“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!
Thank you guys so much for all the love with yesterday’s CBLxML announcement! This has been a long-awaited day for everyone involved, so it feels so awesome to be able to share it with all of you now that everything is actually available.
I’m sharing some more photos from our photo shoot in Palm Springs – and you can find the entire collection on MorningLavender.com. This pleated top is so comfortable and I think the color is so pretty – I’ve been wearing it and keep getting compliments from strangers! I really love this romper for everyday because it’s so comfortable, and I think the strapless factor is great for long torso girls like myself. And these pants!? If only they came in every color, I’m obsessed (quick note: they do run pretty long, I would recommend sizing down)!
I can’t even BEGIN to express how excited I am to finally share with you all of the details of my curated collection with Morning Lavender! I shared a little bit about this collaboration here (and y’alls comments literally made my month), but today and tomorrow I’ll be sharing some of the photos from our shoot in Palm Springs.
I worked with Morning Lavender to select each piece that I think represents CBL and you guys – the girl who wants to look stylish and feel great without breaking the bank. You’re going to see a lot of this collection on this blog and social media because I kept one of everything and will be wearing it all summer long! You might notice I was able to name several of the pieces after people (and animals) I love – which was probably one of my favorite parts.
A huge thank you to the boutique owners, Kim & Jason, for allowing me this amazing opportunity. And of course a big thank you to each of YOU for reading this blog, following along on Instagram and supporting me with your kindness and love. This is the most thrilling experience my blog has brought me, and it would never have happened without each of you. By reading and laughing with (and sometimes at) me, you are a part of every moment, every opportunity. Basically, without adding extra cheesiness, I’m just trying to say that I really appreciate you.
More photos coming tomorrow, but you can shop the full collection today here! I would love to hear what your favorite piece is. I love the lemon top and skirt and all the maxi dresses – because you know I can’t say no to a maxi dress.
It’s important to take care of your skin year-round, but in the summer it’s really necessary you keep your skin hydrated and protected. The sun is (hopefully) shining bright, pool parties and beach trips are in full effect, and giving your skin that TLC it needs can really pay off for both short and long-term results.
Years ago, one of my best girlfriends worked for Estée Lauder and gave me a few products to try. I really loved the Advanced Night Repair back then, so I was excited to work with them to try out some additional skincare products for summer and share the awesome gift-with-purchase they’re currently offering!
At night I’ve been applying the Night Repair serum before the Revitalizing Supreme Cream and wake up to this dewy, smooth skin. The moisturizer is lightweight but still plenty moisturizing, and I continue to use the serum in the AM as well. And, with your order over $45 on EsteeLauder.com, you’re eligible for a limited-edition GWP with three options for skincare selections (more info here and at the bottom of this post!). Not to mention this GWP is partnered between Estée Lauder and Harper’s Bazaar – two iconic and ultra-glam brands, yes please.
Starting June 12th, online purchases over $45 are eligible for a summer GWP that includes a tote bag, lipstick, mascara, lip gloss, and your choice of skincare. You can check out the options here!
Thank you guys so much for reading, and if you have a favorite Estée Lauder beauty item, I’d love to hear about it! XO –
I’m always interested to see what other gals are stashin’ in their purses, so today I thought I would share my own “what’s in my bag” post!
Obviously, I always have my wallet and keys. I’m pretty good about always having some business cards on me, and my friend Miriam introduced me to this extra card book that is perfect for storing gift cards!
A mophie charger and earphones are usually buried somewhere, and I am no longer able to have cutesy cell phone covers because I drop my phone everyday, so I have a tempered glass screen protector with a bumper on it. I almost always have a nail file and a ponytail holder. Nothing is worse than traveling or being out and about with a sharp, jagged nail or wanting to pull up your hair and not being able to! I keep one pill bottle that has various ibuprofen, allergy medicine and excedrin migraine medicine. And I usually have a few pairs of sunglasses (these aviators are so lightweight and comfortable).
A few lip liners, glosses and aquaphor are necessities – and if I wasn’t out, this compact would definitely be included! This is my favorite hand lotion, and I always have a handkerchief. I actually collect them and we gave vintage hankies to all of our wedding guests!
Two weeks ago I got eyelash extensions for the first time! I have always oogled the long lashes of others, and have used Latisse and different lash serums. I have definitely seen the length of my lashes grow, but no matter how many times I curl them (even with the magical Shu Uemura lash curler!), they don’t stay curled and they’re not as full as I’d like. So when Jessica Smith reached out about expanding her California business in eyelash extensions and eyebrow microblading, I was all ears (and eyes!!)!
Jessica is based out of Utah, but has begun traveling to California once a month to take clients in LA and San Clemente. I was nervous about the lash process, not wanting to damage the lashes I had worked so hard to lengthen. She explained that it is when the extensions aren’t isolated properly that they can damage your lashes. The key is in the application, and of course, how careful you are with your lashes afterward.
For the first 48 hours, you don’t want to get your lashes wet or apply any makeup – just leave them be. After that, it’s advised not to wear mascara, but eyeshadow and liner is fine. I’ve applied eyeliner only a few times, both times I removed my eye makeup with oil-free makeup remover and a q-tip. Jess advises to brush through your lashes once a day with a mascara wand applicator (she gives you one to take home!) and says you can wash your lashes once a day gently with baby shampoo and water. Don’t sleep on them (sorry stomach sleepers!) and just leave them alone for the most part.
Some background info on the two kinds that Jessica offers – she glues either individual lashes (these would be called classic lashes) on one lash or 2-6 tiny fans on one lash (volume lashes), separating them so they can shed individually with the lash cycle. If you go to her Instagram, you can see some more details on the application process. She gave me the volume lashes (it took a little over two hours) and microbladed my eyebrows (also about two hours) and let me tell you – I am in love! You can see a close-up before & after here. The eyebrows require a touch-up, and after I have full completed the process I plan to share a separate post on that experience. A sneak peek to the first round here!
dress – also available here, love maxi dress in the same print! | heels, look for less here | bag, similar style for less here and here | similar earrings, love this pair for $15 | watch | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3 | hair extensions via Bellami, $5 off your order with code kathleen5 – I’m doing a full blog post on these extensions next week!
I will be meeting Jess on her next trip to California at the end of the month. She’ll be in San Celemente 6/28 – 30 and LA 7/1 – 7/2. I’ll be getting a lash extension refill (so it will be four weeks from my original set), as well as a touch up for my brows. I am going to share a completely separate post on that experience once we touch them up – so more to come!
A full set of eyelash extensions from Jessica normally runs at $230, but the first three people who visit her and share they were referred by me will get the application for $175 for July and August! She is also offering a deal on microblading for CBL readers. The brows normally run at $500 but she will be offering $400 in July and August to the the first three people referred from CBL.
You can contact Jessica via email: jessicadianesmith11@gmail.com as well as on Instagram! If you have any questions I’ve missed – please feel free to ask! I’ve always had lots of questions about eyelash extensions, so I’m happy to share any info I have. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
Kathleen: This girl. Trying to write a short paragraph to explain why I love her so is nearly impossible, but Emily Loftiss is a dear friend of mine who is a TV personality and host, stylist and beauty expert. Her motto is (and I quote), “dress everyday like it’s New Year’s Eve.” She is a Georgia-raised Southern belle, Alabama grad turned Radio City Rockette in NYC (and I was mesmerized by these ladies when I was in the fifth grade, this is like, a big deal).
She now lives in Orange County (lucky for me!), and frequents Good Day LA and The Steve Harvey Show to name a few – she’s my girlfriend and red carpet superstar, so today it’s my privilege to have her take over this blog to share her five quick tips for feeling like your best self on those days when you really want to be in sweatpants. You know this girl had days when she didn’t want to get out of bed, but she had to put on her Rockettes leotard and high-kick in front of thousands of googly-eyed fifth graders like my former self, giving them memories for a lifetime. And now instead of a leotard it’s a microphone and a camera broadcasting across the country. So let’s all learn from the pro!
Emily Loftiss: This just made my day when Kathleen asked me to write a blurb about self confidence. I honestly am just one of those folks born with an unbelievable amount of positive self-love. Sometimes to a fault! There were times when I had gained weight (after not dancing 8 hours a day for a living) and would look in the mirror and thought ….”heyyyyy not too bad! I’ll just trick everyone with my fierce hair and makeup today.” I look back at those pictures and think – girlfriend! You needed to phone a friend! I’m like Mariah Carey- no matter her shape you can’t convince her she is not fly, honey.
I do think it’s the utter most important thing in the world to exude a positive self-image. It will help you in every phase of your life: interviewing, dating, leadership roles, business, marriage, weight loss, networking, happiness etc. Here are a few thoughts on improving your confidence or at least faking it until you feel that shift in your spirit.
1. WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE?
Nothing makes me happier than people tagging a picture of a bright neon look and saying “thought of you!” My signature style is: anything orange, Micheal Kors perfume (smells like gardenias/ worn since 1999), jumpsuits,crazy prints and sequins. I feel as soon as you figure out what you are known for that should be your go-to for an instant jolt of happiness.
2. CONVERSATION STARTER
How many times have you had butterflies about attending an event and not knowing anyone? It doesn’t matter if it’s the 1st day of school/work, a wedding to a cocktail event. It’s the worst to be “Sally-Sally No Friends” That’s why when I’m dressing for one of these occasions, I wear a statement piece that is a conversation starter. Forget that boring black dress UNLESS you add a killer brooch with a great story behind it.
Two years ago I was invited to this black tie event at South Coast Plaza (the most luxe shopping center in the country) where each ticket started at $1,000. I was offered a free ticket and knew I would know not a soul. I decided to throw on a red dress and make a vintage necklace into a headpiece. The entire night people stopped me to ask me about my interesting look. I ended up having the best time and left making several new friends. When in doubt- wear the feathers, costume jewelry, sparkly shoes…the showstopper piece!
3. QUICK HACKS
Some days you just wake up and feel yuck. These are the days you need to have your go-to tricks to make you get in the mood for “hell yes this is going to be a great day!” Self-tanning is the way to my heart. I instantly feel thinner, younger and my skin is flawless. Have dry shampoo ready to roll. False lashes- why not?! If you have date night and not liking how your body looks- those falsies will make you feel glamourous. Blush always tricks me into thinking I’m not so tired.
And when in doubt- pull out the most ridiculous thing you own and wear that! Feeing bleh? Pull out that leopard cardigan, that highlighter yellow jeans, that hot pink tank. Wear it with pride, sister!
4. BODY LANGUAGE
I can smell when someone is not sure of themselves by their posture. Probably because I trained my whole life to be a dancer I always look at a women’s body. Think of five ladies you admire that are kick ass, strong women. Do they hunch their shoulders? Do they look meek? Do they wear kitten heels because they are afraid of being taller than the men around them? Exactly.
Roll those shoulders back and walk that sassy walk, ladies. Think about not crossing your arms but having your body (and heart) open for conversation and new experiences. It’a a game changer.
5. FIGURE OUT YOUR GLAM
I get asked all the time if I do my own hair and makeup for events. 95% yes. I have always loved beauty and learning about new products. I’m always inquisitive and love learning new tricks to make myself look (and feel) better. If you do not know how to do you own hair and makeup well…. get some help. I feel the easiest way to feel fabulous is to KNOW you look fabulous.
Instead of spending all your money at DryBar- ask your hair technician to teach you. If you need help with what eyeshadows look best on you- hit Ulta and ask for help. This takes time but I promise it’s doable and will bring a whole new level of fierceness to yourself.
Thank you Kathleen for featuring me on CBL. And to all the girls reading this who don’t know her – she is as cool as you think she is. Honestly a gem in this world of wannabes. You picked a good one to follow. xxx
I mean – is it not obvious why I love this girl!? She is cool and confident – yet warm, genuine and heartfelt. Emily is the opposite of a wallflower, and she’s infectious and brightens up any room she walks in. I adore her and learn so much from her all the time — and I’m about to live by these tips! Be sure to check out Emily’s website + blog, and follow her on Instagram and Snapchat (@emilyloftiss) for all kinds of beauty tips, hacks and all around glam on a real girl’s dime.
Hope you guys loved this as much as I did. I’m hoping to share more interviews and content of the sort in the future, so if you have any topic you’d like to see, I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
– so happy that I smuggled this McCarty vase back from Mississippi –
– shooting a fun project in the most incredible private home I’ve seen since we’ve lived in OC –
– a new aroma diffuser to help fade out the smell of animals in our house (!!), you can get 50% off yours with code cbl –
– completing the lookbook for my curated collection with Morning Lavender that will be available for purchase 6/20! Can’t WAIT to share this with you guys! –
– sneak peek to something pretty coming soon! –
Getting to Friday feels celebratory today because of what an exciting, whirlwind of a week it has been. I’m so excited to finally share that this month I’ll be collaborating with Morning Lavender Boutique to launch a curated summer collection of clothing and accessories!!
This has been in the works for several months, and the ML team and I have been sending emails and texts back and forth, meeting at coffee shops and exchanging mood boards and photos for weeks upon weeks. They kept me at their righthand for the entire process – shopping at market, trying on the pieces to make sure they’re comfortable and truly represent both ML and CBL. If you were following along on Snapchat (CBLied), you probably saw a sneak peek of some of the pieces. The entire collection launches 6/20 and will be available for purchase at Morning Lavender. I don’t want to share all the goods just yet, but let’s just say I’m going to be living in this collection all summer. Short dresses, maxi dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, culottes, distressed denim, hats – the gang’s all here and seeing everything come together has been so exciting!
We shot the lookbook in Palm Springs, and when I got home I turned right around and hopped over to Newport for another fun project with Glitter Guide that will be revealed next week. I now write this at noon, eating pasta with a scrunchie in my hair and no makeup on, which might just be the best reward of all.
Without you, my girlfriend and dear reader, none of these opportunities would be possible. I don’t mean to be a sap, but I could literally shed tears over how incredibly thankful, grateful and appreciative I am that you have been on this journey with me, sharing your love, feedback and encouragement to make my fashionista dreams come true. You are a part of this website, this little CBL-happy-hour-girlfriend-pajama-party, so this collection is for us. Girls like us who want to feel great, look great and not break the bank.
Can’t wait to share everything! Love you guys and thank you always for everything. You make me so happy – XO –
PS – one of my readers made sure to send me this article about Carrie Bradshaw and her love life. You guys KNOW I’m a big Aidan fan – I will always think Carrie made the wrong choice. So when I read, “those who cheered for Aidan, I have realized, respect themselves far more than those who did for Big,” I was like, oh snap! Check out the article and tell me what you think!
Neiman Marcus is having a mega Eileen Fisher starting today, and they’re offering 30% off of the entire line! I think Eileen Fisher offers really great, versatile pieces that are appropriate across all age ranges and perfect for work.
All of the selections above can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, and a classic infinity scarf or neutral trench can be worn year-round in my book. Not to mention these pants are the kind of loungewear I live in all summer! Now if only they came in 10 colors, I’d be set.
Check out the markdowns going on right now at Neiman Marcus – the sale only lasts for a few days, and they also have a great petite and plus size assortment. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
1 – have read and LOVED | 2 – have read and was up until like, 2AM finishing – addicting! | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 – have read and was a really intriguing | 7 | 8
I have always loved reading for pleasure, but in college some of that faded because I had to read so many schoolbooks (like finance, marketing and business management… much less fun), so my love for the library faded. It was on my bucket list for 2016 to pick up a library card because my bookshelf at home is full, and now I can ride my bike to pick up a new read – it is much fun! Let’s say it’s the Carrie Bradshaw in me… but I love a good visit to the public library.
A few months ago I asked you guys for help on Snapchat (CBLied) about good books, and I was amazed with all of the incredible suggestions all of you had. I kept a note on my phone with all of the ones that I wanted to read, and some of them I’ve worked through while others are next up on my list. Since this brief discussion, I’ve received direct messages, emails and comments about book recommendations, so I wanted to share a roundup of my top summer reads for this year, some that I’ve already picked up since I snagged my library card!
If you have any great books that you would suggest on top of this, spill it – we’d all love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
We recently spent Memorial Day weekend in a little town outside of Santa Barbara called Los Olivos. Christian and I love this town and have visited quite a few times, walking from tasting room to tasting room, listening to music on the patios under palm trees and tasting wine. This would most definitely be my happy place.
So when Christian suggested renting a house with a pool for the long weekend and bringing my brother, his amazing wife Anna and their two littles, Edie and Rowan (and one on the way!) – of course I was onboard. We actually managed not to get in the pool, yet we all took full advantage of the surprise massage chair in the house – go figure!
Because we’ve been so many times, I thought I would share again some of my favorite spots (I also shared some two years ago in this post) –
Tasting Rooms
Saarloos & Sons (kid-friendly) – we will sit around here for hours. Sometimes they’ll open the backyard, which is usually reserved for club members, and there’s cornhole and picnic tables around this beautiful wine barrels with succulents (pictured above). It’s so fun!
Stolpman
Tercero (kid-friendly)
Coquelicot Estate (kid friendly) – they have bocce ball and an awesome patio area to hang out!
Carhartt
Epiphany (kid friendly) – they have a gorgeous patio with a huge palm tree that decorates it. You can often spot really cute dogs here too – and you know I love that. This is Christian’s favorite spot!
Daniel Gehrs (kid-friendly)
Vineyards
Fess Parker (kid friendly) – huge picnic area and grass lawn where you can bring your own lunch and watch kids run around, really fun spot!
Firestone Vineyard
Demetria
Zaca Mesa Vineyard (kid friendly) – live music and a giant chess board!
Food
Los Olivos Grocery – they have an awesome deli and tons of great pick-up items if you want to picnic at a vineyard.
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe – featured in Sideways, lots of delicious items on this menu. My brother and his wife love the black and bleu salad, their pizzas are also really good!
Sides Hardware and Shoes – awesome lunch menu! Their fried chicken with polenta and kale is seriously delicious.
