Carrie Bradshaw Lied

5 Skincare Products For When You Need Extra TLC

The weather has changed, your skin feels dry and you want to stay inside cozied up by the fire… so it’s the perfect time to give your skin some extra TLC!

Today I want to talk about five products that will do just that – give your skin a little extra va va voom. You might wonder, “why is she talking about skincare in her kitchen?” It’s because 3 of these 5 products I would actually recommend keeping in your refrigerator.

1. Mary Kay Hydrogel Eye Patches

These are a new product from Mary Kay, and I’d recommend keeping them in the refrigerator! I will pull them out on the mornings when I have photos to take or somewhere I have to be that requires attempting to look my best. They feel amazing, and even though the directions may say to leave on for 20 minutes… I literally leave them on for as long as I can.

2. Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask

Another item I’d keep in the refrigerator. I just slip in one mask at a time and once I’ve used it, I’ll replace it with another. Talk about de-puffing when it’s cold… magic!

3. Jade Roller

The third item I’d keep cold! During my third trimester I’ve been using this little roller nearly every day, especially on shoot days. I’ve felt so much “puffier” than usual lately. I will put 5-6 drops of the Mary Kay Naturally Nourishing Oil (discussed further in this blog post), and then use my cold jade roller to help massage the oil into my skin.

I also like to put one of the sheet masks on and then use the jade roller on top of the mask. Or even once I take off the Hydrogel Eye Patches to really get that product into my skin!

4. Mary Kay ClearProof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

If you want to really get in there with a face mask, this is your guy. This is the pore cleanser, the deep-cleansing magic man that you can honestly share with your significant other. Even the packaging looks gender neutral so why not have a double date face mask and holiday movie watching party? If so, please invite me over because I’d like to get in on that.

5. Mary Kay Skinvigorate Sonic Skin Care System

You can absolutely use this device as is for a really deep clean. I will actually sometimes take mine in the shower with me! Or I like to switch to the Facial Massage Head attachment. I will use it after a face oil. You can also use this after you take off your sheet mask to further massage the moisture from the mask into your skin.

photos by Christian Barnes

headband | sweater | skirt (sold out), also love this one, this one and this one | heels

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

brought to you by Mary Kay

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My Pregnancy Essentials & Why

As my pregnancy is coming to a close (due date is… Tuesday, yowza!), I wanted to share some of the products that have really helped me this year throughout my pregnancy. Of course you don’t have to have these things, but they have certainly contributed positively during the ever-changing journey that is pregnancy! I think everyone has their “must-haves,” so obviously take it for what you will. BUT… let’s get into it!

You can click over each image to go to the product or click the # associated with each item at the bottom of the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 a and b | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

CLOTHING

Because the only months I wore actual “maternity” clothes were fall, this short list is a little biased toward that season of style!

I love these leggings like crazy (talked about them in this post).

These were my favorite maternity jeans.

These were my favorite exercise leggings. More on them here.

These were essential. Like, don’t even question it. Buy them!

Shirt dresses were so comfortable throughout my entire pregnancy. They’re also super cute and make you feel polished easily. Also love this one.

I would recommend investing in a black bodycon dress – I love this one and this one. You can layer sweaters or tees over it, style booties, sneakers or sandals. They’re SO versatile.

PAJAMAS + UNDERGARMENTS

Two things I didn’t really consider were pajamas and undergarments. You’re going to want to find a few things that fit comfortably. My old nighties became super short toward the end and I didn’t want to stretch out my favorite pajamas!

I bought myself these in the pant and shorts version and they’ve been great.

This set is my treat to myself for the hospital.

My favorite maternity underwear was definitely this pair. These are super soft, but ultimately the functionality wasn’t as great. If any of you have recommendations in this area, I’d love to hear!

PRENATALS

I took these and these and loved both. Be careful with the prenatal gummies. If you choose to take gummies you’ll need to supplement with an iron pill. The only time I bought gummies my iron was low at my checkup, so those went out the window!

Once I hit 36 weeks I started taking these. I’m hoping they’ll help with labor and delivery and will continue to take them after baby.

SKINCARE + BEAUTY

I combined a belly butter and oil throughout the last 4 or so months once my belly popped. I also love this one!

A jade roller was nice to have in the final month while I’ve felt extra puffy. Just using it daily in the morning with my skincare routine has been nice.

COMFORT

I upgraded my slippers, and it was a great call.

Joggers or sweats will become your bff. These run big and I was able to wear them throughout all nine months.

Once my belly really started growing, this pillow was a major game changer in getting better sleep. I sleep with it every night. Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to finally ditching it, but it’s been so helpful during these big belly weeks!

My mom bought me a ton of epsom salts, certainly more than I need! But in the final weeks I’ve used them nearly every other day for achiness and relaxation.

EXTRAS

This book was great to have when I had random questions or thoughts.

This giant tumbler + silicone straws has helped me drink tons of water. I jokingly call it my “big gulp,” and it goes everywhere with me. It’s like my security blanket! I also wake up in the middle of the night so thirsty and guzzling it.

Another service that has saved me is Rent the Runway. More on that here and here!

I’ve also bought this waist belt to use in the weeks following delivery. I like that it is three pieces and you start slow and then add pieces for a tighter fit as the weeks go on.

And that’s all she wrote! I have packed my hospital bag, it is literally in the car, and I’ll be sharing more details on those details after baby comes. I want to make sure to share the things I actually needed and used and not the unnecessary things (there are quite a few bags, ha!).

Thank you so much for reading, and if you had something that was essential to your pregnancy, I’d love to hear in the comments. XO –

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Early Bird Gift Guide Picks

I’m so excited to get started on some gift guides for you guys, and today I’m sharing some of my favorite picks in fashion, beauty and accessories with Bloomingdale’s. If you’re already making your gift list for the holidays, good for you! No time like the present, before the holiday season really gets into full swing, to get ahead of the game!

You can shop the guide below by hovering your mouse over the item or clicking the 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 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26

I love this mascara. It’s the good stuff – a great gift for a girlfriend.

One of my favorite fragrances this year. And the packaging is gorgeous!

The best pajamas ever. I love the red for the holidays.

Um… how cute are these slippers!?

I think a scarf is always a fabulous gift. This one is classic and this one adds some spunk.

I have this watch and it’s gorgeous in person. The band is also interchangeable, which I love.

This bag looks so luxe, and I love that it comes in multiple colors.

These were a gift from my parents for a birthday and they’re one of my most worn pairs of sunglasses, hands down.

This cardigan works for literally any woman of any age.

I have some super soft fingerless gloves and they’re honestly my favorite. Let’s be honest, we always want quick access to our phones and this is the easiest way to have it all.

photos by Christian Barnes

Who are you shopping for and what’s on your list? Thank you so much for reading! XO –

brought to you by Bloomingdale’s

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Cashmere Cape

I splurged on this cape a few years ago when I was in London as my souvenir from the trip. Since then, I’ve worn it so many times as both a scarf and a cape. It’s so soft, so versatile, timeless and best of all – it always fits. Even when you’re 9 months pregnant!

I will be sharing some of my top maternity favorites this week, as I’m (hopefully) in the last week of my pregnancy, but these leggings are definitely top of list. I love the non-maternity version (styled here and here), so it’s no surprise the maternity version has been essential this fall.

A great cape is another piece that is great to have whether you’re pregnant or not. Bonus points if it’s cashmere and feels like a big blanket hug. I’m linking a few favorite picks at the bottom of this post!

photos by Christian Barnes

Are you much of a cape-wearer? One of the best parts of a cape is that you can usually wear them as either a big blanket scarf or a cape. Then if you decide to splurge, at least you know you’re getting 2-in-1!

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Friday’s Five | Nursery Sneak Peek

– a sneak peek into our nursery which has slowly come together and brings me so much joy (rug | rocker | giraffe | crib), more to come! –

– and putting some photos of mom and dad on the bookshelf until he makes his appearance –

– finally getting a desk (and at 40% off!) so I can work in my office, a miracle moment! we’re still working on it, but it’s getting there – bassinet shared here –

– Christian hanging these fabulous sconces in our bedroom –

– finally finding my Gucci belt after misplacing it during the move this summer –

Cheers to the weekend! Christian and I have both been busy little bees this week getting things checked off of our to-do list. I think that means we might be able to actually do a little relaxing this weekend (!!!). We plan on watching the football game with some friends, I have just a few deadline projects to work on, and we’ll enjoy one of our (potentially) last quiet weekends before our little guy arrives.

Speaking of that little guy, his nursery is nearly complete! We are still waiting on a few pieces to come in and the blackout drapes are being hemmed, but I feel so much more mentally and emotionally ready for him now that I can envision our future trio in his little room.

It must just be a psychological thing, but that “nesting” phase is real. My sister so kindly came in town for 24 hours last weekend to help us feel more prepared. It was truly SO helpful. We washed everything, organized the dresser, sterilized the bottles and pacifiers and set up the changing stations up and downstairs. Just having that final mom touch from her made me feel like our house is ready. Just in the nick of time!

I had a really exciting moment when I finally found a belt I had misplaced during our move. I knew I had “put it in a safe place” which means I inevitably hid it from myself. It was in its dust bag in a purse. I felt like I had won a prize when I found it! Anyone else do that to themselves? Hide things from others… and then ultimately yourself?

Now that the nursery is in a better place, we’ll be putting the finishing touches on our dining room next week. The wallpaper gets installed and the final two pieces of furniture arrive. It will also be ready for the holidays just in the nick of time (are you guys sensing a theme here?). I am so excited! Our living room project is still in the works, but we’re hoping it will also be complete before 2020. Which means lots of room reveals in early 2020!!

That’s about all for now, I’d love to hear how you guys are gearing up for Thanksgiving! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Holiday Gift Ideas | Cozy, Home + Beauty

I know I can’t be the only person who has been asked by their mom already, “is there anything you want for Christmas?” I can’t believe the time is already around the corner, but we’re buying gifts earlier and earlier each year, so there’s no time like the present!

Today I want to share a few of my favorite gifting categories with Neiman Marcus. From cozy lounge pieces to beauty, fragrance and home – they have you covered no matter who you’re shopping for.

COZY

These are my favorite pajamas by a landslide (I also have and love these). They’re so soft, and I’ve been amazed at how much they’ve worked for pregnancy! I have several pairs of Eberjey pajamas and I’ve been wearing them throughout each trimester. I know they’ll work just as easily once this baby is here as well, thanks to all of the buttons. You can’t go wrong asking for some of these pajamas for yourself or gifting them to your favorite gal.

BEAUTY

I discovered Elemis in London several years ago and have been a huge fan ever since. If you’ve ever tried any of their cleansing balms, you’ll know they literally smell like the spa. It’s intoxicating. I also love keeping a mist like this one at my desk for an afternoon pick-me-up, making this a great gift idea for the working gal. I also think this primer would be a great gift idea for the makeup lover.

FRAGRANCE

These are two YSL fragrances that are so deliciously luxe! One I’ve just recently started wearing and the other I’ve had for quite some time. YSL Beaute Libre is this dreamy combination of lavender, orange blossom and musk. YSL Beaute Paris is more feminine and floral. I probably reach for Libre a little more often, but they are both such beautiful and fabulous scents. A great gift for the ladies.

HOME

You guys know I love MacKenzie-Childs. In fact, my mom first discovered the brand decades ago in a Neiman Marcus, and that’s how I knew about MacKenzie-Childs as a little girl. A courtly check tea kettle is such a classic kitchen item, both decorative and functional. I know it would make a fabulous gift. I also love this pitcher for flowers, greenery and holiday punches!

And you can never go wrong with a candle. Diptyque is one of my favorite luxe candle brands, particularly the Roses scent. They also sell mini versions, like this one or this set, at Neiman Marcus that would be great stocking stuffers or gifts for coworkers or white elephant parties. I’ve always wanted one of these… maybe one day I’ll splurge!

photos by Christian Barnes

denim | similar shirt here, here and here | bracelet 1, 2, 3

Have you thought about holiday gifting yet? I’d love to hear some of your favorite gifts you gave last year or what might be on your mind for this year. We could all use the ideas!

And when in doubt, you can always stroll the aisles of Neiman Marcus (my favorite) or do some online window shopping. They truly cover every category, so you can hit it all at once.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by Neiman Marcus

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What Kind of Sleeper Are You?

brought to you by Bed Bath and Beyond

It’s no secret that getting great sleep in your third trimester can be challenging. So when I took Bed Bath and Beyond’s Sleep Quiz, I had a pretty good idea of which result I’d be getting: The Achey Sleeper.

I wake up every few hours these days trying to get comfortable, while also trying not to wake this little guy who is so wildly in sync with me and we haven’t even met yet!

Of course the first step to getting better sleep is understanding your sleep style. With my quiz results, Bed Bath and Beyond gave several suggestions of bedding and accessories that might help me get better rest.

Wamsutta Double Support Technology Fiberbed in White

Wamsutta Dobby Stripe Mattress Pad in White

Wamsutta Dream Zone Synthetic Down Back/Stomach Sleeper Pillow

Wamsutta Dream Zone White Goose Down Stomach/Back Sleeper Pillow

Therapedic Won’t Go Flat Back Sleeper Pillow

Brookstone BioSense Layer Adjust Standard/Queen Memory Foam Pillow

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Standard/Queen Pillow

Of these items, the Tempur-Pedic Pillow and Brookstone Memory Foam Pillow are probably my favorites. I love pillows that maintain their shape and have a heavier weight, and these are incredibly comfortable, especially while sleeping on my side the past few weeks. I’m normally a back sleeper, so this has been an adjustment!

If you’ve been struggling with sleep or wondering if you could customize your bed to more accurately accommodate your specific needs, try taking this quiz! You might see some options you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Classic Camel Coat

I’ve loved driving past so many gorgeous trees this fall. It’s been so many years since we have lived somewhere with a traditional fall season, and it really reminds me of how much I’ve missed it!

And what says fall more than the perfect camel coat? This coat is so classic that it’s bound to go with everything. I think it would be so chic with all black, but I also love it with this super soft mock turtleneck sweater (also love it in the camel color).

It must also be said that if you haven’t picked up some leopard or python heels for fall.. girlfriend, what are you waiting for? Trust me, they will go with everything.

photos by Christian Barnes

Do you have a camel coat that is your go-to? Or are you still on the hunt? This one runs a little big so if you’re in between sizes I would definitely size down.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five

– the coolest vase that is under $30 –

– the most chic coffee vacuum jug from Happily Grey Home –

– the prettiest flowers from my friends at Grove Collaborative (tumbler available here) –

– girly headbands from BaubleBar –

– a brand new bike to cruise the neighborhood with made entirely from recycled Nespresso pods (since our SF bikes were stolen from our locked garage), both extremely cool and beautiful! –

It is Friday and thank you Jesus! This week has been more tiring than most, in large part because the end-of-pregnancy-insomnia has officially kicked in. I wake up almost every night between 3:30-4:30AM and can’t go back to sleep. One time I got up and watched a movie and then fell back asleep. Another time I made cinnamon rolls and watched Real Housewives of NJ… it’s been interesting.

I must admit that I’ve become more irritable in general in the last month of this pregnancy. I think that’s what I get for having it so easy the first eight months! So now the achey back with the insomnia… I’m reminding myself to practice my breathing and get outside and walk to get out some of this very pregnant woman angst.

In very exciting and happy news, we have most of our nursery furniture in (!!!), and my sister is coming in town this weekend to be the best sister ever and help me organize baby boy’s dresser and closet.

Christian has also been a gem. He’s home by dinner time if not earlier every day which means he can help in the kitchen or put together strollers and set up baby monitors. It’s only reminded me how thankful I am for his new job and flexibility compared to our old life. I can’t begin to imagine what it could have been like had we had our first baby years ago. Significantly harder and much lonelier, that’s for sure.

Other than that, I am continuing to spend a lot of time at my desk in attempt to work ahead in preparation for the next month. I’m getting so excited about holiday gift guides! It still feels too early to decorate for the holidays, but I think I’ll get a second wind eventually. When do you plan on decorating?

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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Third Trimester Wardrobe Tips

Some of you may remember this post when I shared that I was using Rent the Runway Unlimited to help supply my pregnancy wardrobe as my body changed month after month. Well I’ve been consistently using it since July, and I will say it again and again – it’s been a lifesaver.

I am able to consistently have four pieces on rotation, and if something doesn’t work I just slip it back in the mail and select something different. There have been times I’ve loved something so much that I’ve kept it for weeks… like this turtleneck dress in today’s post. If you really fall in love with an item you can hold onto it for as long as you like or you also have the option to buy it at a discount to keep.

Best of all, items come in only two business days and the dry cleaning and insurance is taken care of. So select it, wear it, and send it back via UPS at no cost.

photos by Christian Barnes

dress, also love this one and this one | love this jacket and this one | similar bag here, here and here

As we enter week 37 of pregnancy, my biggest third trimester wardrobe tip would be to take advantage of a service like this! I really have not bought much clothing-wise during this pregnancy other than a few staples (denim, leggings, fitness leggings, some tees, etc.) because I’m able to use Rent the Runway Unlimited. I can try new pieces in the privacy of my own home and send them back for free if they don’t work.

Best of all, I know that once I’ve had this baby, I can continue swapping out pieces while my body slowly gets back to pre-baby clothes. And I love knowing my closet won’t be full of pieces that are all different sizes!

If you’re new to Rent the Runway, you can get 50% off your first month of RTR Unlimited with the code RTRKATHLEEN.

If you’ve tried it before, I’d love to hear what you think! I would also love to hear anyone else’s third trimester outfit tips. We can all learn from each other! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by Rent the Runway

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Wednesday Wish List | Stay Cozy

Thinking a little cozier these days as my due date approaches, and I’m loving this robe in all of its prints. So cute! I also recently bought these slippers and am loving them.

I bought these earrings last year and am so happy to see they’re back in stock! I wear them in my middle ear piercing (I have three). I’m always surprised at how many compliments I get considering how tiny they are. There are only a few pairs left, so I don’t think they’ll last too long.

I’ve seen a few girls with this leather bag personalized, and it’s seriously so cute. Crazy cute!

Can’t get enough of joggers these days. I bought this pair in the Anniversary Sale and they somehow still fit. Also loving this leopard + camo pair.

I’ve talked about MZ Wallace many times on this blog (most recently here), but I can’t get enough of this leopard version. They’re so incredibly lightweight and fantastic travel bags. I know I’ll use them more than ever once baby is here!

Holiday gift guides will be gearing up soon. I plan on covering picks for him, her, last minute picks, buys under $100 and so on, but if there is a specific category you’d like see, I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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Let’s Talk Push Presents

When we were getting married, I remember being asked what I was going to give Christian as his wedding day “gift.” I thought, “um… a wedding band?” We chose not to buy additional gifts as the wedding celebration and band exchange felt like pretty big gifts in themselves.

Now that we are welcoming our first child (this month!), the question of a push present has come up. When I think of a push present, it symbolizes something a little different. This is a memento on the day of your child’s birth. An item to symbolize the creation and carrying of this little person and their awaited arrival. And maybe even something you can give to them (or their wife) one day when they’re older.

I was lucky to receive my push present a little early – two carat diamond stud earrings from Clean Origin! And here’s why these diamonds are a little different than what you might expect –

They are made in a lab rather than dug from a mine, which means they’re 100% ethically sourced as well as environmentally-friendly. This also makes Clean Origin’s diamonds 20-40% less expensive than mine diamonds. You could spend the same amount and get a larger carat size or get the same carat size at a much lower price. This is a great pitch when talking your husband into a new jewelry purchase… just sayin’.

The only thing that actually makes lab diamonds different than mine diamonds is how they’re formed. A lab-created diamond is grown using technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process. Therefore, the end result is a diamond that is chemically, physically and visually the same as those grown in the Earth.

photos by Christian Barnes

SO, with all of that being said, gorgeous diamond stud earrings definitely aren’t your only option! Below are some of my top push present picks for the girl who loves something extra sparkly.

Diamond Earrings | These are two carat, three-prong stud earrings that I know are timeless and classic.

Diamond Band | I love stacking bands on my both my right and left hand. A beautiful band is such a fabulous gift for not only a push present but any big celebration – anniversary, holiday, etc. I love this Duchess Diamond Band!

Bracelet | If you’re a bracelet gal, these tennis bracelets are showstoppers. So gorgeous.

Of course Clean Origin also has unlimited options in the engagement ring and wedding band space as well. You can see all of those on their website.

If you are expecting and have a push present in mind or your husband gave you something super special when your first was born, I’d love to hear what it was! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by Clean Origin

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Explore The Blog

Shop Around

5 Skincare Products For When You Need Extra TLC

My Pregnancy Essentials & Why

Early Bird Gift Guide Picks

Cashmere Cape

Friday’s Five | Nursery Sneak Peek

Holiday Gift Ideas | Cozy, Home + Beauty

What Kind of Sleeper Are You?

Classic Camel Coat

Friday’s Five

Third Trimester Wardrobe Tips

Wednesday Wish List | Stay Cozy

Let’s Talk Push Presents