– 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!
Thank you so much for reading! XO –
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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 –
Shopbop is back at it with another fabulous spring sale, and I wanted to share some of my favorite picks early on before things start selling out!
You can get 20% off orders under $500 and 25% off orders over $500 with the code EVENT19.
I have both colors of the ribcage jeans and LOVE them. You might have seen them here and here. I also love this basic tee and have this adorable wooden bag that goes with absolutely everything in the spring and summer. I now have three pairs of this classic strappy sandal that goes with everything, and I live in these shorts all summer (unless I’m in SF… and it’s freezing). I also love this simple striped tee that comes in two colors – so cute and easy!
I have a few things in my cart and will continue to look before I check out, but know that some of these pieces won’t last so if you see anything you’ve had your eye on, I’d snag it while it’s hot!
Thanks so much for reading and happy shopping ladies! XO –
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Last week I shared how I styled this blazer for an office look here, and today I am styling it a little differently but still office-friendly!
I recently went on a gigantic ASOS midi skirt haul and stocked up for spring and summer. This was one of the pieces I picked up, and I think it’s a great skirt for year-round. Midi skirts are so great for the office because they’re always appropriate and can still be styled for other occasions outside of the office.
I honestly can’t believe we are into April. I feel so confused about April weather as we don’t really have a shift very much here in Northern California, but I am keeping warm weather on the brain because I want to style pieces that are relatable for the majority of you guys! Would love to hear if it’s warm yet where you live.
– a crochet handbag that will be perfect for spring and summer from Shiraleah –
Happy Friday! I feel like I’ve been in sweatpants with no makeup on all week. I’m going to be traveling for 11 days so I’ve been trying to work ahead and prepare for being away from home while still meeting deadlines and not falling off the map. I’m always so impressed with influencers who are able to be on the ball while traveling. I find it challenging to maintain efficient work flow while also being present and enjoying time away. A balancing act!
I’m happy to say I’ve been on a real kick with daily workouts lately. I think when I think of getting super sweaty in a class or gym it feels daunting. As a woman, we think about our makeup and hair, showering and how much time that builds into the day, etc. Instead, I’ve been focusing on either walking 3+ miles a day or doing 20 minutes of this workout or this workout on silent (I also own both DVDs) + 200 crunches. I’ll do it at 9 or 10PM while watching my recorded shows and then hop in the shower right after. Knowing it’s about 30 minutes while I’m watching my show feels attainable and rewarding! I also have allergies so being on the floor often makes me breakout so I like knowing I shower right after. Do you have a trick that motivates you to get your workouts up and done?
Can’t believe I’ll be gone so long, but I feel like I’ve traveled so much less lately than usual, so rather than dread it like I can sometimes do (as an adult I’ve become so much more of a homebody), I’m really looking forward to some time away. The perk of traveling less is actually looking forward to it more, and I can totally get behind that.
Thanks so much for reading and I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend! XO –
I’m always trying to find more office-inspired outfits for you guys that still feel fun and stylish, while still conservative enough to be versatile to church, the office and more. Enter this gorgeous blazer. A great blazer can truly take you oh-so-far (just search “blazer” on this blog), and this ivory one is going to be on repeat this spring and summer!
I’m the kind of person who chose to get their ears double and then triple pierced when they were 30. Like, most people do this in high school, right? I guess you’re never too old to change it up. I wanted a double piercing in high school and my mom’s response was, “would Audrey Hepburn have her ears double pierced?” Interesting angle, but I’m no Audrey.
At Sundance last year I was at an after party and somehow ending up standing behind Maggie Gyllenhaal. She had her hair in a loose ponytail with all of these earrings in. And I thought – she’s an adult, wife and mom and still looks so rad. I forgot I had wanted multiple piercings, so I went for it!
Honestly I have no regrets and have loved the subtle edginess that multiple piercings bring. I’m too chicken to get a tattoo so this is all I’m brave enough to try!
I get a lot of questions about what earring combos I have or my tips for ear stacking. While I’m certainly no expert, I thought I’d share some of the earrings I have and my tips and picks for those of you with multiple ear piercings as well.
In the photo above I’m wearing these earrings on the same side and some huggies and studs on the opposite side. Because I knew after I got my ears pierced I would need to keep an earring in 24/7 for the first year (if I take it out for literally 24 hours it will start to grow back in), I splurged on some teeny tiny diamond studs that I wear pretty consistently in the third piercing. For the first two piercings I alternate between huggies and hoops. I think the key is keep the largest earring closest to your face and they should get progressively smaller as you work up.
And you don’t have to be matching on both sides! Some earrings are actually sold as singles, so have fun with it and mix and match. When you want to add an extra punch, add a few ear cuffs that don’t require a piercing or fake it with an ear crawler.
Do you have multiple piercings or is it something you’ve thought about adding? I polled my Instagram girls and the majority wanted to know more about earrings combinations so I wanted to throw this post together, but there is also something so classic and chic about only having your ears pierced once. I love that too – it’s really just personal preference!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
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I love a satin slip dress (like this one, this one and this one), but I love a slip midi skirt as much or even more. You can dress it up or dress it down and it’s appropriate for any occasion – GNO, church, work, date night, a wedding, bridal/baby shower, you name it.
I love this skirt so much I bought it black and yellow as well! I just think there’s something understated yet overstated about a satin element. Also? They’re year-round, sister. Wear it with a tee or sleeveless top in the summer and layer a sweater and sock booties during the fall and winter.
And the best part? It’s under $50. Trust me, you’re not going to find a better deal than that for this quality.
What’s your relationship with satin/silk and is it someone you could see yourself incorporating more or no? If you’re looking for some inspiration, I could put some more casual slip skirt outfits together – just trying to take your temperature!
Thank you so much for reading! XO –
PS – HAPPY April Fools! This might be my favorite blog prank ever. I’d love to hear your best prank!
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– an open faced egg salad sandwich as a go-to all week –
my recipe for about 3 days of sandwiches is 4 eggs, a little whole grain dijon, Greek yogurt, chives or dill, s&p
– trying a new serum that is natural and available at Nordstrom –
– ready for the weekend and a glass of wine –
– a fragrance from Skylar that feels perfect for spring –
– a lotion recommended at a girls night that I now love too, along with this one –
Happy beautiful Friday! I’m typing this from my desk at our bay window listening to Matt Nathanson after an amazing concert last night. We were able to walk to and from the venue, and it was just overall such a fun night that I think I’m still living off of that buzz. I love seeing live music and always try to see a few shows a year. So much fun to look forward to and listen to the music leading up to.
I’ve really enjoyed a quiet March and April is definitely picking up speed and quickly. Both Christian and I have a good bit of travel coming up and will be in and out. It still feels pretty wild that we have three more months in this apartment and then we will be forever done with training, forever done with school. The contract has been signed, the city and state has been chosen, our future that we have talked about for the past six years is so close we can almost touch it. The 100 day countdown has been on and you best believe we are literally counting down! I feel like Christian is going to have control over his life for the first time in many, many years and it just feels past due yet still so exciting. We’ll be sharing those details closer to the move!
It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend this weekend, so I want to take Miss Bailey on a nice long stroll and enjoy the sunshine. It really recharges me and is also a great way to get some miles in while enjoying the city. Christian will be studying, but I have a feeling I can get him to sneak away for brunch. Everyone wants to sneak away for brunch, right!?
What are your weekend plans? I have a few things I’ll be cooking like white bean chicken chili and cornbread and vegetarian stuffed sweet potatoes. Tell me if you’ve tried any great recipes lately! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
