Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Kale Salad Pizza Recipe

I’m so excited to bring you guys my first meal recipe post from our San Francisco apartment! The layout of our kitchen and breakfast “nook” is definitely different from our previous place in Orange County, so this was a fun experiment. If you guys want to see more recipe posts, please let me know in the comments!

On insta-stories, I often refer to salad and a homemade pizza as my “lazy girl special” for weeknight dinners. Some of the OG CBL readers might remember I challenged myself to eat plant-based for the month of January (documented weekly in the food category). I was truly so surprised at not only how much I enjoyed it, but also that I’ve continued to eat around 80% plant-based since that January challenge. My weakness is cheese, but when there is an almond substitute, I take full advantage.

Today, I’m honored to partner with Panera to bring one of my favorite, easy plant-based recipes to you guys. I love that Panera is committed to having a 100% clean menu (no artificial additives, sweeteners, etc.). They offer numerous plant-based options, and they have locations everywhere, so they’re an amazing resource for those who want to have a great meal without sacrificing their eating regimen. There really is something for everyone, and it’s so encouraging to see restaurants offer accessible and affordable meal options that taste good and make you feel good!

They’ve created their first-ever six part video series, Food Interrupted, to encourage people to stop and think about where their food comes from. You can watch the Plants Interrupted video here. It shows some of the incredible benefits that come from incorporating more plant-based ingredients and recipes into your diet. A few quick facts: eating plant-based has a positive impact on both your health and the environment, in addition to lowering cholesterol and improving heart health.

But first, let me give you the details on my plant-based lazy girl special – a caesar salad pizza!

For the dressing:

1-2 lemons (I use one but if you like things extra tangy, feel free to add more!)

2 garlic cloves, minced – sometimes I add more than this but that’s because I’m a garlic-lover!

1 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard

2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

salt, pepper

For the pizza:

pizza dough – you can make your own or I buy mine from the grocery store (after all, this is supposed to be quick and easy!)

olive oil

almond mozzarella cheese

kale (2-3 cups)

romaine (one small head)

croutons – you can make your own or I buy mine from the grocery store

salt, pepper

Directions:

Pull your pizza dough out of the fridge (whether it’s homemade or store bought) and let it reach room temperature on a floured countertop. While it’s doing that, make your salad dressing. Combine the ingredients listed above and add more or less lemon to taste.

Once your dough has reached room temperature, roll or stretch it out. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and add your almond mozzarella cheese. Bake at 425 on a pizza stone or floured baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.

While the pizza is cooking, make your salad. Rinse and chop your kale and romaine and combine with dressing. Place salad on top of pizza and top with croutons.

If you’re not a plant-based eater, you can add some parmesan cheese. You do you, girl!

Have you ever tried a salad pizza? And what is your favorite way to eat – meat lover, vegetarian, plant-based… this is a judgement free zone. I think everyone’s body is different and determining what makes you feel your best is most important. I’d love to hear the kinds of meals and recipes you guys would be interesting in seeing.

And if you have a favorite Panera order… you know I want to hear. I love their bowls and Mediterranean veggie sandwich.

And now I’m hungry.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –

brought to you by Panera

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Polka Dot Midi Dress

When I saw this polka dot midi dress (which gives me major Pretty Woman vibes) was on sale, I snagged it immediately!

I knew it would serve as a great foundation piece for almost any occasion – work, church, bridal showers, luncheons – it’s that kind of dress. So while it is adorable and chic on its own, I wanted to show how you can take a classic midi dress and incorporate some trends to make it as fashion forward as you want!

That’s the beauty of a classic dress – it can be whatever you want it to be!

photos by Meg Stone

PSA – if you don’t have a fitted tweed jacket or blazer, you need one. They are hot hot HOT for fall and winter, and they seriously elevate almost any outfit. Plus they’re appropriate for every occasion!

Thank you for reading! XO –

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8 Beauty Products To Try at Nordstrom

I’ve been sharing more beauty products lately (you can catch up in the “beauty” category of this site!), and it’s been fun to share some of the products I’m really loving! Today I thought I would reveal 8 beauty brands available at Nordstrom that I’ve been really impressed with.

1. PMD

I’ve had my PMD for a few years now (snagged that baby during a Nordstrom Black Friday markdown!), and I really see why so many people rave about it. It works. I have little bumps, also known as keratosis pilaris, and using the PMD on my arms once a week and then using a body oil really makes a difference.

2. Elemis

I actually first discovered Elemis when I was abroad, and I’ve been using it ever since. They have some incredible face creams! I started using these resurfacing facial pads when I noticed some redness along my jawline and it quickly disappeared.

3. Chanel Beauty

I was recently with a girlfriend who is the queen of bold lip color. She told me this ultra wear lip color really lasted all day. I had to try it to believe it and she’s right – it is GOOD. I have Chic Rosewood!

4. Viktor & Rolf

When I worked in corporate beauty, every girl in the office was obsessed with Flowerbomb. I knew it smelled great, but never took the plunge as so many ladies were already wearing it around me. Cut to three years later, I’m fully addicted.

5. Tan Luxe

I’d heard girls talk about these drops and wasn’t sure if I bought the hype. I love some self tanner (full post on my favorites and why here), and didn’t know if these drops could really do the trick.

So I bought them. And they totally work. AND they don’t smell like so many self tanning products do!

6. Artis

I must confess, I’ve had these brushes for a while, but I wasn’t sure if I was using them right. I recently had my makeup done by a professional makeup artist, and he was using them. So I asked him for his guidance on how to use them correctly and now that he emphasized gliding the product, I’m loving them!

It takes a little getting used to because you’re holding the brush at a different angle than usual, but once you get the hang of it, it really does blend your complexion beautifully. I have this one, this one and this one.

7. Urban Decay

You guys know I’m UD-obsessed. I love all of their products, but there’s no argument that what MAC is to the lipstick world (although my sister and I are both in love with this lipstick in Backtalk and Liar), UD is to the eyeshadow world. I love their larger palettes (flashback to last Friday and their newest palette!), but their mini palettes are ideal for the girl on the go.

This mini heat palette has the most gorgeous warm shades!

8. MoroccanOil

I’ve actually been using MorrocanOil for six or seven years – my mom introduced me to it! I started with their classic oil treatment, and now I’ve moved into their shampoo + conditioners and thickening lotion. I also love their hydrating styling cream.

Nordstrom carries a ton of their products, and I may be biased, but I don’t think there’s a better smelling hair product out there.

photos by Christian Barnes

similar neckerchief here and here | similar tee here and here | similar blazer here | similar jeans

Have you ever tried any of these products? I’d love to hear what you think!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing –

brought to you by Nordstrom

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Friday’s Five

– finally trying the magical La Mer Soft Cream (pillow available here) –

– a new ottoman pouf that I’m loving in our office from The Citizenry, made by artisans in Indonesia –

– the most gorgeous vest from Once Was with detachable sleeves that I can’t wait to wear all winter –

– finally going to check out the Full House house… even though half of it is wrapped with construction tarp + notes from the neighborhood that clearly show their distaste for tourists, so that’s nice –

– trying out the new Urban Decay Cherry Palette –

Happy Friday gorgeous gals! This has been a delightfully quiet week at home, which has allowed me to really work ahead, get to the bottom of my email inbox, get some workouts in… there’s something so glorious about an efficient and productive week.

The older I get, the more of a homebody I seem to become (which can be a good and bad thing). I think this is why I put so much time and energy into having a clean, cozy and functional apartment. That phrase, “outer order, inner calm” speaks to me big time.

I’m most excited today because I’m getting out of town with my boo and am going to have some time with a childhood bestie, which I can never get enough of. I think because I don’t really relate to San Francisco as a city, I’m having a harder time than usual seeking inspiration around me. Getting out of town periodically really seems to recharge my body and mind, so I’ve been looking forward to the rare opportunity to sneak away with Christian.

What do you have going on this weekend? Visiting a pumpkin patch? Going to a haunted house? Seeing a scary movie? I want to see A Simple Favor so bad! Spill it. Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! XO –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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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 –

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