Happy Monday!
It’s currently 5 am on Tuesday morning, and I’m trying to gulp down my coffee before heading out the door in an hour. I have a dermatologist appointment to get a skin screening, and it’s 30-miles away. That usually isn’t a problem, but Charlotte traffic has been a little rough lately.
I cannot believe Christmas is eight days away. December needs to slow down! I haven’t gone Christmas shopping, baked anything, or sent one Christmas card. There’s been a lot going on, but a lot of good things. Anyways, let’s get this recap started!
The update on the house is pretty much the same.
It’s been super rainy here, so we are all framed, and just waiting for the concrete to go in! Unfortunately, it’s another rainy day today, so they most likely won’t get started until next week. It’s still so much fun to drive by. I get excited and can’t stop daydreaming about living there.
Last week, I lived off of soup for the most part.
I made a delicious chicken, kale, and white bean soup during my vlogmas video. It turned out delicious, and we ate it almost every single night. I had it with a large salad and Udi’s gluten-free bread (because soup and bread are best friends.)
Lately, I’ve been grabbing my cappuccinos at this new coffee shop in my town, Knowledge Perk. It’s the cutest and coziest coffee shop, and their coffee drinks are crafted beautifully. I had my favorite, a cappuccino with almond milk, and an extra shot of espresso.
On Tuesday, I decided to make my very first gingerbread house for vlogmas. It was a very humbling experience 😂
I have another box, so I’m hoping to get a chance to redeem myself.
I ended my week with a cup of hot chocolate and a cozy book with my pups by the fireplace.
Caitlin said she had something planned for the weekend of the 14th. Everyone around me knew about it except me. I thought we were going to an ugly sweater party and maybe doing something holiday activities, but I was so wrong! She and my friends surprised me with a mini-bachelorette weekend in Charlotte. Her place was filled with decor, and it was the cutest surprise! I was shocked and so happy to have friends in my life who would do something like this for me. It warmed my heart and put a permanent smile on my face all weekend.
We started with cocktails at Lincoln Street.
This was a reminder that I need to get out more because there are so many places in Charlotte that I need to try out. The interior here was cozy, and I loved the holiday decor. I ordered the Down in Frisco. I had house-infused date rum with pomegranate syrup. I’ve never been a cocktail person, but this one may have convinced me.
We all headed to Barcelona for dinner after cocktails.
All I can say is, “WOW.” The food was unbelievable. Barcelona is a tapas restaurant with so many unique dishes and flavors. We ordered so much food, but not a single drop was leftover. We started with scallops, shishito peppers, potatoes with garlic aioli, spinach and chickpeas, trout, smoked cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. They brought out a marked up gluten-free and dairy-free menu, so all of these dishes were on that. No matter what kind of eater you are (vegan, pescetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free), this place has so many options for you!
I want to bring my brother here when he visits! & I am going to focus on updating my Charlotte Guide in 2020!
And just when I thought the surprises were over, they weren’t.
Caitlin made homemade gluten-free pancakes and a yogurt bar for a fun brunch with the girls. She hosted a “Panties & Pancake Party.” You can watch that fun during the vlogmas video. It was such a cute idea.
How about those delicious looking pancakes?! I love her Anthropologie plates! 😍
I love these girls! ♥️ After breakfast, we all got ready to look at wedding dresses!
♥️
I made an appointment a few weeks in advance to try on dresses at Winnie Couture. I had been looking at their dresses for so long and loved all of the details and styles. I knew there was a good chance I may find my dress.
I chatted on the phone with Madison about what I wanted, and she did an excellent job at pulling exactly what I described. She made it tough to choose.
If you guys want me to write a separate blog about the whole process and everything that went through my mind that day, let me know. It was such a unique and special day. I’m really happy I went with Winnie Couture because that was an experience I’ll never forget.
When I tried on MY dress, it topped everything I had ever tried on. I knew that without a doubt, this one was it. SO I SAID YES TO THE DRESS! If you want a sneak peek of the whole dress day, head over to my vlogmas video. I’ll show you the dress I ALMOST chose. After my wedding, I will share all of the photos from that day. They are so special.
These girls were so amazing during this experience. I can see why everyone was saying go with your girlfriends, and I took your advice! Since they custom-make your dress, it takes about four to five months for it to come back. When it arrives, I’ll do a showing for my mom and Kyle’s mom.
Love my B!!!!!
That night, Caitlin and I were getting ready to go out for an ugly sweater party. We both looked at each other with this look of exhaustion. It was such a fun day but with high emotions and adrenaline. We made the adult-like decision to wash off our makeup, get in our pajamas, make a cup of tea, and watch Christmas movies! It was the best decision ever.
She made one of her Purple Carrot meals for us, and it was phenomenal! This one was the Mexican skillet 🤤
I spent most of Sunday relaxing on the couch watching movies and catching up on work. Later that evening, Kyle and I headed out to the lot to see if they made any progress, but it looked the same. Can you tell we are super anxious in the good kind of way!
In a few months, there will be a house BEHIND me!!!
After checking on the house for the 100th time, we drove out to Trader Joe’s so I could pick up groceries for the week. I found this carrot and coconut juice for the ride home, and it was really good! If your TJ’s have it, definitely try this on out! 😊
Well, I’m off to my doctor’s appointment! Thanks for stopping by to read, and I hope you have the best day! My brother and his girlfriend are coming to town tomorrow night, and I’m SO so so so so excited!
Questions for you!
- Would you like me to write a blog about finding the dress? (debating if I should do this now, or after the wedding!)
- Do you have any wedding planning advice for me?
- Tell me anything about your week!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Congratulations on finding the perfect dress! It sure isn’t an easy task! So happy for you. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Charmaine!
Maurine says
What a wonderful week and amazing girlfriends! We can see they love you so much <3
I would LOVE a blog about finding the dress! And as much as I would like to read it soon, maybe it would be an "adult decision" to wait for after the wedding so you can write about all the details and the details you were looking for.
Also not related at all, but would you do a blog about your hair routine one day? I see that you have it straight here, did you straightened here/do you wake up with perfect curly hair every morning? 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Maurine!
I feel so blessed ♥️
I’m definitely going to write it now, add to it after the wedding, and then post! 😊 There’s so much more I can add to it AFTER the wedding!
Hahaha I definitely straightened it here!
Hillary May says
What book were you reading by your fireplace?
Taralynn McNitt says
I started reading “The Wife Between Us”
Hillary May says
I’m just finishing “Very Nice” by Marcy Dermansky. It’s SO good. You’ll have to put that one on your radar next. It’s a romance/drama. And it talks about the University of Iowa(i remember you went to HS around here.).
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so cool! I’ll look into it.
Shelby says
I would love a post on the choosing a wedding dress process <3
Taralynn McNitt says
I think that’d be such a fun one to do!
Nicci says
Yes please, I’d love to see a blog about finding your dress!
Not speaking from experience, but I would make sure to go with what you & Kyle like and to get everything sorted well in advance.
We’re going to a masquerade ball on Friday for my fiance’s work Christmas party! Never been to one before so excited for that 🙂
Hope you have a great rest of your week and a wonderful time with your family!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes, you’re so right.
Your fiance’s work is throwing a masquerade ball? How amazing!! You’re going to have so much fun!
Lauren says
Hi Taralynn,
1.) I am already married – but i would still read your wedding dress blog lol! i wish i would have read it before i went, i was the first married out of my friends so i did not know what to expect. I actually ended up buying the first dress i tried on 🙂
2.) I give everyone the same wedding advice – actually take the time to plan a honeymoon!! My husband and I were so focused on the wedding, we just booked a random cruise as a honeymoon, and it turns out we don’t care for long cruises lol. We have traveled so many places, so a cruise was almost silly but we could only take so much time off work. I wish we just did a little weekend trip somewhere, then the honeymoon a few months later.
3.) I finished all my christmas shopping & wrapping this week! I am super proud because i always wait until the last minute, but last year i got so stressed and sick, i wanted to get ahead of everything. & now I can sit back and enjoy 🙂
Loving your vlogmas so much! you are so good at it – do you think you will continue to vlog after?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lauren!
I know for sure you’re not the only one who buys the first dress they try on. I almost did!!!
That is such good advice. I think we’ll definitely hold off on a honeymoon until the following year! Sometimes when I’m overwhelmed or exhausted (which weddings can do) I just want to be home! lol Although I love traveling being home brings me so much comfort.
Ohhh woww!! you’re a go-getter! I have barely bought a single thing!
I always try to vlog randomly when I can. I think I want to start making more meal prep videos! 🙂
Brittany says
I loved loved loooved watching that vlog 🙂 I still need to go dress shopping.. so I would LOVE to see a post on the process. I keep finding myself overwhelmed by all of the boutiques out here in Chicago 😂
Also, shout out to your friends for successfully pulling off a surprise engagement party! Looks like you all had a blast 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Brittany!!
You have the BEST shops in Chicago to visit!
I have no idea how they did it, but it was honestly the sweetest thing in the world!
Danielle T Metcalf says
Please write about your experience finding the dress!
Taralynn McNitt says
I will! 😃
Sara Eggleston says
What a wonderful weekend! How you found your dress would be great to see on your blog, but I would wait until after the wedding.
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re right 😃 I’ll write it now that it’s fresh in my mind and share it after the wedding! xo
Kaitlyn says
1 I would write the wedding dress post now while everything is still fresh in your mind. Weddings get crazy and it’s easy to forget how you felt way back when! When are you getting married? Is it pretty far in the future?
2 Make a list of pictures you absolutely want and give it to your photographer. I wish I did this! Also, a videographer is an absolute must…I’m so glad I will have videos of my family dancing and having a good time at my wedding forever!
3 I teach high school and I have an almost two week Christmas break coming up…I need to recharge and spend time with my baby girl and husband!
Taralynn McNitt says
I think I’m going to write it now and save it for after!:)
I haven’t shared any of those details yet, but I will soon! Kyle and I are still finalizing things.
I love the idea of doing that for the photographer!
Hope you have the best break ever!! xo
Harriet says
Congratulations on finding your dress! That’s so exciting. Also, what amazing friends you have to organise a mini-bachelorette weekend for you. Please do a blog on finding your dress. Um carrot and coconut juice sounds delicious. I’m not married but I work in the interior decorating industry and have noticed that some clients turn picking wall art or furniture into a chore, so the only advice I would give is, don’t make the wedding planning process into a chore, make it something fun you and Kyle organise together. My week has been great, I baked for 10 hours on Sunday (steamed puddings, granola, biscuits, and vintage baked cheesecakes), and last night I got all my Christmas presents wrapped, so I am officially ready for Christmas. Hope you have a fantastic week with your family visiting.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much!! That is such wonderful and unique advice. Thank you!
TEN HOURS? Show me your ways!!!!
Rachel Nielsen says
My best wedding advice is to not be hesitant to ask for help or advice if you need it. It’s a lot to plan, even if it’s not an over-the-top wedding. The food tasting is the best part of the process. At the end of the day, you get to marry your favorite person, whether it all turned out perfect or not.
Personally, I think it would be cool to have one big behind the scenes wedding blog after your wedding.
I was sick pretty much all last week, but that meant lots of time with my hubby (who was also sick) and my two doggies.
Taralynn McNitt says
That is great advice! 💜
That’s a cool idea! 😃
Awww I hope you two are feeling a bit better!!!
Emily says
My best wedding advice is don’t sweat the small stuff! I wanted every detail to be perfect and spent money on stuff that I don’t even remember! Lol. ( I didn’t take one sip of alcohol either lol. ) There is just so much happening that day! Also, MAKE SURE TO EAT A LUNCH, even if it’s small! You don’t want to be a grouchy bride like I was lol! My husband and I were also running around the reception hall SEPARETLY after dinner saying hello to everyone. It was a mess and I didn’t get to say hi to everyone that traveled to see us. Make sure to plan how you will spend your time after you eat so that doesn’t happen. Also if you have an open bar don’t let them serve shots! Or if you do make sure they stop serving at least an hour prior to everyone leaving! Lol. We didn’t realize ours was serving them and serving so late until we noticed everyone was wasted and needing rides home lol. It was a good time but people can get sloppy! Regardless we loved our wedding and all that matters is that you are happy with it and can spend forever with your loved one <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you for all of that advice!!
Erica says
Would you like me to write a blog about finding the dress? Write it now and share with us later 🙂 I got married last year, the dress shopping was actually a little stressful for me! I felt like I had to choose something that day, the first time I went I just took my mom and I didn’t try anything on, the second time I went and tried on 3 dresses and found the perfect one!! It was very similar to the one in your vlog!
Do you have any wedding planning advice for me? Take it one day at a time and just relax and enjoy the process, because it is a process lol! don’t let anyone bully you with their opinions on how the day should be, just do you 🙂
Tell me anything about your week! Wrapping Christmas gifts and baking!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ll definitely be writing it now!! I’m happy you found the perfect dress and I’m sure you looked gorgeous!!
LOVE THAT ADVICE! ♥️ You never think it’ll happen until it does!
xo xo xo have a great Christmas!!
Emily L. says
What a fun surprise!! Love to Pancakes and Panty party! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
it was a cute idea!!
Milena says
Hi Tara!
Even though I follow you on Instagram and check your stories, I always like to come back here and read your posts. I really feel like I am reading a friend, not just another influencer. Thank you for that!
About the dress, I am so happy that you found the one! I can’t wait to see it! I would also love to read about the whole process of finding the dress 🙂
And the last thing, I smiled when I saw that you went to Spanish restaurant called Barcelona. You know I live in Barcelona and it really touched my heart. I love the fact that you enjoyed the food and I really hope you will come here one day and visit my beautiful city!
Have a nice weekend! 🙂
Kisses
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Milena!
That comment just made my day. THANK YOU! That is EXACTLY how I want these posts to feel like.
I am just as excited to show everyone.
Ohhh girl, LOVE Barcelona. Loved it so much I took my family there AGAIN!