san francisco lafayette park

How many of us have a fitness goal on our resolutions list this year? I always have some kind of health resolution – whether it’s trying different eating habits, exercising more or drinking more water – you know the drill.

I know everyone feels differently about resolutions. Some love them, others not so much. I find it hard to remember them quite frankly, so I usually set little “January challenges” instead.  Last January I went vegan (and documented the journey weekly here, here, here and here) and actually ended up eating around 80% vegetarian in 2018. That surprised both Christian and myself!  Yesterday I recapped some of my favorite CBL posts to keep you motivated through the month here.

This year I’ve set a challenge to exercise at least 20 minutes every day unless I’ve walked 3.5+ miles that day (which could get me off the hook on Saturdays and Sundays if I’m adventurous enough!).  There’s nothing that gets me more excited about fitness than adding some fresh workout clothes to my closet, and you absolutely can’t beat the prices and patterns at Old Navy.

I recently bought this marled hoodie and absolutely love it for lounging around the house, but I wanted to get some leggings and sports bras for my pilates and yoga classes.  I fell in love with the big floral patterns they have right now like these and these, and some even have matching sports bras!

old navy fitnesssf lafayatte parkyoga in the parkfloral yoga leggingspink sports brayellow lab in parkred heart sunglassesclassic denim jacketblack zip up hoodie

photos by Christian Barnes

leggings, also love these and these (all on sale) | sports bra (on sale) | love this tank and this one  (both on sale) | similar sweatshirt (on sale) | similar denim jacket and love this one

Do you have any fitness goals for January? I would love to hear! I plan to keep up with mine on Instagram and insta-stories so if you want someone to keep you accountable… I’m your girl.

And if you don’t have the time to go to the gym or pay for an expensive class – I hear you. If I know a workout is going to take a lot of time out of my day, I’m not going to make it. I usually exercise at home and I’ve shared some of my favorite at-home workouts here!

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

brought to you by Old Navy

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how to keep your resolution

Because it’s January, there’s no time like the present to get some encouragement and motivation to stick to some of our 2019 goals! I was thinking of a post I could put together, and then realized I have so many posts already on CBL over the years that might be helpful to you guys.

If you’re challenging yourself with Whole30 – I’ve got you covered! I covered it two times on CBL (see below).

If you want to go vegan for a month, I got you! I covered that last year (see below).

If you’re stuck inside because it’s 10 degrees and want some at-home fitness motivation and TV shows and podcasts to binge while you’re at it? I got you, girl (see below)!

So let’s get into it –

Whole30

Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4

I also did another round of Whole30 and covered it in three posts: Days 1-11, 12-18 and 18-31.

whole30 recipes

Plant-Based Eating 

Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4

plant based recipes

Other Healthy Recipes

5 Favorite Healthy Recipes

6 GG Cracker Recipes

Favorite Healthy Snack

Chocolate Protein Bites

healthy january recipes

BUSINESS

5 Tips to Stay Motivated

tips for staying organized

FITNESS

Best At-Home Workouts

My Exercise Routine

best at home workouts

PERSONAL GROWTH

5 Ways to Beat the Blues

Staying Content

Let’s Talk Self-Esteem

white sheepskin

Home

How I Organize My Jewelry

7 Ways to Simplify Your Decor

6 Tips for Better Sleep

Painting a Drop-Leaf Table

julie vos jewelry

Cold Weather Friends

Favorite Shows to Binge on Netflix

Book Picks

Podcast Picks Part I, Part II

Relationship

5 Tips Being Married to Someone Who Works… A Lot

5 Ideas for Dating Your Spouse

If you’re looking for motivation in a certain category, I’d love to hear and I can work on bring more encouraging posts this month! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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san francisco home office

Thank you so much for the sweet words on yesterday’s home tour video! We filmed this a few months ago, but I was waiting until after the holiday madness to share it so it could have its own time to shine. I’m absolutely dedicated to creating more video content in 2019 but putting together one video is probably the same expense/effort that 5+ photo blog posts take, so I definitely want to be intentional with the themes and topics we cover.  If you have any subjects you would like to see covered in video, please let me know in the comments and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get the heads up on all future videos!

Yesterday’s post was a quick walk-through of the space, so today I’m sharing photos of all the little nooks and crannies so you can see the detail, as well as product links for most everything at the bottom of this post.

We went from about 1200 square feet (not including a garage and patio) in our Orange County townhouse to around 1000 square feet in San Francisco (we do have a garage spot but no outdoor space).  For two 5’7″ and 6’3″ adults, an 88 lb. labrador, three legged cat and home office… we are cozy, ha!

We definitely look forward to having more space in the future (particularly storage as we essentially have one small coat closet as this year’s storage), but we also know that there will be times we’ll look back at this small apartment fondly.  Christian and I joke that we’ll probably never be able to get from the bedroom to the kitchen for a glass of water as quickly ever again (it’s like… 10 steps).

apartment before and aftercourtly check kettleworld market china cabinetsan francisco apartment tourrugs usa runner orange hermes trayblack sweater dressballard designs niles double coat rackarctic fox fur coatbeige tufted sofablack garment racksan francisco bay windowbeige tufted headboardmirrored side tablejoss and main mirrorbrown faux fur coatvittsjo shelvescity apartment tourblack cashmere sweater dresscrate and barrel plantersan francisco apartmentblack modern bardiy home barsan francisco windowskull succulentblack and white abstract pillowsblack cat white whiskersblack modern floor lampwilla skye home black vittsjo shelveswhite tray tablesblue beach cruisercapri blue candlemetal wire basketwhite garden stoolblue record playerminted artchannels abstract pillowsblack barstyling bookshelvesavalon blanket

photos by Kathleen + Christian Barnes

OUTFIT

sweater dress (on sale), similar dress for less here (55% off) | belt | necklace 1, 2

KITCHEN

tea kettle | marble spoon holder | Nespresso

drop leaf table – antique, DIY here | slipcovered chairs here and here | courtly check planter | similar candlesticks

metal china cabinet – World Market (old), blog post here, also love this one and this one | similar breakfast trays here and here

HALLWAY

runner

doormat

similar marquis letters

bar cart

OFFICE

side table | tray – handpainted, similar style here | disco ball

sofa (on sale), also love this one | fur pillows, also love these | spotted pillows + pink pillowWilla Skye Home

floor lamp – ZGallerie, no longer available, similar style here | desk lamp, also love these

desk | similar desk chair

rug c/o Summerhouse, also love this one | ottoman

garment/clothing rack, also love this one

glass head

cotton art – Anna Cate Collection | similar antlers

BEDROOM

similar rug here (on sale)

similar bedding (on sale) | headboard (on sale) | faux fur blanket

similar dresser here (on sale) and here (on sale)

custom chair via Dwell Studo

similar lamps here and here

dresser and mirror c/o Joss & Main (blog post here), similar styles here and here (50% off)

hamper

vase | similar palms

closet: metal shelving | metal hanging rack | shoe rack | ghost chair

LIVING ROOM

black planter (44% off) and white planter

SF skyline art | abstract art | silhouette

rug, also love this one | sheepskin

sofa – Lee Industries, similar style here | chair & ottoman – Ikea, slipcovers from CustomWorks

mirrored tray | courtly check tumbler | skull succulents – Trader Joe’s

black & white throw pillowsWilla Sky Home

Hermes Avalon blanket

blanket ladder – DIY, love this one and this one

floor lamp – World Market (old), love this one and this one

cat bed | dog bed

bar – junk store DIY, love this one | acrylic wine holder, also love this one

curtains (similar ones here) , black shelves, prints by bar – Ikea

faux fiddle leaf tree, also love this one and this one

beach cruiser, DIY basket shared here

record player (comes in tons of colors!)

pom pom basket, picnic basket, wine picnic basket

tray tables, white garden stools – many, many years old similar style here and here, love this one

DIY polaroid print

 

 

If you see anything else that is not linked, it’s either because I don’t know the source or it is no longer available for purchase.  Thank you so much for reading this novel!  It’s wild to think that in only 5 more months we’ll be packing up this space and moving onto the next (city and state TBD)… but I am manifesting that it has a yard and no shared walls. I’m saying that jokingly… but also not at all.  I’ve been sharing walls with strangers for 7 of the past 8 years and I’d really like my own walls!

Thank you so much for reading today – and it’s such a privilege to share this little space with you guys!  You can find all home-related content in the “home” category of this site, including our home tour video in OC.  Big hugs and have a beautiful weekend – XO

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I’m SO excited to finally share a video we filmed this fall of our San Francisco apartment!  Truth be told, we finished it before Thanksgiving but I wanted to wait until after the holiday madness to share it!

Christian and I filmed this together (our first video to work on together… (nervous laughter)), but I wanted to capture our little place and how we’ve downsized for our short year in the city.

Another post will be coming tomorrow with photos of each room and details on where pieces are from, so stay tuned for that.

You can see all CBL videos in the “video” category of this site, and you can also see our previous townhouse video tour here.  All home-related content will also be in the “home” category of this site!

If you would like to see more videos in 2019, please let me know in the comments! And if you would be a doll and subscribe to my YouTube channel it would be next level amazing.  I really want to work on growing this little video channel this year so I can create more regular videos for you guys and bringing you guys the topics and videos you want to see is a top priority.

Lastly, it cannot go unsaid that I am completely humbled and thankful for the responses in Tuesday’s blog post. Wow. Usually when I write about personal, vulnerable subjects I mull over it for a few days to make sure I’m comfortable putting it on the Internet. However I wrote that on New Year’s Eve and hit publish hoping I wouldn’t regret it later.

Boy do I NOT regret it. I was literally in tears reading some of your comments about your own struggles in 2018 and how you plan to start fresh this year.  All of you continue to amaze and inspire me in ways I can’t even describe. Thank you for showing up, offering your stories, your hearts and your time.  You are never alone. I’m not alone. Because we share and learn from each other and I know that this blog and the conversations we have are some of the best gifts I could ever be given. So thank you. Thank you x a million.

Lots of love and big hugs – XO –

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silver sequin dress

As I sit down to write this post on the last day of the year, reflecting on 2018 as a whole, my eyes have already filled with tears. #Drama.  I know that might sound absurd, but this year really has taken me on an unexpectedly wild ride.  An unwelcome surprise, if I can be honest.

I must first post a disclaimer that I know to be appreciative and grateful for my life. I am healthy, our families are healthy and after living in a city with so much visible poverty, hardships and need, I know in my heart of hearts that I have been blessed.  After losing my four year-old niece two years ago, I appreciate our health on an entirely different level.

That being said, we are all entitled to our individual struggles, and in the past (in my “personal” posts when I really break it down like here and here) I’ve been so uplifted by sharing some of the more difficult times with you guys. So if we are going to reflect on the year… we’re going to keep it real real, if you feel me.

sequined dresssan francisco rooftopsan francisco sunsetnew years eve dresscity reflection in champagne glassnude christian louboutin pigallesilver sequined dresspersonalized clutch

photos by Christian Barnes

dress (runs TTS), also love this one and this one (on sale) | heels, also available here | clutch | earrings – from our rehearsal dinner, similar styles here and here, love these and these | lipstick in Jilted

2018 started with a lot of excitement. Filling our weekends with our “last visits here” and “last beach cruiser ride here,” as we prepared to leave the city we loved so much for five years.  We packed up for what we thought would be an exciting and adventure-filled “extended vacation” in a new city, but we were mostly met with lots of expenses and countless headaches and heartaches for this, that or the other.

The past six months of this year have honestly left me feeling disappointed, misled, confused and in an overall funk.  I’ve never been so consistently blue in my entire life, therefore I didn’t even know where to begin putting the puzzle pieces back together.

I’ve always been the kind of person who identifies the problem and works to solve it. The end. Because of this, I’m never blue for very long and voila!

However this time, my problem-and-solution game wasn’t so simple.  After about four months of challenging myself to eat well, get outside often, getting back into exercise and stretching, meet up with friends and go to events to create some community, using my gratitude journal, listening to uplifting podcasts… I still felt no measurable improvement or growth in my attitude toward my day-to-day life or work.

As a type-A, plan-my-life-out (to a fault – there’s almost nothing spontaneous about me and it’s always something I have to consciously remind myself to do),  most often I’m the person setting goals and working hard to achieve them.  Then I celebrate. Meeting goals is what invigorates me.  Yay – life is good!  This was the first time in my life where I felt like I was at a stand-still.  I’ve felt uninspired and just overall unmotivated. Which is the most unfamiliar feeling for me.

And while I perhaps learned more about myself this year – my boundaries and mental/emotional health – I can’t say that we’ve learned that “next time we should do x, y and z.”  Most of our frustrations couldn’t necessarily have been prevented, and therefore it feels like less of a learning process and more of a struggle process.

As for work, tons of new questions arose.  Do people even like reading blogs anymore? Is my vision and passion translating to these girls who take time out of their day to follow and engage with CBL? Is this valuable? Am I using this platform to make a positive impact? Are CBL girls enjoying the long form content I love so much or would they rather see a quick iPhone selfie to see if this shirt is on sale?  Am I actually scoring my own worth on numbers and likes? Is an app really dictating my decisions and is that even healthy?

So I found a therapist. And I’m still seeing her.  And it’s helping, little by little.  It’s helping me understand how to look at things differently… rationally.  Do I still have days where I’ve cried twice before 10AM? Sometimes. Have I started to subconsciously resent Christian’s career for also dictating my life and personal desires?  Do I ever feel slighted that every big life decision we make revolves around his career path?  Obviously… that would be yes, and I’m working on that.  Do I still get sucked into a funk/blue season when I know I really have so much to be thankful for? I’m embarrassed to say… sometimes, yeah, I do.

I’m self-aware enough to know that time heals most everything, and this rocky year of new challenges and frustrations will soon be a memory rarely revisited.  Life will continue to move and change, and there will always be bumps.

We can’t control the hard times, only the way we react to them.

Being aware of these things certainly helps… but as we all know, it isn’t always as easy as reciting a logical quote to yourself every time you want to punch something.  If we’re being honest here, I was given this doll many years ago and never used it. I’ve actually busted a hole in it I’ve used it so frequently the past six months. Yikes… come to think of it, maybe I need a boxing class!

With all that being said, December was filled with travel and has actually managed to be my happiest month yet since rattling my comfortable and convenient life in June.  And I am hopeful, gratitude journal by my side, yoga mat rolled out and my next therapy session scheduled in the fresh pages of my 2019 calendar, that this new year will be a season of change and new beginnings.  Here’s to hoping for more months like the first six and less like the last six, you feel me?  I’m happy to say TOODLES 2018!

carrie bradshaw moment

So let’s get into 2019 goals –

1. Prioritize relaxing. Just because.

2. Move into a house. Not an apartment – a house. With a yard!

3. Stop cracking my knuckles.

4. Practice meditation.

5. Drink less coffee and more tea.

6. Prioritize my happiness before my view of success.

7. Cry less (I usually can count how many times I cried all year… but since July it’s been like 76473487476… and I’m not into it).

8. Eat less dairy.

9. Fully enjoy our dual-income-no-kids (ever heard of “dink?”) life while we have it.

10. Continue to share more real life – both highs and lows – and less picture perfect life.

And of course, I can’t wrap up the year without thanking each and every one of you for being along on this journey.  I’m always hesitant to share anything that isn’t 90% positive, yet it’s where we always have the best conversations.  Which is why I’m keeping it raw and honest today… even if it’s not roses.  In 2017, a year of bliss (!!), there were hardly any personal posts yet 2018 has kept them coming. Thank you for being a part of this rollercoaster!

Some quotes I love for anyone else who might be having some of these same feelings about 2018:

“I am thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strength.”        Alex Elle

“Storms make trees take deeper roots.” Dolly Parton

“If there is no struggle there is no progress.” Frederick Douglass

“Every flower must grow through dirt.” Laurie Jean Sennott

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” Lao Tzu

Your support, wisdom, advice and encouragement never goes unnoticed. I am so grateful that you would take time out of your busy life and schedule to connect with me and allow me into your day. It’s the greatest gift that I promise I don’t take for granted. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.

Love you, mean it – XO –

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striped sequin skirt

The last day of 2018 – can you believe it!? And what a year it has been.  If I could sum up the past year in one word, I’d choose: patience.  And I’m not a patient person, so it’s been a… challenging one for me. Ha! But we’ll get more into that top in tomorrow’s post.

When it comes to dressing for NYE, I like to stay festive and warm.  I’ve shared some holiday outfit inspiration here and last year here, but this look is the vibe I’m going for this year.  A cashmere turtleneck and coat to stay warm, paired with stretchy sequins to ring in the new year in style!

This coat actually belonged to my grandmother.  When she passed away, the ladies in the family went through her jewelry and clothing, picking different pieces to hold onto. I knew I wanted this lightweight yet incredibly soft and warm coat, and I had it altered by my favorite seamstress in Orange County before we moved. We essentially made it two sizes smaller and now the fit is absolutely perfect. It will always remind me of her, and I love that San Francisco weather actually allows me to wear it!

It’s classic yet chic, just like her.

velvet prada cahier bagblack louboutin pigalleblack gucci beltstriped sequin skirtvelvet prada baghow to style sequinsblack cashmere coatlong black coatblack ray ban aviatorscolorful sequin skirtblack cashmere turtleneck

photos by Meg Stone

skirt, also love this one and this one, and how fab is this one!? | turtleneck | similar bag here, really love this one! | coat – my grandmother’s, similar style here (60% off) and here | sunglasses | belt | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | heels, also available here, similar look for less here

Do you have anything from your grandmother’s closet that you love to pull out? I’d love to hear what it is!

Thank you so much for reading and I hope everyone has a safe and fabulous New Year! XO –

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snow polo

I visited Aspen for the first time last week, and I feel in love with this winter wonderland as soon as we landed. The snowcapped mountains and softly falling snowflakes… how could you not!?

After getting a lot of questions from many of you looking to visit this winter, I wanted to put together a post with what we did, my favorite spots and the details on what I packed!

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the St. Regis Aspen and wow. It was stunning.  The hotel is large enough to offer a fabulous spa, gym and several restaurants, but small enough to feel intimate and easy to get around.  You can walk to the shopping and dining area of town as well as the ski lift, so the location literally could not be better.

Our room was absolutely gorgeous and had the most beautiful bathroom (photographed below), and the service was exceptional. We made time to hop in the heated pool and hot tub (also photographed below!), and you know I took advantage of the daily hot chocolate on tap. Perhaps a little too much.

Plus there is a hotel mascot, the gorgeous Kitty, a Bernese Mountain dog! You can see his darling self below, he’s just a 5-month old little baby. You can always catch him at the 4:45 saber in the courtyard!

Scroll down for my restaurant and activity picks –

st regis aspensorel carnival boot

coat – vintage, similar styles here, here and here | similar sweater here and here | leggings | boots | similar beanie | belt bag

antler decorationhot cocoapolka dot tightsst regis aspenwhite faux fur vestpolka dot tights

vest | turtleneck | skirt – Once Was, similar styles here and here | tights, also available here | similar boots here and here

hot pink faux furpink faux fur coat

coat | turtleneck | pants, also available here | clutch | heels, similar style for less here | similar fishnet socks

black gucci beltfaux fur hatpink sweater dress

dress | belt | tights, also available here | similar booties here and here | clutch | similar hat here and here

shopping in aspenchampagne in the hot tubaspen at christmasblack leather skirthot pink gloveshot pink leather glovesvintage fox fur coat

similar hat | turtleneck | skirt – Once Was, similar style here and here | tights, also available here | coat – vintage, similar style here and here | clutch | similar gloves | similar boots

pink faux fur coatdowntown aspenst regis yurt

similar beanie | leggings | cashmere hoodie – Minnie Rose, similar style here | boots | coat | Nikki’s coat

pom pom turtleneckbernese mountain dogchicwish sweaterleather cropped pant

similar hat | sweaterpants, also available here | belt bag | similar booties here and here

tula sheet mask

sheet mask, available here and here – get 20% off anything on Tula.com with code KATHLEEN20

st regis midnight supperwinter tablescapeblack velvet belt baggreen velvet jumpsuit

velvet jumpsuit – Johnny Was, similar style here | similar fishnet socks | heels, also available here | bodysuit, also available here | vest – Once Was, also love this one and this one | belt bag | neckerchief

aspen yurtanthropologie faux fur vestwhat to wear in aspen

similar beanie | vestleggings | cashmere hoodie – Minnie Rose, similar style here | boots

Where We Ate

Velvet Buck | The BLT breakfast sandwich is lethal. And the detox juice was so delicious I considered ordering a second one!

White House Tavern | I saw this restaurant recommended several times and it definitely lived up to the hype. Their crispy chicken sandwich is what they’re known for, so we had to order one for the table and even as someone who doesn’t really even eat chicken anymore… it was amazing.

We went for lunch as dinner can be pretty busy, and I would absolutely visit here again!  Nikki was raving about it!

7908 Aspen |  We came here for a group dinner and everyone was raving about their entrees. My favorite part was actually the side dishes. We had a pretty big group so we got one of everything, and I just got a small salad so I could enjoy the side dishes, which were insane. So much flavor it was like having a Thanksgiving meal again. SO GOOD.

EMP Winter House | This is a pop-up restaurant located in the St. Regis that is led by Swiss Chef Daniel Humm.  We attended a St. Regis Midnight Supper here, and the bone broth and lobster were amazing.  We also attended a little dinner with Blade and Bow Whiskey in one of the yurts and had Alpine cheese fondue. Yes, please!

I didn’t get a chance to try it myself, but I also heard great things about Meat & Cheese and Pine Creek Cookhouse.

Activities

Spa | We visited the St. Regis Spa, and I was excited and surprised to see amenities I’ve never seen in a spa before!  I had a glorious 60-minute massage and then sat in one of their indoor heated pools with a waterfall… yes, please. They have hot tubs, heated pools and a sauna attached to the spa, as well as a complimentary oxygen bar. We had to see what it was all about, and we sat in the peaceful room by the fireplace sipping hot tea while getting about a 10 minute oxygen charge. It was like drinking a double espresso. After being in that high altitude, I felt so refreshed!

Snow Polo | The annual World Snow Polo Championship was what brought us into town, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. We walked to this gorgeous heated tent (photographed below!) with a gorgeous winter themed bar, chandeliers, champagne, mini bloody mary’s, crab legs… I was like… ok this is next level.

The British announcer made sure to bring the energy, and I loved that both male and female polo players were playing each other in the tournament. I even met one of the female champions and she was fabulous.

Yurt Village | For the month of December, the hotel had this darling yurt village you’ll see photographed below.  In each little yurt there’s a different vibe and setting. One is a dining table and polo themed, one is whiskey themed, one is a bar… it’s a magical little area. One of my favorite experiences of the week!  Take a sneak peek inside here.

Shopping | There is a darling main street shopping area that is across the street from the St. Regis. Some of our favorite shops we popped into where The Little Bird (amazing consignment/vintage shop) and Forty Five Ten. They also have all your fancy runs like Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada.

I’ve also hard the Aspen Art Museum is very cool, along with Dogsledding, Wheeler Opera House and of course, epic snowboarding and snow skiing are also top of list.

And don’t forget about Cloud Nine!

Thank you so much for reading! You can find all my travel guides in the travel category of this site, or simply type in the city you’re looking for in the search bar and it should pop right up!

If you’ve been to Aspen and have a favorite spot I didn’t list, I’d love to hear for my next visit. It really is the most charming little town. Hope you guys have a fab weekend – XO –

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new years eve outfit

Last year I shared a NYE inspo roundup for you guys here, and it was so much fun putting it together that I wanted to do it again this year!

Whatever your plans may be, sometimes you just need a little inspo to create a look from your own closet. Whether you’re dressing it up or wearing flats and an oversized shirt, there’s no reason you can’t ring in the new year in style (or sweatpants… let’s be honest, I’m not judging).

Below are 9 of my favorite looks from this year for New Year’s Eve. Underneath you’ll find the link straight to the blog post and full look!

faux fur coat

post here

pink faux fur scarf

post here

silver ankle strap heels

post here

black off the shoulder top

post here

velvet jumpsuit

post here

customized louis vuitton bag

post here

popcorn cardigan sweater

post here

what to wear to sundance

post here

black velvet suit

post here

I hope everyone is relaxed after a fabulous holiday and ready to ring in the New Year! I love hearing about resolutions and new year intentions… if you would like a full blog post on that let me know!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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jenner california

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating today and tomorrow!  I wanted to share our Minted holiday card for 2018… which was taken on our way back from Timber Cove with the camera propped on Christian’s duffle bag. Definitely making it work over here (the theme of our 2018)!

I hope you are spending these days slowing down, soaking up some relaxation time with friends or family, and appreciating all the blessings that 2018 has brought you this year.

The end of the year is always an intimate and fascinating time that I spend reflecting on the prior months – both the ups and downs.  The second half of this year has been some of the most challenging months I’ve had in quite a while (more on that here and here), but I’ve definitely learned from them… and continue to learn!

I’ve realized that everyone’s process of getting through hard times is different. I’ve learned that being vulnerable to share where I am mentally and emotionally is a part of my process. And I’ve learned that seeking guidance and clearing my head with a therapist is extremely uplifting and helpful.  I keep saying I’ll dedicate a full post to my experience in therapy, and I promise I still intend to!

I’m also aware the holidays can be an especially hard time for some people. Whether they’ve lost a loved one recently or in years past around the holiday season or if they’re misplaced in a new city and don’t have enough vacation time to travel home – regardless of the circumstances, I always try to be aware of this and sensitive to others who may be dealing with a difficult time.

This time of year is also a beautiful time to give back to others in need, so if you are missing a gift for someone or feel that you’ve been especially blessed this year, donating to a charity of your choice in someone’s honor or memory is a fantastic and thoughtful way to pay it forward.

Peace and blessings to each and every one of you, and thank YOU so much for your support and feedback over the years. You are a huge part of my story and passion and I can’t thank you enough. From the bottom of my heart, love you love you!!! XO –

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amazon gift guide

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17

It’s the end of the road for last minute holiday gifts!  I figured there was no better time for an Amazon roundup, and above are some of my favorite picks. Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

I don’t have an instant pot because Lord knows I don’t have the cabinet space, but when I do, it will 100% be on my wish list.  I’ve actually wanted one of these for a while because I love love love all things sparkling water and carbonated, but Christian has forbid anymore appliances right now.  Rude.

If we were going to be in an apartment for more than six more months, this little grill would be top of list. SO handy!

I got these for my birthday, and at the time thought they were overrated at the time but now I use them daily. I use them when walking my dog, when I’m on the phone or cooking… I think they would make such a great gift for literally anyone!  I also have these little slippers and they’re seriously soft. I even put a pair on Christian and he wore them for hours – that soft!

For the makeup lover, these Artis brushes are really amazing because they do such a great job of blending you really need very little product.  These pajamas are by a landslide the most comfortable ones I own, and I wish I still had time to ask for this darling bracelet.

And on the non-Amazon list, if you’re looking for jewelry, this jewelry box is so sweet and this necklace stand would be so useful!

Who still has gifts left on their list?  I probably should have included more stuff for the dudes here… but you can find those here.  Only a few more days, babes! Merry merry – XO –

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black velvet midi dress

There’s something so flattering about black velvet.  I think it works on all body types, and the richness in the fabric allows it to hug curves while being thick enough to smooth everything out. It’s a go-to for me this time of year!

I think this outfit would be perfect for a winter wedding, and it’s topped with my favorite accessory this year, my Chanel filigree bag.  I had my eye on this bag for several years, but it would immediately sell out whenever inventory was restocked.

For hard-to-get luxury pieces like this, a great source is eBay. They’re the first place I check if I can’t find what I’m looking for at a retailer. Especially if I’m on the hunt for a unique piece from several seasons past!

Over 80% of eBay’s merchandise is actually brand new and available with the “Buy It Now” options, which means if you’re not the type to hover over your laptop in a bidding war, you don’t have to.  If you have a few people left on your holiday gifting list, or even if you want to to treat yourself, everything you need for those last­ minute gifts can be found on eBay.

what to wear to a winter weddingsan francisco christmasvelvet ruffled dressblack chanel vanity bagchristian louboutin pigallevelvet striped dresspacific heights christmasblack chanel filigree bagblack louboutin pigallewinter wedding attirevelvet midi dresswhat to wear to a winter wedding

photos by Meg Stone

bag, also love this one and this one | dress – J.Ing, love this one (on sale), this one (on sale and under $50) and this one (on sale for $40) | heels, also available here | bracelet 1, 2, 3 | lipstick in MAC Red

Have you ever purchased from eBay or better yet, specifically a designer item?  My greatest victory was snagging a vintage Burberry trench for under $150. I had it shortened and it’s one of my greatest steals!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by eBay

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white oversized sweater

Cozy season is in full effect in San Francisco, and I’m loving accessorizing my outfits with Kendra Scott’s winter collection, specifically all of the sage pieces.  I truly think that dark green is a color that looks good on everyone and goes with everything, so these stud earrings are the type that I can pair with all of my outfits.  How gorgeous are these!?

You also might remember this charm necklace from this post.  It has an adjustable chain (which I love, love, love), so it will work with every neckline.  If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for your mom or mother-in-law, I think this would be such a fun gift! You can personalize it just for them with a ton of different charms!  I’ll link some of my favorite charms below.

leather culotte pantkendra scott charm necklaceshow me your mumu sweaterneckerchiefkendra scott stud earringleather pantswool burgundy hatkendra scott charm necklacebenicasa heels

photos by Christian Barnes

earrings, also love these and these | necklace, also love this one | sweater, also available here | pants, also available here | heels – Benincasa | similar hat | similar neckerchief here and here

Do you have any dark green accessories in your closet? I have a handbag in this sage color that goes with everything. That was probably the first piece I had in that color that made me realize how truly versatile it is.

If you’re a Kendra Scott lover like I am, be sure to check out their winter collection. If you’re new to the brand, this collection is a fabulous place to start! Thanks so much for reading and sharing, and you can check out all holiday-related content under the holiday tab. XO –

brought to you by Kendra Scott

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