A month into quarantine, and I’m loving seeing so many inspired to move their bodies, get outside and go on walks. Some are even take up new fitness hobbies like spin, yoga and meditation – you go!!
I have made it a priority to go on a walk with Hudson and Bailey or go down to our small basement “gym,” at least every other day. I definitely notice that I tend to feel a little lighter on those days. It takes my mind from worrying about the state of the world, illness and sadness and instead brings my mindset to a more positive place. Endorphins are no joke, and a good sweat always feels like a step in the right direction.
With that being said, I end up wearing my workout clothes all day on those days, so I still try to look somewhat put together. I always say I am an “outer order, inner calm” but that applies to my outward appearance also. A clean ponytail or bun, correctly fitting outfit that is coordinated… it all contributes to my attitude! Are you guys like that?
Are you working out at home? Do you have any YouTube workouts you’ve been loving? I have some at-home workout favorites in this post, and go to this 10 minute Pilates workout often – it’s so good!
I’ll be sharing my favorite pizza recipe in an IGTV video today over on Instagram, but I wanted to also share some additional info and details in a blog post that is concise!
PIZZA DOUGH | My favorite pizza dough is the garlic and herb pizza dough from Trader Joe’s… because it’s so easy and so good. But I’ve noticed lately that pizza dough is sold out at almost every grocery store. Not to worry! There are two easy recipes you can whip up yourself at home.
Pioneer Woman has a great simple recipe here. The catch is that you have to think ahead and let it rise overnight. This dough can last for many days in the fridge, so you could easily make a double batch and limit your meal prep time.
No time for that? I got you. A lightened up pizza dough recipe is below. The circular pizza photographed above in the front is with Trader Joe’s crust, and the pizza in the back is made with the recipe below.
LIGHTENED UP PIZZA DOUGH RECIPE:
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Combine all ingredients and roll out on a heavily floured surface. This dough recipe is super sticky, but with extra flour and Pam, I promise it turns out so delicious you’re like, “how did this turn out this good?” But seriously.
BAKE TIME | 450 for 10-12 minutes.
TOPPINGS | We prefer to use pesto over red sauce, but you can use either. You can also use garlic and olive oil and skip the sauce altogether. I like to add a combination of mozzarella and parmesan, but with enough toppings you could probably skip the cheese if you wanted.
My biggest tip is to sauté some of your vegetables. I like to caramelize onions with olive oil and garlic. I add mushrooms if I have them. Other toppings I like to add are pepperoni if I have them, tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, banana pepper… the list is endless. You can add last night’s chicken or steak, leftover roasted veggies… try anything.
Top with a sprinkle of parmesan, salt, pepper and oregano. I don’t usually measure out, just a few pinches will do.
Then stick it in the oven. One it’s cooked, I like to drizzle reduced balsamic vinegar on top and add some arugula. Voila! The best pizza thats easy, easy, easy.
Do you have a favorite pizza dough recipe? Or a favorite topping? My favorite topping is the balsamic glaze or caramelized onions. So good!
Thanks so much for reading. 15 Healthy(ish) Recipes to make at home here, and be sure to check out the “food & drink” category for more easy recipes! XO –
– a one pot pasta that was pretty good and limited dish washing (*important in these times, you feel me*) –
We meet again on another Friday. This week the quarantine started to feel “normal,” which I think always happens when any pattern continues long enough. I am setting up zoom sessions with friends left and right and finally realizing that I better buckle in.
I’m sure so many of you also did not think this would go on as long as it’s looking like it will. So I am emerging from the joggers-every-day mentality and am back on the routine/focus on your health mindset. Honestly, when else will you have no community obligations? No travel plans or busy schedules? No frivolous or unnecessary errands? If you have multiple kids and are homeschooling – that is major and you’re doing amazing. Because you’re doing your best and putting your kids before yourself. And that’s all you can do!
For the rest of us, there are really no excuses. No reasons why you can’t go on a walk in the neighborhood every day or do that 20 minute YouTube workout daily. There’s no reason I shouldn’t emerge from my house in a month (if we’re lucky!) feeling more like my pre-baby self. I feel so close but not quite there, so I’ve made it a priority again.
Do I regret taking a week or two to lounge, watch an Ozark marathon and put on a face mask every night? Nope. Because it was glorious. But I don’t want to come out of this quarantine with a slew of bad habits I need to break (like wine every day – I love it, but do I need it?), so I’m trying to get back to my healthy(er) self.
.All I can think about is rearranging furniture, restyled bookshelves and cleaning closets. It’s like I’m on a nesting hamster wheel. Honestly, I’ll do almost anything to avoid washing more dishes. Anyone else?
Below are some home purchases and wish list pieces I’ve had my eye on –
This lamp has caught my eye but I’m not sure where I would put it…
What have you been working on? Any rooms you’re spending extra time in? I read someone share they are having their meals in different rooms throughout the house. They it said it helped to make them feel like they’re “going out.” I thought that was such a fresh perspective!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing. And you can check out 20 ideas for things to do at home here and here. XO –
When this quarantine first began, I shared 10 ideas for at-home activities. At that time, I never could have imagined that three weeks later we would be in the same place, but here we are! Since then I’ve come up with 10 more ideas for things to do at home. Let’s get into it!
1) Take an Ivy League class… for free.
Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia – some of the best universities in the country are currently offering free courses. Check out your options here.
2) Paint by Numbers.
I have started painting silhouettes and finding things to paint and transform. Someone suggested a paint-by-numbers kit and I thought it was brilliant! I am loving this one and this one.
Another idea: finally get around to painting that room you’ve always wanted to paint. I might paint our laundry room…
3) Binge a Podcast.
I have dozens of recommendations in multiple categories if you search “podcast” on this site.
This is on our list to do this week! Watch a live concert once the kids are asleep. Check a list of performances airing for free daily here and here.
You can also watch Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and the Rolling Stones on Netflix.
5) Make a candle.
I have shared some of my candle DIY tips in the “candles” saved story on Instagram, but there are so many fun tutorials to make a candle from scratch! Love this one.
My candle tips are centered more around rescuing candles that aren’t burning well. I got you!
6) Master the at-home manicure.
I have been so entertained watching everyone attempt their own gel and dip powder manicures at home. Impressive!
I’ve gone the lazier route and ordered some press on’s that are reusable. I am hopeful… but if they don’t cut it I will absolutely be learning how to dip my own nails. I’d love to hear if you’ve tried!
7) Plant an herb garden.
This is one of the things I did over the weekend that I’m so excited about. We have a brick plant bed that I knew would be perfect for herbs. I’ve been waiting until spring to get it started, so I planted seven herbs and will be tending to them like little babies.
I even made DIY label markers by breaking off pieces of paint stirrers and painting them with chalk paint.
8) Flowers blooming? Make arrangements and drop them off at your friends doorsteps.
I’ll confess I’ve only done this for one friend but I’m trying to gather my vases because I want to leave more! Our snowball plants are exploding with gorgeous flowers and I want to share them.
9) Perfect your makeup skills.
I heard Nene Leakes say she’s been watching makeup tutorials on YouTube and I thought… brilliant. I need to catch a few!
10) Take a bike ride.
This is on our list. We’ve gone on so many walks but I want to take my wheels for a spin. We haven’t figured out what to do with Hudson just yet… but it’s a thought!
And hey – you don’t have to be productive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with watching a Real Housewives of NY marathon or taking three naps. For those of you with the same workload or multiple kids, I totally understand that there isn’t a lot of “free time” other than your normal routine.
To be honest, I’m probably about 25% less busy in my workflow, but now Hudson is with me every day. So I still look at the clock and say, “how is it already 4PM!?” BUT, we are finding time to garden, paint, play card games, cook, cook, cook and clean, clean, clean… you know the drill.
BUT, I heard someone say something along the lines of: one day your kids are going to read about Covid-19 and they’re going to ask us, “what did you do when you stayed at home for ___ months in 2020?” I’m hoping I can say, “we planted herbs and bougainvillea. We created art and played card games. We got to know our neighbors and brought flowers to friends, drank wine by candlelight while listening to your great-grandmother’s records. We even took a free history class online from Yale.”
I want to have some things to say that I can be proud of! Is there anything you have done in the past few weeks that you’re particularly proud of? I would love to hear.
And if you’re looking for some recipe inspiration, check out 15 easy things to cook at home here. I’m going to be sharing my favorite pizza recipe soon!
– adding faux greenery like this and this to vases –
Three weeks and I’ve left the house… twice. How insane does that sound? I cracked a few times this week. I felt frustrated. Overwhelmed. Anxious. The feeling came and went, but it was the first time that I really thought to myself, “how long will we be doing this?” There is, of course, no easy answer to that question. Therefore I had to really focus my energy on remembering that I can really only take on one day at a time.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve actually been buying more online in the past few weeks. I have replaced pillow covers, ordered decor, bought outdoor chairs and ottomans, ordered plants… I can’t stop tinkering. But along with that comes tackling so many home “to-do’s,” and that is something that feels really encouraging.
I’ve enjoyed new shows that have released and are super engaging, Little Fires Everywhere and Ozark’s season 3 to name a few.
1– 25% off | 2 – 40% off | 3 – 10% off | 4 – 30% off | 5 – 25% off | 6 – 30% off | 7 – 30% off | 8 – 30% off | 9 – 20% off | 10 –25% off | 11 – 25% off | 12– 30% off | 13 – 20% off | 14 – 30% off | 15 – 30% off | 16 –40% off | 17 – 25% off | 18 – 40% off
I’ve ordered some more throw pillows for the basement patio under $6 a piece here and here. I ordered some faux olive tree branches. We want a little rug to go by the front door since there is so much foot traffic there. And I’m about to start ordering some crafts so I can work on some DIY projects at home.
Are you guys tinkering at home? I think I’ve rearranged the entire house… I can’t stop! Thank you so much for stopping by. XO –
I shared a few ideas of things to do at home in this post, but I wanted to round up some easy, delicious and mostly healthy recipes to keep you inspired in the kitchen. For me, when I’m spending this much time in the kitchen, it’s easy to become bored. I love getting some ideas from others of what’s good and equally important – what’s easy.
An easy dessert I am borderline addicted to right now is pudding and whipping cream. I’ll buy a box of vanilla pudding and substitute some of the milk for sweetened condensed milk. It makes the pudding taste more like a custard. Then I’ll whip heavy whipping cream and put a few dollops on top. It is dangerously delicious.
You can find more food + drink recipes here, and let me know if you guys would be interested in more Quarantine-inspired recipe posts! Spritzers, homemade pizzas, my favorite salad dressing… tell me what you’d like to see and I’m happy to whip it up for you guys.
Thank you so much for reading. And if you’ve cooked anything delicious lately, please share in the comments. I need some inspo! Stay safe, friends – XO –
1– 40% off | 2 – 40% off | 3– 40% off | 4– 40% off | 5– 25% off | 6– 60% off | 7-40% off | 8– 15% off | 9– 40% off | 10– 40% off | 11– 40% off | 12– 40% off | 13– 40% off | 14 | 15– 40% off | 16 | 17 | 18– 40% off | 19– 40% off | 20– 40% off
A few more sales…
American Eagle | select styles up to 40% off (including denim)
Anthropologie | 40% off select dresses and jewelry, 25% off home and furniture
With so much time at home… I must admit I have been shopping more than usual. Not necessarily for spring, but for loungewear, exercise clothes, undergarments and so on. But I’ve been stalking home items more than anything. I’ve been looking at spaces with a keen eye, getting inspired to paint some simple things for bathrooms, etc.
For anyone interested in shopping, there are definitely some major markdowns happening right now. I’d had my eye on some table runners (specifically this one and this one). When I noticed they had both been marked down, I took the plunge. If there is anything you have been pondering over for some time – there’s a good change it could be on sale. So revisit your longtime favorites!
Nordstrom has marked many things down up to 40%. Some pieces I really love are this classic purse. This wine/champagne chiller that I’ve been contemplating for literal years. This record player we love and some gold flatware.
Have you been shopping? If so, are you looking at home/lounge/sleep/fitness – I’d love to hear what’s piques your interest. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
Day 12! We have made it to day 12 of isolating ourselves at home. Well… really just Hudson and myself. Christian has still been going to work while taking proper precautions (more on that here).
So far this week we have been finding time to work outside. I have planted bougainvillea, picked flowers every day and cleaned outdoor furniture. We bought shrubs and herbs and more concrete paint to work on over the weekend. I ordered throw pillows, cutting boards, vases and art. Someone referred to this time as “redecorisolation.” HILARIOUS – and spot on! I can’t stop tinkering around the house.
I’ve been watching Tiger King and cannot get over this insane documentary. It is something. Have you been watching anything super entertaining?
During the day, it feels borderline pointless for me to try to work too much with Hudson. I also want to be sure to use some of this “social distancing” as an opportunity to be as present as I can be with him. So I’ve been waiting until Christian gets home, handing off the baby and then going to my office. Big shoutout to all the working parents out there trying to be efficient and productive at home while also feeding your kids, keeping them entertained, teaching them – your tireless efforts are not going unnoticed. You are strong!
Thanks so much for taking the time to pop over today. Some more ideas of how to efficiently pass the time here. And working from home tips here.
Now I’m off to attempt to tidy up my closet. Big hugs and stay safe! XO –
Microblading update. Have you gone back for the touch-up?
It was supposed to be tomorrow but we had to postpone it to April. Hoping I will be able to go!
Does being an influencer change friendships you had before? My friend is an influencer and it’s different now.
I don’t feel it has… but that is from the influencer perspective. I have the same friends from childhood as well as college. In fact… I had a virtual happy hour with college friends last night! I’m honestly thinking why on EARTH we aren’t having more virtual happy hours with our long-distance friends!?
What’s one of your favorite early memory of dating Christian?
He always opened my car door, pulled out my chair and has the best table manners. Still does!
What’s your favorite alcoholic drink?
Pinot Noir, Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc. My friend in town has also gotten us on tequila on ice (Casa Dragones if you’re able to splurge, Casamigos Blanco is a great price point) with 1-2 limes.
Please share your secrets – how you are already back in amazing shape after Hudson!?
I am not in amazing shape, trust me! I exercised and tried to eat well during my pregnancy. I still gained more weight than I thought I would, but wasn’t going to get caught up in it.
I didn’t cut back or push myself during that “fourth trimester” while I was still breastfeeding. I was still working, Hudson was colicky, I didn’t enjoy breastfeeding (more on that here)… I had enough on my plate. I wanted to give my body three months to just rest and recover before putting any kind of pressure on myself.
At 12 weeks postpartum I weighed myself and was 10-12 lbs above my pre-baby weight. So I started writing down what I was eating and really being accountable. Hudson is now a little over 4 months and I’m 6 lbs above my pre-baby weight.
I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (including potatoes!), brown rice, salads, eggs and beans. Tragically I have cut a good amount of carbs but will have popcorn, open faced sandwiches or an egg-in-a-hole when I need a carb fix.
It will come off… eventually!
Any postpartum things happening that you didn’t expect?
If anything, I’m shocked my stomach has returned (mostly) to it’s previous size. When I was 9 months pregnant I thought, “goodbye belly button. I guess I’ll never see you again.”
I’ve heard resuming your cycle can be intense but after a year of not having it, I didn’t find it to be anything other than the usual.
My postpartum recovery was minimal this time around. We’ll see if I get as lucky next time!
Is Christian still working during the quarantine? Are you nervous about it at all?
Yes he is. No, I’m not nervous. We feel lucky that our jobs have continued throughout this pandemic, and it’s important to Christian to prioritize his patients health along with the overall public and his own.
It’s difficult but necessary. And things are changing day by day, so we are just taking it one day at a time.
What does Christian think of the drive thru and curbside pick-up? Is it safe?
He said, “it’s safer.” It’s only as safe as the place you’re picking it up from. In his opinion, limiting all interactions as much as possible is the safest scenario.
Is Karen concerned about Coronavirus?
She wasn’t at first. Now I think she’s a little freaked out. But she is happy to stay locked in her house sans “gradeau.” In fact, she was recently telling me how she disinfects her steering wheel and car handles after going to the grocery. She’s apparently been doing this for years.
She’s also considering asking my dad to sleep upstairs because he’s a physician and still working.
I’m not joking.
How are you staying motivated to maintain your business right now?
I’ve always been a self-motivated person and I’ve worked from home for almost five years. With that in mind, my day-to-day isn’t drastically different other than I don’t have childcare and zero social obligations so I have more time to split between work and baby.
CBL has been an income source for our family for many years, and I don’t take that position lightly. We own a home. We just had a baby. That is my motivation to work hard!
Can you post the toy bar attachment again?
Yes! You can find it here and it’s also saved in the “CBL Bebe” stories on Instagram. We mostly use it on this bouncer.
Can you share anything that worked with colic?
I debated sharing a post on this but have stalled because if I’m being honest… I don’t know how encouraging it would be. We tried everything. Gerber Soothe Probiotics helped a little bit, but it really just took time and a LOT of patience.
Know when you need a break. Tap out and let your partner tap in. Talk openly with your pediatrician. And don’t feel guilty for hiring a babysitter or someone to help and give you a few hours or afternoons of relief.
In Hudson’s case, it lasted 9 weeks. Then week 11 came along and he was a gem. It was nothing I had done, he just outgrew it just like our pediatrician said he would. I had stopped breastfeeding by then, the colic was fading and I was finally really able to bond with him.
How did you know it was colic for Hudson’s fussiness?
I talked openly with our pediatrician. He gave lots of great suggestions, we tried them all and pretty much nothing worked. He is part pediatrician and part therapist (joking), but he was essential in my sanity. And now Hudson has outgrown it and is doing all the things our doctor said he would. Colic is temporary. When you have overcome it (and you will!), it will quickly become a distant nightmare!
If you haven’t had a colicky child, this may sound dramatic. If you have had a colicky child, you feel me on this one.
What formula is Hudson on?
I’ve chosen not to share this only because it’s really most important to see what formula is going to work best for your baby. I am not an expert by any means!
We tried four or five different formulas before finding one that worked for everyone, but we continued to talk openly to our pediatrician who gave us some samples. Those samples were really helpful in the process of narrowing it down.
What is Hudson’s feeding/napping/sleep training schedule?
Yes! I love that we don’t have to carry around a monitor and our cell phones, it’s just an app on the phone.
We did have a snafu with it stopping working, and after several troubleshooting calls with Miku they exchanged it. But other than that, it’s been very convenient.
Can you please list more baby essentials for new moms?
I shared this post but I don’t have more because you really don’t need that much stuff. Babies need breastmilk or formula, diapers and wipes, bottles, some clothes and bath items and a lot of affection/physical touch. Don’t feel like you have to buy a ton of stuff.
What’s your honest opinion about lab diamond engagement rings? Would you have wanted one?
I have a blog post about lab diamonds here. I think for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bands and so on it can be a great option if you’re cost-conscious. I don’t know that I would have preferred a lab diamond engagement ring, but they are conflict-free and environmentally friendly which is amazing.
But seriously – who cares what anyone thinks. It’s your ring. Whatever makes you happy is the right choice.
What earrings are you wearing?
I have six ear piercings (look away, mom!) and shared some of my tiny earring favorites here.
Luxury purchases you regret?
I actually shared a post on my most and least worn luxury accessories here!
Trends you’re loving and not loving?
Loving: matching sweatsuits and jogger ensembles.
Not Loving: Dad shoes, biker shorts, 90’s vibes.
What is your favorite boyfriend denim?
Always Levi’s. If they’re 100% cotton I size up one size. If they have some stretch I order my usual size (27).
I am a longtime Cashmere Mist wearer. But it does have aluminum in it.
I have tried so many natural deodorants and honestly hated them all. They were sticky, didn’t work well and one gave me an armpit rash. Necessaire makes a Eucalyptus aluminum-free cream deodorant and it is truly the only one I’ve liked. It’s really good!
What are you using as a Botox alternative with the quarantine?
I haven’t had Botox since 2018. I keep meaning to get some and then I forget. So I guess just hydrating and taking care of my skin! My tip top picks here.
Can you share how you keep your house so clean? Any schedule or tips?
I have two amazing women who come and help clean 2x a month. We have a Roomba that’s on a timer and runs every day at 9AM. I also have always been the person with a clean room. I truly have no memory of my parents telling me to clean my room. I function in an “outer order, inner calm” mentality. I am uninspired in a messy home!
Can we see a before and after of the exterior of your house?
I’ve chosen not to share street shots for privacy reasons, but I have shared some up-close angles on insta-stories (saved in the “GA Home” saved stories). It’s a pretty dramatic difference just in painting the brick, shutters, revamping the front sidewalk, etc. We want to plant a few shrubs and monkey grass things in the front yard before it will feel “complete.”
Then… onto the last big home project: remodeling the bathrooms. Nervous about that!
If you were to have your choice of 1) clothing line with your name or 2) a talk show, which would you choose?
Oh my gosh this is hilarious! A clothing line. Only because I could do it more from home and most likely be able to spend more time with the family.
Not a question, but you should totally just show up with a cat and see how long it takes C to notice.
I WISH. I would love to foster a cat, but Christian is not (currently) on board. I can’t do it behind his back because if he showed up with another large, shedding dog I would lose my mind! I love Bailey so much, but the dog hair is… a lot of maintenance. She’s almost 13 and I would do anything for her, but I can’t do another retriever. LOVE their personalities but the hair and size is a lot for a mostly indoor pet.
No question! Just love how much your life has changed in the past year. So much happy!
I love you. Thank you. We are so happy and grateful. You can’t really appreciate the highs unless you’ve lived through some lows!
Thank you so much for checking in and reading this novel! You can find all previous month’s Q&A’s in the “personal” category as well as by searching “Q&A” on this site.
I have been slightly tweaking and moving this room around for what feels like the longest. Ironically, it’s the room we spend the most time in! I am so excited to finally share what we have finally come up with to fill this space comfortably. This is our den and intended to feel like more of a casual “family room.” It is open to the kitchen, breakfast room, bar and living room, so it was important to me that these four spaces flowed nicely with each other.
Below are the photos of the styled space that I’m so excited to share. And be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a $500 giveaway you don’t want to miss!
Now for the $500 giveaway!Anecdote has so graciously offered to give a CBL reader $500 toward shopping anything on the site. They just launched their small business this year, and to offer something like that during this crazy time is incredibly generous. To enter, simply:
Leave a comment on this post with your IG handle and how you might want to spend the credit
Follow @kathleen_barnes + @shopanecdote on Instagram (you’ll want to follow their account for major home decor inspiration anyway, trust me)
Leave a comment on this Instagram post with which room in your home you want to refresh!
AND don’t forget you can get 15% off Anecdote products this week with the code KAT15. A winner will be selected Friday and announced shortly after.
