Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Tips for Keeping Indoor Plants Alive

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)!

sweater | jeans (40% off) | earrings

office: faux fiddle leaf fig, also love this one | shelving | cube | sofa – Lee Industries, similar here

patio: rug | similar table | flower pot 1, 2 | lantern

Do you have any plant tips or struggles? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five

– packing these furry friends for a trip back to the South –

– 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 –

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Transitional Fall Outfit Inspiration

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).

photos by Nikki Prendergast

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?

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Favorite Fall Movies

A few years ago I shared some of my favorite Christmas movies here, and I thought I might try doing the same for fall! This time of year, especially when it hasn’t yet cooled down in California, I find myself lighting an autumn candle and popping in a movie that gives me those crisp fall feels.

I realized when putting this together that apparently Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan lead the pack. Queens! Stepmom might be my #1 in this lineup, but the others are close behind. Silver Linings Playbook makes me so happy, and Bradley Cooper isn’t too bad to look at either.

Do you have any movies you find yourself watching this time of year? Some others I love are Notting Hill and Little Women. I’ve never seen St. Elmo’s Fire but I’ve heard it’s a good one to! Would love to hear any recommendations.

And last but least, thank you so much to the sweet feedback from my career profile on Sunday at The Everygirl! I’m such a huge fan of the site, have been reading it for years and loved sharing some insight into the questions I’m frequently asked about blogging full-time. I hope it was helpful to some of you guys!

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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3 Things I’ve Learned Shopping for a Guy

I must start this post by saying that even when we first started dating in college, I thought Christian had great style. He always showed up for our dates dressed like he walked out of a catalog, and he has no problem putting together looks for himself.

However, once he started his residency he barely had time to feed himself, much less buy clothes. So I’ve gladly taken that off his plate and used it as my excuse to try to get him to step out of the box a little bit! Thankfully Nordstrom has such an amazing selection and carries all of his favorite brands – Patagonia, Levi’s and Sperry to name a few.

Some of my tips for shopping for your guy are:

1. Figure out the brands he likes/trusts and try to stick to them.

Some of Christian’s favorites are listed above! When you find something that fits great consider getting it in several sizes or patterns.

2. Learn how to shop for his build.

This was probably the biggest help for me. Christian, the lucky guy, is long and lean. I buy him slim fit everything. It makes a huge difference. I also have used Nordstrom’s Men’s How-To’s and Style Advice section because I’m not as well-versed in mens fashion but try to do what I can to educate myself!

3. Order a lot and let them try on things at the house on their time.

With Christian’s crazy schedule, I love ordering from Nordstrom because I can just order a TON of different pieces and send back whatever styles he doesn’t like. It makes life so easy because he can try on at home on his own time and I don’t have to drag him to a mall (which he’s only allowed me to do like… three times in ten years). I also feel like when he can try things on at home he is a little more likely to try things out of his comfort zone. AKA I can convince him to keep a few items that are more on-trend!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

on him: jacket, love the vest version! C also has and loves this vest | shirt | denim | shoes | sunglasses

I had so much fun shooting this with Christian and Bailey I told him I would be dragging him into posts more often and he gave me some serious side-eye… but really did have a good attitude. God bless!

Do you shop for your guy? I’d love to hear any of your tips for sneaking in some of the newer trends while still keeping the dudes happy. Thanks so much for reading – XO –

Brought to you by Nordstrom

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Friday’s Five

– some new Lisi Lerch earrings that I have a feeling I’ll be wearing with everything –

– trying out Artis Brushes for the first time after hearing so many great things –

– C coming home with white hydrangeas (my favorite) –

– attending a gorgeous brunch event for the launch of Studio McGee x Gathre – a collection of stylish tablecloth mats (love this print!) –

– having a work buddy to help me with some long days in the office –

Weekend here we are again! Except this weekend is Halloween weekend so it’s a little extra fun! I plan to enjoy some quality time with Christian and work ahead a little bit because I leave Monday to go home for a week to visit family. I realized recently that in almost five years I’ve only been home for funerals and weddings, so this will be my first time to visit just because.

AND while I’m there, I’ll be hosting a little meet-up/shopping event at Frock Boutique in Oxford on Thursday 11/2 from 4-7PM! So if you are an Ole Miss girl or live in Oxford, I would love to meet you!!

Tell me what your Halloween plans are! I am hoping I will leave some candy for the kids and not eat all of it myself… mini 100 grands are my weakness. Have a fun (and safe) weekend! XO –

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Belted Sweater Dress

This was definitely one of the comfiest outfits I wore when I was in the UK. The weather wasn’t quite chilly enough to need a full coat, but a sweater dress and cashmere cape was juuusssst right!

When I had originally packed this look, I had folded the cape just so, so that I could belt it in a certain way, etc. Well I forget how windy it can be out in the country with no buildings to block the breeze. So as I was basically fighting this cape in the wind like an ungraceful crazy person, I surrendered and just thought… hopefully I won’t look like a potato in these pictures.

They turned out better than I had anticipated considering I had to keep my sunglasses on as I had not slept in 48 hours due to an adverse reaction to Bendadryl, so…. cheers!

Sometimes a sweater dress can seem bulky or too shapeless, but a thin belt can cinch your waist to give you a little shape. And this time of year, nothing sounds more cozy and comfortable than a sweater dress, right?

photos by Kris Atomic

Thank you so much for reading! And for the scoop on everything we did while in London you can check out this post and you can find my guide to London here – XO –

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My Latest Closet Additions

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (half off!) | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

For this week’s wish list I thought it would be interesting to share some of the pieces I’ve most recently added to my closet that I am really loving. Trying new things is essentially part of my job, and there are always some standouts that I find myself reaching for over and over again.

I got this bag right before my trip to London and wore it with everything. It’s the perfect size for travel and is one of the best Prada dupes I’ve seen. Plus it comes in four colors – I love the pink too! I snagged this white designer dupe and it also goes with everything. A little smaller in size so it’s better for nighttime but super cute all the same – and comes in 20 colors. No joke – 20 colors!

I got these jeans right before NYFW and have continued to wear them all the time because they’re so soft.

This hat was designed by my friend Erika of Whiskey & Lace and it is even cuter in person. The pom pom is so adorable and the hat perfectly represents her girly, feminine style!

I shared last week here that I can’t get over pom pom sweaters right now and I recently added this one and this one to my collection. So cute and so FUN. This cashmere cardigan is officially my favorite cardigan in my closet. Feels like butter and is that perfect color that will go with everything.

I got these earrings when they were marked down because I had the neutral pair and have loved them so much. Now they are even MORE marked down and I know they’ll be perfect for two tropical trips I have planned this winter!

Are there any pieces you’ve added to your closet so far this season that you’re really loving? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Magic Jeans: My Most Slimming Black Denim

Over a year ago I saw someone wearing cropped jeans and booties and I was like… no. That is not ok.

Flash forward a year and here I am, loud and proud, wearing my cropped jeans and booties. So never say never, Kathleen!

But let’s talk more specifically about these jeans. I think they’re magical jeans. They are high waisted, lightweight with just enough stretch, and they’re my most slimming black jeans. I sized down because I wanted a snug fit, and I haven’t stopped wearing them since I got them. I think they work with booties and would be so perfect for date night with pumps or strappy sandals and a camisole.

I wore this on an early morning a week or so ago when the weather was so nice in the low 60s… the high is in the triple digits today (Octobers in California can be CRAZY!). So I’m just thanking God our current house has air conditioning! Our first home in CA didn’t and it was really rough some weeks. Like… really rough. Truthfully you only need AC for about three months out here but those months can be so sweaty without it. Praise Jesus for this AC!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

turtleneck sweater (I would recommend sizing down), also love this one and have and love this one from this post | denim (I sized down), also love these | scarf (comes in 5 colors), also love this one | similar booties | bag – also love this bag and this one

Are you into the cropped jean trend? Can you see yourself wearing them with booties?

Would love to hear about any “magic jeans” in your closet! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

Brought to you by ModCloth

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7 Steps to the Perfect Game Day Cocktail

Ah, football season. The first game is always fun and then the second, third, fourth, etc. are a little less exciting (thank you fantasy leagues)! Whether you’re cozying up at home for a weekend or having friends over for the big game, a cocktail recipe is a great way to get a party started, #amIright!?

I wanted to share a really easy fall sangria recipe I put together using Seven Daughters Moscato. So easy, so delicious and before you know it, even the dudes will be sippin’ sangria with their pinkies out.

1. Pick your alcohol of choice.

You know me, I’m always going to pick wine. I’ve shared the Seven Daughters rosé here and I extra love their Red Blend, Pinot Noir and Crisp White. I tend to drink more dry wines but there are still some great ways to enjoy sweeter wines. Their Moscato is great for cocktails because it balances a touch of sweetness with a hint of bubbles. I also love some of the recipes Seven Daughters shares for their Moscato here!

2. Bring in a fall element.

I mean, no elaboration needed. I chose apple cider – yum!

3. Garnish it up.

For this recipe I chose apples, but I also think a cinnamon stick and cranberries would be a fabulous addition.

4. Ditch boring ice cubes.

I froze some Moscato in ice cubes before hand for this recipe, but you can use anything! Why use regular ice cubes when there are circle, jumbo square and diamond trays? And yes, I own all three. I am who I am (in my defense- the diamond shaped ones were a gift from Christian!).

5. Find a pretty glass.

Ok this is a pretty basic step but still – it makes a big difference. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous glass? For this cocktail my options were this one, this one or this one.

6. Have a backup plan if like me, your home team sucks.

I mean, not to be a downer but it is what it is. Hotty Toddy!

7. Light a candle (I’ve been loving Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Vanilla!), grab a blanket and settle on in.

Pinkies out, my friends! Scroll down for the recipe –

photos by Christian Barnes

Recipe:

1 bottle Seven Daughters Moscato

1 cup apple cider (I used Trader Joe’s 100% Honey Crisp Apple Cider Unfiltered)

1 cup ginger ale

apple slices for garnish (cinnamon sticks and cranberries would be great too!)

Optional: Moscato ice cubes

Are you a cocktail person!? I tend to grab a glass of wine but I love the idea of taking the time and effort to make something unique and delicious.

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 –

Brought to you by Seven Daughters Wine

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Friday’s Five

– I always try to get Christmas ornaments on my travels – my recent trip to London was so quick so I snagged this one here! –

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a quiet week around here, so I’ve really tried to enjoy the silence. All the construction on our townhouse has been completed (hallelujah!), so I don’t have to wake up to hammering in the walls and my noise-cancelling headphones have been stowed away. Christian has moved onto a different work shift that has him working until around 9PM each night, so I basically hog the entire day to myself which means I can get a lot done at my own pace.

I’ve done this before, but I’ve tried to start back with a gratitude journal and am making Christian participate as well. Each night we write down five things we are grateful for that day (and sometimes I can only think of three things but that’s ok too). I was motivated after watching this video and thinking, Queen Oprah is right. As sometimes an overly ambitious person, sometimes I find myself focusing too much on goals rather than appreciating what’s right in front of my face. So I’m hoping this habit will continue to allow me to slow down, value all the good I have in my life and learn to be more content (a little more on that here). Have any of you kept a gratitude journal?

This weekend C gets one day off so we plan to head over to Laguna and enjoy a little time at the beach. I’ve got one more week in California before I head on another adventure, more on that soon!

– some glitter fun just in time for the holidays from my friends at Urban Decay –

– some pom pom sweaters (left, right) that are so cute I can’t stand it –

– finally tossing Christian’s laundry basket from college and upgrading him to this gigantic two-sided one (this man creates a lot of laundry… I don’t know how he does it) –

– some of the cutest handmade earrings from Burdlife –

Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Lightweight Fall Jacket

If you’re like me, it might not quite be fall in your neck of the woods. Southern California is known to have mild summers, but the heat kicks up around September/October. Just in time for sweaters and scarves (#sarcasm)!

That’s why lightweight layering pieces are my go-to, and a utility jacket is the perfect layering piece for brisk nights, transitional fall weather or traveling. I almost always travel in the fall/winter in a jacket like this one because it’s so comfortable and the hood is a bonus for airplanes!

I’ve been wearing jackets and coats from Bernardo Fashions for years (throwback to one jacket two ways in this post and this post), and their pieces continue to last season after season. I love that this jacket has a little bit of a high/low hem that makes it perfect for game day stadiums or travel, and I can’t wait to wear this piece on my next trip.