Carrie Bradshaw Lied

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!

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 –

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Homemade Granola Bar Recipe

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.

Thanks so much for reading and if you try one of these recipes, let me know what you think! XO –

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Valentine’s Day 2014: For Her

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 –

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Skillet S’mores Recipe

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 –

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Madison Square Park

Thanks for all your sweet comments on last week’s NY photos (here and here). It’s been so fun to look back at these after the holidays, and it sure does make me miss both NY and the holiday season.

This is more appropriate NYC attire for when I was visiting, sweatshirt and fur vest – no jacket. Bringing out some pink for a pop of fun and using that beanie I’ve had since junior high. This is why I can’t seem to get rid of anything – everything old is new again. I was forced to purge when we downsized from our Mississippi lives to our California lives and I have seriously had moments where I’ve thought, “where is that ____….aaahh!! I tossed it in the purge!!” Tragic.

photos by Mom

Last but of course not least, the winner of the Stella & Dot giveaway is…

Elisabeth Good!

Thank you so much for reading and participating! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– lunch at Villa Blanca –

– and now having my Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio and Villa Blanca Pinot Noir –

– overlooking Los Angeles at dusk from Mulholland Drive –

– bringing back out my leopard jelly loafers (similar here) –

– this adorable illustration by the talented Meshka Design who had now started her custom illustrations shop, gooseprint. Adorable and affordable portraits, y’all check it out! –

TGIF. I heard on the news that Monday, January 6th was the the most depressing day of the year because most people were back at work. How sad is that? I’m always happy to welcome the weekend and here we are. Last weekend we had so much fun in Los Angeles, hence all the photos today!

This time we plan to lay low and knock some things off the to-do list. I want to get ahead before I head to Chicago next week. What are you up to this weekend? Getting back to reality with a new year house cleaning or were you smart and got that handled earlier!?

Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget that there are a few more days to win the Stella & Dot giveaway! Have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Christmas in NYC, Part II

Christmas in the city, part II! More photos from my visit to New York and taking in all the beautiful Christmas decorations. The only other city I would love to see at Christmas is Paris…can you even imagine?

Looking back at these photos has me even more sad that Christmas is already over…and so is this trip! I always look forward it to for months ahead of time. One of these days Christian is going to take me. First he will be able to choose his vacation time, and THEN we’ll go!

The farmer’s market at Union Square –

A doll ornament that looked just like my niece, Harper.

A true carb-o-holic, I eat one of these truffle cheddar pretzels every year!

Walking around the wonderland of ABC Carpet & Home. An absolutely magical store –

Running into reader Danielle in Bryant Park. Such a sweet girl from DC who is heading to Miami for a new job! It absolutely made my night to visit with her and I am so thankful she stopped me!! Wishing you the best of luck with your move – I know Miami will be amazing!!

More photos of Max Brenner hot chocolate. Life changing. I bought some to bring home to Christian, my chocoholic.

A stop by the New York Public Library, and thinking of Carrie on her wedding day –

Seeing dozens of fans camping out on the streets outside of the SNL studios hoping for standby tickets for the Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake 12/21 show (my favorite skit).

And that’s a wrap. I love this city! Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the Stella & Dot giveaway! XO –

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Christmas in NYC, Part I

Finally!! Some photos from my recent trip to New York. This year was a different kind of Christmas in the city for me. Usually it’s a quick flight from Mississippi and we are bundled up, drinking hot cocoa and feeling the cool breeze on my face while trying to keep up with my mittens.

This year there was a heat wave in the city following the earlier blizzard and it was actually warmer in New York than it was in California…go figure! I had prepared for cold weather, so I was left sweating in my sweater, but it was still wonderful to be back in one of my favorite cities with my parents, admiring the beautiful Christmas decorations and really feeling the excitement of the holidays.

Below are some of the photos I snapped, Part II to come tomorrow!

We always love seeing the Christmas window displays. Our personal favorites are always Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Tiffany’s, Lord & Taylor and Henri Bendel.

It’s Buddy the Elf!! I had to take this photo for Christian – he loves some Elf.

My cute parents –

Going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and lighting a candle for my nieces and nephew –

As you may have seen here, we saw Kinky Boots and Pippin. Both were great shows, but Kinky Boots was amazing. I would love to see it again!! Pippin had some seriously jaw-dropping acrobatics and athleticism. Talk about killer bodies in that show.

Lunch at L’Ecole, one of our favorite spots for lunch downtown.

Our favorite Bryant Park booth – Studio Manhattan Vintage. Every year they have a new chandelier, this spoon one was amazing!

A lot of you left comments that you were also traveling to New York for the holidays. To those of you – what were some of your favorite things that you did? I would love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the Stella & Dot giveaway! XO –

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Cozy in Central Park

This leftover snow from the December blizzard in New York is a total fake out, it was really 65 degrees in the city when we visited! I definitely wanted to find the snow just for the sake of my eyes – that lovely layer of white that I definitely don’t see in California at Christmas time. Christian and I are planning a ski trip in February, and I can’t wait for a fireplace, hot toddy and snow!

I took a walk through Central Park with my parents and it reminded me of my college summer in New York when I would bring a book to Central Park and read on the grass for the afternoon. How unaware I was of what a huge luxury that was!