Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five | Eucalyptus Deodorant

– impressed with this new gel deodorant –

– the squirrel-proof bird feeder of my dreams that Christian ordered for me –

– layering rings, including this one from Haverhill –

– getting back this framed pieces from Frances Moreno –

– this wooden tea set that Hudson can’t get enough of (bread basket | rattan play house) –

Cheers to Friday! This week flew by but I must admit, after a whirlwind November and December I really do value these slow weeks of January. I think I really needed them and I have enjoyed the quiet. Anyone else?

I think the nesting is slowly beginning (finally!). I’ve pulled out all the bottles and 0-3 months clothes that need rewashing along with some postpartum things I used last time (that part felt a little PTSD, but it will be ok). I am both so ready and also not ready at all. But isn’t that how we always feel getting ready for a new little person that is joining the family?

We have more cold weather ahead of us and next week I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to spend these super cold weekends when everyone we know seems to be under the weather (omicron has been sweeping our city). In the meantime, I hope to keep allowing myself the rest that I know I need. I’ve been so much kinder and gracious to myself this time around about lying down, elevating my feet, reading a book, etc. I am really proud of myself for that.

We watched Don’t Look Up last weekend and it has really sat with me. A crazy movie about a crazy situation that isn’t entirely… unbelievable? Maybe it’s the hormones but it was both powerful and nuts. Who else has watched it?

I don’t have much to report other than stay warm, give yourself rest and y’all stay healthy out there. Big hugs – XO –

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Wish List | Valentine’s for HER

A little early but… not really? Valentine’s Day is ahead of us and it’s always fun to gather some sweet lady things ahead of the holiday. Truthfully we usually just like to go on a dinner date, but for those of you exchanging gifts, I have some ideas to throw in the ring.

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

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

I love a home or beauty gift for little holidays like Valentine’s Day. For the home, this candlestick holder caught my eye, along with the bestselling blanket (also this one) everyone can’t get enough of and the wine chiller (on sale) that is the summer hosting must-have.

I also love the idea of chic board games! For some girls, a handheld vacuum may not be a great holiday gift, but for me? BRING IT. I am intrigued by this one and it’s gotten some amazing reviews.

As for beauty, I’ve heard a lot of great things about this brush. When my current one gives out, it’s on my list. I have this magic cream and it is, in fact, magical. A chilled eye mask has never been as sophisticated as this one. I also think any eucalyptus anything from Necessaire is a winner. I can’t have enough silk pillowcases and this essence has been a highlight of my morning and night skincare routine lately.

A few things on my beauty wish list right now are more tan luxe face drops, this lip mask and this tanning mousse. If you are crossing your fingers for anything in particular, I would love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five | Pink Jasmine

– still living off the high of Georgia winning the national championship –

– pulling out two of these brass vinyl storage cases from my grandparents and going through them with Hudson –

– picking up this lovely pink jasmine at the grocery –

– telling myself I need to start washing clothes for baby barnes –

– fuzzy heels from Amazon that really bring some extra fun –

This week has flown by! With Hudson back on his usual, non-quarantine schedule I’ve been able to have lots of make-up calls, meetings, appointments and catch up on deadlines while everyone is (crossing fingers) healthy and well. I hope all of you are able to stay safe and healthy right now. It’s a jungle out there, that’s for sure.

I found the little pink jasmine plant above at the grocery this week, and I can’t wait to watch it do its thing. I also got the above fuzzy heels in, which is not something I would usually go for. However, I thought they were FUN and would be a great addition to a basic outfit for a girls night or festive party. Time will tell how much use they get!

The buzz in Athens has been all about the championship game and win on Monday night. WHAT a game. I’m not a big football gal, and I stayed up past midnight watching that game and the celebration that followed. Boy, was it worth it. So happy for the team, the wives of coaches that I know and of course, the university and town. It’s an exciting year to live in Georgia!

I have a somewhat busy day today and then a relaxing weekend ahead. We have a parade to celebrate the big win, and I know lots of people are coming to town to celebrate. I hope to see some familiar faces! I really need to start nesting. Only two months to my due date and I have done… very little if not nothing. I need to get down some of the newborn goods from the attic and then it will feel REAL.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Wish List | Polished Athleisure

Ah, polished athleisure. The only thing most of us want to wear the majority of the time, especially during cooler months. I live in sweatshirts and leggings (particularly while pregnant/in the third trimester), and I love seeing how other girls layer and accessorize athleisure in a way that certainly doesn’t limit style.

To shop, click directly on the items or find their associated numbers below the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

If you can swing it, I love matching sets. You can obviously wear them together or separately, but you get so many looks out of two matching pieces. This half-zip sweatshirt and matching pants are calling my name.

I have this sports bra and sweatshirt from Amazon and love and wear both regularly.

These sneakers have been raved about online by so many people, I hear they are incredibly comfortable, and I love how many colors they come in.

These leggings are some of the best leggings under $30 you’re going to find and I love the thigh pocket. I can’t have enough sweats, and I’m having a hard time not stretching out some of my favorite pairs right now! Love these and these.

If you have any athleisure purchases you’ve made recently and love, do share! Always looking for fresh recommendations. Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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Friday’s Five | Ruffled Bowl

– still holding on to our holiday cards in one of my favorite bowls –

– catching one of the orchid buds in bloom this week (I always miss it!) –

– this little $30 designer dupe bag arriving, will be fab for spring/summer –

– still loving our Loom and Co. rug so much –

– trying to find a place for some of the things I gained in my parents move… like my baby portraits –

The first week back to work for most of us… how are y’all feeling? I was able to get three good work days in before Hudson had to quarantine for a covid exposure. But I’m honestly grateful to have gotten what I was able to get in beforehand. With the case numbers looking like they do right now, I knew it was a matter of time before we were affected. We have remained healthy throughout winter so far (which is shocking to me with how many have been sick), so I know to count my lucky stars!

I am VERY thankful it’s been beautiful and sunny outside so we can play in the yard. When he was home during Christmas break and it rained for 5 days in a row – that was rough. I’m typing this as he plays tee-ball in the backyard – gotta count your wins where you get them.

Now that Christmas is a wrap (not ready for the season to be over), my mind is slowly easing toward preparing for this baby. I need to get all the newborn stuff down from the attic, start the sanitizing/clothes washing/postpartum prepping. I know it’s going to be here fast. But I am amazed as I become more uncomfortable, I will feel more and more ready. It’s a privilege to grow this little baby, but it’s also wonderful to have full ownership of your body again. Trying to enjoy and appreciate both!

We don’t have any big plans this weekend. We’ll be testing Hudson for covid over the weekend which will determine the next few days, so laying low until then. I hope everyone is staying warm and healthy! Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Wish List | Home Organization

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9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

January means different things for different people, but getting organized in some shape or form is usually on the list for most of us. It may just mean organizing your holiday decorations before storing them (I bought this and 10 of these and LOVE them), or it may mean a full pantry/fridge cleanout.

I do have a fridge and pantry organization post here, but I can’t 100% attest that having a pantry or closet that this beautifully organized can not only be a happy hack (more about those here and here) but also prevent you from overbuying because you can actually see what you have.

Our kitchen is currently in a pretty decent place however my closet… is not. It’s mostly because I have incorporated maternity stuff that I don’t really have room for, which has resulted in stacks of clothes on the floor. And it does not bring me peace. Not one bit.

I think drawer dividers like this and this are GAME CHANGERS. I don’t ever wanna live without them. I also bought a few kits like this when we first moved into our house and I love them so much. Highly recommend.

Are you organizing anything in your house and if so, what? After cleaning out my closet, organizing for baby #2 is next up. I am both ready and not ready.

Thank you so much for reading and sharing! XO –

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How to Create A Vision Board | 2022

all images via Pinterest

In late December 2019 I made a vision board for the first time for 2020. I’ll be honest… it felt a little cheesy. Almost like I was a jr. high girl clipping from YM magazine (who else remembers YM?).

I found images from google searching or pinterest-ing words, quotes and inspirational photos online and put them in a Photoshop collage. You could also use Canva or even old school clip them from magazines and glue/tape to a sheet of paper or poster board.

I set it as the backdrop of my desktop computer as well as printing it and taping it to the back of my closet door where only I would see it. And I’ll be damned if at the end of 2020 I didn’t look at that board and realize nearly all of it had actually come true.

So I did one for 2021, and about 80% of it came true. And now I’m almost done with my board for 2022! I found some example vision boards from Pinterest to share with you guys because mine are intimate to me and I don’t really show them to anyone (other than Christian, and I maybe only showed them to him this year – ha!). But I create them each year with intention and the hope to “manifest” some of my goals.

If you’re a visual person – this might be more helpful than a traditional resolution list. Or it might be something that’s worth trying to see if it’s more effective than a list. I do think having it somewhere that you’ll see it periodically is helpful though. Don’t just make it and allow it to disappear. The visual reminder is a part of the process!

The beauty is that this is entirely yours. So you can create it however you wish – only images, words, quotes, whatever. I usually try to hit a few categories – professional goals, family goals, relationship goals, personal goals, spiritual goals and sprinkle in a little long-term hope for the future.

When thinking of what you might want on your board, imagine your life if certain goals were already your reality. Envision yourself living in the picture you chose and think about how you feel. THAT is what goes on your board.

Comment with any questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer! I’ve only done this for 2020 – 2022, so I’m a newbie, but it’s something that has taken place of a resolution list for me. Once the year is closing, it’s pretty special to review your board and say… “wow, of what came true – that’s kind of amazing.” And maybe what didn’t come true goes on your next year’s vision board too.

Thanks so much for reading! Can’t wait to hear what you guys come up with – XO –

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Wish List | Amazon Cold-Weather Favorites

Winter is here, my friends. Even though this week is oddly warm in Georgia… like kind of gross warm? BUT it is going to drop like crazy next week. And we have some firewood to get through so I’m over here like… bring it!

Sharing some cold-weather favorites from Amazon right now. I’ve seen so many girls who actually live in the mountains recommend cold-weather picks from there, so that makes me trust it in itself. To shop, click directly on the item or find the associated number below the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

I LOVE this coat and this coat, so cute. I saw a girl wearing this men’s vest as an oversized vest over a sweatshirt and it was super cute.

I have these fuzzy birks and I love them. They are so great for a slipper style around the house that can also be worn for quick errands. Took a minute for them to come in but worth it. I’m also waiting on these to arrive. They look extra sassy and FUN!

I don’t have these snow boots, but I’ve seen them on several others and they look so, so comfortable and cute. Pair them with these faux fur mittens… CHIC snow bunny vibes!

I do however have these leggings and obsessed is an understatement. I need three more pairs. They remind me of a lululemon dupe, especially considering the aligns are constantly sold out so how can one even get their hands on them if they wanted to!? Geez!

Thank you so much for reading, happy NEW YEAR (inspo guide here), and I hope all of you will ring in the new year happy, healthy, hopeful and grateful. Love you guys – XO –

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2021 Amazon Top Sellers

I wanted to share some of 2021’s top sellers from Amazon (and I plan to put together an overall list later!) that you guys have loved as much as I have. And it has also reminded me to pull some of these gems back out because they really are that good!

To shop, click directly on the item or find it broken down below –

yellow dress | white top | strappy heels | sleeveless t-shirt dress | joggers

black dresses left to right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Thank you so much for reading and if you bought any of these items this past year, I’d love to hear what you think about your purchase. Thank you so much for all of your support this year, you guys are truly the best. XO –

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Friday’s Five | Merry Christmas!

– last-minute wrapping in my cashmere-blend sweater and joggers –

– and loving the instant gratification! –

– the snack basket being heavily visited this year (yay!) –

– and loving this stack of Christmas books (bought this sweet one last year) by the glider all month long –

– adding some holly from the yard to all floral arrangements –

It’s Christmas Eve, what a TREAT! As always, I feel this month flew by way too fast. I try to savor every moment in between the shopping for our 19 family gift recipients (!!), teacher gifts, employee gifts, coworker gifts, Christmas cards… I truly do love the season of giving but sometimes I do wish we could all dial it back a little and just enjoy. Enjoy the meaning of Christmas. Enjoy the holiday movies and treats and fellowship without as much of the buying, wrapping, exchanging, etc.

BUT, maybe that’s because my love language is acts of service and not gift-giving. Does anyone else feel this way?

We are so happy to have my parents with us this week to celebrate the holiday! They got here a few days ago and we have loved having them here. Hudson has so much fun with them and I love how their time together is treasured. It reminds me of spending time with my out-of-town grandparents. The luxury when you don’t live in the same place as your grandparents is that they really get to spoil the littles when they’re together. I remember feeling so special, like my arrival at Grammy and Grandy’s house was the highlight of the month. So far I think Hudson feels the same way.

We are off to church today and plan to enjoy Christmas Eve with a few little activities, lots of games and movie watching and definitely some cooking. Always lots of cooking. But I got off easy at Thanksgiving, so now it’s my turn! I hope all of you enjoy this magical day and weekend. Embrace the time with loved ones and reflect on what the past year has brought.

Thank you so much for your support and love. I treasure this little corner of the Internet. I can’t even express how much I appreciate you. By being here with me, you’ve given me my dream job. MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays! XO –

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Wish List | NYE Picks

I know we haven’t yet hit Christmas, but that week between Christmas and New Years is so fast!! So I wanted to go ahead and round up some sparkly options from Amazon, Revolve and Shopbop that you can get with super quick shipping (and returns). Which when you’re acting less than two weeks ahead… is a priority!

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

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

An extra something I just ordered are these fuzzy heels. Sadly they won’t be here by NYE but for less than $50, how fun!?

I love a sweater dress like this and this for NYE because you might be able to get away without having to deal with a bulky coat or extra layer.

I’ve been considering this maternity slip dress because I feel like it would be such a great layering piece under sweaters and things.

A sequin top with classic denim is always a winning combo! Pair with some of my favorite accessories like this amazing tennis bracelet dupe (I have it and love it), these stacked bracelets (I have two sets!) and this bag (just ordered last week).

I also think you could keep your outfit simple and go big on dangly earrings, a mega glam statement necklace and chic heels… with a manageable heel that you can really wear all night.

Some additional NYE outfit inspiration posts can be found here, here and here.

What are your NYE plans? Christian will be working so I will probably be watching the ball drop in pajamas with a shirley temple. Wild and crazy over here. Thank you so much for reading and happy happy Merry Merry Christmas! XO –

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October and November’s Top 10 | 2021

I have fallen off the wagon in sharing my monthly top 10, and I thought I would combine October and November into one post! These were some of the biggest hits over those 8 weeks, many of which are products I truly love and use/wear all the time.

Like this sweater that I’m literally wearing as I type this. Anyway, let’s dive in!

Our Place Always Pan, post here

We have two of these and use them constantly. Used them last night for breakfast burritos, in fact. The best!

Our Place Perfect Pot

I’ve been waiting for them to create a pot version. THRILLED to have this one!

Olly Knee-High Boot, 60% off, also available here

Got these last year, still think they’re such a great pair of boots and are marked down!

Black Shirt Dress

I’ve had this dress for a year or two and it’s a great piece for non-maternity, maternity (14 weeks pregnant in photo below) or postpartum. Love that it comes in lots of colors.

Spanx Perfect Tee

I have both colors and LOVE these! Run TTS and 10% off with code KATHLEENXSPANX.

Mama Faux Leather Leggings, non-maternity version here

Also being worn with the sherpa in the photo 2 down! 10% off with code KATHLEENXSPANX.

Waterproof Combat Boot, also available here

I love these so much (being worn in photo above as well), that I bought a second pair this year in almond. They are so comfortable.

Batwing Sweater (Free People Dupe)

This sweater runs big but I LOVE IT. I know so many girls who have bought it in multiple colors! I ordered my usual size for the bump, but if I wasn’t pregnant I likely would have sized down. I am 5’7″ and love that it’s long enough to cover my bum. Perfection.

Asymmetric Hem Sweater

This was a recommendation from another influencer and I really love it. I bought it in red also. I can’t wait until I’m not pregnant and can French tuck it into denim. I ordered my usual size for an oversized fit but some of the reviews say to size down.

$25 Turtleneck Dress, I sized up one size for bump

I love this dress so much I ordered it in two colors. I even dressed it up for a black-tie event! I sized up one size for the bump but think it runs TTS. A great layering piece.