Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five

– a few hours by the ocean seems to cure all –

– picking new books to dig into –

– slowly expanding my closet to all things linen, loving this shirt dress! –

– finishing touches on packing –

– and trying some new self tanner (y’all know I’m an addict) –

Happy Friday señoritas! This week has been an emotional and mental challenge for me. You know those days when you’re just “off?” I felt like everything I did, I failed. Messed up the recipe, had some work struggles, wasn’t able to meet a deadline, lost my temper… you know those days where you just want to throw in the towel? I literally went to bed at like… 8PM on two different nights just because I wanted the day to be over.

Not to be a huge wet blanket on our TGIF, but I just wanted to share because the way things were going, I really had to wake up in the morning and make a choice: do I want to have a good day today? Christian could clearly sense my frustrations (poor guy… living with Kat ain’t always easy), and would wake me up by bringing me both coffee and Lula. Waking me up with coffee and one of my pets is kind of the best way to wake me up. He said to me one morning, “you don’t have to have the best day today, just a better day.” God bless him.

A little friendly reminder that happiness is between your ears. We are all entitled to bad days, but attitude is everything. Personally I kind of sit in my bad attitude for a day or so, get it out and then say, “Ok – onward and upward.”

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, Christian and I are going on a little adventure together. Next week I won’t have as many new blog posts hitting as I usually do because I really want to slow things down. It’s our last vacation together for the next year (one-year fellowships don’t come with vacation days #whompwhomp). BUT once we are back home, CBL will be back to its usual programming! And of course I’ll still be sharing more about our trip during the week on Instagram.

Thank you guys for your love and support. I hope this wasn’t too Debbie Downer, I just think sometimes it’s nice to share the good and the not as good. It’s nice to know you aren’t alone when you have bad weeks that just feel like they’ll never end. Onward and upward! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Why I Exercise

I go through waves of being in shape and out of shape. We’re human, and I think a lot of us struggle with this when seasons are busy or less busy. We do our best, right!?

I’ve always played sports, regularly attend lagree pilates classes and secretly (or not-so-secretly) love a hotel gym – literally, I look forward to it! I try to squeeze in exercise when I can, and not because of my weight or cellulite or bikini season, but because when I feel toned, I feel strong. When I feel strong, I feel confident. And when I feel confident, I am happier.

I know a lot of you have kids or busy jobs, and attending a fitness class or hitting the gym just isn’t practical or realistic. Girl – I got you. I shared a blog post not too long ago here about some of my favorite at-home workouts. If you search “fitness” on this blog, you’ll find lots of exercise-inspired posts!

Often times I’ll put a 10 minute arm video on my laptop, mute it, and do the exercises while I’m watching Housewives. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, I feel better about myself and I’m working toward something. Every bit counts!

SO, all of that being said, great exercise clothes that make me feel stylish and comfortable are some of my most-worn pieces of clothing I have. Seriously! Six:02 has such a great variety of exercise clothes from running to yoga and athleisure, it’s all there. I’ve had pieces from this site for years and go back to them over and over again.

leggings | sports bra (the back is palm print!), also love this one | sneakers, also love these | jacket, loving this one and this one

I’d love to hear some of your favorite exercises – whether it be at-home or classes! Also, tell me what kind of fitness wear you keep going back to. For me, highwaisted leggings are everything. I wear them with a sports bra and jacket or sweatshirt to my pilates class, ditching the jacket once I’m on the machine and warmed up.

Have you ever shopped from Six:02? Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –

brought to you by SIX:02

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Most Used Amazon Purchases

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

I know this is a little random, but I love seeing other people’s recommendations for all-around great products, and I had so much fun compiling my Best Buys of 2017 that I thought rounding up some of my favorite Amazon buys would be a fun post!

A little this, a little that – let’s get into it, shall we?

1 | I’ve worn this bag nonstop since I got it – most recently here and here. It is a great dupe, goes with everything and is a fantastic size. I really love that it’s both a wrist and crossbody bag. You get the best of both worlds, and it comes in 20 colors!

2 | I have a lab and a black cat. Lint rollers are in every room of the house. I recently tried this one to see if I could get away with it’s reusable factor… and it’s amazing. Why didn’t I buy this 10 years ago?!

3 | Every single item in my close is on one of these no-slip hangers. A must-have.

4 | This was a Christmas gift from C, and we really have had so much fun with it. She controls the lights in our house now, and honestly my favorite thing about her is playing any style of music or song instantly when asked, or having a hands-free device to set a timer while cooking.

5 | My favorite detangler and heat protectant spray! I’ve reordered many times.

6 | I bought these for this party… and then loved them so much I ended up putting one on our display shelves in the living room. I also pulled them out for Bailey’s birthday party!

7 | When I was younger, my mom would heat up an ice pick and then help me punch extra holes in belts or purse straps, etc. I discovered this device a few years ago, and I actually use it quite a bit! I’m always punching extra holes in belts so I can wear them as hip or waist belts.

8 | I took a deep dive not too long ago to try to find a pet bed for Lula that wasn’t ugly. I have a few little beds for her throughout the house, but I keep one under our coffee table, so it’s easily on display. I found this one, and it’s both cute AND she is obsessed with it. Such a great buy for a small-medium sized pet!

9 | My favorite kitchen towels!

10 | This powdered pb changes your smoothie game, big time. SO much flavor with a fraction of the calories (no oil!). Yum.

11 | I use both a desktop computer with a mouse and a macbook. I recently bought another mouse for my laptop and for someone with wrist pain, it’s so much better for me. I could kick myself for not doing it earlier!

12, 13, 14 | I LOVE these little containers. I also have one for onions and avocados.

15 | Christian bought these bistro lights and strung them up on our patio as a Valentine’s Day surprise one year, and they bring me so much happiness each night when we turn them on. Such a great purchase and something I know we’ll incorporate in every place we live.

16 | I wear these almost daily. They’re a dupe and at a fraction of the cost, I don’t have to stress if I scratch them. I’m actually on my second pair!

17 | My most recent sunglasses addition! These are so fun and spice up any summer outfit!

18 | I have way too many robes. Most of them are gifts, but I love them for different reasons! I have my cozy robe, my summer robe, my black robe for when I’m wearing self-tanner… it’s a problem. Christian was always complaining about the door hook being overloaded, and then I discovered this guy. Best decision ever! Now I can hoard all my robes without his judgement. Cheers!

19 | This outdoor rug is reversible and adds so much color and fun to our patio. It’s been really durable for us and I get so many questions about it on social media. It comes in a few different sizes!

Ok I know that was a novel, but now I want to hear what some of YOUR best Amazon purchases are! If you can’t tell… I’m a frequent Amazon shopper, so I’m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest.

Let me know if you’d like to see more posts like this! I could do my favorite kitchen gadgets, favorite household products, travel must-haves… let’s get into it.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –

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Wearing a Dress as a Top… to Work!

On another edition of wearing dresses as tops, I wanted to bring a dressed up version to continue to show you guys how you can rock this same trend!

I shared a more casual version of this here, and today’s look I would definitely have worn to my corporate 9 to 5 back in the day. I’m always preaching versatility and maximizing your closet, and I think this is such a great way to get the most bang for your buck.

This shirtdress is so gorgeous worn as a dress or top. It comes with it’s own fabric belt, or you can belt it on your own. The length is perfectly appropriate for work or church, or you can layer it to create a different vibe. The material is so pretty in person, and I love the longer length in the back. So chic!

photos by Christian Barnes

Is this something you could see yourself wearing to the office or church? Or am I totally out of left field with this dresses-as-tops conversation I keep bringing up? I would love to hear what you guys think!

AND if you’re looking for more office inspiration, some ideas here:

Pant Suit | Layering with a Blazer | Layering with a Vest | Ladylike Blazer | Belted Sweater

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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5 Tips for Using a Blow Dryer for Healthy Hair

Today we’re talking healthy hair and how you can properly use a blowdryer without damaging your mane! I’m demonstrating with Conair’s Infiniti Pro 3Q Compact Electric Brushless Motor Styler (say that 3x fast).

Below are five tips for using a blow dryer – some we’re more aware of than others, but it’s always great to have a reminder, right?

Don’t Blow Dry Too Early!

I always try to let my hair air or towel dry at least halfway if not more before I turn on the blow dryer. Once I’m ready to start with the blow dryer, this one dries your hair ultra-fast so you can be on your way to fabulous, healthy hair!

Spray Heat Protectant

I LOVE that there are so many great heat protectants out there. I have used this one for a while and I really like it. So much so that when I ran out, I immediately bought it again without thinking twice.

Use the Dryer Attachments

This Conair blow dryer comes with two attachments for the nozzle. One is a diffuser for you wavy and curly haired gals (lucky!!) and if you’re a straight hair lady like me, the narrow concentrator attachment is your new bff. It allows a more concentrated air flow that helps focus on specific areas to reduce frizz and fly aways. I try to blow dry strands downwards for that sleek, shiny hair we all love so much.

Use a Lower Heat Setting

The 3QMS in this Conair blow dryer provide up to 70% more air pressure with less heat, which allows it to dry hair fast with less damage – so you’re already a step in the right direction! There are three heat settings and two speeds. Try the medium heat at first and then cool down with the cool setting. I rarely even use the hottest setting (unless I’m in a real hurry and Christian is pressuring me)!

Try a Brush

I always use a brush to assist in blow drying my hair, and I go back and forth between a paddle and round brush. It helps give you that “blowout” look (a great tutorial here). And how cool is this half round brush? I definitely need one of these!

photos by Christian Barnes

Infiniti Pro 3Q Compact Electric Brushless Motor Styler | robe | headboard | similar bedding here and here

Do you use your blow dryer regularly? I’d love to hear if you’re a blowout girl, a curling iron person or velcro/hot rollers gal. Fill me in – I love any tips I can get! You can find all the products below at Target.com! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

brought to you by Conair

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Summer Festival Style

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve seen the thousands of people that have been flocking to spring and summer music festivals the past few months. It’s about that time! When it comes to getting that “festival vibe” while staying comfortable and without looking like you tried too hard, you can’t beat a classic Levi’s look.

Today I’m sharing a festival-inspired look that doesn’t involve body paint, braids or swimsuit tops. I think I’ve found a new love in these classic jeans. A old school “mom jean” fit, but with mega stretch so you stay super comfortable. This tee is so perfect for summer months and as a transplant, you know I had to have it. Below I’m sharing several more super cute tees that would work with this look!

And one of my favorite Levi’s pieces lately – this denim jacket that I made my own with patches (more on that here) that feels very festival-appropriate.

tee, also have and love this one and this one | jacket, also have and love this one | denim, I ordered my usual size (27), also love these and these

For more info on some of my favorite Levi’s jeans, this post gives you the full scoop, including sizing details!

Do you have any festival or concert plans coming up? Tell me what’s on the calendar! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by Levi’s

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Carlsbad Flower Fields

I mentioned recently here that I finally visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields for the first time, and WOW. We were completely blown away!

I knew it would be beautiful but I didn’t prepare my mind for the miles of flowers that would be waiting for us. It was truly a spectacular site to be seen. I wanted to pluck a flower behind my ear and run through these rows and rows of beautiful blooms!

It was such a beautiful, sunny day when we visited. Honestly I didn’t plan on taking that many photos but it was too special not to, so I tried my best!

dress (runs big I would size down), also love this one and this one | sandals | bag | sunglasses | bandana

Have you ever visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields? I’d love to hear if you were as overwhelmed as I was!

On a similar note the tulip fields in Holland always look SO incredible.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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How to Style a Classic White Polo Shirt

I must confess, I had quite the polo shirt collection in high school. I had all these spring colors that I would wear with my bootcut jeans and summer shorts, but the one that got the most wear was my classic white one.

I love a collared shirt, so why not pull out my high school favorite again? And better yet… let’s double that collar, girl.

This look is a fun little twist on how I use to wear my Polo Ralph Lauren shirts (classic with denim). I love the idea of layering it with chambray and tucking them into a mini skirt. Classic can still be unique and flirty!

polo | similar chambray | skirt – Storets (old), also love this skirt and this skirt | similar sunglasses | loving this red bag

Do you have a history with the Ralph Lauren’s classic polo? I’d love to hear. I know I can’t be the only one who has all the high school nostalgia!

Below are some of my favorite picks from their collection at Macy’s. This dress!? Yes, please.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

brought to you by Polo Ralph Lauren

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Friday’s Five

– cleaning up our bookshelves and feeling much better about the cluttered situation –

– a new handbag to edge up my outfits –

– trying hydrangeas in a pewter pitcher after hearing they thrive more in metal vases vs. glass –

– some espadrille mules to carry me into fall –

– so many skincare goodies to share from Hard Night | Good Morning –

Happy Friday, ladies! This week has breezed on by… almost too quickly I might say. BUT, Christian has the entire weekend off so you best believe we’re going to make the most of it.

I’ve been working on slowly starting to purge the little corners of our townhouse. After watching some Marie Kondo videos on YouTube to get inspired, I started by going through all the books we’ve acquired over the years. Then I moved onto trinkets and clothes. I went to my favorite consignment spot, sold a ton of clothes, shoes and accessories… and came home with a few pieces including a teal Balenciaga bag (hello, fabulous!).

That’s one of the many amazing things about consigning. You feel better about reselling pieces that are no longer bringing you use or joy, and you can put that toward a trade or cash. Crossroads will give you 50% trade or 33% cash. Sometimes I choose trade, other times cash, but when I see J.Crew heels and Balenciaga bags… you best believe I’m going to choose trade, sister!

So perhaps the purge thing isn’t going so well… ha! BUT I feel better taking the next 4-6 weeks to slowly sell items to used book stores, consignment shops, Craigslist, Salvation Army, etc. It’s always great to put gently loved items back into the neighborhood when you can, right?

Just a short PSA for consignment. I really can’t say enough about consignment shops – one of my favorite ways to buy and sell items. I’ve found so many gems that way!

Of course I have to say something about all these amazing skincare goodies from D’Andra Simmons of Real Housewives of Dallas and Hard Night | Good Morning! We connected over email and I am so excited to try some of her skincare items, especially the L22 Elixir (RH-watchers know what I’m talking about, reminder here). She also told me it’s Mama Dee-approved, and as a MAJOR fan of Mama Dee, you know that’s all I need to hear.

Tell me your weekend plans! And if you have purging-before-moving tips, I would be SO grateful! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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Bailey is 11! Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

My eldest daughter (our yellow lab, Bailey) is turning 11 on May 3rd! I feel like I’ve said this 20x on this blog so forgive me if you already know, but I helped Christian pick out “his dog” when we were in college and had been dating for about a month.

Clearly I didn’t really think I was actually picking out my own dog also. We’ve been together ever since, and Bailey has always represented how long we have been together which feels extra sweet!

For the past several years I’ve made her a cake or cupcakes on her birthday. I’ve bought treats from dog bakeries before, and while very cute, she was never that into them. I found this crazy easy recipe online several years ago and she goes CRAZY for it! So much so that I started making them in cupcake tins so I could give her one a day (and monitor how fast she eats them). I’ve made these treats for my brother’s dachshund when I kept her (and she was having her own birthday), gave one to our neighbor’s dog who is a picky eater… I’ve literally never seen a dog not eat the entire thing (and want seconds).

Best of all, you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. I usually just need the shredded carrots and I’m set!

This is the recipe, and sometimes I’ll add a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin to add some moisture. If you decide to go the cupcake route, I bake them at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

photos by Christian Barnes

Yes, these are the kinds of things that people without kids do for their dogs. Would you believe that I didn’t buy anything for this setup? I used old decorations from this party. HA! Y’all… I’m cuckoo about this dog. She has been such a great pet to us, and working from home I really feel like she and I have this secret bond.

I feel so lucky to have 11 years with her and look forward to the years to come. I hope y’all will be able to use this recipe for your pup and let me know if they like it! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Wednesday Wish List: Vacation Vibes

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

After debating destinations for months, Christian and I finally decided on a spot for our May vacation. Now it’s almost all I can think about! I’ve been thinking of some of the items I’ll be packing, and I’m feeling vacation vibes in a major way.

I’ve been using this tinted moisturizer and really love it. With just enough coverage and color, it’s packed with SPF. A win-win! This yummy bronzer can be used on your entire body and smells like a coconut dream (I have and love it). A round beach bag tends to be my favorite right now, and this beach hat has literally lasted me years.

These sunglasses are the kind that you can wear with absolutely everything, and this slip dress is exactly the kind of midi I want in my suitcase. Lastly, these shorts are beyond worth the splurge. I wear them nonstop and even ordered a second pair. A must-have summer item for me! They run TTS (true to size) for me – you can see them styled here and here.

AND Urban Outfitters is currently offering 25% off swim selections. So that’s another great place to score some vacation pieces marked down!

More items I’m crushing on below –

Do you have a warm vacation ahead of you? Are you a lazy vacationer or adventure-seeker? I am the former and C is the latter, so we usually split our trip in half to enjoy both! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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Mother’s Day Beauty Picks

I’ve been an eBay shopper since high school (yes, you read that correctly… I was trolling the shared family computer for vintage Lacoste polo shirts), so I’m obviously excited to partner with them today to talk about gift ideas for Mom!

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and I think beauty picks and fragrances are always a great gift idea. Even if it’s a statement lip color that she can pull out for a party or date night, it’s always fun to give her something that she might not buy for herself. What most people might not know is that over 80% of the items listed on eBay are actually brand new!

When it comes to fun lip colors, you can’t beat Smashbox and MAC. I wear Smashbox’s Be Legendary Matte Lipstick and Always On Liquid Lipstick. I love the color payout of both! My mom is the person who actually introduced me to MAC, so I know that a classic matte color of theirs is a surefire hit.

I’ve had this Lancome fragrance for a year or so now, and every time I wear it Christian makes a comment. It smells so good! A little sweet and flirty (hints of magnolia), but it’s such a popular fragrance I think it would be a great pick.

photos by Christian Barnes

A few other items I think would be great are an Urban Decay Naked Palette (you know I have each one and I’ve actually given my mom one for a holiday before!) and a Mason Pearson brush. Both of these items will last you years.

Have you ever shopped on eBay before? I have gotten so many great things there, both used and brand new. I’m telling you, once you start you’ll realize two hours have passed and you’re bidding on a Polly Pocket. This is not a drill!

Would love to hear what you plan to get your mom this year for Mother’s Day and your experience with eBay. You can also find the most current deals on their Daily Deals page. Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –

brought to you by eBay

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Explore The Blog

Shop Around

Friday’s Five

Why I Exercise

Most Used Amazon Purchases

Wearing a Dress as a Top… to Work!

5 Tips for Using a Blow Dryer for Healthy Hair

Don’t Blow Dry Too Early!

Spray Heat Protectant

Use the Dryer Attachments

Use a Lower Heat Setting

Try a Brush

Summer Festival Style

Carlsbad Flower Fields

How to Style a Classic White Polo Shirt

Friday’s Five

Bailey is 11! Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

Wednesday Wish List: Vacation Vibes

Mother’s Day Beauty Picks