Carrie Bradshaw Lied

The Halsted House | Highlands, NC

Over the weekend we drove a few hours away (we are only one hour from South Carolina and two hours from the North Carolina mountains) to visit the Highlands/Cashiers area for the second time. Our first visit earlier this year was shared here!

This time was a little extra special because we had the treat of staying at The Halsted House, which was actually featured in this month’s Southern Living! We had more space than we needed, a beautiful four-bedroom home with a big patio overlooking endless trees, a screened porch and fire pit. I think I read at least 75 pages of my book by the fireplace inside with wine or a spritz, happy as a clam.

What made this stay extra unique was that this home was renovated and designed by interior designer Whitney McGregor. As a design lover (but no expert!), I so enjoyed staying in this home and admiring how she put things together. How she styled different beddings with upholstered headboards that matched both the dust ruffle and drapes. How the primary bathroom had sconce shades that matched the Roman shades and skirted marble countertop and sink.

We often get to flip through the homes of interior experts in books and magazines, but so rarely are we staying in homes that they curated themselves! I had to snap some photos of my favorite spaces…

blue blazer | white tee | sunglasses

dress | similar bootie | similar hat here and here | bangles

I hope you guys enjoyed the sneak peek as much as I enjoyed this insanely beautifully designed home. If only I could have snuck some of these upholstered beauties home with me!! I knew it would be a fabulous stay, but I left with so much inspiration. Such a treat, and I love that anyone can book and stay there. I hope we’ll be back!

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

No Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Sleep + Lounge

Sharing a favorite category for many of us today – sleep and loungewear. With this working-from-home lifestyle so many of us have become accustomed to, having comfortable yet polished lounge pieces has proven more valuable than we realized!

Because we want to be equal parts put together and comfortable, sets are usually a winning choice – which is where Amazon comes into play. To shop, 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

I have a different version of these pajamas (also super similar here), and they’re a longtime favorite. They pack really well and are super comfortable and flattering. A great travel pajama set that feels appropriate no matter where you’re staying. The shorts version is great too.

I’ve eyed this hoodie dress so many times. Really cute with sneakers or boots for fall!

You can’t go wrong with fluffy slippers. They’re a favorite, hence the crazy 14k+ reviews. When I’m home I’m barefoot or in slippers.

This set was a top seller for month and I have two of them – one is long-sleeved and one is short-sleeved. I love both and wear them as loungewear around the house or throw on sneakers for an easy errands outfit. A great purchase so far.

You can see all of my Amazon picks broken down by category under “shop –> Amazon Storefront.” You can also find all Amazon-themed wish lists under “fashion –> Amazon Finds.” Thank you so much for reading – XO –

No Comments|See Comments

5 Fall Trends I’m Excited For

I think fall is most of our favorite time of year, particularly for fashion lovers. Spring and summer tend to run together, but that summer to fall transition is the most dramatic shift of year both in energy and fashion.

There are seasonal trends and peaks every year, but not every trend is for everyone (including me!). Below are five of the trends I’m loving most that I think are relatable, realistic and attainable on any budget. You likely have some of these items in your closet! Let’s get into it –

Knits, Knits, and More Knits | Specifically cable-knit if you got it.

image sources: Pinterest, Vogue, WhoWhatWear

Suiting | I’ve been down with this trend for quite some time. Let’s do it!

image sources: Pinterest, Grazia Daily, WhoWhatWear

Faux Head to Toe | You know I love this. Aspen vibes all day every day!

image sources: Pinterest, Refinery29

Western Boots | These have been hot for more than a minute, which means it’s time to dive in.

image sources: Pinterest

Oversized Bags | I love a mini bag but I love a giant bag just as much. Bring ’em back!

image sources: Pinterest

I had so much fun making this post. If you guys like these little trend forecast posts I will try to do more per season. Let me know if you’re interested or if you’re still in loungewear circa 2020. No judgement here, but I have to admit. I’m inspired for some fashun moments this fall.

Thank you so much for reading and sharing! XO –

11 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | End of Summer

– layering with this $32 chunky turtleneck sweater from Amazon –

– sunset walks on the beach with our little guy (shorts) –

– pulling out some old swim favorites, similar suit here and here and sarong here and here –

– walks on the beach with my little guy –

– Hudson somehow wearing his sunglasses all day long –

What a nice break from reality we had at the beach! A little rain, a little clouds, a lot of sunshine and some serious waves and winds. Hudson isn’t quite two yet, so each visit we get to the beach is more and more fun. Oddly enough, he doesn’t love the pool but really loves the sand and ocean. No fear! In fact, I wouldn’t hate it if he had a little more fear. I typically have a too-tight grip on his hand at all times.

I got to see my girlfriend Jenn of Haute off the Rack yesterday, which was such a treat! Her family has a place nearby and was able to come to the beach to escape the electricity outage in their town in in Louisiana. I am so so glad they had someplace to go, and it was such a highlight to be able to visit with her and see baby Beck. He is a sweetheart!

We are caught up to 9 Perfect Strangers and are anxiously awaiting the next episode. I don’t think Christian is enjoying it as much as I am, but I find it super interesting!

We are heading back to Georgia and get to enjoy a tiny bit more of beach time. I feel pretty behind on work and am ready to get back into routine but it’s be nice to sneak away for a minute. We have a few more adventures in September before all is calm again, so it’s on to the next! Hope you have a beautiful weekend, thank you so much for reading – XO –

1 Comment|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Fitness Picks

This week’s wish list is Amazon and fitness focused because let me tell you, when it comes to workout gear I have been SO impressed with my Amazon buys!

Below I will get into the pieces I’ve personally bought and why I love them so much. 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 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

I prefer to keep my workout gear solid colors. I find that it’s both flattering and looks more stylish for errands after workouts… and let’s be honest, that always seems to happen. I recently bought this tank in black and this tank in white and love both.

I have these no-show socks and they’re great for sneakers. Recommend!

I bought this sports bra after hearing it was lululemon dupe. I don’t own a lulu sports bra so I can’t speak for the accuracy but I do really like it and find it super supportive.

I have similar hand weights and I love them for walking on the treadmill or in the neighborhood. I’ve literally been using the same pair since high school.

I recently bought this 40 oz. tumbler with a handle and it’s such an upgrade from my old one, I am truly obsessed with it. Worth EVERY penny.

When it comes to leggings, Amazon is the best bang for you buck hands down, no question. I have several pairs of leggings I love from Amazon including these, these and these. I love a thigh pocket and if you do too (cell phone perfection), do not sleep on these for $25. The best!

Do you have any Amazon fitness picks you really love? I have a “fitness” category of items in my Amazon Storefront (located under “Shop” at the top of this site), so I would love to add to the list if you have any favorites! Thank you so much for reading and sharing – XO –

1 Comment|See Comments

Friday’s Five | Barefoot Memories

– a barefoot summer backyard moment Christian sweetly captured (dress details) –

– glitter sneakers arriving that I won playing Bingo –

– the most beautiful flowers from the Nespresso team in memory of sweet Bailey –

– a sweet gingham dress (sold out but love this one too) –

– the prettiest blue crossbody bag from Songmont –

Cheers to Friday! We are happily enjoying the last few weeks of real summer over here and are prepping for our last summer trip of the year. While spring seemed to breeze by, summer has felt kind of long to me? So I’m really excited to wrap it up with a bang and move onto early fall. Bring it!

I discovered a new show on Hulu this week that has both Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy leading it, 9 Perfect Strangers. Watched the first episode this week and am always in such awe of Nicole Kidman. She is such a mega presence. Has anyone watched it?

I snagged a few things on Amazon the past few weeks that I’ve really loved and am excited about. First of all, this new 40 oz. tumbler arrived and love is an understatement. Having a handle is a seriously upgrade that I didn’t know I needed and now I never want to live without it. I also ordered this over-the-sink strainer and can’t wait to try it out.

This pink Apple look-alike pink keyboard is on its way now that I have a stand for my laptop, and I am exciting to add it to the office! As for clothes, I ordered Hudson this adorable “H” sweater (shared in Wednesday’s Amazon Kids post), this workout tee (love!) and this chunky turtleneck sweater for myself (I sized up two sizes for a looser fit and would recommend sizing up). I also have this maxi dress on the way, these silky slides and these lace-up sandals. I’ll be reviewing them when they come in!

What do you have going on this weekend? Cooked anything delish lately? Watched anything good? Bought anything you love? I’ll take the recs! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

5 Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Kids Picks

This week’s wish list is centered around kids picks from Amazon, and let me tell ya, they have some really great stuff.

I find a lot of things for Hudson like these all-time favorite pajamas and this sweater onesie. To shop the below, 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

We loved this summer sunhat until we lost it (#sad).

We have these pajamas and they’re as cute as they look.

I just ordered this “H” sweater for Hudson and have been told by friends how precious the Hope & Henry collection is. Take a peek for yourself. Beyond!

You can find all of my kids picks in the CBL Amazon Storefront here, also located under “shop –> Amazon Storefront” at the top of this site. Thank you so much for reading! XO –

No Comments|See Comments

Ruffle Smocked Top

As soon as I saw this top in Amazon’s The Drop collection, I snagged it in this color. I later ordered the black too! I love the fit, I think it looks so much more expensive than it is, and I think it is a really versatile top and here’s why –

It looks good with any shade of denim AND it would absolutely work with a mini or midi skirt. I think tops like this look fabulous with silk midi skirts (similar to this look)!

I ordered my usual size, but because the length is shorter I think I could have easily sized up one size for a more comfortable fit. The description says if you’re in between sizes to order up, and I would definitely agree with that.

top – love it in black also! ordered my usual size, also have and love this similar one | similar denim here and here | sandals | similar earrings here and here | similar sunglasses

This top sold out quickly when it was first available. Now that it’s back in stock I would recommend moving fast if you love it because I have no doubts it will sell quickly!

Thanks so much for reading and for more of my top Amazon picks check out my Amazon Storefront and these recent transitional fall picks. XO –

brought to you by Amazon Fashion

No Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | Train Case

– the prettiest personalized train case for toiletries –

– flowers from the sweet team at Spanx in memory of Bailey –

– a new tote from Naghedi, obsessed with the color! –

– the prettiest ballet flats I snagged over 50% off –

— the prettiest olive green dress for late summer and early fall –

A quick week this week, but welcome to Friday – most of our favorite day! I have had a lighter workload this week, which I’ve been really grateful for. It’s been a really nice time to catch up on a lot of rest, and I’ve been really thankful for that stillness. You’ve got to enjoy it while you’ve got it!

I received a few new pieces this week that I am just really excited about, including these ballet slip ons that are over 50% off, this olive green dress that is going to be so easy breezy comfortable in this heat and this Naghedi tote – my second one (first one here), and I LOVE them! Between these and my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale bill that just arrived this week, sister may need to reel in the shopping. Christian – look away!

This weekend I have no plans, and I’m honestly thrilled about it. I might blow up the backyard pool, play bocce ball with C and Hudson or finally watch In the Heights which has been on my watch list all summer. Promising Young Woman and the recently wrapped White Lotus are my favorite watches of summer so far, hoping to add more to the list.

Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend? Have you cooked anything good lately? I’m telling you, I find all of my week’s recipes on tik tok, true story. Y’all don’t sleep on tik tok – there are a lot of good tips and tricks on there!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

1 Comment|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Accessories

I have to thank all of you for your incredibly kind words last week about losing a family pet. Many of us have shared this sadness, and while are so blessed to love animals so deeply, it makes it gut wrenching to say goodbye. Thank you for sharing you hearts with me and for all of your beautiful words. Truly.

On a lighter note, sharing some of my top picks in accessories from Amazon. Most of these I already own and love. Let’s get into it!

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 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Y’all know I love these heels. I never stop talking about them, that’s how much I love them. I have them in three colors, and I kind of want the python. So cute!

I have almost bought these heels twice, I love the buckle. Chic.

I have a purse strap almost identical to this one and let me tell you, just buy it. I paid way more for mine but it’s so cute on literally any purse. For $20? You need it.

I have this visor and it’s great for travel because it just rolls up. It’s super easy to pack.

I have these sunglasses in white and matte black, I always say they’re the best $15 you’ll ever spend. I LIVE in them!

I have two of these rings and they’re so sweet. I love that they’re adjustable so they work on any finger.

I live in hair clips and this set is really great. Just as nice as my J.Crew set that’s much more expensive, so that’s a win!

Thanks so much for reading and for more Amazon picks broken down by category, be sure to visit my Amazon storefront here. You can also find it located under “shop” at the top of this site. Last week’s Amazon transitional fall picks are here! XO –

1 Comment|See Comments

Bailey

At the beginning of June we said goodbye to our 14-year old Bailey dog, our eldest child and Christian’s first love. We knew her health was heading downhill since last winter but wanted to try a few things, build her some ramps and see if we noticed any decrease in her arthritis pain. It was emotional to nurture her through this process and to be honest, I haven’t been ready to talk about it much. I’m still not ready.

She spent her last weeks eating tomahawk steaks and endless scraps (her heaven!), daily walks to the stop sign which was about all she could handle, most of her time inside in the AC (her preference, of course) and lots of petting and kisses.

Bailey spent her life running around on farm land in Mississippi, being chauffeured twice across the United States, chasing pelicans on the beaches of California, wearing her first snow shoes in Tahoe and visiting the mountains every fall. She swam in lakes and oceans, caught frisbees in the park and visited the Pacific Heights dog park in San Francisco almost daily for a year. She accompanied me to my office most days in a Jeep Wrangler for two years, and as a result her photo was amongst the other HQ office pets on the walls of Urban Decay brick and mortars in Newport Beach, Paris and London (I’ve visited all three to see her face!). We would regularly head to the beach for a walk after work before heading home. She regularly rode in the back of the Jeep, top down on Highway 1. We arguably gave her a better life than we will ever give any pet, and knowing that brought us great peace as we had to say goodbye.

Christian and I huddled around her in her final moments with tears flowing freely down our faces, finding it nearly impossible to say goodbye to the 90 lb yellow lab who imprinted our hearts forever. Her ashes are still in the house in the AC… just as we know she would have wanted. 😏😉

You may not have a dog for your whole life, but they have you for their whole life. Many of you have asked about her, and I simply can’t talk about it without getting upset. I had to do it in my own time. And it’s still been quite difficult to gather these photos, reminisce on these moments and know she’s not here.

These moments don’t begin to cover what she brought to our lives. Thank you for blessing us with your heart and spirit, Bailey Savannah Scout Barnes. Thank you for being the best big sister we could have hoped for. And thank you for continuing to visit me as the jumbo yellow butterfly that I see all the time in the yard, dancing around me and floating off into the trees.

Please give your three-legged sister, Lula, a big kiss from us across the rainbow bridge.

We miss you. 🌈

Thank you so much for loving her like we did. She will always be such a special part of our hearts and memories. XO –

46 Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Transitional Fall Picks

This week’s wish list is a little roundup of pieces from Amazon that can work for this soon-to-be transitional fall season. I don’t know about you, but I am kind of over buying for spring/summer. I want to know that things I purchase can easily adapt for cooler weather or even for still-warm weather when I’m wishing it was cooler!

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

I recently bought these joggers, these wide leg knit pants and this top in 2 colors (camel and black). Love it, love it, love it! I ordered the pants in my usual size and sized down in the top, but now that I’ve washed the tops I probably should have stuck to my usual size.

I have this dress in blue (shared here), and I’ve contemplated the camel for quite some time. It is such a great fit and looks way more expensive in person than it is!

This set is in my cart and I think it would be a great swimsuit cover up as well. I also think the top would be fab with denim in the fall!

I have two sets of these bracelets and they are my #1 go to. Waterproof, soundproof, lightweight and absolutely worth the price when you realize how much you’ll wear them.

I bought this turtleneck midi dress in green and black and can’t wait to wear them this fall. I did size up one size and would recommend it!

I have these heels in three colors and wear them constantly. Will never not love them – they are the best heels under $50 you’re going to find.

If you have any Amazon Fashion wins lately, I would love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

2 Comments|See Comments

Explore The Blog

Shop Around

The Halsted House | Highlands, NC

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Sleep + Lounge

5 Fall Trends I’m Excited For

Friday’s Five | End of Summer

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Fitness Picks

Friday’s Five | Barefoot Memories

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Kids Picks

Ruffle Smocked Top

Friday’s Five | Train Case

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Accessories

Bailey

Wednesday Wish List | Amazon Transitional Fall Picks