After an eventful weekend, it was tough for me to get out of bed this morning. I told myself if I got up, got dressed, did my laundry, and wrote my recap, I could treat myself to one of my favorite overpriced and way too far cafes for lunch. Self-bribery works. Now that my laundry is going in circles, I can sit down and get this blog up! I was distracted while looking at cyber Monday deals but didn’t find anything worth purchasing. Let me know if you’ve seen any good deals!
We originally planned to fly down to Florida for Thanksgiving this year, but when I wasn’t feeling any better a few weeks ago, Kyle’s mom decided she’d come up to see us instead. That made everything so much easier! I’m still a bit nervous about being in the clear with sickness, but I’ve felt amazing so far. I used to get so mad at people for telling me, “oh, it gets better!” But now I believe them.
On Wednesday, Kyle and I headed out for a little local shopping at some cute stores. I love seeing all the Christmas-themed gifts. I ended up buying some wax melts because I can finally stand the smell of them now. I bought cinnamon, cranberry, and fresh pear.
I’m still weirded out by the taste of coffee but have been able to tolerate sips as long as there is cream or flavor in it. We stopped into Knowledge Perk coffee shop, and I picked up some of their K-cups for Kyle’s mom and a peppermint oat milk mocha blended drink for the road. It was so good (way better than Starbucks!)
We picked up Kyle’s mom at the airport on Wednesday evening and watched King Richard on HBOmax. It was such a good movie! Then Kyle’s mom and I binged Season 4 of Selling Sunset on Netflix. I’M SO OBSESSED with that show 😂 My mom got me hooked on it last year.
I spent Thanksgiving morning binging more Selling Sunset while making scotcharoos, cranberry sauce, and fresh green beans to bring over to my parent’s house for Thanksgiving. My mom LOVES to host Thanksgiving, and I’m so happy she took the reins, so I didn’t have to cook this year. She does it better anyways. I WAS IN HEAVEN. This was the first Thanksgiving where I did not care about bloating or filling up on too many carbs. After months of not being able to eat like a normal person without getting sick, I was so excited about this meal. I think I called my mom every day for a week leading up to Thanksgiving to tell her how excited I was. Every bite was pure heaven.
My mom doesn’t know this yet, but when she gets home from her trip, I’m going to ask her to make me another batch of that sausage stuffing. When we ran out of the leftovers, I think I shed a tear 😆 We sat around for a few hours chatting while diving into pumpkin pie, apple pie, and scotcharoos! I’m not craving too many sweets, mostly savory foods! Stuffed bellies and feeling so blessed this Thanksgiving! ♥️ When we got home from Thanksgiving dinner, I leashed up Leo and headed out for a long walk! I was so ready to fall asleep on the couch, but I knew a walk in the brisk air would give me some energy. He didn’t mind it. On Friday, we headed to Southpark Mall to get in on the fun of the Black Friday shopping. I didn’t find anything worth standing in line for, but we did have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I had the Chinese Chicken Salad, and WOW, WAS IT AMAZING! My mom used to get this when I was in high school, and now I understand why. I’ll be craving this salad for the rest of my pregnancy. The best part of Thanksgiving for dinner, the leftovers!
These boys have been getting closer and closer lately. Tux went over and fell asleep next to Leo, and I think I started crying.
On Saturday morning, Kyle’s mom and headed over to Versona to shop. I knew she would love this store, and I needed some maternity-friendly pieces! My clothes have been getting so snug, and I can only wear my pajamas for so long.
On our way home, we stopped at Sonic and split mozzarella sticks and cherry diet cokes! That afternoon, we headed to the theater to see Spencer. It was beautifully shot, but so sad to see what Diana went through. Kristen Stewart did an amazing job in that role! Definitely a must-see. This was my first time going out to see a movie in over two years.
We headed to Burton’s Bar & Grill for dinner after the movie. I had the superfood salad with steak! I’m so happy that I’m finally able to enjoy actual veggies again. I thought I’d never see the day. The food was excellent! Before dropping Kyle’s mom off at the airport, we headed to the outlets to walk around while killing some time. I picked up a few new sweaters but also picked up a penny on heads. That never happens to me, so I threw it in the fountain along with my wish.
It took some convincing, but I finally got Kyle to agree to Living Kitchen for lunch. Although he enjoyed it, it’s not his first choice in restaurants. When I get cravings for vegetables or anything extremely healthy, I try to jump on them asap before they turn into “I’m too hungry, I’m just going to have mac and cheese.”
I filled up on a fire and brimstone burger on multigrain bread, broccoli Waldorf salad, Caesar kale salad, and pomegranate tea! The food was delicious. I want to have it again for the next few weeks! I wish I lived closer to Living Kitchen, but my bank account is probably happy that I don’t. 😉
It just feels so amazing to be back to feeling more like myself. I’m taking a super casual and relaxing approach to the holidays this year, but I will still try to get some fun Christmas content up this December! xo
Questions for you!
- Did you snag any deals this weekend?
- How was your Thanksgiving?
- When is the last time you’ve seen a movie at the theater?
Jennifer says
I did! We really need “adult” furniture for our house. The only piece on sale this weekend was the coffee table I’ve been wanting from Pure Salt Interiors. It’ll be a few months, but I can’t wait til it gets here! Our couch should ~hopefully~ be here end of January/early February 🥴
Thanksgiving was also very relaxing! Loved it so much this year 🥰
Oh gosh.. it’s been a few years. A Quiet Place may have been the last one I saw!
Taralynn says
A great time to get furniture for sure! We took advantage of those deals last year. 😊 all worth the wait!
I saw that in the theater too!
Lauren says
So so happy to see you’re starting to feel well again! What a wonderful feeling that must be.
1. I like to do my Christmas shopping online during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales. I have everything in my cart in advance and then just checkout with the deals. Low stress and saves money, which I love.
2. I’m Canadian, so our Thanksgiving is in October. It was really nice – we got to spend a week together as a family at the cottage which we haven’t been able to do in years. It was just what we all needed.
3. PreCOVID for sure. I’d say about 2 years ago. I don’t know when I’ll feel comfortable going to a theatre again, and that’s ok. We have a cozy setup at home, and I get to stay in my PJs that way 🙂
I hope you keep feeling well and have a nice week!
Taralynn says
Thank you, Lauren!
Smart getting that shopping done early!
movies at home are always better anyways 😉
AverageBloggrr says
You’re glowing, Tara! What a beautiful recap post! I didn’t shop big this year but got some goodies from a few local shops. Thanksgiving was not the same this year but I’m still thankful.
Movies, yes! During the pandemics major shutdown we had one theatre in the middle of nowhere that allowed us in (in intervals and separated). My husband and I would take our daughters to keep them feeling sane. It was amazing, especially with all the space!
Have a beautiful day!
Taralynn says
Aw, Thank you! 😍
That’s amazing you had a theatre do that!!
Molly B says
As a primary care doctor (who also had a baby during the pandemic)…please be careful with the indoor dining! Not trying to be judgmental – just seeing a lot of cases specifically tied to indoor dining so sharing my experience.
Michelle says
We’re expecting too and found some really good deals on strollers and car seats! Might be worth checking out.
Taralynn says
Yes! There are some great deals. We ended up getting our a few weeks ago! 😊
Sarah says
Yay!! So glad you had a great thanksgiving!! Eat allll that food girl!
We tried Burton’s at your recommendation when hubby and I were in Charlotte a month ago. So yummy! I got a salad too! I figured it was safe for pregnancy as I asked the waiter if they hand wash the lettuce in house. Win! I crave salads SO much but since they are on the “no no” pregnancy list, it’s a struggle!!!!!
Taralynn says
I’m so happy you enjoyed Burton’s!!!