I need to get back into the swing of recap blogs. They have always been my favorite ones to write, but lately, they’ve taken a seat on the back burner. While it’s been nice not taking photos of my meals or everyday moments, I’m ready to get back into the groove of it. I have so many exciting things going on, and I want to make sure I’m sharing them with you all!
I’ve missed connecting with you, too. So if you’re reading, stop by in the comments and let me know what you’ve been up to!
Right now, I’m cuddled up next to Grumples (which is rare because he’s not a cuddler), and I just finished their second walk of the day. The rain is full-force today, and I love it. It’s bringing out the red leaves in the trees, and the view from my window is so fallesque. I’d say it’s the perfect time to have a matcha latte and catch you up on my life this past week.
No matter what’s changing in my life, my morning with coffee will always remain the same. I’m up around 5:30 am having coffee while the sun comes up, and it’s the best part of the day.
This week, my Whole30 round two ended, and I’m happy about it. I didn’t get the same magical effects as I did the first time around, but I also didn’t put so much of my focus on it. I kept my meals so easy, repetitive, and straightforward. That’s why I hardly took photos of them and why my food photos were slacking. It was the first time in a long time where I just ate food to eat and didn’t overthink the creativity of them. I will try to keep that mindset from this round. The reason I chose this time to do Whole30 was that it was a less busy time for me, not that I have trips and weddings coming up, I won’t’ have to worry about making sure something is Whole30, which is a plus! I did confirm that soy is a problematic food for me, so it’s something I’ll most likely eat but try to avoid at all costs.
Leo had his yearly check-up followed by a pupacchino. It’s important to cancel out his vet visit with a treat, and don’t worry! We brought one home for Grumples, too.
It’s crazy that he’s taller than Grumples now. I hope he stops growing!
Almost all of my breakfasts are the same thing! I’m sure you already know what it is…eggs & veggies! Not a day goes by where I don’t get my eggs and veggie fix. I’ve had a lot of questions about my skin and eggs since they used to cause me to get breakouts. When I first introduced them back into my diet a few months ago, I did get a lot of random acne spots, but not as bad as before. The only difference I made was buying Vital Farms Organic Pasteurized eggs. They are crazy pricey but worth it.
Last week, we had the fantastic news that our house was going to be built sooner! We walked the land with the builder to go over a few things, and then have one more appointment next week. I’m kind of sad because I’ll be in Hawaii when we break ground, but the builder will be sending us pictures. It’s going to be such a weird time because I’ll be in Hawaii for a good chunk of November, and Kyle will be on a work trip at the same time in Germany. Our time zones are going to be the complete opposite! If you missed the last blog I did about the design process, make sure to check that out to see what kind of style we are going for!
One thing I’m over is Whole30 ketchup. I don’t care what anyone says; there’s nothing better than classic ketchup! But, it’s not so bad when you mix it with a few ingredients for meatloaf balls. I may have to share this recipe in a separate post, but I made my go-to meatloaf recipe with all Whole30 ingredients, and then topped it with a delicious meatloaf sauce. I added steamed sweet potatoes, a few dates, sea salt, Whole30 approved ketchup, mustard powder, and garlic to a blender until it was creamy for the top! It turned out good, and I got the idea of using the sweet potatoes from my mom.
I’m officially a gel polish monster. This is only my second time having gel nails, but holy moly what a game-changer. I hated painting my nails because they would always chip and look awful, but the gel polish has changed me. I’ve been going to Polished with one of my friends every three weeks to get our nails done, and I cannot believe how great the gel looks and how long it lasts. Now, I have no excuse for my nails ever to look hideous! Why didn’t anyone tell me about these?
Another thing I’ve loved lately is Matcha & Collagen lattes.
I don’t have coffee in the afternoon anymore and have replaced it with my matcha lattes. I use unsweetened Matcha, Marine Collagen (from fish), and nut milk. I add all the ingredients to my frother to get perfect consistency. I look forward to having one every afternoon!
One of the best things about being done with Whole30 is dining out with your best friend.
Becca and I decided to meet up for a fun afternoon of wedding shopping, coffee, and lunch. We stopped into this new restaurant that opened up in Waxhaw, Capricci’s True Italian. They had so many vegan, gluten-free, and healthy options! Usually, Italian restaurants are limited, but this place had it all. We started with a charcuterie board, kale and chicken salad, and a cauliflower crust dairy-free pizza.
Not only was the food incredible, but the staff was sooooooo friendly!! We can’t wait to go back!
We walked through a few other new stores, and I fell in love with a lot of the decor. Kyle and I are constantly on Pinterest, trying to find pieces and ideas. Honestly, now that the design process is out of the way, decorating the home is going to be the best part.
Over the weekend, Kyle and I headed out on a furniture hunt. We walked into Arhaus and knew right away that this was where we were going to buy most of our furniture for the new home. Plus, they were so lovely in the store and helped us with our decisions. We sat on all of their amazing couches and looked through the color options. They are built with recycled materials and made by the best artisans around the world. The style of their furniture is exactly what we want in our home, and I think we have the couches picked out! Now, I need to go look at all of their other pieces! We are now huge fans of Arhaus.
We had lunch with our friend, Steve, on Saturday. We went to one of my favorite spots, Reids Fine Foods. I always get the salmon when I go there because it’s always cooked perfectly. My salmon was served over roasted potatoes, carrot puree, and sauteed spinach.
Later that evening, I made my favorite avocado deviled eggs with chive kite-hill. I need to share this recipe soon because it was amazing. Silly me forgot to get the smoked salmon for the top, but it was still good. We ate this for dinner with a bag of tortilla chips while watching football.
Ok…so fun update.
Remember when Becca and I made a cookie cake recipe for her wedding and it fell over because we were too impatient to let it cool?
Well, I decided to remake the cake this weekend to test it out, and let the cookies cool! It turned out PERFECT! We are super excited now. I took it out to my backyard to take photos of it, and I’ll make sure to share the cake on her wedding day! Oh, and if you don’t remember, you can find it on my youtube channel. It’s one of my favorite videos.
On Sunday, Kyle and I were lazy around the house until the sun finally came out. We spent the morning going over dates and options for our wedding (crazy, I know!) We played a few games of cornhole and then hit the couch to watch the Eagles play. He also grilled chicken for our Caesar salads and it was delicious! The perfect way to end a Sunday if you ask me. ♥️
Even though this recap was super casual, it feels good to be back! Now fill me in on whats going on in your lives.
Questions for you!
- What is new with you!
- How did you spend your Sunday?
- What state do you live in? I need some ideas for upcoming travel.
Emma says
Are you still doing the Whole30 challenge? Was looking forward to being a part of it!
Taralynn McNitt says
I finished my Whole30 round. I didn’t share much about it because it didn’t seem like that many people were interested in it when I announced it a month ago, and since so much was going on in my life that I didn’t plan for, I decided to just do it without documenting everything like I did the last time.
Ashton says
Nothing new over here in Southern California! Spent Sunday cleaning up around the house then we headed to Disneyland for a bit. It’s been a rough fall over here with it being 90° but hopefully it’ll cool down soon! Super jealous Kyle is going to Germany! We just got back from London, but Germany is one of my favorite places to visit!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds like a fantastic day!! & how cool you went to London! ♥️
Mary says
Hey! I’m living in Connecticut and it is so beautiful. Plus, it’s close to Boston, NYC, Vermont, NH, and Maine. It would be worth doing a longer New England trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
Kyle and I were just talking last night about traveling up that way next year for fall!
Patricia says
Completely agree with you on gel polish being a game changer! I’m actually psycho and took it one step further and bought my own shellac/gel polish curing machine. Completely worth it in my opinion in terms of saving money (plus I hate going to the salon regularly).
This Sunday was so beautiful up here in Canada…all the leaves are changing but it was sunny and warm…my husband and I made a crockpot recipe and then went for a hike.
And I don’t live in the states, but I really recommend you checking out St.Augustine Florida if you’re looking for somewhere to travel. I think I told you this already one time when you were doing a travel contest post but it’s honestly so historical and pretty, and so reminiscent of Charleston…I think you’d love it 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Ok…well you may have me sold on that one!! I just fear that i’ll botch mine.
omggggg i bet it’s gorgeous in Canada right now! How amazing!!
I always hear how gorgeous St Augustine is! adding it to the list.
Emily says
Hey Tara! I found the best Whole30/paleo ketchup ever!! Personally I think it tastes better than any ketchup I’ve ever eaten, even the classic ketchup brands! It’s called Primal Kitchen unsweetened ketchup and it’s delicious! They also make mayonnaise, bbq sauce, and salad dressings which are all Whole30 approved. 🙂 They’re sold at a lot of grocery stores (even Walmart) so you can probably find them!
Taralynn McNitt says
I had the Tessamae one and could not, and I didn’t like the Primal Kitchen Mayo, so I didn’t give the ketchup a chance, but I’ll try it out now! Thanks for the rec!!
Emily says
Sure! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️
Ivy says
Hi Taralynn,
I missed your recap posts!! You have a lot going on so I love that you still post these 🙂
Wow you and Kyle are going to be gone so long – how fun! What is his career?
I don’t live here – but you should visit Mackinac Island in Michigan! It is AMAZING!!! so fun.
I hope you do vlogmas again this year – your vlogs got me in the holiday spirit last year!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much! 😊
I wish I would have explored Michigan more while I lived there!! (but it was during the coldest winter on record!!)
Definitely doing Vlogmas!!!
Brittany says
Aww it sounds like you had a wonderful week <3 I definitely thought about doing a round of Whole 30 but opted against joining it in October since there were so many birthday celebrations (and my own birthday) to celebrate! Someday I will try it 🙂 I do, however, know that I have issues with soy – especially in tofu form… which is sad because I looove tofu!
As for what's been up with me, I have been super busy haha. Work has been busy, & life has been busy 😂Since I have 1 year until our wedding, I am starting to plan / work on wedding planning a little more. We took engagement photos two weeks ago (since we never really took photos of us being engaged.. whoops!) and I just ordered save-the-dates last night! The past few weeks I have been tracking down everyone's addresses – which turned out to be more difficult than I had anticipated! In other news, today is my birthday so I am going to go out for a nice dinner with the fiance and then hopefully enter addresses into Minted so that I can have them printed on the envelopes! I have until 8 pm to get this done… sooooo we will see if I get it done in time 😬fingers crossed!
also, on a side note, I love the new photo editing style you are using <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brittany! ♥️
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎂 🍰 🎈 🎉 🎁 🎊
Yes, that’s a smart idea. Make sure to do it when you don’t have much going on! Soy is in almost everything, it’s so hard!
Sounds like you are BUSY BUSY!! But sometimes that’s good. But I love that you’re getting on top of everything for your wedding!
I hope you have a great dinner with your fiancé tonight! ❤️ & thanks for catching me up!! xo xo
Jessica says
My husband suffers off and on with ulcerative colitis so we committed to Whole30 September 29th. Thank you for the inspiration! We are on day 23 and loving it. I feel great going into the holidays and we may do a second round in January when everything is slow.
I spent Sunday at my cousins wedding 🙂
I live in Missouri so pretty similar to your Iowa background.
Happy to have your recaps back!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow that is amazing to hear.
Are you getting the fall weather now!?!? I love the midwest in October!
Jessica says
Yes! It’s so beautiful and we are having more than one week of fall this year ❤️ Dogs are loving it!
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet!!
Katie says
I am so happy that you are back to doing the recaps! The only thing new with me is planning a trip to Asheville to see the Christmas Lights at the Biltmore next month, so I am having fun planning that trip. Sunday was a lot like you, just hanging around the house, eating good food and watching football! I live in Raleigh, NC so I can’t help with the travel unless you just want to come take a road to visit and then I can take you to see all the cute boutiques and amazing coffee shops we have here 🙂 I am looking forward to seeing pics of your trip to Hawaii…it always looks amazing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
Thank you so much. Feels good to be back!!
OMG, I’ll be doing that in December too!!! Let me know how it is when you visit!
If I ever visit Raleigh, I will for sure take you up on that! Kyle goes a lot for work, and I’ve always wanted to tag along and explore.
& thank you!!!
Katie says
If you ever come this way let me know! Raleigh is a beautiful city and definitely worth seeing 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely ♥️
Jennifer says
Yay for recaps! What’s new with me – I’m currently in DC visiting a friend. It’s been pretty rainy but we also headed to Baltimore one day which was fun!
Sunday was spent in Baltimore 😉 She gave me a tour of her campus (she’s doing a grad program at Johns Hopkins), we went to see the original Washington Monument at Mount Vernon and visited a museum, and then ate at Phillips for dinner!
Minnesota is a great place 😉 I highly recommend the spring/summer/fall because you can spend a few days in Duluth which is BEAUTIFUL, and there is great hiking and nature! Renting boats in the summer is fun too. Plus, you can make a pit stop in Iowa. I’d love to give you recs if you’re ever here!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jennifer!
You’re in one of my favorite cities! ♥️ Hope you’re enjoying all the fall leaves!
Thanks for your rec! & I’ll for sure let you know if I make it up that way!
Beth says
Car hung up on your recap while nursing my 10 month old baby boy 💙 It’s been fun watching your life unfold lately, so happy for you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Beth! ♥️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Good to know your recap posts are back! I’ve missed them. Hope you’re enjoying fall, Taralynn! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine! ❤️
Leighann says
Woke up first thing this morning to grab a coffee, watch the sun come up, and read your recap…. its already the best thing about my day :). Great new about the house!! Sorry you and Kyle will be elsewhere when they break ground, but oh so exciting for you <3
Taralynn McNitt says
That makes me so happy!!!! If it rains like it has been we may end up being here! lol its a bittersweet thing I guess!
Liv says
Glad the recap posts are back, I look forward to reading them with coffee in the morning! You’ve always been my favorite blogger because you keep it real and I’ve never felt pressured to “get on your level” unlike a lot of lifestyle/fitness centric blogs. And I love all the fall feels! 🧡🧡
What is new with you!
Quit my last awful job and started my own digital marketing/ blogging business!! Which is very scary, but exciting. Still at the “stay up until 2am and write in my pjs phase”, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? Lol
How did you spend your Sunday?
Traveling back from Nashville, TN. The Parthenon replica was AMAZING! Lots of great vegan restaurants too, surprisingly enough.
What state do you live in? I need some ideas for upcoming travel.
Virginia, in a cute Civil War era town about an hour south of DC/Alexandria and an hour north of Richmond. Lots to do in this state between the Shenandoah mountains, historical sites (like 8 homes of presidents here, lol), and lots of museums!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Liv!!
That really makes me happy to hear. I know what you’re talking about, though!
YAY!! Glad you quit. Life is too short to be miserable. You just have to keep powering through!
OHHHHH that sounds amazing.
LOVE VIRGINIA! ♥️
Peggy says
So glad you’re back!
I spent my Sunday at breakfast, and then a 50th birthday party(Hellooo first Gumbo of the season!) and then I read Someone We Know (really good!)
We are in the throws of Football season here! LSU, Baylor (where my daughter goes) and my sons high school are all undefeated! Hope we hang on this weekend!
I live in Louisiana which provides so much fun for travelers! Tour a plantation, or a cemetery, eat great food and have some cocktails! Now is the time, the weather is great!
Taralynn McNitt says
Woo!
LOVED THAT BOOK! Glad you read it.
Love football season in the fall! How excited your son’s team is undefeated! Way to go!
I NEED to visit Louisiana!
Anna says
Hi Tara!!
What’s new with me is my baby will be six months old this Friday!! I can’t believe it! I had some nasty postpartum depression in the first few months, thankfully that is subsiding. So I’m now getting back into a fitness groove and eating foods that make my body feel good. Especially as my baby starts eating “real” food, I want to model a healthy diet for him.
This Sunday I went to a fall festival. It was so nice to spend time in the sunshine. Then I came home and my husband and I made a big charcuterie board for dinner. So yum!!
I am a Missouri girl! Have been all my life. I grew up in Kansas City (an AMAZING place to visit), and now live in a small town close to St. Louis. I don’t recommend visiting Hannibal at ALLLL haha but St. Louis and KC are amazing places with fantastic coffee shops.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Anna!
Happy six months! How exiting 😊
Sorry you went through postpartum, I can’t imagine what it’s like, but it sounds like you’re coming out on top and I love your positivity. I think enjoying your time out and about in the fall could help 😊
Also, your husband made you a charcuterie board? what a man!!
I’ve been to Hannibal, St L & KC! lol the places we visited growing up! #MIDWEST!
Lauren says
Hi Taralynn,
Glad your recaps are back – they are awesome! I live in Naples, Florida which is AMAZING! so beautiful, with so many activities and honestly I think some of the best restaurants in the country. It’s about 2 hours south of Tampa on the gulf coast (isn’t that where you go to stay with Kyle’s mom?)
You and Kyle are going to be on such different time zones! That happened to my husband and me this summer and we would send little videos about our day when the other person was asleep lol sounds silly but it helped!
Saw the comment about Vlogmas – yay!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lauren!
We always visit Kyle’s mom in Venice! & I LOOOOOOOOVE IT!
That’s a good idea about the videos!! ♥️
Taryn says
Loveee the manicure…I get gel pedicures too! Also, that cookie cake- I AM IN LOVE! I am so with you about the ease of not following food plans. I write down what I eat, but I eat whatever feels right at the time. Maybe it’s just the accountability? Or it’s fun to write about food in a pretty journal? LOL. But the ease of eating off a menu with a friend is just priceless and simple. Pinterest has been my BFF recently too…I’ve been searching “flat lay photography”…feels like something you’d be totally in to!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Taryn!
The cake was so much fun to make! 😊
Yes, I definitely go in and out of phases with it all, but it’s always important to do what’s best for you!
I actually just watched a YouTUbe video on it 😆
Julie says
I love this casual recap. Casual is my jam! I spent my Sunday visiting my former foster kittens. They got moved to a local cat cafe where they will have a better chance of getting adopted. When I got there, I found out that Buddy, the shy one that I was most worried about, was getting adopted and going to his new home that day. Yay for him! I live in TN, and Nashville is a fun place to visit. And it’s apparently a big hit for bachelorette parties. I could see you and Becca going there when it’s your turn.
🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Wooo! Thank you 😊
What an exciting Sunday! & yay for Buddy!!!
Kyle and I are going to Nashville SOON!!
Kristin says
Yay for your recap post!
My husband and his dad have been building us a shed so the past month has pretty much been consumed by that! It’s mostly done and I’m so glad to have my husband back lol!
Sunday-mostly just caught up on house stuff, nothing exciting.
I live in Ohio but I wouldn’t add it to the top of your list lol. I would love to see a travel guide for Nashville. I really want to plan a trip there next year for our 10 year wedding anniversary. I love your pace of travel so would love a guide from you!
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s such an awesome project to do with your dad!
Been to Ohio SO SO SO many times! but I always love it because it means I get to see family!
May have to make a guide for it!
Caitlin Reyes says
My husband and I live in Arkansas but visited my aunt and uncle on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri this weekend. Oh my word it was a fall wonderland! We visited wineries, ruins of a castle overlooking the water, went hiking, checked out all the multi-million dollar homes by boat, and more. I had no idea many celebrities own vacation homes along the lake and it has more shoreline than the whole state of California. It would be a perfect getaway any time of year and definitely off the beaten path in the Ozark mountains, yet central to all of the US.
Taralynn McNitt says
I used to visit the Ozarks when I was younger! ♥️ My aunt & uncle used to live on the lake!
Emily says
Hi there! I just moved from St. Louis, MO to Louisville, Kentucky for my husbands work. Have you visited either of these areas? St. Louis is an old city but is probably most fun to visit during the spring or fall when the weather is nice. The zoo (which is free to visit!) is one of the best in the country, and I believe Forrest Park is the second largest city park in the country besides Central Park in NYC. There is a lot of baseball nostalgia in stl as well- the cardinals stadium is pretty awesome! I haven’t explored Louisville yet but am looking forward to it! Anyways I love reading your recap posts and congrats on your engagement and upcoming new house! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
I’ve definitely been to both, but never explored too much of Louisville (AND I NEED TO!)
& Thanks for the tips!!
Milena Wojcieszek says
Hi Tara!
It´s so good to have your recap Mondays back!
My Sunday was very relaxing, I went for a walk with my boyfriend to enjoy nice weather in Barcelona and then it started to rain 😀 So we decided to cook Mexican dinner instead of going to the restaurant 🙂
I have this feeling that my life is going into the right direction. I started new job few months ago, it´s challenging and related to my hobbies so that was a big step 🙂 Next week my boyfriend and I are going for holidays to Italy and I also planned a surprise trip for his Birthday so the upcoming weeks are going to be funny! For the first time in my life I am with a person who I can truly consider my best friend and soulmate and with who I want to spend my life with. It´s a wonderful feeling, you already know because you are experiencing the same 🙂
Kisses from Barcelona 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Milena!!
Sounds like the PERFECT sunday!!
I’m so glad to hear that things are going well for you. That makes me so happy! What an excited trip you have planned!!! Sounds like you found a very special person, love that!!!
Katie says
You have so many great and exciting things happening for you and I love hearing about them but I am also glad the recaps are back. 🙂
I live in Georgia so obviously you are quite familiar with this area.
I went to a weekend in Ohio this past weekend so I was traveling back to Georgia all day on Sunday. Traveling is so much fun and I honestly wish I had more time to do it.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
Thank you so much 😃
loveeeee Georgia!
I’m glad you took some time out to travel!
Nikki says
I’m currently on day 54 of a Whole60! I’m so ready for some pizza! Lol!
Love seeing that your recaps are back! I always love reading up on these!
I live in Houston, Texas. November-March is always a good time to come here, since it’s not 100 degrees! The summers are so hot here!
Taralynn McNitt says
You go girl!!! I did 45 days the first round, but definitely wanted that pizza!
I need to make it to Texas soon!
Virginia says
Reading your blog from Prince Edward Island way up in Canada 🙂 It’s an absolutely beautiful place to visit, especially in the summer and fall!
Taralynn McNitt says
It sounds like the perfect place! 😃
Ann says
Becca’s cookie cake looked so unique, love it! ALSo, you’re gray cozy pajama type pants are on my list, can you tell us where you found those? Thanks! I need those because I’m from Grand Rapids , Michigan and it’s already cold here, 😬😞
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ann!
Those are from Gap! 🙂
& thank you!! I loved making it and can’t wait to see it at her wedding!!
Hope you’re staying warm!!!