoli littles are delicious! I was so impressed with Dr. Praeger’s brand. I bought three of their veggie burger products, and so far so good! I wish I would have tried them sooner. We had their puffs for dinner with scrambled eggs.
On Tuesday, after hearing how bad hurricane Florence was going to be, I headed to the store to pick up some things to prepare. I had to go to several stores because everything was swiped off the shelves. I just grabbed some water, snacks, candles, flashlight, batteries, and puzzles. If we were going to lose power, I needed some form of entertainment.
When I got back from the store I had a protein shake with frozen pineapple and mango, orgain protein powder, and cashew milk. The waffle and coffee were from after my morning dog walk. I always have some kind of small breakfast with my coffee in the morning. I’ll sometimes have a frozen waffle, homemade muffin, protein ball, or slice of toast.
A delicious chocolate hazelnut protein ball for the afternoon!
Kyle and I headed to the gym Tuesday night. I did four miles on the treadmill and it went so much better because I had my headphones!
Another lazy dinner night! I had a dairy & gluten free tortilla pizza night! I used a sweet potato BFree wrap as the crust, pizza sauce from the store, Applegate turkey pepperoni, and Daiya mozzarella style shreds. I find that this is the BEST dairy free cheese!
Kyle and I finished watching Jack Ryan while eating dinner. That show is amazing, and definitely in my top favorites! You HAVE to watch it! I didn’t think I was going to like it because it’s not my usual genre, but it was incredible!
For breakfast on Tuesday, I had sauteed zucchini, snow peas, and a six-eggwhite omelet.
I was hungry while working upstairs in the office later in the afternoon, so I cut up and apple with peanut butter, and made a cappuccino.
It was nice to get out of the house and go to the gym on Wednesday. I spent most of the day locked up in the office other than the occasional dog walk.
When we got home, I decided to make some meatballs to keep in the fridge to eat for the rest of the week and weekend. These are my favorite!
In a large bowl, I mix 2 1/2 pounds of ground turkey, one cup of gluten-free bread crumbs, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, black pepper, 1 tsp honey, 2 large eggs, and 2 tbsps of gluten-free soy sauce. I heat pans to medium-high with sunflower oil in the pan and cook each side for about five minutes. I always use a thermometer to determine when they’re done. Some cook faster than others.
I made a batch of crispy carrot fries to have as a side. I can’t get over how delicious these are!
I tossed the carrot sticks in avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper. I baked them for 25 minutes at 450-degrees. I flipped them after fifteen minutes.
Time to have this dinner on repeat!
We had a big sweet tooth after dinner, so I grabbed the Simple Mills Chocolate Chip Cookie Almond Flour Mix box out of the cabinet. Holy Moly, these were incredible!!! I wasn’t expecting them to be so good, but they were. I used sunflower oil, eggs, and almond milk as my mixes.
After dinner and dessert, I got ready for bed, and Kyle and I watched Sinner! (The finale is on tonight!!!)
We kind of love our shows at night 😊
(skipping Thursday because I dind’t take photos of anything!)
The weather was certainly picking up on Friday. I had to be very careful walking the dogs around the trees because the wind was strong.
For breakfast, I made a smoothie bowl. It had frozen mixed berries, plant-based vanilla protein, unsweetened almond milk, ginger powder, and topped with creamy peanut butter, sesame seeds, banana, and granola!
I decided to do an intense power clean on Friday. My deep cleans usually take four hours because I clean, organize, scrub, wash, and wipe every inch of the house. I’m talking floorboards to vents! I’ve been thinking about filming a “clean with me” YouTube the next time I do one of these cleans! It’s a process for sure.
I gave the boys empty peanut butter jars while I was cleaning to keep them happy.
For lunch, I had carrot fries, zucchini, and my turkey meatballs.
I had blueberries in the fridge, so I decided to make my protein lemon and berry muffins in the donut pan! I thought these would be great to have just in case we lost power. I used this recipe, but blueberries instead of blackberries.
Kyle and I went to the gym on Friday night. I didn’t feel like walking, so I just did a circuit. If you go to my Instagram “fitness” highlights, you’ll see a circuit called “back to the gym”, and that’s the one I did!
When I got home, I had leftovers for dinner and a chocolate chip cookie with a little cappuccino. We started watching some strange indie film on Netflix, and I fell asleep at 9 (yes even after drinking caffeine) Anyone else like that?
Saturday was a mess. It was extremely rainy and windy.
I decided to make my pumpkin bars which turned out SOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!!! You’ll definitely want to make those!
I made a protein shake for breakfast before Kyle and I headed out to grab some raincoats for the dogs!
Kyle and I went to six different places to find raincoats for the dogs and finally found them at Dogma and Fetch fifteen miles away in downtown York!
These are definitely an upgrade from Kyle’s garbage bag raincoat he tried to make! 😂
These coats were a little too big, so we’re still looking for the perfect ones! They did keep them dry during the rain. It’s such a pain to have to dry them off after their walks during bad weather, so a raincoat is crucial.
For lunch, I made roasted carrots, kale puffs, and meatballs!
Kyle and I made tortilla pizzas for dinner! Our eats for the week were not fancy, but they hit the spot.
Sunday morning breakfast: carrots and eggs (surprisingly good combo!) with avocado and pear slices.
I wanted to use up all the produce in the fridge, so I made a giant stir-fry on Sunday night and made a delicious stirfry.
The stirfry had garlic cloves, onions, peppers, snow peas, carrots, green beans, zucchini, gluten-free teriyaki sauce, black pepper, avocado oil, and chicken.
I’ve been eating this stirfry on repeat for the past three days and it’s delish!
THE BEST way to end Sunday!!! ♥️
Thank you guys for stopping by to read the recap post.
I’ll be posting a wreath tutorial and another travel post from the mountain next on the blog! But, for now, check out the new YouTube video I posted today!! 😊
Questions for you!
- Do you ever have weeks where you eat the same dinner on repeat?
- What is your favorite vegetable to turn into fries?
- I always debate whether or not to write up recaps like these when my weeks are “blah” but do you guys still want to see those? Or just hold off and post a recipe instead?
Amanda says
Never stop blogging! Your recap posts are so real compared to the staged bloggers. I love seeing what you eat throughout the week and I like the “boring” ones more than the others. You have recently inspired me to start walking at the gym. I used to feel embarrassed about going until your posts. Thank you for the constant inspiration. Love, Amanda
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so sweet, Amanda!!!!
Never be embarrassed about going! Everyone at the gym is so focused on themselves, SO KEEP DOING YOU GIRL!
C W says
I LOVE reading your recaps, please never stop they help me get through my workday! Also, does your Nespresso make cappuccinos? I am wanting one for my birthday or Christmas this year so curious about all of its features!
Taralynn McNitt says
Aww thank you, C!
Yes, my Nespresso makes the best espresso and I use an almond barista milk in the frother!:)
I definitely recommend them!
Jade says
I loved your video, Taralynn
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Jade!
Vanessa says
Do you ever have weeks where you eat the same dinner on repeat?
Very often! I usually buy food on sale and precook for the week so especially the lunch I take to work tends to be the same every day of the werk.
What is your favorite vegetable to turn into fries?
So far sweet potatoes but I’ll definitely try carrots!
I always debate whether or not to write up recaps like these when my weeks are “blah” but do you guys still want to see those? Or just hold off and post a recipe instead?
I really like these kinds of posts, they show you are just a human being. So often people only post the glamorous sides of their lifes on the internet so I easily feel like I am not enough. It is good that you show real life with all its facettes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Vanessa!
Precooking meals is a great way to save time, money, and to help make great choices!:)
Yes, definitely try the carrots!!
Thank you for that input. I needed to read that today. XO
Krista says
Love your recaps; even if it’s not as ‘exciting’ of a week, I think it’s still really cool to see different meal ideas that you might have tried throughout the week. I’m always on the hunt for new things to try to cook/make, because we tend to go overboard making lentil curries, and as much as I love them, sometimes we need a break, haha 😛
The hurricane weirdly totally missed us here near the OBX, so that was a relief! Technically, we’re about an hour inland, so maybe the Outer Banks saw a liiiittle more rain. However, I have to say that I enjoyed working from home for a few days, since the base was closed! I love how prepared you were, and the puzzles are *such* a good idea! I always forget about puzzles and board games somehow when it rains, but thankfully I never actually read the books I buy (usually from a secondhand bookstore around the corner– and you can trade books in!), so we have a full bookshelf for thunderstorms, heh whoops.
Zucchini fries are always fun though– toss it in some egg or something similar and then panko with seasonings and bake, and it’s super good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Krista!
Thank you for the input. I can totally relate! I need a break from the foods I make a lot and the end up buying a bunch of random stuff! lol, I need to get back on my salad grind.
Lol, I just knew I’d need something if the power went out since we were in the path of the storm! So many people around us lost power and we were so fortunate not to have! We also have large trees around our house that we were a bit worried about! Now, I’ll be able to dive into the hurricane water and stay hydrated all week!
ohhhhhhh never thought of adding that to zucchini fries! Great idea!
Haley says
Your rug is gorgeous!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Haley!!
Sophie says
I absolutely love your blog. I found it almost a year ago. Since then you have motivated me to find balance with my food and nutrition (but I still make and eat all the healthy treat recipes you share 😊). My life is completely different. I have lost 5kg but mainly I just am a much happier person. Thank you so much for your blog, they have changed my life 😊
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sophie!
Thank you so much! Glad you found my blog ♥️
I’m so so so happy to hear you’re happy doing so much better! Life is just a journey.
Colleen says
Thank you so much for your inspirations. I’m definitely enjoying the recipes for your protein balls and just bought the ingredients for the pumpkin bars 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome, Colleen!
Let me know what you think of the pumpkin bars! So excited you’re making them!
ruby says
hi tara!
nice recap (all your food looks so good) and love the recap (you have a beautiful family and the doggies are so cute!!)
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Ruby!!
Bri says
Glad you all are safe, Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Bri!
Sarah says
Hi Taralynn!
I’ve been following along your recaps and posts for some time now, but just decided to get my own blog and start commenting. Absolutely keep posting these recaps IF you enjoy them! They’re fun to read and your pups are adorable.
Something I read earlier today that motivated me to start my own day-to-day blog was one of the reasons you blog… because you enjoy it. And as simple as that is, it made me feel a lot better about starting up my own blog, even if no one reads it!
To your questions —
1. This is like a weekly thing lol
2. Sometimes I pretend green beans are fries and dip them in ketchup. Lol. But, probs butternut squash!
3. Recaps!!
I can’t wait to try some of these recipes!
Love,
Sarah
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sarah!
Thanks for the kind words and welcome to the blogging world! Excited to check yours out.
Definitely keep writing. I never started my blog in hopes anyone would read it, and it turned out to be life-changing. If you love it, do it! 🙂
Hahahaha that’s so funny. Green beans and ranch used to be my go-to! ohhhh yum butternut squash fries!!
xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I actually really want to make carrot fries now. I’ve been meaning to try them for so long but have been too lazy to buy carrots, haha! They seem like a nice alternative to sweet potato fries (which I’m also too lazy to make, LOL!) 🙂
I always have fish and okra on repeat. Almost every day. And I ain’t complaining, they’re my favourite foods 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
You should definitely make them! I think you’ll love em!
Every time I see Oka I think of you because of how much you love it! lol I’ve only had okra chips and those are delish!
Hannah R says
OMG. Dr. Praegers stuff does NOT disappoint! I felt like a child the first time I bought the spinach littles at our grocery store, but Matt quickly decided he was okay with pretending we were kids again after he tasted one 😉 They are SO SO good, and I couldn’t believe how wholesome and simple the ingredients were! They are a little more expensive than the other brands, but when things cost more to make because of quality ingredients, they cost more to buy (*insert shrugging emoji here*).
You may feel like your week was “blah” but it’s actually a fun getaway to read about it for all of us who have ALSO had blah weeks and need to feel like we aren’t the only ones! Except your “blah” weeks still come out with cute doggo pictures, delicious food, and being generally adorable all around. 🙂
I can’t WAIT to make these pumpkin bars (my husband is going to love them, too!). The other day I went to make some pumpkin lasagna rolls (yep, and it’s delicious – you don’t add cinnamon or anything to make them sweet… so it’s more of a squash this way!) and I realized I didn’t have any canned pumpkin! I don’t remember using the can I thought I had, but it was tragic. I’ll definitely be stocking up at the store next time I’m there!
I hope all is well after the questionable (and in some places downright terrible) weather your way!
Also, if you’re going to be in your hometown next week when you visit Iowa, my quaint little town not too far away has a lot of adorable shops, coffee stops, and gorgeous short hikes to check out! If you have downtime and want to visit, let me know if you want any local tips! 😉 I may be biased, but I think it’s pretty great here.
Safe travels, girl!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Hannah!
I was soooooo shocked at how good they were too! I agree they are a bit pricey, but that just makes me want to eat them in moderation lol
Thank you for the kind words! Sometimes our blahhhhh weeks are still “interesting” to others lol
OMG YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE LOVE LOVE THE PUMPKIN BARS!! You’ll have to let me know what you think!!
We are safe and so so so fortunate! So sad what others are going through right now.
We are 10000000000% stopping in Pella and going to the bakery to get those delicious Dutch letters!!! I can’t wait to show Kyle and if you have recs, please let me know!!!
xo
Shannon says
I love Dr. Praegers stuff to and they are not filled with a lot of words we can barely pronounce. I know they are still considered processed but I think they are a little on the better than some processed stuff side. At least I hope so.
I must of missed some post but are you and Kyle living together now? Or was it you were more inland for the hurricane?
Hope this week is calm and that your state and S. Carolina can begin the healing, clean up and rebuild. Watching it nightly is just heartbreaking.
Taralynn McNitt says
They are just so tasty! Everything in moderation 😊
Nope! Kyle and I moved in together over the summer.
It breaks my heart to see what they are going through and when people can get back to town and the roads open, I’m hoping I can join some volunteer groups!
Becca Walsh says
Now that Kyle lives with you, is his commute time just absolutely awful? I recently moved in with my boyfriend and my commute time since has tripled I’m not used to it yet 🙁 Glad you guys survived the storm. Take care!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh no! That’s not good 🙁 My friend Becca’s commute tripled too because of her new house but she uses that time to drink coffee, listen to podcasts, and decompress! Maybe you can look into some new podcasts 🙂 Kyle’s commute isn’t too bad since he’s taken a new job. It’s only around fifteen minutes to twenty minutes.
Katie Meshko says
I totally get and understand that feeling your talking about! It is so weird but I guess it’s unavoidable! I hope it gets better for ya! My husband and I love our TV shows at night too .. i’m glad we arent the only ones! :p lol Ive been wanting to watch Jack Ryan!! In my house we are huge fans of leftovers so we will make enough to have left overs for lunch always and then usually some for dinner the next day too. It’s just easier that way! I never really made any veggies into fries but I need to try! Also – girl POST your weekly recaps even if they are like this!!! I love the realness of it and also it’s still inspiring! <3
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
This week has been much better now that things are finally back to normal.
OMG start it now!!! It’s so good. The worst part is the show ending. I can’t wait for the next season.
We are all about leftovers too!
And thanks for that input!! I feel bad sometimes posting just random things on a plate, but hey, it’s real! Not everything has perfectly sliced avocados! lol
Jen says
1. Do you ever have weeks where you eat the same dinner on repeat?
Not too often, but I honestly don’t mind that at all! If it’s a good recipe that I enjoy, why not? However, my husband doesn’t like the same thing on repeat too often so I try to switch it up for him. It keeps me from eating chili and quinoa power bowls for days on end lol
2. What is your favorite vegetable to turn into fries?
I’ll be honest here; I’ve never turned anything into fries besides potatoes and sweet potatoes. I’ll give carrots a go, though!
3. I always debate whether or not to write up recaps like these when my weeks are “blah” but do you guys still want to see those? Or just hold off and post a recipe instead?
I like “blah” recaps (but I like recipes too)! Most of my weeks are pretty much always normal/not exciting, but my friends and I still share the mundane details because we’re not looking to impress each other. We’re just connecting. I think sometimes seeing ordinary days makes people connect more. In a social media crazed world where only the “best” is posted, real life gets a bad rap and it shouldn’t. I sometimes like “ordinary” recaps more because I can relate like that time I also forgot my headphones at the gym and it was such a boring workout. 🙂
Also your #PSL mug is so cute! Enjoy the rest of your week 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jen!
Hahaha I’m like you! I could eat chili and other things on repeat! Luckily, my boyfriend is the same. He loves the repetitive life.
Yes, definitely try the carrot fries!!
Thanks for the input! I think you’re so right about the connection and not trying to impress people. We see enough of that on Instagram, and I love that my blog is a different space for content.
and let’s not forget our headphones again! lol 🙂
xo xo
Kristen says
I love your recap posts!! Currently reading with my coffee and mini blueberry muffins 💓💓
I usually make/have different things for dinners but my go tos are anything with chicken! Baked chicken nuggets or stir frys are my fav! How do you cook peppers to get them nice and soft?
Sweet potato fries all the way! I just got an air fryer and I’m about to make some sweet potato fries in there soon!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww that makes me smile!
Thanks for the idea. I think I’m going to have some homemade chicken nuggets for dinner!
I usually cook my peppers with a little oil in the pan until they’re nice and sauteed.
Ohhhh yes! Air fryers are so great! Have you made wings in it yet? They come out crispy!
Hannah Schwartz says
The questions should be do I have months where I eat the same dinner on repeat because yes!!
I love sweet stop for a classic (?) fry but sliced carrots are also delicious!
1000% yes please! Your recipes are great, don’t get me wrong, but your recaps are relatable! The fact that your meals are thrown together and not always “perfect” and that you have a balance of exercise, walking, work, and time with friends be family is inspiring to me. I will read as long as you write!
Taralynn McNitt says
That just put a smile on my face. Thank you, Hannah!!!
Nicole says
I finished Jack Ryan last night, and it was SO AMAZING. I didn’t know if I would like it either because it’s so different from what I usually watch, but I honestly decided to watch it because I just finished The Office for the first time and I couldn’t pass up seeing Jim Halpert in a much different role. He was so amazing.
Taralynn McNitt says
YES to all of this! IT’S AMAZING! Also Jim is amazing too hahahaha
Brittney Caughron says
I love Dr. Praegers!! You should try their black bean and quinoa burgers! They’re my favorite! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
They’re in my freezer right now!!
Casey says
1. Yes do the same dinner repeat all the time. When you live alone or with only one other person that happens. I very seldom get tired of eating the same thing over and over.
2. My fav veggie fries are sweet potato, but I am def trying the carrots!
3. Your recaps are never blah my dear. You don’t have to worry about changing a thing. Continue on only if YOU want to or do recipes if that is easier for you. Love looking at what you are cooking/eating, seeing your dogs and all your pics, even on ordinary weeks. Oh those pumpkin bars look so good! Must give them a try.
Taralynn McNitt says
Especially when you get to decide what you’re eating!
If you like sweet potatoes, definitely try the carrot fries!
Thank you for the kind words and the input! I really appreciate it. 💜
Terra says
I read all of your blogs!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Terra! 😀
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
I just about died of cuteness overload when I saw the pictures of your doggies in raincoats! Too cute. I hope that you guys didn’t get hit too hard where you’re at. Any storm of that magnitude is scary stuff!
I ALWAYS eat the same things throughout the week. I plan my meals on the weekend and then just put it on repeat. I don’t have time to think about something new every night!
Aside from potatoes?? Haha. I honestly like ALL fries but those carrot ones I need to try.
I always want to see the recap! It’s still entertaining even if you think it’s blah :).
Thanks for sharing your life with us lady!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!!
We were definitely safe and lucked out here in Charlotte! Those raincoats were lifesavers lol Drying them off is a pain in the butt!
SAME here girl!
I think you would LOVE those carrot fries! Totally up your alley!
xo xo love seeing your comments! They always put a smile on my face!
Have a great weekend!
Ven says
Where are your joggers from in your other post from the mountain
Taralynn McNitt says
Reebok 😀
Jessica Bower says
I am making your pumpkin bars this weekend! I absolutely love your posts as always! When I am in a slump (like I am now) I always go to your page for inspiration! LOVED LOVED LOVED your hiking post. I am going to Ashville next month and sooo excited. Thanks for being an amazing influence!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Jessica!
You’re in for a real treat with those bars!! AHHHHH you’ll LOVE ASHEVILLE!!
Enjoy your trip!
Abby Carlson says
Always, always look forward to reading your recaps! Thanks for sharing! Xo
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Abby!
Zoe Ware says
I think it’s so good to show the less impressive weeks. It’s real. There’s so much content out there that tends to leave people feeling like they don’t do enough, and everybody else must be on their A-game all the time. But that’s just not true. We all need to slow down, now and then. So you had a slower week, that’s a good thing! Plus, all that food looked good, so why hide it? 🙂
The dog’s raincoats are so cute!
Can I just say, I was weirdly happy you skipped a day! Photography is not my thing, so it’s not the same, but I can’t imagine always trying to get the right shot and not forgot to take pictures. It feels like a day’s break now and then could be beneficial to just enjoy your life and not worry about sharing it.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Zoe!
Thank you so much for that and you couldn’t be any more right! As much as I love creating “pretty” content, we need some real stuff as well!
Ha! I was shocked that my dogs actually liked them! 😆
You’re right! Sometimes it’s nice to just not take a photo of something!
I appreciate your comment and input! Means so much.
Taralynn
Alyssa says
Weird question, but where did you get your silverware?? I love them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Target and World Market!
Jodi Moore says
Those pumpkin bars look delicious! I am going to have to make some. Also never thought about putting eggs and carrots together very interesting idea. I love the dogs raincoats they look so cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
This was the first time ever trying it and it was weirdly good! Kind like a sweeter potato!