Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Birthday Photo Diary

As many of y’all may have seen on instagram, my grandmother and I share a birthday and that has always been so fun! We either spend it together or skyping, this year obviously choosing the latter. Having a summer birthday, most of my friends were out of town at summer camps or on vacation on my birthday when I was growing up. Therefore, I never really had big birthday parties or hooplas, usually just dinners with a small group of friends or my family. The benefit of these low-key childhood birthdays is that I rarely have expectations whenever July 12th rolls around.

Having low expectations means the past 7 or so years I have been so appreciative and grateful of everyone’s thoughtfulness. Even the smallest gesture just feels so meaningful. All of the facebook wishes, blog comments, instagrams, texts, voicemails, calls — they really made the day so special and I loved catching up with so many, I didn’t want the day to end!

Below is a little photo diary of the relaxing weekend – spent skyping, lounging at the pool, unwrapping presents, playing in Newport, hiking, hitting the farmers market and of course, shopping! Thank you so much for reading!

Christian nailed the birthday dinner. He chose Sol Cocina in Newport, calling ahead and asking for a table with a view so we could watch the sunset. While enjoying dinner, the atmosphere and decor of the restaurant reminded us of one of the restaurants on our honeymoon – even better! Moments like this just remind me that I really snagged a good one.

There’s that sunset.

After dinner we walked around Balboa Island and window shopped, too full to eat a frozen banana or Balboa bar. On our honeymoon we always walked to and from dinner rather than taking a golf cart ride. It was nice to walk and chat while both anticipating dinner and letting our big meals settle! This walk around Balboa reminded me of our blissful honeymoon and was the perfect end to such a relaxing and happy day!

Is this French Bulldog by the “take me to Paris” sweatshirt the cutest display or what? I later discovered this little bulldog can be found at Z Gallerie.

Driving out to a late Saturday afternoon hike –

Seeing this apple pie craving of a hiking stranger’s made me feel like I could manage the Holy Jim Falls Trail, also known as the “Cussin’ Jim.”

Jealous of the people in this Great Park balloon!

A crazy loaded hotdog on Hawaiian sweet rolls? Genius, Dogzilla Hotdogs.

Thank y’all so much for all of your sweet birthday wishes and comments!! You certainly helped to make my birthday extra special this year, and I mean it, mean it, mean it. Lots of love – XO –

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Friday’s Five + It’s My Birthday!

– a refreshing watermelon salad with feta cheese, red onion and mint –

– the OC Fair opening this weekend –

– the cutest little mobile boutique I’ve ever seen –

– a garden full of fresh mint –

– a cute little cupcake for breakfast –

It’s my birthday!! I am so thankful to turn 26 in California and spend the weekend with Christian and new friends. I’ll keep y’all posted if any of this birthday wish list comes true!

I plan on treating myself to some magazine reading poolside, an afternoon manicure and skype session with my mom, sister and grandmother (she turns 86 today! You can see last year’s birthday post here).And to eat lots and lots of food. And dessert. And carbs. Lots of carbs.I hope y’all have a fabulous weekend! You don’t have to be the birthday girl to treat yo self. Indulge. Wear elastic waistband pants. Buy a pair of shoes without asking anyone for permission. Treat yo self.

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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CBL Apartment Tour

It’s finally here! Y’all have been asking and I’m excited to share our new home with all of you. We downsized a pretty good bit…so we sadly had to limit what we brought with us from our Mississippi home. Those of you who saw the Mississippi house tour will definitely recognize things! We have only been here for a couple of weeks, and I have to say I’m pleased with how we’ve settled into our new place. We feel blessed and fortunate to call this golden state home.

I really wanted to paint the walls an eggshell white, but since we think we will only be in this apartment for one year, Christian we didn’t want to go to the trouble only to have to paint them yellow again for the next tenant. So buttery yellow it is!

So come on in and tell me what you think –

ComfyHeaven pillows.

Vintage suitcase cat bed tutorial here.

Our dining area and bar (gallery wall also seen here)…

Old Waverly custom wedding painting c/o Dorothy Collier Art, Great Big Sea painting c/o Hillary Butler.

Brittany Fuson bridal illustration.

DIY chalkboard canister post here.

Enter into the bedroom…

Paper rose wreath tutorial here. All of my heels are housed on a shoe rack on the back of the bedroom door! My personal goal was not to have to use the hanging rack…but I quickly realized it was a necessity or I would never be able to open my closet doors without being pummeled by clothing falling out. I told myself it wasn’t so bad since I also hung all of Christian’s suits on the hanging rack…right? Clearly we BOTH need the extra hanging space…

Christian says our bedroom is the “new hair & makeup room.” This might be true. You tell me.

Monogram pillow c/o ComfyHeaven Pillows. The headboard can be found here or here. Bedding is available here and here.

Christian says our bedroom is the “new hair & makeup room.” This might be true. You tell me.

Watercolor scarf c/o Olio Collection.

And our sweet patio! We also store the washer & dryer in the patio closet, which is worth mentioning because all I had to do was go without a washer & dryer for two weeks to greatly appreciate our new stackable beauty. Every time I do laundry I’m smiling, and that’s no lie.

Hope you enjoyed a peek into our new home! We are still working on getting some patio furniture and small touches here and there, but we are happy to be feeling comfortable in our surroundings again.

Thanks so much for reading and please feel free to give me any suggestions!! My home is always a work in progress. Since we only have one ceiling fixture in the entire apartment (and it’s our only ceiling fan no less!), I don’t have anywhere for my eBay chandelier – the horror!!! I will definitely be finding a spot for that treasure in our next home – it’s mandatory.

Thank you so much for stopping by! XO –

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Pink Joggers

A few years ago I spent a summer weekend in Miami with some of my best girlfriends. I was in awe of all the beautiful people in the city, the different languages being spoken all around me and the colorful everything.

This outfit feels so Miami to me – with another fabulous scarf top! My first scarf top post was here, and I’ve really fallen in love with the concept and this colorful Olio Collection scarf. It feels so easy and unique – which I’m finding is very “California.” I think that one of the biggest differences between my Southern style and California-girl style is that the stylish girls here have a very easy look. Air-dried hair, natural makeup and an effortlessly put together look that is both unique and laid back.

A big bonus that this outfit is cool since we have no central air conditioning in the den/living area of our apartment. Most days it’s not a problem…but somedays it feels like summertime Miami in the den…and I’m not kidding. Having been nicknamed the “ice queen” in college thanks to my love of air conditioning and below 70 degree temperatures, I might complain about the lack of AC a few times…daily. Luckily I have lots of reasons to get outside and enjoy the breeze, and I find ways to do this often!

I love some big hair but my stick-straight locks rarely hold much volume – so the California style of long, no fuss strands are definitely working to my advantage! What do y’all think? Is the long, straight hair too plain on me?

scarf top – Olio Collection (c/o) / pink joggers – Forvever21, similar here and here / heels – Michael Antonio / bag – Céline, similar here / cuff and arty ring – La Dama / enamel cuff – Hermés / earrings – boutique , love these and these / sunnies – Ray Ban

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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4th of July Snaps

We had so much fun riding our bikes around Newport, Balboa Island and Lido Isle on Thursday celebrating Independence Day. It was one of the most fun 4th of July’s I’ve ever had – Los Angeles and Miami being at the top as well thanks to my fabulous friend Shallon and her fabulous July 4th birthdays!

Christian and I came across a particular area of Newport that was pouring with high school kids, making me feel like a neglectful babysitter. No matter how “young” I think I dress, I still feel like Christian and I stick out like sore thumbs by looking so conservative. Everyone also tells us that my accent gives us away instantly, while Christian manages to blend in perfectly. WHATEVER Y’ALL. But in all seriousness, we have been so appreciative and amazed at how friendly and helpful everyone has been to us in SoCal. Everyone is so happy and welcoming, and it’s really helped us feel at home so quickly.

Here are some photos I snapped throughout the day – tell me what you did on the 4th!

boatneck shirt – H&M, love this one (on sale!) / dolphin shorts – Forever21, love these and these / bag – Coach, old, similar here / Swatch watch / chain bracelet – INPink (c/o) / monogram pendant – BaubleBar / sandals – Miss Trish for Target, love these / sunnies – boutique, love these and these (on sale!)

I finally had my first (and definitely not my last) Balboa Bar! Similar to my frozen banana, seen here, I chose the “everything” topping, which needs no explanation. More sugar is better.

This blue wig really would have made my holiday outfit. Although the lady on a bicycle dressed as the Statue of Liberty would have been hard to beat.

So blessed and proud to celebrate this holiday. Hope you had a beautiful weekend! Thanks for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five

– the Best of Mississippi issue of Mississippi Magazine hitting the stands, featuring yours truly! –
Photography by the crazy talented Tristan Duplichain

– my first acai bowl in Costa Mesa –

– seeing these two lookin’ like they’re searching for babes –

– a picnic with the most adorable picnic basket I’ve ever seen –

– fireworks on the beach –

I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend – hopefully involving some bbq, cocktails and a large body of water! XO –

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It’s my birthday and I’ll dream if I want to…

1. OC Art for my Gallery Wall 2. White Mod Candlesticks with Pink Taper Candles 3. Lemon Tree for the Patio 4. Zester 5. Marble Pastry Board 6. No-Slip Hangers 7. Prada Marfa Art 8. Silcone Oven Mitts 9. A money tree to help cover some of our cross-country moving expenses 10. Jayson Home Wishbone 11. JT / Jay Z Concert Tickets…oh wait…we already got those (score)!!

I have a birthday coming up and I’ve been making a little wish list…I would love any of these special things to help mark the big 2-6.

A few years ago I started the tradition of giving a gift to myself and I have some big plans this year. It might involve my first trip to South Coast Plaza…a venture I’ve been avoiding as to not spend any money while I’m temporarily unemployed.

Can you think of anything I should add to this birthday list!?

Thanks for reading and for your help! XO –

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Mojito Popsicle Recipe

Y’all may have seen on instagram that I recently had a lime popsicle that brought back memories of mojito popsicles by the infinity pool on our honeymoon. Thanks to a friend’s comment, I was encouraged to make some of my own and I can’t wait to share with y’all how EASY it was! I searched a bunch of different recipes and ended up using the basic ingredients to make my own recipe for six small popsicles.

I didn’t want to buy a popsicle mold since our new small cozy apartment doesn’t need another item to store, so I made do with our tovolo king cube ice tray (we love this thing!) and they came out really well. If you have an ice tray lying around, I suggest giving these ice tray pops a whirl before buying a mold.

makes six jumbo ice cube popsicles:

4 limes, halved
3/4 cup mint leaves
2 TB white sugar
3 oz. white rum (I used coconut rum – delish!)
1 cup water
6 wooden popsicle sticks

Place mint leaves in a blender. Juice the four limes into the blender, add your rum, water and sugar. Blend until mixed well and pour into ice tray. I noticed one recipe said to strain the mint out, but I like to have it in there – your call). Wait until the cubes are firm enough to hold a popsicle stick (I set a timer and for me it was about 1.5 – 2 hours) and gently place a stick in each cube. Leave them in overnight and enjoy!

The next day…

After smelling this delicious concoction, you just have to make a cocktail, right? While you have all these ingredients out, grab a club soda and make yourself a mojito.

serves two:

20 mint leaves
two limes, cut into wedges
4 TB white sugar
two handfuls of ice cubes
4 oz. white rum (I used coconut rum)
1 cup club soda

Place mint leaves and one lime wedge into each glass. Use a muddler to crush the lime and mint leaves to release the juice and oils and let the magic begin (if you don’t have a muddler you can use the end of a wooden spoon). Add two more lime wedges and two tablespoons of sugar to each glass and muddle again. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice and pour in the rum. Add your club soda, garnish with a lime wedge, stir and sip away!

Cheers! Thanks for reading y’all – I hope you’ll make these! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Truffle Grilled Cheese & Coconut Fruit Salad

Hold the phone. I knew that combining my love for good bread, cheese and truffle oil would be dangerous but I had no idea what I was really getting myself into. This grilled cheese is slap ‘yo mama good. It’s eyes-closed-hit-the-table good. It’s sneak-the-other-half-of-your-husband’s-sandwich-and-eat-it-when-he’s-getting-another-napkin good.

Combined with a fresh summer salad topped with sweet, shredded coconut – I am in summer lunch heaven. A fruit salad is a fruit salad, I hear you. In this simple fruit salad, I like to just combine what I have available (plus something fun like mango or pineapple), chop and sprinkle with coconut.

On to the sandwich. They key here is good bread. If you use regular loaf bread I don’t think it will hold well when adding the truffle oil at the end…but try it yourself if you dare.

a few slices of sourdough (I used a cracked wheat sourdough)
some cheese of your preference (I used what I had in my fridge – sharp cheddar, swiss and mozzarella)
sliced mushrooms, wiped with a damp towel
truffle oil (I used white truffle oil)

Spray a fry pan with vegetable oil spray. As the pan is warming up, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil on one side of the bread. Add the cheese and sliced mushrooms, close the sandwich and place in the pan. Once the bread is looking nice and toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich and separate the two pieces of bread (this is where hearty bread is convenient), drizzling the truffle oil again over the cheese and mushrooms. Truffle oil can lose its zing if it is heated, so if possible, it’s best to use it right before the dish is served.

I can’t get enough. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five

– local berries at the Farmer’s Market –

– seeing my Bailey-girl love the beach even more than I thought she would –

– sunset on the Huntington Beach Pier –

– finally buying Christian’s fun car, a four-door Jeep Wrangler –

– working on organizing our new bookshelves –

I hope y’all have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for reading – XO –

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Quick Frappé Recipe

Y’all know I love my espresso machine and daily lattes. I’ve quickly become a coffee snob and while I still love cheap wine, I don’t love plain ‘ol coffee as much as I used to. I thought a cold frappé would be a nice treat on these summer mornings and this recipe is easy and delicious. In my book, whipped cream just takes everything to the next level.

1 1/2 cups cold brewed coffee
1/2 cup skim milk
1 1/2 cups ice (more or less to your preference)
2 TB sugar
Whipped Cream (I use nonfat)
Caramel sauce

Combine the coffee, milk, ice and sugar in the blender. Blend until smooth.

Pour, top with whip cream and caramel sauce (or chocolate sauce…or whatever you prefer). Yum!

Thanks so much for reading! If you end up making this, I’d love to hear what you think! XO –

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Day Trip to San Diego

Christian and I had so much fun spending the day in San Diego visiting with his cousin who lives there with her husband (and puppy!). My sister and brother-in-law lived in La Jolla several years ago, and it was so fun to walk around the area and recognize landmarks.

My two favorite memories of visiting San Francisco in high school are the sea lions and touring Alcatraz. Similarly, some of my favorite San Diego memories are the seals and the views from the mountains. When we drove to the top of Mount Soledad and got out of the car, I couldn’t help but look at the cross at the top of the mountain and feel so thankful that the Lord has brought us to this incredible place. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity and I am just so happy to finally be here!