Sarah Thorne Creates

I’m so proud to announce my sister’s Etsy shop, Sarah Thorne Creates!  Our mom is an artist and has been painting oil paintings and crafting since before we were born (there’s a lot of CBL Mom art in my apartment tour).

We may be pulling from the same gene pool, but my sister, Sarah Thorne, definitely inherited the artsy gene.  She has some serious skills with both the paintbrush and mixed media, while I like to think I use my artsy gene with pairing clothes!  Not to mention that my sister-in-law, Anna, also has some serious artsy talent.  So basically….I’m the only one coming in at nada.

In writing this post I’m realizing that these are the  most recent good photos of my sister and I…from a YEAR ago.  That needs to be fixed!  It’s just so hard to take sister pics over facetime.  They usually involve me getting my niece to facetime with Bailey and Lula LaShonda…not kidding.

But back to art.  I am a huge fan of Etsy and supporting artists and small businesses.  Not only can you really score some unique pieces, but you also can find something so original and custom.  You can’t beat that!  Sarah Thorne has so many charming (and sparkly!) pieces at extremely affordable prices – a great Christmas gift idea!  Some of my personal favorites:

Check out Sarah Thorne Creates and let me know what you think.  See something you like but want it in a different size? Contact ST for a custom quote.

Thank you for reading and shopping!  If you like the shop, be sure to add it to your favorites.  XO –

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Friday’s Five

– it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas –

– these headphones given to me by my sweet hubs so he can snooze while I catch up on my Housewives –

– a beautiful hike in Laguna –

– meeting the incredibly kind and fun Tamra Barney Judge at the Kendra Scott Fashion Island holiday launch –

– this cute fellow outside the Kitson at Fashion Island –

Welcome to the weekend!  Christian has begun working nights and so we now get to spend about an hour together a day…bleh. I am so envious of couples who both have normal jobs and actually get to go to dinner and hang out regularly!  They say absence makes the heart grow fonder…is that even if your married?  Caroline Manzo (Real Housewives of New Jersey) seems to think so.

Speaking of the Real Housewives, I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the Kendra Scott LUXE Collection launch party on Tuesday evening at Fashion Island, meeting both Kendra Scott and….TAMRA BARNEY-JUDGE of the Real Housewives of Orange County.  Can I say I’ve never been so starstruck?  Y’all know I watch every show on Bravo!, especially all of my housewives.  Tamra was so kind and approachable, talking to me about where I moved from, what I do, etc.  She even grabbed my hand to compliment my engagement ring!  She’s even more hilarious and fabulous in person than I thought she was and now I’m an even bigger fan (if that’s even possible).  I now just need to find Vicki and Heather and my OC Housewife dreams are complete.

I plan to have some girlfriend and fall weather time this weekend.  What are your plans?  Do you watch the Real Housewives of OC?  Who’s your favorite?  I’ve been watching the new Beverly Hills ladies and I think I have a huge crush on Joyce.  She’s so beautiful I can hardly look at her.  I love some pageant girls!  Talk to me.  Give me your real housewife confessions.  A HUGE thank you to reader Rachel B. who shared that RHBH vulture.com article with me last Friday.  ABSOLUTELY hilarious – a new one for this week’s recap!  Thank you so much for reading – have a beautiful weekend!  XO –

PS – Who else is obsessed with this Lady Gaga Fashion! track on her new album?  I literally think I’ve listened to it 25x.

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Skin Laundry

When I heard Skin Laundry had opened shop in Newport Beach, I was interested to learn more about it.  With locations in West Hollywood and Santa Monica, Skin Laundry has opened it’s third location at Fashion Island and today y’all will get a sneak peek inside the beautiful salon!

Skin Laundry’s concept is created around getting a fabulous facial treatment in just 10 minutes.  Using laser treatments, the trained nurses tighten and tone the skin on your face and neck by stimulating collagen and elastin production.  The treatment cleans out your pores, ridding bacteria, dirt and makeup residue and leaving you with an even, glowing complexion.

I’ve never had a laser treatment and was surprised how easy and noninvasive it was.  Skin Laundry charges the same fee for all clients regardless of your skin condition and even better?  First time clients receive a complimentary first session!  You can read more FAQ about the salon and treatment here.

If you’re in Southern California, check out Skin Laundry and let me know what you think! They accept both appointments and walk-ins, so drop in any time.  Thanks so much for reading – XO

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Styling Bookshelves

After this apartment tour and this bar cart post, several of you left blog and instagram comments about my bookshelf styling. I am by no means a shelf styling pro, but I’ve tried to pack these shelves with as much as I can while still keeping them looking somewhat orderly.

I like to mix up vertical and horizontal sections, while showcasing some of the more special trinkets and items,changing up the dimensions on different shelves.

While I wouldn’t let Christian bring his mounted deer head to California, we did bring these antlers.  They remind me of Christian’s family’s farm and hunting land in Mississippi…and if I have to hear about him missing duck season ONE more time…

 It was fun to mix my fashion books and pink geode bookends with Christian’s medical books and bookends.  His and hers!

These Tiffany’s playing cards are just the cutest gift ever.  A fab Christmas gift from my mom years ago.

deer antlers

I had been wanting a skull for a while and lo and behold Christian won a plating contest at the hospital, winning a prize…and this fun little guy (we named him Hector).

More about this little eiffel tower here.

More about this vintage globe here.

I just wanted to show some more detail of the shelving and how I try to visually break up each section, while still utilizing the shelves for storage.  Don’t be fooled…inside that basket on the upper shelf lies a ton of loose receipts!

Please feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments below.  Thanks so much for giving your feedback and inspiring this post!! XO –

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One Year Anniversary

 

I can’t believe it’s been one year.  Since we’ve been engaged, we’ve welcomed two nieces and a nephew, we got married, Christian interviewed for residencies in 14 locations across the United States (you can read about that here) and graduated medical school, we packed up our entire lives, moved across the country and both started new jobs and our marriage together.

All of that to say, this year felt pretty easy and a whole lot of fun!  Christian and I have learned so much about each other and ourselves in the almost seven years we’ve been together, and he’s truly like my other half.  We’ve been through so much together and he’s my constant, my rock, my security blanket, my home.

I wanted to have some photos taken to capture where this year has brought us.  I wanted to have some memories of the beginning of our marriage in this beautiful new place we call home and was so thrilled when he was onboard with the idea!  The poor guy works around the clock and with only four days off a month, spending one of them hopping rocks in front of a photographer was such a special act of service (my love language) and I am so thankful.  More cheesy bragging on this guy I’m lucky enough to call my husband here.

 

I was honored to have the beautiful and talented Breanna Holderby capture these photos in Malibu.  She is such a delight to work with and if you’re in the LA area, I couldn’t recommend her enough!  You can also check out her blog here.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for photos from our anniversary trip to Santa Barbara and the wedding cake topper that made its way all the way from Mississippi to be eaten on our one year anniversary.  Do any of you married ladies out there have advice for how to stretch the newlywed phase for more than a year?  I would love to hear!

Thanks for being a part of this journey with us.  XO –

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Friday’s Five

– some new sparkly statement necklaces –

 

– couch and snuggle time with Lula LaShonda –

– adding a fun monogram sticker to my planner –

– Mississippi notepads from my sister-in-law –

– the sweetest petit fours from my mother-in-law for our wedding anniversary – brought all the way from Mississippi! –

 

Other mentions:

We have finally we have left for our anniversary trip to Santa Barbara!  Thank y’all so much for your awesome recommendations and tips – I so appreciate it!  I have been researching vineyards and tasting rooms and with the advice of many, I think I’ve narrowed it down to a few.  I’m ready to kick my feet up, let someone else do the driving and sip some vino!  But let’s be honest…aren’t we all ready for that everyday?  I’m looking forward to turning off electronics and enjoying the scenery.

Y’all have a fab weekend and don’t forget to enter the Foxy Originals giveaway! XO –

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White Peplum Top

 
I have loved my strapless peplum top so much (featured here and here), so when I saw this Asos peplum top with sleeves (!!), I knew I wanted in.  Thanks to Scoutfit, I was able to bookmark the top until it was discounted, saving me time and money.  I got the exact top that I wanted for $20 less by bookmarking it and waiting until I was alerted that it was on sale.

I layered some sparkly necklaces with it and added a fun touch by attaching my Chanel brooch (given to me on my wedding weekend from my sweet mom) to my Baublebar necklace.  I love attaching brooches to necklace when I can make it work – such a fun and unique touch!

 

top – Asos (c/o Scoutfit), similar tops listed below / skirt – Express (old) / heels – Forever21 / watch – Michael Kors / bracelet – Derng (c/o) / bag – Chanel / pave necklace – Baublebar (c/o) / sparkly bib necklace – Etsy Vintage / brooch – Chanel / sharktooth ring – Favery (c/o) / lipstick – Urban Decay Turn On

 

 

Thank y’all for reading and don’t forget to enter the Foxy Originals giveaway!  Come back tomorrow to see how I use Scoutfit to snag steals and deals on my favorite online picks. XO –
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Friday’s Five

– a Sunday drive down Rodeo –

– these gorgeous pieces of jewelry from Molly Jane Designs (you may have seen them on instagram) –

– a stop by Sprinkles Cupcakes in Newport –

-almost two years later, still being so glad I splurged on this Horchow headboard (also mentioned here and here)-

– these flats from Shop Prima Donna –

Happy weekend (finally)!  I am excited to have a relaxing fall weekend and prepare for a visit from my in-laws.  Christian finally has a week off and since I couldn’t take off of work this round, it was a perfect opportunity for Christian’s family to come in town!  He’s going to show them around town and I’ll spend some time with them in the evenings and then C and I will pack up for a much needed vacation weekend.  It will be so nice to be around family as I’ve found myself a little nostalgic for the South lately.

Tell me what you’re up to this weekend…and please watch the Hello Ross Dog Pageant.  Amazing.

Thank you for reading! XO –

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Happy Halloween from the Crazy Pet Lady

 
Happy Halloween from the cat witch, hobo dog and crazy pet lady who dresses her pets up in Halloween costumes!!

I mean…is there anything else to say?  Crazy about these fur babies.  I hope y’all have plenty of candy today and have a fun and safe Halloween!  XOXO –

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Halloween Favorites

1.  Jack Skellington cupcakes – yums!

2.  This cat lady costume that has my name written all over it (obviously).

3.  This lions mane that has Bailey’s name written all over it.

4.  The Food Network’s pumpkin carving contest – Chopped host Ted Allen nailed it with this one!

5.  This year’s American Apparel’s Halloween costume competition in full force, inspiration from last year (like these fab trolls) here.

6.  Forked eyeballs made from donut holes…yes please.

7.  Black bean cat crudités, because I just couldn’t resist sharing.

8.  Watching the best Halloween movie of all time, Hocus Pocus!

I just wanted to share a few things that have me excited about Halloween this year!  What do you have up your sleeve for the holiday!? Thanks for sharing – XO –

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The Man Behind the Blog

When I first spotted these man behind the blog posts of vmac + cheese, I knew Christian needed some much deserved (but not desired) spotlight, except I wanted to be the one to feature him!

Christian is the man behind the camera whenever there are fashion/outfit posts shared (more about that here). He has honed his photography, sounding board and patience skills, and I don’t know what I would do without him.  Some of my favorite CBL decisions have been suggestions from Christian and he always amazes me with his willingness to help. Recently he came home from a 15-hour day to say, “I was thinking about your ____ post today, and I think you should approach it from this angle…”  I was so touched that he was thinking of ways to help me during his hectic day.

Enough gushing!  After asking him multiple times to participate in this fun little spotlight, he finally obliged.  I give you, the man behind Carrie Bradshaw Lied.

I just love the man.  Best friend for seven years and husband for one – he gets me!

And he was totally right, I would 100% request Nene Leakes.  Or Shirley MacClaine.

Thanks for reading!! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– this selection of gorgeous grapes at the OC Great Park Farmer’s Market –

 

– a few candy corn sugar highs –

– finally visiting Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and losing myself in their unbelievable selection –

– wishing my husband would stop loving morning donuts so much –

– these Stella & Dot earrings that are going to be my holiday staple –

This week has felt like a long one and I’m so happy to welcome Friday!  I’m looking forward to getting organized this weekend and spending some cuddle-sofa-cuddle-blanket-wine time with my two and four-legged family.I want to take a minute to apologize to any readers who had problems visiting CBL on Wednesday morning.  I had an advertisement on the site that had suspected improper coding and was warning those on certain browsers that the CBL possibly had malicious software.  This advertisement has since been removed and the brains at Google has confirmed that CBL is free of any virus-related activity!  Thank you to those of you who reached out to make sure I was aware of this problem and for being patient for those hours until everything was fixed!  Y’all are the best.

What are you doing this weekend?  Eating donuts in bed like me?  That sounds really bad doesn’t it…maybe I’ll throw some hiking and pilates in there.  Maybe.

Y’all have a beautiful weekend and thank you so much for reading! XO –

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