Happy December!🎄
This is the month I look forward to every year. I’ve been a lover of all things Christmas since I was a little girl. Everything about this month makes me so happy and excited about the colder days and darker nights. I’m also excited because it’s officially VLOGMAS! If you’re new to Vlogmas, it’s where I post a new vlog on Youtube every single day up until Christmas. I did it last year, and it was a blast. It took a lot of time, and I was shocked that I finished each day, but it was so worth it in the end. I couldn’t imagine skipping out on it this year.
This past weekend, Becca and I filmed the intro and trailer for my 2019 Vlogmas, and I think you’re going to love it! Vlogmas is about being super extra and over the top around the holidays, and the intro video is as Christmas cheesy as it gets. I’ll make sure to insert the video at the bottom of this blog.
Before I go on and on about Vlogmas, let me catch you up on Thanksgiving week! ♥️ I hope you all had a fantastic Holiday! Anyone still stuffed?
Last Monday was a catch-up day for me, and there wasn’t too much to report on. My Tuesday morning started early with a vet visit. Leo had a lesion the size of a plum on his face that got infected overnight, so it needed to be cleaned, and treated with antibiotics. He’s doing well now, but he’s so ready to get out of the cone of shame. Every time we leave the vet, I make sure to pick him up a puppuccino as a treat. I spent the rest of the day catching up on my work and resting with him.
On Wednesday, I put up all of my Christmas decorations in the living room! (i filmed it for Vlogmas day one!) There’s nothing cozier than a rainy day filled with warm Christmas lights. This truly is the best time of the year! I’ve had my pre-lit Christmas tree for the past seven years, and I cannot believe it’s still lighting up. This will be the last year that it’s the main tree in the house because it’s getting demoted to the dining area. We want to get a giant tree for the new home, and I cannot wait!
A little later in the afternoon, I headed out to grab a few things at Hobby Lobby and the grocery store for Thanksgiving. I had wanted to try out this new coffee shop called Knowledge Perk. I’ve heard so many amazing things about it, and everyone was right. It did not disappoint! I had their almond milk cappuccino with two shots of espresso. They made it perfect! I will be going in here this holiday season to drink coffee and edit vlogmas!
I decided to make a quick dinner in the air fryer on Wednesday night. Kyle and I spent most of the evening at the car dealership testing a few new cars, and that process is always stressful. I left the dealership with my deal on the table and told them they could call me if they wanted to proceed. The trick is to always buy cars at the end of the month/year because they have a quota to meet, and most of the time, they’ll go low to do that. Don’t be afraid to walk away; you’ll most likely get a callback.
Anyways…back to these chicken fingers.
I breaded the chicken tenders with egg, Ian’s Italian gluten-free bread crumbs, and everything but the bagel seasoning from trader joes. I air-fried them for about 12 minutes at 410 degrees! They came out SUPER crispy and delicious.
That evening, I decided to make Kyle’s mom’s cranberry sauce. It wasn’t going to be the same without her this Thanksgiving, but next year, we are getting right back on track and heading to Venice. With Kyle and I, both flying back before Thanksgiving, and then having to go on another this weekend, a trip to Florida would have been a lot. The cranberry sauce turned out PERFECT. I shared the recipe on my Instagram page if you want that! 😊 (here’s the link!) I made another batch over the weekend because it’s seriously good on everything.
I also made multicolored roasted sweet potatoes! I used white, purple, yellow, and orange sweet potatoes! All of the colors made this such a gorgeous side dish. I tossed the potatoes with avocado oil, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, a drizzle of fresh blood orange, onion salt, and topped it with fresh thyme. I had so much thyme leftover from my tomato soup, but using it up for Thanksgiving worked! It also makes a gorgeous garnish.
And of course, my mom and dad made all of their Thanksgiving specialties. After holding our winning streak with another ground of cornhole, we had coffee and dessert! I brought over some Simple Mills pumpkin muffins with chocolate sprinkles, and they were a hit. They are hands down the best gluten-free boxed muffins! 😋 There was only one left.
We also took some cute photos since we were all dressed up, and the leaves were gorgeous.
Golden Hour ☀️ no pun intended.
♥️
This is my favorite photo from Thanksgiving. I never use black and white, but I’m in love with this shot. I’m getting this one framed!
Remember when I said that they always call you back? The car dealer…Well, they did. I went back into the dealership on Black Friday morning, signed the papers, and left with my new car at the price I wanted to pay. I felt pretty proud of myself!
I asked everyone what car they drove and if they loved it on Twitter a few weeks ago, and I had so many responses. After looking at the Mazda CX5 Touring, I fell in love. The body was what I was looking for, the premium interior with all the safety features, and the black on black sold me! Plus, it’s super affordable. If you’re looking for a new car, you may want to check these out!
When I left the dealership, I headed over to my parent’s house to drop off a dress that my mom was going to sew hooks on. I bought a dress from Anthropologie for a wedding I’m going to this weekend, and the hooks were a little too high. I’m excited about the dress, though! After I left I headed to the nail salon to get my nails done in the same color as the dress 😊
I was up bright and early on Saturday morning! Becca and I were going to film the intro, and then I had to run home and edit the intro + a separate vlog for Vlgomas day one! Even though it was a busy day, I had such a blast! Being able to do anything Christmasy and cheesy is my type of day.
I didn’t have a set plan, so we kind of just went with the flow, and it turned out pretty awesome!
I wore my mom’s pants she got from Old Navy, my shoes are Dr. Scholls, my sweater is from Walmart (PS they have an amazing Christmas sweater section), and my hat is also Walmart.
The second scene was filmed in my parent’s backyard by their outdoor fireplace. This was probably one of my favorite locations for the shoot because we didn’t have strangers watching us (yes, it was embarrassing but so worth it), and everything looked so festive!
We bought our matching pajamas at TjMaxx! They are hands down the most comfortable pajamas I’ve ever worn. Here is the link!
We shot a fun snow scene in my backyard! At this point, we were hitting our wall and so tired, but we powered through it.
This colorful sweater was also from Walmart! (here’s the link!) I have always been in love with Anthropologie’s colorful Christmas sweaters, but I refuse to pay over $200 for a seasonal sweater. The Walmart ones are $14.99 and just as adorable! I need to shop there more often!
We finished the last and final scene at the ice rink. It didn’t turn out at all because there were so many people, and the ice skating rink was filled with dirt, leaves, and chunky ice, but at least we had fun! 💜
The best part was celebrating the wrap of the intro at Reids Fine Foods! This is one of my favorite spots, and their food is to die for. We were so go go go that we didn’t have time to eat, so by the time dinner rolled around we were ready to dive in. We had their truffle garlic fries, their crispy brussels sprouts, and I ordered their salmon with potatoes, carrot puree, and spinach. It was heavenly!
I was excited about December 1st! The first day of Vlogmas! 😊 I woke up and started editing the vlog right away! All of your comments on the videos make my day, and they do motivate me to keep it up. So thank you all for hanging out over there as well. (VIDEO FOR VLOGMAS DAY ONE!)
I finished editing around 1 pm. I hit publish, and Kyle and I headed out to look at a few furniture stores. We are trying to pick out everything for the house before moving in since it takes a couple of months for the furniture stores to make the couches and deliver. It’s a fun process but also overwhelming.
After looking around, we headed to one of our favorite spots, Akahana. I always order the ginger salad and their chicken lettuce wraps. The food is always delicious! It’s dangerous because our new house is going to be closer, which means Uber eats will deliver 😆 It looks like we’ll be having Akahana most nights!
The rain has been hitting hard here, so we’ve had a few weeks of delay in the house, but it’s a blessing. Even though I cannot wait to move into the house, I’m not looking forward to packing and selling my current home. They finally leveled our yard and have begun building the frame. It’s crazy because before I left for Hawaii, our neighbor’s house was just a frame like ours. Now they have windows! It’s incredible how fast they work. I will be updating you all on the new home during Vlogmas, so make sure to subscribe for those updates.
I ended the night with my go-to holiday drink order from Starbucks. I wanted something warm and cozy to sip on while editing. My order is a tall almond milk cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso, one pump of sugar-free mocha, and one pump of peppermint. It’s sooooo tasty & light.
After editing, I shut my computer down at 8 pm, showered, grabbed my book, and headed to bed. I ended up falling asleep at 9, which was a win for me!
I hope you all have an amazing week! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel! 😊 I’ll be posting a new video on there this afternoon (with all the behind the scenes from the intro!)
Questions for you!
- How was your Thanksgiving?
- What kind of videos do you want to see this year on Vlogmas?
- Are you getting snow where you live?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving! Love the photos! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine! xo
Alyssa says
Hi Tara!
I love your pics from Thanksgiving, and the first part of vlogmas so far! You always have fun things to write/vlog about!
Where did you get your pink/purple pants that you wore ice skating?? Such a pretty color!
Thanks!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Alyssa!
Those pants were actually from a consignment shop 😊 But I believe they are GAP brand!
Lauren says
Hi Taralynn,
I loved Vlogmas day 1, I can’t wait for the rest of the videos! PS – we got a new tree this year that is huge after having our old one for 5 years, and we moved the old one into our master bedroom. I am IN LOVE! It looks so perfect, like it was meant to be there, so just an idea for next year 🙂
1.) Thanksgiving was great! I look forward to the food all year but then I get so full I can’t move lol
2.) I loved just all your daily activity videos last year during vlogmas! Including the Christmas shopping, your decorating, and when Becca would join 🙂
3.)No snow for me in Southwest Florida, but I go to NYC on Wednesday so hopefully I will see some then!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhhh I love hearing that. It makes me excited for my next Christmas!!! The tree I have now is a senior 😆
We are going north (near nyc) this weekend too so hoping we see snow, too!!!!
Katie says
I am loving the Vlogmas so far and can’t wait to see more! I did have a good thanksgiving. It was a quiet weekend spent around the Christmas tree with lots of good food. I really like your “regular days” Vlogmas videos mixed in with all your Christmas traditions. I live here in Raleigh, so definitely no snow yet 😂 in fact I think the temperature today will be 65. I’m looking forward to watching Vlogmas #2 today!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
So happy you’re lovin’ vlogmas 😊
Enjoy your day in Raleigh! We get the same weather here! But how about the 30-degree weather today!!! 😆
Sara says
Love vlogmas!!!!
My Thanksgiving was wonderful as it was good to see family. I would love to see travel, shopping, fashion, makeup, and decor included with vlogmas. No snow yet here in Iowa, but we did have snow on Halloween.
Taralynn McNitt says
YAY!
Christmas in Iowa is the best 😊 I’m sure you’ll have a snowy Christmas since Halloween was snowy!
xo xo xo
Lindsay says
Where did you get the animal print pants you’re wearing in those BEAUTIFUL pictures?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lindsay!
I got them at Old Navy 😃
Vanessa says
How was your Thanksgiving?
I live in the UK and we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. I had a great weekend though, spent Sunday going for a long forest walk with my boyfriend.
What kind of videos do you want to see this year on Vlogmas?
Cooking! I love the meal ideas you share 🙂
Are you getting snow where you live?
No, it just is cold, grey and wet over in London.
Taralynn McNitt says
Glad you had a wonderful weekend, Vanessa!
Hope you get some good weather soon! xo xo
Rachel Nielsen says
1. Thanksgiving was great! It was my first time cooking a turkey and I nailed it!!
2. You said you’d show more air fryer recipes and I am super interested in that. Or holiday desserts! Also any holiday DIY would be tons of fun. Day one with holiday decorating inspired my own holiday decorating!
3. Just the smallest dusting of snow in Michigan today.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Rachel!
You go girl! That’s something that I’ve never done!!
Air frying is LIFE so more of that for sure!
I hope you get a snowy white christmas! xo xo
Natalija says
Hi Taralynn! I love Christmas time so much,too, it’s been my favourite time of the year since early childhood! I’m also so glad and excited to follow your another Vlogmas, I was worried you might not want to participate this year due to how time consuming it is and I’m so,so happy that you are, yay! Your decorated living room looks like straight out of Hallmark’s Christmas card,so gorgeous.Congratulations on the new car and especially on being successful with your deal! Anyway, have a great week, love to the doggies and I can’t wait to see another Vlogmas video later today!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Natalija!
I’m so happy you’re in for another round of Vlogmas. It’s so worth all the time for sure! 😊
Thank you for all the kind words! xo
Julie says
Vlogmas is so fun! I love seeing the behind the scenes footage. Congratulations on the new car! I am going to take your advice when I go car shopping next spring (dreading it). Random question, but what lipstick are you wearing when you and Becca are roasting marshmallows? I love that color!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Julie!!
& to be honest, I have no idea! I found it in my mom’s bathroom. I’ll text and ask! xo
Breeanna says
Thanksgiving was okay. I’ve been having a lot of thyroid/anxiety issues lately, so it’s just not the same for me lately but I’m determined to fight for my health. Watching fun videos like your Vlogmas ones really help! I would definitely like to see cooking videos, and I’d like to see some of the outdoor decorations around the neighborhood area.
I’m in Chicago, and we actually had snow as early as Halloween.
I seriously adore your outfit with the plaid pants, leopard shoes, and Christmas sweater–I’ve always been a huge fan of patterns that “don’t match” and this one is the cutest!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Breeanna!
I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through a rough time, but I love your positivity. You got this ♥️ I think a drive around the neighborhood is a must! Especially around Christmas time.
I heard the midwest had a lot of snow around Halloween! so crazy.
Thank you so much!!!
Brittany says
Love LOVE love this post <3 I spent my thanksgiving moving from Oregon to Illinois SO I am very excited to get into the Christmas spirit!!
Also I am so so happy & excited for you! So many wonderful things happening in your life right now! I can't wait to follow along with this year's Vlogmas! I will be sure to watch the last few videos after work today 🙂
ALSO also (ahaha I am the worst – I always have too much to say!) I absolutely LOVE your nails!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brittany!
Thank you so much 😃
I can’t wait to hear what you think about Vlogmas 😊
& congrats on making the move!!! I bet you’re so happy it’s over with!
Alex says
Hi Taralynn!
Do you have any other suggestions for Starbucks orders that are tasty but low cal/low sugar? That’s always been a tricky one because I’m realizing the sugar can really sneak up on you. Thanks! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
My favorite go-to drink is just a tall unsweetened almond milk cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso! Or an unsweetened ice coffee with a splash of unsweetened almond milk 🙂 and if you want any syrups, just go with the sugar free ones.
Kayla says
My boyfriend and I have mad a Mazda Grand touring since 2017 and we love it! We have never had a single issue with it and it’s so reliable! Enjoy the new ride!
Taralynn McNitt says
Amazing to hear!!!
Harriet says
Wow your thanks giving photos are stunning. I made the cranberry sauce, its incredible!!! I am so looking forward to your vlogmas, as I am not in the Christmas spirit this year, I am hoping your vlogmas gets me in the spirit. we don’t usually celebrate thanksgiving, but this year my CrossFit decided to do a thanksgiving WOD and have a thanksgiving dinner afterwards, I took the turkey with your cranberry sauce and everyone loved it!! its defiantly not snowing here its currently 90 degrees Fahrenheit. hope you have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
YAY! So glad you loved it, Harriet!! Hope you get in the spirit soon!
xo
Jenny w says
Where are the leopard slip ons from? So cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
Steve Madden! 🙂
April Jo says
Details on the little red loafer please 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Bass & Co! 😊