It’s been a hot minute since writing up an official recap post. It was kind of refreshing taking a break, but after a crazy few weeks, I’m ready to jump back into my routine. If you missed the big announcements that took place last week, make sure to catch up on the engagement story, and the house build announcement! I’m still so shocked. Kyle pulled off the engagement surprise without me having one ounce of suspicion. This week, I’m going to work hard on getting the Miami Travel blog + video up, and then this weekend, Becca and I are heading to NYC to see Mean Girls the musical. We have been looking forward to this trip for months.
Let’s see if I still know how to write these things!
Monday was a big day for me, and I was so excited to share the news with you all. I spent all morning trying to put my words together for the blog post, and I was so nervous it wasn’t going to come together. I felt like my brain was paralyzed every time I tried to put my thoughts into sentences. It was a very last-minute blog post because I had planned to release our house announcement that day. By the time 1 pm rolled around, I had the girl’s in my group chat telling me to hurry up and hit “publish,” and so I finally did it. I announced to the world that I was marrying my best friend.
OH, OH, OH! Shirt details: I bought this one from Callie Danielle! You have to check out her shop!!
Monday was also the start of my second round of Whole30. I did a huge grocery haul on Sunday that will last me for two weeks. I spent about $150 on Groceries, and I never have to make trips to the grocery store during the week. I always end up saving much more on groceries during Whole30 than when I’m not on Whole30. And Kyle usually eats dinners with me when I cook (as long as it’s not a salad.) I eat a lot of eggs, sweet potatoes, air-fried veggies, turkey, and chicken.
I made Kyle and I almond flour & coconut flour crusted chicken fingers for dinner with Primal Kitchen buffalo sauce. I love having these throughout the week on my salads and roasted vegetables. I have a recipe post coming for these soon!
On Tuesday, I headed over to my parent’s house to build a flower press with my dad. I wanted to keep the flowers from Saturday because they meant so much to me. I had never used a flower press before, and they only sold small ones online, so my dad and I used to old ping pong table to cut the wood and make a giant flower press to save all of the flowers. I had so many of you asking me on Instagram what the flower press did and how it worked. I will be making a designated blog post on how this works! But the point of the flower press is to flatten the flowers almost paper-thin, which will take about four weeks, and then I’ll frame them in a glass. I’m excited about this project.
Most of my lunches this week were salads with Tessamae’s habanero ranch dressing, my buffalo chicken, cucumbers, and avocado! Another thing I’ve been working hard on is upping my water intake. I make myself drink a glass of water with every meal. It’s crazy because I’m one of those people that can go all day without ever craving water.
On Wednesday, I spent most of my day working on a few blog posts, and then Kyle and I headed out to put together our design ideas before heading into the studio on Friday. We walked into a ton of model homes and took notes on tiles, floors, and design details. We wanted to go in prepared, even though it was so hard to choose everything.
On Thursday morning, I headed uptown to Charlotte to drop off my ring to get re-sized. I was so nervous about wearing it since it was so loose, but luckily they did same-day sizing. After dropping it off, I headed to the mall to pick up a few things for my NYC trip this weekend. I found this cute and cozy pullover at H&M for $14.99 and brought a pair of skinny black jeans for $9.99! WUUUT. And the blue blouse behind me? I had to grab that as well.
I headed home, had breakfast (eggs & berries), and then worked on putting the home-build blog together so it would be ready to go live on Friday morning!
I headed back up to Charlotte around 5 pm to pick my ring back up, and head to dinner with Emily and Caitlin. I hadn’t seen them since they went on their South America trip, and I wanted to hear all about it. Emily wrote a blog post on packing for their journey, and I think they are going to do a travel guide about the incredible trip they took and share it here for you to read! Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru looked like a dream.
We had dinner at Burtons Bar & Grill, which was great because they offer a Paleo menu. I had their paleo salmon on their gluten-free lifestyle menu. It came with a bronzed gulf of Maine salmon, charred tomato salsa, Julienne vegetables, and romesco sauce. Burtons is great because they’ll customize any meal to fit your dietary needs. I’ve blogged about this place since it’s been open, and I always love doing dinner there! A reader actually recommended this place to me, and I immediately became a fan.
Emily and Caitlin were also super sweet and brought me congratulation gifts, and I loved them! How cute is that mug?
I was up at 3:45 am on Friday morning (unintentional.) After hitting publish on the home announcement blog, Kyle and I headed into the design studio to put together the home details. We have one more design studio meeting next week to finalize everything! It’s crazy how you think you know what you want, but when other options are thrown in front of you, you start to second guess it all. I’ll be writing the next home building blog all about the design-studio process! I’m super excited about the building blogs!
After the appointment, I headed to Bush N Vine to pick up a few pumpkins for the porch. I saw that they had Apple Cider slush, and I had to bring it over to my dad to try. Apple Cider is his favorite!
On Friday night, Kyle and I headed to the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall in Southend to look at a few pieces. If you’re an antique lover, you are going to think this place is heaven. It goes on FOREVER, and it has the coolest things. I could spend hours in there.
On Saturday morning, I met Becca in Monroe for breakfast and a morning of vintage shopping!
We went to one of our favorite places, the Stone Table!
I ordered their Evoo sandwich without the bread. It came with avocado, two over-medium eggs, and sauteed kale. I also ordered their juice which had beets, carrots, apple, ginger, celery, and lemons.
Becca found the most fantastic vintage store in the Charlotte area. I can’t !!!!! this enough. She wanted me to come to check it out with her, and I lost my breath when I took my first step into this shop. The owner of the store is literately the star of it all. She’s the nicest (and coolest) lady! She told us that if we ever need to stop in when she’s closed just to call her number, and we could have the whole store to ourselves. She let us try so many fun things on, and I felt like I was back in my theater days. I found so many amazing pieces that I wanted, but my eyes were on this cardigan with white beads. It screamed for me to buy it, and I think it’s one of my favorite pieces I own now. The shop is called Backstage Vintage, and it’s in downtown Monroe. I cannot wait to go back! Make plans to grab breakfast at Stone Table and stop into the Backstage Vintage after!
After our morning trying on vintage clothes, we headed into Waxhaw to walk around the town for a bit. It’s crazy because I’ve been blogging about Waxhaw for the past six years, and this house has remained the same. If they EVER do anything to this house, I’ll be so sad! It’s the haunted house of Waxhaw, and we always love walking by!
Later in the day, Kyle and I headed to my parent’s house to celebrate my dad’s 62nd birthday! ♥️ My mom had my favorite watermelon kombucha for me! I ended up falling asleep at 8 pm on Saturday and not waking up until 6 am on Sunday. It was the best sleep of my life! We’ve been kicking the dogs out at night, and it’s made all the difference in sleep. They wouldn’t be a problem, but Leo feels like he needs to be in the middle of us, and he’s SO LONG and loves to stretch out. Grumples is the angel that sleeps in his dog bed on the floor.
I had my favorite breakfast on Sunday morning! It had my egg whites, one egg, air-friend potatoes, Applegate sausage link, bell peppers, tomatoes from my dad’s garden, baby kale, red onion, everything but the bagel seasoning, black pepper, and a teaspoon of Tessamae’s habanero ranch. I made the mistake of letting Kyle try this last week, and now he requests it all the time.
Yesterday evening, I met up with Becca at Starbucks so we could book our hotel for the weekend. I know it was last minute, but at least it’s confirmed now! After finalizing the trip plans, we took our coffee and headed on a little walk along the river.
I ended my night writing on the blog while getting the best view in the house 😂 Kyle and Leo were watching some weird indie film that I was NOT interested in. It’s funny because Leo sat in Kyle’s lap for a good twenty minutes like that. I closed up the computer early and headed off to bed!
It feels good to be back in the swing of recaps again, and I’m excited about all the fun things happening! I love being able to take you along with me on all of these adventures! xo
Questions for you!
- Do you have any big plans for October!?
- With everything going on right now, what types of blogs/videos do you want to see?
- Describe your weekend in one word.
Erica says
Love that you are pressing the flowers, such a great memory to keep! I pressed my flowers from my wedding bouquet and framed them afterward 🙂
Do you have any big plans for October!? Heading to the city for a few days 🙂 decorating for Halloween and of course Canadian Thanksgiving is coming up!
With everything going on right now, what types of blogs/videos do you want to see? House building process and decorating for sure
Describe your weekend in one word. Relaxing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Eek! I bet they’re gorgeous. I’m excited to frame them.
Sounds like a perfect October!
I’ll be going overboard on ALL the building as we get closer for sure!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Ooh, let us know how the Mean Girls musical goes! It sounds so exciting – it was definitely one of my favourite movies growing up as a 00’s teen haha! 🙂 No big plans for October for me… just going to work as usual. Boringggg, yawn! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely will!
Well, sometimes not having any plans is the best! 😉 Take it easy and relax! xo
Cait says
I would love to see how you are planning to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite all of the changes going on in your life and how you find balance for it all!
Taralynn McNitt says
I will definitely try to do something like that!
Abby says
October plans: GETTING MARRIED (on Oct 5th- THIS SATURDAY) and going on my honeymoon to Cancun! After we get back, cram in as many fall activities as I can because I can finally have a social life again after the wedding lol.
I really want to see home decor and yardwork posts. My fiance and I just purchased our first home but haven’t done anything to it yet because wedding. Would LOVE some inspo!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Woooooo!!! Congrats! 😊 You have so many exciting things happening!
Amanda says
If you’re coming to NYC this weekend, there’s a gluten free expo (now called the Nourished Expo) on Saturday and Sunday in Secaucus (a short train ride from Penn Station) from 10am-4pm. Everything is gluten free and there’s a ton of paleo, keto and vegan options this year. If you’re interested, I have a few free tickets left!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow! That sounds amazing. If we didn’t have our whole weekend planned out, I would have taken you up on that! Thank you for thinking of me!
Zoe says
1. Waiting until the last minute and then panicking to make sure my kids have halloween costumes even though I wish I didn’t have to mess with it at all…. We also have a few birthday parties, a hay ride, and a trivia night (without kids) planned.
2. I still like the recaps. Cause then I get a little bit of everything. But I’m also definitely looking forward to the house building stuff, I’d love to build a house! As far as videos, I have a super short attention span on YouTube, any longer than 10 minutes and I probably don’t watch it. So, short and sweet would be my choice for any topic.
3. Family.
Taralynn McNitt says
Amazon will be your best friend when it comes to those last-minute Halloween costumes 😉
♥️
Mallory Pontious says
What is your recipe for sweet potatoes in the air fryer? I am having trouble mastering that.
Taralynn McNitt says
I just pre-steam them, chop them up, spray the air fryer with avocado oil spray, and cook them for fifteen minutes at 400
Brittany says
All the fall vibes in this >>>>> I can’t believe tomorrow is already October! Where does the time go?!!
As for plans for this upcoming October – there is a lot going on for me! Everyone I know seems to have a birthday in October, including myself, so I will be celebrating birthdays almost every weekend! My soon to be mother-in-law also is getting hip surgery this month, so I will be trying to help keep her entertained during her recovery period. October 10th also marks 1 year from when my fiance and I get married.. so we will be taking engagement photos next week and sending out save-the-dates and such. I am starting to feel behind in wedding planning.. despite having a year until the big day 😂I hope you are enjoying your engagement bliss right now and aren’t getting too many people hounding you for details on your wedding already! I know that stressed me out a bit when I first got engaged.
As for content, I would love for you to keep the fall vibes coming 🙂 I also can’t wait for you most recent travel recaps! Those might just be my favorite posts!
And last but not least, I would say my weekend could be described in one word as comforting. Spent the entire weekend with my fiance’s family and felt so at home <3
Hope your week is going well so far Taralynn!! Sorry for the long comment, this post just made me excited 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I HAVE NO IDEA! But…HAPPY OCTOBER!! also, it’s 98-degrees here 😔
& happy birthday month to you!
You’re so sweet for helping out with your FMIL. She’s lucky to have you! ♥️
Lol, yes, I just tell them we have no idea and it’s the truth lol
But just keep taking deep breathes! You’ll get through it!! Your wedding is going to be perfect because you’ll be spending it with the people that matter the most.
xo xo xo i love your long comments! never be sorry xo
Alena says
My husband and I are going on our second wedding anniversary trip. We’re going to Colorado to visit Rocky Mountain National Park then driving up through Wyoming to Idaho (on the border of ID and Wyoming) to visit the Grand Teton National Park and then driving up to Montana (on the border of MT and Wyoming) and visiting Yellowstone National Park. I’m so excited!
I’d like to see the process of your building a home – I know you said you’d keep us posted along the way! We’re in the process of buying a home now but would eventually love to buy!
My weekend is going to be relaxing because we leave the following weekend! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh my gosh! That is a dream vacation, especially this time of year!! I’ll be going to Grand Teton in June! 😃
I’ll for sure keep you posted each month on the building process!
KS says
Do you have any big plans for October!? Yes! My birthday and tons of fall festivals!
With everything going on right now, what types of blogs/videos do you want to see? All of it! The house building, recipes, and engagement life!
Describe your weekend in one word.
Boring (lol)
Taralynn McNitt says
YAY FOR BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!
Nicole K. says
Plans for October are to clean & donate! Most people spring clean, but I fall clean lol!
Definitely want to see home decor stuff! I’m definitely excited to see the makings of your new home!
My weekend in one word was: productive!
Taralynn McNitt says
I will be doing the same!
Glad you had a productive weekend. Those are the best!
Jess says
I saw you and Becca in Waxhaw! I wanted to come up and say hi but was scared and a little in shock.
Congrats on all of your life changes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Whuuut!! You should have come said hi!! 😃
Dana says
Big October plans: getting settled in Charlotte! The Sleepy Poet was the first place I visited here, I was there Saturday. I love antiques. I can’t wait to explore more of the city. It is even better than I imagined.
I would love to see monthly updates of the build.
Taralynn McNitt says
Ahhhh Welcome to Charlotte, Dana!!!
Monthly updates are a sure thing! 😃
Nicci says
So great to catch up with a recap post! Exciting times ahead and it’s lovely that you share it all with us! So happy for all the good things happening for you!
October plans: Impractical Jokers & London with my best friend
Blogs / videos: house build process & organising / decluttering
One word to describe my weekend: Engaged 💍
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Nicci!
Ohhh what a fun October! Have a blast in London!!
CONGRATS ON YOUR ENGAGMENT!!!
Nicci says
Thank you 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
😊
Becky says
I would like to see more air fryer recipes! I have one but definitely don’t use it to it’s full potential.
Taralynn McNitt says
I need to get on that!!
Brooklyn says
Yum that breakfast looks delicious 😋
I LOVE vintage shops! Great job Becca on finding such a cute one.
My weekend in one word: relaxing! Just what I needed.
http://Www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Nothing better than a relaxing weekend!
Heather N says
October is my daughters birthday so next weekend I am driving a few hours to buy her a golden. I have always loved that dog and I think this is a good time to teach her responsibility and have a lifelong friend 🙂 Weekend word: Challenging.
PS So happy for you. I have followed you for years and can tell what a great person you are. I hope all the best for you and Kyle 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
So many October birthdays!
Congrats on your new addition to the family! ♥️
& thank you for your kind words!!
Harriet says
Great recap! loving all the fall photos also vintage shopping is the best. I love how ressed flowers hold there beautiful colurs. No big plans for October, just getting all my work sorted as going on holiday at the beginning of November. can you please do a blog on the building process. my weekend in one word: Crazy! (ziplining, hiking, white water rafting, lugeing) have a fantastic week!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Harriet!
I can’t wait to see how the pressed flowers turn out!!
I’ll totally be doing updates with the build!
Ashley says
Love the recap! 🙂 I have some big plans for October, and am excited to see how things pan out. Lots of new content I’m working on for the blog, as well as other goals that I’d like to accomplish. I hope you have a great weekend, Taralynn! I’m still over the moon excited for you!!
https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Ashley!! Hope you have the best October! Exciting plans are the best.
Kit says
I’m a registered dietitian. Follow Alissa Rumsey on insta for tips on a healthier relationship with food!
Taralynn McNitt says
Glad that works for you! 👍
Kelly says
I do have big plans for October! The Hershey Half Marathon, my 13th state. Congrats on everything! I built my house and I absolutely love it and my neighborhood. Good luck to you.
Taralynn McNitt says
That is amazing!