Friday’s Five

– a stop in Palm Springs for lunch, you know I needed to document this giant Palm Spring sign –

Y’all forgive me for taking the week off — I had no idea how long it would take us to get internet service!  After two and a half long days of driving, we made it.  Our apartment is small but it will be perfect for us and has hardwood floors and plenty of natural light – the two highest things on my wish list after Miss Lula and Bailey’s needs, of course.

We have been swamped with boxes and busy breaking things (I can’t even talk about it – I might cry), but we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and plan to head to San Diego this weekend to visit Christian’s cousin.

Thank you for your sweet instagram comments and for reading!!

– breakfast in bed, some of the best peaches I’ve ever tasted –

– a gallery wall of some of our favorite artists (and the only somewhat completed area of our new place – more to come I promise!) –

– my start at a patio garden…here’s to hoping I don’t kill these beauties because I love sticking my face in them – the smell – oh the smell of fresh herbs! –

 

– a beautiful fountain and ivy arch that I frequently walk Bailey to –

Y’all have a great weekend!! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Moving to California

We have packed up and hit the road heading to move to California – thanks so much for all of your warm wishes!  Christian sold his truck and is driving the moving van with Bailey while I’m in my car with Lula LaShonda…I’m not sure who has it worse.  I’ve been sharing some deets on instagram (follow along @carriebradshawlied) and on Saturday Miss lu meow-ed from 8:30am – 11:00pm without missing a beat.  

And this was WITH the prescribed xanax from the vet.  We skipped the meds on Sunday and I’m happy to share she did much better.  Traveling with a cat = no bueno.

The highlight of the drive so far has been the mountains and desert in Arizona.   Indiana Jones – are you here!?

WE ARE SO FLIPPIN’ EXCITED!!!!!  Thanks for checking in y’all – XO – 

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Summer Smoothie

I want to be better with my smoothie-drinkin’ as the weather is heating up (slowing down my carb-inhaling will make me feel less like a balloon in the humid Mississippi weather), and the more simple the recipe, the better.

With only four ingredients, this smoothie is refreshing and just sweet enough, while packed with healthy greens. Another variation of this recipe without the kale is shared here – I’m going to have to be trying that one too.

Toss the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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A Week in the Bahamas

It’s always a beautiful week at the beach.  We had a wonderful time in the Caribbean and now it’s time to get back to packing and loading our moving truck for California.  Goodbye lounging by the pool and reading Jen Lancaster. Goodbye soft sand and clear teal-blue water.  Hello cardboard boxes,  packing tape, Pizza Hut and a loaded DVR of all my Bravo shows (!!!).

As always, here are some photos from the week –

Hope everyone is having a great start to the week! Thank you for reading! XO –

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Friday’s Five from the Bahamas

– bein’ real glad I held on to the California sarong I got in the 10th grade in San Francisco –

– rock on, surfer girl –

– our Bahamian homeowner’s sharing their affinity for pineapples –

– a kayak that is just begging to be taken out (and most likely flipped with a mouthful of salt water) in the Caribbean –

– hammock lounging –

Sharing a few of this week’s highlights from our family trip to the Bahamas!  Just a few more days on this island and then we return home to packing and eating less seafood and more pb&j. I’ve tried to block the to-do lists out of my head and enjoy this week with Christian and his family, but I cannot help but be filled with excitement and anxiousness that our big move is only a week away.

Thank you again for all of your advice, generosity and encouragement regarding this big step – we honestly cannot wait!!  I hope y’all had some pooltime fun over the holiday weekend and have some summer beach plans of your own – XO –

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CBL + ShoeDazzle

1. maxi dress / 2. white coral necklace / 3. orange & mint earrings / 4. jeweled earrings / 5. gold cuff / 6. mint & white cuff / 7. python cuff / 8. Clare Vivier clutch / 9. peplum top / 10. floral pants / 11. jeweled statement necklace

shoes + Rachel Zoe styling tips + great sales = yes, please

ShoeDazzle…two words I really like.  Did you know they provide a short quiz to establish what products are the best fit for each individual shopper?  It’s like having an online shoe genie.  After taking the quiz you have access to your personal show room, tips from stylists, VIP member sales and a shoe of the day discount.

This could be a problem…because I think I need a lot of these beauties.  Try the quiz yourself and receive 25% off of your first item ordered within two days of signing up.

A big thanks to ShoeDazzle for sponsoring this post – happy shoe shopping and don’t forget to enter the clutch giveaway!! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Alys Beach, Florida Family Vacation

Christian and I had so much fun spending a week with my family in the Florida sunshine.  I’ve had the privilege of traveling to a lot of beaches, but for many reasons, Florida will always be the most beautiful beach to me…with Greece only a few points behind.  The white sand and clear, teal-blue water = my happy place.  Do you have a favorite beach?  I’d love to know!

Here are some photos of our week –

A lot of fun with a lot of fun people, adding one more to the mix when my sister and brother-in-law welcome their son in June.  Hope y’all have some family time planned of your own! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Beach Day Outfit

When vacationing at the beach, the walk to the waves can be just as charming as relaxing in the sun.  This walk to the beach was particularly appealing, with a small pebble path and lush greenery (palms + magnolia trees!) flanking each side of the path.


Rather than shopping for standard swimsuit coverups, lately I’ve been thumbing through my closet to recreate airy sweaters or ponchos as possible coverups.  This poncho is a little on the short side, but the white feels so fresh and the see-through element is just enough fun over a bikini.

beaded bikini – Target (last year), love this one / poncho – ABS, similar here / sandals – Tory Burch / hat – Target (old), similar here, LOVE this one / sunglasses – Ray Ban / bag – purchased from Virgin Islands market, similar here

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Open Enchiladas Recipe

I could eat Mexican food everyday.  Thank GOD Christian loves Mexican food too – I don’t know what I would do if he didn’t!  Now that I think about it…I usually clear at least one basket of chips by myself anyway…so I’m sure I could manage.

I’ve made Mexican pizzas and skinny chicken enchiladas, but I wanted to try a new recipe that took less than thirty minutes for a quick weeknight meal.  With only a few easy steps – I found something that was simple and filling!  I used this recipe and changed it up a little bit, also pairing the meal with fresh guacamole and shandies (a refreshing and low calorie cocktail recipe mentioned by a friend).

Let’s start with the drinks.  A friend recently shared this low calorie treat with me — simple split a beer between two glasses and fill the rest of the glass with lemonade (I went pink).  Add a slice of lemon if you’re feeling fancy and enjoy this refreshing “cocktail.”  YUMS.

Now that you’ve got your cocktail, it’s time to start cookin’.

  • small corn tortillas
  • 1 TB butter
  • sharp cheddar cheese (shredded or you can grate your own)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 15oz. can green enchilada sauce
  • 2 4oz. cans chopped green chilies
  • optional toppings – sour cream, salsa, guacomole (recipe below), shredded grilled chicken (I season it with taco seasoning after shredding)

for guac:

  • 2 avocados
  • 1/2 (or more if you’d like) roma tomato, chopped
  • at least 1 TB chopped onion
  • dash of salt, ground black pepper, oregano
  • squeeze of lime (optional)

Pour enchilada sauce and chilies in a sauce pan and heat on medium-low heat.  Chop your onion and throw some butter in a skillet.  If you are making guac, save at least one tablespoon of onions for the dip.  Once the butter is melted, add the onions and saute until soft.

While the onions are cooking, cut and dice your avocados and tomato.  Toss them in a bowl and add the onion.  Mix well with a wooden spoon, blending as best as you can and season with salt, ground black pepper and oregano to taste.  Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice if you have one around!

Turn your oven on broil and arrange six tortillas on a baking sheet.  Add the cheese to the tortillas and stick in the oven until melted.  Once melted, layer them in sets of threes (see below) and add the enchilada sauce, onions, salsa, guacamole and shredded chicken.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– sunflowers given to us by my sweet mother-in-law –

– a beautiful piece of art from the talented Hillary Butler –

– getting settled into a beautiful house in Watercolor for some family R&R –

– watching Uncle Christian keep my our niece entertained –

– putting away all worries to enjoy some time with my famb-ily (RHONJ I love you Caroline Manzo) –

I hope everyone has a beautiful and relaxing weekend!  Thank you so much for all of your beach read suggestions – I can’t wait to check them out!  XO –

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Visiting Orange County

 

We may still be California-homeless but we had a great time living out of a hotel for a week and eating our way through Orange County.  I’ve traveled to San Francisco with my family, to Los Angeles with friends and to San Diego to visit my sister but have never ventured into Orange County.  Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange, Huntington Beach…there are so many beautiful and unique communities to explore and I look forward to scouting all the other charming areas in OC (and continuing to say “y’all” the entire time).

Here’s to hoping we can snag the perfect little townhouse to purchase and call home.  We don’t need a ton of space, but with two humans, one (large) dog and a vocal kitty…it would be nice to be able to stretch out.  Fingers crossed!

Some photos from our “working” trip –

C and I dug deeper into the In-N-Out secret menu (more details here) – next visit I think I’m going to have to go with the hamburger, protein-style and mustard grilled with whole grilled onion and well done fries. #yolo

 A waffle pastrami sandwich at Bruxie.  Mother, may I have another?

A cocktail to celebrate the end of a day of {expensive} house hunting.

Aaaahhh…I want to go to there.

Thank you so much for reading and following along in this journey with us! XO –

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Dorothy Art: Wedding Memories

I have had the privilege of knowing talented Dorothy Spencer Collier since we were kids.  We were both the daughters of artist mothers who were childhood best friends…except Dorothy got all of her mama’s talent and my sister snatched up all my mom’s artistic genes!

Dorothy’s signature work includes portraits of Mississippi Delta cotton, her alma mater’s mascot and my personal favorite, custom church paintings.  She uses a photo of the church (or golf club if you were the rebel who didn’t get married in a church) and the wedding invitation to create a personal, one-of-a-kind piece of art to serve as the most unique and beautiful memento of your wedding day.  I am so in love with this painting and cannot wait to find the perfect spot to hang it in our new home so I can admire it everyday.

I am thrilled that the artist herself is generously giving CBL readers 15% off on any custom church painting purchased from the DorothyArt Etsy store!!  Hop on over to her shop and see how affordable this unique painting can be for your home – and check out her facebook store for other tidbits of her current projects and giveaways!

Thank you so much Dorothy for my special painting – I ADORE it more than I can ever express!!! Thank you guys so much for reading – XO –

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