Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five

– sharing our full townhouse tour on The Everygirl, more about this feature on CBL on Tuesday! –

– the fact that I am incapable of being normal in a photo booth (and that Golden Globes viewing party was really fun!) –

– surprise! an exciting mention in People StyleWatch (and thank you so much for all the sweet notes/comments on this – love you guys!), the outfit being worn can be found here –

– making a chess pie for my dessert-loving husband –

Second week back in the swing of things and I GUESS it’s not so bad being back in my regular routine… but I mean, not having to wake up to an alarm was real nice.

Also, I tend to eat more when I have more free time. Is anyone else like that? You would think when you have more free time, you can prepare healthier meals but instead I just dream of my next meal. I work in corporate retail, so the months leading up to holiday are busy. Very busy. Rather than gain weight during all the holiday indulging, I actually lost weight because I was too busy to stop for lunch. No worries, I made up for with all of the time off, so now it’s nice to be back in the grind because I have less time to dream of bbq, pasta, pizza and all things Mexican food.

On the note of food, I made this chili this week and it was the perfect January dinner. White bean & chicken chili was one of my favorite dishes at the Chi O house when I was in college, so it definitely hits home whenever I make a batch (I had to leave out the jalapeno because Christian is a weenie). Make it. You won’t regret it.

Last but not least, it was quite an exciting week spotting a mention in People StyleWatch and The Everygirl (I’ll be sharing more about this feature and some extra photos on Tuesday)! These are two fun little projects I’ve had in the works for a few months, so it was definitely a fun moment to share with everyone. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all your feedback, encouragement and support about both of these surprises! I am so humbled and honored, honestly, I don’t even know what to say besides I’m sending out Internet hugs and high fives to all y’all!

Lastly, I also have to share some great BaubleBar sales going on right now:

Take 15% off 2 items with code STASH15
Take 25% off 3 items with code STASH25
Take 30% off 4+ items with code STASH30

Have a beautiful weekend and don’t forget to enter the Nordstrom giveaway – XO –

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Lightened Up Caesar Salad

I’ve always enjoyed a caesar salad or house salad at restaurants as my meal, but in the past few years, I have somehow come to appreciate a really good chicken caesar salad. A simple dish that always hits the spot. I always make my own salad dressings (they just taste so much fresher), and have tried this lightened up caesar salad dressing before. It’s good, but lacks that creamy texture that traditional dressings have.

This recipe – this is the winner. It is so good, so rich and spot on – and I love that it uses Greek yogurt as the key ingredient! I would never think to try that but it is exactly what I was looking for in mastering a lower-calorie version of the flavorful dressing.

And what pairs better with a classic caesar salad than a good glass of wine? This decanter and these monogrammed rocking glasses from Personal Creations have been some of my favorite kitchen accessories lately. I’ve been wanting a decanter, and Christian and I have loved using this one as our weekend happy hour enabler. We read this article and have really loved seeing how letting your wine breathe can really enhance the taste. We tested it out with one of our favorite bottles, and I definitely felt like I could really taste the richness even more so having let it breathe in the decanter beforehand.

Thanks for reading – and if you try this recipe, let me know what you think. A big WELCOME to any of you coming from our super fun Everygirl Home Tour today! And don’t forget to enter the Nordstrom giveaway! XO –

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Best of 2014

– this post because the skirt felt so Carrie Bradshaw –

So I’ve been meaning to do this for WEEKS and am just now getting to to pulling some of my favorite posts from 2014. But better late than never! What I’ve gathered most from reflecting over the past year:

1) I miss my summer tan.

2) I have loved traveling and all the unexpected adventures 2014 brought – Santa Barbara, Monterey, Carmel, San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, Mississippi, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, LA, Temecula, Utah, Los Olivos, Solvang, Big Sur, Big Bear, Malibu, Santa Monica and Palm Springs. WOW. What a year! No wonder I was so sad to bid it farewell.

3) I love a good “Carrie Bradshaw” moment – hailing a cab in stilettos, wearing a WWCD (what would Carrie do)-inspired outfit, taking style risks – she’ll always be my inspiration.

4) I have had a blast with this blog thanks to all of you who take the time out of your busy day to visit, read, share your comments on CBL + social media and email. You are such a big part of my happiness and I am forever grateful for you!

– sharing my favorite beach in Orange County –

– this post in front of one of the most darling decorated homes in our neighborhood –

– doing one of my favorite things with my favorite person – visiting some of the endless wineries in California –

– this edgy meets ladylike look that feels so me –

– a classic look in my favorite neutrals –

– this nautical outfit in Carmel –

– playing in West Village during New York Fashion Week –

– a quilted duo that fit like a glove –

– and another Carrie Bradshaw moment in New York –

– the midi skirt moment that made me fall in love (this is a WWCD outfit, don’t you think?) –

– a tee and tan that I want on my body immediately –

– a birthday weekend in Santa Barbara –

– visiting my brother’s family when they were living in San Francisco –

– when the jacaranda trees would bloom in our old neighborhood –

– keeping warm during the polar vortex in Chicago for two weeks –

– a ski trip in Utah –

– taking Bailey on our anniversary trip to the mountains –

– and snow in Central Park –

– a quick trip to the Viceroy Palm Springs –

– and a chilly January day playing in Beverly Hills –

What a year!! You know, it’s kind of funny – usually I am ready to welcome the new year. A fresh start and clean slate, saying goodbye to the struggles and obstacles of the previous year. This year however, I was a little sad to see 2014 go. It’s been such an amazing year – the first full year in California so we feel more settled. We moved from a tiny shoebox apartment to a roomy townhouse I’ve been able to decorate top to bottom. I moved into a new department at work and am so happy being in such a creative environment. Lula was diagnosed with myxosarcoma (cancerous tumor) and we had to amputate her leg, but she is still going strong, totally herself with three legs (!!) and we’re so grateful she’s still with us. I’ve loved this year and honestly feel more blessed and happy than I ever have.

THANK YOU for being on this journey with me. Thank you for always encouraging me. Thank you for inspiring me. And most of all, thank you for reading and accepting me, flaws and all.

I also want to take a moment to announce the winner of our $100 Max & Chloe giveaway! She is… Ina Ro! Thank you so much to all who participated.

Love you guys and hope 2015 is off to an incredible start for all of you! Don’t forget to enter the Nordstrom giveaway – XO –

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Celine Trapeze Look for Less

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

I recently saw this bag being worn somewhere online by a fashionista and snagged it immediately (I wish I could remember where so I could credit her! Thank you internet girl!). I love the shape and any bag that can be worn on both the shoulder and forearm is a friend of mine.

How great are these look-alikes? I can’t over it. I want ’em all. Snag it while it’s hot, gals! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter the Nordstrom giveaway! XO –

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Lessons from Edie

Some of y’all may know about one of my three nieces, Edie. She’s my darling almost three-year old niece (on 3/5 the day after Christian!), and she has a genetic disease that has left her with several disabilities.

Many of you may have read about her here or here, or maybe you know my family and you’ve read Edie’s CaringBridge page. Edie has a chromosomal abnormality called rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (most often referred to as the abbreviated RCDP). As a result of this disease, Edie has severe physical growth deficiencies as well severe mental deficiency. Cataracts, seizures, feeding problems (she cannot swallow), respiratory problems, and many other issues also occur. I could tell you more about the struggles both Edie and her parents face, but rather, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about talking and reacting to parents and families of special needs and terminally ill children.

What’s been pretty incredible to me is how having Edie in my life has opened doors to meeting so many others who have or have had special needs family members. It has been so comforting to relate to others and their stories and experiences. Chances are you know someone who has a special needs family member, while they may or may not have even told you. While I’m not claiming to speak on behalf of all special needs parents, I am sharing some tips and lessons I’ve learned from my family over these past two years.

1. Please don’t stare. When you notice someone in a wheelchair, or someone who looks like they may have a disability, it’s normal to be concerned, curious or confused, but often we stare and make expressions without even knowing it, and this is offensive and hurtful.

2. It’s ok to ask questions when it’s coming from a kind place. It’s common to approach a little baby and ask the parent how old she is, that’s ok. It’s better to ask a question you might ask any parents of a child – what her name is, comment on her dress or hair, ask about her age – it’s better to kindly ask questions if you’re interested rather than stare.

3. If your heartstrings are being pulled when you see someone struggling to check out at a grocery store with a child in a wheelchair or when they’re trying to go somewhere with a special needs child and a cart, etc., offering to help can mean so much! Recognizing that their life is probably a little more difficult than the average person and offering a hand – it can mean a lot.

4. Compliment the child on their bow, dress, shoes, anything. Speak to the child and engage with them just like you would a normal kid. Just a brief kind word can mean so much.

5. My sister-in-law was in the waiting room of a pediatricians office when Edie was over a year old. There was another mother in the waiting room with a five-month old daughter who was a similar size to Edie and already more advanced than her. The mother was asking about Edie and how old she was, it led to Anna telling her that Edie had a genetic disease that affected her growth and development and wouldn’t be able to live like a normal little girl. The mother said, “well who cares. That’s your baby and you love her with all your heart anyway.” This will be a lifelong memory for Anna and that mother’s honesty and appreciation for the fact that your child is your child no matter what – is what it’s all about.

I am not kidding when I say my entire family wrote this post together when we were celebrating an early Christmas in Malibu – so I have tips from everyone! My mom’s best friend sent us this book, and we loved this quote from the author, “When given the option between being right, or being kind, choose kind.” Have something to contribute from your own experience? I would truly love to hear. Thanks for reading. XO –

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Gray Skies in Malibu

When we were in Malibu recently with my family, we watched some of the most electric sunsets I’ve ever seen over this beach (you may have seen a photo here). We’ve taken a lot of beach trips over the years, and it definitely felt like no time had passed as we all gathered on the deck to watch the waves crash in while the sky turned hot pink. When in fact, it had been a year and a half since the 12 of us had been together. My dad, sister and I walked down to the sand and taught my niece, Harper, how to throw rocks in the ocean and it became a BIG source of entertainment for the week!

My sister kindly braved the December wind on the beach to snap some photos for me. This cozy spotted cardigan was just the sweater that I wore on repeat in LA, it’s so soft and roomy – one of those cozy, bundle up pieces. The older I get, the looser I wear my clothes… that’s probably standard though, right?

And a big thank you to my sister, Sarah Thorne, and niece, Harper, for helping snap these photos! Thanks for reading y’all – where does your family like the gather for a vacation? Don’t forget to enter the $100 Max & Chloe giveaway! XO –

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Sprinkled Rim Cocoa Recipe

With the last few days of Christmas decorations still being up, I wanted to end the holiday season with a little cheer. You may have seen my first post sharing this Sprout computer by HP, but I wanted to share the amazing scanning capabilities with you guys while also sharing a cute little cocoa recipe!

I was making some hot cocoa to enjoy a mug on our last night with our Christmas tree, and I wanted it to be extra festive because I mean… if it it looks cute it tastes better, right? Plus a tasty drink always helps me when I’m trying to be creative. Preferably one with a little booze. Just kidding.

Not kidding.

I thought I would sprinkle the rim of the mug and using honey and leftover Christmas sprinkles (you can also use corn syrup or melted chocolate = yum). Simply dip the mug in honey, then dip in sprinkles. I used a small baking funnel to pour the hot cocoa in the mug (as to not splash the sprinkles) and finished it off with a candy cane. Voila!

How cute would this be with colorful sprinkles and coffee on a birthday? Or is that just me?

So easy, so cute. I’m not going to lie that I was sad to see our Christmas tree go, but it’s nice to have the space back again. And let’s be honest, when the tree is dead and pine needles are everywhere, it makes letting go of the tree a little less painful. What was more sad was going on a New Years Day jog with Christian and enjoying the Orange Circle Christmas decorations for what I knew would be the last time. When they were putting them up I called Christian on the way to work to tell him they were PUTTING UP THE TREE IN THE CIRCLE, and I literally sounded like a 7-year-old with excitement. Until next year!!

Thank y’all for reading – and tell me, who’s going to sprinkle their mug for their next cocoa? C’mon, you know you want to.

Y’all Don’t forget to enter the Max & Chloe giveaway! XO –

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Resolutions

“You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

Happy New Year!!! I took yesterday off because the champagne was pourin’ (cause you know it was mandatory, three snaps), and today I thought I would share what some of my goals are for 2015.

1) Be more open and vulnerable on this blog.

I think I have been a little too vanilla on this blog. I love some of these personal posts (like this one or this one) where I’ve just put my heart and thoughts out there. I’ve been nervous about the feedback I could receive, possibly hurtful or negative. However, YOUR responses to these type of posts have been beyond inspiring to me, and this is a huge reason why I want to be more vulnerable on CBL.

Stay tuned, I’ve got (what I think is) a really great personal post coming up on 1/8!

2) Go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier.

I’m a night owl. Always have been. Christian, on the other hand, has to go to bed early in preparation for is often 5AM wake-up call to get ready for early rounds at the hospital. I have tried to be better about going to sleep earlier so I can get up with him. Even if just for the time to share a cup of coffee before saying goodbye, I really love the mornings I can drag myself out of bed.Because I’m such a night owl, it’s a constant struggle, but I have bought a really annoying loud alarm to hopefully help with this goal!

3) Do more Pilates.

When I moved to California, I traded Pilates for a gym membership. Pilates is pricey, but what I wasn’t taking into consideration was that that price is for not only great results, but also for a therapeutic, relaxing hour that keeps my back pain minimal and my mind clear.So now, I never go to the gym OR do Pilates… which was definitely not the plan! This year I want to get back into it. It’s worth the money.

4) Travel as much as possible.

Christian and I definitely packed a lot of travel into the first year we moved to California. It’s the splurge we both agree 100% on! The past six-months we have slacked in organizing weekend getaways and trips, and I am about to crack the whip. We are too close to so many amazing places not to take advantage of it – so we have some 2015 trips in the works.

5) Branch out in the kitchen.

Now that we have a grill again, we love to grill out for almost every weeknight meal. Chicken or beef, veggies and salad are our routine. I still love these meals, but I want to challenge myself to get a little more creative in the kitchen. The catch: this also requires time, which I don’t have a lot of during the week. #thestruggleisreal

2014 has been SUCH a year to remember, in great part to you guys!! Thank you so much for being a part of this memorable year. Tell me – what are some of your goals!? And tell me what you did last night – seriously, I want the deets.

Thanks for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five

– taking some time to unwind from Christmas shopping to do what I do best, sip at Malibu Wines –

– finally seeing what life is like from the view of one of the little Malibu beach bungalows along PCH –

– all smiles –

– a jaw-dropping sunset that had us completely mesmerized –

– decorating the table for our intimate Christmas dinner with La Marca Prosecco –

After a fun and family-filled week in Malibu and Santa Monica with my family, Christian and I enjoyed a quiet week at home with our fur babies for Christmas. I really cherish these years where it’s just the two of us, allowing us to focus completely on each other and create our own little traditions – like staying in pajamas until noon and then going on a beach jog before resuming the sport of eating. In addition to eating, booze is another great hobby of ours and this prosecco didn’t disappoint to toast such a lovely day.

For the cherry on top of the festivities, I was surprised with some of the items I had wished for from Christian and our families – like this pie dish, this loaf pan, this handbag and these shades. I got some other kitchen goodies and this book and this book that I was seriously longing for!! Now all I want to do is sit around, eat pie, and read my new books. What’s new, right?

Tell me what goodies you scored under the tree! Thanks so much for reading – love you guys – XOXO

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Happy Holidays

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you! Thank you for your continued love and encouragment and for all of your helpful feedback, advice and tips over the years.

I am humbled by your support and grateful for your kindness. Love love love to you and yours – XOXOXO –

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Strands Beach

When we first moved to Orange County, a new friend told me her favorite beach in the area was Strands Beach in Dana Point. This rang a bell because when we visited before we moved here (looking for houses/apartments), the man who drove the shuttle from the hotel to the airport was telling us we should try to see Dana Point before we left.

After our first visit, it was obvious in the first five seconds why everyone falls in love with this place. It is probably the most gorgeous beach I’ve ever seen other than the beaches in Greece. The houses, palms, open sand and electric sunsets – it instantly because our favorite beach in the area as well. And it was the perfect place to try out Christian’s new surfboard and wear one of my favorite retro swimsuits on a lazy, gray Sunday afternoon.

Still kind of crazy that we go to the beach in the middle of December… I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. Where am I again?

swimsuit c/o WET Swimwear | kimono, no longer available – similar here and here | sunnies c/o People by People

What’s your favorite area to unwind where you live? Do share. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays to ALL of you!! XOXO –

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Friday’s Five

– an early sunset while watching Christian surf –

– an early Christmas surprise thanks to my friends at BareMinerals –

– that moment you catch roses in perfect bloom –

– these pony-hair booties that are living on my feet all day, everyday –

– packing this fancy coat (under $40!) for a week in Malibu with my family –

Can you believe it!? Our last weekend until Christmas! Every year the holiday seasons seems to breeze by faster and faster – it’s almost frightening. As Christian and I enjoyed a December beach sunset together we stood in awe of God’s incredible creation. I couldn’t help but get a lump in my throat at the blessings I have been given. My supportive husband who I still get excited to hear enter the house every night, getting to see my entire side of the family (two, three and four legs) and celebrate the holidays with them. I am so grateful that I am healthy, my spouse is healthy and we still have Lula LaShonda with us for the Christmas season. There are so many incredible gifts that don’t cost a penny. For that, I am eternally grateful and appreciative. Sometimes it takes those bumps in the road to appreciate all of the good. All of the good.

2 Corinthians 2:8-9 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.'”

Let us be thankful for all the blessings in our lives that are completely free and the most meaningful of all. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. Thank you so incredibly much for being a part of this journey with me and for sharing your own journey. Your feedback is so motivating and inspiring to me. Lots of love to all of y’all. Words cannot express how thankful I am for you. XOXO –

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