Hi, everyone & happy Monday! I hope you’re all having a fabulous day. I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to jump back into the routine of things. I’ve had seven days to recoup, but my motivation has been down. I think a bit of it has to do with the overwhelming amount of blogs I need to write this week. Please don’t mistake this is complaining though; I’m looking forward to writing these blogs very much. I have the production & creative route I want to take running around in my head, and I’m having a hard time trying to find a place to start. The good thing is that the Tahoe Travel blog is finished and will be live Wednesday (or maybe tomorrow…!) And if you haven’t seen the video from the trip, that’s up on my channel now 😊
Last week was a blur.
After spending ten days in California going here and going there, all I wanted to do was hide out in the house. It took me a few days to get back on the east coast time zone, but I didn’t mind all the downtime with my pups. The week was dedicated to laundry, organizing a bit, and catching up on work. I was going to skip today’s recap blog and post the Tahoe one, but I need a bit of normalcy. Even if this recap is a bit all over the place, it’s still a recap 😉 I can promise that it’s filled with some healthy food ideas, a quick recipe for grain-free banana muffins, and a little bit of home inspiration. 
Because I was catching the red-eye home on Monday night, I wanted to keep myself as tired as possible. I figured going for a run would be a good start. I was happy when my brother said he’d join me. Luckily, we stuck to my 10-minute mile pace and not his 6:20 pace. He’s the type of person that will run a half marathon without training and run a 7-minute mile pace the entire time. It’s unreal.
Not going to lie, the run felt fine until I hit mile four. I could tell my stamina was going down from taking some time off. Or perhaps, I was just exhausted from the trip. I was proud when I finished, and it was cool to run with my brother. This was the first time in 28-years, we ran together, other than the times when I was a kid running from him.
After our run, we went to a few places to shop and eat, but those will all be in the California blogs! 😊
T.C. dropped me off at the airport around 6 pm so that I could get there a few hours before my flight. You never know with L.A.X airport whether it’ll be crowded or empty. It was a good thing I got there early this time because I ended up waiting in security for about an hour. I knew I was going to get hungry when I landed in Las Vegas at 10 PM, so I made sure to pack a gluten-free tuna salad wrap I made at my brothers, a slice of Blueberry cake from Kreation, and some Sourpatch Kids.
As soon as I landed in Las Vegas, I got a notification that my flight was delayed for another three hours. I was so sad because all I wanted to do was crawl up on the airplane and get some sleep. I had my dinner, grabbed a coffee at Starbucks so I wouldn’t fall asleep in the airport, and decided to catch up on the Bachelorette. I didn’t make it thirty minutes in before falling asleep with my head tilted back for an entire hour. Luckily, half the people at my gate were asleep, so they didn’t notice how ridiculous I looked. The hour powernap helped, and it gave me enough energy to finish the episode before boarding the plane.
After taking off, I had the worse time falling asleep. I was in and out of sleep every ten minutes, and eventually just gave up. I played Words with Friends on my phone until landing in Charlotte at 8 am. I was sad that our plane didn’t come around with coffee like they usually do. It’s safe to say it was not a pleasant plane ride. 
When I got home, I immediately hopped on my computer to get a blog post up and then drifted off to sleep.
I woke up around 2 pm to take the boys out and was so tired that I tripped over the curb in front of my house and cut my foot open a quarter-inch deep. It was awful. The photo is not blog-safe (it’s disgusting), so I’ll keep that one to myself, but I couldn’t wear sneakers until yesterday morning. When I got inside, I cleaned my foot up, wrapped it, and laid on the couched to check emails on my phone. The next thing I remember was waking up to Kyle standing over me with a bouquet of flowers. I couldn’t believe I fell asleep again, but I wasn’t mad about it because I needed to make up from the horrible red-eye. He brought me the flowers as a joke because he couldn’t keep some of the flowers in the front yard alive while I was gone. It was actually pretty funny.
I was so happy that my Purple Carrot box came because I did not feel like going to the grocery store, and since I slept all day, this was the first meal I was having. I never skip meals, so I was hungry! This recipe was one of the best tofu dishes I have ever had. It was the ginger fried rice with kimchi tofu & charred scallions. If they had it available each week, I’d order it over and over again. Luckily, I can’t get Kyle to eat tofu, so that meant leftovers for me. 
For lunch on Wednesday, I made homemade tuna salad with my chicken salad recipe and added it to a toasted bagel with cream cheese, and fresh fruit on the side. I haven’t had tuna salad in so long, but it’s going to be on my summer grocery list for the next few weeks. The chicken salad recipe works perfectly for it, and it’s delicious on bread, salads, tomato slices, or crackers. 
Dinner on Wednesday night was another, Purple Carrot! I had the loaded sweet potato fries, but also added crispy tofu to the top. I’ve been loving all of the recipe ideas and new techniques I’ve been learning with Purple Carrot! Otherwise, I just eat cauliflower gnocchi and pizza sauce for every meal. 
For dinner on Thursday night, we made the carrot pesto cavatappi with arugula and asparagus. The sauce was delicious and made with fresh plants. It reminded me of a buttery pesto dressing.
Kyle and I spent the evening catching up on Handmaids (I couldn’t watch it while I was away!) and Big Little Lies! 
My Friday morning appointment was canceled, so I decided to help my mom with a project she’s been working on. I met her at Hobby Lobby when she got off work to brainstorm some ideas for above the headboard in her new beach-themed guest bedroom. When I saw the starfish and shell cutouts, I had a fun idea! She loved it, so we went with it, and it turned out perfect. I can’t wait to show you guys the finished room! The bedspread in the photo on the top is the one she has coming this week. We just painted the boards white, the cutouts coral and teal, and then my dad hung them above the headboard.
While I was at Hobby Lobby, I picked up a new doormat, welcome sign, wreath, and garden flag to decorate for the Fourth of July! 
After working on the decor project, we just floated around the pool and hung out in the backyard. I bought my dad a pong table float that we played, and it was honestly the most fun thing ever. Even if you just play with water or juice.
Burgers & fries dog treats – funny story. My mom actually tried one 😆 She said they don’t taste like burgers & fries, but the dogs did LOVE them.
flamingo float
beer pong float
my bathing suit
flamingo drink floats
My dinner: leftover pasta, tuna salad, Plant Snack sea salt crackers, and cherries. 
I spent all morning Saturday organizing closets and donating things to Goodwill. Around 3 pm, Kyle and I headed to a couple’s massage in uptown, which was much-needed! For dinner, I had red leaf lettuce tossed in an avocado mash, lemon, and veganaise, tuna salad, roasted chickpeas, and leftover pasta! It was delicious! 😋
We spent the rest of the evening finishing up Big Little Lies and then watched Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston on Netflix. It was such a cute movie! We also made vanilla ice cream before calling it a night.
On Sunday morning, I met up with Becca for breakfast at a Juicery (our favorite spot) to catch up and plan our trip to Miami in September! We are going there for a little “Bestie & the Bride” trip! Don’t @ me with how cheesy that is 😉 If you have any Miami Beach recs, please let us know!
In the afternoon, I made homemade grain-free banana muffins with all the browning bananas on the counter! This is the time of year when brown bananas cannot be on the counter for too long, or the fruit flies will find their way in.
In a large bowl, I mashed four medium bananas and mixed in 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup almond butter, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tbsp baking powder, a pinch of salt, 2 tbsp flaxseed, and 1/3 cup coconut flour.
I filled eight greased muffin slots to the top, baked for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, and they came out perfect! They tasted like my mom’s buttery banana bread. 
For dinner, I had baked cauliflower gnocchi, crispy tofu, and pasta sauce on the side. Now, this is why I have needed a purple carrot lately! Next, Monday I’ll share how my run went today along with a new strength training exercise I’m doing at home daily!
Questions for you!
- Have you ever been to Miami?
- Are you good at sleeping on a plane?
- Here’s a fun one…have you ever tried your dog/cats treat before? 😆
I am terrible at sleeping on planes! I have a flight tomorrow night to Norway and I know I won’t be sleeping well. 😩 Wish me luck.
When I was little I tried my dogs milkbones because it said it was peanut butter flavored. WRONG!
Hoping you magically get good at sleeping on planes! Maybe a meditation app ♥️
HAHAHAHA – that is too funny 😂
I never have any luck sleeping on planes. Usually too excited to get to my destination or anxious.
Your carrot pesto sounds delicious! Is there a recipe on the blog??
Hi, Kimberly! That recipe was also from Purple Carrot! it was just pureed roasted carrots, garlic, vegan parm, green onion, arugula, oil, and almond slivers!
American Social in Miami is a fun place to sit outside and watch the million dollar yachts go by! Food is good too. Go when the sun is about to go down or you’ll melt. Have fun!
Thanks, Teri!!
I juuuust watched Murder Mystery last week! It really is a cute movie 🙂 And don’t feel bad for it taking a while to get back into the routine of things. I had a crazy month in May.. and I think I finally feel like things are back to normal 😂It takes time to get back into the swing of things, especially when you are already exhausted.
As for sleeping on airplanes I feel like I do alright. Sometimes I don’t want to sleep.. and other times I wake up every 30-60 mins. I definitely do not get quality sleep on them.
And as for eating dog treats, I have definitely came close! Some of Winston’s treats smell soooooo good. It’s so tempting 😉
Hi, Brittany!
You’re so right! 💜
Yes, the sleep quality is awful for sure!
lol the trader joes ones smell so good I could eat them!
I was in Miami in January! For sure B Bistro + Backery for brunch or lunch!! Purple Orchid is also a good breakfast/lunch spot if not wanting to do a sit-down waiter-order meal. For dinner or lunch, definitely Bodega taqueria y tequila. You order from a food truck right in the building… for added fun, there is a port-a-poty door that leads back to a hidden tequila lounge!
Thanks for the recs!!
I haven’t been on a plane since 2014, but I usually prefer to read while flying!
Never been to Miami.
I think I tried a Milk Bone when I was very little!
Lol, everyone has been trying the milkbones 😂
You should try Barton G’s! It’s pricey, but a very cool/unique place. The food is plated so elaborately and was good too!
I am so good at sleeping on planes, most of the time I’m asleep before take off. It’s a talent lol.
Thanks, Emily! I love unique places! 😃
Dang, teach me your ways!
I’ve been to Miami once, years ago for a Steeler game! It was a day trip though.
Are you good at sleeping on a plane? I’m good at sleeping anywhere. When I went to Colorado with my brother & dad this year. I got to my dads too early so I slept at his house for an hour, slept in the car on the way to the airport, slept on the plane and slept in the car on the way to the lodge.
Yes I’ve tried dog treats before 😂😂
You are so lucky!!
😂 too funny! Was it the milkbone?
The Barefoot Contessa makes a great dog treat and I’ve tried that its basically PB & oats lol. I haven’t been to Miami but would love to go. I’ve been to Cocoa Beach and that’s gorgeous,I also want to visit Key West. Can’t wait to read more about your California trip as a California native. I live in Orange County, Seal Beach area! I hope you had a good trip!
Ohh, I’ll have to take a look at that recipe!
❤️
Amazing! You’re always inspiring me to run, Taralynn! 💕✨
I suck at sleeping on planes 🙁 or anywhere apart from my bed, actually. On long haul flights I stay awake for like, the whole thing! So torturous! 😢
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks, Charmaine!
I feel ya, girl!!
Planta South Beach and Plant Miami are both great vegetarian restaurants. Salsa, bachata, and merengue lessons and dancing at Ball&Chain are a do not miss. Live Cuban music. Have Caitlin give you my email address as Mike and I can probably help y’all out!
Thank you!!!
Your photos are always the best! I’d love to see a post about how you photograph- camera vs. phone, styling, editing, etc!
I’ve been to FL countless times but never to Miami. Maybe some day!
I am the WORST at sleeping on planes! When I traveled to Paris last year we had an overnight flight and I was awake the entire time and then when we landed in France I had a full day of exploring. Thank goodness the adrenaline and excitement kept me going!
Super embarrassing but when I was little my parents had to hide the dog food and treats from me because I would eat it right out of the dogs bowl haha!
Thanks, Trista!! I’m actually working on a youtube series for all of that which will be live at the end of the summer! 😃
Dang!! That is a long flight. I got lucky when I traveled to Paris and had the whole row next to me. Still had a hard time sleeping though!
UM THAT IS HILARIOUS!!
Go to the Chart House! I’m in Miami constantly, family there…try MDough too. https://www.mdoughw.com/ People swear by it.
I wanna try Purple Carrot SO BAD but it’s higher calorie and I am nowhere near as active as you lolol.
Thanks, Taryn!!!
My boyfriend and I just went to South Beach the weekend before Memorial Day! It’s definitely more of a ~party scene~ there aka all the hotels have day parties at their pools which can be a lot (you can even hear the bass from the beach). However the water is gorgeous, and the boardwalk is a great place to run. Definitely recommend the Time Out Market – we went twice because the dulce de leche croissants were that good (and the guava/Maria cookie ice cream). Wynwood is cool and the Design District. Lucali has the best pizza!! I happened to see them on a pizza show on YouTube, their original location is in Brookyln. Skip Española Way – tourist trap and a let down.
We are going to try to go the relaxing by the pool drinking green juice route lol Thanks for your tips!!!
We come to Miami often as husband’s family is here. You would love Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne! Amazing food, large wine menu and priceless views especially at sunset. Wynwood walls is fun for taking pics and theres some fun coffee places you would enjoy!
Thanks, Heather!
Great job with your run!
Thanks, Hannah!
Hi – I live in Miami and here are a few places I recommend to try that I really like.
The Wharf Miami – this is by the Miami river and it’s a bar and several restaurant stands with lots of seating and games like cornhole. If you want to eat, drink or have a good time this is such a fun place to go!
Wynnwood – you can find the Salted Doughnut AMAZING! My favorite flavors are bacon & maple, guava & cheese, and the traditional glazed doughnut. I also recommend Coyo Taco, Mexican street food and it’s really good and casual.
For Cuban food (I am Cuban) I can recommend Havana Harry’s. The food is good and the portions are big. If you are in the Miami Bech area I recommend Havana 1957 as well.
Downtown Miami/Brickell area – you can try the Brickell City Center. Nice outdoor mall with shops and restaurants. I recommend Tacology (modern Mexican) this place is casual. They also have a place called Le Centrale the Miami version of Eataly in NYC. You have the market on the lower level, a restaurant on the second floor, and an Italian bakery on the third floor. Really cool place to hang out, eat, and have a few drinks.
Well there you have it. I hope you enjoy your trip to Miami!
Thank you for all of these suggestions!!!
Great recap post!
I haven’t been to Miami, but would love to visit there sometime!
No…I’m usually holding onto the seat from beginning-to-end of the flight, haha. I’ve gotten better, but I still stay just a little nervous.
Ha ha, not lately! 😉
It gets easier!!
I know you’ve shared the tofu instructions before, but what do you bread or cook them with?
For fathers day my boyfriend got steak shaped gummies for his pup, I really thought he was eating them! They smelled awful.
I don’t bread them with anything, I throw them in a pan on high with avocado oil. 🙂
& that is so funny!