sectional

– moving our family room around (again) but finding what I think is the best setup so far – and LOVING this Homebody sectional –

acrylic frame

– this sweet watercolor surprise –

the sweetest grace

– bunny wreaths that make me so happy from The Sweetest Grace –

acrylic frames

– “go georgia bulldogs” art for the boys bathroom (frames available here) –

baby boy first birthday

– celebrating Theo turning 1!! –

Cheers to the weekend! I am getting back in town today from celebrating my sister’s birthday in Birmingham. We don’t typically travel for birthdays, but this was a milestone moment for her and I’ve never been able to hop in the car this easily. We have usually lived many states apart! So it’s a real luxury to be able to celebrate her in person.

The past three weeks have been busy, busy, busy. I knew March was going to be full, but it has been very full. April is looking peaceful so far. I’m going to aim to keep it that way.

I have to discuss our new Homebody sectional sofa. It’s a modular sofa that also has a built-in recliner in one piece of the sofa. You read that right. There’s a remote control that you can use to recline back (in the chicest way, of course). It makes much better use of this family room off of the kitchen. It opens up the floor for the kids to play, yet still gives us maximum comfy places to sit and lie down. It just looks like a place you want to lounge.

The kids are both all over it, and I already love how many cozy, snuggly moments it’s created for our family. It’s so great in this space, and I am excited to put together a little Instagram Reel to show you guys how and why it’s so amazing. More to come!

We have a big weekend planned, and I hope you do too. Thank you so much for reading – XO –

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Sharing an Easter-themed wish list today with some of the prettiest little things I’ve spied on online. So many pretty dresses!

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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We have had a major drop in temperature lately, which has me even more ready for warmer weather and fewer layers.

I tend to lean toward solids like this top and skirt, this dress, and this one because they give you so much versatility and are a little bit less memorable.

But who can deny the fabulousness of this hydrangea dress? Love.

I bought a lighter shade of this heel last year and I really look forward to pulling it out again this year. I’m also really loving this lace-up sandal (not pictured above).

I have this bag in several fun colors but the ivory is so beautiful. This bag is so teeny, it doesn’t hold much, but it’s beautiful!

If you splurged on a pastel tweed spring jacket like this one, you can layer it each year over different dresses or with a white top and pants. So classic.

Thank you so much for checking in – should we cover Easter baskets? XO –

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best black flare pantspanx hi rise flare

I shared a SKIMS vs. Amazon dress review not too long ago here. Today I’m bringing you a full review of my favorite black pant: Spanx Hi-Rise Flare.

I have had these pants for years and they remain a favorite time and time again. Every single time I wear them, I get a comment about them or my outfit. Countless friends have bought a pair for both themselves and their sisters, daughters, etc.

They are so smoothing and comfortable, but also quite elongating which is the best. Add a heel and we are talking model legs!

Let’s get into it –

SIZING

I would recommend ordering your usual size. They have a pull-on style (no pockets, buttons, or zippers), and when you’re pulling them up you’re going to think, “these are too small.” But once they’re pulled on, you’ll see they fit perfectly.

If you size up, I would worry that the waist will be too loose.

They come in regular, petite, and tall inseam and sizes XS – 3X.

MATERIALS

They’re machine-washable and 4-way stretch (4% elastane). They wash perfectly (hang dry) – which is so convenient.

COMFORT

They’re super stretchy and a thick material that makes them really comfortable for hours of wear.

COST

$168 and come in black and navy. I have been wearing this same black pair for over three years and the wear I’ve gotten out of them? Definitely worth it.

You can get 10% off + free shipping/returns with my longtime Spanx code KATHLEENXSPANX.

SIMILAR STYLES + WHERE TO BUY

Luckily these Hi-Rise Flare pants are a part of Spanx’s Perfect Collection which has the same style of pants in different leg silhouettes –

Wide Leg

Jumpsuit

Slim Straight

Skinny

Split Hem

Kick Flare

Thank you so much for reading! More product favorite deep dive reviews coming – XO –

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This week’s wish list is centered around some of my personal core closet staples. To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.


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I love turtleneck anything and everything, always. When you live in the South, sleeveless turtlenecks are even better!

I recently got this long-sleeved striped top and love it. It’s super soft, it’s got the rolled neck and sleeves and is the kind of top you really can wear year-round. In my book, stripes can be worn almost as often as a solid.

I have several shirt dresses from Tuckernuck and this chambray one always gets compliments.

If you have a camel bag and a black bag, you’re set.

I’ve had this watch for at least 7-8 years and I still think it’s so gorgeous. There’s truly no watch I’d rather have.

I wear these slides all the time. I also have a different version of these and usually wear them all summer.

I’m sharing an individual in-depth review of these pants later this week, I wear them with so much. I call them “the pants that give you supermodel legs.” I love the crop flare version too!

I have worn this skirt on Instagram here, it’s so great. Washable silk for $50!? What’s not to love?

Thanks so much for reading and stopping by! I threw in a few more favorites below – XO –

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LTK is currently offering a spring sale from a few brands that I love, so I wanted to share some links to picks and share the sale info with you guys!

This means LTK has exclusive deals in-app from participating brands through 3/12.

anthropologie sale

details here

code: ANTHRO20LTK

madewell LTK sale

details here

code: LTK20

date night outfit

details here

Abercrombie code: AFLTK

madewell spring sale

details here

code: LTK20

I have more picks on my LTK profile. You can also access them on this website by clicking the menu bar in the upper left corner and selecting “shop my Instagram.”

Full list of participating brands:

Aerie | 25% off sitewide with code LTKSPRING

Abercrombie | 25% off sitewide with code AFLTK

American Eagle | 25% off sitewide with code AFLTK25

Anthropologie | 20% off purchases $150 or more with code ANTHRO20LTK

it Cosmetics | 25% off sitewide

Madewell | 20% off purchase with code LTK20

Pink Lily | 25% off sitewide with code LTKSPRING

Stanley | up to 40% off with code LTK

Tarte | 30% off sitewide with code TARTELTK30

Thank you so much for reading and checking in – XO –

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I had a mini Q&A on Instagram Stories earlier this week, and some of the questions prompted some “best of” type of product recommendations that I thought would be worth resharing here!

Below each graphic, you’ll see some more details about the items –

best house towels

Boll & Branch Plush Collection | Weezie

These are the most loved and most used towels in our house – guests and children included. They are so thick, cozy, and absorbing… five-star hotel towels night after night.

That’s luxury! Worth the investment.

favorite high chairs

Lalo 3-in-1 | Tripp Trapp

Hudson used the Lalo high chair and he now uses it in our wishbone chair as a booster seat. It’s been a really great, well-made, transitional chair.

The Stokke I got more recently and Theo currently uses it as a high chair. It’s been great so far and I plan to use it as a booster seat to the table as the next step when he’s a little bit older!

best shapewear

Mid Waist Thong | Higher Power Short

These are the most reached-for compression shapewear that I would buy again in a heartbeat.

Sometimes you want a short and some outfits are shorter or have a slit, so you need something else. Highly recommend both!

favorite skincare

GRO Dry Shampoo | Coconut Body Oil Spray | Cream Rouge Matte | Eye Concentrate | Lip Compound | Light Cream

These are all products that I’ve just recently started using for the first time and have been very impressed.

A $16 callout is this spray oil that goes on so quickly and lightly, it’s amazing. Hooked!

Thank you so much for checking in – XO –

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This week’s wishlist is spring-filled because the groundhog was wrong this year (at least in Georgia!). It has been sunshine, warm and bright the past week or two and it feels like spring might be here to stay.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

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I love wearing dark colors but in spring and summer, I like to pivot. Like most, I love a beautiful dress that works for work, church, dinner, etc. I discovered this dress and this one and thought they looked so high-end. Love that the belt can be worn with or without.

Love the easy style and price point of this classic sunhat. I know I’m only going to be outside more and more having two little boys, so I should be wearing hats all summer. Coastal grandmother energy and functional = win/win.

These ballet flats are so luxe-looking ($65!) and I can’t get over these wedges. I love them. I have the heeled version in three colors (which are currently 20% off).

This gingham midi and ladylike blushing midi dress really caught my eye. I think I might be ordering this one.

Thank you so much for checking in and for all of your kind words regarding Friday’s post. Really meant so much to me. XO –

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ballard designs lamp slips

– finding ways to continue enjoying Valentine’s roses –

annie selke rug

– creating more free space for playtime with my little guys –

spray body oil

– my first experience with spray body oil and it’s THE BEST –

round wicker ottoman

– trying to see if I can eventually shape a bonsai tree –

metallic bum bag

– loving this metallic sling bag from Parker Thatch –

It has been a really sweet and peaceful week. And I even had a 24-hour bug on Tuesday, so that’s saying something!

I’ve had a work decision to make that has been looming over me. A decision on whether to start a second business opportunity or pause it for now (update 2/24: this is not referencing this website or my social media, this is a second, separate business I’m referencing). After praying about it and thinking about it for a while, I made a decision to put it to the side. I was a little bummed, but ultimately felt it was the right choice in my gut.

When you choose your family or your peace over career and money – the world will make you feel like that’s the lazy or weak way out. However, when I happened to share my choice with my small group this week, I was unexpectedly met with so much encouragement and support. And I don’t know that I had any expectations when I shared it, but then was so touched that these people who know me personally and my heart and values – they were proud of me for not following the world’s view of success and instead choosing my own view of success.

It’s really stuck with me because while I felt I was being true to myself, I was also a little disappointed that I didn’t seem to have the drive and ambition that I used to. But I think it’s because being a mother changes your priorities. All of a sudden you see how incredibly fast time moves by you, and if you don’t have the time to stop and enjoy it, you’ll miss it. There’s no rewind button on your life.

If you are a person of faith or have any interest in Christianity, I highly recommend John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It was given to me by my dear friend and fabulous co-founder of Grace & James Kids. When she gave it to me she said, “I wish I had been able to read this when I was a new mom,” and now I absolutely understand why she said that. Ever since I read that book, I view my choices and how I spend my time differently. It’s a game-changer.

That’s the spill of my heart this week – thank you for reading this novel! Appreciate my blog readers so much. This is a special and unique community, unlike social media. It’s deeper. Thanks for checking in and I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend – XO –

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This week’s wish list is full of the pieces I’ve stumbled upon, bought myself, or have my eye on. I love these kinds of hodge-podge posts because it feels so realistic to how we all shop, right?

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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I bought these black/white hair clips and these fun clips a few months ago and love both. I wouldn’t say they’re as strong of a hold if you have super thick hair, but for a half-up situation or loose pull-up, they’re fab.

I loved these sunglasses so much I bought them in 3 colors – olive, pink and light blue.

Glass cocktail straws – they’re the best. Need I say more?

I loved these acrylic frames in 4×6 so much that I also bought them in 5×7. Great buy!

Contemplating getting twin beds for Hudson’s room in the future and I discovered these that are extra adorable. Love the high headboard!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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skims black maxi dress

 
After seeing this SKIMS dress on a few other girls, I bought it to take with me on our October 10-year anniversary trip. You can see how I styled it on vacation here.

I was shocked that when I put it on, it really amplifies any curves you have. I do have some curves and hips, but I’m talking Coke bottle hourglass. So I can clearly see why it has so many amazing reviews from women of all body shapes!

I was about to purchase the long-sleeved SKIMS version, but then I discovered this Amazon dress. So I purchased it in two colors to see what I thought. And it’s a great grab! More of my thoughts broken down into sizing, materials, cost, and the biggest differences that I noticed below.

skims spaghetti strap dress

SKIMS spaghetti strap slipdress

SIZING

I think both dresses run true to size. I ordered my usual dress size in both.

One thing to note is that the SKIMS dress is definitely a true maxi dress. The Amazon dress is listed as such, but if you’re 5’7″ or taller I think it’s going to fit more like a midi dress.

MATERIAL

At a touch, the material feels nearly exactly the same. Both are machine-washable and super soft.

The SKIMS dress is 91% modal and 9% spandex.

The Amazon dress is 95% rayon and 5% spandex.

COST

The SKIMS spaghetti strap slipdress is $78 and the long-sleeved version is $88.

The Amazon spaghetti strap slipdress is $39 and the long-sleeved version is $44.

I think both prices are fair for the product quality and fit.

BIGGEST DIFFERENCES

The SKIMS dress somehow does really cinch your waist in this hourglass, Kim K curves way. The Amazon dress has a great fit, but the waist isn’t quite as snatched as the SKIMS dress.

The SKIMS dress is definitely to the floor. So in that way, the SKIMS dress feels a little bit easier to style versatility-wise because it can lean casual (could be paired with a sneaker) more easily.

skims dress dupeblack long sleeved bodycon maxi dress

Amazon long-sleeved bodycon dress

I also shared a video of each dress and how I would layer it on Instagram.

Do you have either of these dresses? I’d love to hear what you think. I don’t regret either purchase, and I know they’ll be great vacation dresses that don’t take up much space.

Thanks so much for reading. If you have any ideas or requests for future review posts, let me know in the comments! XO –

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This week I wanted to dig back into January and pull out some of the most popular pieces you guys loved!

To shop, click directly on the items or find their associated number below the collage –

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I’ve had this watch for 6-7 years. I still love it as much today as I did the first week I got it.

These kitten heels (on sale!), these loafers, and these slingbacks are some of my most-worn shoes. Would re-purchase in a second.

I’m so impressed with this Amazon dress that is super similar to the Skims dress. I have the skims spaghetti strap dress and Amazon long-sleeved dress in two colors. Love all three.

I was so glad to see these woven side tables come back in stock. I have two and love them.

I have this turtleneck in two colors and they’re some of the softest and most flattering turtlenecks I own.

My favorite high-waisted flare pant (they give you supermodel legs), ecru overalls (on sale!), and pilates leggings.

I love seeing you guys love the same pieces I pull out time and time again. I hope you guys love them as much as I do!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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gray malin coffee book

Last week I had a Q&A on my Instagram, and one of the questions I got and loved was about coffee table books. I’ve never really thought about what are my “favorite” coffee table books, but after walking around the house and looking at my collection – here are my top picks!

best coffee table books

Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

I was first introduced to the Vogue Living collection when it was given to me as a wedding gift from my cousin. They are gorgeous. I’ve since snagged another one I found at HomeGoods. You can never go wrong with Vogue!

AD at 100: A Century of Style

This book is a splurge and I got it for Christmas, but I really love it. A book I’ll enjoy for a lifetime.

Gray Malin

This book is a big-time favorite of both mine and Christian’s. The pictures are so unique, and the aerial shots are unlike anything else.

Big Book of Chic

A classic book that is just pretty.

Pretty City New York

I asked for this for a birthday one year and love it so much. Flipping through it feels like a walk through the city.

Poolside with Slim Aarons

I mean… any Slim Aarons book is stunning.

The Bergdorf Goodman Cookbook

I asked for this for Christmas and while it’s smaller than your traditional coffee table book, it’s really fascinating to thumb through. I think it would make a great gift.

Coastal California

I actually got this as a surprise for Christian for his upcoming birthday. We have so many happy memories of road-tripping along Highway 1 when we lived in California, I know he’s going to love it. And I can say that here because I know he doesn’t read my blog! 😉

 

Thank you so much for reading! More home content in the “home & lifestyle” section of this site, as well as home tour-related content under “house tour.” Have a great week – XO –

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