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 –

13 Comments|See Comments

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

3 Comments|See Comments

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 –
7 Comments|See Comments

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 –

4 Comments|See Comments

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 –

5 Comments|See Comments

Cozy Winter Outfit

I would wear two sweaters everyday if SoCal would let me.  We had some serious rain recently that brought chilly weather just in time for Christmas.  Even better because last week I chopped several inches off of my hair which means I won’t get the “scarf tangles.”

Every time I wear a scarf with my hair down (or almost any fuzzy sweater for that matter), my hair gets tangled in knots like a six-year-old.  It is a nightmare.  Two years ago in New York I remember showing my parents the aftermath of a coat + scarf + hat – knotted like a dog!!  Do any of you have this problem?  Detangling spray and this brush are my saving grace.  Although I’ve seen people using this kind of brush – do any of you have a detangling tool you swear by?

 

oxblood cardigan c/o | cowlneck sweater c/o | denim c/o No Rest for Bridget | bag c/o | heels | earrings c/o | lipstick | sunnies | watch c/o | arrow cuff c/o INPink

Thanks so much for reading! Merry Christmas, y’all – XO –
16 Comments|See Comments

Home for the Holidays

 

I wanted to share a peek into our holiday decorations with you guys!  I don’t have a ton of holiday goodies, but what I do have I love, and it reminds me of home.

When Porch.com asked me to share some stories about special decor in my home, I knew exactly what I’d share. These little carolers.  They are special to me because my Dad bought my Mom a caroler every year that completed our family – Mr. and Mrs. Claus, two parents, two girls, one boy and two dogs.  Mom set them out on the buffet in the dining room every year and my sister and I would argue over which girl was who – obviously I wanted to be the one with the fur hand muff.  Now my mom gives Sarah Thorne and I one each year – although she gave me a daughter last year not realizing I don’t have a daughter… but it’s fine, we’ll let it go.  I may have bought a Lula and Bailey for myself.  Mom – if you’re reading, I still need Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hint hint!

Note:  I was showing these to a California coworker and she couldn’t help but hide her facial expression which made me laugh so hard.  She definitely thinks these figurines are super creepy and I get that – they’re not for everyone but they are just sentimental to me!  Kind of like my dad’s unusual gnome collection… another story for another day.

 

What are some Christmas decorations that are sentimental to you?  Porch.com and I would love to hear.  Share your holiday stories with pieces that are special to you with the hashtag #loveyourhome.  Thanks for reading and sharing.  Merry Christmas, y’all! XO –

5 Comments|See Comments

Red Ball Skirt

I can’t even say enough about this skirt.  It’s one of those pieces that when you put it on, add some sparkly bling (like my latest obsession, this Michele watch) and instantly feel fancy and glamorous – like you could walk in the room anywhere and feel like a million bucks.  Anything that makes me feel like my most feminine, confident, powerful (read: sky-high stilettos) self is a friend of mine.

The best part?  It won’t cost you a million bucks.  The skirt is on sale (!!) and will cost you less than $40.  And that my friend, I think would make Carrie Bradshaw proud.

skirt c/o | striped top – Forever21, old, love this one and this one | heels | clutch – TJ Maxx, old, similar here | earrings c/o (10% off with code CBLGIFT10) | sunnies | lipstick in F-Bomb | bracelets – INPink c/o  | watch c/o | gold bangle | assorted David Yurman | knot ring c/o | diamond loop ring c/o

Thanks for reading – Happy Holidays, y’all! XO –

11 Comments|See Comments

Rosebud Maxi Dress

I love a maxi dress and a maxi with long sleeves is one for the win.  This dress was the perfect dress for our weather a few weeks ago because was consistently in the 60s and 70s, and as I sat at happy hour with my girlfriend Nikki, sweating in my wool sweater, I thought, “remember: never wear a wool sweater in Southern California before December ever again in your life.” Noted.

This Lulu’s dress kept me party perfect in 70 degrees, and I’m lovin’ it.

 

dress c/o Lulu’s | heels – love these (50% off!) and these | bag c/o (10% off with CBLGIFT10) | sunglasses | monogram necklace | crystal necklace c/o (10% off with CBLGIFT10) | earrings c/o (10% off with CBLGIFT10) | bracelets c/o INPink | lipstick | diamond loop ring c/o Monica Vinader | knot ring c/o (10% off with CBLGIFT10) | gloves c/o 

Also, the earrings, ring and necklace I’m wearing are all a part of my exclusive gift set with Shop Prima Donna!  I have seriously been wearing the earrings and ring with everything, so you can expect these beauties to show up a lot more in the  next few weeks, but I must share that you can get 10% off at Shop Prima Donna with the code CBLGIFT10.  The earrings are the perfect addition to any festive holiday look with red, and y’all know I’m a sucker for red and pink together.

Thanks for reading! XO – 

9 Comments|See Comments

Sequined Party Pants

I mean… sequin joggers don’t really need an explanation.  Cause they’re awesome.  Baggy and covered in sequins is basically a pair of Kathleen’s dream pants and Christian’s worst nightmare.

I’m into it.

And because these pants aren’t loud enough on their own, I added some leopard pumps in the mix to keep it crazy.

 

pants c/o L.Mae Boutique (on sale!) | tee – eBay, similar here | jacket | heels | bag, love this one too | sunglasses, this pair is on my wish list

So I tried to pull off the half-up top knot and I don’t think I’m doing it right.  I LOVE it on shorter hair but while I thought it looked cute on me in the mirror, when I looked at these photos afterward I was like, “Christian why didn’t you tell me I looked like a crazy person?”  And he was all, “You’re a sequined MC Hammer and you think your hair is what makes you look crazy?”

Do any of you longer haired gals have tricks for this ‘do?  I’d love to hear! Thanks for reading – XO –

12 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five

 

– my sister-in-law’s adorable Thanksgiving table –

– the most adorable surprise package from Chandon – #pouronthefun!

 

– the face I got Monday morning when Bailey realized she wasn’t going to work with me –

– sequins on sequins –

– waking up to Christian’s latte skills –

This week, the first week of December, is one of the most magical weeks of the holiday season I think.  The shopping is underway, the decorations are up, the eggnog is for sale, the pine-scented candles are lit… it makes me giddy just typing it out!  I’m not going to lie…I do have nightmares that Bailey will knock over our Christmas tree, breaking each ornament as it comes down. Perhaps if I’m sharing this fear then it won’t happen!  My support for this nightmare:  in our former CA apartment she ran through, literally ran through, the screen door 4+ times.  In our bedroom in MS she was roughhousing with a toy so much that she ran into the mirror that was resting against the wall, and it fell on top of her.  She scratched the wood floor so hard to try to miss it that she left permanent scratch marks in the wood.

I HAVE AN 80 LB. HORSE LIVING IN MY HOUSE, Y’ALL.

So I’ve been locking her in the kitchen/breakfast room at night to avoid a catastrophe with our first Christmas tree.  Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, Lula LaShonda is practically perfect in every way – go figure! 🙂

Y’all have a beautiful weekend and please share your Christmas tree stories and adventures – I would love to hear!  XO –

4 Comments|See Comments

Staying Stylish in the Mountains

This is my last Big Bear post from our anniversary trip and while we were there less than a month ago…I am already planning a trip back.  We straight up skip winter weather in Southern California and I literally crave the cold!  The grass is always greener, I know, but I have a stack of sweaters that are practically collecting dust and it’s mildly depressing.

I snagged this mens flannel shirt years ago and it has elbow patches which I seriously love.  I’m convinced mens plaid shirts are better than women’s because they’re a looser, more “boyfriend” style fit that just feels so much more comfortable than a fitted women’s shirt.  No shame.  I am who I am.

 

coated denim (on super sale!) | flannel – Forever21 Mens, old, love this one and this one | scarf – Zara, no longer available, similar here and here | bag | boots | leg warmers c/o L.Mae Boutique | hat | sunnies | cuff c/o Brahmin, love this one | lipstick

Do you have a favorite cozy flannel or sweater that you keep reaching to right now?  I’m always in the shopping mood, so I’d love to hear.  Thanks for reading!  XO –

8 Comments|See Comments