Happy Monday!
As much as I loved having my time off to enjoy the holidays, I’m looking forward to finally knowing what day it is when I wake up. It felt like every day was a Saturday the past few weeks. I hope you all had a fabulous break, and I look forward to spending another year with you! Many fun and exciting things are happening in my life this year, and I plan to take you along with me!
The strange thing about this year is that I’ve enjoyed the holidays more than ever. They felt more relaxed, less hustle & bustle, and I’m definitely going to bring that energy with me for future holidays. 2020 has really taught us a lot.
The past few weeks, I’ve been trying my best to fit in my walks, but it’s actually been pretty chilly. I’m a chicken in cold weather, which is why I’m so happy I don’t live in the midwest anymore. I don’t know how I did it. One of my goals for this year is to walk every single day. I’m already good about getting in my steps, but I want to go for a walk no matter how short it is. I’ve been taking Leo on my walks now that the construction has settled down a bit in the neighborhood. He’s terrified of the noises, and I’m always paranoid of him stepping on things. Aside from that, he’s the BEST walking dog ever (unless he’s with his brother!) He now walks by dogs and completely ignores them. He doesn’t ever walk in front of me, and he stops when I stop. I could cry happy tears with how well he’s walking now! He goes about five miles on the walks and could keep going if I wanted. So proud of little Leo! I may make a video with five tips we learned at his training that helped. Many of you already saw on my Instagram, but I’ve been working at making my closet minimal. I’ve gotten rid of about 1/2 of my clothes so far, and I plan to toss 1/4th more. I will be doing an entire post on the process and how amazing it feels not to have clothes everywhere! Honestly, I feel so much better! I’ve also been doing little things around the house to add a bit of organization. We usually have like five cartons of eggs in the fridge, half-eaten, because we assume we are out every time we go to the grocery store. Now, they are in a clear bin, and we have more space! I’ve also gotten rid of ALL my socks and purchased white ones to make life easier. I never have to take the time to match socks now! I did, however, keep a few of my favorite fluffy socks. On Tuesday, after my closet cleanout, Kyle and I headed to the Container store to pick up a few things for closet organization. I could spend all day in that store. We stopped at our favorite spot, Reids Fine Foods, for dinner! I had the salmon with asparagus, and I traded my potatoes for Kyle’s brussels sprouts. They make the BEST brussels sprouts ever. Kyle and I went on a Wednesday afternoon date to Restoration Hardware to look at coffee tables and couches. The store was incredible, and I’ve never been to anything like it before. If you’re ever in the Southpark area, make sure to check it out. We also made a reservation to have lunch at their rooftop restaurant. I started with a decaf oat milk cappuccino, which was to die for! If I remember it right, the waitress said they have their coffee specifically made for them out of Chicago. It was so good that I almost ordered another. I had their chicken caesar salad with avocado. It was one of the best caesar salads I’ve had in a very long time! It’s unbelievable how good the food was for a furniture store. Kyle ordered their truffle grilled cheese. The picture speaks for itself, but holy moly…You could hear the crunch a mile away. It’s one of their most popular items on the menu. When I got home, I spent the evening cleaning all of my makeup brushes. It’s the most therapeutic thing ever! I saved it on my Instagram stories if you want to see how it’s done, but my brushes came out completely spotless! I use the Luxe cleaner. I also cleaned out my makeup containers and tossed out expired or unused makeup! I was on a roll this break. On Thursday morning, I made cinnamon muffins and got the house ready for New Years’! A few of my close friends came over for a cozy night in with tacos and games! My favorite New Years’ date ♥️ I made gluten-free cosmic brownies and a big pile of gummy bears to wash down 2020 with. Taco bar for new years! We had so much fun celebrating the New Year, and it has been a year since we’ve all been together! I think the Lake Tahoe trip was the last time! We all played fibbage on the T.V. and then stayed up until the ball dropped. And, of course, the first day of 2021 was a rainy one. I baked some blueberry muffins and these Nutella shortbread cookies! I used my recipe for the lemon Linzer ones but left out the poppy seeds, lemon, almond, and added Nutella instead of the jelly! THEY WERE TO DIE FOR!
After spending my entire day baking (I’ve been on a baking saga lately!) I went upstairs to take a hot bath, did a face mask, and actually fell asleep with my heated blanket. I definitely needed that nap after staying up so late for New Years’! Later in the evening, we met up with our friends at Barcelona for dinner! We ate and celebrated until we had to roll out of there, basically. I’m trying to eat a bit healthier since my wedding is only five months away, so low carb bread, eggs, and avocado it is! I want to note that I’m trying to eat healthier to feel better and actually fit in my dress. I won’t be killing myself to be thin, and I’m happy no matter what I look like on that day! Kyle and I went on a long trail walk on Sunday. Aside from it being really muddy, we had so much fun exploring. We ended the evening watching The Act on Hulu, and I made another batch of blueberry muffins for our new neighbors. I think I have officially perfected this recipe! I will have to share it soon. Maybe I’ll share it tomorrow!
Questions for you!
- Should I share those blueberry muffins tomorrow?
- Do you want to see more organizing posts?
- Do you currently have way too many clothes?
Alex says
Those bluberry muffins look incredible. We made your gingerbread bars for Christmas and they were a huge hit.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Alex!
Jennifer says
Absolutely. My favorite muffins are a toss up between chocolate chip and blueberry 🤤
Yes and yes lol I LOVE organization posts/videos -I’m always so inspired! I did the capsule wardrobe with just my fall/winter clothes a couple January’s ago, but need to do it again. Please share what you did so I’m extra motivated to get going on it! Lol
Taralynn McNitt says
Happy New Years, Jennifer!
Ohhhh blueberry is my favorite. Now, double chocolate chip I can get behind!
I will totally share!
Cassie says
Hi Taralynn!
Glad you had a good New Year’s! I’m loving the recipes and organization. Did you do all of vlogmas? After day 18 I couldn’t find anymore.
1. Yes post it!
2. YES I love organizing and lots of people ask me on Instagram for tips!
3. I have a decent amount of clothes, but I’ve been buying less and always have a large amount I list on Poshmark so it’s kind like of a rotating cycle!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Cassie!
No. I did not. I wasn’t enjoying anymore and I didn’t want to have a stressful Decemeber. On top of my other work, it was too much.
I think rotating the cycle is so good! I have learned to do that when I buy something! I have to toss something.
Kat says
Hi!
I would LOVE to see more organizing posts. I need to declutter my life for sure…between my clothes and my 2 year old daughter’s clothes…I’m not even sure who has more! Now with another baby coming in June, I know my husband would appreciate minimizing the amount of “stuff” we have!
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s the perfect time to do it before baby #2! 😊
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy new year, Taralynn! Hope you had a great one! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine! ♥️ xo
Shelby says
Yes to more organizing posts! They always inspire me to clean out what I have and minimize ♡
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! Feels so good to do it, too!
Nicci says
Sounds like you had a lovely break!
Yes, I would love to see the blueberry muffin recipe and more organising posts; I love seeing how other people organise things and it often inspires me to organise myself.
I wouldn’t say I have way too many, but I could definitely live with fewer!
Happy New Year!
Taralynn McNitt says
Happy new year, Nicci!
❤️
Autumn says
Yes! Yes! And yes to all 3!
I have been wanting to see more ways to organize and to downsize my wardrobe but I would love to see the process. It’s honestly so overwhelming and I have no idea where to even start!
Taralynn McNitt says
Start small!!!
Choose one space at a time to tackle and it weirdly becomes addicting/theraputic!
Kalie says
Happy New Years!! I hope your year is filled with happiness and joy
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️ same to you!
Milena says
Happy New Year Taralynn! <3 I wish you and Kyle my best!
I would love to see more organizing posts! Actually you inspired me to clean my make up brushes 🙂
Of course i have way too many clothes but I clean my wardrobe twice per year and I donate my clothes. I always feel better after cleaning 🙂
I don't know why but my comment on your previous recap post is not there and it already happened to me before as well. Maybe I didn't hit publish 🙂
Have a nice week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Milena!
Happy new year to you as well ♥️
Getting those makeup brushes cleaned is so important! 😊
I love that you do a closet clean out twice a year!
It may have gone through but i am still behind on catching up with comments! I like them to sit in moderation so I can make sure to comment back before publishing 🙂
Julie says
All of the muffins look delicious! I’m an organizing junkie, so anything on that topic sounds fun. I don’t have too many clothes, but they do need to be cleaned out. I’m looking forward to your post as I’m sure it will provide me with motivation. Will you be doing a post about your almond flour chicken nuggets? They looking amazing from your vlogmas video!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Julie!
Absolutely! Funny thing is i went to get chicken to blog that recipe and the store was wiped out! 😮 Coming soon!
Nichole W says
My whole goal for January is to get this new house organized! We switched all our socks to just black and white last year and it was the best decision ever! (Especially with little kids) I also spent the week between Christmas and New Years in SC. I should have looked up your favorite coffee spots. We did go into Charlotte for some Ramen at Yume and it was sooo good!
Taralynn McNitt says
I still need to try Yume! Glad you enjoyed it 😃
Cheers to organizing!!
Patricia says
Oooh do you have a recipe for those cinnamon muffins? Ps: You’re going to be such a beautiful bride 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
😭 aw thank you
I do have the recipe and will post it soon!!!
Lina says
Are you back to using a scale? Noticed you have one in the closet. Also on board with trying to minimize how much clothes I have
Taralynn McNitt says
lol ive had those scales for years and sometimes jump on it when i feel the need to!
Ashton Jury says
I definitely have WAY to many clothes! So any organization tips you’ve got I’ll take them! lol I have so many fun crazy socks but just refuse to match them too! I hope you’ll share your blueberry muffin recipe, I haven’t been baking but have definitely been making a lot of soup, its been colder than usual here in southern California. I also hope you’ll share your healthier eats! I’m trying to also just eat healthier.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol i refused to match my socks and always wore mix matched ones 😆 I’ve been trying to eat a bit lower carb so i may share more dinner recipes soon!!!
Sarah says
I would LOVE to see more organizing posts! Those muffins look incredible!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Sarah!
Hannah says
Yes, I would love that muffin recipe!
Love the RH coffee. So cute! Great recap. These are always my favorite to read with my cup of coffee!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Hannah 😊 I’m working on that recipe right now!
Hayley says
Omg I would LOVE to see a video on 5 tips that best helped Leo on walks! My dog is the sweetest baby but can turn into a tiny psychopath when we’re on walks and I have no clue where it comes from, lol. Love the pics as always!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha yes! Leo used to be like that too!!!
Emily says
1. Yes to the blueberry muffins! Where did you get those brown muffin liners? I love that instead of the cupcake liner. And I love cinnamon also! Do you have the cinnamon muffin recipe posted?
2. Yes to the organizing videos! Now that it’s cold out it’s the perfect time to work on stuff inside! Your post reminded me that I’ve got to clean my brushes as well!
3. I’m pretty good about cleansing my closet every half year or so, usually in the spring and fall so I don’t have too much that I don’t use or need. My rule is basically if I didn’t wear it the past season it’s gone! What a great feeling though to cleanse your closet and minimize. I also went to all white socks about a month or so back and it has been awesome! I hadn’t had new socks in AGES it felt like! I’m so glad that someone else had that same idea! Sometimes it’s just the little things!! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
I have the blueberry muffin recipe up and the liners linked! 🙂 Sometimes you can get lucky at Homegoods and find these liners!
That is such a great rule. I was so bad at going “but i’ll fit into it eventually, or i’ll have something to wear it to one day”
You’re right about the little things making the biggest difference.
Ashley says
Happy New Year, Taralynn! I’m so glad that you got to spend New Year’s Eve with some friends too, that’s awesome. 🙂 It was just me, my Kyle (love that we both have special Kyle’s in our lives!), and our little cat. But we had a nice time eating some fun appetizers and watching movies.
The coffee from the rooftop restaurant looks amazing!! Also, I would love the recipe for your blueberry muffins, they look so yummy.
Wishing you an amazing rest of your week, friend!
Make Life Marvelous
Taralynn McNitt says
Happy NY, Ashley! 😊
Sounds like the PERFECT NYE with your Kyle 😉
The blueberry recipe is now up! 😁
Have a great week!
Chloe says
I haven’t looked yet but I hope you shared the blueberry muffin recipe, it looks so yummy!
I have waay to many clothes and would love to see more organization post.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s up now! 😊
I’m putting together the ogranizing post for sure!
Harriet says
Happy New Year! whishing you all the best for the year to come!
Those blueberry muffins look divine! will be trying them this weekend. Please do a organizing post it might motivate me to organize myself a bit more 😂 before my new puppy arrives. Have a great weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!! ❤️ New puppies are so fun! i can’t wait to see photos!
Kim P says
I would love to see tips on dog walking/training. I have a three month old Goldendoodle so any tips would help! I also remember you posting about a paw cleaner you use before the dogs go back inside. Could you let me know what it is called and are you still happy with it? Oh! and grooming too!!
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kim!
You just inspired me to do a post all for the dogs and the products I use for them! I’ll work on that this week. But if you look up paw cleaner on amazon, it should pop up!!
Robin says
Love your recap post as always! My bff and I have been longtime readers, since (US) days and we are so excited to hear more about your wedding! We would love it if you would share posts about all things wedding.
Thank you!! XOXO
Taralynn says
Thanks, Robin!!! ♥️ I’ll be sharing more wedding things after! 😊 I just feel like too many details will spoil it lol but i’ll have a big wedding series after.
Robin says
Yay! Can’t wait for that!! 🙂
Taralynn says
♥️