Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Valentine’s Day: Three Looks

Three looks I will be choosing from this Friday for a Valentine’s Day with Christian…and my mom! Karen is coming in town for the weekend before heading back to Mississippi. She is spending this week with my brother and his sweet family in San Francisco and then will head South to spend the weekend with us. I don’t know who she is more excited to see, us or our patient Lula.

Fun story – when I first rescued Lula I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with her. I am allergic to cats and I didn’t think she would be able to live with me. Unbelievably, Lula doesn’t shed much and she never triggered my allergies. I’m still not quite sure if I outgrew the allergy or if Lula is just meant to be mine, but regardless, I ended up falling in love and keeping her. My mom still kicks herself for not snatching Lula from me when she had the chance!

Which look is your favorite? One, two or three?

Thanks so much for reading and Happy Valentine’s Week! XO –

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Pink Fit and Flare Skirt

Today I’m excited to team up with a new blogger friend, Claire of Little Miss Fashion Queen. I’m thinking pink this week with Valentine’s Day weekend coming up! When I first spotted this skirt at H&M in New York I was like….must have.

I immediately tried it on outside of my clothes (as I often do when I don’t feel like waiting in the dressing room line) and was in love. I then showed it to my mom who told me I looked like I was trying to be Cindy Lou Hoo.

Whatever. I had to have it!

Thank you so much for reading! Be sure to hop on over to Claire’s blog to see her full outfit details. XO –

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Friday’s Five

– care packages for Lula LaShonda –

– Mexican casserole goodness –

– another crazy beautiful beach sunset –

– arriving in Deer Valley –

photo via Top Snow Travel

– having a great time on our first day on the slopes –

Christian and I have had quite a week and again, I cannot thank you enough for all of your kind words and encouragement. Everyday Lula is a little bit stronger, a little bit more active, a little bit more herself. I was so upset that I had to leave her with the vet hospital to be boarded when we left for Utah, as this trip has been planned for months and is non-refundable, but I know she is in great hands. I am so fortunate that the same amazing team who performed Lula’s surgery also boards animals, and I feel confident in the care they will provide for her while we’re away. I have been calling every single day to check on her – I think they know I’m that cat lady!

In the meantime, Christian and I are skiing in Deer Valley and enjoying the beauty of Utah – a state I’ve never visited. I’ve always thought Utah was so amazing because it receives the most beautiful of every season (I know this from all the fabulous Utah bloggers I follow!). I’ve been telling Christian that Utah should be our next move so he thought we should visit and here we are! I have to say…it’s amazing.

What’s not amazing? Me on the slopes.

Have a fabulous weekend and thank you for reading and sharing your love! XO –

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The Viceroy Palm Springs

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 –

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Shredded Kale & Brussels Sprout Salad

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 –

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Friday’s Five

– new goodies I look forward to trying –

– baked chicken parmesan that with a little truffle olive oil, is a game changer –

– 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 –

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Thigh High Boots

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?

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 –

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Valentine’s Day 2014: For Him

You may remember the Valentine’s Day gift guide for her shared here. Above are some of the mens gifts I would consider for my guy, including some items he already owns and loves. And when in doubt, a few bottles of nice liquor go a long way!

Happy shopping!! Thanks so much for reading and please feel free to share your suggestions! XO –

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Rose Printed Skirt

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.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Chicago

Y’all may have seen some instagrams of my recent quick trip to Chicago. I traveled for a work trip and had the chance to visit Chicago for the first time during winter – whoa! I have to admit I was looking forward to experiencing a real winter because it’s been so warm in SoCal this year, and I actually prefer the cold over the heat. It snowed the whole time we were there and it was so beautiful! I love the city and its snow and people – lovely all the way around.

Below are some photos I snapped on both my phone and DSLR. What are some of your favorite things to do in Chicago?

Thanks so much for reading and sharing!! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– one of my favorite flowers, pink roses, on the coffee table –

– Bailey naps on the bed – special privileges when I’ve been out of town –

– 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 –

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A Day in LA

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!