Over the weekend I shared on Instagram a cocktail Christian has been making lately that allows even someone like me, who is not a whiskey drinker, to enjoy whiskey. Trust me – usually even smelling it gives me chills, but this cocktail is soooo good!
I was so surprised at the amount of recipe requests that I got from you guys that I wanted to do a full blog post with the details. Let’s get into this deliciousness –
Combine Pimm’s, Rye and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes. Shake it up, pour over an ice cube. Add your lemon juice and lemon peel and enjoy!
Are you a cocktail gal or a whiskey drinker? I’d love to hear your favorite beverage and/or liquor preference. You can find more food & drink recipes here! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
Happy Friday!! This week was busier than the past few. It felt good to have deadlines and things I had to get done because in this gray rain, it’s hard to feel motivated unless you don’t have a choice. So it was nice to have things to get me moving, and then we were blessed with two full days of no rain which was AMAZING. A gift!
I went to my girlfriend Macey’s house for a small get together and everyone brought a beauty item under $25 that they loved. I was introduced to so many amazing products I’ve literally never heard of but now feel that I need in my life ASAP. Like Charmzone New Control Cream, Kai Body Lotion and Egyptian Magic – have you heard of these? I loved hearing everyone explain why they loved their item so much, it made me want everything! In case you’re wondering what I brought, I opted for this lipstick and this travel sized dry shampoo.
We use meal delivery services in San Francisco because unloading groceries is just more treacherous (carrying them uphill, parking around the corner, loading in an elevator – do-able but just more effort), but lately I haven’t been vibing with the pescatarian options so I’ve been skipping and am really excited about our menu this week. I plan on making this pasta that I heard about on instagram along with this zucchini ravioli. I made some quinoa burrito bowls last week and they were so delicious that I want to make them again and film it for IGTV or YouTube. Do you guys have a preference?
We have another chill weekend and it’s not supposed to rain on Sunday so I’m hoping we’ll be able to get out and explore. We’ve spent enough weekends inside watching movies that I don’t think I can do it again! What are your plans this weekend and do you have any recipes you’ve tried recently that were hits? I’d love to hear.
I’ve styled this trench many times on this blog, including this spring look and this fresh look that I still love so much. But now that I live somewhere with a little more gray and rain, I style it completely different. And that’s the perk of investing in classic, chic pieces that will take you far. Over the years, you can style them so many different ways and continue to recreate that one classic piece.
One big theme with the luxury pieces I invest in – they’re typically solids. With the exception of a leopard print bag (mentioned yesterday), I’m usually sticking to neutrals and I’ve never regretted it. And the place you can always find designer staples is Nordstrom. If you’re thinking about splurging on a piece to add to your spring wardrobe, you can always count on Nordstrom to have what you’re looking for and to get it to you quickly (with free returns!).
I’ve purchased countless investment pieces from them, and I love knowing that if I need to exchange it for another size or change my mind, it is no problem. The best!
A while back on Instagram Stories, I shared that my leopard booties were one of my best closet additions of 2018 because they go with everything. I then asked you guys if you would want a blog post rounding up some of my best style investments of the year and you guys gave a resounding yes, so a few weeks late (!!), here we are!
Let’s get into each piece and why it’s been so clutch –
Leopard Booties + Python Booties | I’ve decided animal print booties go with everything. Everything! I had no idea how much I would wear these booties over the past few months, so I recently added these to the mix. I can’t decide which pair I’m more obsessed with. I also love these and they’re 30% off!
Navy Blazer | I love a black blazer, but I added a navy piece into my closet this fall and wore it with everything including black (styled here and here). I also love this one and this one.
Leopard Prada Cahier Bag | I bought a gently used leopard bag at the end of 2017 and have been so happy to see that it works with almost any outfit. I love the Prada Cahier design and honestly think they’re adorable in all the colors.
Clear Umbrella | This umbrella has saved me so many times! I love that I can cover nearly my entire upper body and still see where I’m going. I’ve also used it to shoot looks and projects when it’s raining and I have deadlines. It’s the best!
Teddy Coat | When I bought this teddy coat 50% off on Black Friday, I legit had NO idea how much I’d be wearing it. So much that Christian asked if I had any other jackets (insert eye roll). I also really love this one and this one.
Leather Pants | I’ve only had faux leather pants in my life, so this fall I splurged on a pair of cropped leather pants. I had no idea how much I would love them. CHIC. This is the pair I bought (runs TTS), but I also love these. For a smaller investment, these and these are fab too.
Designer Dupe Loafer Slides | I will invest in designer bags, jewelry and outerwear… but I can be pretty rough on shoes so I’m more hesitant to splurge. When I found these designer dupes, I bought them in three colors – no regrets.
Simple Bodysuit | I bought this bodysuit in 3 colors and wear them with everything. They’re simple, easy and a great layering piece. PS – they’re under $15!
Comfy Sneakers | I keep a pair of Tretorns by our front door and wear them when I’m walking Bailey literally every single day. They are so comfortable and when I’m wearing them trekking uphill, I’m never thinking about my feet.
Teeny Tiny Diamond Studs & Huggies | Now that I have my ears triple pierced, I’ve been trying to find an earring combination that I like. I’ve splurged and treated myself to a few teeny tiny diamond studs, and I really love them! Shopbop has a great selection.
Band Tees | This is my favorite brand for rocker tees right now. I wear them knotted over a maxi dress, tucked into high waisted jeans, under blazers, you name it.
Levi’s, and more Levi’s | It’s no secret I love some Levi’s, but I recently discovered the ribcage jeans and bought them in two colors. So good!
Fun Sunglasses | My classic sunglasses that I wear with almost everything are these and these, but it’s really fun to have a nice pair of sunglasses that just bring a smile. What’s more fun than pink sunglasses? And when can you snag Celine under $100? Go for it.
Do you have any must-haves from the past year? I’d love to hear what are closet staples for you. And I’m looking forward to seeing what picks 2019 brings. I’m pretty sure dad sneakers won’t be one of them. But never say never! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
I talked a little bit about my quick visit to Los Angeles a few weeks ago with StitchFix here, but today I wanted to talk more about the event and the meaning behind it.
In February, Stitch Fix had a Red Carpet pop-up event in New York and Los Angeles. The events were held in public places (in LA it was at The Grove), and the point was this: every day deserves a red carpet. From commutes to vacations, coffee runs to first dates and everything in between, your everyday style is always something that is seen & it should be FUN! There were on-site “handlers,” stylists, photographers, and press, and anyone who chose to walk the red carpet and have the experience was treated equally. The energy was high, and if you can just imagine anyone at the mall strutting down a red carpet – it was pretty epic.
So while celebrities were having their red carpet moments at the Oscars, there was a Stitch Fix commercial dedicated to the moments in life that deserve great style. I was so shocked to see that I was a tiny part of it – and so honored!
What I was surprised to see at The Grove was that people of all ages were totally up for having this experience, confidently answering questions about their personal style and having their photo taken. It was actually incredible to see, and it really reminded me of something so important: confidence is everything.
The finishing detail to any outfit is confidence. We should use our clothing and style choices to help us feel our best, walk confidently into a room and feel like we are showing the world who we are.
That’s why I love that Stitch Fix offers stylists for people who want fresh pieces but might not have the time to shop for themselves. You can fill out a very detailed survey that helps them get a feel for your needs and personal style, and shortly after you’ll receive a box of pieces hand-selected for you. Keep what you want and return what you don’t (with a prepaid shipping bag and label), and you’re only charged for the pieces you do keep.
You can continue working with the same stylist or not, and therefore you can work toward finding someone who can really nail down your vibe.
This top was sent to me by Stitch Fix, and I love that it will work for so many different occasions. I wore it with high waisted denim here, but it would also look fab with black pants for the office or tucked into a pencil skirt.
Thank you so much for reading! And if you’ve ever used Stitch Fix, I’d loved to hear about your experience -XO –
This month I wanted to start a new monthly Q & A series! I get a lot of the same questions from you guys on social media and email, so I thought this would be a great way to answer some of the most commonly asked questions and hopefully will be a fun monthly series we can all do together. I’m excited!
So let’s get into it –
Q: Do you want to move back to the South or stay in California? Do you know where you’re moving when Christian is done with his fellowship?
A: This was by far the most asked question! I have mulled over my South vs. California feelings for literally, years. I love both regions for different reasons, and I’ve always said that if I made a pro/con list for each location, it would be split even. California offers diversity, travel, weather and professional opportunities that the South just doesn’t. Yet the South has a work/life balance, warmth, family + friends and heart that I’ve yet to really find out West. They each bring something so special to the table, so I genuinely have always thought we would be happy in either location long-term.
It’s really come down to where our day-to-day quality of life will be the smoothest, and because Christian’s career is a subspecialty-within-a-specialty, our options aren’t as vast as one might think unless he wanted to start his own solo practice (which he does not). He is in such a niche market that it’s really come down to two locations and we have 90% committed to one of them. We don’t plan on sharing details about the move until later in the spring!
Q: How much longer are you in San Francisco?
A: Four months exactly!
Q: If you could choose one place to live for the rest of your life, where would you choose?
A: If it was all about me – Santa Barbara or Laguna Beach.
Q: Do you want kids? When do you plan on having babies? Are you going to try for babies as soon as Christian is done with fellowship?
A: We do want kids. If you had asked me five years ago I would have said… maybe. We have chosen to wait longer than we originally thought to start a family for personal and professional reasons. I was never interested in having babies during Christian’s training because his hours are so demanding and with my career, it’s yet to be one of our top priorities. I’ve always had the mentality that I really wanted to enjoy our careers and adult experiences while we can because I know we won’t be able to get these years of complete freedom back once we expand our family.
But we do see some kids in our future and recognize we aren’t getting any younger (such a sad reality! #millennial). Some people get pregnant the first time they try and for others it can take quite a while so who knows what that process will be like. Until then, we have 10 nieces and nephews under 12, so there are plenty of kids to go around (and then return to their loving parents).
Q: Did you go to college? What did you study in school?
A: YES. It’s the only R+F product I’ve tried but it’s my favorite lash serum I’ve ever used. I just ordered my third tube from Emily Loftiss!
Q: What is something you are currently learning (in life, business, relationships, etc.)?
A: I LOVED this question. Right now I would say I’m learning a lot about delayed gratification and how to have peace in the unknown. Christian has been in school for 10 years after college, so he knows a lot about delayed rewards. In the past few months of seeing a therapist (more on that here), I’ve realized how much I overthink the unknown.
In my life, I set goals and work hard to achieve them. I am not always successful, but at least when I’m not, I learn something that helps me continue to grow. I have much more instant gratification in my career, and therefore it can really frustrate me that Christian’s career continues to dictate our life – where we live, how long we live here vs. there, when we start a family, spending so many holidays away from our families, etc.
But nothing worth having comes easy (more on that here). And I have been trying to incorporate more yoga into my life, I work to stay consistent with my gratitude journal and trust the timing of my life to unfold as it’s supposed to. But this mindset is a daily pursuit. Daily!
Q: Do you find it hard to balance your private life and public life?
A: Definitely. I try to share as much as I’m comfortable with (and anything vulnerable, like this post, I always run by Christian as I wouldn’t want to make him uncomfortable either), but there’s so much I choose not to share.
That being said, ask anyone who knows me well and they’ll agree that I’ve always been an open book. What you see is what you get, and if you follow my Instagram stories you definitely see more of that!
Q: Was your husband always supportive of your blogging career?
A: Yes – in fact, he wanted me to leave my corporate career far earlier than I did because he saw the potential and growth much more than I did. Christian is a classic middle child – he’s super supportive, a peace maker and the best team player. He is self-taught in photography and always helps me out with photos and videos… even though he’s a trained facial plastic surgeon. He’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of guy and I would never have this business without his help!
Q: How did you and Christian meet? Why do you call him Barnez?
Q: Do you feel pressure to stay fit and look a certain way?
A: Yes and no. I’m certainly aware of my body, much more so than I would be if I had a different career. When you see photos of yourself as often as I do, you have to really see those 6 lbs you gained on vacation, etc. But at the end of the day, the reason I look to blogs is to see real women with real bodies styling things in their own way. That is what inspires me.
I think not being model-eque is refreshing for so many women who aren’t naturally a size 0! And if you are, I’m jealous. All bodies are beautiful and I think in this day and age, style comes in all shapes and sizes.
Q: Tips for saving money?
A: My brother-in-law is a college professor and has his PhD in Finance, so he’s always been my go-to for savings advice. He told me when I was fresh out of college to save 10-15% of every paycheck, so I did. Then when I got a promotion, he told me to continue living with less and save more if I could, so I did. When I married Christian, even he was shocked to find out how much I had actually saved in the five years I’d been out of college.
We both continue to save and invest as much as we can, and I always just remember that I’d rather be saving for my future home and family rather than spend it mindlessly on things I don’t need.
That being said, I DO save money in a separate account for luxury items I want to splurge on. For example, years ago when I wanted Stuart Weitzman boots, I saved $150 a month until I had enough to purchase them. The delayed gratification of snagging those boots I worked so hard to save for made them all the sweeter.
And six years later I still have and wear them. So they were worth it!
Q: As a blogger how many hours a day do you work?
A: I compare the work hours of bloggers to the work hours of someone in real estate or sales. Some days it’s 12-15 and other days it’s 6. It really depends on the projects on the table, if it’s “busy season” (aka holiday), etc. I typically work anywhere from 45-60 hours a week.
Q: Do you have any tips on blogging or for someone who wants to become an influencer?
A: For us – definitely. Christian and I literally have a drip coffee machine, two Nespresso machines (this one and this one), a French Press and AeroPress. We are coffee-addicts, but our favorite “special” cup of coffee continues to be Nespresso. It is stronger than drip coffee and has a unique taste that we love.
If you’re on the fence, you can try a cup at any Nespresso cafe or at Bloomingdale’s where Nespresso is sold!
Q: What would you tell your 22 y/o self?
A: Take more risks. It is a lot less scary to be bold and take risks when you’re young! The older you become, you feel more responsibility for your marriage, your pets and/or children, finances, etc. Be bold when you have less responsibilities and the consequences aren’t as great!
Q: What’s your hair routine?
A: My most up-to-date hair routine is here! You can find all beauty related content in the “beauty” category.
Q: Will you ever get another dog?
A: I won’t tell Bailey this question was asked – ha! I can’t get another dog while we still have Bailey. She’s almost 12, around 90 lbs., sheds a lot, is constantly fighting me for foot space in the kitchen… I love her, but big dogs are a lot of work! I grew up with small dogs and I joke that Bailey is the equivalent of taking care of three small dogs.
Christian and I always argue about the size of our next dog… I’m demanding under 40-50 lbs, because I’m the one who’s taking care of the dog and I’d to be able to physically manage it (you should see me trying to hoist her in the car for vet appointments because she refuses to walk up a ramp).
Q: Skincare secrets – do you get Botox or Fillers?
A: I am very lucky to never have struggled with my complexion. Trust me, I have other issues with my body, but my complexion has always been one of my favorite features. I am very diligent with washing my face, not wearing makeup when I’m not going anywhere and letting my skin breathe, using serums, moisturizers, eye cream, etc., but I won’t lie, I have gotten Botox. I’ve never tried Fillers, but I get Botox in my forehead and between my brows around once a year for the past three years.
And that’s it for this month’s Q & A session! I will be asking for more questions in early April and we can do this again! If there are any questions you’re curious about and didn’t see here, you can check out the FAQ page of this blog where I address more frequently asked questions. I also did a little Q&A video you might be interested in here!
Thank you so much for reading and submitting these great q’s! XO –
Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
– some inexpensive crystal glasses that make everyday drinks feel elevated –
– Lula’s new habit of meowing constantly outside my door every morning until I let her in and on this faux fur blanket (Christian is not amused) –
– the best smelling candle from Otherland (I’m newly addicted!) –
Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a beautiful week. We got TWO full days of sunshine this week and it is supposed to rain all weekend, so I’m just going to enjoy this sunny day while I have it. Soaking it all up!
I’ve heard so many good things about the movie Green Book, and after it swept at the Oscars, it’s on my list to see along with A Star is Born (which I think is available to rent now!). We watched Bohemian Rhapsody a few weekends ago and loved it – it really blew us away.
Christian’s birthday is Monday, so I plan on making him this peanut butter banana pudding. We had some when we were visiting the South in January, and it was soooo good. Like, dangerously delicious. I knew I would want to try to make it myself for a special occasion and the occasion is here!
I’ve been trying to focus on slowing down a little bit more this week. These first few months of the year are always more quiet than the latter, and I’ve really tried to take advantage of that. I’ve been doing yoga more frequently, starting reading several books, drinking less caffeine and more tea, taken longer walks with Bailey and tried a few new recipes in the kitchen. I’ve even managed to be in bed every night by 10PM which rarely happens! I think I can get really focused on productivity that I have a hard time enjoying rest. But it’s really so important.
So I’m appreciative of this little short season of rest. And I hope all of you will get some rest this weekend too! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I shared a quick post yesterday about our recent trip to Tahoe, and I ended up having so many photos from our trip that I wanted to put together a full post about it! We went because Christian had some facial plastics meetings, and we were able to snag a small pet-friendly cabin that worked out really well for us.
SO, let’s get into it –
Where We Stayed
We stayed in a little cabin at Squaw Valley. We knew we wanted to be able to bring the pets (boarding them in the city for is just so expensive… you don’t even want to know how much I’ve spent already since we have moved here), and Christian was able to find several cabins that really worked out for what we needed. If you are not bringing animals or small children, they also have smaller rooms and suites available as well.
Our cabin was two bedrooms and even had a little kitchen so I was able to go to the grocery and buy food for us, firewood, etc. Because there were so many feet of snow I thought it might be easier to cook at home rather than fight all of the tourists in town for reservations, but I’m still including several restaurant recommendations I received below!
Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t anything fancy. It totally met our needs and felt like an Airbnb rental with kind of the bare necessities if you get my drift. If you really want to treat yourself, there is a Ritz-Carlton that looks absolutely incredible.
Find my other recommendations at the bottom of this post!
22 Bistro | We almost always hit up all the restaurant spots when we’re traveling, but since there was so much snow and Christian was in and out with his meetings, we resorted to eating at our cabin for most meals. BUT the day we skied we ate at this restaurant and it was so good! I got their vegan burger and normally I would give Christian half… but I legit ate the entire thing and finished with a beer. I think I was extra hungry from skiing and definitely chowed down!
Olympic Village | This area has tons of shopping and dining options. It’s a really cute area to walk around.
Other Recommendations: The Chart House, Riva Grill, The Beacon, Gar Woods, Plump Jack, Christy Hill, Cold Water Brewery and Truckee Tavern
Activities
Ski | The main reasons we wanted to stay at Squaw Valley was because it was not only where Christian’s meetings were, but it is also a ski-in, ski-out resort which makes everything really easy if you like to ski! Christian and I spent all of Friday skiing until the lifts closed. It was really beautiful and definitely felt more challenging than I had anticipated. I made myself feel better by reminding myself that Squaw Valley was the location of the 1960 Olympics!
Snow Mobiling, Snowshoeing, Tubing | You name a snow activity, and they’ve got it. If we had an extra day, we would have liked to snow mobile. I’ve done it in Utah before (posted here) and it really is SO much fun!
Aerial Tram Ride | We felt like we saw so much of the beauty of Tahoe simply from the lifts up the mountain. You could see the lake, all of the snow-covered trees – it was really something. If you don’t plan on skiing, I would really recommend taking a tram ride up the mountain. It’s breathtaking!
Spa | When I was in Aspen in December, we opted for spa over skiing and it was beyond. I have no doubt Tahoe’s spas are just as fab!
And that’s all I’ve got! That was our first and potentially last visit to Tahoe considering we only have four more months in Northern California, but I feel really lucky that were able to see and experience it.
It definitely reminded me a lot of Mammoth, but that could have just been the area where we were! We only had two full days there so I would have definitely loved to have spent a little more time exploring.
Thank you so much for all of your tips and recommendations, and I hope this will be a resource to anyone looking to plan the trip! XO –
Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
We just got back from a long weekend in Tahoe, and I’ve definitely never seen that much snow in my life! We both knew it was going to be some kinda cold, but we may have gone overboard with the preparation. We actually had to shed a layer while skiing because we were both sweating!
I wore this outfit when walking around the area where we stayed – a full Tahoe blog post is coming this week so stay tuned for those details!
I knew when I got this hat that I was going to love it but I didn’t realize how much I was going to love it. I basically want to wear it every day with everything… so much so that someone direct messaged me on Instagram telling me I was giving them Willie Nelson vibes. Ha – pretty accurate!
I packed these leggings in two colors and wore them with my Sorels all weekend. Faux leather leggings are my go-to when planning cozy outfits for cold weather because they can balance all the puffy/heavy outerwear clothing up top. It helps me feel less like a snowman, if you feel me.
Do you have any cold weather tricks up your sleeve? I’d love to hear because I can only wear leggings with so much, if you feel me. Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –
Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
I wanted to share a FAB sale currently happening at Shopbop! The more you purchase, the more you save. So if there are spring pieces that you have your eye on, this is a great time to get them at a rare discount.
I’ve had my eyes on these flats in black, so I think I’m going to take the plunge. I bought these jeans recently (needed to size up one size) and LOVE them (styled here), so I purchased them in black as well (styled here – but ordered my regular size… they run a little crazy).
Now that I have my ears triple pierced, I wear these safety pin earrings and these little huggies pretty much every day. I also have and love this cuff!
My favorites are above, and I’m sharing a few more picks below, but don’t forget the code is: GOBIG19
15% off orders of $200+
20% off orders of $500+
25% off orders of $800+
Thank you so much for reading – and if you have anything in your shopping cart I’d love to hear! XO –
– mandarin oranges that I’m trying to reach for as a snack instead of my beloved carbs –
Happy Friday, my friends! This weekend brings a fun trip that Christian and I have been looking forward to for a little while – a ski weekend at Tahoe! Neither of us have ever been before, so we can’t wait to check it out. Especially considering the record-breaking snow they’ve been getting lately. I’ll be putting together a full post on it next week!
We bought some doggy snow boots for Bailey because her little paws are not use to this kind of cold, and I’ve been so surprised at how well she does in them. But let’s not deny, watching her walk in them is quite hilarious!
Other than that, we mostly plan on cozying up by the fireplace (we haven’t had a fireplace in years so we looove when we get to have it), skiing and enjoy the snow. A quick little escape from reality.
Have you been to Tahoe and if so, do you have any favorite spots? I love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I think an all-black look can definitely be super sleek and chic. When I lived in Southern California, I never really wore all black because it just felt so intense in such a sunny, beachy, palm tree-loving place. But living in SF, I’ve returned to loving wearing black on black. It feels so boss lady!
My tip for wearing all of one color is to try to mix it up with the textures. Leather, velvet, wool – the contrast in textures will make your look interesting even though you’re sticking to only one color.
And these leather pants are definitely one of my best purchases of 2018. I plan to do a full blog post with some of my favorite style picks of the year next week, so stay tuned for that!
This top is so stretchy and comfortable – plus be sure to check out the little tulip cut back with buttons – so so cute! I would have never known to shop this brand or look for a velvet button front top if not for receiving it in my StitchFix box, so it was a fun surprise.
What’s your favorite color to wear? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
