Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five

– my obsession with navy nails and this mug –

– homemade biscuits with apple butter –

– a new orchid that has too many blooms to count –

– a lightened up orange chicken recipe that is actually quite delicious –

– scoring some pretty ZARA pieces on major sale –

Welcome to the weekend! I’ve had a busy work week as I’ve had a lot of international meetings for my day job, which has been such an amazing reminder that there is so much going on outside of my own little world. Exposure to other countries – their business perspectives and languages – has been so eye-opening for me and a reminder that I am quite a small piece of this world.

Christian is working this weekend, and I plan to binge watch as many Oscar-nominated films as possible because I absolutely love awards season. Christian and I watched The Theory of Everything (C has read the book and was a Physics major, so he has always admired Stephen Hawking), and I just had a lump in my throat the entire time. Christian laughs at me because he says I am way too affected by TV and movies, it’s like I feel like I’m in the movie or something (maybe this just means I’m really empathetic? And a sucker.), but once the film ends I am still thinking about it days later. I’m one of those, “I mean, can you imagine being Jane Hawking? What that marriage must have been like for her?”

In reverse, I read Gone Girl years ago, so when the movie came out I was adamant we see it. Then I left the movie telling C how lucky he was that his wife wasn’t a complete psycho. Even though when he pops out behind a door (he loves to scare), and I tell him to sleep with one eye open… I don’t really mean it… actually sometimes I do. I recently took blackmail photos while he was asleep and unknowingly sharing his pillow with Lula the cat. Because a healthy marriage is about having the power, don’t tell me any differently.

What nominated films have you seen and would you recommend them? Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter the Lookbook Store giveaway! XO –

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How to Style a Poncho

I am first to admit I love a big ‘ol poncho. I actually kept a big blanket poncho in my office for three years and would wrap that baby around me like a delicious blanket when I was working in Mississippi and the AC was always on blast. Now I work in California, where the AC is rarely even on, so the work poncho isn’t as necessary but nonetheless, I’m a sucker for what my mom coined “the pajama fake-out.” Anything that is as comfortable as pajamas, yet visually appropriate to where outside of your house.

I’ve been wearing this goemetric poncho on repeat because not only is it super comfortable and cute, but it also is this thick blanket-like material that is so soft. Also, it allows me to eat as many breakfast tacos at brunch as I desire, which is actually exactly what I did after Christian so kindly snapped these photos.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter the Lookbook Store giveaway! XO –

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Minny’s Chocolate Pie Recipe

A few months back I told my sister-in-law I would bring a pie for Thanksgiving. I have this problem of where I’m always wanting to try new recipes, which means that rather than opt for that tried-and-true dish that I know will be delicious, I take a risk on a new dish that may or may not be any good. I received this pie plate (and this loaf pan) that matches my everyday china from my in-laws recently, so I’ve been in full pie mode (Christian completely supports this)! All of this being said, I wanted to try a chocolate pie for the holidays and lo and behold I found this recipe for the chocolate pie from The Help!

You might remember this scene (of which Christian and I love to quote), but this recipe is quick, easy and absolutely delicious. I love that the recipe comes from Greenwood, Mississippi, where my grandmother lives and both of my parents grew up. Apparently they made over 50 pies for filming!

Fun fact: The home Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, “Hilly Holbrook,” lives in is actually my mom’s high school friend’s home and where my parents had their engagement party.

You need to make this pie. Not only because of the movie, but also because it’s delicious! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter the Lookbook Store giveaway – XO

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Townhouse Tour on The Everygirl

headboard available here and here | bedding

Some of you saw our little townhouse (sneak peek shared on CBL here) last week on The Everygirl, and if you did – thank you so much for your kind words on our space! So here is where I share my Everygirl crush. I have read The Everygirl since I was a senior in college at Ole Miss. I have always admired the curators of this site who put together the most amazing articles and advice for young career women – everything from tips on buying your first home to relationship and travel advice and fashion + beauty tricks. It’s been a central hub for me for inspiration for so many years.

I have always adored the home tours and have looked to them for inspiration when decorating the six homes I’ve lived in since college (that’s six in five years, what is wrong with me!?). SO, when our townhouse was selected for a feature, I had a serious happy dance moment (except I looked more like this).

It was such a privilege to have our home photographed by the incredibly adorable and talented Monica Wang, and I know I’ll adore these photos forever! I wanted to share some of my favorite photos that didn’t make the feature, but you can see the full post here.

Classic Bailey – inserting herself in as many photos as possible. Thanks so much for reading! Also, you can find the details on this dress here. XO-

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Casual in Santa Monica

Stripes and plaid… will this combination ever get old? I don’t think so. This is a go-to look for me in the fall and winter months when I want to look put together for a day of shopping or playing around town, and just what I went for when we were with my family in Santa Monica and Malibu for the holidays. And this layered cardigan? Don’t even get me started. I’m having a serious navy moment (I recognize I’m late to said moment) and am even pairing it with black. I’m into it!

I snagged these boots on Black Friday and have been wearing them nonstop. A 3.5″ heel, which is comfortable for me for an all day boot… but not comfortable enough to walk two miles back from shopping to our rental house. It happens. Luckily, I had my sister, niece and Christian to keep me entertained!

NOW, to win this dress to Lookbook Store (same place where the cardigan is from) – giveaway runs until 2/2 at at 8AM EST! Open worldwide.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading and entering! XO –

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Friday’s Five

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

– new shades c/o People by People –

– 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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Explore The Blog

Shop Around

Friday’s Five

How to Style a Poncho

Minny’s Chocolate Pie Recipe

Townhouse Tour on The Everygirl

Casual in Santa Monica

Friday’s Five

Lightened Up Caesar Salad

Best of 2014

Celine Trapeze Look for Less

Lessons from Edie

Gray Skies in Malibu

Sprinkled Rim Cocoa Recipe