comfort works swatches

 – choosing between fabric swatches for a fun collaboration with Comfort Works

mz wallace bag

– morning walks on the beach (leggings | top | bag ) –

fig leaf tree

– putting the tree up, but welcoming the open space –

baby's breath

– fresh touches for a visit from my in-laws –

royal scout throwadult yellow lab female

– snuggled up for a lazy morning working from bed in my new Royal Scout throw (15% off through 1/22 with code royalcarriebradshawlied)-

Happy Friday! I took a break from Friday’s Five during the holidays because I had so many other fun things I wanted to share with you guys – but I’m hoping to bring them back!  I love reading recaps of other people’s weeks, and I’ve always thought it was fun to share.

The faux fur throw is a new addition as of late, and let me tell you – this beauty puts other faux furs to shame! It has this amazing, heavy weight and the bottom side is the coziest plaid.  When looking for fur throws, I think the key to the most luxe look is to find one that has slightly longer hairs, and this one has hairs over an inch long, giving it that ultra chic, high-end look.  If you’re in the market – you won’t be disappointed in this beauty! I think she’s found a permanent home on our bed.  If you’re interested in taking the plunge, for one week you can get 15% off with code royalcarriebradshawlied!

Tomorrow I’ll be posting my second round of Whole30 reviews… I think I’m in a slump so it might not be as upbeat as last week’s, but I promise it will be honest!

My in-law’s are coming to visit for their second time since we’ve lived in California, and it’s been really fun watching Christian plan their visit for such a long time.  My parents have been able to come visit more times than I can even count, but for C’s schedule is so much more difficult, so it’s really a treat when his family can spend time with him.

I hope you guys have an amazing weekend and as always, thank you so much for taking time out of your day to visit CBL! XO –

 

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dear bowie robe

It’s no secret that the best beauty weapon is great skin.  I have my mom to thank for my olive complexion, but she also instilled skincare advice to me when I was young and has always been good to her own skin.  I have used a gentle face cleanser like Purpose Soap and Oil of Olay moisturizer since I was in high school!

Crest White-Strips are a no-brainer these days, and my Venus razor always stays in my travel toiletries bag.  All of these items you can snag at your local Walgreens without breaking the bank.  Who said great skin had to be expensive?

oil of olay oil of olay bodywash oil of olay face lotion teeth whitening strips the best razor black cat coffee mug

 

robe c/o, love these pj’s! | slip c/o | cat mug | cell phone case | planner c/o | cell phone case c/o | bodywash | face lotion | razor | white strips | deodorant

Do you have any skincare secrets that are budget-friendly? I’ve been on the hunt for the the best drugstore blemish cream and have yet to find the perfect one! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

Sponsored by Procter & Gamble

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valentine's day gift guide for him

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

 

I know you’re thinking, “check yourself, I literally just put up my Christmas tree (or was that just me?)” BUT you guys – Valentine’s Day is around the corner and you know I like to get started early!

Like always, I rounded up a men’s gift guide with things Christian already owns and loves (like anything Kiehl’s, this watch, these Sperry’s and bluetooth headphones) or things that I wish he’d embrace (like this adorable tee and this musk that I actually wear sometimes).

I’ll be continuing to share my gift guide picks for your friends, yourself (#treatyoself… or forward to your guy) and your sweet tooth! Thanks so much for reading – and if you’ve ever gotten a V-day gift to remember, I’d love to hear! My favorite would be the engagement ring I got three days after Valentine’s Day a few years ago. XO –

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black pleated maxi skirt

If you guys follow along on Instagram or Snapchat (CBLied), you may have seen that we had a little “staycation” recently in Laguna Beach at the Pacific Edge Hotel.  It was so convenient, so beautiful, so fun and left me thinking… why on earth don’t we do this more?  I plan to share a lot more next week in a full post, but I am on full staycation mode and am going to be hunting some more gems in Orange County!

This outfit – I mean, you guys know my love affair with maxi’s of any kind.  A maxi dress or skirt on the beach is always a good idea, and I wore this little outfit before we had dinner on the beach. This “top” is actually a bodycon dress that I wore underneath this flowy skirt, and I’m already thinking of other ways to wear the skirt – leather jacket and booties, chambray and wedges, crop top and sandals…

nude fringed sandals barefoot on the beachkathleen williams barnes black maxi skirt orange county blogger julie vos chandelier earrings pleated maxi skirt

 

top (actually a dress worn as a top) and skirt (only $37!) c/o | sandals | earrings c/o | watch c/o | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | sunnies

Thanks so much for reading! Have you ever had a little vacation in your own city? I’d love to hear about it – I now think staycations are so underrated! XO –

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kathleen barnes

I know we all come up with New Year resolutions (exercise more, de-clutter the house, dine out less and eat in more are always at the top of my  list!), but this year, I’ve teamed up with Pro Beauty to share my beauty goals and I’ve already tried implementing them this month.

I used to wash my hair every day. For the past year, I’ve tried to find a dry shampoo that I really love (I’ve been using this one, but I’m still trying to find a good one for brunettes if you have any recommendations) because I want to wash my hair less and find new ways to wear it up.  Otherwise I touch it or play with it during the day, making it oily.  I have so many baby hairs that my top knots don’t always look as polished as I’d like, so I want to find cute ways to pull it back without leaving braid indentions or creases.

Enter the perky ponytail!  I have really fine hair, so I sometimes use this little trick when I want a visually pleasing ponytail. My long hair (that has no body whatsoever – I have hair like a child I’m serious) tends to weigh it down, but I will separate the bottom half, securing it with a hair band.  Then I’ll tease and fluff the top portion of my hair, loosely pulling it back over the existing ponytail and securing with a no-crease hair tie.

Leave a few pieces out, create loose waves with the Pro Beauty Tools 1 1/4″ Curling Iron, and you’ve got a sleek and sophisticated pony that will last all day.  Trying new ‘do’s like this help me wash my hair every 2-3 days, and it’s a pattern I aim to continue throughout the year.

The 24K gold platted barrel of this iron provides advance heat technology that’s ideal for all hair types. AND for you ladies looking to use less heat on your hair in the New Year, the direct heat of the gold barrel penetrates hair faster so you don’t have to hold the iron in your hair as long, reducing the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat! My fine hair will be thanking me for sure.

how to get a voluminous ponytail how to get a ponytail with volume sophisticated ponytail the best curling iron pro beauty hair tools carrie bradshaw lied home

1 1/4″ gold curling iron and hair dryer c/o | top – sold out, love this one and this one | similar denim (30% off!) | cup and saucer | earrings c/o | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | necklace c/o | watch c/o

Do you have any hair resolutions for 2016? And is this dark hair as jet black to you guys as it feels to me? Yowza! I recently had a stylist bring the color back to my roots and it’s been so many years since my hair has been this dark I don’t even know what to think!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

Sponsored by Pro Beauty 

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whole30 review

In November when I hosted my Party for Her, Kayla Fruchtman of Healing Waters and The Her Initiative was staying with me and telling me about her experiences with Whole30 – a program challenging 30 days of extremely clean eating (no cheating!), followed by a 10-day reintroduction process to see which food groups may or may not irritate your stomach (quick rundown here).

I was fascinated.  I’m not one for a rigid eating program, but the purpose of this is to learn more about your body, how it tolerates foods and how you feel when you eat the way we are intended to eat… I feel like it’s a mostly vegan diet with meat and eggs.

SO, after sharing some of my Whole30 journey on Snapchat (CBLied), you guys were asking questions and screenshotting all my meals.  After asking earlier this week if y’all would be interested in hearing weekly updates – the majority of you said yes so here we are! Every Saturday I plan to share some pros and cons of the week and my favorite recipes.

I am 10 days in, so far:

PROS:

I must cook healthier than I thought because the meals taste good and not much different than what we normally eat.

Christian has gotten so into it, which really surprises me!

My skin is totally clear and dewy.

Seeing a refrigerator full of fruits and veggies, organic produce – it makes me feel confident and happy with my purchases. As I learned watching Food Inc. years ago, every time a food item runs across the scanner, you’re voting.  As an animal lover, free-range and grass fed is a non-negotiable.

I feel completely debloated and I never feel swollen or overly full after meals.

CONS:

I miss wine.  It might be my only real craving.

I don’t like that it makes me avoid social scenarios that involve restaurants or alcohol because I’m concerned I’ll cheat.

Traveling is really, really hard. Even if it’s just a staycation or two nights in LA – it’s hard. Thankfully in California we can eat vegan without the soy and get away with it, but if I didn’t live somewhere so accommodating, it would be even harder.

I’ve had some indigestion getting use to eating so many veggies… my friend Marissa recommend this. 

I feel like I spend all my time at the kitchen sink washing dishes, pots and pans… no one likes that!

I’m starting to feel so tired and sluggish all day.  They say mid-way through the program you have tons of energy… ready for that to kick in!

FAVES:

Egg scramble with lots of veggies and avocado tastes so indulgent and delicious.

Clementines and apples are some of my favorite snacks.

Egg salad for lunch never gets old for me.

A banana and almond butter is my go-to if I’m hangry.

Lemon juice. On everything!

This taco salad is so good!

Let me know if there if there is anything specific you guys are wondering and if you’ve done Whole30 before – I’d love to hear about any favorites you might have! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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prada bag

Every now and then, I love a timeless dress and this one gives me Coco Chanel vibes with the double fringe hem… yes please!  I think this would be such a great dress for a job interview or church – polished, unique and a little bit of fun with the fringe.

And again with the Highland boots. I can’t quit. I love them even more than I thought I would!

fringe dress oc blogger kathleen williams barnescarrie bradshaw liedhighland boots classic black and white dress

 

dress – sold out, love this one (on sale!) and this one | similar coat | boots, similar look for less here | bag | similar hat | sunnies | love these brooches | earrings c/o | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | watch c/o | chainlink bracelet and similar statement ring c/o | infinity band c/o

AND most of you said you were interested in weekly Whole30 updates, so I plan to share those each Saturday this month!  Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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must have items for january 2016

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (on sale!) | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10  (40% off and in 5 colors!) | 11 (look for less at only $125!) |12

 

I’ve been dreaming in grays and creams lately and I can’t believe all the pretty pieces out there… why do I always think of things I am lusting for after Christmas and my birthday? Not that I need a single thing… but I mean, I need to get my brain in action a little earlier.

This bag is such a great shape and a great splurge (similar look for less here), and this scalloped top has me dreaming of a tropical vacation we’re currently planning!  I already snagged this cute little hat for the trip. And glitter sneakers? I mean… yes yes yes!

What were some of your favorite items you snagged over the holidays? Anything left off your list that you might be using some of that Christmas cash for?  Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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carrie bradshaw lied blog

I bet you’re all, “GIRL – you’re in a mini skirt in the snow… what is wrong with you!?”  Just to be fair, we photographed these on our last day and it was in the 30’s (rather than the 10 degrees in the days prior), so it felt warm in comparison!

This little skirt may have felt a little too Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman with heels, but with over-the-knee boots an a turtleneck, it was just right.  And after a few months of having these boots in both the heeled version and flat version, I am so glad I took the plunge.  They elevate almost any outfit and are much more comfortable than most heels I own.  If you’re debating – I give them an A+!

kathleen barnes styling a gray mini skirt black ear muffs diamond chanel brooch orange county blogger welby satchel gigi new york welby satchel black faux fur ear muffs

 

skirt c/o (only $42!) | turtleneck, this one is a steal | coat c/o Julie Brown, no longer available but love this tuxedo blazer and have and love this one | boots, get the same look for less here | bag c/o | similar ear muffs | bag c/o | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3 | sunnies,  | gloves c/o | gold chainlink bracelet c/o | Chanel brooch, love the vintage selection here

Thanks so much for reading! And a little question… I started Whole30 with Christian on 12/31.  Would you guys be interested in hearing a weekly update in Friday’s Five about the progress, favorite meals, struggles, etc.? I’ve been sharing my meals on Snapchat (CBLied) and people are screenshotting like cray so I’m wondering if this si something y’all might want to see? Let me know what you think! XO –

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gold tiered bar cart

sponsored by World Market

First post of 2016!! Thank you guys for all the sweet words in last week’s “best of” post and this Instagram – each of you that engages with me in comments, messages, emails, tweets – you bring so much joy into my life and I can’t thank you enough!  I hope everyone had a fab holiday break.  I enjoyed some days off myself, and it was the first time I’ve unplugged in quite some time. It felt good.

SO, I’ve had this adorable bar cart since October but it sold out so quickly that I’ve been waiting to share this fun post with you guys until it’s been restocked!  So it was restocked a little over a week ago… and then sold out yesterday – oy vey. NO worries – I’m sharing several other bar cart options that are totally affordable and marked down!

It’s obvious what you put on a bar cart… alcohol, right? But there are so many different ways you can style a bar cart. They can be used for multiple purposes, so today I want to share three of the ways I use our bar cart that aren’t your traditional booze cruise on wheels (not that I am against that concept, I fully support it!).

First, we have a coffee cart. A great way to use your bar cart when you have overnight guests!  When we have overnight visitors I always pull out the cream and sugar and set the coffee in case they wake before I do and want a cup.  I think pulling out a cart, having it prepped (of course the coffee will be in the coffee pot and the creamer will be stored in the fridge) it such a thoughtful touch.

Second is probably the most common way I use this little cart.  I fill it with candles and light it when we’re having dinner.  It gives that romantic ambiance without cluttering the dinner table.

Lastly, kitchen storage! Adding your cookbooks and some cookware is a really cute way to bring the cart into the kitchen without it looking like you’re pouring wine in your coffee cup. But maybe you are? I’m not judging.

juliska berry and thread white cup and saucer gold bar cart ralphs coffee styling a bar cart into a coffee cart world market bar cart

bar cart c/o | Ralph’s Coffee | similar wood pedestal | candle c/o | glass container c/o | similar monogram mugs | teapot | candlesticks | sugar and cream containers – Target, old, love these | cup and saucer | chair and slipcover c/o | monogram pillows | similar table here and here

Style 2:

candles on a bar cart unique ways to style a bar cart different ways to style a bar cart romantic bar cart

bar cart c/o | similar candlesticks | candle 1, 2 c/o | tory burch candle | similar antler candlesticks | wine glasses c/o | wine c/o Seven Daughters Wine

Style 3:

kitchen cart geodes on shelving how to style a bar cart

bar cart c/o | marble utensil holder/wine cooler | similar geode bookends | Annieglass wine coaster | similar pineapple vase | candle c/o | similar colanders here and here

 

Do you have any ideas for styling a bar cart? I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate it… like a hot cocoa cart, patio bar cart or even nightstand.

Thanks so much for reading – I hope you guys liked this post… I love sharing home posts! XO –

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purple day dress

Another year breezed by – Lawd!  I put together one of these “best of” posts for the year 2014 here, and I had so much fun going through old posts that I knew I wanted to pull images for a 2015 roundup!

This year was definitely one of the most challenging professionally (more about that here), but looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.  I learned a lot about myself – how I handle stress (including ways I can manage my stress better, shared here), how to work more efficiently and overall, how sometimes I have to slow down to feel my happiest.

Below are photos from some of my favorite posts – if it’s an outfit in can be found in the fashion category, decor can be found in home and food/drink in… food/drink]!

bristol-king-headboard1 cameo-swing-away-dress Carrie-Bradshaw-Lied copy carrie-bradshaw-lied-blog carrie-bradshaw-lied-blog7 carrie-bradshaw-lied carrie-bradshaw-lied3 carrie-bradshaw-lied8lspace-black-high-waisted-swimsuit carrie-bradshaw-lied11 catalina-island celine-trapeze-bag Christian-and-Kathleen christian-louboutin-so-kate festive-holiday-drink floral-backless-maxi-dress floral-evening-gown hawaii kathleen-and-christian kathleen-barnes3 mirrored-sunglasses nyfw-street-style2 paper-crown-pink-dress pink-door-palm-springs pink-maxi-dress pom-pom-beanie sparkly-christmas-wreath steve-madden-laceup-sandals twirling-skirt wayf-clothing white-on-whiteoasis-clothing

Do you have any favorite moments or milestones of 2015? Anything you’ve learned that has ultimately brought you to a greater happiness and feeling of fulfillment? I would truly love to hear.  I am so so SO beyond appreciative of each and every one of you that come to this blog to read and engage – and I’ve learned so much from all of you. Your advice, support and personal experiences have enriched my life, and I thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to visit CBL.

LOTS of love to each of you as you ring in the New Year! Wishing a mega fun and safe night to all of you – XO –

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gray faux fur hat

So maybe I’ve overdone it on the winter white this year (like yesterday, here and here)… but I can’t quit! I think the lighter color can be so refreshing rather than the easy grab of dark denim or black (not that I don’t love black). What I love about this dress is that it can be dressed up with some fur accessories and stilettos or dressed down with a chambray shirt and ankle booties.

And I mean… bring on the fur! I’ve had this gray hat since this summer and have been waiting for the opportunity to wear it!  It’s soft, one of my favorite colors and let’s be honest – totally ridiculous. So Carrie Bradshaw, you know I love it.

gray faux fur vest winter white dress orange county blogger bodycon sweater dress carrie bradshaw lied  fur hattassel lace up pumpskathleen barnes

 

dress (comes in 3 colors) gloves c/o River Island | heels c/o River Island, no longer available, similar here and here | clutch c/o River Island, no longer available, love this one and this one (on sale!) | vest c/o River Island, no longer available, love this one and this one (on sale!) | hat c/o Monsoon, no longer available, nearly identical here | sunnies | earrings c/o

So sorry several of these items literally sold out in the past two days – boo! I linked as similar of items as I could find.  Thanks so much for reading! Tell me (and be honest), would you ever wear this hat? Ha! XO –

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