Carrie Bradshaw Lied

My Advice for New Bloggers

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 –

32 Comments|See Comments

Lately: Beauty Faves

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.

1) bareMinerals Complexion Rescue + Smoothing Face Brush and Eyeshadow Palette.

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!

3) PMD – Personal Microderm Device

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!

4) Kate Somerville Skincare

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

12 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five

– 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 –

15 Comments|See Comments

My Valentine

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?

– all clothing worn by me is from Morning Lavender –

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 –

26 Comments|See Comments

Blush Sequined Top

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 –

23 Comments|See Comments

Valentine Cookie Recipe

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 –

13 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five

– finding the missing ingredient to avocado toast: red pepper flakes –

– my new addiction to these sunglasses & the most hilarious book from my sister-in-law and niece –

“An evening dress that reveals a woman’s ankles while walking is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.” – Valentino on finding ankles offensive

– trying out Lanakin to see if I can add some length to these stubby lashes of mine (will keep you guys posted on this process!) –

– a sweet-smelling surprise to try out from Scentbird based on a fragrance quiz I took –

– a daily dose of flamingos with this Casetify flamingo phone case –

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 –

17 Comments|See Comments

Styling Basics

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 –

13 Comments|See Comments

CBL: Navigating the New Site

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.

Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the Valentine’s Day giveaway! XO –

11 Comments|See Comments

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Him

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17

Part II of this year’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is here, and it’s all about the dudes (you can check out Part I here). Christian either has the item above, or it has been man-approved, so I feel confident I’m delivering honest picks (ok fine, I can’t make him use my Clarisonic, BUT I think it’s a great pick for a guy – we all need to exfoliate, right?).

This aquarium is extra cool to me – and seems so perfect for an office. What are some things you have in mind for your guy or some great gifts you’ve given in years past? I’m always looking for ideas!

Thanks for reading! XO –

7 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five

– the most perfect Valentine’s Day heels –

– a lazy pampering day and new ear baubles (from left to right) 1, 2, 3 –

– trying out Pacifica’s roll-on Perfume that is made with essential oils and is cruelty-free –

– marquee letter of my dreams –

– pity flowers from C –

You guys. This was A WEEK. I know that sometimes blogs and social media can feel like a constant highlight reel. “Look at this awesome outfit in a field of daisies with sunbeams in all the right places and candid photos of me casually laughing while putting a flower behind my ear!” And you know what? I’ve had some of these highlight reel moments thanks to this blog and YOU, the readers who actually take the time out of the day to visit and read, sharing your input and thoughts along the way.

BUT, I always want to be real. Even when it’s not cute. And even a little sad. Let’s get personal (and on that note, you can visit more personal posts in the “Personal” category at the top of the page under “Category” in the navigation bar – more on this next week!).

I’m pretty sure this week was God telling me to check the ego. To begin, I was emailed on Tuesday and invited to represent CBL the Grammy Awards. I think my jaw hit the floor. I said YES without even checking my schedule and texted Christian and my mom, envisioning what I was going to wear, down to the lipstick, jewelry and everything. They were so stoked for me and their enthusiasm was beyond amazing!

Within three hours, I was actually uninvited. As in someone better came along and better luck next time. I was SO SHOCKED, embarrassed, but also laughing out loud. I tell this story to my coworkers, who literally laughed so hard that one of them shed tears. And now everyone in my office thinks this is the most hilarious story ever (and it is), but I mean, talk about an ego check! I don’t know if I’ve ever had an invitation retracted from me, so it was most certainly humbling.

Wednesday I attended a hot yoga class thanks to ClassPass OC. On my way trotting there, my Havaiana flip flop broke. Let’s keep in mind this particular pair was bought in San Diego years ago when I was frantically running around a mall because my cell phone was stolen. While trying to relocate my cell phone (which I never found), my flip flops broke so I had to walk barefoot to Urban Outfitters to buy the Havaianas. So it was beyond perfect that it was this exact pair that broke on me, leaving me barefoot again. WAY TO LET ME DOWN FLIP FLOPS. I was like, “IS THIS FOR REAL!?” Still laughing, I show up barefoot to my yoga class like a true yogi. Even better? I live in California, which is so chill, no one even realized I was barefoot.

Thankfully, I have the biggest cheerleader and supporter in Christian who made sure to pick up the beautiful pity flowers above between rounds at the hospital so I would come home to “sorry your week has kind of sucked” blooms. I love him.

These are small problems. So insignificant in big picture life, but I had to share it with you guys – because it’s real, and it’s not perfect. Sometimes I have to put my phone away and avoid social media and magazines because I don’t want to compare my life to someone else’s highlight reel. Comparison is the thief of joy and I have the power to keep my joy. SO, this is my honest confession of my ridiculous week of ugly moments.

Tell me – have you had these moments when you don’t know whether to laugh or cry? Tell me you chose to laugh!

Have a beautiful weekend XO –

33 Comments|See Comments

Hot Pink Blazer

YOU GUYS – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner – can you believe it?! I’m already thinking pink, and this hot pink blazer is probably my absolute favorite blazer in my closet (besides my white blazer – an always-chic staple in my book). So I love Valentine’s Day a little extra because on 2/14/12 Christian actually picked up my engagement ring that he designed. He paid for the ring, and then the poor guy had to go buy me flowers, chocolates and a gift so I wouldn’t be thrown off! He ended up proposing on February 17th, but my favorite part of the engagement was hearing all the hard work he had put into the ring.

Can this mean that every Valentine’s Day brings diamonds?

What is your favorite Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Other than my left hand bling, my next favorite would be a giant teddy bear that Christian surprised me with after hearing me say no one had ever bought me a giant teddy bear. It is now being stored at my parents house in Mississippi because I want to put it in our one-day nursery, and my niece, Harper, enjoys wrestling with it whenever she’s at Doc and Gangy’s house. Go Harper!

Thanks so much for reading! And if you’re looking for something a little fancy for Valentine’s Day – know that you can get 20% off your Ruche purchase with the code above! XO –

10 Comments|See Comments

Explore The Blog

Shop Around

My Advice for New Bloggers

Lately: Beauty Faves

Friday’s Five

My Valentine

Blush Sequined Top

Valentine Cookie Recipe

Friday’s Five

Styling Basics

CBL: Navigating the New Site

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Him

Friday’s Five

Hot Pink Blazer