My heart is so full right now. Being back home in Iowa and surrounded by my family was exactly what I needed. I’m still recovering from laughing so hard and crying so much. Even though my trip was short, we fit so much in. I had to break the trip into two parts. Today, I’ll be sharing my journey to Iowa, some fun activities we fit in, and my cousin’s beautiful wedding. Part two will be when we headed to my hometown of Ottumwa, Iowa. I shared part one’s travel vlog last night, so if you want this blog post to come to life, check that out. You can see for yourself why I had so much fun with my family.
Kyle and I got lucky because our good friends agreed to stay at my house with the dogs for the weekend. I’m not going to lie, our dogs are kind of needy and a pain in the butt sometimes. I’m also a big baby and don’t have the heart to board them or send them off to a stranger’s house. My parents usually watch them when we are out of town, but since they headed off to Iowa as well, that option was out.
I was up at 5 am so I could walk the dogs, work on my blog a bit, and have coffee before heading to the airport. I need a couple of hours to wake up. We finally headed to the airport around 7:30 and took off a couple of hours later.
I hardly get the chance to read because I always feel like I need to be on my computer working, or I opt for television because it gives my brain a rest. I need to be better about deciding to read instead of watching trash television. I finally got the chance to read my favorite Author’s new book. She sent me the book and wrote a sweet letter, which makes it even more special. I love her books because it doesn’t take several chapters to get hooked. After the first page, I wanted more and more! I got around to finishing the book today, and just like her other books, I highly recommend it. I was waiting to break my raw vegan diet challenge until later on, so I had a half of this pumpkin Go Raw bar on the plane. It was terrible. The only way I could eat another one was if it had peanut butter on top. These bars are still super healthy and filled with nutrients and healthy fats, so if that’s what you’re going for, then you might like them. And if you are going to try it, make sure you have a jar of peanut butter close.
I started researching cafes and cute lunch spots online before heading to Des Moines. I hate the “where should we eat” conversation that never gets resolved. Plus, I was driving, so no one had a choice 😂 I’m just kidding, they were all on board with this place as well. If you’re ever in the Des Moines area, make sure to stop into St. Kilda. They had a vast variety menu that suited everyone’s needs. The atmosphere was cool. I love exposed brick and cafes with character.
But first, coffee!
I ordered an almond milk cappuccino and a green smoothie to start with first. I knew everyone would split the smoothie with me, so I didn’t hesitate to order it. It was called the “Green Dream Smoothie” I had them omit the honey and add ginger. It also had spinach, avocado, carrot juice, and aloe water.
I ordered the avocado toast on gluten-free bread with poached egg and the harvest grain bowl without the grains. I just had them add extra arugula. I would have added the grains, but farro was mixed in. The bowl had cherry tomatoes, pickled fennel, candied pepitas, maple balsamic vinaigrette, fried egg, chicken, and the tastiest roasted squash! Kyle was still full from our Whole Food’s excursion, so I ordered extra food to bring back to the room for later if one of us got hungry.
The whole fam together again!
Kyle had no idea what he was getting himself into! I was so excited for him to meet my whole family. To be honest, it had been almost ten years since I’ve seen a lot of my family, so I was excited to be able to spend time with them. This trip just made me realize how important it is to take the time to visit home, and I’m going to do it more.
We all decided to take a drive to the Riverside Casino!
-My dad puts $100 into a slot machine and turns it into $170.
-My brother puts $20 in and turns it into $80
-My mom puts $100 into a slot and turns it into $250
-Kyle puts in $20 bucks and turns it into $425 in three spins, cashes out, buys a sandwich, and quits.
-I put in $120 and turned it into $0
-My dad hands Kyle a $20 and tells him to double it. Kyle turns it into $48.
-My dad gives Kyle another $20 and tells him to double it. Kyle doubles it.
They didn’t let me hear the end of it. In fact, they let that be the conversation starter every time they talked to the family. I think I heard “so the casino was fun, huh?” about thirty times the next day. The question was obviously rhetorical.
I was ready for bed by the time 9 pm rolled around. I think everyone was. As soon we got to the hotel, I put my face mask on, ate a bag of pretzels, a piece of chocolate, brushed my teeth, and went straight to bed.
I woke up extra early so I could have some coffee, and then head over to the farmer’s market. I thought I was the first one up until I looked at my phone and saw a text message from my mom that said “hi” at 5 am. I called her and asked her what the heck she was doing, and she was downstairs on the treadmill. Now that’s dedication! I went straight back to the room to relax and had no plans of joining her.
I thought I’d be walking the farmer’s market alone, but Kyle, my brother, and my mom wanted to join.
The weather was chilly and overcast. That made me SO HAPPY! It felt like fall. I had all the feels 💜
We headed into Java Joe’s for some drinks! I ordered an almond milk cappuccino, Kyle ordered an apple cider tea, and my brother ordered a cortado.
My brother ordered a bowl of “eggs and things.”
I walked by a booth with samples of gluten-free, no refined sugar, dairy-free, and no preservative wholesome ingredient granola bars. I had to try one! I was blown away. I tried the vanilla, the peanut butter, the pumpkin, and the lemon! I couldn’t pick a favorite, so I decided to buy six-packs. The best part was how inexpensive they are. I love to have a light snack before walking the dogs or with my coffee in the morning, and these were perfect for that. I also plan on taking them to Saturday morning tennis. As soon as I’m out, I’ll be ordering six more packs! I have a feeling this small granola business is going to go big time very soon! Their bars are absolutely wonderful! You can order the bars on their website if you want to try them out. 😊
We had to pick up some kettle corn to bring back to the hotel for late-night snacking! No one does kettle corn like Iowa.
I had to pick up a pumpkin muffin with cream cheese frosting at the Scenic Route Bakery booth! The Des Moines farmer’s market was incredible, and one of the biggest I’ve been to! I know Charlotte has a farmer’s market, but I wish it were like the Des Moines one. Maybe Charlotte can start shutting down their uptown for markets like this.
If I lived in Iowa, I’d be here every single weekend to buy all of my food for the week.
We headed back to the hotel to spend a few hours relaxing while slowly getting ready for Emily’s wedding. (my makeup tutorial)
Even though it was raining (they say it’s good luck!), the wedding was breathtaking. Congrats to Emily & Alex! 💜
My date ♥️
The reception was a blast! And no. My mom and her twin sister do not age.
If you watch the video, you’ll get more of an idea of how fun the reception was! ♥️ I can’t wait to show you part two! It gets pretttttty crazy.
Thank you guys for taking the time to read. This was a very special blog post for me because I’m used to just showing you what I eat, where I go, or the small stuff in my life. My family is so important to me, and I’m glad I got the chance to share them with you.
Questions for you!
- Do you have any twins in your family? (in the video, you’ll see two of my great aunts taking a photo of my mom and her twin, well they are also twins! Oh…and Kyle’s dad is a twin!)
- Whose wedding did you attend last?
- What’s your favorite thing to buy at the farmer’s market?
Anastasia says
I absolutely loved this blog post! The photos were beautiful and you are glowing with happiness in each picture! Family is so important!! I just got back from Pennsylvania visiting my 94 & 95 year old great aunts. Crazy!
I wish I could say my favorite thing to buy at Farmer’s Markets was kale…but it’s all the baked goods! And flowers!!
Can’t wait to read part 2!! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Anastasia!
Thanks so much, 😊 I felt so full and incredibly happy being around my family! Wow! I bet that was such a fun trip. 💜
Lol baked goods and flowers for the win! I took a photo with the kale and bought the muffins! 😉
xo thanks for stopping by! xo
Meghan says
Looks like you had a great time! Your mom & her sister remind me of Laura Dern from Jurassic Park! I have an aunt & uncle that are fraternal twins. The last wedding I went to was my husbands younger brother! We were both standing in the wedding because we’re super close to them both so it was a blast! My favorite thing to buy at farmers markets are carrots, Brussels sprouts and real maple syrup!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Meghan!
I had such a blast. Ha! They do kind of look like her. I forgot she played in Jurassic Park. Nice call!
That sounds like such a fun time! 💜
mmmmmm yes!!!! We never get real maple syrup down here, just loads of honey!
Miriam Coppess says
I love all the fall feels in this post! The last wedding we went to was also in the rain, but was also still so beautiful and perfect! Just shows what truly matters 🙂
Also, farmer’s markets are just the best! Definitely going to order some of the granola bars- thank you!! I love it when they have fresh peaches 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Miriam!
The fall vibes were on point in Iowa!
I think the rain sets a gorgeous calm mood for a wedding. I know it’s not ideal, but it was honestly like a fairytale!
You’ll have to let me know what you think of those bars! They are sooooo good. I had two of them today lol & YES YES YES to peaches when they’re in season!
Have a great day, Miriam! xo
lo says
this post made my heart hurt! (in a good way!) im from iowa and lived in dsm for a few years. seeing the java joes photo brought back memories!! thanks for the iowa share 🙂 i may not ever live there again, but i sure do miss it sometimes.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lo!
I’m glad I could bring some nostalgia back to you through these posts! It’s so fun to be away for so long and then go home to visit! Java Joes was POPPIN’ in there! I am just like you. I know I’ll never live there, but will always be connected.
Nicole says
Yay! My parents live in Iowa and I’ve been feeling a little homesick, so I’ve been looking forward to this post ever since you mentioned that you were going back. Your posts actually inspired me to hop on a flight home, so I’m here now (whoooops). I’m so glad that you got to be back around your family again, it really is the most fulfilling feeling. No joke, you and your entire family are annoyingly good looking.
I love all your posts so much! They never fail to brighten my day.
Also, go Hawks 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Nicole!
I’m so happy that you felt inspired to go back and visit! You’re going to have a blast. I hope you come back and tell me all about it! ❤️
And thank you hahahaha! Apparently, we get it from my “good lookin’ aunt Judy” She’s my great aunt in the black sparklin’ dress in the video! She’s a hoot!
Have so much fun xo YES GO HAWKEYES!!
Linda @ the Fitty says
Recap posts on trips are always my favourite ^^
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Linda!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Hope you enjoyed your time in Iowa, Taralynn! Looks like you had tons of fun – and congratulations to the bride and groom! 🙂
When I go to the farmers market, I just shop whatever’s in season! I often don’t have a set checklist beforehand but I always have to get some fresh produce… 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Charmaine!
Thank you 😊 I think picking what’s in season is the best way to do it!
xo
Emily says
Are your brother and his fiancé still together? I have ZERO twins in my family!! None at all. I can’t remember the last wedding I went to but I have SO MANY of my friends’ weddings coming up. I’m so excited!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
I really dislike answering questions about anyone else’s personal life other than my own on the blog, but I have a feeling I’ll get a ton of questions about that. T.C. and Karlee are still really good friends, but not together right now. We love Karlee and we love T.C. and want what’s best for both of them!
We have so many sets of twins! lol
Weddings are fun and a great excuse to travel too! Have fun!
Mo says
Your mom is gorgeous….now I know where you get your beautiful smile & eyes from….you are truly a wonderful person….inside & out….I admire your beliefs & integrity….God bless you & your awesome family❤️
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Mo!! That is the sweetest.
Rosie says
I need whatever water your family is drinking.
Taralynn McNitt says
haha!
Hannah R says
I literally LOLed at this.
Only because it’s true, and we’re all thinking it.
♥ Gorg.
Taralynn McNitt says
You guys are literally the sweetest!!
Jen says
I have twin second cousins- two eight-year old boys 🙂
I think the last wedding was summer 2017; both my husband and I were in the wedding parties because the bride and groom had actually met at our wedding a few years ago. They started dating and the rest is history! <3
I love buying ALL the fresh produce at farmers markets, but I also love the home baked goods.
I enjoyed this post so much! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to read part 2 (and “Bring Me Back”) 🙂 Also a creepy book recommendation for you: “I’m thinking of ending things” by Iain Reid.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jen!
You know I love my creepy books, so I’m adding that one to the list. The title alone sounds creepy…AND I LOVE IT!
That is so funny, but how life works 😉
Mmmmm can’t go wrong with the baked goods!
So glad you enjoyed this post! xo
Peggy says
Her dress is gorgeous!!! Loved this post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Peggy! And you’re right! She looked like a princess!
Krista says
It’s always fun to see your adventures, but all the more special to get to hear what someone’s hometown is like!! 🙂 I don’t have any twins in my family, but the last wedding I attended (that wasn’t my own.. which was the last wedding I went to!) was my husband’s cousin’s. It was interesting– the reception was actually on a military base! But my favorite thing to buy at the farmer’s market (in Raleigh that is– we don’t really have a big one where we live and we try to go out there once a month or so!) is definitely peaches! You can’t *get* them sweeter than that! 🙂
You and Kyle have the sweetest pictures together! You’ve probably already answered this before, but where did you find your jacket? I love the color!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Krista!
Thanks so much 😊 This was one of the more special blogs because I love showcasing my family. I bet that was an awesome wedding! Military weddings are always a fun time!
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THE SOUTHERN PEACHES! 🍑
& thank you so much!
Which jacket? The winter coat one is actually Marc Jacobs from TJMAXX! And the camel leather one is from Saks off Fifth!
Hrafnhildur Ása Karlsdóttir says
Love this post, so fun to read!
1. No I don’t have any twins in the family.. But it would be fun I think!
2. The last wedding I attended to was my boyfriends friend’s wedding, it was very nice 🙂 Weddings are always so fun!
3. I love buying fresh veggies 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
I felt like I had two mom’s growing up! It’s funny because Kyle’s dad is also a twin lol
Yes, they are a blast!! I love people watching as the night goes on!
Can’t go wrong with that! xo
Lauren says
Hi Taralynn,
Love the post! You and your brother literally look like you could be twins!
1.) I am the oldest and my younger sisters are twins, and my husband is the oldest and he has younger triplet brothers! I am so excited to see if we have multiples because that would be insane!
2.) Last wedding we went to was for one of my high school friends. It was so beauitful, I LOVE weddings!
3.) Our farmers market has a girl who sells homemade candles, so I love buying those…especially pumpkin!
Can’t wait for part 2!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lauren!!
Hahaha we get that all the time! He has better eyelashes than I do though…
I bet you have twins for sure!! lol
Weddings are fun for sure!
I love finding homemade candles at markets! I just bought a pumpkin soy one from a little shop in my downtown recently! The best!
Thanks for stopping by to read! xo xo xo
Caitlin G. says
Hi Tara
We went to high school together and I loved reading about your trip home. I was two grades behind you but always liked seeing you perform in the musicals. I can’t wait to check back for part two.
Caitlin
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a small world! 😊 Thanks for stopping by to comment! I wish I could go back to the musical days! That was so much fun 😃
Samantha Bunker says
Ooh I’m so jealous about that weather! Boots and sweater season is my favorite but it’s still in the 70-80s here in Tucson. (Plus I’m 8 months pregnant so I don’t even fit into any of my cute sweaters right now!)
It looks like you had so much fun with your family! It’s always so nice to be home. You don’t realize how much you miss it until you visit. I said the same thing when we went back earlier this year to my hometown about needed to go home more often.
Completely random but, I’m in the market for a flexible tripod for my Nikon. Do you have a tripod you love and would suggest?? Thanks in advance!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Samantha!
We are back in the 80’s weather in the south, so my little glimpse of fall is gone! 😔
Congrats on your pregnancy!! So exciting!!
You are so right. You never realize what you’re missing until you’re there. I definitely need to go home more often!
I use a couple of different ones!
https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Lightweight-Portable-Projector-Cameras/dp/B00LXG9NN0/ref=asc_df_B00LXG9NN0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167143377764&hvpos=1o12&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9374543980640227220&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009973&hvtargid=pla-314119775882&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Mactrem-Travel-Lightweight-Aluminum-Olympus/dp/B01N4OMPWT/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1539274187&sr=1-7&keywords=tripod&dpID=51hvcFIEhaL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
and
https://www.amazon.com/iGadgitz-Lightweight-Stabilizer-Digital-Camcorder/dp/B01BMFXNQE/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1539274277&sr=1-9&keywords=camera+stabilizer
Whitney says
Love all the fall pics!!
I recently found out my Nana has twin brothers! And also learned that the Hispanics believed that if you had twins, you needed to have another baby so that one of the twins didn’t die 🤔 so my great aunt was kind of resentful that that’s why she was born 😂
The last wedding we went to was in Breckinridge, CO in February. It was snowy and beautiful and it was an outdoor ceremony!
I used to loved getting cherry cider from the farmer’s market by our old house. It was made in small batches by a local company and that was the only place we could get it. I have yet to check out the farmer’s market in our new neighborhood, but I’m sure they have great items too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Whitney!
That is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard but it’s hilarious and I love it hahaha!
oHHHH I bet that was amazing!!! (cold, but beautiful!)
Cherry cider sounds so delicious!
Courtney says
Ahh! How did you go to a wedding, and not show us what you wore? That’s my favorite part! I haven’t gone to a wedding in about 3 months, but I’m planning my own right now, so weddings are on my mind all day, lol!
Taralynn McNitt says
I still have a ton of photos to share! I had a really simple black wrap dress on. Nothing extravagant.
I bet you’re having so much fun with all the planning! Enjoy!
Hanna says
Ya’ll are so gorgeous! I loved this post… ( I love all of them!) your brother is hilarious, I watched the video when I was in a funk. Instantly cured! Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
That just made me so happy to hear!!!
XO XO XO
Hanna says
Yay!! ☺️Have a great day, my dear! ❤
Taralynn McNitt says
💜
Susie says
This was such a beautiful family-filled post. And so fun to see your home-town. Oh my, your mom (and aunt) are just gorgeous.
I’m sorry you were such a loser at gambling – haha! A group of us once went to gamble in Nevada and we all got lucky except for my brother in law and his wife was giving him the hardest time like “what’s wrong with you, why aren’t you winning?!”. LOL
I have sisters who are twins. They are a year older than me.
The last wedding I attended was my nephew’s a year ago and he is currently in Greece. So jealous, but so happy for them.
I love to buy it all at the Farmer’s Market, but one of my faves is arugula. And raspberries. I actually just recently discovered golden raspberries, they are delicious!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
Thank you so much 😀 They have two other sisters that are just as gorgeous too! SO CRAZY! lol
HAHAHAHAHA NOT FUN!! But I liked watching everyone else win! That was worth it. I won big when I was in Vegas because blackjack is my game! So it wasn’t my turn this time lol
Greece? how fun!!!
MMMM you could make a delicious salad with those farmers market finds!
Stacy Leigh says
I actually have twin nieces who will be 6 yrs old this month! The last wedding I attended was my own in September lol👰🏻💍. While on our honeymoon, I had my husband pull over so we could stop at a farmers market in Ely Minnesota. I usually love to pick up garlic, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and carrots. ❤️
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww that’s so fun!
I love that you had your husband pullover on your honeymoon for a farmer’s market. That’s totally something I’d do!!!
That all sounds perfect for a pasta sauce!
Jenna says
My cousin and his wife had twins but that’s it. No one else in our family had any, so I’m assuming it came from her side. If you & Kyle have kids, it sounds like you have a high chance of twins!
The last wedding I went to was this guy I met on Tinder lol. We talked for awhile and just ended up becoming good friends! Well he finally found the one and it was a gorgeous wedding and I’m beyond happy for them both!
At the farmers market, I love local fresh produce! It’s my favorite!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jenna!
Hahaha let’s just hope that doesn’t happen! 😆
Isn’t that funny how that happens!?
I had been looking at a couple of farmers markets around the area to hit up this weekend!
Heather says
I loved this post and seeing your hometown and family! Gorgeous family!
My husband is a twin and so was my paternal grandmother. I’ll admit, when I got pregnant I was petrified that I’d be having twins!! But it was just one! Whew! Although had it been I’m sure I would have been very happy 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Heather!
Thank you very much 😊
Hahaha that is funny. Goodness, I hope I don’t have twins! I don’t know if I can handle one baby, let alone two!
❤️
Aileen says
Loved this post and can’t wait for part 2! It’s so nice to be able to catch a glimpse of where you grew up. It’s adorable!! Your family is the cutest and your mom is just so. freaking. adorable. And yes– she looks SO YOUNG! You have that to look forward to for yourself 😉 TC is looking very California these days! I’d also do all of my shopping at that farmers market– I do that here in San Diego too. Best way to shop!
Next time you come to California (if you come during the fall or winter) check out Julian. It’s about an hour and a half from San Diego (a couple hours from LA) and it’s a quaint, adorable mountain town with Antique shops, pumpkin patches, apple picking, etc. I think you’d really like it. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Aileen!
Thank you so much 😊
Hahaha, I hope I look half as good as her!! Oh, and you’re right! I can hardly recognize that kid nowadays hahaha
I bet you have the best farmer’s market in San Diego! I ‘ll have to check that out! I’m all about the cute quaint towns!! Especially in the fall 😊
Anne Salem says
Seeing you in Des Moines is THE coolest thing! I’m from here, moved out to California then moved back for the warm, fuzzy feels that I’m sure you experienced this weekend. So very glad you enjoyed it all. And you took my recommendation to go to Horizon Line 😍 great post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Anne!
Des Moines is amazing and I haven’t been back in SO MANY YEARS!! The coffee at Horizon Line was AMAZING and they were so friendly in there! I featured them in my part two post/video!!
Amanda says
Iowa Girl 🌽
Taralynn McNitt says
💜
Natalie M. says
You are so naturally pretty; it’s unreal! You seem so happy, and it was so much fun to see a bigger glimpse into your life. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
You are so sweet!!!!!
I would definitely say I’m at my happiest point 😊
Thank you for the kind words!
xo
Jacqueline B says
Omg girl, you look amazing. I love love love the blonde!!
I didn’t see Karlee in any of the photos though, and I remember her from your old posts! I hope everything’s okay there?
Happy Fall! Xx
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so so so much, Jacqueline!!
My brother and Karlee are not together, but she’s always going to be a part of our family. 💜
Happy Fall!
Steph C says
I have read your blog forever, and had no idea you were from Otown! I live about 20 min from there. Sending you lots of Iowa love.. <3<3<3
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so funny! Small world 😊
Amanda says
I am IN LOVE with your maroon jacket. I dug through the comments and saw that you got it from TJ Maxx. Bummer, I was hoping you could link to it!!
Anywho – your trip home looked like so much fun! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Go into some of the TJMAXX! They have so many similar ones!!:)
Ali says
OMGosh, Kyle and your brother look like they could be brothers! How funny! You actually made Iowa look awesome… I’ll have to visit someday!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, no! I don’t know how I feel about that hahaha
Iowa is great! Definitely make a trip there!
Brittany says
Awww it looks like you all had so much fun! I am actually heading back to Chicago (where I am originally from) next weekend to see my family for my birthday 🙂 I haven’t seen most of my family since last Christmas, so I am SO excited to spend time with them all. As for twins, my grandma is a twin!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brittany!
The perfect time to visit Chicago! You’re going to get all the fall feels. ❤️
ohhhh they say it skips a generation so…looks like twins for you! 😉
Brittany says
Right?! It feels like fall here in Oregon, but there is nothing like a Midwest fall😊And oh gosh, I hope not!!😂
Kelsey says
Holy crap! I didn’t realize Emily was your cousin. We went to nursing school together! Seriously such a small world. Anyways, I love your blog and so glad you had a fun time in Iowa.
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a small world for sure!!
Kami says
I had no idea that you were from Iowa! I’m originally from Illinois and living in Charlotte as well.
Taralynn McNitt says
Great to see another midwesterner down here! 😊
Anonymous says
How did you manage to make Iowa look good?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha, there’s beauty in every place! it’s how you look at it!
Cait says
Did I see in your video glossier? You should consider doing more face/makeup posts.
Taralynn McNitt says
You did! Just started using their products to see if they live up to the hype!
Hannah R says
It’s seriously such a small world!
I was going to say that St. Kilda is a really highly rated (and new) restaurant in Des Moines that just so happens to exclusively serve Graze Co. non-GMO fed, farm raised chicken! Nate and Kelsey Snead own and operate the farm at Graze Co.! They are wonderful. She actually took my wedding photos! Also, Nate’s sister is a good friend here in town as well! Can I say “small world” again? I can’t wait to try St. Kilda for that reason alone, but the food looked astounding in your pics! Yum!
My cousin is the last wedding I went to as well! (just last weekend, too!) And the weekend before that a friend from high school also got married! ‘Tis the season ♥
When I go to a farmer’s market in the early summer, I’m ALWAYS pumped for the sugar snap peas. They are so delicious, and the earlier the crop, the sweeter and more crisp they are! Drooling just thinking about them.
Also, one of my good friends from college at Central once I transferred is the manager at the Hub Coffee! I’ve been dying to try it out as well, but I never seem to be in Ottumwa! I’ll have to make a trip of it one of these days – her latte art is just adorable.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Hannah!
I wish we would have had time to stop in Pella. The trip went so fast, but next time we are stopping! We were going to swing by on Sunday but the bakery was closed 😞
Wow that is so crazy and such a small world. P.S. Your wedding photos were stunning!!
YOU MUST try St. Kilda. I know you’ll love it!!
Ohhh I love the sugar snap peas too!! I cook them Chinese style 😉
Yes go go go make a trip to Hub coffee. I’m actually drinking the coffee beans I bought from there right now!! So good. I wish they had that when I lived there!
Anonymous says
Can you do a youtube closet tour or home tour
Taralynn McNitt says
ALready added to the list!!
Anonymous says
Where are your rose gold booties from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Catos!
Brit says
I have a theory that if you chopped off all your hair, you’d look like your brother.
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m feeling the Mean Girl’s vibe here! hahahaha 😆
Alison says
Your brother’s dancing in that video cracked me up!
Taralynn McNitt says
He’s something!
ruby says
loved this post taralyn!!
beautiful video, i wish it didnt end 😆 is that you singing at the end of the video?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ruby!!
Part two is now up for you to watch!!
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says
Ahhhh your family is so cute! And I LOVE the blonde hair too! The casino story is pretty funny only because I know that’s something that’d happen to me too.
Your mom and her sister are GORGEOUS. Woo hoo good genes! No twins in my family but I definitely see a few while teaching!
The last wedding we went to was for a friend of ours. It was very…. formal haha. The bride’s family was VERY wealthy and while the classical music was playing during dinner I told my friend, ‘I’m getting the feeling they won’t be playing the Cupid Suffle later on’. I was definitely right haha.
I pretty much love everything from the farmers market but especially fun produce (bubble gum plums are my FAVORITE!) and there’s a yummy bread company that has a cinnamon swirl loaf that’ll change your life! I’m checking that granola company out now. It looks delicious!
So glad you guys had so much fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Susie!
Thank you so much! Ha! Glad you can relate 😔 At least I didn’t attempt to put more money in. I was like NOPE! I’m winning NOTHING today! haha
Hopefully, I got those genes!! Do they put the twins in your classes? Growing up, they always split up twins in our elementary schools, and my mom and her sister always got split up! They said one time they switched classrooms lol.
HAHAHA That is so funny. Hopefully, the food was good at that wedding 😆
oh boy…….cinnamon swirl loaf sounds amazing right now!!
claire says
is that an engagement ring?
Taralynn McNitt says
No. I have a rose gold rose on my hand and a bible verse ring on the other.
Anonymous says
I was thinking the same thing! 🙂
Brooklyn Murtaugh says
I’m so happy for you that you got to show Kyle around your home town and meet all of your family!
I LOVE your hair! It looks incredible and really suits you.
Also you’re right, your mom and her sister do not age! Off to read part two!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brooklyn!
It was really cool showing him around 😊
Ahhh thank you!! I’m actually loving the lighter color!
xo xo xo
Betsy says
Being from Iowa, I absolutely LOVE this post 😍😍 The Des Moines farmer’s market is seriously the best and is the one thing I miss from my college days when I lived there.
I only live about 45 minutes from Ottumwa (in Bloomfield) and love seeing and hearing from other people who were from southern Iowa. 😊
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Betsy!
Thanks for stopping by to comment! LOVE LOVE LOVE the DSM farmer’s market! It was a dream!! Kind of obsessed lol
Ahhh we used to make trips to Bloomfield all the time 😊
Brianna Kuenning says
Hi! I absolutely LOVE the farmers market! We have two that happen on the weekends here in Lincoln, NE. I buy all of my produce for the week at them because it tastes wayyy better and lasts longer.
The last wedding I went to was my own! It was a blast getting married in Las Vegas because 36 people decided to come with us. I wouldn’t have had it any other way!
My brothers are twins and I’m secretly hoping that I have twins when we’re ready!! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
The perfect time for a farmer’s market in the midwest!
That is the way to do it! CONGRATS 😃
how fun!!
Danielle Barrett says
I have only set of twins in my family. However; apparently it skips generations and it’s in my generation to have twins, so I’m not sure how I feel about that yet. haha!
Well, the last wedding I attended was MY OWN! 🙂 <3 I got married on October 20 and just got back from my honeymoon. We went to Asheville and you were literally hiking around the Blue Ridge Parkway like two days before we did! I was so inspired by your to hikes to Looking Glass Rock Trail so we went one day and it was by far the best hike I've ever been on. Thanks for the incredible recommendation! I'm so sad we were so close and didn't run into each other. That would have made my life haha!
Ohhh… I LOVE buying peaches at the Nashville Farmer's Market. We have a peach truck here in Nashville called "The Peach Truck" and they have the BEST peaches I've ever eaten. They are actually doing Peach Truck tours now so you should see if they are coming to Charlotte in the spring. You would be obsessed with them!
Bryon says
IOWA!!!