So I don’t know if I’ve fully shared my love of cashmere and eBay on this blog before, but there’s no time like the present.
My entire family, actually, is all about some eBay. I’ve snagged fragrances, Lacoste sweaters, a Burberry trench, designer belts, you name it. In this case, I adore cashmere but refuse to pay hundreds of dollars for it, especially now that I live somewhere that rarely dips below 55 degrees.
Not to worry, this season I’ve snagged camel and black cashmere turtlenecks on eBay, as well as an oversized gray cashmere batwing sweater that is like wearing a blanket, and I love it. I didn’t pay more than $40 per item, and I know these are chilly weather staples that will be hanging in my closet for years to come.
I must also share that these leggings are my new lifeline. They are made of extremely durable and thick while flattering fabric that also has a tummy control panel. I love them so much I could marry them. I’ve been wearing them at least once a week and love how comfortable and sleek they are. I seriously should just go ahead and throw all of my other leggings in the trash because these are 800x more flattering.
So are any of you guys eBay shoppers? I’d LOVE to hear some of the things you’ve scored! Make me jealous! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
– enjoying watching the flamingos last weekend, and convincing myself if I was a bird I would be a flamingo (tall, pink, a little goofy) –
– the best kind of breakfast – Shop Sucre macarons and King Cake –
– someone’s still offended she didn’t get an invite to Disneyland –
– reflecting on a relaxing weekend in the desert –
– a touch of pink –
February has brought some fun weekends this year that I’m all about after a quiet January. Last weekend we enjoyed some R&R (more like I enjoyed considering C was in conference meetings during most of the daytime) in the desert and this Sunday Christian kicks off a week of vacation. Tonight, my brother-in-law (C’s little brother) arrives from Mississippi to take part in a California vacation. Christian and his brother are really close and it blows my mind we’ve only see Timothy twice in 1.5 years. They are in constant contact though, and C has been working to plan the perfect week of bro time.
Tomorrow night we’re stealing my brother and sister-in-law in LA and the five of us will head to the Clippers vs. Kings game. Sunday I’ll head back to LA for an Oscars viewing party and C and Timothy can prep for their week of camping/hiking/surfing (and maybe visit a winery on the way). They’ll ditch me and I’ll work during the week, joining them on Wednesday for a weekend of skiing in Mammoth. Basically just a week jam-packed with sports and outdoor activities… which is definitely a week planned by brothers. Stuff like this always makes me feel sorry for my brother, who grew up with only sisters meaning we would take him to the spa and shopping, when really he would rather be golfing and skiing. The guy loves a hot stone massage though.
Lastly, I’ve finally completed my two-week Lanakin trial and my lashes have actually gotten longer! They’re not lash extension or Latisse long, but they have gotten a little extra boost which I’m always up for.
Have any of you been skiing in Mammoth? We went to Deer Valley last February, but didn’t want to make Timothy fly again after flying all the way across the country. Would love to hear your thoughts or recommendations!
**Update: the original giveaway that was posted has closed. Thank you to those of you who entered!**
Have an amazing weekend, y’all. Thanks for reading! XO –
One of my favorite things to do with Christian on the weekend is go to the beach. While California as a whole is very pet-friendly, a lot of the beaches only allow dogs at certain hours of day (which I totally understand, as my dog is a total wild woman). Newport allows dogs after 4:30pm, which means Bailey gets weekly beach walks during the summer and spring after work.
Dana Point and Newport Beach have my favorite Orange County beaches… but Queen B loves the ocean. Now that it’s darker earlier, she hasn’t been getting her weekly fix, so C and I took her for a joyride. Her excitement level is something else. I feel like she acts like we keep her locked in the basement and her beach visits are her only time for fresh air in months. It’s not embarrassing at all… false. It’s way embarrassing. BUT, I love this quote from Ryan Adams, “There is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything. Negative people find their walls. So never apologize for your enthusiasm. Never. Ever. Never.” So Bailey – you win, girlfriend!
I have to wear a swimsuit around Bailey because she loves to walk up to me and shake her salty water and sand all over me. So I layered some loose-fitting pants and a crocheted cardigan over this super fun Triangl bikini for a put-together beach look.
bikini c/o Triangl | crochet cardigan – Gypsy Couture Boutique, similar here and here | pants – Forever21, old, love these and these | pendant c/o Johnny Loves June | sunnies | gold cuff c/o Gorjana | assorted David Yurman | gold chain bracelet c/o INPink
That sunset gets me every time. What’s your favorite time of day at the beach, lake or pool? I’d love to hear. Thanks always for reading! XO –
I get a lot of emails from new bloggers and girls who want to start a blog. I’ve briefly mentioned some of my personal advice in the FAQ area of this blog. However it sounds like you guys want more, so I thought I would dedicate a post to passing down what I’ve learned and things I wish I had known when I started this blog in 2010. Note: this is purely my opinion only – I’m certainly not claiming to know it all!
1) Do it because you love it. I would absolutely recommend starting a blog only if it’s because you genuinely love photography, writing and sharing your experiences with others. I did not start this blog to make money, nor did I even realize it could possibly make a dollar! Blogging regularly takes a lot of time, persistence and energy, and you have to really love it to spend the time working on it, especially after working 40+ hours a week in your day-job. Point: don’t do it for the money or freebies, do it because you love it.
2) Invest in a DSLR. I blogged for about two years without having a nice camera. Why? I have no clue. But your camera will quickly become your best friend, and if I could rewind, I would have had a better camera from the beginning. I started out with this camera, and it was a great beginners camera!
3) Quality not quantity. I aim to post 5x a week, but sometimes life gets in the way, time slips away or I’m simply not inspired. Years ago, I would just throw up anything to post daily. This is my personal opinion, but I think you guys prefer quality posts over something thrown up here to avoid being silent. Now, if I don’t have something I’m excited about or proud of to share, I just skip a day if necessary. And this is still something I struggle with when I feel stretched thin!
4) Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient. I blogged for years before anyone ever sent me anything to review or style. And I didn’t care! I blogged because I loved writing and I loved your comments and emails. I think there’s been a surge of new blogs in the past few years, and when reading blogs it’s easy to think they just started a website and poof! Instant success. For some that might be the case, but for me it was anything but. If you’re starting your blog for the right reasons and you’re being authentic and original, success will come. Keep peddling, stay passionate and consistent – it will show.
5) There’s no magic formula. Or if there is – I’m unaware of it, so please share! Ha – but seriously, everyone is unique and different things work for different people. I try to focus on creating relatable, original content and credit others when they’re inspiring my work. There’s nothing more disappointing than when you feel like someone has taken your content and claimed it as their own, so always give shout outs to those who are influencing your content (ex: yesterday’s post – I only heard about the PMD through my girl Mint Arrow!).
These are all my tips – and I’m sorry if it’s not as juicy as you thought. I think every blogger has strategies that work for them. The key is being original, honest and having a passion for this blogging world. It’s not about page views, dollars or freebies – it’s about loving this online community and writing and sharing your experiences with others. Keep at it, I mean, how amazing is it that you can carve out your own space on the Internet to look back and reflect on it over the years? That’s pretty freakin’ awesome if you ask me.
Thanks to all of you who emailed me to inspire this post! Love you guys, mean it. XO –
I’ve been trying out some new beauty and skincare items lately, and I wanted to share my thoughts with you guys. Even though I work full-time in cosmetics, I’m actually not a beauty junkie. Never have been. I’m more of a clothes and accessories girl (big surprise there), and I usually keep my hair and makeup routine quite simple. But today I’ve got some products that are definitely brag-worthy to share.
This formula is hydrating with more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and less coverage than a foundation. This is my new go-to for weekday work makeup when I need a little coverage but nothing too heavy for daytime. Their eyeshadow palette is also the perfect travel eyeshadow – a little bit of everything in a small package. I brought that to Palm Springs this weekend and it was absolutely perfect!
2) Smilepacks 7 Day Whitening System
Who doesn’t want a brighter smile? I’d like to think that I could give up red wine and coffee to have pearly whites, but we both know that’s never going to happen. Enter this whitening system. In just three days I could see a difference, and after a full week my teeth were noticeably whiter. I only experienced teeth sensitivity once (due to my keeping the trays on too long), but once I started setting my timer I never experienced any sensitivity or pain like I usually due when whitening my teeth. Normally $129.99, Dazzlepro is offering CBL readers a huge 70% off discount with the code Smile4KB, bringing the final cost down to $39 with free US shipping. Steal!
One of my blogger friends, Corrine of Mint Arrow, was promoting this handy tool around Christmastime and I was sold. I have a simple skincare routine for my face that I maintain, but she was sharing she used this device on her arms to smooth them out and couldn’t live without this baby. I’ve been using it on my arms because I’ve always had these little bumps (I believe the official term is Keratosis Pilaris), and I thought this could help. After just one time using it, I could definitely tell a difference. With this PMD + my beloved Clarisonic – I think my entire body is set!
I love a good lotion and this oil-free moisturizer and corrective eye cream feels amazing. It’s lightweight and smells and feels so luxe. After using the moisturizer at night, I wake up with the silkiest, smooth skin. The skin on my face has always been pretty sensitive (salt water from the ocean makes my face burn and I’m then digging through the cooler to put ice on my face – true story), so I rarely branch out of Oil of Olay for my face in fear of irritation. But this stuff is good guys, real good.
Do you have any new beauty tools you’ve experimented with lately? I’d love to hear! Thanks for reading y’all – XO
– packing these beauties for our Valentine’s weekend in Palm Springs –
– having my nails done on a vintage airstream (I mean… so adorable), thanks to the gals at The Nail Truck and my friends at P.J. Salvage HQ and Shout PR –
– I mean… does a more accurate mug even exist? And this card from my girlfriend Amy, hilarious and 100% true –
– weekend snuggles with Lula –
– a new set of incredibly soft sheets (seriously – even Christian is addicted) –
We are heading to Palm Springs for the long weekend (!!!), and I’m ready to order room service, lay by the pool and binge-read. While this may sound like a romantic Valentine’s weekend away, we’re actually going because Christian has a medical conference, and I’m the tag-along. I was originally planning on going to Fashion Week, but after going back and forth I decided to opt for warmer weather. I’ve only been to Palm Springs once (recap here, coincidentally in February of last year), so I’m excited to visit again!
I’m halfway through my two-week run with Lanakin for longer lashes (mentioned last week) and I have to admit I can really see a difference. I curled my lashes and was like, well hello there, where have you girls been hiding? I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts with y’all when the full trial is complete.
I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend filled with roses, chocolate and red wine (because those are all of the important ingredients for my perfect weekend). #treatyoself And a big thank you for all your sweet words about our little Valentine’s Day Lookbook shoot. I’m still so impressed Christian went along with it for me!
Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you always for reading – XO –
Christian and I were recently photographed by Morning Lavender Boutique and Lace & Lock’s adorable, ridiculously talented Kim Le for a Valentine’s Day Lookbook. It was such a treat to be photographed where we live. We took these anniversary photos in Malibu right when we moved to California, but something about these capturing the areas where we ride our bikes and walk every weekend feels extra special.
So here is a true and corny story. When I first laid eyes on Christian, I thought he was super cute. I was interested, but then I found out he was incredibly smart. One of these National Merit Scholars/full scholarship kids. Then I was mega interested. Nice, smart AND cute is the trifecta in my book! I told my girlfriends it was my mission to make him my boyfriend by summer. Christian used to be pretty quiet (my constant yammering has changed this now), so at the time, simply talking to me was flirting in his mind. A couple months later, Valentine’s Day of 2007, he texted on my pink Motorola Razr (you know you had one) and asked me to be his Valentine. It was like being asked to prom for the first time. I was at the breakfast table with my girlfriends eating heart-shaped pancakes made by my fabulous BFF Shallon, and I announced his text to the table. The entire day I was floating on a cloud.
And that night I ate a heart-shaped pizza with my friends. In fact, I don’t know if I even saw Christian that day, but I definitely remember my meals which shows my true colors.
This, combined with my other Valentine’s Day confession, makes this Hallmark holiday a little extra fun for us (mostly me) because it reminds me of those butterflies and his February proposal five years later.
Cheesy story – but I mean – those beginning butterflies (and heart-shaped pizzas) are the BEST, right?
The best part about these photos? Christian takes amazing candids, but I feel like I often look like a stiff robot. He was reciting lines from my favorite commercial on TV right now to make me laugh (“44 LADIES THAT’S ME!”). Seriously, he’s just my favorite person in the world.
Happy Valentine’s Day y’all – thanks for enjoying my cheesy post (literally and figuratively – I love those heart-shaped pizzas)! XO –
These photos were snapped at the lawn at Chapman University, and the always green, fresh cut grass is one of my favorite landmarks of the town where we live. I want to make grass angels in this lawn every time I pass it, and this day was no exception. After Christian snapped these photos after church, we sat down in the grass for a few minutes and enjoyed the sunshine and the smell of the grass that gave me a few minutes of summer.
Who remembers the GAP fragrance called grass? I’m not completely sure, but I feel like my mom, sister and I bought a bottle if not just for the amazement that it was even a fragrance. There is even a Facebook group that is dedicated to fans begging GAP to bring back the fragrance – I’ll double like that.
As for the outfit, nothing makes me happier than a soft pink (I mean, this blog has been pink and gray since 2010). These kitten heels (the Carrie Bradshaw-lover in me never thought I would wear kitten heels, but I’m actually addicted to these sandals), this mini crossbody and blush sequin top have me so ready for a week of red and pink.
What is your favorite pink piece in your closet? And someone tell me they remember the GAP grass perfume, better yet, tell me you bought it! Thanks for reading – XO –
It’s not a Hallmark holiday if there isn’t something sweet to celebrate with, right? I actually baked these cookies for Christian on Super Bowl Sunday. He was working all weekend and the man has a sweet tooth like a jr. high girl, so I knew if I made him so cookies it would be a treat.
I texted him a picture (which I later instagrammed), and his response was, “those don’t look like football cookies.” In my defense, I didn’t attend any Super Bowl parties because there was really no point if C couldn’t come with, considering we all know the only element of the game I cared about was Katy Perry (and Missy Elliott was an AMAZING surprise). Because of this, I had kind of forgotten the game was even on – whoops!
But back to the cookies. I am not a skilled baker. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law can bake the most amazing cakes, breads, cookies and so on. They have the skill and patience to decorate beautiful desserts, while I do not. SO, I wanted something that was practically fail-proof – enter chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies.
I used this recipe and added some sprinkles. Trust me, if I can bake two batches of these, anyone can.
Quick note: I’ve recently updated the category pages up at the top to reflect a grid display so it’s easier to navigate. This should make scrolling through the food & drink page much easier!
Are you baking this week? A reader recently shared that she makes her husband chocolate-dipped strawberries every year and now it’s their tradition. How sweet is that? I’d love to hear your traditions… and if it involves food, well that’s even better. Thanks for reading and happy red and pink week! XO –
After my pity party last Friday, I’m happy to share that it’s been a chin-up kind of week – so I’m grateful for a turnaround! I ordered and received a collapsable garment rack to use while sifting through my closet, so this goal is going to happen (sooner rather than later), guys. It might take me a little while (and some liquid courage), but it’s time to weed out those cocktail dresses I never wear anymore. I keep using the MS to CA excuse – I needed corporate and cocktail in the South because my job was structured and the attire is more formal at church, work, weddings, etc. In California you can wear board shorts to work and church, so my wardrobe has totally shifted, leaving my more formal pieces untouched. Time to rip the bandaid off!
In totally unrelated and personal news… Christian and I are FINALLY visiting Disneyland this weekend! The fact that we have yet to visit is basically a crime considering we live less than five miles from Disney and hear the fireworks every night at 9:30PM. Christian isn’t really into the Disney scene, but I’m all about some rides, so I’m all over that (I think… it’s been a while and I’m a little afraid I now feel less invincible so it could be terrifying) and am forcing him to get onboard. With a few fanny packs, Reeboks, tucked in t-shirts, autograph books and Mickey ears – I think we can take this to next level. Gimme that turkey leg.
Have you been to Disney World or Disneyland lately and if so, what’s your favorite ride? Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the Valentine’s Day giveaway! XO –
The past few years, I have made a conscious effort to stock up on basic pieces in my closet that can be worn numerous ways. Everything being worn in these photos fits that bill, and I don’t think I’ve taken off these booties or jeans since I’ve gotten them.
In fact, my mom called me recently just to tell me that I needed to wear some different pants because it “looks like you’re wearing the same jeans every single day. It’s weird, Kathleen.” Honestly… I might be, because I feel the cut is so flattering they make me feel like Miranda in Sex and the City (in the Burger/post-it episode) when she can fit into her “skinny jeans” again and feels like a million bucks. And as my mom would say (even though we’ve asked her multiple times to never say again), “quit being a hater.”
Thanks so much for reading, and tell me, what piece in your closet makes you feel like a million bucks? Don’t forget to enter the Valentine’s Day giveaway! XO –
So it’s been a few weeks and some of you may have noticed – CBL got a makeover! The majority of the site is still the same, but there are a few things I was able to integrate with the help of the talented Stephanie Gimlin that I hope will make reader experiences even easier.
My favorite element – each post on this site (and we’ve been here a few years guys, so there’s a lot) is categorized under the page “Category” at the top of the site. I know there are some blogs I visit solely for food or travel, so I thought it was important to make this easily available rather than how the “Top Posts” was previously displayed. I got so bad about keeping it updated!
I’ve also changed how the posts are displayed. The newest post will be displayed in full as it always has been, but each post afterward will be collapsable, allowing you to click in should you wish to continue reading. I felt this would help you guys skip over some posts you may not connect with, find older posts easier and easily see where you left off if you haven’t visited in a while.
Like before, you can still search the site and subscribe to receive CBL posts in your inbox (on the right sidebar). Note: when we switched over from Blogger to WordPress some of you may have lost your subscription in the transfer. SO, if you haven’t been receiving CBL in your inbox and you would like to see it again, please subscribe again. Sorry for the inconvenience!
And that’s about it! I wanted to keep the design of this site pretty simple and easy to navigate, and I hope y’all don’t feel like much has changed. If you have any suggestions as to what you might like to see (in terms of design or posts), I’d love to hear! My mom has already put in her two cents that the category pages need to display in a grid form rather than post by post so it’s easier to skim over the options (ex: for food & drink this would be ideal). This is ONE valid suggestion… unlike when she told me 87x that she didn’t like how the photos faded when the curser was resting over the image. The first 80x I was like, “whatever.” The last 7x I was like, “FINE, I’M CHANGING IT so we don’t have to talk about this anymore.” Mom always wins.