I’m exhausted.
I had one of the best weeks. It was active, the weather was perfect, I spent time with some pretty amazing people, and I got a lot of work done. Housework? Ehhh. I’ll be catching up on that this week 🤞 Even my Monday morning has been productive. I’ve already had my breakfast, walked the dogs two miles, and completed my scheduled run! Who’s ready to conquer the week? Me! Are you? 😉 OK, good. Let’s jump into the weekly recap!
I mentioned last week how the weather affects my moods. This couldn’t be truer! Since the sun has been out and the weather has been warm, my entire energy and attitude has shifted. I’m feeling more energetic, more productive, and happier. Maybe this is a sign that I need to move to Florida, Hawaii, or California. ☀️
My Monday was pretty uneventful. I had my protein oats for breakfast, walked the dogs, and then headed off to my massage. I was feeling sore on Sunday evening, so I decided to schedule a massage for Monday afternoon. I’m so happy I did because I was feeling 100% better the next day. I picked up Whole Foods salad bar to go over some baby kale for lunch, and then spent the rest of the day putting my recap blog together. I finished later in the evening, walked the dogs with Kyle, and then had protein yogurt with granola on top for dinner! See why it was so simple to put my Monday in a collage?
My dad came over early Tuesday morning to work on the kitchen a bit more. We are going at our own slow pace, but it’s totally fine. On the plus side, I’ve finally found the perfect paint color for the cabinets. We will most likely tackle those in a few weeks. I had a quote in hopes someone else would paint them a few weeks ago, and they quoted $4400. That motivated me, even more, to do it myself. I mean, I could replace them for less! Crazy crazy.
Like most mornings, I had my protein oats for breakfast. I microwave 1/4 cup of gluten-free rolled oats with one cup of water for 35 seconds. I know it’s a lot of water in ratio to the oats, but the protein powder thickens it up. After thirty seconds, I add in blueberries, and microwave for another thirty seconds. Then, I mix in a scoop of protein powder and a pinch of peanut butter. I don’t know why I felt the need to add cashews to it this time. This tastes like a dessert bowl, and I love how filling it is. It’s the perfect breakfast to have before a run.
Later in the afternoon, I headed out on my run. If you’re wondering why my runs are so short, check out last week’s recap blog to read about my training plan and how I plan to pick back up! Even though this run was short, it took me a few minutes to get into the running mindset. I felt good after completing it.
I had an apple with peanut butter for a post-run snack and then leftover Whole Foods bar for dinner.
I spent the remainder of Tuesday evening blogging a bit, folding laundry, and hanging up all of my clothes.
Protein oats for a Wednesday morning as well! I wanted to share that this past week, I’ve been enjoying RawFusion protein powder. It’s plant-based, inexpensive, and the flavor is phenomenal. Kyle started using it, and when I tried his, I had to have it as well. I use the banana nut and the vanilla!
Wednesday lunch! I had a bowl of baby kale, blackberries, sunflower seeds, avocado, Trader Joe’s falafel mix, and my homemade dressing. My dressing had avocado oil, mustard seed, and agave. I’ve been in love with baby kale ever since my Disney trip. I can’t get enough of it lately!
For dinner, I roasted some brussels sprouts and my favorite extra crispy cauliflower gnocchi!
Now, this is my ideal dinner. For my green beans and snow peas, I cooked them up in a little sesame oil, gluten-free soy sauce, everything but the bagel seasoning, and agave. I ended up mixing this whole bowl together like a stirfry.
I think this is what I’ll make for dinner tonight!
After my breakfast on Thursday, I completed my next scheduled run! I felt like I could have finished three miles after this one. I was feeling so energetic! I know I have mentioned this before, but I am incredibly excited to run on a flat surface after training in my hilly neighborhood.
For my lunch, I had baby kale chopped and tossed in oil and vinegar dressing. I topped it with tomatoes, avocado, onion, sunflower seeds, falafel, and baby carrots. The only thing this salad was missing was grilled salmon on top!
Now, if I would have added grilled salmon on top, I wouldn’t have been hungry a few hours later 😉 I decided to have a rice cake with peanut butter and honey on top! Yum.
While Kyle and I were on our evening walk, we had quite the adventure trying to capture a wandering puppy dog. After trying to stop semis going 60 mph, getting yelled at by a man who wanted to know why the ***k we were on his property (I mean, we were trespassing, but for a good cause), and other craziness; I ended up running another mile back to the house to grab a leash. Kyle stayed with the dog while I sprinted back to make sure he didn’t jump out in traffic again. The story ended happily and the owners were found!
All of this running around and adrenaline rushes made me want a glass of wine. I chugged water and settled for pizza. 😊 We treated ourselves to a broccoli and kale crust pizza topped with Daiya plant-based cheese and turkey pepperonis.
Because I was out of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries made their way into my morning protein oats!
The weather was gorgeous on Friday! I decided to walk Grumples and Leo three miles before lunch! On the days I’m not running, I’ve been trying to step up my walking game to make sure I keep moving.
For lunch, I had some lentil crackers, leftover pizza, bananas, raspberries, carrots, and kite hill.
Kyle wanted to play tennis on Friday night, and I’ll never say no to that! We headed out and played for a couple of hours. I can’t even explain how excited I am to finally get to play tennis now that it’s light outside in the evenings and not cold!
When we got home, we decided to sit out on the back deck and grill some salmon for dinner.
You can find the salmon recipe here! I added it to a bowl with baby kale, oil and vinegar dressing, and sunflower seeds.
We treated ourselves to some hot chocolate while we watched Dateline. I use frothed almond milk with one tablespoon of Ghirardelli (DF) double dark chocolate hot cocoa mix, SoDelicious coconut whipped topping, and Lily’s V/SF chocolate chips!
I headed out in the morning to go play some tennis with my group for a few hours. I had a lot of you DMing me about posting a blog with some tips for beginners and for people who are interested in starting tennis. If you want me to do that, let me know, and I’d LOVE to write a blog about it!
I got home around 2 pm and was sooooooo hungry! I had my protein oats and added extra nut butter and chocolate chips.
My parent’s had been begging me to make them the loaf of vegan and gluten-free banana bread from last week! The bananas were finally ready to go, and I quickly made a batch to bring over to them. I also decided to film a tutorial that’ll be up very soon! This bread is to die for!
While the bread was cooking, I headed out on my scheduled run! I thought about skipping it because I played tennis for three hours, but I don’t want to make excuses or get thrown off the schedule, so I just went out and did it. I was proud of getting the motivation to do it after I finished. I felt so good! I feel like I’m finally getting back to running for the joy of it again.
After getting cleaned off, Kyle and I headed out to my parent’s house for dinner and to play a game of bags! My parents make the best grilled vegetables and roasted salmon.
We spent the evening sitting around the fire and enjoying the beautiful night. It’s crazy that this time last year, my dad was laying out the cement to build this fireplace. He worked so hard and did it all by himself in a few months. I’m so lucky to have a dad who is as handy as that man!
On Sunday morning, my mom and I did a fun little project together (will be on the blog soon) and then headed to Amelies to have some coffee and split a breakfast sandwich. It was only 10 am, and we had both fit in our 10,000 steps in for the day!
Kyle and I met up with some friends and did a Paint & Wine class at Painting with a Twist on Sunday afternoon! We had so much fun, and I was shocked at how good Kyle’s painting turned out. I’ve never even seen him draw a stick figure, so I was pretty shocked. I don’t think I’ll be hanging mine on the wall anytime soon, but it was definitely fun! We are going to sign up for one of their “paint your pet” nights!
When our class was done, we headed over to Kid Cashew for dinner. I have lived in Charlotte for five years and have always wanted to eat there. I’m just disappointed I hadn’t gone there sooner, because it was everything and more! If you live or are visiting the Charlotte area, please add this place to your list. They have a great menu, and it’s filled with vegan and gluten-free options.
We sat outside on their patio because it was a gorgeous day. I had their blueberry dream tea, which was unreal.
For my meal, I had the Greens, Grains, & Avocado Salad. It had garden greens, tri-color quinoa, pistachios, fennel, chipotle sauce, oranges, lemon vinaigrette, almonds, and Scottish salmon on top! I also ordered the butterless Brussels sprouts on the side. They are caramelized in a lemon vinaigrette with almonds. There wasn’t a drop left from this salad bowl! I’m pretty good about bringing home leftovers, but this salad didn’t stand a chance. All of the flavors were so delicious, and the ingredients were unbelievably fresh. I cannot wait to go back!
They treated us to a free dessert on the house, which was so sweet of them! See what I did there 😉
We ended our week by watching American Idol, and I was out by 9:30! ❤️ It’s safe to say I had a pretty darn good week!
Thank you guys for stopping by to read my recap blog!😊
Questions for you!
- Have you ever done a paint and wine class?
- What has you excited about being active this week?
- What was the last meal you ate that blew you away?
Savanna says
I would LOVE a tennis tips blog! I’m trying to get better (I’m currently abysmal) so that I can hang in there with my boyfriend when he wants to play ◡̈
Also, I’m trying to find platform sandals just like the black and white ones you had one, where did you get them?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Savanna!
I will definitely put a post together! It’s such a fun sport to pick up and you get better the more you play!
Those sandals are from my mom’s closet 😂! They are Mia. ♥️ They are the softest shoes I’ve ever worn! Here’s the link to them!
Chelsea says
I have always wanted to do a paint and wine class! There’s a painting with a twist right around the corner from us so I don’t know why I haven’t ever signed up for a class! Adding it to my to-do list now! 🙂 It sounds so fun!!
I love your plan to get back to running! You’re doing awesome staying up with your training plan! Running can be so tricky when you stop but I just love the endorphins post-run so it’s always totally worth it to lace up my running shoes!
Have a great week, Taralynn!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Chelsea!
It’s such a fun activity to do! I don’t know why we haven’t done them more often! You should definitely try it out.
Thanks so much! I agree that it’s so hard to get back into it after the hiatus. Mostly, mentally!
xo xo xo have a great week as well!
Alyssa Connolly says
Please do the tennis post!
I’ve never done the painting with wine class. I’d be so worried it comes out bad! I’m starting the couch to 5k program today, I really want to get back into running too :). I had stuffed rigatoni at this place we always go to, and it was so amazing. I’m glad I branched out and tried something new.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Alyssa!
I will for sure! 🎾
The thing is about those classes is that it’s just for fun! They call it “fun” art, not “Fine” art 😂
It’s the perfect time of year to do it!
OH MAN, now I want rigatoni!!!
Lauren says
1. I love wine and paint classes!
2. Chicago is finally getting some spring weather! It makes me excited to get outside again!
3. Shrimp tacos!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Chicago does have the best spring/summer weather! Kyle and I are visiting Chicago this summer!
ohhh shrimp tacos sound delicious!
Madison says
Oh my goodness, please do the tennis post!! I just started playing and need all the tips I can get.
I’ve been looking at the paint and wine classes. I want to do one so bad, I just haven’t liked any of the painting I’ve seen online. I love the idea of painting my pet! I’ll have to look into that.
It’s supposed to be warm here in Atlanta all week, so I’m excited to get outside with the dogs, and maybe play some tennis.
My last great meal was fish tacos! I make them once a week and they are so very good.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Madison!
I will totally do it!
We didn’t really like the painting either, but we just wanted to go for the fun of it! We did hear they had a paint your dog night! We’re totally doing that.
AHHH yay!!!
What do you put in your fish tacos!? Maybe we’ll do that this week!
Madiaon says
They’re so simple! I blacken fish in a skillet. I mix almond yogurt (I use kite hill) with cilantro, lime juice and salt. Sometimes I throw in other seasonings. To assemble the tacos I just put some greens in the tortilla, top with fish, the cream mixture and avocado. Soo good and quick! I’m actually planning to do a post about them this week.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!!! I can’t wait to try these.
Sarah says
Oh, I’d love a post about tennis! My fiancé and I have been playing some, but neither of us have ever played before and that would be so incredibly helpful!
I’m so excited that it’s warm and sunny in the evenings so that every night has the potential to be active.
I’ve never done a paint and wine night, but they sound so much fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
Looks like I’ll definitely be writing one up!
I agree. It’s so much easier to be active when it’s warm and sunny!
Ohhh yes! totally do one! 😃 🎨
Ashton Jury says
YES PLEASE DO A TENNIS POST! We just moved, and I discovered a tennis court 1/2 a mile from my new place. So I would love some tips! Best thing I’ve eaten recently is zucchini chicken enchiladas, I’m doing keto right now and these hit the spot and I don’t even miss the tortilla! Kyle & you would love them I’m sure, I even mix in the jalapeño kite hil into my chicken mixture. I’m also getting back into running my goal is to do a half marathon with rundisney. I did a Ragnar trail run but never a half. Have a great week, keep up on your running!
Taralynn McNitt says
FOR SURE!!
Ohhhh man that sound so good. Please share that recipe!!!
Good luck with your training! Just remember to enjoy it 😃 & you’ll have so much fun doing run Disney!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
It’s good to see you up and about, Taralynn! You look a lot happier! 🙂 I’ve never had a paint and wine class, mostly because I don’t drink alcohol, haha. Maybe a paint and tea class? 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
You can have anything you want there! ♥️
Ellie says
Love those black shoes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you! They’re actually my moms 😃
Anonymous says
Where is that black polka skirt from?
Taralynn McNitt says
All the details will be in tomorrow’s blog post! 😃
Keiser says
How long have you and Kyle been dating?
Taralynn McNitt says
3 Years.
chris says
Hey there 🙂
I’ve never done a wine and paint class but it looks like a lot of fun!
My last meal that blown me away was actually your slamon recipe (the grilled salmon with honey and soy sauce) WOW
Do you plan to do a “In my closet” post? I love your style and I’d be curious to know like maybe your 5 favorites for spring! What do you think?
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s so much fun ❤️
I’m so happy you tried that salmon recipe! I’ve been grilling salmon non-stop lately.
I might do that! 😊 I’m sharing a little post tomorrow on where I’ve found some spring pieces! 😉
Milena says
Hi Taralynn!
First of all, I love your skirt! It combines great with white blouse and those sandals 🙂
I would ask you where did you buy it but I live in Europe so the possibility to find it here is low 😀
I didn´t do paint and wine class but I would love to! I draw sometimes, mostly with pencil. I also took some classes and would like to paint as well 🙂
I´m excited to keep on decorating my flat this week and I am actually looking for some nice painting to my living room!
The last meat I ate and blew me away was yesterday when my boyfriend and I tried a new American burger´s place in Barcelona.! The burgers are served with curly fries and they were delicious. Although I didn´t taste the meat because I tried the chicken burger, but my boyfriend said that it was one of the best beef meet he´s ever tried. And the chicken one was very good as well 🙂
Have a nice week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Milena!
I’ll be doing a post on the skirt tomorrow, so thank you so much!!!!
It’s been forever since I’ve drawn anything. I used to love to sketch, especially back in college in art.
Ohhhh so fun!! Good luck with decorating. it’s so much fun.
WOW that sounds delicious, and you can’t go wrong with curly fries!
Anonymous says
I’ve done Painting with a Twist a few times! The first time was with my mom and we did the same painting as you! I have it in my office at work 🙂 The second time I did Paint your Pet with my sister and it was so fun! I was shocked at how well it turned out, but it looks exactly like my cat and my sister’s chihuahua! I highly recommend it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha too funny! My friend, Caitlin, did the same painting with her mom too! I CAN’T WAIT TO DO PAINT YOUR PET!!! EEEEK. You have me so excited for it.
Megan says
So glad you made it to Kid Cashew! Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte – their brunch is super great too 🙂 And please do a “tennis for beginners” post…I’ve been wanting to start but it’s a little intimidating. Congrats on keeping up your run schedule – I know it always feels great to get my running legs/mind-frame back after I take some time off 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was incredible!!! I can’t wait to try their brunch.
Thanks for that encouragement. I’m finally finding myself “wishing I could go for a run” during my off days! That’s the mindset I’ve been missing.
I’m actually excited to do this tennis post!
Jesek says
Yes! Tennis post! My husband and I have courts right by our house but have never ever played before. We even bought rackets at a garage sale. But every time we talk about actually going to play for the first time, we both worry about being embarassed around people that know what they’re doing. 🙁
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s one of my favorite things to do! You should try it. You guys will probably be obsessed! Don’t be embarrassed at all! just hit small volleys back and forth.
Charity says
Yes yes yes on the tennis post for beginners! I’ve been so interested in giving it a try.. I LOVE ping pong (I know, it’s totally different but sort of the same? haha) so I would love to get some tips! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha I love ping pong too, so maybe you’re onto something…
Erin says
Do you know what kind of grill your dad has? I have been looking for one like that!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Erin!
My brother and I got him that grill for fathers day! 😃 It’s the Blackstone Griddle
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Erin!
My brother and I got him that grill for fathers day! 😃 It’s the Blackstone Griddle
Erin says
Awesome, thank you! That’s the same one I have been eyeing in my Amazon cart all week 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s a great choice! 😃
Mary says
Isn’t Kyle a musician too?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha he is!
Casey says
Yes have done a paint nite and loved it. I don’t know why you wouldn’t hang your painting, I think it looks perfect, good job! I do aqua fit to stay active and also do the 10,000 steps daily (or I try to). Oh last exciting meal was at a local pizza place here in Nova Scotia, I was blown away how good it was….pizza had fried rosemary and maple drizzle on top, sooooo good!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Casey!
Thank you! 😃 We may hang it in the guest bathroom.
I love shooting for 10k a day! ohhhhh man pizza and maple? sounds like a fun combo!
Katie Meshko says
Ah this was all so awesome!! You go girl! You’re inspiring me to start jogging, but it sucks because it’s still cold in North East Pennsylvania 🙁 I totally agree with you about the weather affecting my mood. I’ve never done a paint and sip class, but I want to!! Yours came out so good. The last meal I ate that blew me away was a quick and easy stir fry I made one night that came out soo good!! It was chicken, asparagus, and mushrooms overs basmati rice. Mmmm.
Hope you have a good week love!!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
Hopefully, you get some warm weather soon! I’m so happy to be out running again. Totally puts me in a better place when the sun is out.
You should definitely sign up for a class. I know you’d love it!!!
ohhhh that sounds so good!!!!!!
Jenna says
Yes I LOVE painting with a twist! I’ve done about four now.
Sadly, I’m in a rut and have not been active this week. I did do a lot of walking this past weekend though, but I was at a concert so it wasn’t anything too crazy.
Last meal I ate that blew me away? I couldn’t even tell you.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jenna!
4? I need to get on your level!
Walking is my favorite workout! 😃
Anonymous says
Where are your plaid plants from?
Natalija says
Hi Taralynn, I can completely understand how the moods are connected to weather, living in rainy north west of England for the past 12 years has really affected my levels of being active and productive. $4400 for painting cabinets? Is it Pablo Picasso coming over by any chance? Totally do it yourself! Well done for rescuing that poor dog, and shame on the people lacking humanity and understanding, great to hear it all ended well.Paint & Wine class results were pretty impressive both from you and Kyle.Thank you for sharing your week!