Good morning and happy Monday! I wasn’t going to write the recap post today because I spent a lot of time in the Brunswick Islands last week. I thought I’d skip the Monday recap and work on the travel blog, but I couldn’t bring myself to skip out on a recap! I know a lot of people like to read them with their morning coffee, and I love chatting with you all in the comment section. I decided to pull together some photos from the week for a post and push the travel blog to later this week.
I hope you all had a fantastic week and weekend! Last week was so much fun. I kept up with my running schedule, played a lot of tennis, traveled to the Brunswick Islands, and walked a few trails. Let’s get this recap post started! 
I woke up early Monday morning to get my recap done before heading to a new tennis group to play for a few hours. It was a lot of fun! Before I headed out the door, I fueled up with my go-to protein oats! These protein oats have been my staple breakfast for the past few months, and they haven’t gotten old yet! It’s super inexpensive breakfast, and you can pack it to go anywhere!
I had a meeting that took up the rest of my afternoon on Monday, so I was pretty much glued to the couch until evening. 
I decided to make a Blue Apron for dinner on Monday night. Kyle and I love making Monday night dinner while we watch American Idol. I have had a few top favorites on the show, but I finally know who I want to win. First off, I’m still upset that Eddie Island went home. He was so fun to watch and pretty dang talented. When it’s all done, I want Laci Kaye Booth to come out on top. I think she’s humble, incredibly talented, unique, and I’d buy her album in a heartbeat. Even if you don’t watch the show, look up Laci Kaye Booth. She needs to be singing at the CMT awards. She deserves a BIG career! ♥️
After having my protein oats on Tuesday morning, I headed out for my run! I’ve been lingering around 3.0 – 3.5 miles for the past two weeks. That four is going to be harder to hit than I thought. Anything past the three feels challenging right now, but it’s my fault for going out when the sun is hot! The allergies aren’t working my favor either. It’s that 3-mile mark that my body is so comfortable with. It doesn’t want me to go any further, but I’m going to keep trying to push through. I’m hoping to run a trail this weekend to change up the route.
After my run, I got cleaned off and headed to Dr. Capizzi’s to see Wendy, the most amazing aesthetician. I have been getting dermaplaning done for the past year, and it’s incredible. If you ever deal with that annoying peach fuzz, it’s the real deal. I’ve blogged a bit about it before, but I’ll share it again here if you’re new! The last time I went in, she also removed the tiny calcium deposits around my eyes. I was so self-conscious about them, and it’s unbelievable that they are now gone! I’ve had them for about three years now. There were about fifteen of them under my eyes. If you live in the Charlotte area, make sure to visit! You will be so happy with the results.
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“Dermaplaning is an effective treatment for manually removing the top layer of the stratum corneum by using a scalpel to lightly scrape the face. This procedure dramatically smoothes and refreshes the skin. Dermaplaning also has the added benefit of removing facial hair. The facial hair that is removed is vellus hair that does grow back. Please note that the hair does not grow back thicker or thinner, lighter or darker but grows back the same as the hair follicle is not being impacted. This treatment is recommended every four weeks and is also an excellent addition to facials and chemical peels.” –Dr. Capizzi Website
I had some errands to run after my appointment, so I packed my lunch to have on my way home. I knew I was going to be hungry and I didn’t want to stop anywhere. I packed a chicken salad wrap with some fresh grapes for the road! We have not gotten sick of this chicken salad recipe yet. 
Speaking of the chicken salad recipe, I had to make a giant batch before I left for my trip. Kyle and I have been living off of this stuff! I made a huge batch for him to eat throughout the week, and I also made some wraps for me to take on my drive.
I spent the rest of the evening packing and finishing up a few blog posts. 
The road trip down to the Brunswick Islands is about 3 hours and 45-minutes. I stopped to grab my coffee to go at Starbucks but also packed a Macrobar and pineapple for a snack, and a packed lunch with gluten-free chicken salad wraps, my homemade almond butter chocolate chip cookies, and grapes. 
I made it down to the Brunswick Islands around 2 pm! I cannot wait to share the whole trip with you this week. 💜 It was seriously one of my favorite places to visit. I also filmed a vlog to go along with it. I finished editing that yesterday, and I’m obsessed with reliving it all over again! 
After the first day of activities, I headed to bed with some hot ginger lemon tea and a Jojos dark chocolate bar. I face timed Kyle for a bit and then fell asleep right away. We had an early morning, so I wanted to make sure to get as much sleep as I could! 
We had so much fun during day two activities. I started my day with protein oats before we left the house, snacked on an apple in the afternoon, and then we headed back to the house to get cleaned up for dinner. I know I’m being so vague on everything that we did, but I promise it’ll all be in the travel blog! I’m just sharing a few non-trip related foodie pics! 
When we got back to the house, we had exactly one hour to spare before leaving for dinner. I decided that I would go out for my scheduled run. I knew that if I put it off, I’d keep putting it off, and I do not want to get out of the routine. Sure, it would have been so nice to relax for a bit after a full day of activities, but I knew it needed to get done. I also think I would have fallen asleep if I sat around for an hour.
It felt so good to push through the run, and the views were absolutely breathtaking! I was really proud of myself after completing it, and this was just a confirmation that running is just as much a mental game as it is physical. I showered and threw on makeup in fifteen minutes! Now, that’s dedication. 
On the third day, I had my protein oats outside on the deck overlooking the beach. I was so excited about the planned day! These protein oats are perfect for on-the-go! I bring my gluten-free quick oat packets and a single packet of protein powder.
I stopped at a coffee shop for breakfast on Saturday morning before making the trip back home.
Kyle was ready to play tennis in the afternoon, and I needed to move my legs after sitting for almost four hours, so we headed out to the courts for a few hours. It was so hot outside, but it felt good! 
I don’t like skipping runs, but since I had already played several hours of tennis, I decided to push the run to Sunday. Kyle and I took the dogs to walk the Riverwalk because it was so beautiful out. It would have been a sin to spend the day inside with the weather this great.
On Sunday morning, I spend my time editing the travel vlog. I finished it and cannot wait to share it with you!
After my oats, I decided to get off the couch and go complete my run! It was a HOT one, but my run did feel good. I think listening to my body and taking the day off made all the difference. 
Kyle and I decided to get a late lunch at Legal Remedy Brewery. We wanted to get out of the house and enjoy the weather, so we figured this would be a great spot. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with no bun, fries on the side, and brussels sprouts! The food was delicious. Oh, and a diet coke. I rarely get a diet coke, but it sounded so good! Totally worth it.
After our late lunch/early dinner, I had my Jojo’s chocolate bar and my oat milk cappuccino while I worked on the travel vlog!
Thank you guys for stopping by to read! 💜
Questions for you!
1. One song that you’ve been listening to on repeat?
2. Do you have any exciting summer plans?
3. What is your favorite product that is local to your town? (link if you can!)
So fun! Looks like you’ve been enjoying yourself, Taralynn! 🙂 It’s too soon for summer plans, but I’m travelling to Thailand in two weeks time, and then to Taipei next month. So excited! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thailand? How amazing! Have so much fun!
Holden Beach is my favorite…and I’ll be there in 54 days! I can’t wait to read your post about your trip.
Ahhhh I can’t wait for you to go! I’ll have so many suggestions of places you MUST visit when you’re there!
Not gonna lie, I’ve been playing Taylor Swifts new song, “Me”, on repeat since it came out a few days ago! 😊
I have a beach trip planned for Memorial Day, and late summer a trip to Savannah, Georgia! Super excited!
My town just opened up a healthy shake + tea place called Magic City Nutrition. I know there are a couple privately owned shops similar in other cities but these things are addictive! They don’t have a website, but here’s their Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/magiccity_bham/
Haha! I hate that she creates songs that purposely get stuck in your head 😂 The video was amazing.
Ohhhh so fun! We’ll be in Savannah next month too!
Oh wow!!! Love when a new spot opens in town. Looks so awesome!
Do you get dermaplaning done every 4 weeks? A place near me is starting it and I’m so tempted but I’m curious if it’s something I’ll have to do forever
Every 5 to 6 weeks! Some people by that at home kit and do the in-between ones themselves to save!
Hi Taralynn! This is off-topic, but I was wondering where you get “everything but the bagel” seasoning? I have scoured the spice section at my grocery store but haven’t been able to find it.
Trader Joes!
My song on repeat is actually two songs…. 1. Ladies in the 90s by Lauren Alaina && 2. Speechless by Dan + Shay. Love both so much.
No exciting summer plans… except swimming.. trying so hard to save money, so vacay is out of the question sadly. But it’s also swim season for Special Olympics so I’m looking forward to that ever Saturday morning.
Favorite product, local to my town…. there’s not much since we’re such a small town but I’d have to say key lime pie… it’s delicious…. http://floridakeylimepiecompany.com/
I loveeeee Dan & Shay! Great song!
Swimming is the best summer plan! 💜
Ohhhh man! I miss a good ole key lime pie!
I recently switched to rolled oats because I learned that they have a lower glycemic index than quick oats, and will keep you full longer! Not sure if you always use quick oats or if that was just on your trip, but wanted to share that fun fact. 😉
I still usually microwave my rolled oats because it’s so convenient- it just takes longer than quick oats!
I’ve never heard of Brunswick Islands, so I’m looking forward to learning more!
Hi, Katie!
I use quick oats on my trips and rolled oats when I’m at home! I had no idea that the oats could cause a lower/higher glycemic index. So interesting!
Oh my, you’re in for a treat!! xo
Just curious – how did they remove the calcium deposits from under your eyes? Is there a procedure for it?
Hi, Jenn!
The bump had to be pierced with a small poke with a needle, and then she squeezed the skin as hard as she coulda round the pearl-like ball inside, and then it came out. I will say that it was pretty painful, but it’s worth it!
Hi Tarylynn!
How did the sun affect your skin after your procedure?
Thank you,
I have been listening to “Anti-Everything” by Lost King’s and Loren Gray non stop for like 3 months and I can’t get enough!
We will be heading to Holden Beach in August and I can’t wait! We go every year with my husband’s family. They have been going since before he was born and now we’re carrying on the tradition with our son and his cousins.
We have a juice place that I just love. They all taste so good and I feel so good after drinking them!
http://www.otvcincinnati.com/
Hi, Abigail!
I’ll have to look up that song! I’m one of those people that knows a song but is horrible with artist/song titles lol so maybe I’ve already heard it!
I can’t wait for you to read my post before you go! I hope I can bring you new ideas for your trip. So jealous you get to go each year! How fun.
LOVEEEE juice bar!!
Fav recent combo that you need to try- overnight oats. I put oats, flaxseed, chia seed, a tiny bit of brown sugar, vanilla, and almond milk. It tastes like such a treat in the morning! Even my boyfriend who is the pickiest eater loves it!
That sounds like dessert! I will try it out!
I love the protein oats! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoy! 💜
Wow Brunswick Island sounds so fun! Can’t wait to see the pics 🙂
I don’t have a song I’ve been listening to but I’ve had the same one stuck in my head for like a week now, it’s called “Born to be alive” it’s super old and you have to watch the video on youtube it’s hilarious!
I just moved to San Diego so I don’t have a local fave yet, but if anyone goes to my hometown Burlington, Ontario, Canada go to Kelly’s bake shoppe. The best vegan cupcakes ever in life!
Summer plans are to go back home to visit family, can’t wait!
Hi, Deepa!
Can’t wait to show you! 😀 This was definitely one of my favorite blogs to write!
Oh, no! I know I’ll get it stuck in my head too lol
Wow! What a great place to live! I’ll keep that cupcake shop in mind just in case I ever make my way to Ontario!
Ummm I’m from Burlington!! What are the chances haha. Love Kelly’s cupcakes!
Current song on repeat: Four Five Seconds- Rachel Potter It’s great! I don’t have any serious plans for the summer but beach trips and Joshua Tree for sure, Plus I’m going to London in September! Can’t wait to read about your most recent trip! If you’re in southern California mostly Huntington Beach I recommend checking out Blue Bowl its my açaí bowl place. http://www.mybluebowl.com
Great song!
Those sound like amazing plans! London in September? How fun!!
I’ll take note! Love a good acai bowl! 😃
I’m loving Sucker by the Jonas Brothers! Its just the perfect fun summer song 🙂
My hubby and I are going to Maui at the end of the summer for 9 glorious days! We got a condo right on the ocean, I can’t wait to have coffee and take in those views!
I LOVE this local skin care company, my favorite is their salt mask/scrub! Its lovely! Their face and body oil is great too! And the owners are super knowledgeable and environmentally responsible. https://olioskin.com/collections/skin-care/products/sea-salt-skin-scrub
Me too!!! It’s in my head alllll day lol
UM HOW FUN!! 😃 Never been to Maui but it looks like a dream. I hope you send me those coffee & ocean pics!
I’ll look into that skin care line! Thank you 😃
Just curious, what is your goal with your running schedule? Are you trying to work up to a certain number of miles? I thought I read that you weren’t training for a race but that could have been someone else! xoxo
Hi!
Not training for a race at all 🙂 I used to run 3-6 miles for the joy of it and that’s what I’m working back into 🙂
Do you have protein oats on the days you do not run?
Yes!