Good morning & happy Tuesday!
I hope you all had a long relaxing weekend. We lucked out with perfect weather, and I feel so rejuvenated after this weekend. It’s crazy what organizing, house cleaning, and dropping piles of things off at goodwill can do to the soul. Most of my neighbors were outside putting the fall decorations up yesterday, but I’m still waiting a week or two before I start. I’ll still participate in pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin spiced lattes, but it’s going to be in the ’90s all week, and I need a chilly day before I can get in the mood to decorate. I think I’ll go into full fall-mode when I get back from Miami. I do have all the fall DIY projects planned out, and I can’t wait to share those with you.
I’m sure you all know what I’m about to say next. Now that the dogs are walked and the coffee is made let’s get this recap post started! ❤️
Posts you may have missed last week:
–Trip to the mountains, a fall moment, & new bedroom decor!
–Chicken Nacho Taco Night (Grain-Free & Dairy Free)
–My Whole30 Experience
I had a few rough nights last week, so waking up on Friday morning feeling 100% was the break I needed. I hate to be repetitive with the endometriosis talk, so I’m going to just leave it at “I had a rough week.”
I was determined on Friday to get up and get out of the house to enjoy the day💜
I had lunch plans with one of my friends, Emily, at Flower Child in Southend Charlotte. I was excited when I heard Flower Child was coming to Charlotte after trying it out in D.C. this past spring. dd
This location is adorable, and if you’re visiting Charlotte, add it to your list. I’m going to update my Charlotte guide very soon. I promise! I ended up ordering the chopped vegetable salad with chicken. It came with organic greens, romaine, avocado, heirloom carrot, snap pea, radish, baby tomatoes, cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, and I had their sugar-free lemon avocado dressing on the side. First off, this salad was UNREAL, & the dressing was delicious.
I want to go back and order the same thing this week because it’s been on my mind since Friday.
On Friday night, Kyle and I played bags (cornhole) for a few hours out in the front yard and then decided to go on a long walk together in the neighborhood since we couldn’t get enough of the weather. The mornings and evenings are in the high 60’s and low 70’s, but the daytime is HOT. We love taking advantage of the cooler hours.
After dinner, we ended up watching Twister (love that movie) and heading to bed.
We were up bright and early on Saturday morning. I decided to skip tennis so we could tackle the garage project before it got too hot outside. My garage was starting to look like a dumping ground for boxes and other random things. I had boxes of donations just sitting in the garage that needed to go, and we were determined to tackle it. I ordered organization bins off of amazon to put on the shelves, and it felt so good to finish the project. Getting rid of things feels like taking weights off your shoulders. It’s such a good feeling of release.
I’ve been working on making the house a bit more minimal when it comes to the colors. All of my summer pillows are getting a makeover with Amazon pillow covers. I’m so excited to share the fall-themed ones I bought recently, but a few of them are getting covered with these soft corduroy pillow covers. For the price, I was not expecting them to be so soft and high-quality, but I’m in love with them, and so are the pups! These pillowcases come in all different colors and sizes. Here is the LINK if you’re interested.
We are still on the hunt for a new rug and coffee table. I have my mindset on a few styles, but I’m waiting to make a move.
On Saturday evening, we headed to my parent’s house to hang out by the pool, play some bags (kyle and I are on a 4-month winning streak), have coffee, and relax while watching the first college football game of the season. It was awesome because the Iowa Hawkeyes took the win! And of course, I had to make my 3-ingredient brownies!
On Sunday morning, I had my go-to breakfast: scrambled eggs with spinach, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes with berries on the side. This has been my breakfast even after finishing the Whole30. I LOVE how I feel after a breakfast like this vs. oatmeal with peanut butter and protein powder. I never thought I’d be able to eat eggs again, but after forcing myself to do it for a while, my skin has surprisingly agreed with it.
After breakfast, I met up with Becca to do a few more wedding errands. Can you believe her wedding is in less than two months? Woo!!!! And of course, after we shopped around for some wedding decor, we headed to the antique shops to explore. I had wanted to stop at the ones in Pineville, and unfortunately, a lot of them were closed, so I’m going to have to go back down there! We did visit a couple of them, and I found some cute soy candles and fall decor! And of course, I had my plaid on plaid on. ♥️
On the way home, I picked up sushi for Kyle and a ginger salad with chicken for me. We started watching When They See Us on Netflix and ended up finishing it all in the same night. Ugh, that story makes my stomach hurt for those men. I had so many thoughts running through my head, but definitely watch it if you haven’t. I don’t want to give away the ending or the show with spoilers, so comment with your thoughts if you’ve seen it so we can discuss it!
Kyle helped me shoot a few photos for a blog post early in the morning, and when I got home, I had my favorite go-to breakfast! Since we were out of sweet potatoes, I ended up having ga banana for the extra carbs. I had a lot of people asking on my Instagram if I was still doing Whole30 because of my meals, but no, I am not doing Whole30 right now. My diet has completely changed since doing Whole30, and I’m striving to keep my diet 80% Whole30. I’m slowly introducing rice, honey, peanut butter, and oats back into my diet. I’m only eating them when I want them, but shooting for alternatives like potatoes, dates, and nuts as much as possible. I ended Whole30 August 19th, but have continued to eat as many Whole30 compliant foods as possible. I’ll explain more in my next Whole30 blog 😊
We headed to a trail near the house in the afternoon to do a four-mile hike. This was probably the highlight of my weekend because the weather was perfect on the shaded path, no one was on the trail, and it felt so relaxing to be out in nature. There were butterflies everywhere, which made it look like a dream. We ended up talking about how we don’t go hiking enough, and it’s a shame because so many trails in the Carolinas surround us, so I think that’s going to have to change. We love it, but just need to get out and do it more.
I couldn’t have the house be out of my three-ingredient brownies, so I ended up making a similar version because we were out of almond butter. These had four large bananas, 1/3 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut on top! I baked them for 30-minutes at 400-degrees. The turned out perfect! I may start making these with the almond flour from now on!
For dinner, I made spaghetti squash with sauce and had a salad on the side. I spent my evening watching movies, working on the blog, and then I was out like a lightbulb by 10 pm. I couldn’t even make it through Bachelor in Paradise 😆 xo
By the way, I’m not finished with my California blogs, but I decided to post the travel Vlog on my Youtube Channel! It’s a long one, but if you need something to watch, make sure to check it out! Here is the link!
My heart goes out to the Bahamas and all the families being affected by hurricane Dorian. It’s incredibly sad and so heartbreaking! I know the storm is moving slow and on the way to the southern states, so please stay safe if you’re in the path! 💜
Questions for you!
- Do you hike often?
- When will you decorate for fall?
- What was the highlight of your weekend
Pam says
Wait a sec didn’t you just recently get a new rug and coffee table for your living room? Or am I going crazy 😆
Taralynn McNitt says
I did! And I won’t be getting rid of them (putting them upstairs!) lol I just want to go creamier for winter.
Erica says
Love the pictures of your hike, looks beautiful!
Do you hike often? I’m very lucky to live in a province with amazing hiking trails EVERYWHERE, my favorite are the coastal trails 🙂 We do hike often but I wish I could go daily!
When will you decorate for fall? Fall is setting in already, but I won’t pull out the decor until October 1st, not letting go of our short summers just yet!
What was the highlight of your weekend – LOVE long weekends! we spent some time with friends and had a day trip to our family lodge 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Erica!
I bet the coastal trail are breathtaking!
You’ll hit fall a lot sooner than me. I’d be busting it out already if I lived up north lol
Sounds like the PERFECT way to spend your labor day weekend! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Looks like you had a great long weekend – full of activity! 🙂 I always find people who hike inspiring, but I can’t quite find the joy in it myself, haha. So ironic, given that Hong Kong is THE city for hiking! Love your blonde hair by the way! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine!
Hope you’re recovering well!
Jessica Nuttall says
Do you hike often?
We try to get out every weekend for at least a 2 hour hike with our dog. I wish we could go daily!! I love being in nature with no annoying car sounds….or even people lol that is my relaxation time!
When will you decorate for fall?
Hopefully soon! I need to get some decorations and actually use them before it’s Christmas time!
What was the highlight of your weekend?
The amazing ,humidity -free weather was perfect for spending time with my horses 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jessica!
I agree!! & so glad you had humidity-free weather!! & so jealous you have horses. I love them!
Brittany says
Oh my gosh the photo of Grumples and Leo sticking their heads out of the car window made me laugh! They are so cute! And I feel ya on trying to hold off a little before diving into fall. I really want it to be fall already.. but summer never really happened here in Portland.. so I feel weird skipping a season? The weather has been so strange!
Looks like you had a nice weekend though 🙂 I almost went hiking but ended up staying in. I have been travelling for the past week and I think my body needed a rest, so I am glad I listened to it (something I seem to have a hard time doing sometimes.. oops!). Also, I am in need of a new movie/show to watch on Netflix and saw that you mentioned Twister and another show… should I watch them? Or do you have any other show/movie recommendations?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brittany!
I heard Portland has some pretty unpredictable weather! It’s pretty much summer from March to November here! We usually skip the spring weather and go straight into the heat.
It’s so good you listened to your body! It makes a difference going into the week with a rested mind. Ohhh Twister is a good classic! It all depends on the type of shows you like! Some we just finished are Big Little Lies, Handmaid Tales, Ozark, The Sinner, Designated Survivor, and Yellowstone! Yellowstone was more of Kyle’s genre and i hated it lol I also LOVE Good girls!! It’s so funny.
Brittany says
OOooh I just finished BLL and really enjoyed it! I have been thinking about Ozark though.. so maybe that will be the next show to watch! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Ozark is pretty good!!
Courtney says
I definitely want to get out and hike more, especially now that fall is approaching us! I’ve been wanting to go to Crowders Mountain and also take a trip up to my college town Boone, NC and hike on the parkway.
I’ve slowly started to decorate our house for fall. I actually made a fall wreath this past weekend and hung it up yesterday. I got my inspiration from the fall wreath you made last year. All my supplies came from Hobby Lobby!
I think the best part of this weekend was just relaxing at home, crafting, and watching football! So excited for this season!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Courtney!
I haven’t been to Crowders in so long! I need to do that as well. I hear Boone is GREAT for hikes!!
Awwww I need to see a photo of this wreath!! I love homemade ones.
Sounds like you had the PERFECT weekend.
Kelsey W. says
OMG too funny–Twister is one of my all-time favorite movies, I became obsessed with it when I was 6 years old! We don’t go hiking as much as we used to, there aren’t as many trails near the house so it’s not convenient to do during the week! Hoping to get back into it on the weekends when the weather cools down. I have already started decorating for fall thanks to Home Goods, ugh haha! The highlight of my weekend was catching up on sleep–it was MUCH needed! Have you watched Mindhunters on Netflix? That’s been my latest binge, it’s soooo good! I hope you have a great week 🙂 xoxo Kelsey
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelsey!
SAME SAME SAME! My mom LOVED that movie when I was a little girl so I always watched it with her. It scared me, but I loved it at the same time.
ohhhh Homegoods will get you in trouble! 😆
I saw the first season of Mindhunters on Netflix, but kyle and I were talking about catching up with the second this weekend!
Sarah says
A great post. I love reading about your week.
1. I like in the UK in an area where there’s some beautiful hiking routes and we often take our dog with us. She has so much energy and loves running around off her lead.
2. I think I’ll also wait a few weeks to decorate. I need to buy some more decorations but I’ve got all my ones from last year ready to go. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to summer yet though.
3. We didn’t have a long weekend in the UK but I’m a teacher and only went back to work after summer break yesterday so I made the most of it my relaxing and organising the house. It felt very productive.
I hope you have a good week this week xxx
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sarah!
Thanks for stopping by to read 😊
Love that you go hiking with your pup! It’s the perfect way to get their energy out.
I totally agree with #2!!
Hope you have a great first week back!!
Katrina White says
1. Absolutely love hiking. I’m in the Rock Hill area. Riverwalk along Catwaba River is gorgeous. There is an app called All Trails, I use it when I visit places.
2. Don’t really decorate but love looking at others decorations.
3. Wonderful weekend. Went to Crowders Mountain. Another great place to hike. Well worth it.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes, LOVE Riverwalk & Crowders! 🙂
Ashley says
Looks like a wonderful weekend! I’m looking forward to decorating in a couple of weeks! 🙂
https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Ashley!
I can’t wait to decorate in a few weeks too!
Jessie says
1. I love to hike !
2. I have already started decorating for fall I am just ready for the heat to go away.
3. My family reunion is always Labor Day weekend so we had an amazing time all weekend
Taralynn McNitt says
Same, girl!!
Sounds like such a fun Labor day with the fam!
Laura says
When They See Us stayed with me for a long time after watching it…devastating to see the manipulation that occurred during the interrogations and my heart broke for those boys. Did you watch the after show as well with Oprah? So powerful to hear from the real men involved..
Taralynn McNitt says
I did. Definitely a sad sad story!
Vanessa says
Hi Taralynn,
Your posts are always so great! They inspire me to go Out and enjoy the outdoors when I’m feeling down.
I was wondering what your thoughts are on intuitive eating. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and want to find something sustainable that can help me reach a healthy weight and keep it going long term.
Again, your posts are amazing! Keep up the good work 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Vanessa!
I absolutely LOVE intuitively eating. Even though there are a few foods my body doesn’t agree with, aside from those, that is the way I eat. No calorie counting, no restrictions, and just eating what my body feels. I do my best to make sure I feed my body with nutritious and healthy foods, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself when your body wants it, otherwise, you’ll set yourself up for another diet/overeat cycle. There are so many books on Intuitive eating that you can look into!
I always love reading The Real Life RD blog. I think her outlook on food and intuitive eating is inspiring.
https://www.thereallife-rd.com
Harriet says
great recap, I can not wait for warmer / sunny weather we are on 2 months straight of rainy days. I hike as much as I can, and I pick the odd short hike I can take my pups on. defiantly going to try the almond flour swap on the brownies (they are incredible, took them to CrossFit quiz night and every one loved them!) we don’t celebrate fall season here in Nz, but I wished we did I would be in full fall mode as I love all the burnt orange colours. the highlight of my weekend was going to the thermal hot pools in the rain, so relaxing. hope you have a great week.
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet you’re getting excited for summer! So happy everyone loved the brownies!! 😊
Sounds like you had such a great week! Thanks for stopping by, Harriet!
Casey says
When They See Us was powerful to say the least, everyone should watch it. It stayed with me for a long time. Love to hike but like you, I don’t get out enough. I will start fall decorating in early October. I guess the highlight of the weekend was Dorian on Saturday?? I’m in Nova Scotia so got him hard. Most things are back to normal today, but I just heard all schools are cancelled today. No injuries so all is good. Love your posts!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow! didn’t realize Nova Scotia got hit hard with Dorian! Glad you’re safe! ♥️
Natalija says
Hi Taralynn, thank you so much for yet another gorgeous recap! Sorry to hear you were struggling with endometriosis, and please do feel free to talk about it and share whenever you feel like, you really don’t need to apologize for mentioning it, it’s your blog and it’s your space to share plus you’re making it possible to talk about any other sufferers. The salad at Flower Child looks absolutely gorgeous, I even felt like recreating it while English autumn with never ending rain was getting me down.
Lisette says
1. I have made it a point to hike more and have been enjoying it so much! I made the best out of the trials here in Missouri. My favorite hikes have been in the pouring rain. Not so bad when you’re covered mostly by trees. Everything changes in the woods when it rains. It’s straight out of a sound machine and it’s so peaceful! I hope you get a chance to go on one! Don’t be afraid. It’s so good for the soul!
2. I decorated as soon as it was September, but only because I have 3 kids and they were with their grandparents an I had time! LOL
3. The highlight of my weekend was actually the ENTIRE weekend because I went on a little trip BY MYSELF to Colorado to visit my sister! We went to a gorgeous little mountain town called Breckendridge, had amazing food, went up to Saphire Point which was so beautiful. Hiked Rainbow Trail, visited Nederland, and ate the absolutlely freshest sushi I’ve ever eaten. I had no idea it wasn’t supposed to smell like fish! Guess that’s what happens when it’s flown in daily from Japan!
Such a great weekend! I loved your recap post! Always do!