I recently took a quick trip to Palm Springs and was so enthralled with Kelly Wearstler’s Viceroy Palm Springs design. So retro and fun, I felt like I was traveling back time as soon as I stepped into her world. More on her design of the hotel here.
Below are some photos I snapped during my stay – I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
This orange tree!!
XOXO –
When I visited RPM Italian in Chicago, I had the most amazing shredded brussels sprouts salad that the waiter had recommended. I love roasted brussels sprouts and kale, but I had never thought to use brussels sprouts for a salad.
I was determined to try to find a similar recipe to try online and found one that was pretty close. This recipe combines kale and brussels sprouts with a lemon vinaigrette that is so healthy, light and delicious.
A quick and easy salad that I definitely plan to pack for easy weekday lunch. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Thank you thank you thank you for all of your kind words, advice and encouragement on Friday. I am happy to share that Lula is home and recovering well. She still loves to sleep on my chest and doesn’t rest until she’s on the bed or sofa, so her personality is definitely still the same! I am so thankful to have Christian’s help, I cannot imagine doing this without him. I am praying that we get good results from the pathologist and that Lula regains her balance soon.
Thanks so much for reading – XO –
– new goodies I look forward to trying –
– these beautiful trees outside our apartment window –
– beautiful baubles from Derng –
– daily snuggles with my Lu –
It is with a sad heart that I share that I received some sad news about my precious Lula LaShonda this week. Last Friday I noticed a lump at the top part of her front left leg that I had never felt it before. On Tuesday I took her to the vet who referred me to a veterinary oncologist. The lump turned out to be a tumor and our veterinary oncologist, surgeon and pathologist all agree that the tumor must be removed with an amputation and they want to move quickly.
After many days of tears and lots of questions between C and the veterinary oncologist, we have decided to move forward with a recommended amputation if it means Lula can continue to enjoy her life. The x-rays don’t show that anything has spread to her lungs which is something I am incredibly grateful for. I cry as I type this because I love this little rescue cat so terribly much. After a few margaritas with my girlfriend, this parking lot cat ended up in my car and after almost three years she has brought me so much joy. She chose me and I am the lucky one. I have only her best interest at heart and this blog has been incredibly helpful at preparing me for the journey that is ahead.
I’ve been joking that Lula’s two favorite things are to sit in my lap and snooze on my side of the bed – both of which she can do with only three legs if she has to. 🙂
I ask for your prayers for Queen Lu as she undergoes surgery today and ask for your advice if you have been through a similar situation. Thank you SO much to all of you who shared your sweet words on instagram. As the saying goes, our pets are not our whole life but they make our lives whole.
Thank you for your kind thoughts and love – XOXO –
I bought these suede thigh high boots years ago for next to nothing, having no idea I would wear them for years. They are so comfortable and quickly take a look from ok to wow. I also slipped them on for this post – great with leggings too!
Are you into the thigh high boots or are they too Pretty Woman for you?
dress – BB Dakota (old), similar here and here | boots – Wild Rose (old), similar here | clutch – linmade | necklace – Etsy | vest – Rachel Zoe, similar here and here | cuff- La Dama | watch – Michael Kors | pave bracelet – Derng (c/o) | earrings – Stella & Dot (c/o)
Thanks so much for reading! I’m thinking I might pull this outfit out again for our Valentine’s Day dinner, what do you think? XO –
Y’all may have seen a sneak peek at this ensemble on instagram last week. As soon as I slipped on this skirt I was singing Outkast’s “Roses.” I mean, who doesn’t love that song? Maybe Christian, after he heard me sing André 3000 all day.
I’ve paired this skirt with a few tops in the past and never quite found the one that was just right. Once I slipped on my kids sweater (more on that here and here), it was the perfect pairing! Who knew the accidental purchase of a kids-sized sweater could take me so far? We’re practically to a “One Kids Sweater on an Adult Woman: 3 Ways” post.
skirt – Forever21 (old), similar options below | top – Forever21 | heels – Jessica Simpson, LOVE these | trench coat – Target (no longer available), love this one and this one | bag – Tory Burch | cuff – La Dama | necklace – Etsy | watch – Michael Kors | pave bracelet – Derng (c/o)
Thank you so much for reading! XO –
– one of my favorite flowers, pink roses, on the coffee table –
– making this delicious roasted vegetable and quinoa salad, recipe here –
– seeing this Old Waverly advertisement in person – and wishing I could do it all over again! –
– arriving at The Viceroy Palm Springs –
I’ve been living out of the suitcase the past two weeks and while it’s been a privilege, I’m ready to settle back in at home. My hat is off to all of you who travel regularly – living out of hotels isn’t easy, even if they are fabulous hotels! Traveling so much the past few years has taught me how to be a much better packer, however. I even surprise myself when I fit everything in one little duffel bag!
I plan to stay in this weekend and deep clean the house for the arrival of Christian’s little brother. It’s a lot of fun when our family comes to visit and we get to tour our own city. On the list, Bruxie and paddle boarding.
Quick deal for y’all – Favery is running 20% off all purchases with the code NEWYEAR20 through 1/26! Amazing opportunity for bauble lovers! Have a beautiful weekend and thank you so much for checking in – XO –
Christian and I recently took a little day trip to Los Angeles. We live less than an hour away, yet we rarely go into the city. Orange County has most of the same shopping and dining, so we usually end up staying in our little area. I would love to get to know LA more though and love any opportunity to explore.
While we were walking along Rodeo we dropped in this little shopping area, Rodeo Collection, and I loved the layout and design. It truly amazes me how close LA and Orange County are and yet how completely different they are. I am grateful for the chance to explore both and look forward to coming into the city for more than just concerts. I would love to hear about any of your recommendations!
xo necklace – INPink (c/o) | tassel necklace – Ameera Noor (c/o) – 20% off with code BLOGGER20 | booties – Forever21, love these | chambray shirt – Forever21 (old) similar here | vest – Rachel Zoe | watch – Swatch | maxi – Forever21, no longer available, similar here & love this one | sunnies – Ray Ban | earrings – INPink (c/o) – on sale! | pave chainlink bracelet – Pure Stunning (c/o) | brooch – Chanel | bag – Louis Vuitton
Last but not least, I’m excited to finally announce the winner of the Shabby Apple dress giveaway – drum roll…
@HaleyLeighAnne!
Congratulations Haley! Please email me at kathleen(at)carriebradshawlied(dot)com to claim your prize!
Thanks so much for reading and entering, and to those of you la-la-land ladies, please tell me some of your favorite things to do in your city! XO –
Y’all may have read here that one of my 2014 goals was to perfect homemade granola bars for Christian. We both have made it a priority (along with the rest of the world) to be more mindful of the foods we put into our mouths and to try to take advantage of all the fresh and affordable foods California has to offer. Since Christian is on the go at 5AM, a morning granola bar is pretty much a given and he has tried almost every granola and protein bar out there to keep from getting bored. Six months in and he’s already over the store bought processed versions and wanted to try to find a homemade recipe.
Knowing that this was something small I could do to make his mornings a little bit better, I was determined to master a few different kinds and want to try to make him a fresh batch each weekend…we’ll see how long I can keep this up!
This Barefoot Contessa recipe was my first to try since it had an overwhelming amount of positive reviews.
Seriously. If you like granola, please try this recipe. I’ve also made these with chocolate chips and they are divine – photo below! Christian has a serious sweet tooth, so naturally the chocolate chip version is currently in the lead.
Some pink and red items on my February 14th wish list! To be honest, my favorite Valentine’s Day gift of all time was from Christian in college. You know how you always see those enormous, oversized teddy bears at grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.? I’ve always wanted someone to give me one. I know it’s completely impractical…but I wanted to see a guy get out of his car with a huge teddy bear. Hilarious, right?
Prince Christian brought me roses, the biggest teddy bear I’ve ever seen and a double decker box of assorted chocolates (when it comes to chocolates, there are two very important elements: assorted & double decker). The most cliché and awesome Valentine’s Day ever, exactly what I wanted.
I’ve held onto the bear and want to have it in our child’s nursery one day. Until then, my niece Harper is obsessed with it!
What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day memory? And tell me what’s on your wish list, maybe I should add to mine! Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget that this is the last day to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway! XO –
I debated even sharing this recipe because it’s so incredibly easy, but it is SO INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS that I had to! I saw the link to this recipe through Cupcakes and Cashmere last week and was immediately interested. I’m a huge s’mores fan…I mean, who isn’t?
Three ingredients. Ten minutes. Life changing.
If you have a small skillet (or big skillet, #yolo), please try this and let me know what you think! How cute would this be in a big skillet for a dinner party dessert?
Thanks so much for reading & y’all don’t forget to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway! XO –
