Happy Monday, and welcome to the weekly recap post. I hope your Monday is off to a great start. The sun is finally shining here, and it’s not absurdly hot outside for once. Even though I’ll be spending most of the day inside, it’s still nice to have the sunrays shining through the windows along with the breeze and sounds of the birds chirping. Grab your tea or coffee, and let’s catch up! MONDAY MORNING RUN
I decided to get out a bit earlier to run on Monday morning to beat the heat. I had a slice of gluten-free bread with creamy peanut butter and granola on top for breakfast. I usually have my protein oats, but I was out of my oatmeal packets.
My goal was to hit 3.5 miles. Since it was humid and I was dealing with some intense cramps, I decided just to slow down. I turned my run into a jog but then realized that this is what my miles should feel like. By slowing down, I was breathing better, I didn’t have any joint pains, and I wasn’t looking at my watch to see how many more miles I had left. Running at a slower pace made me enjoy being in the moment. I decided from here on out that I’ll start running slower. I also have turned off all sound cues on my running app. When I don’t know how far I’ve gone or what pace I’m running, I am more intuitive with my body. I finally decided to check my watch when I felt that I was getting a little tired. I was shocked to see 3.7 miles, so I ran to hit 4.0, and then walked the rest of the way back. Monday’s run made me realize that I’ve been going about it all wrong, and ever since then my runs have felt so much more comfortable. So from here on out, my focus will be on running slower and longer, rather than faster.
DRAGON FRUIT PROTEIN SMOOTHIE BOWL
After running, I took a quick shower and made a smoothie bowl for lunch. The smoothie had frozen dragon fruit, frozen banana, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, ice, and some fun toppings! I’m pretty obsessed with the color dragon fruit creates. You can find the frozen dragon fruit packets at Whole Foods, but some regular grocery stores also sell them.
After lunch, I headed to my massage appointment. I try to get a deep tissue massage every month to help with muscle soreness and stress.
HOMEMADE BROCCOLI SLAW SALAD
For dinner, I had a baby kale salad topped with my homemade broccoli slaw, cashews, and Whole Food’s falafels. This broccoli salad was so good with leafy greens. It was a great salad dressing substitute.
PROTEIN OATS
I was back to my morning oats on Tuesday morning! Gluten-free oatmeal with protein powder, blueberries, granola, and peanut butter on top!
VET TRIP FOR LEO
I had to take Leo in to see the vet on Tuesday evening because his burn on the paw had gotten worse. I will spare the photos because my stomach drops jus looking at it. He is now on pain medication, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotics. I feel so bad for him! The paw is still pretty bad so I may have to take him in again this week for a follow-up. I feel horrible for him 😢
REFRESHING SMOOTHIE BEFORE A RUN
On Wednesday morning, I had a blueberry vanilla protein shake for breakfast with a GoMacro cherries and berries bar. I knew I was going to be gone for most of the morning and early afternoon, so I wanted a breakfast that would fuel me for my early evening run. The GoMacro bars are super high carb, which is excellent for running.
DENTAL CLEANING
I had my dental appointment, which I don’t usually look forward to. I can’t stand the sounds of cleanings, and my teeth are pretty sensitive. I do want to fill you in on something though! The past few years, my teeth have shifted apart. Since I already have small teeth, it makes it look even worse. One of my front teeth is actually half fake because I got kicked in the face during gymnastics as a kid. I have always been very self-conscious about the way they look. I won’t even take photos on my left side because I cringe every time I have to look at my teeth from that angle. I look like a completely different person on each side of my face when I smile. My friends have even agreed with me once I showed them the difference in photos, which made me feel better because I was starting to think I was going crazy. I’ve been considering getting four-veneers on my front four teeth. I have a consultation in a few weeks, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on veneers if you’ve ever gotten them. I’ve never had anything done to my body (other than my small tattoo) because I’m always so afraid of change. Let me know in the comments your thoughts!
FOUR-MILE RUN WEDNESDAY
I ran several errands after my dental appointment, and then came home to head out for my run. I slowed down my pace once again, and the run was so successful! That 7:50 current pace was because I was finishing my run downhill and decided to sprint the last twenty seconds. I would never run at that pace. Once time, Meighan and I ran a three-mile run at 8:24, and I couldn’t move my legs for a week! I would have to chop off my legs if I ran a 7:50 pace. It’s unbelievable how some people are built and train to run that way!
GLUTEN-FREE CHICKEN STRIPS
For dinner, I made baked breaded chicken breast with gluten-free breadcrumbs. I used the Kinnikinnick panko-style gluten-free bread crumbs, and they turned out great. Loved how crispy they were. For my sides, I had butternut squash and my broccoli slaw over baby kale.
AFTERNOON CAPPUCCINO
I spent Thursday morning blogging a recipe while eating breakfast. I had a slice of gluten-free toast with peanut butter and honey, and an almond milk cappuccino. I had eaten a few protein energy bites before this, so this wasn’t the only thing I ate for breakfast.
AT-HOME PROTEIN FRAPPUCCINO
I needed an afternoon pick-me-up if I was going to make it to my 9:30 pm volleyball game! I ended up making an at-home healthy protein frappuccino, and it was unbelievable!!! I blended frozen almond milk ice cubes, almond milk, one shot of espresso, and one scoop of vanilla protein powder. This is now one of my favorite drinks!
SAND VOLLEYBALL
I made it to Volleyball at around 9:15 pm! I made Kyle drive me because I cannot see at night without my glasses. And if you read last week’s post, you probably know that I lost my glasses playing tennis. Good news is that they came on Saturday! Yay! But playing volleyball at night when you can hardly see is terrifying. You’ll be happy to know that I did not get hit in the face! 😃 At least I hope you’re happy.
FIVE-MILES IN THE RAIN
I was not going to get a break in the rain on Friday. I decided just to prepare myself and get outside for a run. I have been slowing my pace and not listening to the audio cues, and this rainy run turned out to be the best run yet! I did not expect to hit five miles on Friday, but it happened. I wasn’t even in pain or out of breath at the end of it.
I hid water behind a bush in my neighborhood and stopped to take a sip when I felt like my throat was dry. The water helped a ton!
It still has not hit me that I could hardly run one mile a few months ago, and I successfully hit five miles on Friday. I cannot believe it. I honestly never thought I’d get back to this level ever again.
BEST VEGAN BROCCOLI SALAD
After my run, I cleaned up and got ready for the day. I stopped out at Hobby Lobby to pick up a few frames for my mom’s Mother’s Day gift and then stopped at Earthfare to grab ingredients for Caitlin’s BBQ she was hosting.
I made this broccoli salad recipe but used broccoli florets instead of slaw, cranberries instead of figs, and left out the bacon (from my OG broccoli because I knew several of the guests were vegetarian.
Kyle and I headed to Caitlin’s around 7:30 pm and had so much fun.
TENNIS SATURDAY!
I met up with Becca in the morning for a fun day together! It was raining on and off, and we just felt like being adventurous. We started the day with tennis and then headed to the sporting goods store to pick up rollerskates…
After picking up our rollerskates, we decided to pick up Chick-fil-a for lunch. I have wanted to try Chick-fil-a for a while now, so that’s where we headed to. We got caught in the craziest storms and heard thunder so loud that it practically hurt our eardrums. We were under a tornado warning and could see several funnel clouds in the sky!
TRYING CHICK FIL A FOR THE FIRST TIME
We wanted to waste some time while the storm passed before heading out to try our new rollerskates, so we filmed ourselves eating the Chick-fil-a at a truck stop 😂 You can watch our video on the YouTube channel!
TRYING STARBUCK’S PINK DRINK FOR THE FIRST TIME
I also tried Starbuck’s Pink Drink for the first time in the video! 😊 It finally stopped raining, so we headed to the Riverwalk to test out the new rollerblades.
ROLLERSKATING ON THE TRAIL
Honestly, this was one of the most fun days I’ve had in a long time! Just doing crazy things and forgetting that you’re an adult now and then is healthy.
MOTHER’S DAY GIFT
We headed to my parent’s house early morning on Sunday to have breakfast with my mom for Mother’s day. I used an app to create watercolor pictures of her childhood home, her parent’s, and my grandpa’s piano to frame for her walls. I’m obsessed with how they turned out! I’m going to pick out some photos of the dogs and make a photo wall of them in watercolor prints.
THREE MILE SUNDAY
When we got home, I laced up my shoes and headed out for a light three-mile run! I didn’t want to run but went out with the intention to run at least one mile, but that one mile turned into three! For me, it’s a mental thing. I felt so much better after running, and sometimes the hardest part is just starting.
SUNDAY IS FOR FAMILY
I made stuffed bell peppers for dinner! I filled them with ground turkey, onions, and zucchini flavored with a fajita seasoning packet. I topped them with the Daiya pepper jack vegan cheese. These turned out fantastic! I’m adding them to my meal prep video on Wednesday!
I had a baby kale Caesar salad with Tessemae’s dairy-free Caesar dressing and sweet potatoes on the side! This dinner was fantastic! I can’t wait to eat the same thing tonight 😆
Thank you guys for stopping by the weekly recap! xo
Questions for you!
- What was the last thing you did that made you feel like a kid again?
- What are you currently working on?
- What did you have for dinner last night?
Kayla says
I knocked out my two front teeth on an icy slide in 3rd grade and got veneers when I turned 18! They are amazing and I have never had any issues with them. The procedure takes a while, at least for me, but you’re all hopped up on laughing gas and 3 hours feels like 20 minutes and you don’t care about anything haha. Plus, there is no pain during the procedure or after. The only thing you feel is pressure. I was allowed to listen to music with earphones during it, so I highly recommend that to drown out the sounds. I also recommend getting your teeth whitened before the procedure. They will match your veneers to your other teeth, so if your other teeth aren’t as white as you’d like then your veneers will also be that color and you can never whiten your veneers. Hope that helps! I’d say go for it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kayla!
I’m so happy to hear that you’re happy with your results! I have been reading/watching all up on the procedure. Thank you for all of your suggestions!!
Lacey says
I think your smile is soooo cute the way it is. If you get perfect teeth it will take away your character and natural beauty. So many times I see someone and think something looks off about their teeth, and you can tell they’re fake. Hope you can embrace your perceived flaws, but “girl you’re amazing just the way you are.”
Taralynn McNitt says
I appreciate that Lacey. I have thought that for many years, but I think since the spaces are getting larger, it’s all I can focus on. I may try some invisalign to help with spaces rather than getting the veneers, but it’s just something I wanted to be honest and open about on the blog! Just some thoughts I’ve had for many years 💜 I appreciate your honesty!
Amanda says
I have Veneers for the same reason(except it was a bike accident) you talked about. They feel weird for like two weeks and then you get used to them. They can be fragile, I’ve chipped 1 in the 12 years I’ve had them. I would totally pay for them again and do them again. I have them on my front 4 teeth.
Taralynn McNitt says
Love hearing that you would do it all over again! Seems like everyone who has had them loves them.
Taralynn McNitt says
I would also only do the front four teeth.
Anonymous says
Is some type of orthodontic treatment not an option??
Taralynn McNitt says
It is! But I feel as if my teeth are already small/half fake that i would just bite the bullet and go for the veneers, but yes it’s 100 still an option.
Jenna says
Playing pool volleyball yesterday made me feel like a kid!
Currently working on: a budget, a grocery list and a list of things to do.
Dinner last night was Chinese food! So good, but it never agrees with my tummy.
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun! I’ve been trying to get my parents to get a volleyball net on their pool lol
Ok…so can you make my list too?!! lol
ohhhh, haven’t had cheese food in a while! so delicious! Hope your stomach feels better soon!
Lauren says
Just wanted to make a comment about the veneers. I actually have a front crown and an implant, because I was born without my two adult incisors (thanks dad lol), so two of my 4 front teeth are fake. I did consider veneers just to have all 4 front teeth match perfectly but after talking with several dentists and surgeons I decided it was best not to damage perfectly healthy teeth just for vanity reasons. You only have so many teeth and they are always best left as they are to maintain the health of your other teeth around them and your gums. I have just accepted that teeth do not have to be perfect. I used to be SO self conscious before I got my implant last November. I wore a partial denture so no one noticed but I thought about it CONSTANTLY. All the time. Cried over it a lot. But after I got my implant no one even noticed and then I realized that only I was the one who was obsessing over my teeth. No one else even cared. So just a little food for thought!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Lauren!
So much truth to that. I know it’s something I am constantly looking, thinking, obsessing over. I’ve been that way about my teeth since I was a kid. I appreciate your openness and sharing your honest thoughts!
Beverly says
First thing I’ve got to ask, have you NEVER had Chic-Fil-A before last week!? That seems so crazy to me, mostly because where I live it’s like a staple for the majority of people. Lol anyways!
I think the last thing I did to make myself feel like a kid again was probably jumping on the trampoline at my sister’s house with my nieces. When I was there we took some flowers on one of their bushes in the backyard and tore the petals off and threw them in the air and just jumped in the petals. It was so fun and they enjoyed it so much.
Now that I finished my semester I think I’m going to work on a puzzle I bought around New Years. I’m also working on my running routine. The past couple weeks I’ve been working on just doing a mile without stopping and today I got to 1.13 without stopping! It’s my goal by the end of summer to do 3 miles nonstop. Something I’ve never been able to do.
For dinner I had a taco salad and then I had a couple pieces of this orange dark chocolate bar. 🙂 that’s my favorite sweet of all time!
Taralynn McNitt says
I have never had it! I don’t eat fast food unless it’s chipotle or Panera, but I kept hearing about Chick-fil-a so I had to see what it was all about! It was actually pretty good and didn’t feel too “fast foodish.”
Trampolines are so fun!!! lol Ohhh Kyle and I just finished a puzzle (of our dogs lol) this past weekend. What a great way to relax after your semester!
If you stick to it, you will 1000000% be able to do 3 miles! Just take it super super slow!
YUM!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You are so inspiring, Taralynn! I’ve been meaning to get started with running again following a six year hiatus… this summer, definitely!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s so awesome to hear, Charmaine! You go girl! xo
Gina says
Hi, Taralynn! You’re gorgeous as is, but if you want to explore cosmetic dentistry I would recommend dental bonding over veneers (Google to see some great results!). The benefits of bonding are a) it is much cheaper than veneers and b) there is less damage and trauma done to your natural teeth, since when they prepare your teeth for veneers they have to file them down to little nubs. I don’t know if you’ve explored that option at all, but I think it would be worth looking into if you haven’t already. Take care! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Gina! Yes, I’m going to discuss bonding with the dentist as well! Thank you for all of that info!
Susan says
I got veneers on my two front teeth about a month ago although I fought it for a long time. One of my teeth was chipped and both had small cracks, so before something bad happened I gave in. My front teeth have always had a little gap between them and I liked them that way because I saw it as part of my personality. When I had my veneers done, I insisted that the space stay the same instead of closing the gap, as most people would. So, I still have my gap and I’m still getting used to the way the veneers feel. Good luck whatever you decide!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you for sharing that, Susan!
Elizabeth says
The last did I did that made me feel like a kid was swinging. I went on a walk last weekend and couldn’t pass up the playground.
I’m working on making sure I take time for myself to get outside during the work week. Spending time in nature is so grounding.
For dinner I had homemade mac and cheeze, roasted red skin potatoes and some vegan “chicken nuggets.”
Taralynn McNitt says
Love that!
Such a good thing to work on 😊
OHHHH MAN THAT SOUNDS DELICIOUS!!
Amanda says
The last thing I did that made me feel like a kid again was swing…like on a real swing set (haha). I used to love doing this as a kid. I would actually put our little dog in my lap and he would swing with me.
I am currently working on being present and less stressed. =)
My naturopathic Dr. has recommended going gluten free and dairy free to reduce inflammation, so we made “taco” quinoa. It had cabbage/broccoli/quinoa, green onions, kalamata olives, salsa, plain pulled chicken, and we ate it with GF chips (Late July brand…they are amazingly good).
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so fun!! Love swings 😊
Love that 😊
That taco quinoa sounds fantastic! I will have to try that! If you’re looking for a good dairy-free cheese, Daiya is the best! I love their pepper jack flavor in tacos!
Amanda says
Thank you! I will definitely look for Daiya!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you love it! (ps, it’s much better when cooked!)
Donna says
What app did you use for those watercolor gifts? They turned out great!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Donna!
I used the Waterlogue app!
Valerie H says
I have not roller skated since I was a kid! That looks like a lot of fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
haha, it’s been a while but goodness was it fun!
Kristin says
Love chick fil a sooo much!! I love their lemonade. Do you happen to have a healthy lemonade drink or recipe you like?
I honestly can’t remember the last thing that made me feel like a kid, but what a great goal!
Currently working on: drinking more water!!
Dinner tonight was sautéed chicken, creamy rice, and snap peas!
Praying Leo gets healed up soon! 💜
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kristin!
Sometimes, I’ll squeeze a lemon into water and add a little stevia! It’s a great way to drink more water, too!
ohhhhh how delicious!
Thank you, he’s doing so much better today!!
Megan says
I had a gap between my front two teeth that was getting wider so I went in for an invisalign consult and ended up getting lumineers instead! With lumineers, they do not shave your teeth down to nubs so if one does chip or fall off, you still have a regular tooth underneath. I ended up doing my top 8 and love them! Would 100% do again.
Taralynn McNitt says
Never even heard of them! Just looked them up and I’ll make sure to chat with my dentist about them! Thank you!
Lauren says
My husband and I went mini golfing last weekend! It was so silly but we were laughing the whole time. He is a pretty serious golfer and I kicked his butt!
I’m currently working on my Nutrition and Wellness certification! I’m a teacher now, but it is really hard in so many ways and I’d like to eventually have my own consulting business and website! It will be a side hustle for a bit but having something I’m excited and passionate about again has been incredible!
Last night we had a new favorite! I roasted some cauliflower and bell peppers, took them out when they were almost done, added some tortilla chip and covered it all with beans, shredded salsa chicken, corn, and a little cheese and put it back in the oven for a few minutes. All the best parts of nachos without feeling as heavy after!
Glad to hear Leo is on the mend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lauren!
That sounds like so much fun! Kyle and I have been talking about going golfing for fun. I haven’t been in a couple of years, which is crazy because I used to golf all the time. Tennis kind of took over my love for golf. Love that you kicked your husband’s butt! You go, girl!
What a great thing to work on!
Ohhhh that sounds like such a delicious dinner! I’ll have to try that! yum!!!
Anonymous says
Do you think you guys will ever get a third dog?? Hoping Leo feels better soon!!
Taralynn McNitt says
No way! lol two is enough. I think if I had a giant backyard, never planned on traveling again, and if the right dog was needing a home, then yes. But no plans right now! Mayyyyybe a cat.
Milena says
Hi Taralynn!
This salad with falafel looks fantastic! I wanna make one right now 🙂
The last thing I did that made me feel like a kid again was ice-skating. Here in Barcelona it never snows so in order to do this you have to go to the specific place, it´s like an ice-skating school, it´s not outside activity. But it was cool! I had a lot of fun 🙂
I hope Leo gets better soon, poor boy.
Have a great week Tara,
Cheers from Barcelona 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Milena!!
oh my goodness. i love ice skating so much 😊 glad you had fun!
leo is doing so much better! thank you! xo xo
Danielle says
Your rollerskating outfit is so cute, love the bright colors! And excuse me, but are those pink tennis balls???
Taralynn McNitt says
hahaha yes they are!!!
Beth says
OMG I need those tennis balls!!!! So cute! Could you tell me where you found them? xoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
Academy Sports 😃
Danielle says
Good Morning!
Could you please do a post about your skincare routine? Today you posted an IG story of your love for coffee (surprise! 😂) and your skin is crazy good. Also your foundation please 😂.
Thank you!
Ps; this comment was meant in the most innocuous / innocent way but I realized how creepy it is that someone you don’t know is complimenting you on your blog because of something they saw on Instagram. How do you live with the scrutiny? 😂💕
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahahaha that is honestly so sweet of you!!
To be honest, I used the “PARIS” filter and it definitely makes your skin look “smoother!”
for skin routine, it’s all about sunscreen, lots of veggies, and a morning/night routine with products that suit your skin best! I also don’t wear makeup every day and let my face breath as much as possible. I do the Sukin moisturizer morning/night! and Dermaplaning every six weeks 😊
Marie says
Didn’t an outdoor skate hurt without outdoor wheels? I always found the standard wheels were too hard for outdoor skating.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes. The vibrations were weird on my feet lol. I was team rollerblades but next time I guess!
Jillian says
I dont have venners, but I have two 3/4 crowns on my two front teeth (similar to veneers, honestly idk the difference!). I got them about two years ago after having a crown on one of my front teeth after busting it as a kid, and am super impressed. They shaved down my teeth first and I think all that trauma made them a bit sensitive, but I’m used to it now and its not bad anymore. The only time i notice is when I’m breathing through my mouth in the cold and then close my mouth, the temperature change is a zinger. My advice would be to make sure your teeth are whitened as you like (but not too white that its hard to manage), and also make sure the dentist doesnt just match the flat color. The rest of my teeth have some subtle spotting, and my dentist made sure to have the crowns match and its amazing, they look completely real. My friend had one of her front teeth done and the first time it didnt match at all because it was one color and matched her teeth only right after whitening. Sorry, this is super long but I figure too much information is better than too little! Good luck!
Sacia says
I love your pictures!! How do you edit your photos?
Taralynn McNitt says
Lightroom 😀