Good morning, & happy Monday!
I hope you all had a fantastic week and an even better weekend. I have a few hours before I head to my hair appointment this morning, so I’m going to skip out on the morning run, and try to get this recap post published! I like having the recap up earlier on Monday morning, so I’m going to be better about doing that. I’m not sure if I’m going to take the day off from running just yet, but right now, I feel like my body needs a day off. That may change later in the evening, but I definitely won’t be going out mid-day to run. It’s going to be 90-degrees with 88% humidity by noon!
Last week was great. By the time Sunday night rolled around, I felt very fulfilled. I finished a ton of work projects, stayed on top of my running schedule, and spent time with my favorite people. I have a feeling this week is going to be just as great! HAPPY WORLD BEE DAY
Before I get too far into today’s recap post, please take the time to head over to this post! It’s World Bee Day, and I can’t wait for you to see all the buzz surrounding this photo! 🐝 🐝
STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
Last Monday, I spent the day writing and working on a few blogs that’ll be out next month. Other than a few dog walks, the day went by very quickly! I blinked, and it was dinnertime. I had leftover fajita stuffed bell peppers for dinner with a side Caesar salad. I’ve been obsessed with the Tessemae’s dairy-free Caesar dressing. It’s delicious! 💜 I mixed a little bit of my leftover broccoli salad in with the Caesar salad as well.
A HEATED RUN
I had a hard time running this week because of the heat. I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like in the months to come. I’ve been doing my best to wake up early and get out there, but it’s hard for me. I’m a morning person, but not a morning workout person. I like to have my coffee and check emails for an hour before doing anything active. I’ll have to start waking up at 5 am if I want to get a good run in, which I’m planning on doing. If you have any tips for running early mornings, please share!
I’ve been keeping the pace the same, and I’m feeling great! I’ll usually run a bit faster the last five minutes of my run if I’m up for it. I have no plans for increasing pace unless it happens naturally. I’m running intuitively without looking at my watch or listening to the Runkeeper’s audio cues. That’s worked best for me! I usually know where my mile points are in my neighborhood, and it doesn’t matter how long it takes me to get there.
I LOVE ZUCCHINI PIZZAS
For dinner on Monday night, I had my leftover broccoli salad with Caesar salad again and a side of zucchini pizzas. I’ll never get tired of zucchini pizzas! I use tomato sauce with Daiya vegan cheese shreds. I did buy the vegan cheese shreds from Trader Joe’s yesterday, so I’ll let you know how they taste when I try them.
BREAKFAST FOR DINNER
This was the only photo I took on Wednesday. I took the dogs over to my parent’s house to play in the backyard for a bit. I like going over there and spending time with my dad once a week. I set the pool up for Leo since I figured it would feel good on his healing paw. His paw is still very hurt, but I’m hoping for a speedy recovery.
I was packed and ready to go on a media trip on Wednesday night, but I didn’t feel good about leaving Leo with a sitter with his paw being so hurt. Kyle was going to be out of town for work, and my parents were going on vacation, so I decided to stay back with him. I’m glad I did because I spent a lot of the day icing and eventually took him into the vet again.
I spent the evening watching Southern Charm and heading to bed early. PROTEIN PANCAKES FOR THE WIN
Mid-afternoon Thursday, I headed out for my run. The weather was pretty decent! I was ready to quit at 3-miles, so I listened to my body and didn’t push it. I would have loved to hit four, but since I’m just running for the joy of it again, there was no reason to push my body when it was tired. It’s funny how some days, I feel like three-miles is so hard, but then I’ll hit five-miles easily.
After my run, I made some protein pancakes for lunch. I’ve been enjoying these for a post-run treat lately! They are unbelievably easy to make (details further down the post!)SAND VOLLEYBALL
I headed to volleyball at 6:30 pm, and I was pretty excited about playing since my prescription sunglasses finally came in the mail! I had been playing half blind since losing my glasses. We played great and even got our first WIN 😂 DINNER TO GO AT THE PEOPLE’S MARKET
I picked up dinner at the People’s Market in Dilworth for dinner. I grabbed a chopped salad with grilled chicken and a side of sweet potato fries. I told myself I wasn’t going to go off for an entire paragraph about how amazing the fries were, but they do deserve all the recognition. The sweet potato fries were the most amazing fries I’ve ever had in my entire life. If you’re in Charlotte, do yourself a favor, grab sweet potato fries at People’s Market. You won’t need any sauces (coming from the sauce queen.) They were unbelievable. I guarantee you’ll never have a sweet potato fry that compares to these! The salad was also delicious, BUT GOODNESS, THOSE SWEET POTATO FRIES! CAN’T GET OVER THEM 😂 BREAKFAST PANCAKES
Friday morning breakfast: my protein pancakes!
1 scoop protein powder (i used chocolate Raw Fusion)
1 Tbsp pancake pix (i used birch blenders)
1/2 cup of water
blueberries (optional)
These are the tastiest! I’ve been eating them later when I don’t feel like my usual protein oats. SALMON ON REPEAT
I’ve been having salmon and Caesar salad for dinner for the past four days! I’ve been searing it with sesame and avocado oil and seasoning it with sea salt and pepper. This meal takes about fifteen minutes to make, and it’s so delicious. There’s nothing better than a crispy finish on salmon!
I planned to run early morning in Charlotte on Saturday, so I headed to bed around 10 pm! I knew I wouldn’t get up for a run if I stayed up too late watching Dateline. RUNNING A NEW TRAIL
I’m so happy I ran Sugarcreek because most of the run was shaded. It reached 80-degrees by 9 am! I planned to run five miles, but the heat was killer, and I had to pee after the first mile. I was happy that I hit four. I was pretty pleased with the run, and I think I’m going to start running a new trail every weekend to change things up.
Caitlin and I were going to grab breakfast and walk after my run on Saturday, but we had a change in plans, and decided to hit up the lake instead!
LAKE DAYS
Kyle and I packed a few things to eat and drink and met up with Caitlin and her friends at the dock around noon. The calendar may not agree with me, but it’s certainly summer here! It was around 94-degrees outside. I lathered up on sunscreen and still managed to get a sunburn.
SALMON ON REPEAT
I told you this meal was on repeat! ♥️ After dinner, Kyle and I took the dogs for a walk (Leo has to wear a sock when he walks) and then caught up on Dateline. LATE NIGHT ICE CREAM RUN
We decided to hop in the car and drive to the grocery store for some ice cream! I bought peanut butter cups and sparkling water, and he got Haagen Dazs and whipped cream.
BAD DADDY’S BURGER BAR
I met up with Becca for lunch on Sunday! We stopped at a few stores before heading to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for food. I love their turkey burger lettuce wrap. I could eat three of these because they are so good!
And what would an afternoon be like without a Starbucks run! I had a grande iced coffee with a splash of almond milk and no classic.
MY FAVORITE LOFT DRESS
I have been so obsessed with this Loft dress lately! I have worn it so many times, and my only complaint is that they don’t make it in more colors! It’s the most comfortable dress you’ll ever wear!
MANI PEDI WITH BESTIE
After a few more errands, we both decided to treat ourselves to a mani/pedi! This may not shock anyone, but it’s been three years since I’ve had my nails or toes done. Not going to lie, they look amazing now! I may have to treat myself more often. The color I chose was called “There’s no turning back from pink street.”VEGAN CAESAR DRESSING
When I got home, I dove into my work, and then I made my” dinner on repeat!” This time, I added everything but the bagel seasoning! Even Kyle is hooked on seared salmon nights. We watched the American Idol finale, and I was pretty shocked by the winner. I thought Alejandro would have won.
Well, it’s time for me to head out to my hair appointment! We’re going BLONDER!! eeeek. I’ll show you soon 😉
Questions for you!
- Do you wake up early to workout?
- Are you traveling anywhere this weekend?
- Favorite fruit right now?
Madison says
Hey Taralynn! YES YES YES I always wake up super early to workout. If I don’t get my workout in first thing in the morning, I typically don’t do it. I get up at 5 am usually to workout. It’s difficult sometimes, but I love sipping coffee and getting work done knowing I’ve already been super active. Now that I’m Ironman training, I think I’ll start getting up even earlier. TBD on how that goes…
This weekend I am planning to float down the Chattahoochee River with some friends! Not exactly a trip, but fun!
Currently I’m loving blueberries and I’ve never been a big blueberry fan. I’m really liking throwing them on almond yogurt too.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Madison!
DANG GIRL! How do I get on that level! lol Way to go!!
That actually sounds like a blast!!
MMm yes they are so good in yogurt & warmed up in oatmeal!
Katie says
What a great recap!! Looks like so much fun. I am loving that Loft dress too, I may need to order it asap! 🙂 I usually workout in the evening after work, it’s a little more practical for me right now with my work schedule. Not sure what I am doing yet this weekend, but I hope it’s good! lol Andddd, my favorite fruit right now is Strawberries! Have an amazing week girl!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Katie! 😊
You will not regret it! The material is perfect.
I’m going to try to work out when it gets cooler out this evening to see how that goes!
Berries are a favorite right now! ♥️
Jenna says
Heck no I don’t wake up early to workout. I prefer going after work.
I’ll be traveling down to Vero Beach on Sunday and coming home Monday.
Favorite fruit…. probably blueberries! I went blueberry picking so I’ve been using them up in so many different things.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jenna!
That response makes me feel better 😂
ohhhh so fun! 😀
Honestly, I eat blueberries all day/every day! love them so much!
Tricia says
Great post – thanks Taralynn!
1. I only make my workout of the day if I do it first thing, so I try to do a couple of spin classes and yoga classes every week right when I wake up! Those are my favorite classes so it’s easier for me to wake up if I’m doing something I love.
2. I am heading to Puerto Rico for a wedding this weekend. We leave tomorrow. I am so excited! My husband and I haven’t traveled since our honeymoon and we need a little break!
3. My favorite fruit right now is strawberries – they are ripe and ready to be picked here in KC. I can’t get enough of them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Tricia!
Thanks for stopping by 😃
That is so awesome that you have the dedication to wake up that early. You go girl!
UM HOW FUN!!!
mmmmm love that they are in season as well! 😃 🍓
Enjoy your trip!
Beverly says
Some days I can wake up early and workout and then some days I am rushing just to get ready for work. And I can’t figure out a pattern as to why that happens. There have been times I’ve gotten less than 5 hours of sleep and still woke up and worked out and then there are times when I get 8-9 hours of sleep and I can’t get going. It’s the weirdest thing. I do prefer working out in the mornings though so I feel like my day is starting off good.
I’m not traveling this weekend but I’m going to Atlanta next week and making a day trip to Savannah while I’m there since it’s only 3 and a half hours from Atlanta!
My favorite fruit is always, always, always watermelon. I’m so glad its almost back in season cause I could literally eat it all day every day.
Taralynn McNitt says
I totally feel ya on that!
How fun!! I LOVE SAVANNAH! ♥️
Watermelon is perfect this time of year!!
Taryn Camp says
I have no idea how you run early, I just can’t…I only do the stair climber before work lol. I have been running 6:30/7pm and it’s pretty calm out or at 9pm. Running that late I am actually more scared of animals than murderers.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Taryn!
I’m not good at it either lol
I may try to get out there this evening to see how it goes! Might be better at running in the evening as well! Hahaha that comment made me laugh so hard!!!
Nina says
Hi Taralynn!
I just love your hair, it looks so good on you!
Do you wake up early to workout?
I wake up at 8 am on Saturdays for my weekend runs, and that’s really early for me! I’m trying to take naps now and wake up earlier, I miss my yoga sessions when the sun rises.
Are you traveling anywhere this weekend?
My next break is in two weeks, after a big examination at work (three days in a fancy hotel + a new tattoo!)
This weekend, I’ll be into books, and… books, and… books again.
Favorite fruit right now?
Strawberries! I live for strawberries!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Nina!
Thank you so so so much!
Yoga is always relaxing in the morning, running is so hard to do that early! I just wake up so slowly lol
That sounds like a great trip!!!
ohhh & it’s strawberry season here! 🍓
Abbey Payne says
Yay thank you for another fun weekly recap! That salmon looks so good.
Just wondering, are you still planning to do a post about tennis? My daughter and I are both getting into tennis and I would love to hear some thoughts and advice from you! Sorry don’t mean to pressure I’m just excited for it! 😆
Your blonde hair is going to look so good!! Have another great week.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Abbey! ♥️
I do plan on it, just haven’t gotten around to it. I think it’s so great that you and your daughter are getting into tennis! so fun 😊 I would definitely invest in maybe a week of lessons to get the basics down and then join some clinics! You’ll catch on really fast when you do that! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Cute! Seems like you’re really enjoying and embracing the warmer weather, Taralynn. 🙂 I’m so happy for you! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️ thanks, Charmaine! xo
Jen says
Hey Taralynn! 🙂 I’m not a morning workout person. The most I can do in the morning is walk or maybe a quick ab workout, but I save my main workouts for the afternoon/evening.
Next weekend I’m heading to Cleveland for a wedding. It’s that time of year 🙂
Strawberries! Strawberries are always my favorite, but as soon as they come in season each year, it makes me so happy. I made a spinach strawberry salad the other day with a strawberry red wine vinaigrette, feta, avocado, red onion, and fresh herbs- can’t get enough of this lately!
Have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jen!
I feel ya! I’m a morning person, but not a morning workout person! Love to sit with my coffee for hours before waking up lol
Fall is my wedding season this year!
mmmmm love strawberries in a salad! Your salad combo sounds fantastic!
Lauren says
I am definitely a morning workout person! During the week I’m up between 4:00 and 5:00, I get some work done for my nutritionist certification, write in my gratitude/goal journal, chug some preworkout and get after it! Either a run or a video at home! I’m too tired after teaching all day to give it my all during a workout after school!
We aren’t going anywhere for the weekend, it always sneaks up on me and by the time I realize its coming its too late to plan anything. But I love having time at home too!
I love berries, watermelon, and pineapple right now! So dang good!
You’ve inspired me to make salmon in the near future! It looks so delicious!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lauren!
That is amazing. Teach me your ways! lol
Time at home is just as relaxing!
mmmmmm to ALL of those fruits. & you can’t go wrong with salmon!! xo
Brittany says
Love your dress AND I really do need to get my nails done sometime.. it has been a few years… haha. As for getting up early, I have been struggling to get up early to workout. I usually just hit snooze until I need to be up to get ready for work. It is really bad.. and I would like to get better but I feel like I would need to totally adjust my sleep schedule to do so. I already feel like I go to bed pretty early and don’t want to be in bed only a few hours after work everyday.. so it’s definitely a predicament!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Brittany!
I can’t believe I went there years without them lol I think it’s not bad to treat yourself once and a while 😃 I’m so lazy with my nails and I need to be better! Ohhhh the snooze button. I had to play tennis early this morning, and I kept hitting snooze! I totally get that.
At least it’s not dark out when you come this time of year! That makes it so much worse.
Your predicament is totally validated.
Kassi says
Hey Taralynn! That Loft dress is super cute! I’m obsessed with wrap dressed right now, they’re so great for spring. I also fell in love with that red and white polka dot dress you’re wearing in that pic with your puppies!! Can you tell me where you got it? Need it in my life!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Kassi!!
I actually got it at TJMAXX it’s the Sienna Sky! 😀
Haley says
The Loft dress is adorable and love that they sell it in plus sizes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Loft is the best!
Richelle says
This is off topic in context to this post, and maybe you have already addressed this is an earlier post, and if so, sorry! But, I noticed a bit of your new backsplash. Did you already post the pics of your new kitchen? I have been dying to see the results since you first mentioned the project. Thanks. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Richelle!
Haven’t yet 😃 It’s still under construction!
Meggie says
Have you ever heard of/tried the app called RunBet? I highly recommend it. I am on my 7th bet, and it keeps me motivated and focused.
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ll look into it!!