Friday’s Five

– settling into our new little townhouse –

– toasting to my bestie’s new business endeavors, Calls for Champagne – a bachelorette party service in Nashville…um FUN –

 

– cheerful blooms and afternoon sunlight in the breakfast room –

– a fabulous print c/o Design Darling – this was our first dance at our wedding! –

– a four-day weekend –

We are feeling at home in our new place and I have to say, I’m absolutely loving it.  It’s everything we were looking for and I just can’t believe we actually found it.  I am grateful to have an extra long holiday weekend having both Thursday and today off and this time there’s no heavy lifting or painting involved – so cheers to that!

In other news, Christian has officially started his second year of residency and is now taking home call…which means I have the pleasure of hearing the beeper go off in the middle of the night.  Tis love!

Some of you may have seen on instagram that we were told by our veterinary oncologist on Monday that Miss Lula does indeed still have cancer.  Of course I was devastated, but we both knew that this was a possibility.  We are weighing our options for our girl and will make the decision that is in her best interest.  I am so beyond grateful for Christian and his ability to communicate effectively with these doctors and relay the information to me.  He is so supportive and he loves this three-legged rescue cat too, so his heart hurts as does mine.

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement on our townhouse sneak peek!  More to come and y’all are going to have to help me pick a coffee table.  Have a safe and fun holiday weekend lots of love to all of you – XO –

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Our Little Townhouse: Sneak Peek

Thanks to my wonderful husband, we are all moved in and our new little townhouse has been transformed into our breezy and quiet digs – we are obsessed.

My fabulous parents were helping my brother’s family move from San Francisco to Los Angeles during the same week that we were moving, so my parents were able to come to Orange County for the weekend and were over-the-top generous and helpful.  We even took them to Ikea and they were mesmerized by the sample show rooms that share living spaces in small square footage – too funny!  My sweet Dad painted our bathroom, Mom painted the downstairs bathroom and the four of us painted the guest bedroom (still empty…trying to decide how to utilize it but still have plenty of space for an air mattress for our of town guests) and hung most all of our art.  I loved having them here and next time we will definitely spend more time relaxing with less manual labor (and Mom and I getting less paint in our hair).

I wanted to share some snippets of our new home with y’all – we still need a few pieces here and there – but all in all, we feel pretty settled!

 

Let me know what you think!  Keep in mind we just moved in a week ago..but we are almost totally settled.  We are in the market for a new coffee table, patio furniture and a fig leaf plant – I would love any of your suggestions! Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the TAudrey plate necklace giveaway – XO –

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Floral Mini Dress

Those of you who follow my instagram may have seen that I spent the last week moving into our new little townhouse.  If a move isn’t already stressful enough, the icing on the cake was that I caught some kind of virus and spent half of the week trying to peel myself out of the bed because I felt so groggy. The good news is that our new place is painted and organized and we absolutely love it – so cheers to that!

I have some more good news to share – today I am teaming up with the beauties behind A Pinch of Lovely and Life with Emily to give three readers their own personalized TAudrey plate necklace!  Featured below is the date plate necklace with our wedding anniversary engraved – too sweet, I just love it.

dress – Pink Blush (c/o) | heels – Michael Antonio, similar here and here | bag – Saint Laurent | cuff – Hermes | earrings – Derng (c/o) | sunnies – Forever21 (old), similar here and here | necklace – TAudrey (c/o) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for reading and entering! XO –

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Moving Day

painting the walls white

Today is the day we load up and move to our (thankfully) bigger townhouse in Orange County!  The papers are signed and the keys are ours…and I’m starting the oh-so-fun process of painting the walls.  I haven’t painted since I was 12 and thought my bedroom would be extra awesome if painted coral, so this should be interesting.

More fun posts later this week!  Thanks so much for reading and for your warm wishes! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– this darling TAudrey date plate necklace with our wedding anniversary –

– a scoop of coconut milk & pistachio almond from our neighborhood ice cream shop –

 

– the best blowout of my life at Drybar – hello Southern hair! –

– a sweet surprise from Willow Boutique – I had so much fun taking over their instagram! –

 

– Noticing the majority of Queen Lula’s hair has finally grown in since her surgery (it seemed to take forever), thank you to those of you who have asked for an update!  We go back in two weeks for more x-rays to monitor the cancer to make sure nothing is spreading. –

Well here we are, days away from moving into our new space.  I am surrounded by boxes, tape guns, sharpies, bubble wrap and dust.  I am getting by…with wine and old school music playlists blaring.  We are so ready to say goodbye to our little apartment and embrace a bigger home with more space for Bailey the beast, galloping through the house!

I was fortunate to spend a few days in Beverly Hills this week for some work festivities – a nice break from the daily unglamorous packing grind.  A blowout and champagne so quickly takes you from feeling drab to fabulous, right!?  But the countdown is on and you know my type A personality is ready to roll!

Tell me what your plans are this weekend.  Let me live vicariously through you while I tape up boxes and listen to songs like this (singing like I own the place of course).  Thanks so much for reading!  XO –

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Bohemian Summer

I confessed my love on kimonos earlier this week here, but this is another drapey look that I’ve been wearing on repeat lately.  It feels so retro and relaxed for summer and what can I say? California brings out a bohemian side that I didn’t even know I had.

This is our last week at our apartment before our move into the townhouse and I have to admit that I’m going to miss the palms and landscaping of these little apartments.  I will not miss, however, the neighbors upstairs that I’m convinced wear wooden clogs.  It will be interesting seeing where we might snap photos in our new town…with our new camera!  I used to not embrace change so well but these days, I feel like we make big changes regularly so it’s taught me to roll with the punches easier than before.

 

denim – Old Navy, distressed myself (DIY tips here) | kimono + top – Windsor Store (c/o) | heels – Shop Prima Donna | bag – Mimic Design (c/o) | necklace – Love Poppy Jewels (c/o) | hat – Target, similar here and here | long necklace – Love Poppy Jewels | cuff – Shop Prima Donna (c/o) | sunnies – Ray Ban | delicate necklace – Bip and Bop

Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the $500 Nordstrom givewaway! XO –

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Chambray Shirt Dress

A chambray jumper is not a dress that I would think I could pull off, but after seeing a friend look so adorable in a similar number, I thought I would give this affordable version a try.  Turns out…I love it!  It’s comfortable and the cinched waist manages to give it a little shape.  Another plus – any variation of heels + accessories look good with basic chambray.

jumper – Old Navy (out of stock), similar here and here | heels – Cynthia Rowley, love these | bag – Lori’s | cuff – Molly Jane Designs (c/o) | watch – Swatch | pave chainlink bracelet – Derng (c/o) | stackable rings – INPink (c/o) | cat index finger ring – Serene Sky | necklace – Birds on a Wire Vintage (c/o) | sunnies – Ray Ban | delicate necklace – Bip and Bop | earrings – Love Poppy Jewels

Thank you so much for reading and entering! XO –

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Friday’s Five

 

 

– the simplest strawberry smoothie – a handful of strawberries, some stevia, ice cubes and 2 TB of milk –

– and lots of extra strawberries Christian brought home from the farmer’s market by the hospital –

 

– playing with ombré on my toes –

– pesto pasta, pinot grigio and binge watching season two of Orange is the New Black –

 

– this hilarious shark from my nephews –

Welcome to the weekend!  Christian and I will be spending the weekend loading boxes – oh the joys of moving!  It’s hard to believe that this time last year we were loading our moving fan in Mississippi and making the 2.5 day drive out to California.  Here we are one year later doing it again…but at least we’re moving a handful of miles away versus thousands.

I do need to take a break to go to the home store and get a few samples of some paint for our new place.  I have gotten a few suggestions for neutral colors – Benjamin Moore “Mountain Peak White,” “Spring in Aspen” and “Linen White.”  I think I just need to buy some samples so I can see them on the wall first, right?  We are so excited to move into a new place to have more space and lots of windows (that’s when you know you’re getting older, when wood floors and windows excite you so much).  I hope we’ll make lots of memories there and can’t wait to get started!

I also want to take the opportunity to announce the Burt’s Bees giveaway winner – Arena Thompson!!  Arena – please email me at kathleen(at)carriebradshawlied(dot)com.

Thank you so much for all of you who entered and stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway next week!!  Have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Black & White & Red All Over

I’ve always loved wearing red and the textures in this Blush & Bashful Boutique dress had me hooked instantly.  I love the beaded neckline and the texture contrast between the bodice and skirt, all incorporating some of my favorite colors to wear – black, white and red.

On the note of cocktail dresses, I have a wide collection of dressy little things that have been completely neglected since my move to California.  In the South, you feel like you’re going to a wedding or engagement party every other weekend.  On the West Coast, even weddings are casual occasions fit for maxi dresses or sandals – so my dressy numbers have been collecting dust (and quite a bit of unused closet space) for the past year.  I’m seriously considering shipping them all to Mississippi or just selling them.  Is this a bad move?

 

dress – Blush & Bashful Boutique (c/o), love this one and this one | blazer – vintage, similar here | heels – Christian Louboutin, similar here | sunnies – Amazon | watch – Michael Kors | bag – Chanel | bangles – Love, Poppy Jewels (c/o) and Bip and Bop (c/o) | red bangle – INPink (c/o) | earrings – Love, Poppy Jewels (c/o) | quartz ring – Nashelle (c/o)

 

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Watermelon Juice Recipe

 

We’ve had a heat wave in Southern California and I’ve been melting!  With summer bringing the heat, my girlfriend told me she had made some watermelon juice.  It sounded so easy and delicious that I knew I had to give it a try.

You’ll need:

  • 1/4 of a large watermelon, chopped OR one small 6-8 oz. watermelon
  • one lime
  • mint + lime for garnish (optional)

Toss your chopped watermelon (or a small 6-8 oz. melon) in the blender.  Once blended (just a minute or two), add the juice of one lime.  Blend for a few more seconds and then pour over ice and serve.  Stays in the fridge for a few days, but always stir before serving!

garden-mint

Yum!  This is the perfect morning juice or refreshing treat after a day at the pool.  Of course, I prefer the latter.  Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the Burt’s Bees giveaway! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– spending a few days with some fabulous people in Raleigh, NC –

p.s. – That’s fried avocado from The Oxford…not kidding.  Amazing!

– a day at the beach –

– receiving quite an amount of shoes this week – now THAT’S a good week –
L to R front row: Cynthia Rowley | Blush & Bashful Boutique (c/o) | Nike

 

– getting to know the talented Sarah Wetergren of San Diego behind Bad Bad Jewelry –

Sarah is currently running a campaign to help fund her business and shop and the coolest part?  Those who donate will receive a gift with their donation (gifts are determined by donation amount)!  Learn more by watching a short video here and stay tuned for an exciting collaboration.

– Southern California palm trees that never get old –

Hooray the weekend is here!  I was working last weekend in North Carolina, so I’m happy to have this weekend all to myself. Christian and I plan to hit up a local vodka bar (say what!?) with some friends tonight, and I plan to relax at the beach and have some me time.  I will be taking over the instagram account of Willow Boutique (@WillowBoutique) on Saturday – so y’all be sure to check it out!

Sidenote:  I am planning on selling my Canon Rebel T3.  I purchased it a little less than two years ago and it’s in fabulous condition.  I have the original packaging and warranty (even though it was only for a year…I can’t throw anything away – guilty) and am selling it for $300.  It’s been a fabulous beginner camera and is very user friendly – part of my love affair with Canon.  Email me if interested!  kathleen(at)carriebradshawlied(dot)com.

Y’all have a beautiful weekend and as always, don’t forget to enter the Burt’s Bees giveaway and thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Pottery Barn Dorm

 

Today I’m excited to be teaming up with Pottery Barn to share how I would decorate my dorm room if I had the chance for a do-over!  My own freshman dorm room is kind of a funny story.  The summer before I began my freshman year at Ole Miss (August 8, 2005 to be exact), I competed in Miss Teen USA.  My sister was also getting married the first weekend in September and my brother was about to return from a semester abroad in Australia.  Needless to say, it was a busy summer.

My roommate was my childhood bestie and we were both the youngest of three.  Therefore, our parents were kind of over it and dumped us off in Oxford with our siblings leftovers and a few high fives.  While other parents gave their kids teary goodbye hugs, my mom was more like, “Is it hot in here?  Is there central AC in these dorms?  Ok honey we’ll see you in a few weekends – I paid your cousin Oliver to finish moving you in, bye.”

She wonders why I’m so independent.  Keep in mind my sister’s dorm room (my mom is a very crafty and creative artist) won an award for most fabulous dorm room in her building.

SO, with that being said, I would be thrilled to have a do-over!  If I had the chance to go back, I would go girly all the way. There are only a few times in your life that you can decorate everything exactly how you want it and with the help of your roommate, your dorm room is the perfect opportunity.  I would keep the decor comfortable and neutral and let pillows, throw blankets, photo frames and artwork bring the color.  These dorm accessories from PBdorm are the perfect way to share your favorite items with your roomie, even if you have to communicate via email!

PBdorm offers an exclusive collection of dorm furnishings and essentials designed to help turn your dorm room into your ultimate home away from home. They offer smart storage solutions and unique ways to personalize your space, providing dorm solutions such as multi-functional products and space saving items which are essential in making the most of limited dorm room space.  Remember those closets??  That’s something I certainly don’t miss.  Tragic.

What is your favorite item shared above?  How would you redecorate your dorm room?  Please share your funny move-in stories.  Seriously, don’t keep these from me.  Check out the pinterest board below for more dorm room inspiration.  Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to go check out Pottery Barn’s dorm collection!  I think I need this trunk and rug for our new townhouse in a bad way.  XO –

Follow Kathleen Barnes’s board PBdorm Style on Pinterest.

Thank you Pottery Barn for sponsoring this post and reminding me how fabulous dorm rooms can be and how not fabulous my freshman dorm room was.  Can I go back!?

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