It’s one of my favorite days of the year… my birthday (insert happy dance)! C had last weekend off, so we celebrated all weekend and had so much fun. Friday night we went on a little date and I used my birthday as ammo to stop by this row of bougainvillea that has been over-the-top gorgeous the past few weeks. Every time I drive by it I think about how I want to snatch all of it up and fill my patio with all of the blooms of different colors.
I wore this look for a feature that was photographed for Z Gallerie on Friday – I can’t wait to share the Luxe for Less reveal with you guys at the end of the month! But there’s no need to keep this chambray jumpsuit a secret. It’s a part of the CBL curated collection with Morning Lavender and one of my favorite pieces! I knew I wanted culottes in the collection but I was really particular with fit. I think this jumpsuit is perfect for summer, and if you want to show off your waist this is for you.
– the sweetest summer top I plan to wear this weekend, more from this collection here –
– a clean dog gets special treatment –
– celebrating my birthday a little early with C and a sweet date in Malibu – more about this soon! –
– a box of goodies from SPANX, this bralette is my new Pilates fave –
– having an amazing facial at Kate Somerville and taking home some of the items used to try out on my own –
Everyone loves a Friday. This week was a busier one with a home project and a birthday surprise in the works (there was a sneak peek to one of them on Snapchat: CBLied), I look forward to sharing more about both of these soon!
My birthday is Tuesday (insert happy dance!), so Christian and I are celebrating this weekend and I’ll celebrate again during the week with some girlfriends at a fun lunch organized by my dears Nikki and Miriam. Lucky duck, I am! Every year I ask Christian to bake me a cake, any cake – it doesn’t have to be fancy, box cake is 100% fine by me. Of course my perfectionist husband would never go for a funfetti (tried and true deliciousness). Last year’s cake was three layers of almond wedding cake. Bomb. Stay tuned for this year’s cake surprise!
I have to share that I recently went to Kate Somerville’s gorgeous clinic and had the most relaxing facial. I’m not usually one to go for a facial because I have pretty sensitive skin, but this was (no surprise) so soothing and nourishing – I was sad when the time passed by too quickly and my session was up! If you live in the LA area, it’s a real treat, and I would recommend it. If not, their products are some of my favorite skincare go-to’s (also shared recently here).
I hope y’all have a beautiful weekend! Thank you so much for reading – XO –
I knew this look had to be a part of the #CBLxML collection because if this doesn’t remind you of a Carrie Bradshaw outfit, I don’t know what does. I was having a Carrie moment as soon as I slipped on the skirt for the first time, and I’m already thinking of all the other ways I’d like to style it!
What’s great about a skirt like this is that it really can be worn year-round. You could pair this with pumps and a black turtleneck or a casual tucked in or knotted tee. Anything fitted on the top to balance out the fluff and you’re set.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 comes in two colors! | 5on major markdown! | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
It feels like it’s been a while since I shared a weekly wish list, and it feels more appropriate than ever with my birthday around the corner (happy dance)! These wedges are on serious sale, so I actually just ordered them for myself in clay. I got this bag in the tan last week and it’s so much roomier than I realized – I really, really love it.
I have a pair of black overalls and I’ve gotta say, I kind of love them. I think this distressed white pair looks so perfect for summer! It would be cute with a tee, crop top or even a light sweater underneath. I just love overalls right now – I think it just reminds me of my childhood and when you throw in a beach cruiser – even better.
And I mean… a heart-shaped necklace that says taco? I don’t even need to get into why this is perfect. There’s also a pizza one. NOM.
What’s on your summer wish list? I plan to hit the mall this weekend, so I want to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I had so much fun interviewing Emily Loftiss about her tips for confidence here, so I knew my next interview post had to be a behind-the-scenes into a nutritionist’s life, and I had the perfect gal – my sister!
Sarah Thorne is a Registered Dietitian and received her Bachelor of Science from Ole Miss before wrapping up her education at Vanderbilt. She has focused her work in both wellness and out-patient nutrition in Nashville, Birmingham, San Diego and Portland.
She is that girl who somehow manages to eat a little bit of everything and never struggle with her weight (no juice cleanses or cabbages soup diets for this woman), and I’m always trying to learn more from her healthy and happy balance. So today we are sharing her tips for keeping belly bloat down during the summer months, and some of the tried and true recipes she likes to whip up in her kitchen.
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Increase your water intake.
It may seem counterintuitive that drinking more water will make you feel less bloated, however, water helps flush out toxins and control sodium levels. A good rule of thumb is to divide your weight by 2 and drink at least that many ounces of water per day. Be sure and cut back on fizzy drinks, which produce excess gas and bloating.[1]
Kathleen: I bought one of these pitchers which makes infused water so easy! This batch is lemon + strawberries. Christian likes oranges, and I also love fresh cucumber.
Cut back on carbohydrates.
Reduce your intake of simple carbohydrates such as white bread, processed snacks and sugar (sorry Kathleen, this includes Cheetos!). Opt instead for nutrient dense whole grains such as quinoa, oatmeal, bulgar, brown rice and buckwheat. These meal bowls are a great example of using healthy whole grains-I’ve never met a bowl I didn’t like!
Limit sodium.
It is simple: sodium retains water! The average American consumes 3,400 mg of sodium per day, but a healthy diet requires only 2,300mg/day.[2] Stay away from processed and restaurant foods, and stick with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. This amazing salad is fresh and low-sodium. I could eat it every day this summer and not be tired of it.
Improve gut health.
Probiotics, the good bacteria found in foods like kefir, kimchi, yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh and kombucha, contribute to a healthy gut. These foods may also boost immunity and improve overall health.[3] This breakfast of oats soaked in kefir will make you want to jump out of bed in the morning!
Know your weaknesses.
Do you have trouble holding back at social events? Have a small snack before you leave the house so that you do not show up hangry. Also, try using your non-dominant hand to prevent mindless grazing. Just MOOve on! Or maybe you make poor dietary decisions after too many cocktails? Try eliminating alcohol or creating a 1:1 policy: one alcoholic beverage followed by one glass of water.
I think the most important thing to note here is that eating healthy can be full of flavor if you put in the work to add fresh ingredients. “Everything in moderation” is a term used by so many because it’s simply the truth! I wanted to share this today because if you guys are anything like me, the weekend was full of guacamole, hotdogs and brownies. No regrets – but let’s all get back on track this week.
I wanted to share a fun article that hit New York Magazine‘s The Cut this week, highlighting skincare and SPF! I was asked to discuss my summer day trip essentials, and great sunscreen would be at the top of that list. This spf has some illumination to it, which can actually be called a “glotion,” how fun is that?
Protecting your skin really is so important, and as the daughter, sister, sister-in-law and wife of doctors (I could really use some more business people) – I’m constantly reminded to wear hats and use proper protection from the sun. SO I was happy to team up with Sephora to share two amazing sunscreens they have – both the BB brush linked above and this tinted one!
– trying out the oval makeup brush phenomenon – I’ve gotta say, I kind of love it –
– the cutest Gigi New York beach bag that I can’t wait to use –
– picking our lemon tree and comparing to the pink lemons I picked up from Trader Joe’s –
– getting ready for a fun holiday weekend (and C actually has the long weekend off!) –
Happy 4th of July weekend! We are taking it easy this weekend and hanging out at the pool, riding bikes and traveling to LA to visit my brother’s fam. You know I stocked up on fireworks, bbq and watermelon – because if these aren’t 4th of July staples, I don’t know what is.
There are some great sales going on this weekend that I wanted to loop you guys in on –
SALES:
Ann Taylor: 40% off all styles and up to 60% off sale items with code July40
Anthropologie: extra 30% off sale items with code EVENBETTER
And of course, a huge thank you to everyone who has served this country, allowing our freedom. We appreciate your service and honor you this weekend. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
Summer is officially here (even though in my neck of the woods it’s felt like summer for a few months), and nothing says July like an eyelet dress! I love this ruffled hem on the skirt and sleeves. The elastic waist is super comfortable but gives the dress a little shape, and it’s still roomy enough to try out Burger Parlor, which is exactly what C and I did after we snapped these photos!
I really love a classic, clean watch, and I’ve been wearing this Cluse watch nonstop since I styled it in this post. I love that the watch bands can be swapped out. I love the mint and grey! I think this light pink one is so perfect for summer, and when I feel like switching it up, I just pop on the gray leather band. I’ll be styling it more ways on Instagram – so heads up for that!
– flowers from one of my best friends who’s like a sister, that had a surprise butterfly on it –
Oh my oh my. Where do I begin to thank all of you for your support, prayer and fellowship this past week? I have been completely overwhelmed by the response from all of you, and it’s really shown me what a huge a privilege it has been to share Edie’s story. My brother and sister-in-law asked me to read excerpts from my blog post at Edie’s memorial, and it was one of the biggest honors I’ve ever been given.
During the week, we kept feeling this link to butterflies. We would see them and couldn’t help but think of our girl, watching them gracefully flutter and fly around. The transformation process is such a symbol of all of our bodies once we enter the gates of heaven, but even more so for our Edie who suffered so many physical and mental handicaps during her short time on earth. We decided to have a butterfly release after the service, and since then we’ve continued to see butterflies everywhere; from the shape of the shadow cast on the ceiling by an orchid to butterflies on wallpaper and in floral arrangements (like the stunning arrangement above) amongst many more, it’s so evident that Edie is trying to tell us, “oh guys – if you could only see me now!”
So my brother and sister-in-law ended Edie’s memorial in a gorgeous Episcopal cathedral with the hymn, “I’ll fly away” before releasing 26 butterflies in a garden around a fountain. I have to share the words with you because they just say everything that I cannot.
Some bright morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away oh glory
I’ll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away
When the shadows of this life have gone
I’ll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly
I’ll fly away
Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I’ll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I’ll fly away
We had a celebration of Edie’s beautiful life all week long and shared stories, videos and photos every day before welcoming her second brother on Monday. They’ve chosen to name him Pierce Abide after our Edie (Edith Pierce). Thanks be to God for his blessings and most perfect timing.
Such a joy it will be for all of us to remind Pierce of his incredible big sister and how she changed our lives.
Appreciate each of you and the love you’ve shown to my family. XO –
Some of you may have seen on Instagram and Snapchat (CBLied) that I recently traveled to Seattle for a high school friend’s wedding. I traveled with another one of my best friends from high school, and we made the most fun trip out of it!
Thanks to some interweb research and the bride’s amazing recommendations, we really saw so much of the city, so I wanted to share some of the highlights we discovered.
SEE & DO:
The Space Needle – we actually went up in the needle and it was such an incredible view! Talk about fresh air. Would totally recommend this. You can see some photos of the view below.
Chihuly Garden & Glass – you can see a photo from this exhibit below. So gorgeous!
Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island or San Juan Island – vineyards, tasting rooms and great eats, we had the best time on Bainbridge Island. The views are gorgeous both on the island and on the ferry ride over (the first photo above is from the ferry)!
Pike Place Market – iconic to Seattle, this is a must.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – right across from Pike Place. DELISH. Try their mac n cheese – it is legitimately world famous!
Gum Wall – right by Pike Place, you can’t miss it!
Underground Tour – we had so much fun on this hilarious tour learning about the background of Seattle (word on the street is that the tour guides are also actors, when you see how funny they are, it makes sense). There is an adult version that I think would be even more fun!
Pioneer Square – such a cute little area with some great coffee shops.
EAT:
Market Grill – right outside of Pike Place Market. If you’re looking for salmon (Seattle has some of the best), this place is BOMB.
Paseo – the pork sandwich is definitely the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life. TOTALLY worth the hype!
Ballard – we had dinner here one night and it was so delicious. Would recommend for a nice family-style dinner.
Terra Plata – rooftop patio has such a cool vibe.
Oysters – so many great oysters to be had in Seattle. Elliot’s, Flying Fish, The Walrus & the Carpenter and Brooklyn Seafood are all great options.
DRINK:
Manny’s Pale Ale – multiple restaurants told me this was Seattle’s best beer.
“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:7-8
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'” Matthew 19:14
Late Monday night when I was asleep, I got a phone call from my brother. I knew my four year-old niece Edie was in the hospital with what we thought was a bad cold, so I answered after one ring. I was told that Edie’s cold had quickly escalated to pneumonia and her tiny body was unable to beat it. Our Edie had left us for heaven.
In times of deep sadness, it warms my soul to think of her above, completely free of all pain and handicaps, in a perfect body with a bow in her hair. I know she is rejoicing with her Maker, and in that I will continue to find peace. I’ve shared bits about Edie here, here, and here, and I recently shared some photos from our Memorial Day weekend trip here, but this little girl has stolen all of our hearts in a big way, and life will never be the same.
Edie blessed us with four years of love and changed our lives for the better. She showed those of us on earth (those who knew her and those who didn’t), what selfless love is and taught us how to trust His plan. While our hearts are broken, we know she has left us for a more wonderful place and we will celebrate her life until we meet again.
I ask you to please pray for our family during this devastating time and lift up my brother and his wife as they welcome Edie’s new brother in just a few short days. I am grateful to God that I have always lived near them since Edie has been born, both in Mississippi and California. Because we’ve always lived in the same place, I’ve have had the great privilege of being there for the good and sad, the highs and lows. It is a blessing I’ll never take for granted. I’ve never loved another person in the way I am madly, over the moon, head over heels in love with that little girl. I can’t even explain it, but my love for her is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
I’ve shared so much about our Edie over the years, and even with tears running down my cheeks, it just didn’t feel right not to share this life-changing moment with those of you who have shared your love for our girl, both near and far.
Thank you for your support and prayer during this time. We have arranged a small memorial in Los Angeles for family and close friends this weekend, and then we will be having a butterfly release – such a beautiful symbol of Edie’s little body, which has now spread wings and flies around above us.
If you know Patrick and Anna and would like to help, we’ve set up a few options:
I recently visited the Beauty Bar at the Bellami Salon in LA, and when I shared my new locks, I got an overwhelming response from you guys on social media that you’d like to learn a little bit more about hair extensions, so here we are!
When I was in Miss Teen USA, I had Great Lengths hair extensions beaded into my hair. They were gorgeous, high-maintenance and expensive (thanks for footing the bill, Mom)! While I was there, one of the other contestants told me she wore clip-in extensions, and I thought, “that is so brilliant, why am I not doing that!?” I’ve always had long hair, but it’s really fine and I’ve struggled with trying to get the kind of volume I want. After I had my extensions removed, I knew that if I ever ventured into this world again, I’d go the clip-in route.
After college I decided to get a set and couldn’t believe how much I loved them! I had my hair stylist blend them in with my hair and it would add fullness whenever I wanted a little extra va-va-voom. I tried not to put much product in them, and I wore that pair for almost three years, off and on. Since then, I’ve tried both clip-ins and a halo, and clip-ins are my preferred choice because I think they’re the most comfortable.
When I visited Bellami, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try some mermaid hair for the summer, and I am having so much fun with the 20″ Khaleesi extensions in #8 Ash Brown. What I like most about this set is that it’s a lot of hair on one weft, which allows me to achieve that full, voluminous hair without wearing more than three or four wefts at a time.
You can see that these are super thick! Typically, I like to wear one four-clip and one three-clip across the back of my head and then a two-clip on each side. There are so many great videos that show how to clip them in here and here.
I would absolutely recommend these to anyone looking to add fullness or volume, AND if you’re interested in your own set of Bellami’s, you can get $5 off with the code KATHLEEN5. Please let me know any questions you may have, and I’m happy to try to answer them!
