milan laser hair removal

Let’s talk about laser hair removal. Truly one of my personal best beauty investments (in my opinion).

Around 2016-2017, I had around eight laser hair removal treatments on my bikini and underarms while living in California. I would say it successfully permanently removed 80% of my underarm hair and 50% of my bikini to date.

I have read that hormonal changes can cause hair to come back, and I could (and one day might!) touch up these areas with additional treatments. The small percentage of hair that does return is usually finer, lighter and sparser than the original hair (and that has been my own experience as well).

But I have always wanted to treat my legs. I knew it was a bigger investment and I never prioritized it in the midst of moving, having kids, etc.

The time has come.

laser hair treatmentlaser hair treatment

And I am THRILLED with the results so far. I went to Milan Laser Hair Removal in Athens, Georgia to treat my legs, and so far I’ve had three treatments. I currently plan to do six treatments, and they offer packages with lifetime treatments. So you pay once, and can touch up these areas as needed indefinitely. Which is incredible. So we’re going to be pals.

Know that Milan Laser has over 400 locations in 39 states, so if you travel a lot or move frequently, it’s extremely accommodating. The place where I got my underarms/bikini

I do have dark leg hair with the majority being between my ankle and knee. This makes me a great candidate, and I was not expecting to see such significant improvement so soon. When hair does grow, it’s not as thick or coarse as it once was (mostly shin down). It’s softer and lighter in color, which I also appreciate.

Before Laser Hair Treament #1: I needed to shave every 3 days or so.

After Laser Hair Treatment #1: I would shave once a week.

After Laser Hair Treatment #2: I shave my legs probably once every 8-10 days.

Laser Hair Treatment #3: Happened on Wednesday so too soon to tell!

And I still have several treatments to go. I can’t say that everyone will have this exact experience, but I saw progress immediately and having smooth legs daily with such little effort is honestly a dream.

laser hair removalmilan laser treatment

I plan to check back in on my experience once all of the treatments are done. I’ll share if I saw another jump as significant as 0 to 1.

You can find out if there is a Milan Laser near you here, as well as see all the areas they treat, before/after photos and customize a treatment plan based on the areas you’d like to have treated. I know I’m going to be so thrilled that I did this – because I already am.

I received complimentary treatments in exchange for sharing my experience; however, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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spanx denim styled

You guys went bananas for this all denim (and so comfy!) look. Shop this outfit here, the lightweight denim is on sale!

Sharing some of the most loved items of October, and these are some classic pieces. I love your style, gals!

I am noticing more and more that the best performing items are more casual, and while I love to dress up, I’m trying to keep that in mind when putting together style guides and gift guides.

Guys… gift guide season is upon us.

kathleen barnes october style

Shop all pieces in one place here.

nutrafol for women

Nutrafol’s new strand serum

steve madden trench coat

This windbreaker-style trench is truly my most grabbed layering piece right now because it looks good with everything. Also available in all sizes here.

Full outfit details here!

kathleen barnes

outfit linked here

belk cowboy bootsred boots

the way I’m obsessed with these boots

cool girl sunglasses

we are all loving these sunglasses

red light mask

I’ve had this mask for years and try to wear it 3-5x a week at night!

red stickerbox

black and white stickers

My kids and their little friends are OBSESSED with the Stickerbox.. It hooks up to wifi and uses AI to take a voice recording (please print Santa at Christmas with lots of presents) and turn it into a black and white sticker.

Get 10% off with code KATHLEEN10. Would be a really fun and creative holiday gift!

I got these welly boots for Stella when she was itty bitty, and she wore them all over the mountains on fall break. They are SO CUTE!

Thank you so much for reading! I have another blog post coming Friday about laser hair removal on my legs and let me tell you, life changing. Life changing. Talk soon! KXO –

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most loved items of september 2026

magna electrolytes | paris pajamas (so soft and Stella has a matching pair!) | halloween mug | terracotta pumpkin (linking so more I love below) | skeleton – we call ours “Hector” | brown midi dress – I recommend sizing down | machine-washable silk skirt, tts | trench windbreaker (I am truly obsessed) | track pants | birthday plate | birthday crown, also available here | skirted bench

skeleton decor

I LOVE these pumpkins!!

red track pants

I have gotten so much wear out of these. I need them to restock all colors!

super soft mommy and me pajamas

The softest pajamas with Paris images printed all over them.

fall jackets

I have styled this several ways here and here. It is going to be a repeat offender this fall for SURE.

tricia lowenfield plate

Our family birthday plate we bring out every birthday! Find the banner and blue and white bowls here.

machine washable silk skirt

Exact outfit linked here! This leather vest also has a pair of matching shorts that are so cute.

These are some highlights of September, which was such a crazy whirlwind of a month, but I am so proud of myself for taking on more than I have in quite some time. I have developed more anxiety since becoming a mom, and practicing working through that anxiety and going and doing the dang thing anyway is exactly the practice I need.

I view this job as an investment in myself, and going to New York with friends, traveling alone, getting the undistracted time to focus on myself and work was a gift.

Onto October, and I’m ready for it! Christian and I are sneaking off to LA for a few days this month, we have a weekend in the mountains with friends, and I’ve been looking forward to both for months. I’ve ordered Stella’s Halloween costume, but the boys are still changing their minds weekly so we aren’t quite there.

Talk soon! KXO

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best of nsale

tap to shop my MOST LOVED picks!

best seamless underwear

tap to shop

These are my most-worn, most-loved Nordstrom Anniversary Sale item by a landslide. I have over 20 pairs, and I buy 3-5 pairs every year during the sale when they are $5 less per pair.

I have stretched them out in pregnancies, needed new pairs because I have retire old ones. They’re simple the best.

nsale home picks

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ourplace cookware

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I’ve been using OurPlace cookware for five years, and I have given it as a gift to several ladies in my life. They’re pretty, nontoxic, easy to clean and worth the investment (imo).

green le creseut

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nordstrom sale 2026

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nordstrom sale accessory picks

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nordstrom sale beauty

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nordstrom sale beauty picks

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decorte on sale

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I have gone through at least three of these serums because I love it so much. It’s lightweight and effective.

dr diamond

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I just started using this product a a month or so ago, and I really do like it. I can see how consistent use would brighten and smooth. It definitely smooths and makes my skin feel dewy and more even.

nordstrom sale perfume picks

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nsale kids

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The kids picks this year are pretty impressive. I personally own five of the items on this list (trike, high chair, boots, jacket, tonies) and they are things that multiple kids use and are passed down from kid to kid, etc.

nsale mens

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The sale goes until 8/9, so get the pieces you love most while they’re still available! Thanks so much for reading and happy sale shopping – xo –

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fathers day gift ideas

pieces linked here

gift ideas for dad

pieces linked here

fourth of july

Father’s Day is around the corner (7/21) and I wanted to share some gift ideas! I hope my dad doesn’t see this, but I got him an apple watch for his birthday, so I got him this weeding tool that I honestly want for myself. Let’s have Doc be the guinea pig and I’ll report back.

Some of my go-to brands for gifts for Christian are:

Mizzen & Main

Southern Tide

Rhone – I got Christian a lot of Rhone pieces this year – 20% off with code KATHLEEN20

Tommy John

Fair Harbor

Holderness & Bourne

Mark & Graham

MZ Wallace

Let me know what you have in the works for the dads in your life! Thanks for reading – xo –

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may most loved items

pieces linked here

I really love the fit of this Rhone shirt and shorts. I absolutely love this pot and this outdoor sofa, NEED!

This water cup naturally always gets comments (a cute Father’s Day idea!).

I LOVE this red workout dress. Even better that it’s under $40.

The kids (and their friends) love this sticker box so much. It is such a fun idea and I love that it makes them think of crazy creative things. Ex: “an alligator surfing with a dolphin!”

You can always find weekly top sellers on LTK, but I am going to plan on sharing a Father’s Day gift guide here soon!

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

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pea gravel garden

I have neglected this site as life has gotten busier, which is such a shame considering it’s the foundation of my entire business (and one of my favorite parts!). As the demands of social media has grown, my site has gotten less attention. But I am happy to be here right now with a little spring camera roll share!

I still genuinely love websites, substacks and all the like – so I really want to try to do a better job of checking in and sharing updates, favorites, links and picks.

So below, finds some of my spring highlights –

the bar

shop details here

sewing down south pillows

striped linen duvet set

blue and white fruit bowl

bowl

mint green lounge set

shop the set here

naadam top

shop the outfit here

petal and push black top

shop the outfit here

camp snap recorder

camp snap camera

petal and pup dress

pink gingham dress

polywood adirondack chairs

shop these pieces here

polywood patio swing

red dress | heels

pink monogrammed sweaterwhite ALC maxi skirt

similar outfit | stella’s outfit

lisi lerch hat

hat

black halter dress

shop the outfit here

frances valentine dress

my outfit | Hudson’s outfit

pink tank

similar tank

little paper kids girls outfit

Stella’s outfit

Love yall. More to come! KXO

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I have found some great grabs on Amazon the past few months, and I wanted to share my most loved items because I think you guys would love these things too.

To shop, click on the + sign on the item or find the name of the item below the collage –

boys sneakers

glass vase

baskets

hair clip set 

camel colored hair clip

scooter 

red socks

Claris book

girls hair bows

crushed ice

blue and white bowl

$35 wireless ear buds (I lose my AirPods constantly, these are amazing)

acrylic easel

pleated lampshade

butter dish

glass oil dispensers

best amazon buys latelyamazon best buys 2026glass amazon vasecamel colored claw clippleated chandelier lampshade

 

I also have this basket for gardening, this nail polish I’ve heard great things about in my cart. I bought this crop tuck waist band strap that I really love because you can barely feel it.

If you’ve snagged anything great and want to share – I’d love to hear it. Thanks so much for reading – xo –

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moody christmas decorations

images via pinterest and Lulu & Georgia

Sharing some of the sales going on with the brands that I shop and wear most often. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving week and weekend filled with whatever you want to do.

I will be updating on instagram as well as saving everything in this CYBER WEEK highlight folder with all relevant sale info.

Thankful for all of you who support me throughout the year and allow me to have this job. Thank you truly. KXO

ANN TAYLOR | 50% off everything!

BAUBLEBAR | 30% off sitewide, 20% off custom

BENAAR LA | 25% off starting 11/26

BODEN | 30% off select items with code MP4H

CARAWAY HOME | 20% off

CORKCICLE | 30% off

ELL AND EMM | 30% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY30

HILLHOUSE | 25% off everything

HOTEL LOBBY | 25% off

KATIE KIME | 30% off sitewide, no exclusions

LEVI’S | 40% off + free shipping

LITTLE ENGLISH | up to 40% off sitewide

LOFT | 50% off everything

MADEWELL | 40% off sitewide with code LETSGO

MINNOW | 20% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY20

OUR PLACE | up to 35% off sitewide

REBECCA TAYLOR | select styles 40% off with code VIP40

REFORMATION | 25% off everything

RHONE | 25 – 30% off everything

RIFLE PAPER CO | 30% off everything

SPANX | 30% off sitewide

SPLENDID | 40% off everything with code THANKFUL

TOMMY JOHN | 30% off everything

TUCKERNUCK | 25% off almost everything with code SHOWTIME

WEEZIE | up to 30% off sitewide!

spanx black friday sale

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tuckernuck sale

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tuckernuck black friday

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rhone black friday

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levis sale

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splendid black friday sale

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shopbop cyber week

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lake pajamas on sale

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abercrombie sale

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kitchen black friday

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kids clothes black friday

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black friday sales

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Gift guides are also starting to be shared, like little luxuries, gifts people actually want and what’s on my list this year. But I will continue to share on the website and instagram! Thank you again – xo –

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little luxuries gift guide

silk hair ties – I live in these | tax luxe face drops | gold ring | hotel lobby fragrance | cashmere socks | bracelets | hairbrush | luxe hand soap | eye mask | earrings | lip treatment | weighted eye mask | exfoliating pads – I love these | the best luxury oil in my opinion

small luxury gift ideas

Some of the little luxury items that would be great gifts for the girl who loves a little extra TLC moment. You can also catch gift guides that people will actually use + my own wish list here!

Thank you so much for reading – xo –

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practical gift guide

sweatpants – currently on sale | handbag – currently on sale | photo frames | mug | diffuser and santal oil (trust me, it’s amazing) | skylight calendar frame | salt and pepper grinders | boat tote | noise cancelling headphones | the best sheet pans ever

whats on my christmas list

barnacle planter | photo frame | the best luxe oil | new balance | asics (I follow this “what the NY cool moms are wearing” account, and they’re wearing asics! | mug | butcher knife | hair mousse that I’ve heard is amazing | birdnest coral | intaglio art | cabbage plates | hermes plate | champagne bucket for orchid arrangements | sweater

More gift guides and Cyber Week Sales to come! Thank you so much for your support and for trusting me with your holiday shopping. xo –

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amazon buys lately

I wanted to share some of my favorite Amazon purchases over the past two months because they’re all over the map and I truly LOVE each and every one.

I am shocked at how many sweet baby girl pieces I’ve found on Amazon. I realized Stella needed some more play clothes that weren’t too precious, and I found all kinds of goodies! I love these tights (I bought her a set last year as well). They’re so warm and soft. Baby pieces linked below –

Animal Collared Bubble | Knit Romper | Canvas Mary Jane Sneakers | Smocked Long Sleeved Dress (in photo above) | Smocked Long Sleeved Shirt | Smocked Sleeveless Dress | Cotton Collared Bubble | Pink Denman Hairbrush

lucite luggage rack

For the home, I’ve been loving these tassels and metal plates for kids. We also really love these silicone loofahs rather than the traditional loofah (we each have our own color). I bought the above luggage rack that I saw recommended online and it really is so great for the closet.

Other random things include this Starbucks vanilla syrup because I am an exclusive at-home coffee drinker (would be a great gift for the coffee lover!), this pilates bra that has adjustable straps and great support and these black ruffled grippy socks that are excellent.

This thermal heated brush that is absolutely worth it. This brush can revive day 3 and 4 hair in ways you never imagined!

These lacy shorts and this striped cardigan are my two favorite womens clothing finds.

More to come and this year’s gift guides will be on the website soon! Thank you for reading – xo –

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