Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Halloween Cocktail Recipe | 5 Ingredients!

I don’t know why exactly, but this year I am FEELING the Halloween spirit. Yesterday I shared some inexpensive Halloween costume and game ideas, and today I’m sharing something that would pair beautifully… a cocktail! Or mocktail – you do you, girl.

This year I wanted to make something fun and easy. Emphasis on easy – if a cocktail recipe has more than 5 ingredients, I’m not interested.

The showstopper here is clearly the eyeball garnish. The magic of lychees stuffed with blueberries! If you want some extra gore, you can put some strawberry jam in the lychee before you stuff it with the blueberry. I skipped that part as I was feeling lazy.

Ingredients

1 can lychees in syrup (I found mine at Whole Foods)

12-24 blueberries

3 cups pomegranate or blueberry juice (you can see what I used below – you just want a dark color)

2-3 limes (juiced)

2 cups Sparkling Water

Optional: Gin or Vodka

Directions

The day before, open your can of lychees. Don’t discard the syrup/water in the can just yet! Stuff the lychees with blueberries and put them in the freezer. Save at least 5 tablespoons of the syrup – you’ll use this to sweeten up the cocktail.

The day of, combine the pomegranate juice, lime juice and around 5 tablespoons lychee syrup. Taste and adjust measurements to your liking.

You can combine the juice and sparkling water in a pitcher together OR you can let everyone mix their own. I went about 50/50 with juice and sparkling water.

Add a few floating frozen lychee eyeballs to each cocktail, slide one on a cocktail toothpick for a garnish and toss in a few blueberries if you have extra. Voila!

photos by Christian Barnes

What do you think? Are you up for making some lychee eyeballs!?

And I must note that Lula’s angry looking face is… just the way her face looks. That black fur and those green eyes… it’s ironic to me that she’s the cuddliest cat I’ve ever met yet she definitely looks the meanest. She literally took a nap in this hat – I had to take it off of her. Unfazed!

Thanks so much for reading, and for some chic Halloween decor inspiration check out this post! XO –

5 Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Halloween Costumes + Games Under $40

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

Last week I couldn’t get enough of chic Halloween decor. This week we’re taking a left turn with inexpensive costume and game ideas! Hint: tomorrow I’ll be sharing a seriously easy, delicious and festive Halloween cocktail. I LOVE OCTOBER.

I have a pair of cat ears that have been in a drawer for literally eight years. After college, I only thought about my costume on the day of Halloween. To be honest, I’m usually only wearing a costume to work (I worked at a makeup HQ, so people really went all out and it was amazing!) or when I’m giving candy to trick-or-treaters. So my go-to is to dress in all black and stick on some cat ears.

When I have a little more space, I for sure plan on buying a witch hat. It feels more appropriate for my energy. Who doesn’t love Hocus Pocus!? Hellooooo!?

The best part is that most of these pieces can be shipped via Amazon Prime and they cost less than $40. Personally I’m not investing a ton of money in a costume, so a great hat, mask or set of ears is totally my vibe. Wear all black and call it a day, girlfriend! Although this costume seriously made me laugh.

If you’re an adult with no kids, some of these board games look seriously fun. Like… can I please learn how to read tarot cards and serve friends Halloween cocktails!? Yes.

What’s your favorite Halloween costume from years past? I want to hear! As well as your Halloween plans for 10/31. My favorite thing to do on Halloween (since college) is to take Bailey on a walk around 5PM and watch all the little kids in their costumes go trick-or-treating. The best!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

6 Comments|See Comments

VIDEO | Relationship FAQ

Another little video that was filmed before we moved from Orange County… a couples FAQ!

Fun fact – I didn’t even plan on filming this but Christian got home early, and I had a videographer helping me with some projects… so I was able to rope him in. He’s a good sport, #Godbless!

Some of the questions answered…

How did we meet?

What is good/not good about being married to a blogger?

And what is good/not good about being married to a physician?

Favorite memory with each other?

When did you know he/she was the one?

For more videos, check out the video category or my baby of a YouTube channel. For additional FAQ questions, check out this video or the FAQ page! More Barnez and marriage-related post, can be found in the marriage category.

Thank you guys for reading and watching! SF home tour coming soon – XO –

8 Comments|See Comments

Delicate Gold Necklaces

I’ve shared before that I go through phases with jewelry, and right now, I’m all about necklaces. I love layering them for a custom, unique look. I love how easy it is to make the style your own, and I wanted to share some new pieces I have that are definitely going to add to a layering story.

These two necklaces are from Missoma, and I recently hopped on their site and went down a rabbit hole of goodness. One of the things I love most about this necklace is that it’s a little longer (over 21 inches), so it is going to look fab with any shorter necklace making it a fabulous layering piece!

And if you’re a coin necklace lover, they’ve got you covered girlfriend.

photos by Christian Barnes

You can shop Missoma pieces by jewelry style or collection, and make your own unique layering story.

Are you necklace-obsessed right now? Or are you more of a stacked ring or earring person? I recently got my ears double pierced and I’ve been loving pairing different studs, ear cuffs and hoops. These might have to be on my Christmas wish list!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by Missoma

10 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five

– a new book set at my alma mater –

– this personalized denim jacket thanks to Issa Poppins –

– a customized tote from The Shop Forward from a CBL girl who already knows my favorite things on this earth –

– new beauty products that I can’t WAIT to try thanks to AmorePacific, Sulwhasoo and the Neiman Marcus team… my desk just got much more fun! –

– totally vibing with all the leopard pieces out there right now like these sneakers and these booties –

Happy Friday! First week of October is in the books… and I’m trying to soak it all up. I’m trying to have some intentional moments – drinking coffee in a turtleneck sweater while looking at the clear morning in the city. Watching the leaves across the street slowly change colors from my desk window. These are a few of my favorite things, for sure!

I have to talk about the tote pictured above. A darling CBL girl reached out to tell me about The Shop Forward and these customized bags created by women in Haiti. She said that I could put any four things on the bag and suggested “queso | barnez | bailey & lula | real housewives.” Literally, I laughed out loud. SPOT ON. How can I say no or make any edits to that!?

I also received an autographed copy of Rush, a book inspired by Ole Miss sororities… so you know I can’t wait to read it.

I’m in full support of the leopard moment happening this season, and I love that you can add a touch of leopard in sneakers OR heels. Necessary!

I’ll be traveling next weekend (this time with Christian – yay!), so we have some working ahead to do. But we’re really prioritizing time to continue exploring the city. Our “year in the city” list has been temporarily on hold due to my traveling and Christian’s studying. It’s definitely refreshing to feel so free!

What do you have going on this weekend? Thanks so much for reading – XO –

9 Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Chic Halloween Decor

We are in a small apartment this year for Halloween, so tragically all of our seasonal holiday decor is packed in boxes in my brother’s garage (our makeshift storage unit for a few boxes which is super nice!). BUT if we had a little more space, the below is the Halloween vibe I would totally be after.

It doesn’t hurt that we have a black cat with green eyes who totally adds the most CHIC energy of all (channeling cat lady vibes right now).

But real talk, the below is just proof that you don’t have to disturb your decor to add some holiday spirit. It can still be sleek, sophisticated and fun!

What about you? Are you decorating for Halloween this year and if so, what is your favorite festive piece to pull out? We also won’t have our Christmas tree or stockings this year (we literally have NO storage in this apartment), so I’m trying to think of what I can do to add some subtle touches that don’t take up space.

Apartment living… not my favorite, but I think it will make anywhere we move next feel extra special! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

6 Comments|See Comments

Pumpkin Bread 2.0

Oh hi October! Like most girls (or so it seems), fall is my favorite time of year. It’s my favorite weather, favorite fashion, favorite holidays (Halloween and Thanksgiving!), favorite holiday movies… and some of my favorite foods.

Enter pumpkin bread! I always make pumpkin bread or muffins this time of year, but it’s never really been up Christian’s alley. So I challenged myself to make a loaf that even Barnez couldn’t deny was delicious. And I succeeded!

The catch? Chocolate chips and a streusel topping. So I mean, is this the healthiest treat in the books? Not really (but you can find something more like that here or here!), but it’s still delish and worth sharing!

Ingredients:

1 Box Pumpkin Bread Mix (I used Trader Joe’s) – if you’re not lazy like me, this is a great recipe!

1/2 Bag White Chocolate Chips

For Topping:

3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

1/2 Tablespoon Flour

1/2 Tablespoon Cold Butter

3/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Pinch of Salt

Directions:

Follow directions on box for pumpkin bread (or follow steps in this recipe), add chocolate chips and bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes (or until toothpick comes out clean).

While baking, make streusel topping. Crumble on top of bread once cool.

My recipe is a little more semi-homemade, but if you’re feeling like Betty Crocker you could totally make this from scratch. The added sweetness makes this a little more appropriate for dessert, and it fills some of those fall cravings.

Pour a cup of coffee or a glass of milk and grab a blanket. Ooohh girl – tis the season! For more recipes, check out the food & drink category of CBL. Thanks so much for reading! XO –

9 Comments|See Comments

DIY Dry Shampoo

I recently heard someone reference using tapioca starch for dry shampoo – enter the rabbit hole of DIY dry shampoo that then occurred.

I wash my hair about twice a week, so my relationship with dry shampoo is deep. For the past week I’ve been using my own mix of three ingredients for dry shampoo as a little test to see if it works.

I have to say, for brunettes, this formula is kind of amazing. Most dry shampoos are aerosol cans (this is usually my go to… although I probably should have been using this) leave a white residue in your hair that you can then brush out or blend in to absorb natural oils.

The cacao in this combo makes it brown and so much easier to blend in! NO worries if you’re not a brunette – you can skip the cacao part.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup tapioca starch

2 tablespoons cacao powder

5 drops essential oil (I used peppermint)

I combined these ingredients in a small plastic container, simply shook it up, and then use a clean makeup brush to apply the product to my roots.

top via Vici, also love this one (40% off) and this one | denim (on sale) | necklace 1, 2, 3

One of the best parts of this DIY combination (other than the amazingly low cost), is that is TSA-approved!! I always struggle to carry-on travel-sized dry shampoos. I buy the travel-sized can but it’s empty after just a few trips, and then I end up using last minute baby powder – it’s a whole thing.

I put some of this mixture in a small container and I’ve already traveled with it easily. Now I just leave it in my toiletries bag, and I’m set. Love it.

Have you ever made your own dry shampoo? I’d love to hear! Some people use arrowroot powder instead of tapioca… I think it’s just whatever you choose to use. Thanks so much for reading! XO –

12 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five

– after waiting for two months, the planter I ordered finally arrived! –

– some seriously fun new earrings –

– the prettiest coffee mug –

– some gorgeous scents from Viktor & Rolf (when I worked at Urban Decay, the girls in the office were in love with this fragrance!) –

– pumpkin time for those of us in closet apartments –

This planter has a little bit of a funny story. I ordered it in July when Christian bought this beautiful mini fiddle leaf fig for me. It was backordered for several weeks, and then got backordered again.

It finally arrived over a month after I ordered it, and when I was opening the box right before I left for Dallas I got a cardboard papercut within an already existing papercut (ouch!), so I said I would finish opening it when I got back in town. Cut to getting back in town and asking C, “where did that planter go?”

He said, “that box? I threw it away. I thought it was garbage.” So then he, somehow by the grace of God, found it in one of the trashcans in the basement of our building. Yowza! After all of that… I gotta say, I still love the way it looks. So at least the journey was worth it!

This weekend is exciting for us because I’ve been traveling for most of September and Christian has been studying for his big board exam. All of that is now behind us (hallelujah!), so we can actually go out and about this weekend and explore without anything hanging over our heads. Cheers to mental freedom!

A fun note I wanted to be sure to mention – Tuckernuck is offering 20% off sitewide with code FRIENDS20 through 10/1. They have so many beautiful classic closet pieces as well as some of the most fun accessories, so be sure to take advantage of that.

What do you have going on this weekend? Any fun fall activities now that it’s “offically” the season? I’ve only had one pumpkin spiced latte so far (unacceptable), so I gotta get my #basic-ness on track. Thank you so much for reading and sharing! XO –

2 Comments|See Comments

Layering a Midi Dress

California has challenged me to become a master of layering, and one thing I can appreciate about that is that is really forces me to maximize my closet. You guys know I’m all about versatility!

I’ve talked about layering dresses here, here, here and here (the last three are office-friendly!)… but today we’re throwing some color in the mix. This bodycon midi dress from Nordstrom is so comfortable and flattering, and has over 200 positive reviews to prove its praises.

It’s definitely too chilly here in San Francisco to wear a sleeveless dress without an added layer, so this is a way I would layer one of those dresses from summer to create a cozy fall look. Layer with a cropped sweater and throw a denim jacket around the waist. You can pair a look like this with sneakers and a mini backpack for daytime or opt for booties and a top handle bag for an evening vibe.

Boom! Your summer dress just became a fall skirt.

photos by Christian Barnes

Do you like to layer those dresses from summer into fall looks? I think this is a great way to have your feet in both seasons when we’re in this “in between season” time when it’s not quite cold but no longer summer.

Nordstrom has so many cute cropped sweaters for fall (linked below) that will layer perfectly with dresses! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

brought to you by Nordstrom

8 Comments|See Comments

Major Fall Sales!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

For the next few days, Shopbop is offering a major discount on select pieces. When these kinds of sales roll around, my biggest pieces of advice is think about the luxury/higher end pieces you’ve been lusting after and take advantage of the amazing shipping!

THE DEAL:

20% off orders under $500 | 25% off orders over $500 | code: STOCKUP18

My advice for this sale would be to take advantage of the Stuart Weitzmans, DVF’s, classic Eberjey pajamas, Rebecca Minkoffs, Karen Walkers of it all. You can get a fat discount on these pieces that you will wear for years! When searching the sale, you can scroll through on your own or you can select the designers you really love to see what is included in the sale. That’s how I prefer to shop because I can go straight to the brands I love! Levi’s, Self Portrait, Yumi Kim – the gang’s all here.

I have and love this denim jacket and wear it with everything. These are always my go-to pajamas because they’re both chic and incredibly soft. I bought these boots three years ago and thanks to some boot protector spray they’re still like new (and go with everything). I’ve loved this fabulous wrap dress all season, and everyone needs a timeless pair of heels like these. Love these designer dupes. I can’t get enough of coin necklaces right now, and these sneakers are my most worn in SF because they’re so comfortable.

I’d love to hear what you have your eye on and if you plan on perusing this sale! You guys… it’s a good one! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

5 Comments|See Comments

Monterey Staycation

necklace 1, 2, 3 | denim (I sized down) | top – N12H | similar bag here and here | similar slides here and here

Last weekend I snuck away to Monterey for my first visit in several years. I had a little staycation with my sister-in-law and nephews! I have stayed at the InterContinental Clement Monterey before with Christian, but this time we booked one of their larger rooms with a pullout sofa for the kids.

The first night I hung solo and attended an event for the collaboration between InterContinental and Audible. They presented the Stories of the InterContinental Life collection, curated by Brendan Francis Newnam of “The Paris Review” podcast. There was a fireside chat about John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, which is set on the very street that the hotel sits. We listened to writers discuss Monterey and the book over cocktails. In select other cities, InterContinental and Audible are discussing other books handpicked to highlight each particular location.

We had the best time! There’s a reason this is the place I always stay when I’m visiting. The location cannot be beat. You’re right on the water and walking distance to restaurants, shops, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, you name it.

One thing I definitely remembered from my trip with Christian… breakfast at First Awakenings. You guys, the huevos rancheros, gigantic pancakes filled with granola, raspberries and coconut and the eggs benedict? Wowza. I went solo before my family got in town and then it was the most practical choice for the morning before we left town… so yes, I ate there two mornings in a row!

Another restaurant we popped into for dinner was The Fish Hopper. It was right down the street, kid-friendly, and has tables right by the water. It was the most unintentionally gorgeous dinner!

And our visit to the Aquarium blew me away. I haven’t been to an aquarium in so long, but after hearing so much about this one I was so excited to visit. We saw every room, every tank, all the little penguins – it was amazing!

culottes (on sale!) | similar tee | sneakers | sunglasses

and a few more from my phone…

tee | similar dress | sneakers | sunglasses

Have you ever visited Monterey? I got some messages from you guys on Instagram that some of the other InterContinental locations where some of your favorite vacation spots!

I’ve now stayed here for both a couples getaway and a family-friendly weekend. I was amazed that the hotel really met all of our needs on both visits. We had the best time before heading down to San Luis Obispo for the rest of the weekend.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing, and be sure to check out other travel posts in the travel category of this site. XO –

brought to you by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

9 Comments|See Comments