I have a few series that have started on CBL including the monthly Q&A’s and now the monthly top 10! It’s so fun and helpful taking the time to round up these top questions and products because it also always feels like a touch-base with you guys.
Doing so allows me to see what things y’all were loving – exercise and swim or home and baby? This month it was fun to see clothing be the frontrunner of the show. Perhaps we are all getting back into the swing of getting dressed each day while still staying comfortable, efficient and motivated. Or at least… for three – four days a week. I’ll take what I can manage.
All of these looks are also linked under “shop my Instagram” in further detail if you need additional info! Let’s get into it –
When I saw this dress online, I knew it was one of those classic summer styles that would always be chic. And as every girl loves to say… it has pockets!
I love dresses that hit at this lower calf/ankle length because they’re so easy to wear with both flats and heels. When I recently discovered it’s currently 75% off, I wanted to make sure to share the goods. It’s on sale both here and here, and I linked some classic white eyelet dresses I’m also loving below.
I’m also loving these earrings under $50 that will go with every summer outfit. A natural, lightweight raffia earring is such a staple in my closet. I also have and love these – seriously, they go with everything.
dress, also available here – both on sale! (if you’re in between sizes I would recommend sizing up) | bangles (I’m wearing two sets) | earrings | similar heels here and love these | pinky ring | necklace | room details here
Are you venturing into spring dresses are still hanging in yoga pants? Truly, no judgement either way. Personally, I’ve been “getting dressed” at least 3-4 days a week (on my designated “work days,” we’re still on the COVID-19 childcare limbo schedule) and I do find myself to be more productive when doing so. But hey – whatever works for you. I think my word for 2020 has most definitely become grace.
Thank you so much for reading. I’m sharing a really easy summer dip this week I know y’all are going to love! XO –
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– a new bottle of Equilibria CBD drops in mint (15% off your first order with code kathleenbarnes) –
– a new batch of hydrangeas after keeping my last ones alive for two weeks (my tips here) –
You made it to the weekend – gold star! I got a few bursts of energy this week and got after organizing details for our bathroom redesign. I also spent a full day organizing my closet and prepped some food and snacks for my in-laws who are coming to visit. Hudson is going to be so spoiled with lots of attention, he doesn’t even realize!
And let’s be honest, there is no personal joy like an organized house. I’m not sure how long it will last, but for the moment, I will appreciate it!
There were two fun activities I did with Hudson this week that I think are great for baby moms. We blew up an inflatable pool on the patio (not reinventing the wheel here but didn’t realize it would be such a hit) and combined Greek yogurt with some food coloring and let him play with it in the tub before bath time. Both activities kept him entertained for 45 minutes to an hour and were super easy to do. Highly recommend for parents of babies who are sitting up!
It shouldn’t be too hot this weekend, so we’re hoping to get outside with the in-laws some for walks and maybe some al fresco dining. A few more local restaurants have opened up and not only do I want to show my support but I also love the idea of not doing dishes. Have you ventured to restaurants much yet and if so, was it worth it or is takeout still the way to go?
A few sales happening this week for those who are interested:
Alice & Olivia | end of season warehouse ale up to 80% off
Fourth of July is around the corner… as crazy as it feels to type that. But it is! And last year’s July 4th was such a blur in the midst of moving that I barely remember the day, other than the previous homeowners invited us to the country club to watch the fireworks. Which was beyond kind to the brand new people in town.
Below is some inspiration to get your summer holiday vibe on. To shop, just click on the item in the collage or find its corresponding number below!
This is a Yeti that I don’t currently have and definitely think I need for the hot summer ahead. And if you need a $6 neckerchief to add to a white dress and call it a day, that’s what I call an easy breezy patriotic look.
If you’re having people over, a fun drink is the cherry on top. Love the idea of this star spangled mule. I also think some strawberry, cucumber and basil water feels refreshing and little special (bonus points if you have some basil from your quarantine garden!). I’m going to try to put together some app and meal ideas next week as well!
AND one of my favorite brands, MacKenzie-Childs is having a major summer sale right now with hundreds of discounted items, final sale. So if you love them like I do, be sure to check that out!
If you have a 4th of July tradition, I’d love to hear it. Now that we have a little one, finding fireworks is going to be the challenge this year. Thank you so much for reading and sharing! XO –
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I’ll be honest, shorts season aren’t my favorite. I have never been one to show off a lot of leg, and I usually can be found wearing dresses, skirts or pants.
But honey, this Southern heat is not a drill. It gets some kind of hot, and jeans aren’t going to cut it when it’s wildly humid. Lightweight linen is a go to to stay cool and avoid cutoffs, so join me in this venture.
I stumbled upon these linen overalls under $30, and I knew they would help stay chic, cool and covered up if you feel me. They come in three colors and are beyond comfortable! They’re a loose fit so if you’re in between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down.
Tell me – are you a shorts person? Or do you opt for dresses and pants? I recently found another linen shop on Etsy and now I desperately want these pajamas and these culottes. And maybe this dress. SO cute! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
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Thank you so much for this! 2020 has been the year at home for sure, so I’ve enjoyed getting crafty around the house, painting rooms, creating art and moving furniture and accessories around. I need to be better about putting them into blog posts!
Can you talk about making home decor decisions and inspiration for the house?
I shared in this Q&A my opinion on getting started with home design, but my friend Macey told me once that she felt that quick decisions were often the way to go. She has an amazing eye for design, and she said she thought often times too much research and options can actually cloud our gut instincts for choosing what we like.
I loved that thought, and it made me feel more comfortable with how we have filled our home so quickly.
I would start with a Pinterest board and pin images you like. Then step back and connect the dots. Do you notice a theme of sleek lighting with fluffy, cloud sofas? Or rich, patterned rugs and leather accents? What’s your vibe? Look for the consistent elements in your Pinterest vision board and start there.
How do you keep your light couches clean?
I either opt for slip covers so I can wash them if we spill or I go with Sunbrella fabric. I’ve had a white or beige sofa for 8+ years now and it’s never been an issue because I go for slipcover or Sunbrella.
We also don’t allow pets on furniture, and I do think that really helps if you have pets!
Do you still love your LoveSac?
Yes! We have a sactional in seashell polylinen in our basement and it’s incredibly comfortable. We’re really happy with it.
How do you feel about essential oils? Yay or nay and why?
We love them for diffusers in the house and Hudson’s room. I try to use them before taking medicine, but honestly… I usually forget. My favorite ones to diffuse downstairs are in this set.
I don’t find them to help me much with colds or sickness (I’ve tried onguard, oregano, etc. and never noticed much), but they have helped with sleep (doTERRA’s lavender) or nausea (doTERRA’s peppermint).
I think if they work for you? Go for it.
How did you learn so much about gardening?
I literally googled and read tons of articles or I ask my neighbors who have incredible yards and gardens! When they’re out in the yard I’ll ask questions and they are always so kind to offer their advice. And they’re always right).
What’s a good swimsuit brand for women? I want to splurge, but I want it to be worth it!
This may not be a popular answer, but I don’t typically splurge on swimsuits. The reason is that I only wear them for a few seasons, they look dingy over time or my preference changes. I’m much more likely to splurge on a fabulous coverup, hat or beach bag that I can get longer wear out of.
The swimsuits I wear most often are from ASOS, Amazon or Aerie.
I bought one set and then went back to buy another set. So I usually am wearing all 18 from both sets!
I love them because they’re lightweight, don’t make a bunch of noise and they’re waterproof. I literally wear them all day and don’t think twice. To find your size, I would recommend measuring your wrist to make sure you get the right fit.
What do you tell your stylist for your hair? Can you recommend at-home hair color?
I get my hair cut about twice a year and I do balayage about once a year. I just ask for a blunt cut and low-maintenance balayage that leans more toward blonde than orange or red.
I LOVE Y’ALL for asking! It’s coming later this summer and when the samples come in I’m going to poll you guys on Instagram Stories to see which pieces you like best so we can include them. I am SO excited to bring all of you into the final selection process!
Where are the beige sunglasses from?
My favorite Celine dupes! They are called the Monroe and you can find them here (I have all of the colors). I cannot believe what a steal they are.
Do you still use the Mirror for exercise? Why or why not? Do you have a Peloton as well?
I do still use the Mirror (full Q&A on it here), and I don’t have a Peloton.
Christian uses the Mirror more than I do because he likes a class whereas I usually am on the treadmill watching TV. But it is definitely still used and in our makeshift “gym!”
I mean this sincerely, but did you see blatant racism growing up in Mississippi?
I know this may sound naive, but no I honestly do not have memories of witnessing blatant racism. I did attend a private high school that was mostly white and my mom was a stay-at-home mom and artist, but in my Dad’s office there was always diversity. He also started a free medical clinic in the town where I grew up and there was always diversity in that office as well. I would work and volunteer at both offices during summers in high school.
I think I more so experienced black and white communities keeping to themselves outside of offices, school or work. And in many Southern communities it still feels this way. Moving back to the South from California, I definitely see that in ways I may not have otherwise. So it’s my responsibility to figure out how to put myself in a position of community and relationship-building in Georgia.
I’ve been told there was a time someone was using a derogatory racial term in front of me and my mom asked the person not to use that word in front of her or her children. I don’t remember the moment, but I now admire that she spoke up when someone was out of line.
Is there anything you miss about the Bay Area? Did you like anything about SF? What made SF such a difficult city for you?
These questions made me laugh because I know I’m harsh when I reference my time in San Francisco. It was, without question, the most difficult, abrasive and most expensive place I’ve ever lived (out of Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, New York, Southern California, Northern California and Georgia).
I always told Christian to shoot for the stars and see what was possible… which meant I had to be willing to sacrifice where we would live for the better medical program. If you don’t know much about the unusual path of medical training, it’s based on a match system. So you don’t choose where you go. You interview and you rank them, they rank you and a computer decides where you’re moving if you want to continue your education.
I’ve talked a lot about my time in the city, what I experienced and why it was difficult in the “personal” category of CBL. So to keep it more positive, you know I loved some wine country. Outside of the city it was gorgeous, peaceful, quiet, cozy, friendly… absolutely love Napa and Sonoma County. Yosemite, Half Moon Bay, Monterey – stunning. I hope to visit those areas again!
I think most who have spent time in California consider themselves a Northern Californian or Southern Californian. And we always felt we were Southern California people. I love some SoCal, now! We spent 5 years in SoCal vs. only 1 in NorCal.
Are there any aspects of your life that you’ve shared that you wish you hadn’t?
I often share more than I’d prefer. I started this blog as a hobby and it slowly over time developed into my career. And I am forever grateful for that! It’s an actual dream come true.
With any Internet-based job I do get a lot of extremely personal questions that I am trying to learn how to kindly acknowledge while still respecting my boundaries and the person asking the question. Like any person, there are lots of things in my personal life that I keep to myself.
I’m not perfect at it… but I’m always working on improving!
Have you ever considered going back to school to further your education/skills?
Definitely not. Ha! I get test anxiety and I’ve never been a person who loved school. I considered getting my Masters after my Bachelor’s and asked one of my favorite professors for her opinion. She told me to get a job. She wisely told me that for what I wanted to do, experience would trump additional degrees.
10 years later, I would still agree with her.
What baby sunscreen do you use?
I have bought and used this one, recommended by a friend, and have had no problems with it.
Were you scared or doubted ever having kids?
Definitely. In our 20’s, we weren’t even sure we wanted kids. We have 12 nieces and nephews under 13… so we were pretty aware of the lifestyle change and commitment that children bring. To be honest, it didn’t really look enticing to me until I turned 31. All of a sudden my heart just changed and I knew I wanted that experience of raising a child.
I was fortunate to get pregnant that year and welcomed Hudson at 32. Christian could have waited longer but he’s always let me take the lead when it comes to kids as he knows I put in more time simply because I work from home and have a more flexible schedule.
They say “you’ll know” when you decide you want to be married. And I felt the same way about kids. One day I wasn’t sure, and then the next I was sure. It was just in my gut!
How did you deal with not entering motherhood at the same time as a lot of your friends/peers? We are waiting and I feel like we get left out of things because we don’t have kids.
Christian once said something to me via text that was so impactful I literally wrote it down.
“It’s like you’re on a hike and you are stopping to smell the flowers before you get to the rocky peak where the flowers don’t grow but the views are good. Some people only want the view and some people only want the flowers. We want both, so we can’t really compare ourselves to people with other aspirations. They’ll do what’s best for them and we’ll do what’s best for us.”
We had some things we wanted to do before bringing a child into the mix. While it’s hard, just keep focusing on your path.
I’m drowning in resources for infant sleep. What’s your take?
I get asked about sleep training every week even though I don’t really talk about Hudson’s sleep. I really think so many babies are different and the same things don’t work for everyone.
But I’m sure if your little one isn’t sleeping… it’s all encompassing. I feel you. If you search “sleep train” you’ll find many posts referencing this topic! Most recently in March and February.
I truly just think some babies are great sleepers and others aren’t. I compare it to food – some babies are big eaters and others aren’t. Hudson has loved sleeping since we brought him home. I always had to wake him up to feed him those first few weeks. Once his weight was at a good place and the pediatrician said I could let him sleep, he just slept.
So we moved him to his room at only a few weeks old. And he slept.
I did follow the recommendations in the Moms on Call book as well as Taking Cara Babies. If those two resources didn’t work for me I would have set up a call with a sleep specialist.
Our next child could never sleep, and I’ll have to start from scratch – who knows!
Gift ideas for someone having a baby?
I always love receiving books. Everyone’s clothing and decor style is different, but a book for an acquaintance or silver spoon or baby cup for close friends is my go-to!
Thank you so much for sharing your questions with me for this month’s Q&A! You can see over a year of these posts in the “personal” category of this site. Appreciate you guys taking the time – XO –
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– hydrangeas and peonies together which are my two favorite favorites –
– and our own little blue hydrangea from the backyard –
– an American flag flying outside our door for the summer –
– and adding a piece of art from my grandmother’s house to our house –
– a LadyGang book that I will read snippets of at my desk for a giggle –
Hello my friends! We made it to Friday. I don’t know about you, but we have had the most fabulous weather this week. That leave-your-door-wide-open kind of weather. Talk about a major mood booster!
After feeling hungry for some social in-person interaction, I scheduled some girl time with different friends throughout the week and it left me feeling so refreshed. I think we all get so “busy” with our lives – whether it’s work, childcare, relationships or to-do’s. As much as I’d like to assume that I’ll just spontaneously find myself in social situations, it really does require intentional scheduling to make sure I get to see the faces I love most. Do what you gotta do!
I took a few steps back from Instagram specifically the past few weeks and it has been wonderful. I find that other Internet and social media platforms tend to be more encouraging, uplifting and positive. Something about Instagram has turned into this finger-pointing atmosphere that really brings me down from time to time. So just a reminder that if you have an important question or message you want to get to me, email is always where you can reach me (found at the contact page at the top of this site)! I don’t spend as much time in my DM’s as I used to as I do try to limit time on my phone now that Hudson is with me so much more because of COVID-19. However I always dedicate time each day to my email inbox. So that’s where you’ll always find me!
This weekend I’m planning on spending some time outside, maybe even adventuring to a restaurant. Have you been to a restaurant yet? We have only been to one but it ended up being takeout only still, so we just got takeout and ate it at a table outside the restaurant. It was still nice to be out of the house!
Lastly, I wanted to share some of this weekend’s sales for any of you who are interested in doing a little shopping!
When Hudson was a newborn, I shared some of my favorite newborn products and why. I’ve received some requests for another post now that he is almost seven months old (!!!), and I compiled some of our most used and loved items below.
To shop, click on the image or find it’s corresponding number below –
We’ve been using this high chair at our breakfast room table and it’s been super convenient and helpful. The directions say that you are not supposed to wash it, but after reading some articles online we have put the seat cover in the wash and hung dry. It worked perfectly and came out as a brand new seat.
We also have one of these silicone bibs and it’s the only one we use. I’ve been making a lot of Hudson’s baby blends with this babyfood steamer + puree machine which I find somehow incredibly satisfying, ha! But I also mix in a few flavors from Beech-Nut which is our preferred store-bought baby food.
DIAPERS, POWDER, CREAM
A very sweet CBL girl told me that Sam’s Club had great diapers and she was right! We previously were using Pampers (which are great), but I like Sam’s Club brand diapers equally and we use both.
We use this talc-free powder and Aquaphor has my favorite diaper rash cream. My sister-in-law recommended using diaper rash cream frequently, even if they don’t have a rash. We took her advice and I think in almost seven months Hudson has only had one diaper rash.
TOYS
I actually haven’t bought Hudson many toys. He has been given so many sweet toys from friends and family and honestly loves most all of them. For several months he was very into this cube.
My mom bought him this aquarium for his crib and while I was at first hesitant, it’s been amazing. If he wakes up halfway into his nap and is struggling to get back to sleep, I will tip toe in his room and turn on just the music. He will drift off back to sleep. Or if he wakes up 30 minutes early, he can reach and touch the star which will start music. It will entertain him for a little bit of “rest” time before I get him out of his crib.
TEETHING
His first two teeth came in around five months so I ordered the Sophie that everyone loves. He does love it, in additional to this silicone ring pop looking thing that I will put ice cubes in. Always a hit!
ENTERTAINMENT
A few months ago I bought this Joovy walker. I wanted one that was easy to clean and had a tray that I could put different toys on opposed to one that had a built-in toy bar. It’s been great. He can only walk backwards, but it’s how I buy some time when I’m cooking dinner, need to use the bathroom or have to go to another room for something. It also folds up really slim and we have traveled with it.
CARRIERS
We use two baby carriers, the Baby Bjorn and Artipoppe. I love them both for different reasons.
The Baby Bjorn is super breathable and allows your baby to sit in many different positions (facing in, facing out, on the back, etc.). It’s also washable – PERK!
Artipoppe is stylish, gorgeous and very lightweight. The baby can only face in, but the way it’s designed they can still easily look all around and I love wearing him in this one around the house.
SLEEP
The best sound machine. I need to buy a travel one, but I currently just take this one because I love it to so much.
BATH
This baby tub was also on my newborn list and we still love it. We use a few different baby bath washes and shampoos but I can’t deny that I love the smell of this one. So much so that I also bought the lotion. I just know I’m going to think of bathing our babies forever when I catch a whiff of this magic!
If you have any infant favorites, I would love to hear! Babies vary so much, but I love hearing other moms share their favorite items and why. So I hope this will be hopeful to some of you!
Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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I like to use parmesan flakes and I think toasting your pine nuts ahead of time would be so delicious. I’ve also added some roasted chicken and it is fabulous.
Really quick and easy, if you give it a try let me know what you think! You can find more easy recipes under the “food & drink” category of CBL.
Happy Friday sweet friends! I hope you have all had a beautiful week and are looking forward to some winding down this weekend. Half of last week and weekend I was visiting family in Mississippi and Alabama, so it was nice to come back to Georgia this week and get back in the swing of things.
This week I made this simple garlic lemon pasta (yum), a big patch of my favorite pimento cheese for lunches and roast chicken with shallot fried rice. For easy dinners I picked up some of Trader Joes tamales (the ones in the refrigerator section – they’re so good!), made cast iron skillet deep dish pizza with my latest favorite arugula side salad that I’ll be sharing on CBL next week! I also let Christian cook breakfast for dinner – biscuits, cheesy fried eggs, roasted potatoes and quiche.
A few things on our watch list this weekend include Just Mercy. Adapted from a book, Warner Brothers has made it available to watch for free from any digital platform for the month of June. So jump on that! For something light and fluffy, I’ve been secretly loving Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. It’s an easy watch that feels wholesome and mindless… which can be great too.
Would love to hear what’s on your weekend’s agenda! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
A few months ago, pre social distancing, I hosted some couples for dinner at our home. I was looking for a one pot dish that would be easy to eat, full of flavor and have limited ingredients.
It is so delicious and warms up even better. So much so that almost every time I warm up leftovers the next day I say, “this tastes like it came from a restaurant.” Seriously! I usually serve it with a baguette, green salad and white wine.
This time I was able to garnish with parsley from my own garden. And that was a little quarantine project that has continued to serve as a small but bright spot in our evening dinners! More on how to start your own beginner’s herb garden here.
Bon appétit! For guests I would peel all of the shrimp but as this was just for Christian and myself… I was a little lazier. But peeling is definitely easier to eat!
Inquiring minds have been asking about Father’s Day gift ideas, so today we are diving right in with some brands and items that are popular in our house!
To shop, click on the item in the graphic below or you can find its associating number below the collage –
When it comes to fitness or lounge, Tommy John and Rhone are two of Christian’s favorite brands. And these slippers lasted him years – I need to get him another pair!
I had to get this book for Christian. And maybe I went ahead and bought this one too. So cute!
He carries a Filson briefcase everyday to work, and if he needed an overnight bag, this one would be my go-to.
TRX straps are your everything-workout in one, and a sleek decanter for his favorite bourbon as a post-workout treat (anything from Buffalo Trace Distillery is his pick).
A Yeti cooler or mug will last him years and years, and this candle feels like the perfect office or man cave scent!
If you hit it out of the park with a Father’s Day gift last year, I’d love to hear what was a hit! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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