Happy, Tuesday!
What a long week it’s been. You know that feeling when you get back from a trip and you’re so tired and out of it? Well, that was me yesterday (and kind of today, too!) I had to push back my recap because my brain felt like mush.
Even though it was a long week, it was certainly a good one and one I had been looking forward to for the past few months! I only have a few weeks to decide whether or not I want to do Vlogmas this year. If you enjoy Vlogmas and want me to continue, please let me know in the comment section! It’s a lot more fun when people are just as excited about it. It’s a lot of work and time, so I’d love to know your thoughts before I commit. 😆It wouldn’t be a proper recap post if I didn’t start it with a parfait! 💜
While writing my recap post, I had a banana with candied cinnamon maple walnuts and vanilla yogurt. For lunch, I had a loaded juice with raspberries, lemon, ginger, carrots, cucumber, celery, water, and cayenne. Later in the evening, my neighbor and I fit in a quick walk around the neighborhood. It’s gorgeous right now with all the Fall colors. I had my salads all week long for dinner. I also had a few Applegate chicken nuggets to go along with it. No matter what kind of salad it is, I always have to have something with warmth too.
I will be posting this salad recipe tomorrow!
I was up bright and early to go vote on Tuesday morning. We had tried to do it last Saturday, but the line was five hours long. It was easier just to go vote in our district. We were in line at 6:30 am and the line wrapped around the building. It was so awesome to see so many people out to vote this year! I had a little insomnia case the night before and woke up at 2:30 am and could not fall back asleep. When this happens, I’m usually hungry ALL DAY long because my body needs energy. I try to have a big breakfast when I don’t have much sleep to keep me from snacking on everything in the house.
I had two English muffins with butter and jelly, a banana, yogurt, and eggs. That evening, I headed to the nail salon with my neighbor to get a Mani/Pedi! I needed to fit one in before the weekend. I knew it would be a long night, so I treated myself to big fat diet coke. Dinnertime was my meal prep salad and a turkey sandwich with all the vegetables. I tried my best to stay up and watch the elections, but I knew it wasn’t going to get called, so I headed to bed instead of fighting my heavy eyes! The wine put me to sleep fast.
Also, how has it been four years already? Kind of scary how fast time flies! I was so busy running around that this is the only photo I took on Wednesday. I had the most delicious salad ordered from one of our favorite restaurants, Spice! I always get their grilled salmon salad. We also had a side order of their pad thai. I love dinner with balance. I spent most of the day Thursday packing and trying my best to groom the boys! I did such a bad job, but it was hard with how much hair they had. The good thing is that they smell better 😆 I’ll do round two next week to get all the wild pieces. I think if I keep up with it every two months, it’ll be a lot easier. I’ll also do a video next time because I had so many questions about the process. I made a huge batch of my favorite granola on Thursday night to bring with us. We were up bright and early on Friday morning to get everything ready for our trip. We have the most amazing couple that dog sits for us! 💜
We had been waiting for this weekend for the past two months. We had our vaccinations and stayed away from people for several weeks because we were so excited to meet our little niece (and yes, I know kyle and I won’t be married for another 205 days, but she’s still my niece!) This was my first flight since visiting my friend, Meighan, last January!
It felt so amazing to be able to travel again. Everything felt extremely safe. Our flight had 50% capacity, and the mask mandate is strictly forced. I finished up We Were Liars on the flights. It’s a super quick read, but a very good plot. I did not see the ending coming at all. We had the most amazing chicken kabobs for dinner on Friday night. I’ll be making these tonight because they were so good and we’ve been thinking about them since! The evening was so magical, being able to see the baby and hang out with family. Morning coffee ♥️ The most delicious turkey burgers for lunch! We headed to Liberty State Park to walk along the water. It was stunning! ♥️ Whole Foods pizza and salad for dinner! 😋 We watched Holidate on Saturday night, and it was cute!
It’s crazy what sleep is like without a 90-pound dog in your bed every night. I slept like a baby this weekend. Plus, the best part about the mornings was getting to snuggle with the baby. It definitely had Kyle and I excited about when it’s our time one day 😊 The baby fever is real! Parfait for breakfast before walking the waterfront. We were so blessed with having 75-degree temps while we were there! Aunt & Uncle! ♥️ We had Sweet green salads for a late-lunch before packing up and heading to the airport. And there is nothing better than dark chocolate almonds with coffee in the afternoon 😉
We made it home around 8 pm on Sunday night, caught up on The Undoing (such a good show!), and headed straight to bed!
Now, time to go make those kebabs!! ♥️ I will have a salad recipe tomorrow and a wedding update (gotta love being a covid bride) on Friday!!!
Questions for you!
- Have any of your friends or family had to cancel their weddings in 2020?
- Are you an aunt or uncle? (ahhh, it’s the best!!)
- I need some Netflix Suggestions!
- oh, and let me know about vlogmas!!
Courtney says
It must have been so cool being in NY when they called the election! Were you able to hear the bells and noise from where you stayed?
My honeymoon was cancelled,but we are ok with waiting til its safe again. Also, what kind of vaccination did you need for a trip to NY?
congrats on becoming an aunt, it’s so fun!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Nope, it was pretty quiet! I think the big celebrations were closer to Times Square. I wasn’t browsing the phone or watching the news when the media projected the winner, so I didn’t realize it until later in the evening.
We had our flu and DTaP since we were visiting our niece. There are no vaccine requirements for a trip to NYC.
♥️ Hope you get to travel for your honeymoon soon!
Roseann says
How fun! I just came back from NYC on Sunday too!
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun, Roseann!! Hope you had a good time.
Megan says
Please please please do vlogmas!! I look forward to it every year!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m thinking I just might have to!!!
Shelby says
I LOVE your vlogmas videos so much! It’s the best way to end a day ♡ just love your blog regardless of what you post about!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Shelby! That is so sweet.
Kiera says
I´ve had a few friends who have had to postpone their weddings due to Covid. They´re so positive and look at it as enjoying their engagement longer! I actually just got engaged in September, so unfortunately we haven´t been able to have a formal engagement party. We´re just enjoying this exciting time and getting used to calling each other ¨fiance!¨
Congrats on your new niece!! My best friend (who my kids will be lucky enough to call their aunt one day) just announced she´s pregnant! That baby is so loved already, I can´t imagine the excitement when we get to meet him or her!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ahhhh how exciting for your friend!!!!
& congrats on your engagement! ♥️
Danielle says
Please do Vlogmas!! I’ve watched all your Vlogmas videos, they are always amazing and watching them is a highlight of my day for sure!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Aw, that means so much, Danielle!!!
Alex says
Yes to vlogmas! Even if you don’t do as much this year due to COVID, your vlogmas series has put me in the holiday spirit the last 2 years. Plus, I watch for your quirky personality anyways 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
AWWWW, thanks, Alex!!
Annie says
Hi! I really hope you do vlogmas again, your vlogs are always my favorite and put me in the Christmas spirit. But if it is too stressful (that many vlogs seems stressful to me) then that’s okay too!💛
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Annie!!!!
Brittany M. says
I read all your post, but rarely comment. I had to comment today to say PLEASE do Vlogmas. You do such an amazing job and each video FEELS like Christmas. It actually got me through a hard time and brought me so much joy the first year you did it. I still love the songs you used and get so excited when I hear them!
Thanks for all you do!
Taralynn McNitt says
😭 Thank you, Brittany!!!
Milena says
Hi Taralynn! 😊
Two couples of my friends had to cancel their weddings and postpone them for the future. It’s been a very crazy year…
And a lot of my friends got pregnant as well 😀 also my very close cousin had her baby in May so I am officially aunt!
I can only imagine that vlogmas requires a lot of work and commitment but I would love to see it this year again! You really make me feel the Christmas spirit 😊 but of course it’s up to you!
Are you happy with the results of the elections? I spent all Saturday watching and reading the news and it was such a relief when they finally announced it!😅😊
Have a good week, kisses from Barcelona!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Milena!
That’s so sad to hear but hopefully, they’ll have a wedding soon! And congrats on becoming an aunt!
Vlogmas is always so fun and it definitely motivates me to get out and do more!!!! ♥️
Gina says
Yesss, please do Vlogmas! I looked forward to your videos every day last year! They really got me in the holiday spirit and I’m going to need LOTS of that this Christmas since I just started a new job and can’t take time off to go see my family. Though I also understand if you decide you don’t want to this year (it is 2020, after all), so if that’s the case I’ll just rewatch the videos from last year lol. However, if you DO decide you want to do Vlogmas, can I formally request more singing of Christmas carols? Your voice is so beautiful, you should show it off more! 😁🎄🎤🎶
Taralynn McNitt says
😭 thank you, Gina!!!
That is the sweetest thing!!!! I’ve learned some Christmas song on piano this past fall so i can do that!!!
Denver says
Will you show your kids on the blog?
Taralynn McNitt says
I think kids should have the say-so when they’re featured on blogs that get monetized. It doesn’t feel right to me.
Catie says
Which preset did you use for the photos?
Taralynn McNitt says
I used the apple orchard on most of these!
Darlene says
Wow- you were able to get access to a COVID vaccine already? How/where? I’m so ready to get one so I can start going places again!
Taralynn McNitt says
No lol vaccines for flu, the dtap, and other important vaccines to have when you’re around a baby!
Mel says
I love your VLOGMAS, it gives me something to look forward to. After watching your vlogs I always feel more festive
I just finished watching Emily in Paris and I loved it.
I love being an Auntie, my nieces are so cute 💕
We where supposed to travel from Australia to the US in July to elope but we had to cancel because of COVID. It’s really hard as we don’t know when we can travel again.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Mel! ♥️
Emily in Paris was so good!!!
I feel you on that!
Chloe says
Love watching the vlogmas!😁
Taralynn McNitt says
Aw!!!
cass says
oh my god, I thought you guys already have a baby LOL. then I saw the title”niece”
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol 😆 I should have used all caps on that one!
Lisa says
I love vlogmas, even when you did the low key one last year. A daily vlog with Christmas music, simple and classic would be so good.
Taralynn McNitt says
I love that. I think Christmas can get overwhelming and I love keeping it low key!
Nadine says
I would love to see you do another vlogmas! I can only imagine how much work it is. But I would be so excited if you decide to go for it!!
Congrats on becoming an Aunt!! I can’t wait to be an aunt.
My friend called off her 200+ people wedding and celebrated with only a few people instead and she loved it!
Have a great week, Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Nadine!!
♥️ I bet she had a gorgeous and very special day!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m glad you enjoyed your travels! And yes – I’ve had to postpone my own wedding, which was originally taking place this year! I don’t mind though, I don’t think I’m ready yet anyway haha! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
It sounds like a little blessing in disguise. ♥️ I know your wedding is going to be stunning.
Lauren says
Yes to vlogmas! Your vlogmas is seriously one of the best out there!!
Taralynn McNitt says
😭 thank you!!
Steph says
My friends have had to push theirs to next spring- fingers crossed it will be able to go ahead then!
I’m an aunty to three gorgeous nieces, and mummy to one little boy (who adores his aunts and uncles!)
Queen of the South and money heist are both great on Netflix! I’m currently binging on schitts creek- was very late to the party on this one!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Steph!
Hopefully, spring will be better for a wedding!
I can’t believe you’re getting to binge Schitts Creek for the first time. I’m so jealous! I’ve watched that show three times now lol
I’ll look into those other shows on Netflix!
Suze says
Yes! Please do Vlogmas this year. I think we all need it (at least I do.)
It looks like you had a nice time in New Jersey visiting family. Did you go into the city at all? I miss my family up there so much. but, travel, with the COVID situation is not an option for me.
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s what I’m thinking ♥️
No. we stayed away from the city or crowds. Lots of crowds and gatherings in the city because of the election. We just wanted to spend our time with our niece and did some outdoor walks along the waterfront 🙂
Amanda says
PLEASE do Vlogmas! I loved how it kept me in the Christmas spirit all December long 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m leaning to yes!!
Emily says
I love vlogmas, but I can definitely see how it’s a crazy amount of work for you!
I just started the Queen’s Gambit last night on Netflix, so far it’s really good and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve heard it’s so good!
Dea says
I love being your neighbor. You are a joy to be around!
Taralynn McNitt says
😭 I love my neighbors!!!
Jess says
Where is your white top from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Loft!
Rae says
Please do Vlogmas again this year! They are so fun to watch, and I feel like especially this year we are all going to need a little extra holiday cheer to get through the winter.
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️ leaning towards it!!
Perri says
I Definitely enjoy VLOGMAS! It’s so much fun
Taralynn McNitt says
WOO!!
Lina says
Please please please tell me y’all wore masks outside of these photos? As someone who lives in the NJ/NY area, COVID is sadly on the rise and mask wearing outside is mandatory. Totally get taking them off for pictures, but just want to make sure that after your travels you protected not just yourself, but our lovely area you were visiting too <3
Also, please do Vlogmas, your joy for Christmas is infectious.
Taralynn McNitt says
Of course, we wore masks. I just don’t take photos in masks because it’s not how I want to remember my year or special moments. Some people love it, but I absolutely do not want to flip through my photos and get reminded of wearing masks. We also stayed outside and away from other people the entire time we visited.
Kay says
You are going to be a great mom one day and I can’t wait to follow that journey too. When is your wedding?
Taralynn McNitt says
Aw, thank you!
We are having a wedding in June.
arynn says
yes! i am an aunt 😉
i learned so much about taking care of a baby when my nephew arrived to this world 2 years ago! haha
i think it’s good to have some knowledge and have hands-on experience before having your own kid.
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s awesome, Arynn! Congrats!
Dez says
Where are your ripped jeans from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Abercrombie!
Rebecca Löble says
I loved all your vlogmas videos and would be very thrilled if you would do it again this year. Don‘t put too much pressure on yourself, I’m fine to just follow you on your trail walks and seeing your beautiful decoration around the house and your coffee mugs 😁
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Rebecca! ♥️ I think a calmer Christmas may be key!
Sarah says
I loved that recap. It looked like you had a wonderful weekend. One of my good friends postponed her wedding from September this year to March next year. I’m praying it can still go ahead then but restrictions are tight in the UK at the moment. I’m blessed with so many nieces and nephew, and I’m also a mum now – it’s the best! I would recommend The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, I couldn’t stop watching it. Finally, YES YES YES to vlogmas. Yours is my absolute favourite to watch. x
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Sarah!
We started Queen’s Gambit and OMGGGGG IT’S SO SO SO GOOD.
Anonymous says
Are you having kids?
Amber says
A few of our friends had to postpone their weddings, a few went through with small gatherings.
YES! We are an Aunt & Uncle to my brother’s two amazing kiddos-it’s so much fun! We are about to be again! My husband’s brother and his wife are expecting around Thanksgiving!🥰. I cannot wait to meet the little one but not sure when we will be able to see them. We live in Iowa and they live in North Carolina. 🤞🏻Hopefully sooner rather than later!
Hmm Netflix..Right now I am enjoying Gilmore girls. Have you ever watched Workin’ Moms on Netflix ? I thought it was hilarious.
I’d enjoy Vlogmas for sure! Last year it really brightened up the season for me! I you don’t end up doing it , no worries though!
Happy Day!
Brenda Planz says
You should do vlogmas but just do what you want to do.
Even just once a week. December is a busy month for everyone.
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️
Danielle says
Your hair is getting so long, Taralynn! What shampoo do you use? Any tips for breakage?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Danielle!
It is due for a trim! 😊 I use Pureology and Alfaparf! ♥️
Katie says
I would love it if you did vlogmas this year! I fell in love with the band Loving Caliber, after hearing their songs in your videos last year. I have been excited to hear which song you pick for this years intro!! I think it would be a fun thing to watch during these crazy times- if you’re up for it!
My husband and I are Aunt & Uncle, we have an almost 2 year old nephew, almost 1 year old nephew, and a brand new niece just born with week 🙂 We can’t wait to have our own as well <3
Hannah Lee says
Congrats to you and Kyle!