Shopbop‘s is having a 40% off sale on over 5000+ styles, including their Designer Boutique. As soon as I found out about this I knew I had to get in on it. So far I’ve treated myself to this dress and these earrings, but I’m still keeping my eye on pieces!
This jumpsuit that I styled here is now on sale and I love it so much! It’s so comfortable and has pockets – if you’re in between sizes I would recommend sizing down.
I think these pants look so cute and versatile and you can’t beat a cropped jean – works with heels or flats. Love a classic ballet flat and these are the kind of slides I live in ALL summer.
AND don’t forget that you can receive free 2-day shipping on your Shopbop orders by logging in with your Amazon Prime account! If you plan on snagging anything, I’d love to hear what you have your eye on. This is my kind of sale – I live for these Shopbop sales. They are seriously so good I’ve gotten so many amazing markdowns because of it!
Q: What do you do with the clothes you get as gifts or a part of a paid partnership with brands?
A: In the best scenario, I’m allowed to select pieces from brands that I style and keep to wear long-term. That’s why you’ll see me wearing the same pieces frequently (and then even when they’re no longer available, but I love them so I still wear them just as often!). I usually pick one or two things and they are pieces that reflect my personal style. Or if I don’t see anything that resonates with me I’m just as likely to say thank you but I don’t see anything that is jumping at me, etc. Living in a small apartment I don’t have room for anything I’m not in love with!
Other times, I’m sent boxes of randomly selected pieces that may or may not even be my size, represent my style, etc. These pieces are usually kept in a corner and offered to friends & family before being donated to local charities or donation centers to bless someone else!
Q: Never seen you wear Golden Gooses. Curious your opinion?
A: I’ve actually been asked about these sneakers quite a bit. I personally don’t own any. Call me old school, but I have a hard time wrapping my mind around spending that much money on sneakers that look dirty? However I know people really love them! I would rather save my dollars toward something that “looks” new and wear Tretorns or p448 (I have a pair and I’m newly obsessed!).
Q: Were you saved in your life as a Christian? What was your experience?
A: I was baptized in the Episcopal Church as a baby in Nashville and once we moved to Mississippi we attended the Methodist Church. I’ve always grown up learning about religion and Christianity and studied religion in college. I have always identified as a believer but will be honest that I have been drawn nearer to God and further from God at different times in my life. When I tend to struggle or see so much sadness around me, I pull away yet when I am happy and thriving, I feel deeply blessed and connected. It’s something I’ve been open with in my Bible Study here in SF and I continue to work on.
Living in California, I’ve become friend with people of all different religions and spiritualities and it’s been a great experience learning and respecting everyone’s faith. I’ve also been to temple and loved it! I don’t know how I would live in this crazy world without believing in something larger than humanity.
Q: What advice would you give for people considering moving to SF?
A: Boy. This is tough for me to answer in a non-biased way as it’s no secret our experience here has been pretty… tough. But if you’re in tech, I get it. There’s no more inspiring place to be in that regard. However if you’re in literally any other industry, I would really evaluate what is drawing you to the city.
I guess it depends on what you are hoping to get out of your time here. Are you moving here to work a dream job at an exciting start up (it is a land of opportunity)? To go to a prestigious school (there are great ones here)? Or be closer to wine country (heaven)? Then you’ll be able to have those things. If you are leaving somewhere you already like to support someone you love following their dream, it may be harder. It’s the most expensive housing in the U.S., even with crime, homelessness and street drugs are at an all time high. It also has landed at #1 in property crime in the States. Visiting is one thing… living here is another. Looking back, I would have chosen to live outside the city in Marin. The Bay Area is beautiful but the city of San Francisco is in a really challenging/hard place right now.
LA and NY are much less intense and safer in my experiences/opinion. I lived in NY briefly in college and always felt super safe and didn’t see anything alarming. I was in and out of LA for 5 years and maybe once did I feel threatened. We had countless great experiences in Southern California and can’t recommend it enough!
And if you do decide to move here… you might want to use this map to help guide your neighborhood/street selection (at least we did).
Q: Denim shorts recommendations for non-thigh gap girls who don’t want to show too much skin?
A: I have 3-4 pairs of Agolde. I love the length and they still feel “cool” without being like… 18 y/o short, you feel me? No judgement, I’m really just jealous I’m not 18.
Q: Tips on supporting my partner in his career journey after grad school?
A: I wrote this requested post a while back that really applies to anyone in a relationship with someone who has a non-flexible, demanding job that might be helpful. I think remembering that you’re always on each other’s team can really help. There are going to be times in your marriage when they need your support and patience and then the tables will turn and they’re going to be there for you when you’re hitting your stride. Relationships ebb and flow, and the most important part of all is that you’ve found the person who is the ying to your yang. Someone you want to experience the highs and lows with. THAT is the silver lining of every struggle!
Q: What are some good podcasts you’ve been loving? Ear Hustle was great!
A: If you search “podcast” on this blog you’ll see all my favorites in three different posts!
And Ear Hustle is amazing – a rec I got from my sister.
Q: Any good weekender traveling bags?
A: Christian and I love this one. And of course if you want to splurge, the best.
Q: Another hint on the move?
A: Lots of guess for Dallas. I love Dallas and many people I love also live there. But… it’s not Dallas!
I have been wanting to finalize our living situation before we shared, and because we have been looking since January, the hunt has been much more difficult than I anticipated. BUT… should things go according to plan, we will have a more solid ground to stand on in the next few weeks, praise be!
Q: Where’s one place in the world you think everyone should visit?
A: In the U.S.? Hawaii (several guides if you search “Hawaii“). In the world? Paris (guide here).
Q: Traveling to Napa and LA soon. Any recommendations?
A: If you search for these places or check the FAQ of this site, you’ll find several guides!
A: My favorite bras are my Third Love bras and I love my On Gossamer underwear but I don’t have enough. I don’t have a go-to underwear brand but I would love any recs if y’all have a favorite!
Q: Do you ever get stressed/tired of traveling for work? If so, how do you combat the guilt?
A: I love this question! Four years ago I would have said never, but in the past two or so years I’ve really slowed down my travel. When I travel for work, I not only have to pack and prep, but I have to work ahead for the days I’ll be gone. I have to meet deadlines in advance, pre-schedule blog posts, etc.
Then I pack outfits for both the itinerary at hand + the weather and have to pull up all of those items and link them in advance so when I share photos on social media on the go, I can link the outfit details so CBL girls can have all the scoop in real time. I also have to consider photography and how I will capture it, who else will be traveling that I might be able to work with. This often includes researching photographers or contacting people ahead of time.
For my personal life, I also have to arrange pet-care for the animals, dog walkers, etc. because we no longer have access to an outdoor space and don’t have family/friends nearby that I feel comfortable asking to pitch in. Christian works crazy hours so I’ll try to have food for him to eat when he gets home at 9:30PM… you know the drill.
Therefore preparing for travel can take days of prep work and it’s taken a little bit of the sparkle out of it over time. Traveling is an amazing opportunity, but at the end of the day it’s absolutely still work and I’m usually working all day and not necessarily reading books by the pool like I would be if it were a vacation I was actually planning on my own for my personal life. But, still some opportunities are too good to turn down. Now I just make sure it’s something that when I first see the travel opportunity my first reaction is, “yes, absolutely!” I actually picked up that tip from Oprah. Listen to that initial reaction to something when it crosses your lap. That’s when you know it’s the right move.
Q: How does Karen feel about a hotel bath?
A: Oh you know she’s not touching it. I asked how many times she’s gotten in her own bathtub and she said “less than a dozen.”
Q: How do you eat so many carbs and stay lean?
A: Alarmingly… I do eat all the things but I’m usually pretty healthy. Christian and I don’t eat out that much, we’re always cooking and therefore I know exactly what I’m eating. I also eat about 80% vegetarian, so I eat a ton of veggies. I’m the weirdo who genuinely loves vegetables.
Q: Do you think I could start a blog NOW at 30 with two kids and it be successful?
A: Starting a blog, especially in the beginning, takes a ton of time. Figuring up how to set up your site, designing it, deciding what you’re going to to talk about, setting up all your social platforms and getting those first few readers – you get what you put in.
So if you are really passionate about it and know it’s a slow build but still super fun!? I say go definitely go for it! Success isn’t guaranteed in any new venture but if you love it and you’re passionate and consistent, it will absolutely show.
Q: How do you have the courage to share your life as your career?
A: I’ve always been a pretty open book. I also love fashion, home and cooking. When I started blogging eight years ago I had no idea the criticism that would come with it. Had I known? I probably would have been more hesitant, but I suppose ignorance is bliss. Now that I’m a little older, I know this platform has not only fulfilled me in ways both big and small, but it’s also given me opportunities I couldn’t have dreamt of. Christian and I both feel immensely blessed by this blog and all of you – so it’s worth all of it, hands down!
Q: Playlist of your favorite tunes!
A: I love sharing playlists! If you search “playlist” or “spotify” you’ll find several posts.
Q: Go-to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime TV musts?
A: I don’t watch as much Hulu and Amazon Prime but if you search “Netflix” you’ll find two different posts! If you guys have Hulu or Amazon Prime favorites, I’d love to hear!
Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a question! You can see March and April‘s post in the “personal” category of this blog. Appreciate you guys – XO –
– thinking I need to do a giveaway for some of these fabulous silk eye masks! –
– playing beauty corner at my desk with the most gorgeous Glowtastic pieces from Charlotte Tilbury –
– adding a rock I collected on the beach in Half Moon Bay to my little ocean collection –
– some goodies from a day sailing in San Francisco with Veuve Clicquot –
Happy Friday! It was a little rainy over here this week but that didn’t stop me from hopping on a yacht yesterday with the Clicquot team to cruise around the Bay. I was so glad it wasn’t cancelled despite the weather! It was a gorgeous time and I loved hearing the history behind Veuve Clicquot. I had no idea there was a boss lady behind the entire brand!
In less fun city news, our garage was broken into for the second time in two months. Our bikes were stolen and every car in the garage had its windows smashed (even though nothing was taken in the cars… because they were empty). So I spent an entire day waiting around for a car window repair team to show up… who showed up at 6:45PM when they were scheduled for 8-10AM. After waiting 8.5 hours for the police to show up after the break-in… nothing surprises me anymore. BUT, we now have all of our car windows in tact, at least for now. I’m considering taping a sign in the car that says, “please don’t break windows, car is unlocked and empty.” Even though it’s in a locked garage we pay monthly to park in, apparently it’s still necessary. And now all these locals and tourists have been sending me their smashed car window stories from San Francisco. So y’all… please don’t bring your cars here. Just use ride share!
The past few weeks have been super busy with personal life to do’s as we start to wrap up our time here and plan for next steps. It’s taken up a lot more time than I anticipated but I am so excited to share more with you guys once things are finalized in the next month or so. I’m so excited about this next chapter. Six more weeks until we finally get to the finish line we’ve been working toward for so long. I know it’s going to feel so rewarding, so peaceful, so relaxing… a completely different life. This is it. It’s almost here, and I’m so ready I could literally cry!
We have a rainy weekend ahead of us so we might try to scoot out of town to chase the sun. If you are trapped inside, I can’t recommend Dead to Me enough. It’s a new Netflix series that is SO good. It’s the best thing I’ve seen on Netflix since Ozark!
Now I’m off to get a mani/pedi because they’re shutting off the power today in my neighborhood from 9AM to 1PM… so I’ve got to find some things to do around town!
Hope y’all have a beautiful weekend! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
This dress has stripes, tassels, a bow-belted waist, ruffles, all the things – in my opinion, it’s THE summer dress! What it does require is a little tan so do yourself a favor that I didn’t do and apply some of this before you style it up.
We snapped these photos during our stay in Half Moon Bay, and even though it was a little overcast, it didn’t stop me from channeling some of our summer adventures we have ahead of us. Bring. It. On. Bronze me!
When it comes to preparing for a new season, there’s no better place to snag the best of what’s in season than Nordstrom. They have so many fab maxi dresses and espadrilles right now – I linked some of my favorites below including this dress that is similar but different. And this one… I mean, love.
Are you looking toward summer travels yet? Maxi dresses are usually my go-to when it comes to staying cool in warm weather, comfortable and feeling stylish. I think they can’t be beat! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I’m writing this on an overcast day which means I’m feelin’ all the cozy pieces. I love the idea of this kaftan for summer with easy sandals, or you could cinch the waist with a belt bag. This is pretty adorable for spring, summer and early football games, and this breezy maxi also comes in a super fun bright yellow.
San Francisco is pretty chilly year round, so I’m embarrassed to say that I work in sweats a lot of days. Like… a lot of days. But I try to style them in a way that doesn’t feel embarrassing if someone knocks on the door or I’m walking Bailey. This camo set is so cute and perfect for what I’m talking about. Pair it with white sneakers and a trench and you are still both stylish and comfy.
I have loved these sunglasses so much over the past year, so I love this similar style that has a slight twist. And this top is so cute with shorts or light wash denim jeans – love, love!
Tell me your favorite lounge-y piece. I am honestly so often wearing these sweats with this sweatshirt. Simple, cohesive, black – I’ll wear the ankles rolled up and layer over a trench. It’s still a look! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
We spent the past weekend at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay a little less than an hour from the city, and it was like entering another country. It was quiet, peaceful, relaxing – all the the things you look for in a weekend getaway. When we drove up, Christian was like, “are we in Scotland!?” They even have a bagpiper who walks along the coastline before sunset!
The property is not only stunning, but also pet-friendly to dogs of all sizes! I was surprised to see all kinds of dogs, big and small. We don’t usually bring Bailey with us on our vacations, but our dog sitter was traveling and because the hotel was so accommodating, we were able to bring her along. They brought dog beds for her and a little bone toy, and I am certain she had the time of her life while she sat between us at the outdoor fire pit.
We had such a lovely time it was certainly sad to leave, but all the reason to go back and visit! And on one of our walks on the beach, I happened to match the sand in this sand-colored linen set, so we were able to snap a few photos to share. I love the ruffle and bow detail in the back – so cute together and as separates! Now I realize I should have applied some self-tanner before this trip, so don’t judge me (I’m loving this one right now)!
And then Bailey attempted to shake all of her salty sand all over me. Good thing I was wearing sand-color, lab owners learn to decorate and dress in the color of their dog’s fur. This is not a lie!
Thanks so much for reading and more Half Moon Bay photos to come! XO –
– buying some tulips that are supposed to actually bloom like peonies –
– trying new haircare system that replaces a shampoo with a scalp scrub –
– packing for our sneak away trip this weekend –
– the most beautifully wrapped skincare present from one of my favorite luxury skincare brands, Sulwhasoo –
– the cutest mini watermelon I can’t wait to cut into –
Happy FRIDAY! I shared these peony tulips on Insta-Story earlier this week, but I’d never even heard of this kind of flower until I saw them in the grocery. They start out looking like tulips and then bloom into this peony-looking flower. It’s so interesting!
I have spent a huge part of this work week doing real estate/rental searching stuff for our prospective new town… and it’s insane how much time it eats up. So much. Too much. I’m excited to put it aside for the weekend and get out of town with Christian. I just want to not think about adult responsibilities and just relax, get some fresh air and enjoy the quiet for a few days and recharge!
Because summer is around the corner, I’m in full watermelon and pineapple + Tajin mode. For an afternoon snack, there’s truly nothing better. Between that and pimento cheese, I’ve been thriving in lady. Probably need to get some of these workouts in…
What do you have going on this weekend other than wishing your Mom a happy Mother’s Day!? Be sure to get some FaceTimes in if you can’t be there in person! Talking in Skype and FaceTime has really made things so much easier living this far away. I’m so thankful it exists. Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! Hope you enjoy some sunshine – XO –
After spending almost the entire month of April in Texas and Mississippi, I had this urge to make pimento cheese. I thought it would be so great for lunches, so I made the batch above and it seriously made my week.
At dinner every night, Christian and I verbally say three things we are grateful for that day, and I’m not exaggerating, one day it was for my pimento cheese. If you’re Southern, you grew up eating your grandma’s pimento cheese on celery, on sandwiches, crackers, cheez-its, basically anything. I hadn’t made any in years, and it is so easy!
I usually eat mine like the photo above – with crackers, some veggies and some protein. That can be a boiled egg or a few pieces of rolled up turkey, whatever works for you. I’ve also heard of people making pimento grilled cheese! You can add pecans, not add the jalapeño, there really are so many ways you can make it your own.
Ingredients:
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz light cream cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or you could use mayo)
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
4 oz jar pimentos OR finely chopped jarred red peppers
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
s & p
Directions:
Mix cheeses and yogurt together. Add spices, jalapeños and pimentos/peppers together. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week!
If you have a unique pimento cheese recipe, I would truly love to hear. This was a Southern gem like my Grammy’s cheese straw recipe, so I would love to hear if you plan on trying this! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
It’s been a little bit since I put together a wish list but when I saw these two striped maxi dresses, I was so inspired to put together a little roundup! In most places in the states, spring is in full effect so girlfriend, get out the sleeveless dresses, throw on some fab statement earrings and sparkle up those sandals (how cute are those!?).
I love a neckerchief any time of year, and this classic one comes in both red and black. This is such a great designer handbag on major sale (almost 60% off!), and I can’t get enough of this top that comes in three colors – would look so cute with highwaisted jeans or shorts.
These are similar to the slippers that I wear in our apartment daily. These are the ones I actually have in two colors, but I think the Emu are better made so I might need to upgrade myself.
What is everyone doing for Mother’s Day weekend? Christian and I are taking a little weekend vacation but definitely plan to FaceTime our moms on Mother’s Day. Wish we could be there in person so if you’re so lucky to be with your mom on Mother’s Day, please know how special that is! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I have been so excited to share this green summer dress with you guys because I’ve now worn it a few times, it’s so comfortable, has pockets and best of all – it’s under $35.
I wore it recently to a little dinner in Dallas with the Mary Kay team, and I wanted to photograph it to share how I styled it with sandals and a little pop of leopard!
It’s 100% cotton, so you can travel with it and iron it easily, and it looks just as cute with a heeled sandal as it does flats. I think it would pair perfectly with some espadrilles! Honestly just looking at these photos taken by the pool at the Mansion on Turtle Creek is giving me the feels. I need some warm weather, stat!
Tell me if you could see yourself wearing this dress. It’s such an easy summer piece and I love pretty much everything in Who What Wear’s collections for Target. I definitely also need this dress and this one!
**Update: of course this dress sold out right before this post went live, so I’m linking some similar styles! Loving this one, this one and this one.
– new headbands that are going to make lazy hair days a little easier (L to R: 1, 2, 3) –
– trying the Furbo with Bailey (don’t judge me it’s on our bar… there are limited spaces in this little apt!) –
Happy Friday! I worked on this post a little early as I had to leave my office Thursday and Friday because the wood floors above our apartment are being redone… for the second time since we’ve lived here. So in our 10 months of living here, we’ve listened to someone move out. Almost a month of construction. Then someone move in. Then hearing them move all the things out of the living room for the floors to be redone a second time. Then moving their stuff back in.
And in case you are blessed to live within no shared walls, remember that the echoing of boots/boxes on wood floors is always louder than if you’re in the room. It’s like… tripled below I don’t understand it. Working from home during this SF year has been at times… brutal. I’ve yet to find the silver lining here – this is very expensive, old building apartment living in San Francisco. I am going to appreciate our next living situation SO much more… no matter what it is!
However, we are officially on the 8 week countdown, it hasn’t rained in weeks and I can see the light. I know that in a few years all of these challenges will be a memory of the past and when I am living within my own non-shared walls, I’m going to feel like a Queen. A royal QUEEN!
I had started a Bible Study that was put on hold because everyone’s April schedules were hectic, but we hopped back into this week and it really is so good for my inner peace. I think I can really underestimate the positive impact of being vulnerable with other likeminded women. It is uplifting, comforting and encouraging all rolled into these once a week two hour sessions. A bright spot in this week for sure.
Christian and I are looking forward to a weekend getaway next weekend that will be so peaceful, I can’t wait! I plan on sharing a full blog post about it so I will be able to share more details as we get closer, but I know it will be a great refresher all around. It’s a great weekend destination for all my California girls and a place we’ve never been, so I’m looking forward to sharing more of that!
He’s also got me watching some of Jack Ryan – do any of you watch this show!? It’s honestly a little violent for me… but it’s certainly captivating. When I get stressed I just remind myself that John Krasinski is actually married to Mary Poppins and then I can relax! I love those two as a couple. Sweetest.
What do you have going on this weekend? C will be working so I might need to get out the cat stroller and take some walks… who knows what we’ll find! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
I’ve had this mock neck sleek bodysuit for a few weeks now and have been looking forward to sharing it here! It is so stretchy and comfortable, it’s really become the perfect layering piece for so many looks.
I think this look would totally work for the workplace, for all my office-appropriate ladies! It’s stylish, fun but still professional, especially with the blazer layered on top. When I worked in the corporate world, I realized blazers took me far. Don’t underestimate the power of a chic power blazer! Loving this one and one and it’s on sale right now in two colors.
And you can’t tell how windy and chilly it was by these photos, but I was silently screaming every time we would take a break. I did not consider how icy cold I would be shooting spring looks here. They say that being cold burns more calories so I mean… maybe I should reward myself with nachos!? Thinking about it.
