I had a few people ask me if I was going to have the recap post up soon. I felt bad that I wasn’t on top of it, but it was one of those days where I just stared at the computer screen and couldn’t bring myself to write anything. Since I couldn’t find the rhythm, I chose to work on something else and save the recap post for another day. Creative blocks are common, but sometimes pushing through feels impossible. I also feel like last week was so uneventful and hesitated to even write a recap post. I apologize for the potential snoozefest that may take place this week, but if you’re looking for some meal ideas or running inspiration, I may be able to help! I’m not saying my creative flow is back because it’ most certainly isn’t, but I’m going to try my best to let the recap flow.
One of the reasons why my week wasn’t eventful was that I had a lot of writing to catch up on. I spent several days editing my travel video and writing all about my trip to the Brunswick Islands. It’s still one of my favorite blogs I’ve ever written. I had so much fun there and can’t wait to visit again. Maybe that’s the blog that drained me and took away all my creativity. If that’s the truth, it’s all worth it.
On Monday evening, I grilled some chicken to go on top of a baby kale salad for dinner. I used the new pomegranate vinaigrette from Organic girl, and it was pretty good! The only issue with the dressing is that it clumps up in the refrigerator. I added sunflower seeds, avocados, and blueberries to the top.
My allergies were at a high time high while running outside on Tuesday morning. The good thing is that so many of you sent me amazing tips that have seemed to help. The allergies can get so bad where it feels like your throat is closing up, which is no good when you’re trying to run. I’ll share all of those tips in a separate blog post. I know many of you were requesting that I share, so I’ll write about the ones that have helped me so far.
I spent the rest of Tuesday writing and editing, which takes place on the couch and my kitchen table. For lunch, I had a baby kale salad with carrots, roasted red pepper hummus, avocado, and my homemade chicken salad.
For dinner, I had a protein smoothie with spinach, plant-based vanilla protein powder, frozen banana, ice, almond milk, and a scoop of Amazing Grass. Later in the evening, I ended up eating half a bag of Siete chips with salsa, so I consider that balance.
I had a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday and then ended up spending the whole day power cleaning. This was one of those big power cleans where not a floorboard is missed! It really needed to be done, and I always feel like I can work or relax better when the house is tidy. I got the stress-cleaning gene from my mom. She does the same thing! Whenever we feel overwhelmed or in a rut, we tend to clean everything.
After cleaning, I decided to end Wednesday with a bake session. I made some delicious muffins to bring over to Caitlins. I love her appreciation for baked goods!
I headed out on my run Thursday morning. I’ve been trying my best to get up early for my runs since the summer heat has already arrived. Even though I managed to run early, the heat was turned up! I’ve never been a huge sweater, but I was dripping. I think I’m going to have to start waking up at 5 am and running at 6 am. If any of you want to share your “running before the sun comes up” tips, I’ll gladly take them! I’m not one of those people that can get out of bed and go to a workout. I have to have about an hour to drink some coffee and wake up before doing anything physical.
After my run, I needed something refreshing so I made a protein smoothie bowl for lunch. It had a frozen banana, baby kale, ice, almond milk, amazing grass, protein powder, and topped with granola, chocolate chips, kiwi, and honey.
While doing computer work, I had a rice cake with peanut butter and honey. This is seriously the best snack combo ever!
I headed uptown for the volleyball game at 8:30 pm. Not going to lie, the late games are painful, but they always end up being a lot of fun. The issue this time was that I managed to lose my glasses on Sunday. I set them down on the tennis courts while I was playing with Kyle, and someone picked them up. I was so sad because they were my favorite glasses, I had paid way too much for them, and I knew I would have to go back to the eye doctor to get new ones since I never wrote down my previous prescription. Plus, I’m super blind at night and can’t see far away, so this was going to make for a very interesting nighttime game!
Even though I could barely see the ball, I managed to survive the game without getting hit in the face. That was my main goal for the night. I decided to crash at Caitlin’s instead of driving all the way back home, especially since I didn’t have my glasses. That would have been a nightmare and I wasn’t about to put anyone’s life in danger.
We wanted to grab food at a new Mexican restaurant in Southend called Superico for a late-night dinner. We didn’t have the best experience there. I won’t go into the whole story because I hate doing that to businesses, but I will say they had the best tortilla chips. If you’re looking for a place for great drinks, good atmosphere, and the best chips, you’ll love it.
I headed home at 7 am so I could beat the morning traffic. I had my coffee, walked the dogs, and then made protein pancakes for breakfast. I always use the Paleo Birch Bender mix with one scoop of vanilla plant protein powder, water, and blueberries! I love adding all the extra blueberries.
I got extremely lucky because my eye appointment wasn’t until late May, but I called to see if they could “PLEASE” get me in. I was kind of desperate since I’m not legally supposed to be driving without glasses, and I can’t play tennis without them. They said they had an opening for the afternoon, and I took it. I’ve never been more excited for a doctors appointment before. Also, the new technology they have for your eyes is pretty amazing!
After my appointment, I picked up my mom for lunch since she works right by my eye doctor. We stopped at Legal Remedy Brewery for some tasty food!
When I was at the grocery store, I saw that Earthfare had wild-caught shrimp, and so I picked some up for dinner. I can’t eat shrimp if it’s farm-raised, and since I was in the mood for seafood, I knew I had to make shrimp on the barbeque! I marinated the shrimp with Jamaican jerk seasoning, gluten-free soy sauce, and a tablespoon of hickory bbq sauce. For the vegetables, I tossed them in a little avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
No how delicious does this look? I think this is a pretty delicious way to start a Friday night. I also had a little glass of pinot noir to go with dinner because it complimented it perfectly. For the puree, I steamed a large potato, removed the skin, and added it to a blender with one tablespoon dairy-free yogurt, a pinch of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and blended it until it was creamy. This whole dish tasted heavenly!
After dinner, I made a cup of blueberry hibiscus tea from The Republic of Tea. I also added a drop of honey and lemon juice. It tasted like a lemon blueberry cake! I’ve been drinking these non-stop for the past week. Tea helps me with mindless snacking and my sweet cravings.
We ended up watching Zac Efron’s new movie Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile. I think they did a really good job at leaving all of the gory details out and not glorifying Ted Bundy. The documentary made my stomach hurt and I could hardly get through it, and the movie didn’t show the whole story, which I’m fine with. I read a pretty accurate movie review on Den of Geek, which explains it better.
I woke up on Saturday morning for my run! It was misty, humid, and felt awful! When I got inside, I immediately showered, and had some tea! I was just happy that the run was over with for the day because I did not want to go back out in that heat to run for a while.
PS, this sweet & spicy tea tastes like a cinnamon orange dessert! It tastes just like the Harney & Sons but without any of the artificial sweeteners.
For breakfast, I made my protein pancakes! I always look forward to these, especially on a Saturday morning. Kyle woke up and caught me making these and of course requested some chocolate ones. For the chocolate ones, I make them the same way but use chocolate protein, chocolate chips instead of blueberries, and a little peanut butter.
Once the rain stopped, we decided to take the boys over to my parent’s house to hang out in the backyard. We wanted to set the pool up for them because we didn’t have to much luck with it at the place. The boys ended up LOVING IT! They kept running in and out of the pool (which is why it got so muddy) and they loved fetching for the pool toys when we threw them in.
BUTTTTTTT……
We had a little incident with Leo. He was running around like a crazy dog with Grumples and didn’t pay attention to where he was running. He managed to place his foot in the firepit. He cried so loud for a long time, and we rushed to place his paw in the ice cold water. Luckily, we got to it fast enough, but it still burned through his paw pad. He has been limping on the foot, and we have the vet appointment set up for this afternoon to get it looked at. I’ll make sure to keep you guys updated. I feel so bad for him! The burn is pretty severe, and I can tell that it’s frustrating for him because he can’t play or go on walks. I’ve been keeping a sock on his foot to keep him from licking and biting. I also have been cleaning the burn every 2-3 hours. Luckily, he lets me hold an ice cold towel on it with pressure, and I think he thinks it feels good.
Here’s the link to the dog pool we got the dogs! We bought the XXL size, and it’s perfect!
When we got home, I ended up falling asleep on the couch. Being out in the sun, waking up at 4:30, and not drinking as much caffeine had me out for a few hours. It takes a lot for me to take a nap, so I was proud of myself when I woke up.
Kyle and I have been working on this 1500 piece puzzle of our dogs (is that weird? lol) for the past few days. So we made tortilla pizzas and omelets while we watched basketball and worked on the puzzle. How about that for an exciting Saturday night?
On Sunday, I met up with Becca for a girl’s day. We spent the morning shopping around at thrift stores, grabbing a coffee, and then having lunch at Akahana in Fort Mill. I love their gluten free chicken lettuce wraps so much! After our lunch, we headed to Sprouts to grocery shop, and I picked up groceries for the week.
For dinner, I had my leftover lettuce wrap and my homemade broccoli slaw (THAT IS TO DIE FOR) on top of a salad! Kyle and I watched American Idol while I blogged a recipe.
By the way, I finally hit 4-miles yesterday! Can’t wait to share all of that in next week’s recap blog!
Question for you!
- What brings you back to my recap posts?
- Would you guys like to see a “weekend in Charlotte” travel guidepost?
- Describe your day in three words…GO!
Madison says
Hey Taralynn! I totally understand not having the creative juices flowing! I’ve felt that way a lot recently.
I love your recap posts. I feel like we live a pretty similar lifestyle, so I love to see new foods to try, new ways to top my salad, etc.
I would love to see a weekend in Charlotte post. I live in Atlanta, so Charlotte isn’t too far away and I’d love to spend some time there.
So far my day has been busy, a little sleep deprived, but I’m finally inspired again. So great day so far.
Happy tuesday!
Taralynn McNitt says
I find it always comes when seasons shift! Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way as well.
I’ll be near Atlanta next weekend 😀 Love that it’s a short drive from Charlotte!
GET SOME SLEEP GIRL! (or a big cup of coffee!) xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I get so hungry every time I see your posts, Taralynn! Haha, stop it! 😛 Would love to see a weekend in Charlotte type post – even if I may never visit. It’s always nice to see your colourful photos on my feed. ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Charmaine!
Olivia says
What brings you back to my recap posts? — They’re refreshing, even when uneventful.:) I always find some form of inspiration.
Would you guys like to see a “weekend in Charlotte” travel guidepost? — Absolutely! traveling there this June!
Describe your day in three words…GO! — Gloomy. Relaxing. Introverted.
— P.S I thought I’d share something! Sprouts has Truvia Nectar now! Thought you might like it! Tastes just like honey (has real honey, sugar, stevia leaf), and so far it’s the BEST. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Olivia!
I can’t wait to try that sweetener out! I’ll be on the lookout.
You’re going to have so much fun traveling here this summer! 😀 I’ll make sure to include some fun summer activities in the blog!
LOVE THAT DAY!
xo
Olivia says
I love your recaps because you’re real. You’ve mentioned before how some bloggers hire people to write their posts and fill them with fluff. While I’ve never come across one, it doesn’t sound like something I’d be interested in. I like hearing from you and about your life. I feel like we’re friends and reading your recaps is like a weekly check-in phone call to see how you’re doing (sorry if that sounds weird, promise I’m not a creeper 🤣 lol) I celebrate with you and am sad with you. When I see how well you’re doing on your runs I’m like yes girl!! Keep it up! And when I read Leo hurt his paw I’m like aww oh no poor Leo, feel better pup! Thank you for always allowing us into your life no matter what it consists of, I know it can be hard putting such personal stuff on such a public platform and I always appreciate your openness and that you stay authentic. ❤
I would love a weekend in Charlotte blog! My husband and I are coming to Charlotte in August for a quick weekend to see the Cats on tour broadway show and have been looking for things to do and places to eat. I’ve read your Charlotte guide but would love a laid out plan from you 🙂
Gym, work, dinner. Nothing exciting today 😂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Olivia!
That does not sound weird at all. Makes me feel so fortunate and lucky to have you as a reader! Thank you so so so so much for your kind words!
Ohhhhh that’s going to be a fun trip! It’s going to be HOT here in August so you’ll get to experience the humidity fun! lol
I’ll make sure to add in some great restaurants for you to try!
Have a great week!
Patricia Lico says
Hey Taralynn!
Is there a reason why you’re allergic to farm raised shrimp but not wild caught? I find that so weird/interesting…
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Patricia!
It is very very weird. I never knew farm-raised shrimp was an issue until I told my doctor that sometimes I get sick when I eat shrimp and sometimes I don’t. He told me to do a test and to eat farm-raised one week and wild-caught the next week. The wild-caught I was fine, and the farm-raised I was dizzy with nausea several hours later. There could be so many reasons why/or what I’m allergic to exactly but with farm-raised shrimp going through so much contamination, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes me sick. All I know is that I avoid it at all cost and same thing with scallops! Although, I can’t eat fresh scallops either.
Elle says
One thing that helped me love morning running was running during the sunrise! In the summer when sunrise is so early I try to start when its dark about 10-15 minutes before so I can enjoy it. It helps making getting up early worth it!:) I love the running amd health aspects of your blog!:)
Taralynn McNitt says
I love the idea of enjoying the sunrise while starting out the run! What a great way to start the day ☀️ xo xo xo have a great week, Elle!
Emily says
Your running inspires me to get back in it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Give it a try! I’m so happy I’m back out running again!
seliina says
I have followed your blog for years now! I have a dog related question….
I recently got a Sproodle who has a poodle coat.
Any suggestions for grooming products?!
I have researched and researched and it is so hard to tell what products are safe and which ones aren’t!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Seliina!
I always use the Burts Bees shampoo and conditioner!
Selina says
Awe, thank you for the response 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
💜
Lauren says
Hi Taralynn!
1. I’ve been following your blog since 2012 and I still love your recap posts! I’m not sure if it’s anything specific about them, they’re just a nice weekly read. Plus I love the Grumples/Leo updates! They’re so cute! Poor Leo! I hope his paw feels better soon!
2. I’ve never been to Charlotte so a travel weekend guide would be great!
3. Smiles, routine, rainy
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lauren!
Thanks for stopping by! & thank you for reading the past seven years!! Leo is now on medications with his cone of shame, but still hoping for a speedy recovery! ❤️
Sometimes a rainy day is a blessing! xo
Have a great week! Almost Friday 😃
Hannah R says
Uh, what brings me “back” to your recaps? I guess you can say “back,” even if I have read practically every single one. I can miss a whole week’s worth of posts, but you better believe I’ll catch back up 😉 It’s so fun to see slivers of other people’s lives (especially beautiful people, inside and out, like you!) And you give meal inspo, exercise motivation, travel fomo (uh, I mean.. 😉 haha). It’s just a refreshing place to take a dip when we want to refocus in our own lives, I think! So, thanks for being that little ray of sunshine, Tara! ♥
I actually said aloud, “Oh no!” when I read that your glasses were stolen. How awful! Who does that? Ugh. Anyway, I wanted to throw out a couple of my absolute FAVORITES for new glasses. For my “normal” glasses, I love Warby Parker online. You can try on up to five pairs for FREE for an entire week (they just have plastic lenses during that time. It’s to let you see what you actually like on your face! It’s fantastic, convenient, and did I mention completely free?) and once you place your order, the glasses come in literally DAYS. Mine have always lasted for years, too! My poly-carbonate frames (which I love because they are light weight and also adorable) were $95… total. Not just the frames with super expensive lenses on top of that – that was the whole cost! It’s the best thing ever.
For prescription sunglasses, my favorite place to shop is Zenni online! They have a million pair that I think are horribly ugly, I must confess, but when I find some fun/cute frames that make good sunglasses it’s FANTASTIC. We’re talking like $60 for prescription, polarized lens sunglasses. You don’t find that price literally anywhere else. I bought two pair last time I got new ones! The downside to Zenni is that (because they are so affordable) they are not as fast on the manufacturing front. But I think they are super worth it. You can get different colored lenses, different color gradients (you know, the kind of sunglasses where the top is darker and the bottom still lets you see your hands inside the car?), polarized or non polarized, and multiple coatings, thicknesses, etc. I could go on, but the jist is: Highly recommended! And if you’re looking for a bit more of a discount, you can always check out Raise.com for discounted gift cards to purchase before making your online orders! I got a free $10 Caribou Coffee card last time I ordered ♥
I think that’s enough typing. Sorry this is so ridiculously long, but I wanted to bring a little sliver of sunlight into the sadness of losing a pair of much loved glasses!
P.S: Praying for poor Leo and his lil’ burnt paw! What a rough thing for a pup!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Hannah!
I always love seeing your comments and reading what you have to say! You are one of my favorite people, and we need more souls like you in this world! 💜
My best friend gets her glasses on Zenni! I just tried out EyesBuyDirect, so let’s hope they are just as good! I’ll give zenni a try out next!! 😃
PS I LOVE your long comments!! xo xo xo
oh, and leo is doing much better!
Hannah says
I come back every week because I love your blog! I’ve been reading for around 8 years and I love seeing everything you’ve done & you give me major recipe ideas!
I would LOVE a travel guide! I’m currently trying to convince my friend to go on a road trip next time we visit Florida & a guide would really help my case 😉
Rainy, creative & sleepy!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Hannah!! ♥️
I hope you can convince your friend! Charlotte is a great spot to visit 😃
Kristin says
Thank you for keeping it real and honest! I’ve felt a little in a funk lately too. For me it’s hard finding the balance between work, house work and fun each week.
I keep coming back to your blog for healthy inspiration and the positivity you have!
Yes to the travel guide!
3 words: work, laundry, shopping
Your first salad looks so good and fresh, adding this to my list to make!
I hope Leo is feeling better! We’ve had a few freak accidents with our pups too and it’s always so scary. ❤️
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kristin!
I feel ya, girl!
I will most definitely do the travel guide. I think it would be so fun!
Sounds like the perfect day!
Leo is doing much better today thank goodness! Those moments are the scariest for pets! 😭
Jen says
One thing I love about your recaps is just that: the chance to catch up! I always get some sort of inspo, whether it’s fitness-related, DIY projects, a new recipe—even on your “uneventful” weeks 🙂 It feels like when a friend of mine and I meet up over coffee. We never say “We’ll just meet up when we have something new/exciting to report.” We meet up to talk about anything/nothing and it’s great! I know it’s your job to put out innovative content (and you do a great job!), but some of us are here for the “normal” stuff too 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jen!
Thanks for letting me know! 😃 I like to know what to blog about/capture when it comes to my recaps! Love that you come back for them! xo xo xo
Milena says
HI Taralynn!
I also saw this movie with Zac Efron and I couldn´t sleep almost all night. I ended with my stomach hurt as well..
I like reading your recaps because I feel like your writing it´s 100% natural, you are not like most of the bloggers lately. You are honest and faithful to your values 🙂 And I share the love for salads with you!
Definitely yes for a “Weekend in Charlotte” guidepost!
My day started really bad because I argued with my boyfriend for the first time in our 6-months relationship. I felt really bad and I couldn´t focus on work. But then something good happened. My wallet was stolen in metro few days ago and today the police found it! With all my documents and cards inside. So at least one good notice 🙂
Have a nice week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Milena! 💜
If that one made your stomach hurt, do not watch the TB documentary. It’s sooooo much worse.
Thank you for that! & I love a fellow salad lova! 😂
I’ll for sure plan out the weekend in Charlotte guide!
——
Sorry to hear about your argument 😞 I know that can really get you down. Hopefully, it’s an argument that will make your relationship stronger. That is so amazing your wallet was found and with all of it inside! I can’t imagine how stressful that must have been! So good to hear!!!
Have a great week and an even better weekend!
xo
Sara says
I agree! Weekend in Charlotte blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️
Amanda says
I think I have probably been reading your blog for about 10 years now (haha)! How long have you been blogging? I keep coming back because I love getting healthy lifestyle ideas. I also particularly love your running pictures. I run too, and I always try to take pictures as I go. Everything seems so pretty when you have endorphins pumping! Keep up the good runs (and pictures)!
I think a weekend in Charlotte guide post would be really neat! More things to add to my bucket list. =)
I’m having a cozy, rainy, calm sort of day.
Thanks for sharing Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Amanda!
It’s been about 10 years now lol Thank you for following along for all of it! I agree with you! I’m going to start running in new locations now that I’m back to three! I used to think it was a waste to run in new locations if I was only going a mile or two. Since I’ll be doing five on Friday, I’ll take pictures of everything along the way! 😃 So awesome you’re a runner!
Your day sounds fantastic!! ♥️
Brittany M. says
I have also been reading your blog forever. I first found it on maternity leave when I had a lot of free time, but I never stopped reading it no matter how busy I got! I only follow your blog and two others. I know that people give you a hard time anytime you make a typo or anytime you share an opinion that someone may not agree with, but I think that’s the kind of stuff that makes you so real. I appreciate that you don’t seek out validation from others to make yourself feel good and you already have confidence because you know who you are. I feel like you know how big your platform is and you use it in a way to inspire others and teach us all new things. I teach my daughters to always be themselves and to remember that God stooped everything he was doing to create them exactly how he wanted them! It’s hard today to remain original but I think you do a great job!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Brittany!! All of this just put a big smile on my face. Your daughters are so lucky to have you as a mom! xo xo xo xo
Katie Meshko says
Looks like a great week love!!! I look forward to your recap posts every week.. they are always fun, happy, motivating, and inspiring!! :)YES to a weekend in Charlotte post – I have always wanted to check Charlotte out!! Seems like a beautiful place!!
My day today in 3 words is coffee, work, & hopeful! 😉
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
And I love catching up with you every week! I think you’d LOVE LOVE LOVE X 1000 love Charlotte! ♥️
Sounds like the best day!
Nina says
What brings you back to my recap posts?
You’re real! You don’t say everything is always perfect, and it’s very refreshing on an internet where everyone has such a wonderful life full of wonderful adventures!
Plus, your food seems delicious and I love your dogs 😀
Would you guys like to see a “weekend in Charlotte” travel guidepost?
It must be a wonderful place to visit, so yes!
Describe your day in three words…GO!
Work. Coffee. Work.
I love reading you after a day like today. It makes me smile 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Nina!!
♥️
Yes, love that you’re getting that coffee in today!!
xo I hope you have a great weekend!
Jenna says
I love your recap posts – I always learn something new or see something I want to try.
Yes to the guidepost.
My day in 3 words: Mouse isn’t working!
Taralynn McNitt says
NOT THE MOUSE!!
Jess says
I look forward to your blogs! I LOVE them! I have tried so many of your recipes, products, etc. You inspire to me to want to better myself. As a mom of 1 (soon to be 2) your blog gives me the “me” time I need in the morning! lol Keep it up girl! You Rock!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jess! ♥️
That just made my day! congrats on #2!! How exciting!
xo xo xo xo