I’m excited to bring another video to you guys from my baby of a YouTube channel – and today, we are entering a new realm… my fake cooking show.
I love sharing recipes and kitchen tips with y’all on Instagram Stories (many are saved in the “Cooking” saved stories), so I thought I would try sharing a recipe on YouTube for you guys to see how it goes over. I also share a lot of my favorite bites and drinks in the “food + drink” category of this site, but let me know if you guys like this video version.
I would be happy to do more if it’s something that you guys find helpful or fun… even from this little apartment kitchen!
And the recipe details for this Southwestern Quinoa Bowl (serves 2-3).
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup quinoa + 2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 – 1/2 cup onion, roughly chopped
1 clove garlic minced
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 tsp chili powder
pinch cayenne pepper
salt
1/2 fresh lime
Trader Joe’s Frozen Street Corn
arugula or lettuce
Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, Greek yogurt + hot sauce to make a crema, tomatoes or salsa, sliced avocado
DIRECTIONS:
1) Rinse quinoa. Put in pot with 2 cups water, bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
2) While quinoa is cooking, add some olive oil to a mediums sauce pan and sauté your onions and garlic. Add two cans of rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup water, salt, cayenne and chili powder. Cook until water is absorbed.
3) Follow directions for Trader Joe’s frozen street corn. So delicious and so worth it!
4) Assemble! Quinoa, arugula, black beans and onion, corn. You can top with tomatoes, your spicy crema, avocado and shredded cheese!
And thank you SO much to those of you who have subscribed to my YouTube channel. It’s a completely new world for me but I really, really appreciate it. Greatly!
Thanks so much for reading and let me know if you guys try it! There’s also a fun giveaway happening this week on IG Stories (saved under “April Prize!” saved stories), so be sure to check that out if you follow @kathleen_barnes on Instagram! XO –
April can be that in-between time where it’s not fully warm enough for sleeveless but you’re ready to bring out some lighter pieces so you can ditch the heavier pieces from winter. This is my go-to outfit for those days – a light trench, classic tee and denim and stylish sandals.
When I discovered these slides at Nordstrom, I bought them in black instantly. I think they look so luxe and polished, I know they’ll go with everything this summer. I then realized I loved almost everything made by this brand. Their pieces are versatile in their neutral selection while also being ultra chic. I’ve already ordered these sandals in another color!
Nordstrom’s spring shoe selection can’t be beat, and whenever I need a refresh it’s one of the first places I go. It doesn’t hurt to remember they have free shipping and returns, so when in doubt I’ll order two sizes to be sure I get the exact fit I need before something sells out. It only takes one time of ordering the incorrect size and not being able to get the correct size before I learned that lesson. A girl needs her shoes.
sandals (if you’re in between sizes, size up_, also love these and these | similar trench here (mine is vintage) and look for less here and here (on sale) | denim (I sized up one size), also love these and these | similar tee here and here | similar sunglasses here and here | similar bag here and love this one shared in last week’s wish list
I am newly in love with the casual chicness of this shoe brand, and I’m linking some of my favorite sandals of theirs below! Let me know what you look for in a great spring/summer sandal. The perfect color? Elongating your legs or an ankle strap detail?
– a midi shirtdress that is so perfect for spring –
– still loving my new metallic Michele watch (and hello to my reflection!) –
Happy Friday! I am writing this from Texas but know that when it goes live I’ll be back starting off the weekend at home… and that’s a lovely way to start the weekend, right? Although I can’t complain. I spent two nights in the most beautiful hotel in Dallas, I felt like a queen in my own room all to myself. I took advantage of the clean gym (I love a hotel gym), and had the entire fluffy bed to myself. It felt less like a work trip and more like R&R, but more on that later!
We spent last weekend with friends, picnicking in the park and getting lunch after Easter church. This weekend Christian might attempt to go fishing, and I’ve been listening to Chelsea Handler’s new book on audible. I love to read actual books (not a kindle person), but I decided there’s no time like the present to try audible. It’s $15 a month (and the actual book is only $16)… but I’m always walking Bailey, traveling, trying to drown out noise from my apartment neighbors and so on, so listening to books does make sense for this season of life. I am breezing through this one faster than I realized so I’m wishing I could get more than one book credit per month! Are you guys kindle readers, tangible book lovers or audio listeners?
Anyone watched any good movies lately? We thumbed through so many movies last weekend and of course just ended up watching La La Land again on E!, so I need to venture out a little more! Thanks so much for reading and sharing and have a beautiful weekend! XO –
If you haven’t picked up on my love of leopard yet (other declarations of love here, here and here), it’s official. I’m addicted. This slip skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch has a flirty little side slit that makes it more of a weekend piece, but still totally works with sneakers! I paired it with a tee and denim jacket, but threw on heels because I always stand a little taller in a heel. This is true.
Like most of us probably were in high school, I was always begging my mom to let me buy something from A&F at the mall. But did you guys know they still have so many adorable pieces for spring and summer? Like this jumpsuit and this maxi dress. Don’t even get me started on this linen blazer. LOVE.
And please know we shot these photos on the coldest and windiest day in the city (forgive all the baby hairs and flyaways everywhere!). If you guys follow CBL on Instagram, I shared some outtakes on stories of myself running in the wind while Christian is literally wearing two jackets. And I woke up the next day… sick. But it was worth it. Spring fashun – I have to have it!!!
Do you have a leopard statement piece in your closet? I’d love to hear what it is! I think a skirt or top is a great way to introduce the trend into your closet. Try it. I think you’ll be surprised by the versatility (and the compliments you get!).
By all the fresh pieces that I’m seeing on my favorite shopping sites, spring is here! I found so many sweet pieces that would be so great for the fabulous weather that comes with spring, like this seashell barrette, this little wicker purse and this sweet pink gemstone ring.
I am have a major thing for belts right now, and I love this red one – so unlike everything I have!
I recently noticed my skin was looking dull and I was having more breakouts than normal. So I reached for this luxurious sheet mask and by the next day my skin looked so much clearer. It’s a splurge for sure but check out some of the reviews online – it’s something special.
I love all the lighter colors that come with spring. A time to brighten up our wardrobe and leave all the baggage from winter behind. Lately I have been less motivated to “get dressed” every day when I’m just working from home. But I remember forcing myself to not wear lounge clothes everyday in Orange County and it always affected my productivity (and confidence) for the better.
I’m currently traveling again, but once I get back and unpacked, I am going to challenge myself to put a little more effort into my daily “getting dressed” routine and see what it does for my energy level. You gotta start somewhere!
If you have any tips for getting motivated to put in some effort even when you’re not leaving the house, I’d love to be inspired by you! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
While I’ve shared a great Bloody Mary recipe on this blog before here, you guys keep asking for Karen’s recipe after I shared her 2.0 so I thought we would get into it today!
Ingredients:
1 46 oz. V -8 (she uses low sodium)
4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons lime juice
4 Tablespoons Worcestershire
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 heaping teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dill
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped very fine
2 Tablespoons horseradish (or more if you wish)
Vodka
Directions:
Mix all ingredients except vodka. Add it right before serving. And the tomato mixture is even better the next day!
And we all know it’s the garnishes are what can really take a Bloody Mary to the next level. Mom rubbed a lemon wedge around the border and rolled the edge of the glass in paprika. She adds vodka first and then the tomato mixture.
She used wooden skewers and before stacking, lined up the garnishes on a cutting board to make sure she liked the color/shape pattern. Then place your finished skewer in the glass along with a celery stalk (always with leaves!). Add a lemon and/or lime wedge. Voila!
Other garnish ideas include: cucumber slices, a cube of cheese, dill pickle spears, green olives, baby pickles, pickled okra, radishes, lemon slices, parsley, basil, bacon, pickled jalapeño and even hard-boiled eggs! You can also sprinkle paprika on some of the above for extra interest.
If you would like to fill up the entire skewer you can and when complete place it on top of the glass horizontally, but have a celery stick with leaves vertical for height (you’ll see that on the ones photographed above). Karen also found this site that has a TON of garnish ideas!
Enjoy and let us know if you try it for yourself! Thanks so much for reading and more recipes in the “food & drink” category of this blog, including a Whiskey Rebellion recipe that is definitely a favorite. XO –
We all know there is nothing more classically chic than a great LBD. I wanted to show you guys how to make three looks with the same pieces in a very quick and easy way.
For the office, throw on a blazer and belt it to keep your shape. Remove the belt for happy hour and show a little more curve! And of course, once the weather warms up, ditch the layers altogether and wear your LBD on date night, to a wedding or any event. So simple yet fabulous.
– missing being home and Karen’s Bloody Mary 2.0 (her garnishes are next level) –
– but feeling so loved by all the happy people/pets who were waiting in SF to greet me at midnight when I finally arrived back in the city –
– fresh kicks from a new brand (to me), Shoeology –
– two classic pieces from Tuckernuck (shirt | dress) that I can’t wait to wear this spring/summer –
– the best surprise travel-sized goodies from one of my favorite haircare brands, Moroccan Oil –
Happy Friday! I’m writing this post from my desk in our bay window, and it feels so long since I’ve written from this apartment. I always have mixed feelings about being back, but alas I must return to real life, so here we are.
We have a lot of exciting projects to shoot this weekend since I’ve put creating content on the back-burner while I’ve been away, so I will be keeping my nose to the grindstone until I leave town again on Tuesday. I was having some light PTSD about flying again after being delayed over 6 hours in the Atlanta airport because of maintenance issues (I saved the entire comical saga on the “Delta Drama” saved stories on Instagram – a 15 hour journey home) but we have new neighbors above our apartment moving in and construction down the street… so escaping the sounds of city life is now welcome and I am happily repacking my bags. I think sleeping with the sound of trees whistling and birds chirping back home spoiled me. Now I’m waking up and am like, “where am I!?” Ha!
But onto some more HAPPY thoughts! I got to spend last night catching up with my girlfriend Emily who was in town and stayed with us one night. She and I have been having similar years on separate coasts, so she’s one of the girls I just 100% get where she is right now. It was therapeutic in the best way.
The weather has been beautiful this week – no rain in sight! It’s made walking Bailey so much more enjoyable. It feels amazing to get some fresh air with no umbrella or wet dog paws. I definitely feel my energy increase from the sunshine, so that’s something I never take for granted anymore.
This week I’ll be trying some new recipes like this spring cauliflower salad and kale and farro salad. They both sound so delish and fresh! What are you cooking up this weekend? Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –
After 96% of those polled in an insta-story said they wanted more of my mom’s germ-avoiding tips, we had an Instagram Live Sunday night. It ended up being 40 minutes long and was somehow hilarious. I was floored by how many of you also have your own creative and sneaky tips to avoiding germs in public restrooms, hotels, movie theaters, gas stations and more. It turns out, avoiding germs at all costs is a common subject of which many unite. Who knew!?
I wanted to share some of the things Karen mentioned during the Live that she uses and how she uses them. And if you missed it, I saved the first 10 minutes on IGTV (you can only upload 10 minutes on IGTV and I thought I’d spare everyone 4 separate videos). My PSA: I DO NOT do all of these things. Sure I try not to touch anything in a public restroom, but sometimes I just know I’m touching all kinds of germs and I’ll wash my hands, shower and wash my clothes later. You do what you can and blissfully try to ignore the rest.
That being said, here’s a short recap of some of her tips:
Inexpensive Flip Flops, Disposable Slippers, Shoe Booties | When traveling, bring your own slippers so your feet don’t ever have to touch the floor (I collect them from hotels but you can also buy them in bulk). Karen takes it to the next level and sometimes will bring flip flops to wear in the shower (excessive for most but you do you), and you can also have booties if you have construction or something of the sort going on in your home!
Sensor Soap Dispenser | Mom has now bought these for all of us and it is a dispenser that will drop some dish soap on your hands or sponge by sensor. It’s really quite handy!
Latex Gloves | This entire germ saga started with a video of Karen wearing a latex glove to pump her gas. She literally has a box in her car because she refuses to touch the pump. I’ve since found out from a friend that even mechanics don’t like to touch the gas pump… so that’s something.
Hoodies | SO many of you suggested a great tip for airplanes and movie theaters – wear a beanie or hoodie sweatshirt so your hair doesn’t touch the seat.
Phone Soap | This brilliant device will sanitize your phone and kill 99% of germs with a UV light. So many of you also have this little machine – so smart!
Essential Oils | I also always travel with a small peppermint rollerball in case weird airplane smells are getting to me. I found this Germ Fighter one on Amazon that also sounds fascinating!
Inexpensive Socks | Karen brings an extra pair of socks to the airport in the instance she has to take off her shoes. She will double sock and then throw away the cheapie pair she brought with her. I don’t go to this extreme… but no judgement. Whatever brings you peace!
THANK YOU to everyone who checked in, watched our live video and shared your own brilliant tips for avoiding germs. If you want more of the topics we covered in the Instagram Live, I can go deeper on this subject. But I don’t want to overshare if y’all are more relaxed in germ-filled scenarios – so let me know! Karen feels justified and relieved that she’s not the only one fighting germs one latex glove at a time.
Next week we’ll be back to our regular wish lists – thank you so much for reading! XO –
I mean… leopard head to toe is my kind of MOOD. When I saw this set, I knew I had to have it. They pieces look great separately and even more powerful together. The skirt also looks great with sneakers and a knotted tee!
Originally I paired this set with a black blazer, but felt the leather jacket made it more “cool girl,” which I am always trying to be, ha! You know what I mean – the girls who look effortlessly cool without trying to hard but with just enough edge. European girls have mastered this.
What is the kind of style you’re always trying to emulate? Feminine, ladylike, classically chic? Or are you on the cool girl brainwave also? I’d love to hear!
This is a really simple soup that I have literally probably made at least six times since I discovered it this fall. It’s quick and easy to make, so simple and guilt-free. You could also serve it with a grilled cheese or oyster crackers. I would think it freezes well but I’ve personally never frozen it.
When I make this soup I will eat it for a quick and easy lunch, sometimes I even just warm it up in a big mug and will have some as a snack. I’m honestly just kind of in love with how easy and tasty it is, and wanted to share it with any of you who love a good vegetable soup.
You could also add extra vegetables, a different herb or shredded chicken to mix it up!
Ingredients:
1 TB olive oil
3 gloves garlic, chopped
2-3 carrots, chopped
2-3 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup uncooked orzo
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 lemon
2 TB dill, chopped
Directions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic until fragrant. Add chopped vegetables, sprinkle with salt and sauté until soft, around 6-8 minutes. Add pasta and toast until golden, around 2-3 minutes. Add vegetable broth and bring to boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add lemon juice and dill. Serve and enjoy!
If you try this – let me know what you think! Thanks so much for reading and find more recipes in the “food & drink” category of this blog. Hope you have a great start to your week – XO –
How do you deal with being so far from your family and having to live wherever Christian needs to live?
Great question! I do feel really lucky that for the past six years, my brother’s family has also been located in California as well (SF, LA and now San Luis Obispo). So for holidays and important moments, we all have each other, even if Christian can’t make it.
But even with that, it still can be hard. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it wasn’t. But focusing on the fact that it’s temporary helps. And also… you know how sometimes you go home for a long weekend for a holiday and it’s so chaotic? There are six kids under 10 running around and after two nights sharing a small mattress and waiting for your turn to shower you’re dreaming of your own quiet house? I try to remind myself of that too. That one day I’ll probably look back on our Christmas day at the beach or Easter hike and think, “that was pretty special, just the two of us.”
Laser hair removal… have you done it and did it work?
I have done it! I used it on my bikini and underarms. It worked really well for about two years and then it seemed to come back (but still not as much as pre-laser and feels more fine). I think most women who do laser hair removal have to be consistent with some maintenance once a year or so. I’d like to laser my legs eventually as well! Just manage your expectations. There’s no magic trick for anything, really – let’s be honest!
Could you ever picture yourself on a Real Housewives show?
I mean… I wish. Ha! Honestly, Christian would never be a part of it and he points out that most couples end up divorced, which isn’t untrue. I know how much he would despise it so I could never do reality TV. Unless he could somehow never show his face or be present (like Cameron’s husband on Southern Charm… who also happens to be an MD). In my dreams!
If you weren’t a blogger what would you be doing in your career?
Before blogging full-time I worked in marketing, PR + social media and really loved it. So I think I’d still be working in that space.
What do you miss most about working in a traditional office job?
The teamwork! I love being on a team and surrounding myself with likeminded, driven people.
When are you moving? And are you excited about the next place you are living?
Christian’s job starts September 1st, so we have two months of freedom this summer! We are excited. I think it’s going to be a great fit for us and the future. A hint: it’s a place neither of us had ever been before, but we’ve only heard great things about.
That being said, we have been on the house hunt for months and it is bleak. I mean, I didn’t think I would enjoy house hunting to begin with (house hunter shows give me anxiety), but I have been surprised by the limited selection. Fingers crossed!
3 places you’ve never been that you want to travel to?
Bali, St. Lucia, St. Tropez
Tips for newlyweds? What advice would you give yourself and Christian as newlyweds?
Great question! I share more personal posts of our relationship in the marriage category of this site. This post might be insightful to my biggest tip. And I share the things we’ve learned over the years in these posts:
Yes and no. It’s gotten easier in the sense that we are now used to the lifestyle and it’s the “new normal.” But when I’m visiting friends in various cities or chatting with my friends in Southern California, Nashville, Dallas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Birmingham, etc., I realize how uniquely challenging my simple day-to-day tasks are by comparison. I mean… it’s all relative to you, you know?
What are your 3 favorite things about San Francisco?
1) The tap water is SO fresh because it comes from Yosemite. 2) It’s walkable. 3) It’s never warm enough to get sweaty.
What’s your biggest tip for someone moving to the Bay Area this fall?
If you’re moving to the city, make sure you check out SFMTA to make sure you have all the permits, signage, etc . you need to park on the street and park a moving truck. There are no dumpsters so you’re going to have to call a service a couple hundred dollars to remove your trash. Don’t invest much in spring/summer clothes because I don’t know if there’s been a day since July that I haven’t worn a jacket. And take your shoes off at the door (don’t get me started on this map)!
What are you and Christian’s enneagrams?
So I’ve taken this quiz twice and one time I got a 1 and the other time I got a 3… so I’m not sure which I am! I asked Christian to take it and he got a 6!? I don’t know how I feel about this test or if I agree with it but I know people really love and live by it!
Would you move to another state to be with a long-distance boyfriend?
As long as it’s still a location you would want to live in even if you were single, I say go for it!
How do you find your passion and the career you’re meant to follow?
I read a book my senior year of college that essentially stated, “you’ll never be fulfilled in your career unless you follow your natural God-given talents.” And that resonated deeply with me. Spend some time thinking about your strengths and where you shine and try to find something that will utilize those talents you possess.
“Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke
Your authenticity is so refreshing, is it hard to be authentic on social media?
Thank you so much! I beyond appreciate this. It can be challenging at times. I’ve made it my personal mission to be honest and truthful about highs and lows. But anytime you’re not 100% positive there can be some criticism that follows.
However I wouldn’t trust someone if they only gave everything a 10 out of 10, you know? So I just remember that the influencers and accounts I resonate with are the ones who’s authenticity shines through, and that is motivating! Along with this kind of feedback!
Are you a vegetarian?
I eat vegetarian about 80% of the time. The remaining 20% I’ll eat some fish and occasionally some beef or chicken but usually not much.
bagel, avocado + everything but the bagel seasoning, red onion, arugula, hot sauce, fried egg with pepperjack cheese
What do you eat in a day (but like, for real on a typical day)?
Honestly every day is different. I always try to drink at least 70 ounces of water a day. But lately my eating looks a little something like this:
8AM – Coffee with half and half
11AM – Avocado toast with a boiled egg and sliced tomatoes + everything but the bagel seasoning
3PM – String cheese and a honeycrisp apple… and a piece of chocolate (like the pb cups I shared in this post!). Sometimes a Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper if I have one.
6PM – I start texting Barnez because I’m hungry and trying to figure out what time he’ll be home.
7:30PM – I’ll cook dinner for the two of us.
9PM – Demand a bite of whatever dessert Christian is eating (he has a major sweet tooth!).
What is the biggest takeaway you’ve gotten from therapy this year?
Not to be so hard on myself. Stating what you need is not high-maintenance, it’s just being clear, communicative and honest. And the most helpful of all is how to see things from another’s perspective, and from someone who genuinely has your best interest at heart while remaining nonjudgemental. I’ve had many lightbulb moments in therapy that I’m so grateful for. Therapist and counselors really have SUCH an incredible gift!
Would you ever get plastic surgery?
Totally. I think everyone should be able to look in the mirror and like what they see. Of course that goes without saying that a healthy self-image is important. But if there’s something bothering you that healthy eating, contouring and exercise can’t fix – you do you, girl!
What made Christian choose head and neck surgery + facial plastic surgery?
“I love problem solving and Head and Neck Surgery plus Facial Plastic Surgery allows me to solve complex problems for patients that others don’t understand. My training has taught me how to manage these problems medically, surgically, and through minimally or non-invasive techniques, so I feel I can educate my patients and help them achieve their goals through a variety of options.” – from Barnez
Love how you throw meals together – what are your go-to spices/sauces/marinades to have?
Love this question! I always have an “everything” seasoning, usually Shapley’s from Ridgeland, MS because my mother-in-law gives it to us every Christmas. I love Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning. I also LOVE these salt flakes that my mom got me hooked on. I put garlic, olive oil and lemon juice on almost everything. And my girlfriend Nikki introduced me to Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze which can take a boring/simple meal and take it to the next level.
Thank you SO much to everyone who submitted these fantastic questions! You can check out last month’s Q&A here, and I’ll be posting another one in May. Thanks for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –
