Last month I shared April’s hottest 10 items, and based on your feedback I’m going to keep this as a monthly series. Again, this month is all over the map from my favorite chapstick and round ice cubes to a fabulous personalized leather crossbody bag, a colorful and fabulous rug under $150 and acrylic frame (the best price I’ve found online!).
And on an unrelated note, it would feel absent-minded not to acknowledge that we are all trying our best to navigate the climate of our country this year. From COVID-19 and social distancing to discussions of violence and racial inequality… hearts are heavy and we are all confused, angry and heartbroken. I have been sharing articles on social media (this is an amazing resource) and listening to podcasts (I love this one) on how to continue to educate myself and begin making changes in our own home. Black lives absolutely matter. Absolutely.
Thank you so much for reading and being a part of this community. I’ve always prioritized making CBL a place of acceptance and respect, and I cannot continue to say that unless I commit to educating myself. Love you guys – XO –
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What was the CBD you recommended? Lately have been finding myself more “on edge.”
I have been taking Equilibria for two months now. I take a soft gel before bed and I’ll take a liquid dropper in the AM. You get a consultation with a dosage specialist with any order who can help you find the dosage that is right for you!
If you decide to order, you can get 15% off your first order with the code kathleenbarnes.
Packing/moving tips?
If you search “moving,” this post will come up which has all of my tips in one place!
Hostess question: do you ask your guests to take their shoes off? Rude or necessary?
We always take off our own shoes but I’ll be honest, I’m probably never going to ask a guest to take their shoes off. But your house, your rules!
However, we did ask for guests to take off shoes in San Francisco because any city is going feel grittier than a smaller town. But even then, most people there don’t wear their own shoes in their homes, so I rarely, if ever, was in a position to need to ask.
Ooohh this is tough! Probably any of the cookware or my jumbo flower pots. An investment, but pieces I know I’ll use and enjoy forever.
Do you have Spotify playlists or what are your go-to’s?
Yes! Just search “playlist,” and several posts with playlists will come right up!
Favorite white tees?
Truth be told, I probably have like… 20 white tees at all price points. I wear them all of the time!
A few I love: this one (so so soft), this one (love the raw hem) and this one (investment, but I’ve been wearing mine for 3 years).
Denim shorts recommendations?
My favorite are any from this brand (has always run TTS for me). For a smaller price tag, I also own a few Levi’s and they’re great.
Outfit ideas for a bride having a courthouse wedding due to COVID-19?
I am so sorry your wedding plans have been forced to change. I cannot imagine the stress and disappointment. But, for what it’s worth, I think a courthouse wedding is so chic. Very Carrie Bradshaw!
I love a dress like this (under $60!), this (beyond classic) or this (elegance). You’re going to look back at this and have the most unique wedding story to tell. Much more than most!
Looking to invest in my first piece of fine jewelry. Any item you’re unable to live without?
My favorite investment pieces are any diamond huggies or studs, my Cartier bracelet (Christian gave it to me when he completed from residency as a thank you for being along for the very long ride that is medical training) or any diamond band. Classics!
How do you keep eyebrows on point?
I have had my eyebrows microbladed twice now. I have been very pleased both times –
Facial treatments! Have you done microneedling or chemical peels?
I haven’t tried either. I have only had a handful of facials in my life. I usually prefer to splurge for a massage! But I am fortunate to have been blessed with mostly clear skin and therefore… if I don’t have problems I try not to rock the boat too much.
But I do get Botox twice a year, and I religiously follow a several step skincare regimen morning and night! I always cleanse, use an essence or serum, moisturize and apply eye cream. At night sometimes I’ll add in a toner after cleansing.
What’s the key to your perfect slicked back bun?
I don’t have any layers and I have fine hair. I don’t use product, I simply pull it back and tie it up with a hair tie. I think hair texture and limited layers helps in achieving this look! If you need a little final polishing, try spraying some hairspray on your comb and run it through your locks a few times before pulling it back.
Is your Amazon collection coming soon? I can’t wait!
I love you! And YES! It should be live in the next few months. It has moved a little bit due to COVID-19, but I will keep you guys informed on launch dates, for sure!
I feel like I impulse buy clothes and I want to make my style more seamless. Any tips?
I would try to purchase mostly solids. With solids, you can mix and match nearly anything.
Still loving double/triple ear piercings? Considering taking the plunge –
Yes! I have three piercings in each ear and have yet to regret it. Some ear stack inspiration here.
You had a hard time in San Francisco. Has quarantine brought any of those feelings back?
Actually, quite the opposite. We both had a difficult time adjusting to San Francisco, and social distancing has only made us so incredibly grateful and thankful to be where we are. We know to value and appreciate our yard, patio and larger personal space. My heart goes out to anyone social distancing or quarantined in a compact city. That is really, really tough.
Do you feel awkward doing swipe ups during a pandemic?
A lot of what I share is style and home, but it’s also my favorite $2.19 chapstick and recipes. At the end of the day, this is a job. And sharing resources, whether it’s a recipe or what was purchased on Amazon, has become my career and how I take care of myself and my family.
It’s certainly a fine line to walk (and I’m not saying I do it perfectly), but I feel fortunate to still have my job and it is necessary for my family that I continue to work if I am able to do so.
Advice for your college self?! My bestie and I are in college and we love you!
I love you back!! I struggled with test anxiety in college, and I wish I would have relaxed about my grades a little. Graduating with honors was important to me (if I was in college now, I would just focus on keeping a 3.0+), and I stressed too much about my grades.
Extracurriculars and internships though = very important. Good grades are valuable but experience is everything. A well-rounded resume is your best weapon. It’s not only about grades. They’re an asset, but not your only asset!
What sunscreen do you use for Hudson?
We’ve been using Blue Lizard after a friend recommended it and so far, so good.
What’s the best advice you received to balance life with a newborn?
Hire help. But seriously, as we both are invested in our careers, we chose to wait to have children until we could take on not only the expense of children but also the expense of having help. Everyone says “it takes a village.” So when your village is out of state, you have to know when you need extra hands!
I get a lot of questions about starting a family in medical residency or fellowship. I can’t really speak to that as we chose to wait. I’ve yet to regret it, but it’s absolutely a personal choice!
Any more babies for you guys?
We would definitely like more… but we’re just taking it one small human at a time.
When do you think you will feel safe to travel again? Out of your house? Out of the country?
I talked to our pediatrician about this at Hudson’s checkup, and we talked about watching the local case numbers decrease steadily before spreading our wings too far. I think everyone’s city and state is different. But we are abiding by government and medical guidance and regulations and taking it one week at at time.
THANK YOU so much to everyone who submitted questions for this month’s Q&A! I appreciate your feedback so much! Thank you for reading – XO –
Personally, there’s nothing I love more than seeing what random things people are buying. Whether it’s their grocery cart or Amazon cart… I’m interested in taking a peek.
So I thought I’d share some of my most recent Amazon buys. In fact, most of these purchases were made since quarantine began. Let’s dig in!
Personal:
I bought this swimsuit and this swimsuit and love them both. I had to send this one back for a smaller size – if you’re in between sizes I would recommend sizing down.
A straw visor. Still not sure this is a great look on me, but I wore it over the weekend and loved that I could easily throw my hair in a top knot.
A hand frother that I don’t need but felt like I deserved. #socialdistancing. I use it for coffee!
Christian insisted on an ice cream machine – this one works dangerously well!
Baby:
Hudson has two bottom teeth coming in so he’s loving is Sophie teether. I also just bought him these teething pacifier things for frozen fruit or ice cubes. We’ve tried frozen berries and pineapple and they were both a hit!
The Baby Brezza everyone talks about that I can’t decide if it’s worth it considering our baby will only be taking bottles so much longer. I also am nervous for him to only have bottles at a specific temperature as currently he will drink them cold, room temperature or warm. H isn’t one to turn down a snack!
So I’ve now tried three different dirty vodka martinis trying to figure out which concoction I liked best.
And I have a confession.
Pre-Hudson, I was learning to really dig martinis. I was tired of paying $12 for a glass of wine at a restaurant when I could buy a great bottle of wine for $15. I wanted a “go to cocktail” order that I enjoyed and felt special for those nights out.
So I started ordering dirty vodka martinis and it was becoming my drink of choice. Then came pregnancy. So after over a year of leaving my martinis behind, I got my cocktail shaker out again!
I kept making different martinis and I thought, “this doesn’t taste the same.” But I think the difference is: after not drinking vodka for so long, it no longer tastes the same? Does that make sense or has that happened to any of you? I still enjoy wine, beer and tequila, but my martini game has changed.
SO, I’m going to share my favorite combination of the three I tried. And I’m going to share another vodka recipe that masks the taste of vodka more strongly.
INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces of vodka (I used Belvedere)
3/4 ounce dry vermouth
1/2 ounce green olive juice
2-3 large green olives (bonus if they’re stuffed!)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine vodka, vermouth and olive juice in a shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake, pour in a glass and top with olives.
And another vodka drink for anyone who has some rosemary in the backyard!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
1/2 cup sugar
2 6-inch rosemary sprigs
2 oz vodka
Chilled club soda, seltzer or sparkling water
Directions:
Bring lemon juice, sugar and rosemary to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir until sugar has dissolved, then reduce heat and simmer 2-3 minutes. Let it cool for one hour and discard rosemary sprigs.
Fill glass halfway with ice. Add 2 TB syrup to the glass, then add vodka and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon and/or rosemary sprig.
If you have a favorite vodka drink, do share with the class! I’d love to hear. Thanks so much for reading and you can check out more cocktails, like this Bloody Mary or a Whiskey Rebellion, in the food & drink category of this site. Enjoy and thank you for reading! XO –
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If you’ve been holding off on purchasing a few things for this weekend’s Memorial Day sales, you’re in luck, baby! Below are some of the best online deals this weekend –
West Elm | 10% off $100, 15% off $250 or more, 20% off $500 or more, 25% off %1500+
I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe weekend! And that we can all take time to honor and remember those who have served and the sacrifices they have made. Big hugs and thank you for stopping by – XO –
1 – 30% off | 2 | 3 – 25% off with code MEMORIAL2020 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 – 25% off | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 – 25% off with code MEMORIAL2020 | 19 | 20
The weather is definitely warming up, the sun is coming out and I am READY to spend some time outside. Summer holidays are around the corner, and I am ready for the sunshine, baby!
I ordered this swimsuit and this one last week. If you’re in between sizes, I would size down in this one. If you’re in between sizes for the scalloped, I would size up!
I’ve been showing Christian different fire pits almost every week. We’ve never had the space for one, and there’s truly nothing I love more than a glass of wine by the fire. Literally, any fire will do.
This is my kind of coverup vibe. Something that looks easy, effortless and comfortable. Love that it comes in so many colors!
I shared on Instagram Stories recently that like all of you, I am so sick of cooking. And cleaning. And being asked what’s for dinner. In fact, I recently told Christian that he was in charge of two dinners a week. And that means:
I don’t get asked questions about dinner.
He has to plan it, put the ingredients on the grocery list, etc.
I don’t care if it’s grilled cheese and canned soup or toast and eggs. It can literally be anything. As long as I’m not in charge!
SO, in this spirit (!!!), I recently pulled out the crockpot. I typically associate crockpots with fall and and winter, but there’s really no reason it can’t be incorporated year-round! I found this recipe and thought a shrimp boil sounded absolutely perfect for this time of year. I’ve never tried something like this but couldn’t believe how short the ingredient list was!
I will say that once it was time to add the shrimp (the last step), my crockpot was full. So I had to move everything to a stockpot on the stove. So just keep that in mind! But I started the process around noon and by 6:30PM I had a dinner that was hardly an effort, full of flavor and felt like a fun twist on our standard dinners. I had a baguette that I forgot to serve with it, so I would add that to the ingredient list so you can have some bread on the side!
Also – if you have leftovers, rather than microwave I would recommend boiling a pot of water and adding your cajun seasoning. Toss the leftovers in for just 3 or so minutes and remove from heat. We did this for leftovers and you wouldn’t have known it wasn’t fresh!
If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think. And you can find more easy recipes and dinner ideas in the “food & drink” category of CBL. I also found some summer crockpot ideas here and here. Thank you so much for reading and happy eating – XO –
PS – It’s been brought to my attention that the same site has a sheetpan shrimp boil recipe. I’ll definitely be trying it next!
– some DIY abstract art (more on Instagram Stories under “ART”) –
– the most beautiful floral arrangement –
– and watching tiny fingers explore it –
– a mother’s day flower with breakfast in bed –
I had to really stop and think about the fact that it is already mid-May. Almost June! Time flies… I can’t believe this baby boy is almost six month old. Wild!
In the past week I’ve worked alongside watching Hollywood and Dead to Me, season 2 on Netflix. Wow! Both were so good I hated to see them end.
I hit the grocery a few days ago so I’m set with all kinds of things to cook this weekend and next week. The shrimp penne I love so much, the chicken larb bowl my mom keeps raving about, sausage balls for breakfast night and cajun pasta. I also picked up some pizza dough (some pizza favorites here) and Trader Joe’s vegetarian tamales for nights I need a break.
IF you are interested, some sales going on this weekend are below:
Recently I felt like every time I picked up my phone or opened an app, I was annoyed. It wasn’t making me feel happier or better… it was making me feel unmotivated and bleh.
I polled you guys on Instagram and over 90% of you said you were feeling the same way. I think there are a few flags to take note of when you see them coming. Signs that it might be time to put your phone down for the day.
You feel anxious when you’re not scrolling.
You’re checking Instagram without even thinking about it.
Every photo or video you see makes you feel annoyed, unmotivated or upset.
You’re making excuses to check it.
You’re disengaging with your own life to check on the lives of others.
I’m in a slightly unusual position because social media – engaging with it, posting photos and videos, setting aside at least an hour every day to attempt to answer a portion of the direct messages I receive – it’s all a part of my job. It can be a delicate dance to create appropriate and healthy boundaries while still fulfilling my responsibilities.
But it is so important. It is incredibly important to me that my child sees my eyes locked on his. That my partner knows I’m giving him my undivided attention. We put phones away during mealtimes, but it’s the scrolling. The endless scrolling that is distracting us from enjoying what’s beyond our phones!
So now when we notice some of these signs in ourselves, we’ll schedule a “scroll-free day.” It can be a little challenging to schedule a complete social media or technology-free day, but we will set some boundaries on weekends. Taking a break from your phone shouldn’t be stressful but refreshing.
Some of the boundaries we will set…
No scrolling. You can use your phone to look up something (recipe details, what time does ___ open or close, etc.), but use your phone with purpose. Not for endless scrolling!
Leave your phone behind. Go outside without your phone. Take a walk without it. Leave it behind where you can’t mindlessly grab it and you have to connect with what’s right in front of you.
Give it a try. I think you’ll find your scroll-free days might be some of your best.
And if you have some tips or tricks for taking social media breaks, I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
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Today, I’m sharing some quarantine vibe picks under $75! How cute is this for the backyard? Love the idea of 50 grab-and-go lunch ideas, a headband for day four hair (anyone else?). A luxurious head wrap takes things to next level on pampering days.
I have a nonstick pan like this and it literally lives on the stove because we use it so frequently. And this long, flexible lighter feels so smart!
I’ve been staying on track with choosing at least three days a week to get fully dressed. Just loafers, jeans, a tee and blazer (loving this one). But putting on some makeup everyday and putting forth some effort really does positively impact my mood.
I recently bought this swimsuit and this swimsuit for summer. Hoping they work! I also bought two lamps similar to these for one of our guest bedrooms upstairs that I’m trying to finally put together. What have you had your eye on?
Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –
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I’ve shared a few quarantine meal ideas here and here, but at this point in the game… if it takes more than 30 minutes or can’t be done in a crockpot, I’m not interested.
This pasta dish is incredibly easy, full of flavor and has a two pot cleanup. Just my style.
Something I’ve started doing is cooking chicken breasts in a crockpot, shredding and keeping in the fridge. You can use it for anything throughout the week – quesadillas, pasta, sandwiches, etc.
Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken
1 cup chicken broth (I was out so I actually used 1 cup water and 1TB olive oil)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
4 chicken breasts
Cook on high for 3 hours. Remove, shred and you’re done.
Pesto Pasta Ingredients:
1 lb. rigatoni or pasta of your choice
1/2 small onion
2 TB olive oil
1/4 cup pesto – you can always add more!
salt & pepper to taste
sprinkle of parmesan
Optional: chopped fresh basil, pine nuts
Optional: grilled or shredded chicken, grilled or sautéed shrimp
Directions:
Cook pasta al dente. In a nonstick skillet or pan, saute onions in olive oil at medium-low until translucent (a few minutes). Add pesto, let simmer while pasta cooks.
Once drained, combine pasta and onion + pesto combo. Mix in some parmesan cheese, s&p to taste and top with basil.
Garlic Bread Ingredients:
baguette, dinner roll, whatever you have!
garlic – I used 2 cloves for 1/2 loaf, you could use 4 for a full loaf
butter – I used 1.5 TB for 1/2 loaf, you could also use olive oil
fresh parsley – I used 2 TB for 1/2 loaf
sprinkle of salt
sprinkle of parmesan
Directions:
Mix butter, salt, chopped garlic and parsley together. Apply to bread and sprinkle with parmesan. Stick in the oven or toaster oven at 425 for around 5 minutes.
That’s it! I usually keep some spaghetti noodles and rigatoni in the pantry because when I’m in a pinch, this is a quick and easy dinner that can be on the table in 20-30 minutes. Another great part about a beginner’s herb garden – you can quickly elevate any meal with some of your fresh herbs. I almost always have a jar or container of pesto because we use it on pizza and pastas all the time – so easy!
If you have any quick quarantine meals, I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and you can find more recipes in the “food + drink” category of CBL. XO –
– snagging an elephant ear plant locally for $15 –
– a small rug for the front door that makes me so happy –
– roses blooming in the backyard –
– plans to join an Instagram Live wine tasting with Justin Wines tonight –
– rearranging bookshelves for the 84757x –
We meet again, my friends. This week has breezed by. I played the mom card a little more than the work card this week as Christian was busier with his work. While it was honestly pretty sweet, full of smiles and giggles (Hudson hands them out for free and I am so grateful)… it means I gotta kick it back in gear next week.
I also made these brownies a few days ago and warning: they are lethal! I realized I had never made homemade brownies before, so I wanted to try a batch. Shockingly easy, didn’t need to buy anything and they taste like a combination of fudge and brownie. Dangerous.
I went on two social distance walks with friends (a first for me) and had a social distance happy hour, as did Christian, and I can’t even begin to tell you what it did for my mood. Girl time, friend chat, seeing people’s kids and enjoying the weather outside – just what I needed. It’s honestly amazing the impact it has on my overall happiness.
Have you done anything this week that lifted your spirits? We are tuning into a virtual wine tasting tonight with Justin Wines, and I think it’s going to be really fun. Such a fun idea! You don’t have to twist my arm when it comes to wine, let’s be honest. If you are on your phone around 5PM PST, feel free to check it out!
Thanks so much for reading and hope you have a beautiful weekend with beautiful weather – XO –
