Carrie Bradshaw Lied

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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Her

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

It’s already that time of year – can you believe it? I’m still kind of bummed that Christmas decorations are down, BUT I can get down with pink and red any day of the week. Above are some of my picks that I might be casually hinting to Christian (ok fine, #3, #7, #8, #10 and #14 I already have – but I LOVE them!).

What do you typically do for Valentine’s Day – flowers and dinner or are there presents and chocolates?

Thanks for reading – gift guide for him coming soon (along with some really cheese/embarrassing Valentine’s Day stories and memories, please don’t gag)! XO –

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Hosting a Tea Party

What girl didn’t love a good tea party growing up? Whether it’s with empty plastic teacups or your grandmother’s fine china, I feel like tea parties are just as much a staple as playing grocery cashier (or was that just me… I mean those conveyer belts are pretty much the coolest thing ever when you’re six-years-old). I have some really adorable memories of having high tea in New York, Seaside, Florida and Corona del Mar – scones, tea sandwiches and pages of flavored tea to thumb through (and in Florida we even wore giant hats!). A friend recently suggested I try Paris in a Cup Tea Room that is actually just down the street, so that is most definitely on my list.

I recently had a day off work, so I decided to have my own little tea party with cinnamon vanilla tea and scones. Personally, I think scones or tea sandwiches, interesting flavors of tea, a tea pot, china, silver and linens are the necessities to an at-home tea party. I used this simple scone recipe and substituted craisins rather than raisons.

If only I could have had one of my nieces over! And if my curly-headed niece (I have a blonde curly-haired niece, a brunette niece and a redheaded niece – so we’ve got it all!) had come over, I would have totally left the raisons in because the curly-headed one is a real big fan of that little red Sun-Maid box.

Pinky up, friends!

Have you ever had afternoon tea? What was it that made it so special? Thanks for reading and sharing! XO –

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Layering a Color Block Dress

This outfit takes me back to my traditional corporate work days, when I dressed in pencil skirts and blazers most days, with my own wacky twist (I mean, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do). Now I work in a creative, no dress code environment, so my workday wardrobe resembles more of my weekend wardrobe (and yes, sometimes this is yoga pants), but I do occasionally miss dressing so polished regularly! I dressed similar to this to work recently and was asked 15x why I was so dressed up!

When I worked in a traditional and conservative setting, I loved starting with a ladylike piece, like this dress, and then adding layers that represented my funkier personal style on top. In this instance, I added a leather jacket to the dress, a studded belt, and topped it off with a fur vest.