If you’ve been following CBL online or on Instagram, you’ve seen me talk about Dana Seng Jewelry. I’m always wearing her pieces and get asked about them so often that I quickly added the info to the FAQ page of this blog. I did a giveaway with her earlier this year, so I’m so excited to share some more beautiful pieces and why I think this could be the perfect gift to hint hint at for the holidays!
My favorite has to be the initial and number necklaces. I rotate between my ruby “K” and diamond “3” and wear one or the other 24/7. Seriously – I never take it off! I think these personalized rings are so sweet and I love that you can stack them. I also have a “C” bracelet that I really love, and if you’re not a clasp person the personalized cuffs are so beautiful.
The ability to personalize fine jewelry (without an additional charge) is what I think makes her pieces so unique and is why I treasure them so much. Because each piece means something to me, since in a way you get to be involved in the design, letter, number, stone, etc.
– roses and lilies in my courtly check vase from my guy for our anniversary –
– still dreaming of these cotton fields in Mississippi (outfit here) –
– the prettiest handbag that I attached my new pom pom strap to – in love! –
– hot cocoa with a cozy knit blanket by the fireplace in Big Bear (recipe here) –
Happy Friday! I am actually coming to you from… sunny Jamaica! I’ve never been to Jamaica before, but an opportunity arose and my sister is coming along as my plus one/photographer. About a year ago we explored London and Paris together, and this year we are having a little pre-holiday beach time. I love making memories like this with her that I know we’ll look back on in the years to come!
I’ll be sharing more about this trip on the blog soon, and you can follow along some of our shenanigans on Instagram.
Above are a few highlights from our long anniversary weekend in Big Bear, and after receiving a lot of questions from you guys on social media, I’ll be sharing some of our favorite things to do there next week. We go at least once a year (sometimes twice), so we definitely have some favorite spots. So more on that to come!
Last but not least, I will be sharing all the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday steals and deals in the upcoming week. Be sure to check back as I keep posts updated with all the goods! You can see all my holiday posts under the “holiday” tab at the top of this page.
Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –
I love sharing holiday posts with you guys, and this year I’m getting a head start by sharing some of the ways I keep things low-stress when hosting.
This will be our fifth Thanksgiving and Christmas in California, so I’ve had fun learning each year how to cook the whole meal (with the help of my sister-in-law who is a great cook) and have fun while doing it. I definitely envy my friends who can just show up to their Aunt’s house with a pie, but I want to share some of what I’ve learned over the years!
1. Do as much prep as you can ahead of time.
This is probably the biggest no-brainer tip, but it makes a big difference. The first few years I had a full-time job + CBL so I would prep things at night. Now I am lucky to work from home so I can spend the entire day before cooking and prepping, playing holiday movies on my laptop and sprinkling cinnamon on everything!
2. You don’t have to make everything from scratch.
I mean… cut yourself some slack. Store-bought rolls, a pre-made casserole or a pie from a bakery never hurt anyone. One year I spent all this time trying to make gravy (I don’t even eat gravy) and it wasn’t even good. The next year I bought gravy in a plastic container which tasted better than anything I could have made.
3. Skip the complicated appetizers and opt for a cheese plate, or frozen goods.
4. Set your table the day before… and have fun with it!
By taking time the day before to set your table, you can have fun with it and play with it until you get it just right. I usually add greenery from outside and wait to add that the day of so it’s fresh.
5. Ask your guests to bring their favorite dish.
Everyone has a sentimental dish, so invite your guests to bring something they love! It’s also a fun way to try something new. Christian grew up with creamed spinach and I never had that during the holidays but now I’m trying to master it!
6. Place cards are a thoughtful touch and eliminates the whole “where do you want us to sit?” confusion.
I like to write names on greenery, but there are tons of charming ideas on Pinterest!
7. Have a glass of wine and remember that the holidays are for enjoying time with loved ones and making memories. You don’t want to be stressed in the kitchen the whole time!
Red wine is my go-to this time of year and Seven Daughters Red Blend is smooth and well-rounded. I pour myself a tall glass and try to remember that the holidays area about love, no matter where you’re spending the weekend. Cheers!
You can check out Seven Daughters on Facebook and Instagram and find their wine in your area here. AND the code CBL7D is good for 20% off any Seven Daughters purchase on Uncorked.com! XO –
Bringing you my fourth post from Mississippi (first post here, second post here, third post here) and wishing these leaves were outside my door right now!
I can’t not address this adorable fringe jacket that I’m happy to share is as soft and cuddly as it looks. This exact color is no longer available but I’m linking some of my favorite fringe layering pieces below.
I’m back in the land of palm trees and heading to another land of palm trees tonight (more on that soon), but will be sharing some of our cozy photos from Big Bear in the next week. Can you believe Thanksgiving is a week away!? How has that happened!? I’m still not 100% sure what our holiday plans are, but I see sweatpants and slippers in my future (more on that next week!).
I’m sharing a fun post tomorrow with tips for a stress-free holiday, and I’ll be staying up to share all the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping deals. Be sure to check back next week for the full scoop!
You can see all my holiday-related posts at the top of this page under the “holiday” tab.
One of my favorite trends this fall is the pom pom sweater. I saw this one on the runway earlier this spring, and I was like, Lord have mercy I HAVE TO HAVE IT.
So when I found this cardigan (and then bought this turtleneck sweater) for less than $70 I did a happy dance. It makes a statement everywhere you go while still being extra cozy and perfect for those “it was cold yesterday but today it’s 72 degrees” type of days that I feel like everyone is having!
I also think this would be a great outfit for Thanksgiving. You know how you wear a sweater and then it gets hot in the kitchen or the fireplace warms up the room. It’s nice to dress in layers so you can stay comfortable.
Of course I can’t go without mentioning these yellow leaves. Ridiculously gorgeous. This is right next door to my parents house and I had my jaw basically on the ground as we drove by. Brb – I’m about to make snow angels in these leaves.
Juuussst kidding. These photos were actually taken in July of 2016 when a fabulous Mississippi photographer reached out to me about a road trip and wanting to snap some “vow renewal” style photos. She provided the boho dress, bouquet, theme, etc., and we just showed up and went with the flow. I got my hands on the photos this summer and have been holding onto them to share on our five year anniversary because it felt appropriate!
Christian and I have actually been together for 10 years. We always remember this because we started dating and I helped him pick out Bailey about a month or two after, so every May when she has a birthday she represents how long the three of us have been together. It’s kind of cheesy but also… pretty stinkin’ cute. Not that I’m (clearly) biased.
I thought I would share my five favorite things about Christian (and one annoying thing because we all like to laugh here, let’s be real) and vice versa.
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Five of My Favorite Things About Christian
1. He’s a great partner. Though we tease each other and joke constantly, when it comes down to it – he’s always on my team and will do anything to support me. In turn, he knows I always have his back.
2. He respects my opinions. He is clearly incredibly smart, but he never makes me feel less than or like my voice isn’t as valuable.
3. He just gets funnier and funnier. Not to toot my own horn (toot toot!) but I swear he gets funnier and funnier every year. I like to think he is having to expand his humor to keep up with me, but I feel like we laugh together every day. And considering we only see each other for like… three hours a day, I think that’s pretty great.
4. He’s willing to try anything and adapts to change well. I am very Type A and have to remind myself to be more spontaneous. I kind of hate change and will stick to “the old way” of doing things for as long as I can. C is the opposite. I appreciate his eagerness to learn in every area of his life. It helps me open up and try new things too.
5. His curls. Ok this is less meaningful than the other four things but he actually has lots of curls and I just think they’re the cutest ever. Maybe it’s because my mom and sister have curls and I naturally have stick straight hair. But when it’s warm, if we’re at the beach or if he doesn’t “style” his hair, he gets all these flips and curls and it was one of my favorite things about him in 2007 and it still is now.
Annoying | He rarely SITS on the sofa, he just lies down like it’s a bed and then is surprised when I sit somewhere else. Like… where else am I supposed to sit if your body is physically taking up the entire sofa!? He’ll ask me to come sit with him and I’ll say, “where?” and he’ll move his feet like… five inches.
And when he’s really tired he lies down on the bed parallel to the headboard. And I can’t get in. And he won’t move. Just lie down like a normal person I can’t handle it.
Ok that’s two things. Still love you boo!
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Five of My Favorite Things About Kathleen
1. Kathleen has self-confidence that is infectious. Her comfort with who she is encourages those around her, myself included, to embrace who they are.
2. She is very organized and meticulous with her calendar. This is particularly valuable since it makes up for a short-coming of mine.
3. Another aspect that is a ying to my yang is her extroverted personality. She brings energy to our home which is painfully absent when she’s gone.
4. She has a generous heart and is compassionate for people and animals who are less fortunate than she is. I’m sure it would be easy to get consumed with merchandise but it’s refreshing to see her happier to share with others than to accumulate more stuff for herself.
5. I admire Kathleen’s drive. Maybe its because I am still working to get through training on my first career while she is successful having juggled a pair of careers simultaneously. Her willingness to work hard and push herself motivates me to work hard as well.
Annoying | Her Housewives addiction. All the cities, every episode, multiple times because she was only half paying attention the first 3 times it was showing. These are followed by a commentary show followed by podcast recaps, some of which have infuriatingly bad impressions. Then come the reunions and next season previews. When she is away from the TV she is reading Andy Cohen books or dragging me around town to find some second rate liquor store that sells one of the character’s bad wine. It’s too much.
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You can see posts on year one, two (with lots of wedding photos), three and four… am I going to be sharing our 20th anniversary on this blog one day!? LAWD!
If this isn’t the cutest little dress ever, I don’t know what is. When I was packing for Mississippi, I knew I had to throw in some ladylike pieces. You know how it is when you go home – you’re around town, haven’t seen all the familiar faces in a while and you don’t want to be schlepping around in sweatpants.
Plus, if you have a Southern momma, she appreciates it when you “get dolled up.” More of some epic Southern phrases in this post – y’all blew me away!
I found this little number at Nordstrom (currently 40% off), you can always count on Kate Spade for the cutest and must intricate designs! This was my first time styling a pussycat bow and it really is such a flattering style on everyone. I am linking two more styles I love below! I think this dress would be perfect for a holiday party! You could also wear it with tights or OTK boots. In the spring you could wear it sleeveless!
In other news, please note that we literally took these photos while it was sprinkling on us and would intermittently run to the car when the drops got heavier. It was about 70 degrees and humid, but these leaves were too gorgeous so I stayed motivated. All the fall leaves in the South right now really have me missing home… I don’t even listen to country music and I made a Dixie Chicks playlist on Spotify. God bless!
Thank you so much for reading! Tell me your thoughts on a pussycat bow or neck bow… and let me know if there’s anything else we can call this style – ha! XO –
I’m so excited to share some posts on CBL that were snapped during my visit back to the South. I’ve been back about once every year (a spring trip featured here!), but none of those visits have been in November. I had forgotten about the magical two-week window of fall bliss in Mississippi, and I have some really fun fall content from Oxford, Mississippi to share in the next week or so!
This particular post was snapped by my always patient and helpful Mom, who took me around the corner from their house to the most majestic and gorgeous Southern home that has all The Notebook feels, doesn’t it!?
I kept my fall layers light because I was visiting during a temporary humid/warm weather wave. This sweater is from Frock in Oxford, and I must take a moment to thank EVERYONE who showed up for our little meet & greet last week. Not to toot all of our horns but… when I meet you guys and you’re fun, funny, stylish and all-around cool, I’m like, “yes! My readers are the best!”
I love meeting all of you and thinking, “we would totally be friends if we lived in the same place.” I can’t even describe to you how amazing that feeling is. Love you MEAN IT!
The tuxedo dress trend is one that I was really excited to get in on. As someone who loves to sleep in mens oversized dress shirts and steal Christian’s sweatpants… I fully support an oversized blazer. I feel like I’m taking a quick little trip to the 80’s but in the best possible way!
And let’s be honest… the 80’s looked like a blast.
I’ve also worn this dress with black booties and it was super cute. It would also look great with over the knee boots. And don’t even get me started how fab this would be for a NYE party!
I’ve become quite the plant-lover over the past few years, and a question I get often from you guys is how I keep my indoor plants alive. I also get questions about pet-friendly plants, but somehow our two pets never get into the plants so I would recommend asking your vet if that is a concern.
Somehow I manage to keep all of my indoor plants alive while my outdoor plants tend to suffer a little more, but nonetheless I’m happy to share what I’ve learned!
Our fiddle leaf fig tree (an anniversary gift from C several years ago!) got sunburnt back in late May after it had to sit outside during a mandatory termite fumigation from our HOA. Sad times. It’s bounced back pretty well but you’ll see some of the burnt leaves that are still lingering around.
1. I keep all of our plants near a window.
We have three plants downstairs and all have a home near window. When you find a spot and your plant is doing well, do yourself a favor and leave it there. If you don’t feel like it’s thriving after a few weeks, try another spot. I’ve moved them around before when they were already doing well, and I always regretted it!
2. Rotate your plants as needed.
You’ll see our fiddle leaf loves the sun and we try to rotate it if we notice it leaning in too much toward the window on one side. We’re working to balance her out now –
3. Don’t overwater!
I water ours once a week, but they say you can also touch the soil and when it’s too dry, add some water. When in doubt, better too little water than too much.
I also love these tips. When Christian brought our fiddle leaf fig he asked the man who sold it to him for tips, and that was also really helpful. If you still feel like you’re a plant killer, there are tons of alternative options to bring some of that greenery and life to your space. I love flowers, clipping greenery from outside or these roses in a box that last up to a year (seriously – mine are from January!).
And then there are faux plants. I have a small potted faux plant on our bar cart. I also wanted a plant in our upstairs office but I didn’t think it would get enough light, so I added this faux fiddle leaf fig and we LOVE it. Talk about zero upkeep, and it’s a beaut (scroll down for a photo of it at the end of the post)!
– a beautiful, personalized bottle of Ralph Lauren’s new fragrance –
– a personalized pink clutch that I can’t wait to add to a simple outfit to spice things up –
– trick or treating with my niece and nephew in Alabama –
– the colors of fall in Mississippi –
Happy Friday! I’ve been in the South since Monday, making my rounds through Alabama and Mississippi and have had so much fun soaking up fall leaves and Southern goodness. We got married in early/mid November so this time of year is definitely a favorite for us.
It was a coincidence that I ended up here on Halloween but I mean… best happen-stance ever! Walking in the neighborhood with a bunch of kids dressed up like a ton of different things (a tiny aerobics girl, starfish and Wonder Woman were some of my faves), begging people for candy and running house to house – hilarious!
My nephew, Mr. Wilson (tell me you remember that movie), was Batman and his enthusiasm about his costume was epic. I tried to get him to remember he was “serving and protecting” the neighborhood but he was like, whatever Aunt Kat. If you don’t have candy, your opinion is irrelevant!
I plan to spend the weekend at my childhood home in Columbus, Mississippi before heading back to California. The South is sweet, but it’s even sweeter with my guy (and our five year anniversary is this week!) so I look forward to having him with me when we come back next year for my brother-in-law’s wedding.
Last but certainly not least, ZGallerie’s Friends & Family Sale has started AND they are offering a giveaway! You can enter to win a $1,000 Holiday Decor Package, full of accessories to help turn your home into a winter wonderland (and they have the dreamiest holiday pieces). You can enter here.
I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
If you follow any Californians on social media or watch the Weather Channel… you may have seen that Orange County literally set a record for the hottest October day recently in California history. Over 100 degrees a week away from Halloween… bananas!
SO my transitional fall outfits are were in full effect essentially for the entire month of October. Thankfully it’s cooled down a little bit now but even so, we all know that 70 degrees doesn’t necessarily call for “sweater weather.” Although I’m currently in the South visiting family (and am hosting a meet & greet at Frock Fashions in Oxford, Mississippi today from 4-7PM!) and enjoying some crisp fall!
This is where I improvise. Cardigans and sleeveless sweaters are my jam. They still give you some fall feels while not encouraging sweating through my sweater. Harsh realities (also, a major #firstworldproblem).
What are the temps like in your neck of the woods? And can I make myself sound like Al Roker since I’m literally theming this entire post about the weather?
