Hi. I hope you’ve all been well. It’s been a while, so I thought I’d hop on here to share some updates and photos from summer and try to connect since I’ve been slacking on posts lately. I currently have a four-month-old that I’ve been hanging out with constantly. He’s pretty bossy, so I’ve had difficulty fitting in screen time. But honestly, I’m happy that I’ve been able to spend a ton of time with him because he’s getting so big. I’m trying to soak it all in because time is flying by.
I placed his play gym on my sectional right next to me, and it’s been keeping him entertained while I’m blogging. He loves his gym, but he wants to ensure I’m right there next to him, so this is a win for both of us.
It’s still so hot here, and August is always the hottest month! We’ve been trying to fit in our walks early in the morning while the temps are in the 70s. We go about 2 1/2 to 3 miles with Leo. I do not wish summer away, but looking forward to some cooler temps. This summer has been brutal. I prefer the summer scenery, but the fall weather. Since I was so sick last year at this time, I’m looking forward to eventually getting into fall mode.
Well, first things first, I quit Whole30 on day 19. I did my best, but towards the end, I was so tired and just wanted a dang plate of sushi with the family. I honored that and threw in the towel. When things start to feel restrictive, I take a step back. The last time I did Whole30, I had more time to prepare fun and unique recipes, but I was eating the same foods repeatedly this time. And I didn’t feel any difference after the twenty days, so I was like, ” give me the damn plate of sushi,” and it was delicious. No regrets. I usually get mad at myself for quitting things, but I was proud of myself this time.
The best part of the morning is drinking my coffee while the sunrises outside with the dogs and Bugs. We’ve been having some gorgeous skies lately.
I’m so happy they finally opened a Cava closer to my house. I ordered a bowl with all the delicious toppings! I need to meal prep my version to have this week. And I’ve been obsessed with the Aura Bora sparkling waters lately! I put them in my Amazon shop! I’ve been trying to keep that shop updated with items I love and things I use for Bugs.
One good Whole30 recipe I made was this salad with homemade grilled chicken salad on top. It had marinated grilled chicken, primal kitchen mayo, sesame seeds, onion, diced dates, garlic powder, onion powder, dillweed, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
A few weeks ago, my brother was in town! On one of the hottest afternoons, I headed out to go disc golfing with him and my dad! I surprisingly enjoyed it. When we visit him in D.C., we will play again at some of his favorite courses.
After disc golf, we headed to downtown Fort Mill to have lunch at Hobos. I ordered the grilled chicken salad lettuce wrap with fruit on the side.
We grabbed coffee at one of my favorite spots, Olive Mud Puddle! And then, we headed around the corner into a new market called Tip Top to pick up some Kombucha and drinks for the pool. I think I had eggs for breakfast every day for the entire month of August. I was so over it.
My Whole30 go-to dessert was these dates topped with almond butter blended with cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa nibs, and almond slices. I made them in advance and kept them stored in the freezer.
Early morning walks! 💜
Before my brother returned to D.C., we had a family dinner at the Pump House.
I ordered the steak and brussels sprouts, and it was amazing! My family enjoyed their calamari and fried green tomatoes as well. Every time I dine there, it’s so good! Plus, you get gorgeous views of the Catawba river.
Leo kept the guest room all cozy and warm for Kyle’s mom to arrive! This is where he lays all day long to watch out the window. I usually have to cover the bed, but he loves this spot.
My little bug is wearing nine months!! I can’t get over how big he’s getting and how fast he’s growing. He’s super long! I added some of my favorite outfits I got him in my shop.
Kyle’s mom and I took Bugs out shopping on a Friday. We tried Jackass Cafe & Deli, a new coffee shop in the Mercantile in Rock Hill. It was so good! I had an almond milk cappuccino while shopping around!
I’m just constantly buying new clothes and packing old ones away as Bugs keeps growing! I try to buy everything gender-neutral so I can use them for our next baby one day.
I started Every Summer After, and it’s so good so far! A few Saturdays ago, we had the “fake fall” weather, so we spent almost all day outside on a picnic blanket, enjoying the sunshine and breeze.
All Bugs wants to do now is stand. We try to get him to sit when we pick him up, but he stiff legs us and wants to stand up! He’s so strong!
We took Kyles’s mom to Chatty Cathy’s for coffee and breakfast, and the coffee there never disappoints. It’s such a cute and cozy spot! It looks like a little log cabin, and there are so many spots to sit inside or out.
My backyard roses ♥️
Kyle requested the strangest birthday dessert. He wanted Little Debbie Moonpies, but homemade. They turned out pretty good, so I’ll try to perfect them and get a recipe post up!
And just like that, I said, seeee ya Whole30 lol We did a sushi dinner for Kyle’s birthday from the new sushi spot in town. Rice never tasted so good!
We’ve had so many cozy rainy evenings lately ♥️
Picnic outside during the “fake fall” temps. I’m obsessed with the new items on the Chopt menu. The basil chicken caesar is amazing.
Leo turned six this month! It feels like it was yesterday when we brought him home.
Morning walks and porch hangouts ♥️
I’m so obsessed with the watermelon basil Humm Kombucha.
Kyle and I went to Sunflour for coffee and a cookie with bugs. I loved the Charlotte location, so I’m happy they have one closer to us now. The almond milk cappuccinos are delicious. We also had an oatmeal cookie!
Our grass this summer has finally been revived! When we moved in, the builders put the sod on top of the red dirt without any topsoil. There was a bunch of construction trash under it, too. We signed with Spring Green and maintained watering it every other day, and it made a complete turnaround. Last year, it was filled with holes, a grass fungus, and it was yellow and shedding.
OBSESSED with this little set, and it also came with another dog onesie.
One of my good friends had her baby this month, so I put together a little dinner tray. I made the delicious chicken caesar salad wraps! The recipe is up on my blog.
This week, I will add the chicken tostada recipe to my TikTok and blog. I ate these for three days straight, and they are sooooo gooooood. I made them a while back during Vlogmas, which was in a few videos, but I need to share them here on the blog. I probably have the recipe hidden in a recap somewhere.
We headed to my parent’s house to surprise my mom for her birthday! Look at her beautiful zinnias! I got her a packet for Christmas, and they turned out lovely! I’ll link the ones I bought on my Amazon page.
After tennis on Saturday, I had coffee, cereal, and a side of baby feet!
We tried out Sumaq Coffee on Saturday afternoon, and it was AMAZING! I had an oat milk latte, and we split the Nutella bread. It was one of the best-tasting desserts I have ever had! I can’t wait to go back. It tasted like a warm cinnamon bun mixed with brownie batter and Nutella. Recommend 10/10 A new healthy spot opened near us called Blend Riverwalk, and we hopped in during their soft opening. UMM YUM! I’m so happy we have this spot here now, and it’s a fantastic place to have a healthy meal after walking the Riverwalk. I had the salad with marinated greek chicken, pesto, hummus, veggies, mozzarella, and honey mustard dressing. It was delicious! I have been craving it and may have to go back in there this week to try their smoothies. A little guard dog ♥️ We put Bugs to bed a few hours before we go to sleep, but Leo insists on hanging out in there with him, and it’s the sweetest thing. Best friends and a sunrise ♥️ After our family walk on Sunday morning, we decided to head to the Fish Market in Baxter Village for breakfast. The breakfast here is sooooooo goooooooood. Coffee with my favorites. This isn’t something we’d typically order, but we had to try the pepper jelly fried chicken and cheddar biscuits. I have been missing out my whole life because this was one of the best-tasting things I’ve ever had. OMG! If you live in the area, run, do not walk! Go try them! I want to recreate a version at home now; even though it won’t be as good, it’ll be fun to try! I love getting inspired by restaurants. I had their seafood omelet last time and loved it, but I was craving a salad, so I ordered a salmon salad with brussels sprouts.
It was hot in the afternoon, so we set Bug’s pool and floated around with him for a bit. HE’S OBSESSED with water and floating! (all his favorite pool items) He likes to sit back in his float and kick his legs.
I need to finish up some blogs I’ve been putting on the back burner, like my 3rd-trimester recap, updated daily schedule, and a few more! I do have some yummy fall recipes coming soon! Thank you for being so understanding with me when it comes to my blog consistency! ♥️
Questions for you!
- Are you ready for fall?
- I have three costumes I’m DIYing for Bugs. Would you like a post on those?
- Tell me something you’ve been up to.
Ashton Jury says
OMG!! I AM SO READY FOR FALL, though we won’t have it till October probably here in Southern California. I don’t have kids but would still love to see what costumes you make for Bugs he is just the sweetest, you look so happy and I swear are a wonderful momma. We are currently renovating our kitchen! hopefully it’s be done soon because I miss cooking so much! I’m gonna miss my vintage yellow stove. I can’t wait to see how you decorate for fall and all the delicious fall baking you’ll do.
PS! I also got my first pumpkin cold brew of the season today!
Taralynn says
FOR REALLLLL
We don’t really get the temps until October either, but it’s so strange! Our trees are already changing here. My yard has red and yellow trees, and I’m like…”WHAT IS HAPPENING!?”
I loveeee being his mom. It’s seriously the best!!
I have the pumpkin cold brew on my weekend plans list!
Hopeully that kitchen is done by the time holiday baking comes around and it’ll be so fun to do it in a new kithen! xo xo xo
Amy says
Love reading your catch up posts! You’re doing a great job juggling being a new mom and blogging. No one makes the rules but you (well, little man obviously too haha).
1) love fall. I live in PA so I’m ready for it now! Pumpkin spice is back so you know it’s coming soon!
2) yes all the baby costume content please! Is one going to be Bugs Bunny? 🤓
3) I just got back from a Disney Cruise and Magic Kingdom – so much fun! Highly recommend the cruise for sure! Trying to get myself re-engaged at work after what felt like a vacation heavy August (that is almost over – how? Where does time go!?)
Taralynn says
Hi, Amy!
Thanks for stopping by to catch up! 😊 & you’re right. A tiny little human makes a lot of rules 😆
I did buy the pumpkin creamer!! I love the pumpkin cold brew so I may treat myself to one this weekend!
I’ve been putting the cruise off because I get sea sickness, but I hear you don’t get it as bad on cruises. I WOULD LOVE to do a Disney Cruise though! Sounds so fun and I’ve never been on a cruise before!
Amy says
I was very nervous about being seasick – it was my first cruise but I could really only feel it the first evening like at dinner when we had just left the dock. I was ready with the oil you put behind your ears and Dramamine but didn’t end up needing it. Disney does such a good job as you’d expect. We were on the new boat “Wish” so I don’t have anything to compare it to but it was magical. I had a day hanging in the adult pools and that was probably one of my best vacation days. Met back up with the fam for dinner. Since I don’t have kids sometimes ya just need a break lol
Abbey Payne says
I loved this recap! Omg everything looks so delicious and your baby is really growing! Also can we talk about your hair? It looks amazing. Mine has always been a mess after having kids haha. Have a great rest if your week. 🙂
Taralynn says
He’s growing so fast! ahh
omg, you are only seeing 1% of the hair days 😂 I try to wash it and style it every Friday and wear it as is throughout the week. By Friday it’s a tangled messy bun!
Harriet says
Love reading your recap blogs, (have been reading every time just haven’t commented in awhile). Gosh Bugs is getting tall fitting 9months. I love fall, We head into spring tomorrow here in NZ and are predicted to get snow, so hoping the it keeps the ski season open a bit longer. Please share the the costumes, I bet they are super cute. I just started my 3rd whole30, 8 days in and already questioning it. Enjoy your week!!
Taralynn says
Hi, Harriet!
I bet you are so ready for the spring temps. I know I always am after a cold winter!
I know you’ll be able to finish it! You always make delicious recipes to keep it fun! you got this (although I tapped out 😆)
Lisa Burns says
Are you ready for fall?
I live in Australia so we are coming into Spring but i do love fall ( we call Autumn) 🙂
I have three costumes I’m DIYing for Bugs. Would you like a post on those?
Yes so cute!!
Tell me something you’ve been up to.
Were trying to conceive so that’s been full focus at the moment. I would like a blog about how you manage mum life and life once the little guy has arrived
Taralynn says
Well, I bet you’re excited for the Spring temps!!
I’ll keep you in my prayers! May God bless you with a beautiful child this year! ♥️ xo xo xo
Steph says
So ready for fall and the cooler temps !! Such a cozy season ! Definitely want to see the baby Halloween costumes ! So cute
Taralynn says
Thanks, Steph!
Ahhh I am so there with you on that.
Milena says
Hi Taralynn!
I think you are doing great between being Mum and blogging 🙂 Bugs looks so big! Amazing how fast they grow. I can´t wait to see his costumes!
I am a very summer person but this year it was very but very hot in Barcelona so I won´t mind having a little lower temperatures.
Lately I´ve been up to finally get a driving licence. It took me a while to take this decision because Barcelona is not a very car friendly city but I wanna do it to be more independent and especially when we travel, to be able to rent a car 🙂 So I can´t wait to start this September!
Have a great rest of the week, it was so nice to read your blog today 🙂
Taralynn says
Hi, Milena!
Thank you so much ♥️
I’m with you on those lower temps. I always miss summer, but this heat has been awful.
I’m so proud of you!! What a great goal! ♥️
xo xo thanks for stopping by to read!
Sam says
Gosh, I just love your little family so much.
It’s hard to describe how I feel when I read these recap posts, but they just bring me such peace and happiness.
I’ve been reading your blog for so many years I’ve lost count. Keep being you, we love it 🙂
Taralynn says
That is the sweetest! Thank you, Sam! xo xo xo
Kim says
I’m a Korean girl who’s been learning English and life style for a decade with your blog. Love your routines and love your way to embrace your daily life to the next level. You make me wanna live life fully and peacefully. So I thank you! I wish you never quit your blogging even when you start to plant flowers all the time 😉 Bless your family and especially you!
Taralynn says
Awww thank you, Kim!!
Jenny says
Hey Taralynn! I saw your recommendation for “Every Summer After” and bough t it and read the whole thing in a day and loved it! I saw that this is her first debut book, but plans to have another one come out next year. Do you have any other recommendations for books within that genre? I have been reading Colleen Hoover as well and love her books!
Thanks!
Jenny
Taralynn says
Have you read any of the B.A. Paris books? SHES MY FAVORITE!
Taralynn says
Oh and another one you may like is “this time next year!”
Jenny says
Thank you!! I have not read B.A. Paris but now it is on my list! As well as “this time next year”.
Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Sara says
I’m also reading Every Summer After (audiobook) and I love it! The narrator on Audible is just incredible. Great job getting out there with a new baby, I know it’s so hard! Beautiful pictures, your hair looks amazing.
Kimberly says
Always love catching up on here! I haven’t been using Instagram lately — so I’m happy to see your posts here! Bugs is adorbs and love all the photos. Looks cozy. Can’t wait to see your fall recipes! I’ve been reading them for YEARRSSSS! Would love to see your ideas about kiddo Halloween costumes and can’t wait for cooler temps. We just got into the 80’s near Dallas!
Taralynn says
Thanks, Kimberly!
I’m doing a few DIY ones!! 😊 so I’ll definitely share!!! WOOO fall is coming to Dallas!!