chicken caesar wrap recipe

I am going to be sharing a reel of this recipe later today, but I wanted to break down all of the ingredients in its own blog post because you’re going to want to bookmark this one. Trust me.

I have been making this salad almost every day, and I can’t stop. Trader Joe’s bottled caesar dressing is really good, but if you can make it homemade… WOW. You will think this was takeout.

Feel free to be healthier and use a lighter vinaigrette like this recipe or substitute grilled chicken. But I’m making it just like this.

Salad Ingredients:

romaine lettuce, chopped fine (I use one head of romaine per person)
croutons (or make your own with chopped bread, olive oil, garlic salt, and your favorite seasoning in a skillet – I used Za’atar)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
fresh black pepper
breaded chicken bites/nuggets (I like Just Bare), air fried and chopped
caesar dressing – I use the recipe below or you can buy it bottled
tortilla – if you want to make a wrap!

Caesar Dressing Recipe:

2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup mayonnaise
½ cup freshly grated parmesan
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine ingredients and tell me this isn’t the best. If you’re making a wrap, I like to spread a small amount of the caesar dressing on the middle section of the tortilla before adding the salad to it, rolling it up, and eating the entire thing in around 7 minutes.

chicken caesar salad recipe

Patio Details | Coffee Table

For more recipes, check out the “food & drink” category of this site. Thanks so much for reading and let me know if you try this! XO –

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This week’s wish list is full of fall decor… not because I’m personally already looking for fall decor but because the data shows that a large percentage of you are, so here we are!

I don’t personally put out pumpkins until late September because it’s too hot and I don’t want them to go bad. But last year I saw Chris Loves Julia talk about investing in high-quality faux pumpkins to use year after year on her front steps and… I don’t hate the idea.

I don’t know how faux pumpkins would hold up in the weather if not under a covered patio, so if you’ve tried this, I’d love to hear what you thought!

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I love this cute little candle from Amazon. This bolster pillow is so pretty and the corduroy of this pillow adds a nice texture.

If I buy another mug, Christian might leave me. But this one is tempting.

I bought these tissue box covers last year and really love them. However, if I didn’t already have them I might buy this one. So pretty!

I saw this rug recently for the first time and it’s so beautiful. Very Kelly Wearstler. Chic!

Let me know if you like to spice up your home for fall. Rather than buy candles, I’ll burn an essential oil in a diffuser like this one or this one. A lot more cost-per-use effective!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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white sezane top

Tips on feeling chic on a day of errands, grocery, dropoff, etc.?

When I’m getting dressed quickly for a lot of “to-do’s,” I typically grab a white or black fitted tee or top like the above and denim. The above outfit is linked here! Easy, effortless, put together.

How do you pose for pictures? As in, what advice do you have for us camera-shy girls who want to look better in pics?

My recommendation would be to practice in the mirror and take mirror selfie photos of yourself. Don’t worry – you can delete them later!

But after you have a few selfie-style photos in different poses, scroll through and see which you like most of yourself.

Would love your review of The Citizenry coffee table. Do you recommend it?

Yes, I really love it and think it is beautiful, a great size, and incredibly well made. You can see it in the photo below!

Can you share a photo of how you style the open shelves in your home? Links?

I am absolutely not a shelf styling expert. I styled these multiple ways over the span of a year or so before I got to a setup that I’ve left alone for a while. I would look at shelf styling in catalogs and magazines/coffee table books and then try to recreate the same look using pieces I already have.

I don’t have links for the majority of these pieces, but I do have some!

lamp slips | marble ruffle bowl

wicker coffee table

Can you share the cowboy caviar recipe?

This recipe is from Courtney Kerr! Combine ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate. It’s the best!

COWBOY CAVIAR

3 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

3 small cans chopped green chilies

1 bunch green onions

1 ripe tomato, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 TB cilantro

1 TB hot sauce

1 TB worchershire

1 tsp black pepper

2 cups Newman’s Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing

Outfits for girls’ trip to Charleston on Labor Day weekend!

I have been in Charleston during the same time of year, and when I tell you I have never sweat so much in my life. It was beautiful but incredibly sweaty. I would focus on breathable, comfortable, and something that won’t show a ton of sweat. Linen options like this or this would be perfect!

linen apron dress

Sheets can be so expensive! Are the good ones really worth the investment?

We have Boll & Branch sheets (I love these and these), and while I know they are an investment, I have no doubts. They’re the best, they hold up incredibly well and they make me feel like I’m at a five-star hotel when I crawl into bed. What’s better than that?

Blog post on how to build a capsule wardrobe? I want to but don’t know where to start.

I get asked about capsule wardrobes in every Q&A, but I’ve never explored capsule wardrobes personally. So I’m not very educated on it!

But I did a quick google search and found this article that led me to Candice Tay who might be able to help you out. Itsy Bitsy Indulgences also provides some guidance in capsules.

What prenatal vitamin did you take?

Ritual. You can get 10% off your first three months with Barnes10.

Favorite self-tanner for your face?

For years I’ve used these drops, but I recently tried this face tanner and like it as well!

For my body, I’ve been using this 2-hour self-tanner and applying it with a medical glove. I really, really like it.

Dress recommendations for newborn photos?

You can see what I wore in Theo’s newborn photos in this post and this post.

What do you use to make your hair so slick? It always looks perfect but not over product-y.

Thank you! The annoying news: I use nothing. After I wash my hair I use this thickening gel and Moroccan Oil on my ends. Then I air dry. I have naturally straight, fine hair but a good bit of it. I just pull it back and use a velvet scrunchie. If I need to tame baby hair, I use clear mascara.

I’ve been wearing the low bun for years because it works with my face and hair texture. It just happens to currently be a trend, but I do it more for a lazy hack!

Do we all agree that Hudson looks like Dad and Theo looks like Mom?

Hudson is definitely a physical clone of Christian. Not so much Christian’s baby pictures, but they look alike now (to me at least!).

I don’t see myself in Theo as much, but I do see my side of the family. He kind of looks like a combination of my siblings and myself as babies. If you compare Hudson and Theo at the same age, they do not look alike.

However, I do think the boys have a similar smile. And Hudson and Christian have different smiles, so I love that they uniquely share that!

mama and theo

Any Amazon purchases you’ve been loving recently?

Kitchen Nesting Bowls w/ Lids

Olive Oil Dispenser

Travel Steamer

Crochet Coverup

Claw Clips

Any home decor items on your wish list right now?

Always! I wish I had a spot for this mirror.

Can you share some of the gold necklaces you’ve been wearing lately?

Yes! You can see the below linked here.

dorsey dog tag necklace

Thank you so much for sending in your questions! See you in September for another round. You can find all other Q&A’s in the “personal” category – XO –

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kathleen barnes family

One of the most common emails I’ll get, especially leading up to the holidays, is: “what should my family wear for family photos?”

I don’t know that I’ve ever bought clothes specifically for a holiday card or family photos. Instead, I will thumb through our closets and find pieces I already know fit well, make us feel confident and try to match color schemes. I usually lay everyone’s clothes out on the bed to make sure the fabrics/colors mix together in a coordinating way.

For example, in these photos, I wanted soft solids so they wouldn’t distract from the focus of the photos: our faces! I wanted our expressions to be what drew attention, not our clothes. I stuck to blues, creams, and Christian’s camel sweater.

I prefer family photos to look complementary but not necessarily “matchy-matchy.” A little bit more effortless than intentional.

styling family photostoddler and baby boyhudson barnessummer family photosnewborn baby sessionfamily photosmother and sonslittle brotherschristian and kathleen barneswhat to wear in family photosstyling family photosfamily of four family sessionstyling a family session

photos by Allie Murray 

my dress (sold out), similar styles by same brand here and here | similar scarf | dog tag necklace | similar hoop earrings | blanket

hudson and theo are both in cousin hand-me-downs

Christian’s pants | similar sweater here and here

Another tip for styling family photos: do your research! When Hudson was born, it was cold outside and we took photos in his nursery. Because Theo is in the same nursery, I knew I wanted our family photos with him to feel a little different.

So I looked on social media and Pinterest to find some photos that reflected the style I was looking for. I then showed them to Allie and together we created our own portraits based on the inspiration I showed up with. It really helps to have an idea of what you want the end result to be before getting started. It also keeps the photo session efficient. And when you’re including children, that is essential.

Is there anything about family photos that I missed? Let me know in the comments! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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I know it’s still 90 degrees where I am, but I’m in the pre-fall state of mind and wanted to share some of my picks for introducing a few fall vibes while still staying cool.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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I think the easiest way I like to shift to fall style is by incorporating more autumn colors. Camels, browns, blacks, olive, and so on.

I love this sleeveless top that would work spring, summer, and fall. I bought these strappy sandals during the #NSale, and I have been eyeing these $70 sock booties because I think they look designer-level for significantly less.

This linen jumpsuit is super comfortable (I sized up one size for a loose, lounge-y fit) and comes in a variety of muted colors. I’m considering buying this top because it looks really fun and comfortable, and I’d pair it with these jeans that I already own (and buttoned for the first time this week – hooray!).

Not in the collage but worth mentioning, I bought this sweater wrap top on sale because I thought it looked super cute for an adults-only vacation we have planned in early fall. I can’t say no to something that can be worn multiple ways, LOVE.

Are you excited for a fall color palette? Would love to hear how you transition into another season while still staying cool! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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baby boy

We took these photos toward the end of April, and I have only held onto them for so long because I haven’t had the extra time until lately to really go through all of them and choose my favorites. Because they were ALL my favorites!

And because of that, I’m going to break them up into two posts. This was the main goal, to take some photos of Theo during his newborn phase, show what it was like in the spring of 2022 for our family.

Then we went outside and got a little silly… but those will come later!

newborn shootnewborn shootnewborn feetivory bolster pillowtwo sonsnewborn shootnewborn baby shoottwo sonsbaby brotherstufted headboardnewborn shoothudson and theosewing down south pillowsnewborn shootmother and babyboll and branch beddingsecond childbaby theofamily of fourfamily of fourhorchow headboardfamily of fourfamily of fourbrothers

photos by Allie Murray 

bed | bedding c/o Boll & Branch | throw pillows c/o Sewing Down South | bolster pillow c/o The Citizenry | rug 

my dress c/o Fanm Mon | dog tag necklace 

More to come. Thank you so much for reading! xo –

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wicker coffee table

– loving this round wicker coffee table from The Citizenry –

summer floralsmoody rug

– birthday flowers from sweet friends in Georgia –

large scalloped tray

– and Texas –

4 month old boy

– taking photos with Theo and laughing at his grumpy face –

lip crayon

– loving these lightweight lip crayons from Laura Mercier –

Our first week of August! It’s the back-to-school season for so many, and even if you don’t have kids you can feel that energy in the air. It always feels like there are two “beginnings” of the year: January and August.

It’s not lost on me that maintaining this blog to the extent that I usually do has not been happening. It’s not that I don’t want to – writing is one of my favorite things in my life that is just for me! But I have had to put it on the back burner to stay afloat while Theo has been with me.

You guys… he is not that sleepy baby anymore. The boy has awoken and he is ready for 100% engagement for all of his waking minutes. That sleepy little baby is no longer! So fun but also most definitely cannot be bounced in a bouncer while I email for 20 minutes. He’s not going to stand for it, and he’s made that quite clear. 

I made this pasta this week and wow. WOW. It tasted like it had come from a restaurant. I originally discovered this account on tik tok and then found him on Instagram also. He has a lot of rich and delicious recipes for when you want to indulge. I think this pasta would be amazing with pan-seared or grilled shrimp. Very easy and a great treat-yourself pasta!

I’m off to take my boys on an adventure. Anything involving the outdoors is going to leave us a little sweaty, but I think it’s worth it. I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend!

Thank you so much for reading and for your patience as I find my rhythm with two littles. I love my job so much. It fills me up in a unique way that leaves me feeling independent, balanced, and confident. I love my boys and being their mom, but I’m about to have much more time for my career and that is super exciting!! XO –

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Everyone is heading back to school so I wanted to round up some of my favorite kids picks as we move into fall.

I won’t deny that shopping for littles is as much fun as I thought it would be. Dressing my boys has become another hobby… I love the 30 minutes they look neat and tidy after I dress them. Ha!

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

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I had to buy one of these princess dresses for my niece who never takes hers off. I thought it was a more breathable option she might actually get away with wearing to school!

I bought this vest and this vest for Theo and Hudson. Hudson LOVES vests and I usually buy him one every year. In the South, usually a warm vest is all you need outside of the super cold weeks in January. Bonus points if it’s reversible! And how cute are these sneakers and boots?

I have so many of these sweet knit sets that I loved on Hudson to pass down to Theo. I love them – they look as cute together as they do separately. The best.

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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MacKenzie-Childs is currently having their annual barn sale and this year they’ve again brought it online. Which is amazing!

The sale will go through 7/31, and there are discounts up to 70% on tons of popular enamel, ceramics, decor, etc. You can see some of the pieces I have and love here and here.

Below are some of my top picks! To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below.

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This kind of sale does not happen often, so if you want to think ahead for birthdays, holidays, etc., you’ll thank yourself later.

You can’t beat a tea kettle or door mat. I recently got this birdhouse and whale basket and love them. I’d love to hear what you have your eye on!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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blue each umbrellas

 
This is only over a month delayed, but I finally sat down to go through all of the photos from our recent family trip to 30A. I wanted to share my favorites and some of the links!

You can also shop most of these photos on the ltk app and “shop my Instagram.”

three month old at beachwatersound florida

dress – Kalita | bag

mom and sonsmom and sonsflorida sidewalkwatersound floridahudson and theo

caftan | shoes | sunglasses | earrings | bracelets | hudson’s shirt | theo’s bubble

3 month old baby

theo’s bubble – Little English (old) | sunglasses

cutout midi dresspink cutout dress

blog post here

lorna murray hat

outfit linked here

blue maxi dress

outfit linked here

theo30a beach chairs

details linked here

toddler babiatorshm toddler swimsuit

hudson swimsuit | hudson sunglasses

white summer skirt set

outfit linked here

hat | swimsuit

everlane linen shorts seteverlane linen shorts

linen shirt | linen shorts | ballet flats

beach boysbig and little brother

pajamas – Posh Peanut

 

hermoza

details linked here

fil de vie dress

dress | necklace

cousins at the beachfamily picmama and son

Thank you so much for reading! You can find last year’s wrap-up post here and more travel-centered content in the “travel” section of this blog. XO –

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easy deviled eggs

I saw this deviled egg hack on Tik Tok and it blew my mind. It seems so obvious, yet I had never even considered doing it!

Simply boil an egg (or two) and top each half with a little mayo and yellow mustard. Then I like to add Everything But the Bagel seasoning. Add a sweet pickle slice on top and sprinkle more seasoning.

That’s it. THAT’S IT. I’ve been having deviled eggs with cowboy caviar and chips or a salad for days. The easiest weekday snack or side.

deviled egg hackdeviled egg recipe

If you try this, let me know what you think! I didn’t use Kewpie Mayo because I couldn’t find it at the grocery but considering buying it. Should I?

For more of my recipe favorites, visit the food & drink category of this site. Thanks so much for reading. XO –

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best of NSALE

Last year I shared some of the items I already own and love that are included in this year’s #NSale. They’re products I’ve already taken on a trial run and still love them. Because today is the first day of the public sale where everyone can now shop, I wanted to do the same this year, including some new items!

You can see my full round-up of the pieces I love from this year and why in this post.

leopard blanket

Leopard Blanket $180 $119.90 | Cream Blanket $147 $97.90

There’s a reason people go nuts over these blankets. They are SO cozy. We started with one. Now everyone has their own, true story. The best.

black moto bootschelsea combat boot

Waterproof Moto Boot $99.95 $69.90

As I’m typing this, I’m just now realizing these must be a new dupe version of the pair that I own (pictured above). But wow, they look wildly close!

cashmere deoderant

Cashmere Mist Deoderant $90 $69 (for three)

I buy this every single year because it is my tried and true. Feels amazing, works, smells great. It’s A++++.

hanky pankies

Hanky Pankies $22 $16.90

I’ve lost count of how many of these I own. I’ve been wearing this brand for 15 years and they remain some of the most comfortable underwear I own.

michele watch

Michele Watches – I love this one and this one 

I have had my Michele watch for over six years and still love it so much. It’s beautiful, you can swap out the watch straps and during this sale you can save 1k on a diamond watch. That’s incredible!

white t3 blow dryer

T3 Hair Dryer $199.99 $133.99

I’ve used this blow dryer for years and have no reason to replace it. It works well and I really like the attachment that helps me focus in when using a round brush.

white curling iron

T3 Ceramic 1.25″ Curling Iron $169.99 $113.90

I have been using this curling iron for around five years and really like it. I have found the 1.25″ to be the right barrel size for the loose waves I’m looking for, and it heats up really fast.

cropped black pant

Spanx Perfect Pant $128 $84.90

I’ve had these pants for a few years and they are classic. If I was still working in corporate America, I would have multiple pairs because they’re comfortable, flattering, work with any shoe, and are timeless. A win!

western bootwestern bootie

Agnes Western Boot $225 $149.99

This is a new grab this year, and I love the style. The taller shaft makes them flattering with skirts and dresses, and they of course also look great with denim. I think the 3.5″ heel is perfect for a dress-up bootie!

navy pajamasblack and white pajama set

Navy Long-Sleeved Pajamas $75 $49.90

Short-Sleeved Pajamas $59 $40.90

I have four pairs of these pajamas in different colors and lengths. They are silky soft, so stretchy (I also am able to wear them throughout my pregnancies), and hold up over the years. Worth every penny and more.

necessaire set

Necessaire Body Duo Set $50 $35

I forget how many years I’ve been using these. Christian uses them too, and we love the Eucalyptus and Sandalwood scents. Clean and a tried and true item!

black wayf sweater

Off the Shoulder Sweater $78 $49.99

Agnes Western Boot $225 $149.99

Levi’s Ribcage Denim $98 $64.90

Both of these items are new grabs this year, and I love that the sweater comes in several colors. The slouchy fit is too good, and I think it’s a sleek and sexy piece that will be in style for years to come.

I have multiple pairs of these high-waisted ribcage jeans. They are so comfortable and I love how high-waisted they are. I’m wearing a different wash, but I love that the classic and distressed style are both included!

spanx legging

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings $98 $64.90

I mean… do these leggings even need an explanation anymore? I have had these for (I think) around seven years, also owning the maternity version. They are AMAZING.

sam edelman flats

Pointed Toe Flat $150 $99.99

For the working gal, these are as classic as it gets. They are on sale in 4 colors!

suede sam edelman boots

Knee High Boot $250 $159.99

These boots have a 2.5″ heel which makes them very wearable for all day. They’re on sale in 5 colors.

true and co bra

V-Neck Bralette $49 $32.90 (also love this one)

Seamless Hipster Underwear $20 $14.90 (also love these)

Last year, this bra and underwear were my best sellers by a landslide. Is that not hilarious!? They are SO comfortable and while not glamorous… let’s face it. Good undergarments are the ultimate luxury.

A few years ago I finally told myself, “you work too hard to have bad underwear. If it doesn’t fit well, toss it.” I spent over $100 stocking up on nice underwear in the sale, and it was the best. I bought four more pairs this year!

And those are my favorites so far. I will be adding to this post to make sure it’s current! I’ve already placed my order for deodorant and four pairs of underwear this year, so things are getting pretty wild around here. I’d love to know what you’re shopping for! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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