Christian and I were recently invited to visit the recently remodeled Miramonte Resort & Spa in the desert (you may have seen the Instagram photos and snapchats @CBLied!). It rained a good bit on Saturday, but I couldn’t complain because we all know California needs any rain it can get! Luckily after a rainy day it stopped long enough to get dolled up for a date night dinner.
I actually have this exact same dress in a different style – I couldn’t resist because it’s so adorable! The fabric is super thin, which is perfect with a light slip for summer nights. And in case you were wondering, I was just fine blending in with the resort’s scenery.
For those of you on the West Coast, Miramonte is currently offering a deal to those who stay for two nights, they’ll receive their third night free + $25 spa credit now through September 30th!
You guys probably don’t know this about Christian, but he takes perfectionism to a whole new level. My favorite example is that it took him an entire year to buy… a vest. He knew in his mind the exact kind of vest that he wanted, but no one was making it yet. So he patiently waited until he found the perfect vest 12 months later.
He wants to curate his possessions into just a few things that he really, really loves, and while I do respect that, it can sometimes be frustrating when we are trying to make a joint purchase. There is an entirely different post for a sofa reveal when we get that bad boy in!
SO, when Christian shared that he wanted a desk, I knew it would be no easy feat. He is so particular, and I already pictured the two of us sitting at numerous desks in home stores and in and out of homes via Craigslist.
Enter World Market’s new customize-your-own desk feature! Christian was able to shop between 15 different options to design a desk that suited his preferences, and bonus points for me because it looks so great. I love that it has both drawers and shelves, and the desk is plenty big to hold both our HP and Christian’s laptop.
You can snag this desk at World Market, or shop between tons of different options to find the perfect beauty that fits your needs. You can see my desk here and here.
Below are my favorite picks! Stay tuned for a full room reveal coming soon.
Thanks so much for reading! XO –
This post in in partnership with World Market, a brand I love! I have so many pieces in my home from World Market. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the affiliate posts who make this blog possible.
I’m always looking for new ways to keep our home organized and clean, while still visually appealing and livable. While I would live in an all-white, mirrored haven if I could, Christian is always reminding me that our home should be comfortable and lived-in (and on the inside I know he’s right athough it pains me to admit).
SO, today I’m teaming up with Seven Daughters Wine to share 7 ways we combine design and function in our house.
1. Ottoman Storage
I love this ottoman (I snagged it for $25 on Craigslist) not only because it has clean lines and is comfortable (we almost always have our feet propped up whenever we’re sitting down), but also because it has this great secret storage.
We move it around often, so I don’t want to load it with books or anything heavy, but it’s perfect for extra blankets. And is there anything better in life than curling up with a blanket and a cold class of Chardonnay, propping your feet up and watching the Real Housewives?
The answer is no, no there is nothing better.
2. Baskets
I’m all about some baskets. On the floor for magazines, on bookshelves to store items that aren’t display-worthy, in the bathroom to hold magazines, extra toilet paper, you name it. I have purchased baskets from Home Goods, Ikea and even Goodwill – and I love them each for their different style and design.
My mom actually made this tall chalkboard for me in college with leftover wood and a little chalk paint (although this could be another great, inexpensive option), and I’ve been using it in every house I’ve lived in since. I love that it looks cute but I can also use to send strong messages to Christian. Like… “please organize the stacks of paper on the breakfast table by Wednesday or consequences shall follow.”
A different kind of “honey do” list.
4. Pin-up Board / Bulletin Board
My mom also painted this white frame in college and strung wire across the back. We use it to clip up pictures, cards, concert tickets and other mementos, similar to a bulletin board.
It always seems to be a focal point when guest visit our house, and I love that some of my favorite pictures hang there. This is a really great similar option for those who don’t feel like trying to make their own (no shame in that!).
In the same way I am a cat lady (and dog lady), I am a tray lady. I love trays. Painted, acrylic, antique, mirrored, any way you serve ‘em. I find them pretty to sit on a dresser or coffee table, and I will also move them around to keep things fresh.
I like to serve snacks or appetizers on trays, display jewelry on them, stack candles in them, etc.
6. Apothecary Jars
I’ve had these large apothecary jars for years and we use them to collect matchbooks, wine corks (I’m adding to the collection by drinking wine as often as possible… because I must contribute to the décor #duh) and bottle caps. I think they look so pretty while actually being usable storage.
I’ve also seen people fill them with lemons and limes, pinecones, soaps, shells, candy – there are so many ways to style them! I love this one and these.
7. Kitchen Shelving
This metal shelving piece used to be on our patio when we were living in 850 square feet and we were trying to make it work (it did not work). When we moved to a larger home, I wanted to put it in the kitchen for the appliances we have that I wanted to display.
Christian thought I was a little cray, but was willing to let me give it a shot. I love it. I love that I can see some of my favorite (and often used) appliances and kitchen items without having them clutter my counter space.
Those are my functional décor tips – do you have any that work for you? I’d love to hear – we’re always looking to streamline our space in a pretty and effective way!
I’ve shared my early access picks here and here, and my free-for-all picks last Friday here, but today I wanted to share my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale steals under $100.
This is a great time to snag some killer boots, luxe cashmere and designer denim at a serious markdown. There’s also a great coat selection for those of you in colder climates! I try to not even look because let’s be honest… no one really needs a coat in Southern California.
Have you snagged a great deal? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Christian is notorious for giving me cooking or baking supplies for gifts… a subtle hint to bake him something for his never fully indulged sweet tooth. When he hinted to his parents for my Christmas gift, I was so excited to receive a pie plate and loaf pan that matched my everyday china, that I was baking pies every week.
Insert Christian nodding his head in glorious achievement.
He recently requested a coconut pie, so when I found this recipe it was game over. So rich but so delicious, and it combines our favorite baking ingredients – chocolate and coconut!
Plus (and perhaps most importantly), it’s super easy.
My last round of photos from our trip to Catalina, this sweet midi dress feels so Southern (and it’s under $30!). I love how it ties at the shoulders, reminding me of a dress I would have wanted to wear as a little girl. I don’t wear a lot of kelly green, and I don’t really know why… because it’s one of those colors that when I wear it, I always love it!
I wore this to explore the main town of Avalon in Catalina Island on our last day of our trip. Let’s be honest, the last day of any trip is always sad, so wearing a cute outfit and carrying around Sauvignon Blanc in a hydroflask definitely makes it a little less painful.
What? I did that? No way.
Way. You can’t leave a good bottle that’s already been opened in the fridge, right?! I’m fine with it.
dress c/o, comes in one size, fits like a large medium and a midi dress on me (I’m 5’7″), save on this one and splurge on this one… and this dress isn’t green but how cute!? | bag c/o, love this one and this one | heels – Zara, similar here | earrings – Etsy, love these | sunnies
If I haven’t yammered on enough about my favorite sale of the year, it’s free game for anyone starting TODAY! I shared my early access picks here and here, but I’ve added some new swoon-worthy pieces to today’s roundup. Don’t forget that Nordstrom also offers home, menswear, beauty and children’s clothing – so there is seriously something for everyone.
I think this basket would look so cute with blankets stored in it, I have marquee signs from Nordstrom and I’m obsessed and this trench is just too good.
Have you snagged some swag?! Spill the deets and most importantly, have an amazing weekend.
I can’t believe I’m just now sharing these photos from Catalina Island, but better late than never, right? You might remember this maxi skirt from this post or this crop top from this post. I’m all about mixing and matching the pieces in your closet to create new looks and maximize your closet. The way this skirt moves is so pretty, my only complaint is that I don’t have it in more colors!
These stairs were right by the condo where we stayed in Hamilton Cove and it was beyond picturesque. I can’t even describe the view – Catalina is a hidden gem that you must visit if you’re in Southern California. I think drinking coffee on the balcony here is a memory that will never leave my mind (or at least I hope not).
Last week I shared some early access picks here, but I wanted to share another round of Nordstrom steals before it’s a free-for-all on Friday! These pants I feel a seriously strong connection to (as in I’m pretty sure we are meant for each other), and I have a PMD and have really been loving it.
I’ve also been perusing the Cupcakes & Cashmere collection both here and here, and kind of want everything, but it could just be because I have a mega girl crush on Emily Schuman. Have any of you shopped her collection yet and if so, what do you think?
Note: today is also Amazon’s Prime Day – some seriously amazing discounts on all kinds of items! If you are in the market for some new gadgets, now’s your chance. Discounted kindles, Ray Ban’s, watches and cameras.
AND, to you early access Nordstrom shoppers – tell me what you’ve scored so far! Not a cardholder? Don’t sweat it. You can still preview what’s on sale and get your picks ready when the sale goes public on Friday.
I’m a sucker for a maxi dress and one that looks as tropical-ready as this one is a no-brainer. Our first night on Catalina Island required a little fancy and I pulled this number out for oceanside dinner with Christian. When he first saw me he said, “that looks like something you wore at Rosewood Mayakoba!” I wore so many backless maxi dresses I snagged off of eBay on our honeymoon. So for the brides out there – this would be such a fabulous honeymoon dress! I’ve also linked more white maxi dress options below in the details.
– a quick and easy DIY to add a little marble contact paper to the bottom shelf of our bookshelf –
– having the idea to cut bougainvillea from our patio for a floral arrangement and wondering… WHY have I not thought of this earlier!? –
– packing for a quick trip to Las Vegas –
After a whirlwind week, I’m doing what any logical person would do when they’re exhausted… heading to Vegas! It’s a quick 36-hour trip with a direct, one-hour flight, so I will back in town on Sunday to celebrate my birthday with Christian. I am dragging him to have high tea with me at a tea salon near our house (because my birthday would be the only time he would eat tea sandwiches and drink tea with me with a smile on his face), and then hoping he gives me the vacuum and teacups/saucers I’ve requested. SERIOUSLY!? I am sounding older and older by the minute.
This week has been full of blog dinners, happy hours and work events, and the earliest I’ve gotten home is 9:00pm (this is where Christian sings a la Justin Timberlake “cry me river”), so I am actually really looking forward to a low-maintenance birthday. I’m turning 28… which I have to share because I feel like you probably think I’m turning 65 based on the paragraph above. I’m not mad about it. Every year I turn older I’m more and more comfortable making decisions and following my intuition.
I was recently listening to a podcast that talked about ego vs. intuition and learning to trust your intuition in times that required important decision-making. Your ego tells you to do the thing that looks the best to the outside world, while your intuition tells you what you’re made of – your conscious, your integrity. I’m a religious person, and I’ve always felt that the gut feeling I feel is God guiding me to the right choice. The older I get the more confident I am to stay true to myself, which makes me feel like this.
Thank you so much for reading, for sharing your kind (and often hilarious) comments, and for making this blog one of the most fun and rewarding things in my life. Love you, mean it – XO –
If you haven’t seen it all over your Instagram feed yet… early access to one of the best shopping holidays of the year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, is ON for Nordstrom cardholders! I think this is such a great time to snag a major deal on some of those name brand items you might not be able to budget for full-price.
In years past I’ve scored Frye boots, designer jeans, perfumes and handbags at a serious discount. Today I’m rounding up some of my favorites for those of you with early access! Don’t have a Nordstrom card? Don’t sweat it, you can still see what’s marked down, you simply can’t complete your purchase until the sale is available to all shoppers on July 17th.
I’ve also included some extra items that I think are great deals below in the product thumbnails – this bag? Tassel everything, yes please.
Thanks so much for reading, and Friday’s Five will actually be shared tomorrow. Friday’s Five on Saturday… that doesn’t make sense you say? Well it actually sums up my manic life right now because I feel like I’m all over the place on four hours of sleep with work and blog… so I’m going with it, as it feels fitting! #Jesustakethewheel Happy weekend, babes! XO –
